November 6th Community Update
King County, Washington sent this bulletin at 11/06/2025 05:00 PM PST
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News from and about King County… from health updates to community news affecting our daily lives. Dear Friends: Today’s update includes news about the Federal Way Link Extension, information about the King County 2026-27 Budget Town Hall, details on the King County Conservation Futures Grant, reminders for winter road readiness, local events, and more.
Washington Trivia In 1911, the founder of one of the world’s largest candy companies began creating and selling buttercream candy from his kitchen in Tacoma, WA. Who was he? (Answer is at the bottom) I was honored to join my fellow Sound Transit Board members at the Federal Way Downtown Station to witness the beginning of the final testing phase of the light rail, known as “simulated service”. You may notice trains running up and down the tracks as they complete the final phase of testing! While some may view the Federal Way Downtown Station simply as a transit center, I see a vibrant hub that will become the center of activity for South King County. Whether for work, medical appointments, sporting events or just meeting up with friends, the opening of the Federal Way Link Extension is a critical transportation tool for South King County residents. It is our modern-day Polar Express: the power of believing that it can be done!
Visit soundtransit.org/southkinglink for details about opening day activities, schedule information, and to sign up for project alerts.
King County Budget Town Hall King County is in the process of finalizing the 2026-2027 Biennial Budget and invites the community to participate in a Budget Town Hall on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the King County Courthouse, Council Chambers (Floor 10, 516 Third Ave, Seattle) and will also be accessible online via Zoom (Webinar ID: 867 1228 9077). It will focus on public comments for residents to share their priorities. Click here to access the proposed budget, view remaining meeting schedules, and share comments online if you cannot make it to the town hall.
Be Winter-Ready on Roads in Unincorporated King County Winter weather can make traveling tricky in unincorporated King County, where roads may get icy or covered in snow during a storm. The Road Services Division works hard to keep main roads clear, but it’s important for everyone to be prepared and know the best ways to stay safe. Before you head out, please consider checking the following:
If you see a problem on the road, like a fallen tree, icy patches, or a downed street sign, please report it. You can call the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100 or send an email to maint.roads@kingcounty.gov. Your report helps Road Services respond faster and keep everyone safer. To sign up for timely alerts, visit WSDOT | King County Roads | King County Metro | Sound Transit | Federal Way | Auburn | Kent | Be Flood Ready
Local Events Kickin' It Federal Way Unveiling on November 14
The Nourish Network and Community Food Drive The Federal Way Inclusive Recreation Program introduces The Nourish Network, a new community initiative dedicated to providing essential resources, meals, and support to individuals with disabilities and families experiencing financial hardship. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off to the Nourish Network donation bin, located in the Federal Way Community Center lobby. All donations will be used to create “meals in a bag”: simple, ready-to-prepare meal kits that participants can take home and make themselves. For more information, you may contact Sabrina Bates at Sabrina.Bates@federalwaywa.gov.
The Auburn Food Bank's Annual Harvest Breakfast 
Tomorrow, November 7, is The Auburn Food Bank's Annual Harvest Breakfast. The event will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Grace Community Church, located at 1320 Auburn Way South, Auburn, WA. While the event is free to attend, reservations are recommended as space is limited. Click here for more information.
Community Clothing Swap
The City of Federal Way will host another free community clothing swap on Saturday, November 22, at the South King Tool Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drop off your adult clothing, accessories, and shoes and take home items while helping reduce textile waste. Items should be clean, usable, and seasonably appropriate (for fall/winter). Items on hangers are appreciated. Donations are not required to shop, and all items not claimed will go to local non-profits for reuse and recycling. Click here to learn more.
Multi-Service Center Holiday Food Drive MSC's Redondo Heights Food Bank will be providing holiday food in addition to a household's regular food distribution during their regularly scheduled appointment.
MSC is collecting holiday food donations at the Redondo Heights Food Bank, located at 27614 Pacific Highway South, Federal Way, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Please drop donations at the loading dock. Thanksgiving items must be received by November 17, and winter holiday donations by December 15. Click here for more information.
Non-Profit Corner
Did you ever wonder where words and phrases originated from? Eager beaver Meaning: An individual who is both keen and enthusiastic, demonstrating a strong work ethic. Origin: The term “eager beaver” originated in the U.S. military during World War II around 1942, describing an overly enthusiastic recruit. It adapts the older saying “busy as a beaver,” which reflects the beaver's industrious nature. The catchy rhyme between “eager” and “beaver” likely boosted its popularity. Roger that Meaning: A phrase that confirms or acknowledges a statement or question. Origin: The phrase "Roger that" originated from military and aviation radio communication, where "Roger" represented "R" for "Received." It gained popularity during World War II to confirm message understanding. Although the phonetic alphabet now uses "Romeo" for "R," "Roger that" evolved to "Roger wilco," indicating compliance. Its use expanded during NASA's Apollo missions in the 1960s, becoming an expression of agreement.
Local Services Contact Information Code Enforcement Links: Auburn | Algona | Federal Way | Kent | Pacific | Unincorporated
Take transit to all your sporting and community events in Seattle. Metro and Link light rail serve riders heading to T-Mobile Park, Husky Stadium, Lumen Field, and Climate Pledge Arena.
With best wishes,
Washington Trivia Answer: Franklin Clarence Mars learned hand-dipping candy from his mother and started selling confectionery at 19. On June 23, 1911, he and his wife, Ethel V. Mars, founded the Mars Candy Factory in Tacoma, Washington, initially operating from their kitchen. They focused on wholesale candy production but faced competition from the established Brown & Haley in Tacoma. By 1920, Mars returned to Minnesota and founded Mar-O-Bar Co., the precursor to Mars, Incorporated. In 1923, Forrest Mars Sr., the son of Frank and Ethel, engaged in a discussion about the challenges facing the family business while at a soda fountain. Inspired by his drink, Forrest proposed that his father develop a candy bar based on a chocolate malted milkshake. Embracing this idea, Frank used the overlooked ingredient nougat from Minneapolis to create the Milky Way bar, marketed as a “chocolate malted milk in a candy bar,” which quickly became the best-selling candy bar.
Following Frank Mars' death in 1934, ownership of the Mars company passed to his widow, Ethel, and her half-brother, William Kruppenbacher. Upon Forrest Mars’ return to the United States, he approached Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey executive William Murrie, to collaborate on a new business venture. Anticipating a chocolate and sugar shortage during World War II, Mars partnered with Murrie to secure resources for a new candy. In exchange, Murrie received a 20 percent stake in the M&M product, named after both their last names. In March 1941, Mars received a patent for his manufacturing process, beginning production in New Jersey. Initially sold in cardboard tubes, M&Ms had colorful coatings and were later exclusively supplied to the military during WWII, making them a staple in soldiers' rations. Upon returning home, numerous service members grew quite fond of this candy. By 1964, Forrest Mars gained control of his father's Chicago company, merging it with his own British operation and moving headquarters to Virginia. Today, the Mars family owns Mars Inc., a leading candy and pet food corporation with $47 billion in sales, with several family members actively involved in the company’s leadership Photo source: Mars.com
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The World Cup is set to take place in the Puget Sound Region next summer, and the City of Federal Way is organizing a significant event to collectively celebrate and watch the games. Everyone is invited to the Performing Arts & Event Center on Friday, November 14, for a free Festival Unveiling event to learn more about the exciting plans. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the main program scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees can look forward to live music, food, and giveaways. 
In 1929, Frank relocated the company to Chicago and started full production in a facility that remains operational today. In 1930, he introduced the Snickers bar to the U.S. market, followed by the launch of the 3 Musketeers bar in 1932.
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