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Olympia City Council backs emergency ordinance to address affordable housing crisis 

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Olympia City Council approved an emergency ordinance that aims to reduce barriers and increase the supply of affordable housing in the community.   The city recognized that …
The Tumwater City Council and the Planning Commission held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Work that started in 2022 to amend Tumwater’s various tree codes may get delayed again, as a draft plan for city staff shows the work would pause in 2025.   Brad …
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An effort is underway to remove Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse from office. 
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Jon Pettit, co-owner of a 5-acre parcel at 2400 Morse Road, outlined a plan for a potential residential development at an Olympia Site Plan Review Committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee assessed the proposed land use for a 5-acre parcel at 2400 Morse Road, which presents opportunities for new housing.    …
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The Saints men’s basketball team huddled in a timeout as head coach Aaron Landon gave instructions.
Piggybacking from their hot form from preseason tournaments, the men’s basketball team of Saint Martin’s University opened conference play for the 2024-25 season with two wins ...
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Early fall is lovely; so is late fall, and the same may be true for us.
In a recent issue of The Atlantic, Jonathon Rauch reviews two books about what it means to be over 65 in America. Here’s one of its cheerier bits of data: “Eighty is the new 68, …
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A confluence of lower total employment and fewer people in the civilian labor force helped keep the jobless rate steady in Thurston County in October.
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Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh asked the city to balance compassion for homeless individuals with the city's limited resources.
As Olympia struggles to address homelessness, city council members highlighted the challenges of balancing compassion and limited resources in the face of an influx from nearby communities.  …
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The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) took action on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, censuring Commissioner Emily Clouse for ethical lapses while restoring her regional responsibilities.
Commissioner Emily Clouse faced a public censure Wednesday, Dec. 11, after Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) found she had engaged in “deliberate, deceptive behaviour.” …
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The Thurston County Board of Health officially declared loneliness, isolation and the lack of social and emotional connections as a public health crisis during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
The Thurston County Board of Health (BOH) officially declared loneliness, isolation, and the lack of social and emotional connections as a public health crisis.    The declaration, …
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JASCOM Director Sarah Hock announced that one of the most anticipated events of the year, Santa Paws, is set to return on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, 2024.
The Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) said it is gearing up for a series of events this month, aimed at finding homes for animals and bringing joy to pet owners during the holiday season. …
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Life
Weekend Roundup

What’s happening this weekend— holiday performances and fundraisers

Join local performances to welcome the spirit of glee and donate at fundraisers for the spirit of giving.

Surf Scoter, male.

Scoters – marine birds of winter 

If the only birds you see are the ones at your bird feeder or those birds you see around the neighborhood; you may not be familiar with some of our more common birds of winter, the scoters. There are three …
A felted artwork the size of a postcard.

14th annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition returns to Leonor R. Fuller Gallery 

Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is hosting the 14th annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition from Jan. 6 to Feb. 7, 2025, with the theme “Forgotten …
Urban Trails Olympia

Hiking books for the casual hiker

In a couple of weeks, I am going to do a 2024 books of the year column. I’d love your input. For this, it’s not necessary to be a local book, but it could be. What book …

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter for Thursday, December 12, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 12/12/24 at 11:26 a.m. in the 1300 block of Allegheny Court SE, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Zachary David Bourdon, 31, on suspicion of no contact …

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Opinions: Yours & our columnists
What the WAC? 
The Washington Administrative Code, affectionately known as “The WAC,” is the rule of the land in Thurston County and the Evergreen State. It is the collective name for all state-level …
Elderhood roundtables and other elder issues
It is entirely possible that we all know someone who is dreading the upcoming holiday season. It could be because of the recent loss of a loved one, the home they had to give up due to health …
Another potpourri of sorts and Merry Christmas 
We wonder how many of our readers have thought lately that all we do is promote local businesses that concern animals. it does seem to be the case.  However, it is the holiday season, and we are …
The Big Shorts Festival takes place on Dec. 20 in Olympia
If you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, let me recommend The Big Shorts Festival.   On Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, the Olympia Film Collective will present The …
Squash 'n sprouts salad
As we move into winter, squash varieties become more prevalent in our markets. One of my favorites is butternut squash. It has a mild, comforting flavor. Paired with Brussels sprouts, it becomes a …

