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Primary election is August 6, there's still time to register to vote

The August 6 Primary Election is fast approaching, and here are important deadlines and information you need to know. The online and mail voter registration deadline is July 29, while the …
Silhouettes of diverse people overlapping
A survey of Olympia residents has revealed widespread discrimination, with marginalized groups like transgender individuals, people of color, and those with disabilities facing the most frequent …
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The request concerns an 8.17-acre parcel along the Martin Way corridor in the unincorporated portion of the Lacey Urban Growth Area.
The Lacey Planning Commission recently received an introductory briefing from Planning Manager Ryan Andrews on an out-of-cycle rezone request from Thurston County. The request concerns an …
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Red-tailed Hawk screaming
For our avian neighbors, July is Fledging Month. I was reminded of this a few days ago when a large bird flew right overhead screaming desperately. It was a fledgling Bald Eagle , recently out of the …
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The motorcycle rider fled law enforcement and crashed and was found with fentanyl pills.
A Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputy attempted to stop a street bike on I-5 yesterday at about three a.m., because the license plate not being visible. According to the TCSO post , …
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The summer is still on with these fun events. 
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The Speed Summit is set to return to Ridge Motorsport Park on August 24-25.
Global Time Attack (GTA) announced on their website Friday that the GTA Speed Summit is set to return to the Ridge Motorsport Park in Shelton from August 24 to 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The …
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A timeline for the master plan process will start immediately and continue until next year, according to a presentation by Camille St. Onge (top right), the port’s director of strategic initiatives.
A master plan for the port peninsula is moving forward. On Monday, July 22, the commission authorized Executive Director Alex Smith to sign an amendment to the contract of Dalton, Olmsted & …
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The City of Lacey is enhancing its community engagement as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.
The City of Lacey is enhancing its community engagement as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.    Central to this effort is the Communications and Community Engagement Plan, …
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Lacey staff have collaborated with Thurston County staff to develop the draft interlocal agreement, ensuring it meets previous agreements specific to the area, according to Planning Manager Ryan Andrews.
On July 23, the Lacey City Council reviewed the Draft Interlocal Agreement for the Draham Road and Cuoio Park North Island Annexations during a work session.    This agreement sets the …
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Two Olympia Police Officers assisted Nikki Freitas to wrap things up at Senior Day at Capital Lakefair on July 19, 2024.
I was with the Lions Low Vision Resource Center last Friday at Senior Action Network's Senior Day at Capital Lakefair. At one point, I noticed a Zumba class in front of the stage. After watching for …
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The suspect allegedly stole a Kia Sportage and fled from authorities but has been arrested after attempting to flee on foot.
On July 21, sheriff's deputies arrested two suspects, including Lonell Eugene Cooper, 31, of Lacey, a felon, who are suspected of the theft of a Kia Sportage in the Lacey area.   According …
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Devoted, loving husband, and father, dedicated teacher and always a proud Marine. William (Bill) F. Greenwood passed peacefully on July 20th surrounded by his wife of 68 years, Alma, and their four …
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The Commercial Aviation Work Group (CAWG), meeting for the first time on Thursday, July 11, is tasked with resolving Washington’s projected aviation capacity shortage. Interim chairman Evan Nordby (left-center) addresses the group.
A new state-created agency tasked with resolving Washington’s projected aviation capacity shortage held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, July 11, at the Capital Event Center in Tumwater. …
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The Thurston Regional Housing Council in July 2024 approved a set of Affordable Housing Capital Pipeline projects based on the county's Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommendations. Image of a house icon and key in a paper shopping bag in front of many home icons.
The Thurston Regional Housing Council has approved a set of Affordable Housing Capital Pipeline projects based on the county's Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommendations.
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Life
Underwater Disagreement by Eileen Lagasse.

