“Bountiful” 2015 King County Fair

We were in danger of losing the oldest state fair west of the Mississippi, but at the Sept. 2 meetingvof the Committee of the Whole,we found out just how far we’re come in keeping the King County Fair Strong!

We had a “bumper crop” in 2015, doubling the attendance from last year. Just as important, we saw a growth of youth participants coming to Enumclaw to be part of the Fair’s 4H exhibitions and exhibits. Young people spoke to us about their growth through the work they did with their animals.

With an infusion of funds for 2015-2016, partner the sky’s the limit for the fair’s success in the future.

Photo: Young 4H members spoke to us about their participation in events at the King County Fair. 

Back row (l-r): Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Heidi Dean, Top Cats Club, Kevin Wright WSU Extension, Rob Pratt, Parent, Marie Bradley, Parent, Councilmember Joe McDermott.
Front Row (l-r): Scott Gray, General Manager Enumclaw Expo Center, Fiona Hubbard, Kelsey Creek Critters, Viole Miller, Kelsey Creek Critters, Melina Pratt, Vashon Rock Riders, Alina Brown, Vashon Rock Riders.

King County’s Cougar/Squak Corridor Park opens to the public

On Saturday June 6th Councilmember Dunn was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of King County Parks’ newest park - Cougar/Squak Corridor Park. Read more

 

Photo (from left): Paul Kundtz, Washington State Director-Trust for Public Land; Kurt Fraese, Board President - Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust ; Councilmember Reagan Dunn (and daughter Pemberley Jennifer Dunn); David Kappler, President - Issaquah Alps Trails Club; Rhonda Berry, Chief of Operations-King County Executive’s Office,; Rebecca Lavigne, Trail Program Director - Washington Trails Association; Katy Terry, Assistant Division Director- King County

Groundbreaking ceremony for new Tahoma High School

Councilmember Dunn joined school officials, students, community members and elected officials on June 5th to officially break ground on the new Tahoma High School scheduled to open in 2017. Councilmember Dunn sponsored legislation last October that authorized the County to sell a portion of the County’s Summit Pit property in Maple Valley to the Tahoma School District to enable construction of the new high school. Read more

Councilmember Dunn turns over keys of retired County van

On June 4th, Councilmember Dunn visited Vine Maple Place outside Maple Valley to deliver a retired King County Metro van.  The van delivered to Vine Maple Place will join surplus vans that were presented to the Black Diamond Community Center and the City of Enumclaw Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department this spring. Read more

Photo: Councilmember Reagan Dunn is joined by Michelle Frets, Director of Programs and Case Manager Kyle Serquinia for the delivery of a surplus County Vanpool Van to the agency

Councilmember Dunn Attends 8th Annual Joint City Council Meeting

On Wednesday May 27th Councilmember Dunn joined the Tri-City Council meeting of Black Diamond, Covington and Maple Valley. The annual event was hosted by the City of Covington. At the meeting Councilmember Dunn delivered a speech updating the three councils on work being done at King County, including transit issues, the Flood Control District and the County budget.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Enumclaw's Veteran’s Memorial Park

Councilmember Dunn joined local residents, veterans and local officials at a Memorial Day ceremony on May 24th  at Enumclaw's Veteran’s Memorial Park to remember those that served our nation and who made the ultimate sacrifice. At the ceremony Councilmember Dunn delivered remarks, laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen and presented to VFW Post 1949 the flag used in another moving veterans ceremony  for safekeeping and respectful display.

King County Council Declares May 10-16 Police Week in King County

Councilmember Dunn was joined by King County Sheriff John Urquhart on May 11th to proclaim May 10-16 as National Police week in King County to recognize the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. Since 1853, a total of 95 King County-based law enforcement personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice, with 16 of these officers being members of the King County Sheriff’s Office. Read More

Councilmember Dunn addresses Bellevue City Council

On Monday May 4th, Councilmember Dunn delivered a “State of the County” address to the Mayor and City Council of Bellevue.  During his address, Councilmember Dunn updated the Council on County issues including the County budget, transit and Flood Control District projects.

Watch his full address

District 9 highlights of adopted 2015-2016 County Budget

The 2015 – 2016 King County biennial budget was unanimously adopted on November 17th.  In this budget Councilmember Dunn was successful in delivering on his top priorities, which included protecting public safety, keeping health clinics open, preserving transit and increased funding for roads services.

Read more.

Ceremony to honor indigent veterans

Councilmember Dunn participated in a solemn ceremony to honor 36 indigent veterans at the Tahoma National Cemetery on July 29. All branches of the military were represented in the 36 veterans laid to rest. Members of the public and other officials gathered at Tahoma National Cemetery to recognize them for their service and ensure that their lives will not be forgotten. 

