Previous State Agency News Releases

September 30, 2008
• DOC transfers 110 inmates back from private prison in Arizona
• Plan addresses pH, dissolved oxygen in Wenatchee River and Icicle Creek
• Fall dairy inspection seek to prevent winter manure spills
• Washington’s minimum wage to increase to $8.55 Jan. 1
• Appeal period expires on Empire Health sale decision
• Gov. Gregoire addresses regional meth summit
• Gov. Gregoire announces boards and commissions appointments
• DFI Website provides information on recent market changes
• DFI Director: “FDIC insured bank deposits are safe"
• Details and answers about the WaMu acquisition
• FAQs about recent market changes
• DFI cautions investors: make sure your decisions amid the current Wall Street crisis are informed and researched
• Online I-5 flow map stretches south to Olympia
• Learn more about the Aviation Planning Council's progress at Tri-Cities public meeting
• Public invited to first planning workshop for Sacajawea State Park
• Washington State Parks announces winter schedule
• Gov. Gregoire's statement on economic stabilization package
• Gov. Gregoire's statement on the untimely passing of Keith Grinstein


September 29, 2008
• Gov. Gregoire announces boards and commissions appointments
• Boil water advisory ends for northwestern Kitsap community
• Homeowners, renters need to insure now against winter floods
• Setting the record straight - no ban on car washing in Washington
• Ecology seeks comments on proposed work at old landfill site
• State History Museum and State Human Rights Commission share discussion


September 26, 2008
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement on the sale of Washington Mutual’s banking operations
• WDFW seeks nominees for lands advisory panel
• Public safety cougar-removal applications due October 17
• DNR and local fire jurisdictions lift burn restrictions in Grays Harbor County
• Public meeting about Sultan Basin 'reconveyance'
• Technology improves WSDA inspection process to serve grain and produce shippers
• Northwestern Kitsap community urged to boil water
• State disciplines health care providers
• Written Medicaid prescriptions must meet new special tamper-resistant standards beginning Oct. 1, 2008
• Repairing I-5 panels in Nisqually requires lane closures three nights
• Procession closes US 101 in Port Angeles


September 25, 2008
• Umatilla Depot begins final VX-filled munitions disposal campaign
• Free class on toxics and your health offered in Centralia
• Sampling effort to begin in Shelton's Oakland Bay
• $46 million in Columbia River grants support Eastern Washington water projects
• Ecology authorizes new water releases from Grand Coulee
• Ecology’s new Office of Columbia River pursues new water for basin
• Ecology issues guidance about residential car washing in Washington
• Ecology gives top honors to Paine Field wetland bank project
• Increases in wholesale natural gas costs lead to Puget Sound Energy rate hike
• "Partnering for Student Success" conference coming to Yakima
• Supt. Bergeson offers support for career innovations bill
• Yukon Harbor approved for first-ever shellfish harvest


September 24, 2008
• DNR lowers burn restrictions in Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties
• DNR and local fire jurisdictions lift burn restrictions in Wahkiakum and Pacific counties
• Ecosystem Coordination Board to hold Oct. 1 meeting
• DSHS 'Navigator' program beginning to reach into minority communities to help access health care
• Kenmore church fined $48,000 for filling wetlands near Woodinville
• State board revises LIFT awards for public infrastructure investments
• Snake River opens Thursday for fall chinook fishing
• Public workshop scheduled to discuss how recreational salmon fishing seasons are established
• Mineral prospecting, sportfishing rules on Oct. 3-4 commission agenda
• Carbon monoxide: an invisible and deadly danger
• Gov. Gregoire announces Washington Military Department emergency management grants


September 23, 2008
• State Parks Winter Schedule for 2008-2009 now available
• State Parks seeks public comment for Mount Spokane State Park forest health plan
• Volunteers needed to count Washington's bicyclists and pedestrians
• West Nile virus found in western Washington for the first time this year
• Washington, with Western states, Canadian provinces, announces landmark program to reduce greenhouse gases
• Public hearing this Thursday about expanding Mt. Si and Tiger Mountain natural areas
• Road to Artist Point open again
• State's first captive-reared, endangered frogs return to native habitat
• Ecology continues sampling, analysis of Bellingham Bay
• Gov. Gregoire addresses life sciences industry leaders at annual conference


September 22, 2008
• Gov. Gregoire orders flags flown at half-staff - Flag lowering honors fallen sailor from Arlington
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement regarding officer’s death in Clallam county
• Legislative panel to look at economic impacts of health care industry
• WSP to host 19th annual Problem-Oriented Policing Conference
• Retired WSP Chief George Tellevik dead at 74
• Statewide Drop, Cover Hold earthquake drill at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24
• Road to Artist Point temporarily closed due to snow
• Region-wide pavement restoration project complete


