Burn ban, construction in downtown Olympia, new judge: July 1 roundup

Thurston County news July 1 included notice of upcoming construction in downtown Olympia, a change on the Superior Court bench and new restrictions on outdoor burning.

Here are key takeaways:

• Street closures and parking restrictions will hit Fourth Avenue and Plum Street in downtown Olympia from Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, as crews complete a $1.6 million safety project that adds a separated bike lane, curb bulb-outs and sidewalk repairs while removing the right turn lane from Fourth Avenue — a change the city acknowledges may worsen peak-hour congestion.
• Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Kelly Wood, managing assistant attorney general for the Washington State Department of Ecology, to the Thurston County Superior Court, filling the vacancy left by Judge Carol Murphy’s retirement after 34 years of public service; Wood’s appointment takes effect Thursday.
• Residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns will be prohibited in unincorporated Thurston County starting July 8 and lasting through at least Oct. 15, though recreational campfires remain permitted in established fire rings as Western Washington faces moderate wildfire danger.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.