Read more | Additional photos

Councilmember Dunn and Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds open the 151st King County Fair

On July 17th Councilmember Dunn joined Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds to sell the first tickets and greet fairgoers of the 151st King County Fair.  The King County Fair has been in operation since 1863 and is the longest running fair west of the Mississippi River. Read more

Councilmember Dunn hands over keys of retired County vans

On July 15th, Councilmember Dunn visited Vine Maple Place in Maple Valley and delivered retired King County Metro vans to Vine Maple Place, the Tahoma School District Student Transitions Program, and the Real Life Church of Covington. Read more 

Councilmember Dunn addresses Newcastle City Council

On Tuesday July 15th, Councilmember Dunn delivered a “State of the County” address to the Mayor and City Council of Newcastle.  During his address, Councilmember Dunn updated the Council on County issues such as the County budget, legislative priorities and the King County Flood Control District.  You can listen to his address here.

Councilmember Dunn addresses Kent City Council

On Tuesday June 17th, Councilmember Dunn delivered a “State of the County” address to the Mayor and City Council of Kent.  During his address, Councilmember Dunn also highlighted the King County Flood Control District’s work to upgrade the levee systems along the Green River. You can view his address here.

Dunn amendment will study impacts on self-haul users in case of possible closure of Renton Transfer Station

The King County Council unanimously adopted the County’s Solid Waste Transfer and Waste Management Plan on June 9. In doing so, the Council will also give consideration to the self-haul users of the Renton Transfer Facility in the form of an adopted amendment in committee by Councilmember Reagan Dunn.

Councilmember Dunn’s amendment calls for a review of what a potential closure of the Renton Transfer Station would mean to self-haul users and calls for an in depth study that will take into account impacts of the potential closure on self-haul users. Paying particular attention to the accessibility and convenience the Renton facility currently provides. 

Read more.

Council approves “retired” County vans for organizations in Maple Valley and Covington

Three community organizations in Councilmember Dunn’s district were approved on May 27 to receive a retired King County Metro van. Vine Maple Place, The Transitions Program at the Tahoma School District and the Real Life Church in Covington were the three recipients in District 9. Repurposing retired metro vans to continue to benefit the residents of District 9 helps to make the most of limited resources. Read more.

Councilmember Dunn Hosts fourth Unincorporated Area Town Hall

Councilmember Dunn was joined by Sheriff Urquhart as well as other King County Department heads at a fourth town hall style meeting on May 20.

This town hall provided the opportunity for residents of unincorporated Southeast King County to discuss County services as well as other issues facing the County and their community.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 2 of Ravensdale Park

On May 20th Councilmember Dunn along with State, local and community partners broke ground on phase two of the Ravensdale Park expansion project. Phase two work includes two new lit multi-sport synthetic fields, restrooms, a parking lot, maintenance building and a community meadow – all of which is expected to be completed by early this fall.

Read more.

Councilmember Dunn Hosts Third Unincorporated Area Town Hall

Councilmember Dunn was again joined by Sheriff Urquhart, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara as well as other King County Department heads at a third of four Town Hall style meetings on May 14.

This town hall provided the opportunity for residents of the unincorporated community of Fairwood to discuss County services as well as other issues facing the County and their community.

King County Council Proclaims May 12-18 National Police Week honoring officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice

King County is home to nearly 3,100 commissioned law enforcement personnel who serve and protect the residents and businesses of 39 cities, the Port of Seattle, three Tribal governments, the University of Washington and the 250,000 residents of unincorporated King County.  On Monday May 12 the County Council joined municipalities across the country in proclaiming May 12–18 National Police Week in recognition of those men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. Read more.

The King County Council along with Sheriff Urquhart proclaimed May 12–18 National Police Week.

Legislation approved to begin addressing the needs of incarcerated veterans

Legislation sponsored by Councilmember Dunn passed the County Council on Monday May 12 that will look into ways of improving access to treatment and services for veterans in County jails, in hopes of reducing veteran recidivism.  King County is home to more than 127,000 current or former members of the United State military, reserves and National Guard.  Unfortunately for some when they come back from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, part of the war has come back with them. Read more.

Councilmember Dunn Hosts second Unincorporated Area Town Halls/Community Service Area Open Houses

Councilmember Dunn was again joined by Sheriff Urquhart and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara as well as other King County Department heads at a second of four Town Hall style meetings on April 21 focusing on issues affecting unincorporated areas in the County. Monday night’s meeting was held for residents living in the Greater Maple Valley/ Cedar River unincorporated area.

These meetings provide the opportunity for residents of Southeast King County to discuss County services as well as other issues facing the County and their community.