September 19, 2008
• Plan ahead for ferry travel during Oyster Run on Sunday, Sept. 28
• Pierce County allows WSDOT Ferries Division to keep Steilacoom II ferry for Port Townsend/Keystone ferry route
• Governor proclaims Sept. 21 - 27 as 'Deaf Awareness Week'
• Attorney General settles case with Northwest Territorial Mint
• Public Counsel and industrial customers recommend reduction in Avista’s proposed electric and gas rate increases
• Washington quarterly revenue projection down
• Much of the lower Columbia River will reopen Saturday for chinook fishing
• Crews close Southbound I-5 Saturday night to test fire suppression system under Convention Center
• Public comments requested on SR 520 Eastside Transit and HOV Project; open house September 23
• State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
• State-certified export workshop offers international trade skills to businesses and professionals
• Washington State named among top technology leaders


September 18, 2008
• Safety conference to honor 38 with lifesaving and humanitarian awards
• Young hunters will get first crack at waterfowl and other game birds
• Alternate plans for early bird hunters in place at the Skagit Wildlife Area
• Gov. Gregoire's statement on West Coast fisheries receiving federal aid
• Gov. Gregoire's statement regarding preliminary approval for gas pipeline
• Gov. Gregoire's statement on financial market turbulence
• Gov. Gregoire receives interim update regarding state’s salmon conservation plan
• West Nile virus expands in Washington; possible human infections reported
• Lane closure on I-5 in Tacoma overnight Saturday
• North Spokane Corridor open house coming up next week
• WSDOT, Governor, Mayors and happy commuters celebrate the completion of SR 202 work east of Redmond
• Neah Bay emergency response tug assists fishing vessel
• Insurance Commissioner approves Safeco sale
• Kreidler issues statement to AIG policyholders


September 17, 2008
• McKenna calls on brewer to drop extra boozy energy drink
• Public invited to first planning workshop for Steamboat Rock State Park
• State Parks and Recreation Commission meets in Yakima next week
• Adult smoking drops slightly; rate hits new low
• L&I proposal would increase workers’ compensation rates by 3 percent
• Make no mistake, wild steelhead rules haven’t changed
• Statewide youth-only bird hunt to be held Sept. 20-21
• Meeting scheduled Sept. 25 in Pateros to discuss fish and wildlife issues
• Public forum on child support scheduled in Seattle area
• Expanded food benefits help more families put food on the table
• Gov. Gregoire celebrates grand opening of IKEA distribution center
• WSDOT holds ribbon cutting for Travel Washington Dungeness Line
• WSDOT releases annual report on cable median barrier in Washington State
• State DNR, Center for Wooden Boats sign agreement
• Governor proclaims Sept. 18 as 'Washington State Falls Prevention Awareness Day'
• Washington continues to lead nation in campaign finance disclosure


September 16, 2008
• Harvard Road site cleanup complete
• Washington’s unemployment rate rose in August
• Gov. Gregoire praises efforts to increase affordable housing
• State Parks employee honored with national award for lifetime achievement in parks and resources interpretation
• Public invited to fourth workshop for the Nisqually-Mashel property
• Lake Chelan State Park hosts free cultural festival
• Give 'em a brake or you could get a ticket in southwest Washington
• WSDOT Ferries Division holds public meetings to focus on the future of the ferry system
• Plans shared, ideas sought at Port Angeles workshop


September 15, 2008
• Gov. Gregoire kicks off 2008 Washington Combined Fund Drive
• Boise Building Solutions fined for air quality violations
• NOAA weather radio promotions in three coastal counties Sept. 20
• Gov. Gregoire highlights economic development
• Gov. Gregoire authorizes assistance for Texas
• Washington WIC Nutrition Program proposes changes to foods


September 12, 2008
• Criminal assault convictions leads to suspension of registered counselor
• Public meetings scheduled to discuss rule proposals for 2009-10 sportfishing season
• WDFW now accepting proposals for nearshore restoration projects
• Cleanup at Alcoa's former Vancouver aluminum smelter closer to completion
• Although up slightly, Washington's juvenile arrest rate remains low
• McKenna leads new charge to protect reporters' sources
• Next project to take down the Alaskan Way Viaduct is underway
• Mount Baker Highway projects on display in Glacier, Deming
• State Transportation Commission to meet in Bremerton, Sept. 16
• State Transportation Commission to meet in Friday Harbor, Sept. 18
• Latisha Hill appointed newest State Transportation Commissioner


September 11, 2008
• Boil water advisory ends for Cross Valley Water District
• Public comment sought on nine transportation projects
• Washington AG warns about double-click divorces
• Attorney General grinds down on motorcycle parts dealer
• Grays Harbor woman charged with defrauding Medicaid
• Settlement drives home message that car dealers must be ethical
• Gov. Gregoire honors victims of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
• Gov. Gregoire directs state agencies to experiment with four-day workweek, use additional energy savings measures
• Gov. Gregoire’s response to the Department of Defense’s decision to delay the air tanker bid
• Ecology seeks comment on plan to reduce exposure to lead
• Public forum on child support scheduled in Vancouver
• New location for Lakewood DSHS Community Service Office
• Lane closures planned for I-5 under Convention Center
• Washington emergency responders working together to get traffic moving
• Drivers on the Olympic Peninsula get safer roads
• Council for Children and Families gets new website, new identity
• State offers tour of capitol without leaving home


