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Thurston County okays $14 million potential purchase of Tumwater building for Sheriff’s use

At a meeting yesterday, September 17, Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the potential purchase of a building for the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) to …
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer during the council meeting while talking about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on September 17, 2024.
In a personal announcement during Lacey’s official Prostate Cancer Awareness Month proclamation, Mayor Andy Ryder revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. …
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SPSCC's new faculty members
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) welcomes twelve faculty members as it starts the academic year 2024-25, a news release stated Wednesday. The new full-time tenure-track faculty …
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Not the actual kittens to be adopted. But you get the idea.
Joint Animal Services (JAS) introduces five kittens for adoption, each with a personality as unique as its name. “These charming furballs are ready to steal hearts and find their forever …
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Sophia Scroggins serves for Evergreen State College.
The Evergreen State College volleyball team lost its first two conference games of the 2024 fall season, winning none of its sets against Walla Walla University and Lewis-Clark State University over …
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American White Pelican
Earlier this month Thurston’s Birds described September as the best month for finding unusual birds. It’s peak migration time and sometimes these migrating birds become lost or …
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The weekend is a platform for local organizations to share their years of success and for artists to showcase their crafts.     ARTrails of Southwest Washington's Gala Opening …
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At the Olympia City Council meeting held Tuesday, City Manager Jay Burney outlined a plan, a series of baseline adjustments and staffing reductions, to reduce the projected $11.8 deficit in the 2025 operating budget down to $6.7 million.
Olympia City Manager Jay Burney presented a plan to the City Council to reduce a projected $11.8 million deficit in the city's 2025 operating budget to $6.7 million through staffing reductions, …
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A driver deposits her ballot in the official drop box across the street from the U.S. Post Office in Lacey on Election Day last year.
The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) marked National Voter Registration Day on September 17 by emphasizing the importance of voter registration and participation. The board’s …
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On September 17, 2024, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners proclaimed September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.
In a formal resolution adopted on September 17, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners proclaimed September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. This annual …
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The Fall Arts Walk in downtown Olympia happens this October 4-5, 2024.
The community is encouraged to visit the Olympia Arts Walk on October 4-5 in the fall to celebrate the arts with street performances, musical entertainment, and the local craft market. Thousands …
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An adoptable tuxedo black and white cat at Feline Friends
This weekend Trish and Thom went to meet with the staff at Feline Friends and the first thing we noticed as we pulled off of Old Highway 101 at Steamboat Island into their parking lot is the sign …
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Fuji apples.
It’s that time of the year again…when fall is in the air and before the great pumpkin arrives, apples are the gold standard, found in pies, cakes, sauces, and butters, among other …
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Verne Gibbs — a man of gentility and kindness, dedicated public servant, contemplative, and dapper gentleman — passed unexpectedly Aug. 25, 2024 at his home in Kamilche, Wash. …
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Washington Center for the Performing Arts
"Since 2018 and 2019 a lot of people moving into our area who are just now discovering us. We're also seeing a lot of people move into our area from larger cities like Dallas or Seattle, or people who have expectations for cultural and arts and entertainment"...
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Life
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, Olympia Parks Director Paul Simmons discussed the Phase 1 design for the Yelm Highway Community Park, focusing on maintenance facility, environmental sustainability, and accessibility.

Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 design addresses accessibility, environmental sustainability

New park aims to address a need for additional rectangular sports fields in the city On Tuesday, the Olympia City Council approved the retention of Berger Partnership as the city's consultant to complete the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 design...

The family-friendly and free Lula Festival celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heritage on Saturday, September 28.

Celebrate Hispanic and Latinx heritage with the second annual Lula Fest in Olympia

Join the City of Olympia for its second annual Lula Fest at  Isthmus Park  on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 3 to 9 p.m. The family-friendly and free festival celebrates Hispanic …
A dramatic view of the clearcut forest showing the bare hills of Green Cove Creek Watershed from a drone photo.

Washington has few older forests left. Why does DNR keep logging them?