More information on Community Service Areas

King County Flood Control District, City of Kent break ground on the Briscoe-Desimone levee rehabilitation project

Chair of the Flood Control District Reagan Dunn was joined by Flood District Supervisor Dave Upthegrove, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, State Senator Joe Fain, State Senator Karen Keiser, State Representative Tina Orwall, and others on April 17 to break ground and celebrate the start of construction on the Briscoe-Desimone levee system.  The Briscoe Levee is located along the right bank of the Green River in the city of Kent. The Desimone Levee is located on the right bank of the Green River in the city of Tukwila.  This system protects a vital economic hub in our region and the much needed upgrades to this levee system will protect both lives and businesses in the Green River Valley. Read More

Councilmember Dunn Hosts Unincorporated Area Town Halls/Community Service Area Open Houses

Councilmember Dunn was joined by Sheriff Urquhart and other King County Department heads at a Town Hall style meeting on April 14 focusing on issues affecting unincorporated areas in the County. Monday night’s meeting was held for residents living in the East Renton Plateau, Four Creeks, Tiger Mountain unincorporated area, and McDivitt & Ptarmigan precincts.

These meetings provide the opportunity for residents of Southeast King County to discuss County services as well as other issues facing the County and their community.

More information on Community Service Areas

State of the County address to the Renton City Council

On April 7 Councilmember Dunn visited the City of Renton and delivered a State of the County Address to the Mayor and members of the Renton City Council. In his address Councilmember Dunn updated the Council on issues such as the County Budget, Transit and other issues affecting the County. Please view the address here.

Dunn seeks to increase awareness of The Safety of Newborn Children Law

The King County Council unanimously passed Councilmember Dunn’s motion to increase awareness of The Safety of Newborn Children Law, which allows parents to legally and safely surrender a newborn.

This Motion was partly drafted as a result of the tragic events of Feb. 12, when a body of a newborn girl was discovered abandoned in a wooded area near North Bend, only ½ mile from a hospital. Authorities named the newborn Kimball Doe because the body was found near Kimball Creek Bridge. Baby Kimball’s fate may have been averted if her parents had taken advantage of The Safety of Newborn Children Law. Read More.

King County Council Recognizes Local Student for Outstanding Academic Achievement

In a special recognition ceremony lead by Councilmember Dunn, the King County Council recognized Tracy Tran of Kentridge High School, which is in the Kent School District, for recording a perfect score on her advanced placement calculus test. Only eight students worldwide earned a perfect score on this exam. Read more.

Councilmember Dunn, Sheriff Urquhart, Congressman Reichert and Others Officially Re-open Hicks – Raburn Maple Valley Sheriff’s Office Precinct

The Hicks–Raburn Sheriff’s Office Precinct in Maple Valley was officially re-opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by City Councilmembers, member of the Sheriff’s office both current and retired, community members, dignitaries and the families Sargent Samuel Hicks and Detective Michael Raburn whom the precinct is named after.

The re-opening of this precinct marks the return of a vital community resource and one of Councilmember Dunn’s top budget priorities.  This facility is an important asset to the communities of Southeast King County and to the Sheriff’s Office.  The precinct was built as a police station and has all of the support services and tools our deputies need to effectively protect the unincorporated residents of Southeast King County. The precinct will also house the Sheriff’s special operations units, such as the SWAT team, K-9 and Bomb unit. Locating these units closer to Maple Valley and Covington who contract with the Sheriff’s office and the unincorporated residents in the areas of Southeast King County will benefit with these resources being based in closer proximity should the need for those specialized services occur.

The ceremony marks a new day for the King County Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Southeast King County.  Please take a moment and watch this emotional ceremony here:  View the video here.

Local Community Groups and Organizations Selected from District 9 for Community Service Area Grants

Councilmember Dunn announced a number of local groups and organizations inside District 9 were selected through a competitive process to receive grant funding through the King County Community Service Area Program.  Read more here on the recipients: Fairwood Greens and Woodside Home Owners Associations, Maple Hills Maintenance Company, Four Creeks Area Council and the Community Alliance to Reach out and Engage (CARE)and Serenity Equine and Greater Maple Valley Area Council.

