News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes a Veteran’s Day note, the expansion of Guaranteed Admissions Program for college-bound Federal Way Public Schools seniors, Dick’s Drive-in’s groundbreaking ceremony in Federal Way, cold weather shelters in King County, health updates and more.


Washington Trivia

This Auburn High School student and basketball athlete was selected to represent the United States at the United World Games in Austria next summer. Who is he?
(Answer is at the bottom).






To view a list of perks businesses and restaurants are offering to veterans tomorrow, November 11th, click here.


FWPS expands Guaranteed Admissions Program for college-bound seniors

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) students can now receive guaranteed admission to six colleges and universities after high school graduation, thanks to expanded FWPS Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) partnerships.

Building on the program FWPS established last year with Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), eligible scholars can add Central Washington University (CWU), Eastern Washington University (EWU), The Evergreen State College, Washington State University (WSU), and Western Washington University (WWU) to the list of schools granting automatic admission without an application. Read more in the Federal Way Mirror article here.


Dick’s Drive-In breaks ground in Federal Way

Following the announcement of their newest branch in South King County in April, Dick’s Drive-in hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on November 2nd in Federal Way for the incoming restaurant at 1928 S Commons. The new location, which is set to open in June 2023, will be the ninth restaurant for the American fast-food company.



With Jasmine Donovan, president and CEO of Dick’s and granddaughter of founder Dick Spady


Cold Weather Shelter

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) activated Severe Weather Response protocols as temperatures dropped this week. Outreach workers and service providers may request emergency funding from KCRHA for cold weather survival supplies. Click here for additional information on available shelters across the county.




Health Updates

How to treat and prevent hypothermia

As cold weather returns to our region, it is important to know how we can treat and prevent hypothermia, a condition in which a person's body temperature drops significantly below normal. This occurs from inadequate protection against exposure to cold temperatures. The very young and elderly are the most susceptible to developing hypothermia when exposed to cold temperatures. Click here to find out how to prevent hypothermia, what symptoms to look for, and what to do if someone has hypothermia.

King County COVID-19 Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 157 daily average positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 525,736. In addition, Public Health reported 0.9 daily average deaths, bringing the total in the county to 3,266.

Recent data may be incomplete. For more information, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary Dashboard here.



Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.

For King County residents: Register here to schedule your appointment at one of the high-volume vaccination sites in King County.

For in-home vaccination: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977.

To register by phone: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.

For veterans: Call 206-716-5716 or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.

For more information, visit getting vaccinated or getting tested in King County.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 9-8-8 to connect to the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, text TALK to 741-741 or visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Find your King County Council district here.


With best wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Beka Deressa, a freshman at Auburn High School, has been selected to represent the United States at the United World Games, an Olympics-style youth sports event in Austria next summer. StudentathleteWorld selects student-athletes for the team based on several factors including their character, leadership ability, academic and athletic performance.

Deressa has been playing basketball since he was 6 years old and has recently competed in the Phenom America Showcase Camp in San Diego. He is looking forward to this opportunity not only to compete internationally, but most importantly to seek opportunities for leadership development and personal growth, as he represents not only South King County, but the entire nation.



Photo source: berecruited.com


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