Sherwood State Forest in Washington’s Mason County escaped the industrial clear-cutting that transformed much of the Northwest last century. It was selectively logged in the early 1900s, …
Armory Creative Campus

Armory redevelopment plan aims for improvements, historical preservation 

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference on Wednesday to discuss plans for the renovation of the city's historic Armory building .    The redevelopment …

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter for Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Lacey Police Department On 09/18/2024 at 10:11 p.m. at 1200 Blk Marvin Rd NE Lacey, police arrested Marcos None Ayala Castaneda, 48, on suspicion of LMC Theft Shoplifting (Misdemeanor). ...

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Opinions: Yours & our columnists
Homes First , highlight on this housing non-profit and an 'ah ha moment'
In Thurston County, Washington, we have a unique non-profit that is dedicated to creating and maintaining safe, healthy, and affordable rental homes for those who need them the most. Since its …
Diving into Thurston County Washington State Book Awards finalists
Hello, my fellow book people!   Today, we’re diving into the Washington State Book Awards, a project of The Washington Center for the Book (an affiliate of The Library of Congress …
The perpetually imperfect garden
By the middle of September, this year’s successes and failures are apparent. For instance: After all these years of gardening, I still failed to thin the carrots enough, and forgot to …
The America I want to see 
No matter how old you are, how you identify, or what your background is you can get involved in your community. 
Time for a new generation of voters to make a difference
Compared to the number of eligible voters, those ages 65+ had nearly double the impact on the election outcome and the 18-34-year-olds’ impact was reduced by about half. 

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Calendar of events
Olympia headlines
A slide from Finance Director Tad Kopf’s presentation shows the Port of Olympia’s income statement for Q2 of 2024.
International freight conditions continue to benefit the Port of Olympia’s marine terminal operations, according to Finance Director Tad Kopf’s presentation to the Port Commission on …
Olympia City Council. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Olympia Economic Development Director Mike Reid presents the Olympia Strong economic development strategy, which is billed at “creating pathways to opportunity for all residents.”
Councilmember calls to tackle systemic challenges.   On Tuesday, September 10, the Olympia City Council unanimously approved the “ Olympia Strong ” economic development strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing economic disparities …
At the Olympia City Council meeting, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, Board President Aram Wheeler of the Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties (left), and the clinic's Executive Director, Zachary Duncan, speak about the need for community support and resources to address the suicide crisis. 
Olympia City Council signed a proclamation on Tuesday (Sept. 1 0) designati ng September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month, with the goal of starting a conversation about mental health and the impact …
A slide from the Department of Enterprise Services’ presentation to the Port of Olympia Commission on September 9. 
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) presented an update to the Port of Olympia Commission about the Deschutes Estuary project on Monday, September 9.   The presentation is a …
Daiz, a service dog from Canine Companions, joins the Olympia City Council in celebrating the proclamation of National Service Dog Month on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
On Tuesday, the Olympia City Council chambers were graced by a special guest: Daiz, a service dog from Canine Companions.   The city council issued a proclamation recognizing September 2024 …

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Tumwater headlines
Police Chief Jon Weiks presents the police department’s community outreach strategy for its strategic growth plan to the Public Health and Safety Committee.
Police chief reassured committee: strategic growth plan is a living document to be revisited  Tumwater council members who are also part of the Public Health and Safety Committee expressed their concerns about the public engagement process that led to the police department’s strategic growth …
Falls Fest artwork designed by The Copper Wolf Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery
The third annual Tumwater Falls Fest will open on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. The festival features local musicians, artists, …
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Anne Egeler decided in favor of Save the Davis Meeker Gary Oak group’s motion to set the bond to a lower amount during a hearing on Friday, September 6.
Supporters of the Davis Meeker Gary Oak tree along Old Highway99 may further delay Tumwater’s plan to cut down the historic tree after a partial win at a court hearing on Friday, Sept. 6. …

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Thurston County
The Olympia Planning Commission subcommittee holds a meeting on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, to discuss the financial plan for the Capital Facilities Plan 2025-2030.
Olympia is holding off on transitioning its fire engine fleet to electric power due to concerns over the specialized charging requirements and higher price tags of current electric models.  …
The Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative Executive Committee approves its work plan and budget for 2025-26.
The Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative Executive Committee has approved a two-year work plan and budget to advance six key initiatives prioritizing strategies and investment for best responding to …
Olympia is installing signs similar to this on all city vehicles.
Thurston County has officially declared September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with a focus on reducing suicide through education, advocacy, and community support.    The …