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Calendar of events
Olympia headlines
The Port of Olympia Commissioners discussed who to elect for a new master planning subcommittee on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
Port of Olympia Commissioners Amy Evans Harding and Jasmine Vasavada were elected to a newly created subcommittee that will oversee master planning efforts for the Port Peninsula.   …
People can view the “Hibernate, A Celebration of Rest, Home, and Creativity” exhibit of Olympia student artists at the Goldberg Building at Capitol Way and Fourth Avenue in downtown Olympia.
Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) announced “Hibernate, A Celebration of Rest, Home, and Creativity,” a new exhibition featuring art installations by students from Olympia schools, …
A graphic showed key groundwater controls under 60 inches of sea level rise, including stormwater pipes acting as drains, dewatering at Budd Inlet, and Capitol Lake restoration efforts.
Downtown Olympia faces significant flooding risks and infrastructure strain, as rising sea levels push groundwater levels higher, a groundwater study revealed at the Olympia Sea Level Rise …
The Olympia School District’s Teaching & Learning, Technology, and Student Support staff had a work session with the school board on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, for the Professional Development (PD) initiatives. Pictured are Director of Inclusive Schools Laura Conklin (left), Jefferson Middle School Assistant Principal Lindsay Welsh and Executive Director of Secondary Education James Whitehead.
The Olympia School District (OSD)’s Teaching & Learning, Technology, and Student Support staff updated the school board on the 2024-25 Professional Development (PD) Plan mid-year …
Thurston Regional Planning Council approves allocation of $19.7 million in federal funding for various transportation projects across the region.
The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) approved the award of $19.7 million in federal transportation funding to a slate of projects across the region. The funding will support critical road, …

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Tumwater headlines
The Tumwater City Council passed a resolution affirming its commitment to civil rights on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
The Tumwater City Council voted to pass a resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 3, providing a policy statement that affirms the council’s “commitment to equality, dignity, and protection of civil …
Scott Piper, top left on the podium), was nominated as the Tumwater Fire Department firefighter of the year on Dec. 3, 2024.
The Tumwater Fire Department nominated Scott Piper as firefighter of the year.   The proclamation was made on Tuesday, Dec. 3, during the Tumwater City Council meeting where Piper was given …
Costco Wholesale logo
A desire to expand its footprint in the city of Tumwater has Costco Wholesale on a path to develop a new location in the southwest part of town.

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Thurston County
Commissioner Emily Clouse
District Five Commissioner Emily Clouse expressed deep regret about her decision to be in a relationship with a Thurston County employee, and shared her commitment ...
Summer Miller, Budget and Fiscal Manager, met with the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 3, 2024, to discuss the 2024-25 mid-term budget levy certification.
Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) certified the 2025 Property Tax Levies for the General Fund, Roads, Medic One, and Conservation Futures to the County Assessor for collection …
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners heard from Tom Webster and Christa Lenssen about the Black Home Initiative’s efforts on housing equity at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.
Efforts to close the racial wealth gap through homeownership could expand to Thurston County, as the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) evaluates the next steps in exploring the Black Home …

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Lacey headlines
Volleyball by the net
The Saint Martin’s volleyball team closed out their season with a 26-24, 25-20 and 25-16 loss to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, on Nov. 23.  …
The Lacey City Council, as seen at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
On Dec. 3, the Lacey City Council unanimously passed a proclamation declaring the city's commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for all.    The …
Lacey City Hall.
The Lacey City Council unanimously voted to establish a permanent Human Services Commission during its public meeting on Dec. 3.   The new commission will provide recommendations on …
Enjoy a breakfast with Santa or visit one of the Christmas fundraisers and activities.   Signing Santa , Friday, December 6, 6 – 8 p.m. The Signing Santa program, presented by the …
Lacey City Hall, shown in November 2020.
The Lacey City Council is considering establishing a permanent Human Services Commission to provide oversight and guidance for the city's human services programs and funding.   At a Tuesday …

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More local news
 Washington Legislature to confront major budget gaps in 2025  session
Starting on Jan. 13, Washington State’s 105-day biennial legislative session will begin, with lawmakers poised to address fiscal and policy issues in light of leadership changes and a stronger …
Tumwater City Council adopts 2025-26 budget
The Tumwater City Council voted to adopt the city’s 2025-26 budget on Tuesday, Dec. 3.   The adopted budget contains a $5.7 million deficit in the general government fund to be …
Backup jail housing renewed as Thurston County faces overcrowding challenges 
To address potential jail overcrowding, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has approved a one-year extension of its contract with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office to …
Board of Natural Resources approves more timber harvests from 150 acres of Capitol State Forest 
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources (BNR) approved another batch of timber harvest from Capitol State Forest for the second time in two months. This time, the board authorized in a 4-1 …
How Thurston County’s $32 million bond package will be spent 
To balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term financial health, Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), alongside other officials, met Wednesday, Dec. 4, to address the 2024-25 …
Olympia pushes for mandatory approach to recycling and waste reduction
Council member Clark Gilman criticized the removal of zero-waste language in the draft utilities chapter of the city's 2045 Comprehensive Plan update at the Olympia City Council study session on …
County commissioners face scrutiny over handling of Clouse investigation
During a public comment session at the Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting on Tuesday, residents voiced frustration over the ongoing investigation into Commissioner Emily Clouse, …
Thurston County awards contract for Boston Harbor water main project
Thurston County commissioners approved the contract for the Boston Harbor Water Main Replacement and Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project, which will replace almost 6,000 linear feet of older …
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department highlights accomplishments and challenges 
The Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department presented its list of 10-year accomplishments and discussed challenges, such as public safety, climate change, equity issues and funding large-scale projects.  
A question of possession
Editor’s note: All individuals interviewed consented to be quoted in this article. Most of the individuals preferred to remain anonymous.  An anonymous homeless woman with two shopping …

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