Thurston County has hired a new health officer to serve in the County’s Public Health & Social Services Department (PHSS). Dr. Barbra Villona will serve as the County’s lead medical authority on communicable disease response, health advisories, and key public health policy decisions.

High levels of the biotoxin that produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) were detected in shellfish at unsafe levels, prompting closure of recreational shellfish harvesting for all species in Budd Inlet. Warning signs will be posted at public beaches at Burfoot County Park.

Thurston County's ambulance service, Medic One, has become the first accredited ambulance ultrasound program in the United States. All eight of its Medic One ambulance units now have ultrasound imaging equipment installed, and 80 of its paramedics successfully completed the rigorous training requirements of the Clinical Ultrasound Accreditation Program. Learn more.

Thurston County's Noxious Weeds program controls a Class A Noxious Weed, floating primrose willow, floating primrose, Ludwigia peploides, on Chambers Lake in Lacey Washington State.

The Thurston County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is accepting applications for qualified projects occurring in Thurston County in 2026. Lodging Tax funds may be used to promote tourism events, locations, and activities for the purpose of attracting visitors to this area. Lodging tax revenue may also be used to pay for capital and/or operating costs for some tourism-related facilities, the operation of visitor/convention agencies, and the operation and marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. Apply by December 24 at 5 p.m. Learn more...

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office will host a Swearing-In ceremony for recently elected officials at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, at the Minnaert Center for the Arts on the SPSCC Campus. The ceremony will occur following certification of the 2025 General Election by the Thurston County Canvassing Board.