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Lacey headlines
During a briefing to the Planning Commission on September 11, 2024, Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong discusses the updated Advisory Board Handbook aimed at revising public comment procedures and meeting protocols.
In response to recent disruptions in public meetings, Lacey updated its Advisory Board Handbook to improve public comment procedures and meeting protocols. The changes, outlined by Lacey …
Saint Martin’s volleyball team traveled to Hawaii for its first preseason tournament in preparation for this fall’s volleyball season
The Saints volleyball team kick ed off their preseason preparations for the upcoming Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) by participating in the De Luz Chevrolet Hawaii Fall Volleyball …
During a work session on September 10, 2024 Hans Shepherd, Senior Planner for the City of Lacey, presented updates on the city’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in the 2025 Comprehensive Plan process.
During a work session on September 10, Hans Shepherd, Senior Planner for the City of Lacey, presented updates on the city’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in the 2025 Comprehensive …
Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall receives a National Voter Registration Day proclamation from Lacey Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller on behalf of the Lacey City Council at its September 3 meeting.
City proclamation acknowledges importance of engaging community members in the democratic process . During its council meeting on September 3, Lacey officially designated September 17 as National Voter Registration Day .   Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller, on behalf of the City Council, issued …
Saint Martin’s University two-way guard Tyke Thompson signs his first professional contract as he heads overseas to play in Portugal.
The Saint Martin’s University Official Athletics website confirmed on Friday (Sept. 7) that their s tandout guard Tyke T hompson has inked a professional contract overseas, suiti ng up for …

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More local news
 Olympia City Council approves purchase of 2024 Percival Plinth Project People's Choice winner 
The Olympia City Council has expressed interest in purchasing not one, but two art pieces from the 2024 Percival Plinth Project, but the city's Parks, Arts, and Recreations Department warned that …
Local businesswoman works to help the homeless
Vernetta Eichinger believes that taking care of the homeless is not just a job. Seven years ago she founded the Poverty Exed Project, a 501(c) (3) non-profit based in Lacey. And now her Pep-Tacular Discount Store is open to the public...
Commissioners hear Thurston 2045 Comprehensive Plan update 
Thurston County’s Community Planning and Economic Development Department (CPED) reported to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) about the Thurston 2045 periodic update to the comprehensive plan . …
Marvin Road improvements, roundabout construction, underway into 2025
Construction of Lacey’s Marvin Road Corridor Improvement Project began on Monday, Sept . 9, and will continue through the summer of 2025.   The initial phase of the project will be …
Manager declares Thurston County Fair 2024 a success 
This year’s Thurston County Fair wa s “ a great success , ” Fair and Event Center Manager Thomasina Cooper reported to the Board of County Commissioners ( BoCC ) on Wednesday, …
Harlequin Productions presents constitution-themed play, contest for high schoolers
"What the Constitution Means to Me" performances to include reception for students, parents, and teachers participating in competition.  Harlequin Production s (HQP) will be putting on performances of Heidi Schreck’s play, What the Constitution Means to Me, and offering a constitution-based competition for high schoolers …
Commissioner Clouse remains suspended from external advisory boards amid ongoing investigation 
The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has confirmed in a statement the ongoing investigation into Commissioner Emily Clouse and her suspension from external advisory boards and …
Free Childhood Immunization Clinic available Friday at Grand Mound Elementary
 Thurston County’s Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) will hold a no-cost immunization clinic at Grand Mound Elementary School on Friday, Sept . 13 , from 5 to 7 p.m.   …
Evergreen seals winless preseason after heartbreak dagger vs Pacific, 2-1
The Evergreen State College men’s soccer team lost all three of its preseason matches this fall season. A resolute Pacific University spoiled the Geoducks’ best chance of a positive …
Jellyfish Jam, kid-friendly Pier Peer headline fun events at Estuarium
The Puget Sound Estuarium is featuring various kid-friendly activities this September, from educational to sensory ones.   The regular Pier Peer returns on September 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at …

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