Percival Plinth People’s Choice voting closes soon 

Olympia reminds community members that voting for this year’s Percival Plinth sculptures ends in a week.  The city’s social media announced that Tuesday, July 30, is the …

This is a close-up of what we're calling

Recipe: Port Angeles Summer Slaw

I’ve been traveling over the past few weeks; it is good to be back in Thurston County. First, I visited friends on the Olympic Peninsula and in the Seattle area, and then I went on to …

Olympia celebrates Parks, Arts, and Recreation Month with focus on community, health, and advancing climate goals

On Tuesday, July 16, the Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating July 2024 as Parks, Arts, and Recreation Month. The proclamation recognized the benefits of parks, arts, and …
The “Buzz on Down to the Thurston County Fair!” invites art, floral, food, hobbies and crafts, and photography enthusiasts to participate in their open-class contests.

Thurston County Fair invites foods, hobbies, arts and crafts enthusiasts to submit their entries

The “Buzz on Down to the Thurston County Fair!” is fast approaching, and they are calling on art, floral, food, hobbies and crafts, and photography enthusiasts to participate in their …

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter for Thursday, July 25, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 7/25/24 at 11:00 a.m. in the 700 block of Adams Street SE, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Jeffery Alexander Bailey, 42, on suspicions of 1) …

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Junior League of Olympia introduces Club Moxie 
This article is all about Club Moxie. Before I tell you how cool Club Moxie is, I must fill you in on the Junior League of Olympia. T heir mission statement says it better than I can . “The …
Nominations are now open for a new shrub
Nominations are now open for a new shrub in my backyard. So far, the nomination process is not as messy as the one playing out in our nation’s capital, but it’s still beset with …
Bushtit – a unique bird species
A friend tells me bushtits “charm her socks off.” She loves the constant, cheery little sounds these tiny birds make. She says if she were going to be a bird, she’d want to be …
Manage your stress -- don’t let it manage you 
I just came off two weeks of stress - filled events , and I am facing one more this week. So, I have been wondering if I am overreacting .   Do you ever feel stressed out? Rerunning the …
Their stories are part of our history
Our animal friends have been with us for thousands of years, and their history is intertwined with ours.  While we cannot even begin to scratch the surface, we would like to share these five …

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Calendar of events
Olympia headlines
The Olympia Police are looking for Steven L. Messex, the alleged suspect in a homicide incident.
The Olympia Police Department (OPD) is on the hunt for a homicide suspect who allegedly shot a victim who succumbed to his wound and passed away.   According to an OPD post , the incident …
DES will lower the water level in Capitol Lake to gather data for the restoration of the Deschutes Estuary.
Next week, visitors to the Capitol Campus will get a rare look at Capitol Lake's lakebed as the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) lowers the water levels in an effort to gather data to restore …
A small girl ready to play softball
Capitol Little League announced on Saturday, July 13, that it will launch a girls’ softball program for the first time this fall season. Signups opened on July 15 and will continue until …
The gun confiscated from the suspect.
Olympia Police Department (OPD) charged a man with multiple charges, including four counts of reckless endangerment, after an incident involving a firearm on the night of July 4. OPD officers …
At Thursday's Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee meeting, members discussed updating agricultural codes to remove barriers to urban farming.
Olympia is taking steps to remove barriers and incentivize urban farming as part of its efforts to increase local food production and self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote …

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Tumwater headlines
The Crosby House, built circa 1860 by Nathaniel Crosby for his bride, Cordelia Jane Smith, is the oldest standing house in Tumwater.
Tumwater’s oldest house, the Crosby House, will be undergoing repairs. The Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed to its city council on Thursday, July 18, a contract with Construction …
Photo of the Davis-Meeker oak
Five firms and one consulting professional responded to Tumwater’s Request for Quote (RFQ) as the city searches for an arborist to provide another risk assessment of the historic Davis-Meeker …
Sustainability Coordinator Alyssa Jones Wood briefed the Tumwater Public Works Committee about a sub-award agreement with the nonprofit River Network.
Tumwater has secured a grant via the nonprofit River Network to hire an urban forester and fund other urban forestry programs. The Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed a sub-award agreement …