September 10, 2008
• Four state schools take Blue Ribbon
• Puget Sound Partnership’s Science Panel to meet Sept. 16-17
• Gov. Gregoire honors top 25 companies with "Commute Smart Award"
• Gov. Gregoire to present the 2nd Annual Spirit of Youth Award to Yakima Valley Community College student on Thursday, September 11, 2008
• State to hold public hearing on proposed Pacific Power settlement
• DNR to hold public hearing in North Bend for land trust exchanges in King and Snohomish counties
• Some Cross Valley Water District customers urged to boil water after outage
• New bi-state advisory group will meet to discuss Columbia catch-sharing plan


September 9, 2008
• DOC statement on pheasant care
• Attorney General advocates new protections for vulnerable adults
• Partnership culminates in new ADA-accessible footbridge in Lacey
• Hood Canal Bridge closes four times this week
• Public invited to open houses as decision on central waterfront section of Alaskan Way Viaduct nears
• Seattle dentist suspended for illegal use, distribution of controlled substances


September 8, 2008
• Boil water advisory ends for Clallam County water system
• School environmental health and safety rule public hearing continues
• Health Disparities Council to discuss selecting priorities
• WDFW to hold public meetings on upcoming razor clam season
• Commission approves penalty for failure to report crab catch
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement on Boeing-IAM contract negotiations
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement on the federal highway transportation funding bankruptcy
• WSDOT Public Transportation Conference being held in Kennewick
• Prescription drug abuse discussion expected at Governor's Council public meeting
• Sales tax exemption takes effect Jan. 1 for alternative fuel vehicles, certain hybrids
• Owner of sunken tug fined for oil spill to Columbia River


September 5, 2008
• Governor’s AIDS Council to focus on emerging trends of new HIV infections among high-risk youth
• DNR re-opens the Northwest Timber Trail on Tiger Mountain
• African American achievement gap committee to continue work
• Non-custodial parents offered child support amnesty
• Public forum on child support scheduled in Vancouver
• Ecology Department penalties total $737,543 in 2nd quarter of 2008
• Gov. Gregoire addresses alternative transportation, green energy ideas
• Winners of Economic Development and Workforce Best Practices awards announced
• Temporary coloring added to Hangman Creek will help scientists understand water flow problems
• Dirty deeds: Attorney General’s Office raises the red flag on foreclosure fraud
• News of Social Security payment cards means cons may be calling
• Alfalfa sprouts sicken 13 in Washington and Oregon
• State disciplines health care providers
• Washington State, Suquamish Tribe sign first-ever agreement to smooth access for youth mental health services
• Hope, anxieties expressed in first foster youth survey
• DNR and local fire jurisdictions lift burn restrictions in King, Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce counties
• DNR recreation workshop moves from Omak to Okanogan
• Puyallup Fair traffic starts today
• Snoqualmie Point View Park project chosen for award by WSDOT and FHWA
• Washington named "Most Bicycling Friendly State"


September 4, 2008
• Amtrak Cascades ridership seeing record growth in 2008
• Section of a state-owned rail line destroyed in Swanson Lake fire restored to service
• Controlled burn planned this Friday at Rocky Prairie
• Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory Committee to meet Sept. 8
• Immunization rates in Washington decrease slightly
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement on the International Association of Machinists vote
• Freeze Flash! Washington’s credit freeze law better for consumers, seniors and businesses
• Customer comments sought on proposed NW Natural gas rate increase
• Sexual contact with two minors leads to suspension of radiologic technologist
• WSDOT closes right and center lanes on northbound I-5 near Kelso for emergency concrete panel repairs
• Early-season hunters take to the field, one of many signs fall is approaching
• State launches Consumer Protection Website


September 3, 2008
• 'In the Line of Duty' wildfire television special to air over the next two weeks
• Ecology adds more sites to state cleanup list
• Four birds test positive for West Nile virus in Washington
• Statement from Department of Corrections Secretary Vail regarding Skagit County tragedy
• Gov. Gregoire’s statement on the slayings in Northwest Washington
• Gov. Gregoire calls for independent review of the criminal history and supervision of Isaac L. Zamora
• State holds two public hearings on Avista’s proposed rate-increase request
• Public invited to Hispanic Heritage Festival at Riverside State Park
• Board of Natural Resources acts to preserve sensitive 957-acre plant habitat in Mason County
• Exempt wells in upper Kittitas County topic of open houses
• Comment period begins for East Bay cleanup site
• Knee deep in success: Ecology’s WCC crews help residents cope with floods
• Next Aviation Planning Council Meeting: October 2 in Seattle
• WSDOT counts show drop in Labor Day travel


September 2, 2008
• Controlled burn planned this week at Mima Mounds
• State DNR to remove chronic nuisance vessel from Bremerton waters
• Snokist fined for ammonia release near Sawyer
• Forums set to discuss issues facing small public water systems
• Clallam County water system urges customer to boil water
• Gov. Gregoire recognizes soldiers in ‘Helmets to Hardhats’ program


September 1, 2008
• Gov. Gregoire activates Washington National Guard in preparation for Hurricane Gustav