Council adopts plan to place human trafficking information in key locations across King County

The King County Council gave unanimous support on February 24 to legislation sponsored by Councilmember Dunn that continues King County’s aggressive approach against human trafficking. The legislation expands the County’s outreach and awareness effort to government facilities. The outreach campaign will focus on locations and services where trafficked individuals are most likely to see the messages. Read more

County Council  approves agreement that paves the way for construction of two new athletic fields in Ravensdale

The King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to a use agreement between King County and the Ravensdale Park Foundation. The agreement will allow for construction of two synthetic ballfields and all related infrastructure.  This agreement will increase recreational opportunities for residents of Southeast King County.  Read More

Councilmember Dunn testifies at meeting of The U.S. House Committee to highlight County’s efforts on human trafficking

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means, Chaired by Rep. Dave Reichert, held a field hearing in Auburn on February 19 to discuss efforts in Washington State to prevent and address child sex trafficking. Read Councilmember Dunn’s Statement on the hearing here. 

Motion urging State Legislative action on human trafficking unanimously passes County Council

Councilmember Dunn sponsored a Motion that was unanimously supported by the King County Council urging the Washington state Legislature to enact and support efforts to combat human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation that would better support and protect victims. Read More

Promoting awareness to end Slavery and Human Trafficking

The Metropolitan King County Council declared January, Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness month in recognition of the ongoing effort to call attention to these forms of modern day bondage. Read more

Washington Anti-Trafficking Network (WARN) volunteer Emma Vielbig (l) and WARN Program Director Kathleen Morris (r). Morris and Vielbig joined the Council as they proclaimed January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month in King County.

County Council honors second group of “HERO” graduates

The Metropolitan King County Council recognized the second graduating class of veterans who were part of the County’s Heroes Employment Reintegration Opportunity (HERO) Program, which was based on legislation sponsored by Councilmember Dunn. Read more

New Fire Commissioner for King County Fire District 28

The Metropolitan King County Council on December 9 appointed Stan McCall to serve as a Fire Commissioner for King County Fire District (KCFD) 28 serving Enumclaw and the surrounding plateau. Read more

Photo shows Stan McCall sworn in by Council Clerk Anne Noris as the newest Commissioner for King County Fire District 28.

District 9 highlights of 2014 King County budget

The King County Council recently adopted the 2014 County Budget. Please take a moment and read some of the details and highlights of the budget affecting District 9 and the rest of King County. Read more

Flood risk in Pacific triggers emergency protection measures

Councilmember Dunn in his role as Chair of the King County Flood Control District was in the City of Pacific on Tuesday October 29  announcing emergency measures in response to new information that sediment build-up in the White River alongside the city of Pacific is creating a higher flood risk. Read more

Dunn, Sheriff Urquhart and Executive Constantine visit proposed Maple Valley Sheriff’s Office Precinct

On Friday October 25 Councilmember Dunn was joined by King County Sheriff John Urquhart and County Executive Dow Constantine in touring the Hicks–Raburn Sheriff’s Office Precinct in Maple Valley. The County Executive has proposed reopening the precinct that was closed in 2012 as the County was battling the effect of the great recession.Read more

Bellevue City Council Address

Councilmember Dunn addressed the Bellevue City Council on Monday October 7.  In his address he updated the Councilmembers on County Budget deliberations and other shared issues and concerns between the City of Bellevue and King County.  Watch his address here.

County Council accepts report outlining King County Sheriff Deputy’s memorial

On September 16 the King County Council unanimously accepted a report detailing how King County will establish a memorial recognizing the 16 members of the King County Sheriff’s Office who have been killed in the line of duty. Read more

King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) Executive Committee and representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) host town hall

Councilmember Dunn along with other members of the KCFCD Executive Committee and FEMA officials hosted a town hall meeting on September 12 to discuss new federal flood maps and how they could impact Green River Valley homes and businesses. Read more

Councilmember Dunn attends Liberty High installation of new Patriot Way street sign

Councilmember Dunn joined students and alumni from Renton’s Liberty High School on September 6 in celebration of the beginning of school and the installation of new street signs in front of their school that officially designate the street as “Patriot Way.”Read more

Councilmember Dunn testifies in support of Alpine Wilderness Additions and Scenic River Designations

Councilmember Reagan Dunn went before Congress on July 23 (watch video) to support federal legislation that would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and the Pratt River as wild and scenic rivers. Read more 

Councilmember Dunn and Sheriff Urquhart recognize three life-saving heroes

On July 16 Councilmember Dunn joined King County Sheriff John Urquhart, Renton Mayor Denis Law and Renton Fire Chief Mark Peterson to recognize the action of three people who prevented drowning deaths in King County. Read More 

Councilmember Dunn crowns the “King Critter” of the King County Fair

Snow White the rooster and his owner Holly Rice took center stage as the King County Fair’s “King Critter.” Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn had the honor of judging the critters, part of the traditional start of the annual King County Fair, which opened on July 11. Read more

Councilmember Dunn attends Reddington Levee project groundbreaking

Reddington Levee setback project kicks off busy Flood Control District construction season. Watch the video

More feature stories