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Thurston County
Alex Persse, county’s Affordable Housing Program Manager, asked the Thurston Board of County Commissioners to approve the funding recommendation from the Regional Housing Council to fund the Vital Housing Courtside Apartment Acquisition and Preservation project as presented in their application for a total of $1,357,699.15.
The Thurston Board of County Commissioners approved more than a million-dollar funding recommendation from the Regional Housing Council for acquiring and preserving the Courtside Apartments for Vital …
Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.
Over 190,000 ballots from the Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division were mailed to voters for the upcoming August 6 Primary Election. Registered voters who have not received their …
The red circle shows the location of the Country Club Road NW where it crosses Green Cove Creek.
The Board of County Commissioners awarded Aberdeen-based Quigg Bros Inc. a contract to replace a culvert along Green Cove Creek at Country Club Road. The contract, for $6,837,096, was approved …

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Lacey headlines
Lacey City Council courthouse service dogs, namely Astro during their July 16, 2024 meeting.
During their July 16 meeting, the Lacey City Council recognized Astro, the courthouse service dog, for his outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the public. Astro, who has touched …
FC Olympia in their afterglow kit in the last USL2 match of the season.
FC Olympia failed to replicate last year’s ap pearance in the USL2 national playoffs, ending the season in 7th place out of the eight teams in a competitive Northw est Division with 13 points …
Jennifer Thomas, NTPS Board Vice President, announces during the Board's July 16 meeting her resignation, effective July 31.
The North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) Director District 3 position is now open following the resignation of NTPS Board Vice President Dr. Jennifer Thomas , effective July 31, 2024.   …
Wildfire sweeping across prairie grass, a firefighter is shown close to the fire.
OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Thurston County Director of Emergency Services, Department of Natural Resources, and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency …
WS DOT warns the public of a current scam with an example of the scam text message claiming to be from Good To Go!
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warns the public of a new scam targeting residents by sending fraudulent texts claiming unpaid Good To Go! tolls .    Individuals …

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More local news
 Olympia planner highlights Martin Way improvements in the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan
Olympia is planning a major reconstruction project on Martin Way to address the corridor's pressing needs, Public Works Department senior planner Michelle Swanson reported. At Wednesday's …
Plans for two new roundabouts in Tumwater to move forward
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign the contracts of two design firms to work on separate roundabouts on Linwood Avenue and Tumwater Boulevard on Tuesday, July 16. The …
Olympia unveils housing plan to address affordability and equity
Olympia City planner Casey Schaufler unveiled a new housing element for the city's comprehensive plan update, which tackles affordability issues and historical racial disparities in housing. At Monday's Olympia Planning Commission meeting, Schaufler outlined strategies to implement House Bill 1220, requiring cities to plan and accommodate housing for all economic segments.
Tumwater City Council approves $3.4 million for pedestrian improvement projects on two stretches of road
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign two contracts amounting to around $3.4 million to construct various pedestrian improvements on two stretches of road. The contracts …
Olympia City Council approves funding package for Downtown Alliance's programs through end of 2025
Olympia City Council voted on Tuesday, July 16, to allocate $285,000 in one-time funding to the Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) to support the continuation of Olympia downtown programs through the …
Safe alternatives to burning amidst fire safety burn ban
Starting July 13 and lasting through September 30, Thurston County has enforced a seasonal fire safety burn ban . To help residents manage yard waste without burning, here are some of the …
Tumwater to receive $5.8 million in state funding for Deschutes Valley Trail project 
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan on Tuesday, July 16 to accept $5  million from the state for the continuation of the Deschutes Valley Trail Connection project.   …
Olympia's Hands-On Children's Museum seeks to double its exhibit space
Olympia’s Hands-on Children’s Museum (HOCM) announced a $35 million expansion plan that would nearly double the museum's space to accommodate its rapidly growing visitor base.   …
2024 Summer Outreach Event brings resources to the less fortunate 
For the sixth year in a row, the 2024 Summer Outreach Event brought together more than 60 agencies representing behavioral health, primary care and family support agencies to housing programs, …
'Our Home,' new community service event, aims to transform Thurston County 
If you have purchased a home recently in Thurston County, you probably know the median housing price is about $525,000. If you recently purchased an affordable home, you probably bought one somewhere …

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