TOP STORIES

Man accused of murdering infant denied bail

The man accused of murdering a 14-month old infant in Thurston County was ordered held without bail in the Thurston County Jail today. Eric Richard Boudreau, 32, is accused of 2nd-degree murder in …
Ballots for Proposition 1 are set to mail on April 5.
Voters in Olympia and Tumwater are being asked to vote in a special election, April 25, on Proposition 1, to decide whether to merge their fire departments and create a new regional fire authority …
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Lacey City Attorney David Schneider briefed the city council on a new allocation agreement to receive its share from the 2022 national opioids settlements.
Lacey joined with Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County when its city council agreed last Thursday, March 16, to to sign up for its share of a settlement from pharmacies and manufacturers involved in …
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The park would be built on a 17-acre lot located on the corner of Trails End Road and 79th Avenue. 
A neighborhood park would soon arise on the former site of the demolished Trails End Horse Arena, according to plans discussed by Tumwater’s Park and Recreation Committee on Wednesday, March …
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We have a 19th century English Vicar to thank for Shirley poppies.
Researchers have spent an enormous amount of time and money proving what gardeners could have told them for free, instantly: gardening is good for our physical and mental health. So, do certain …
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George Washington re-enactor Vern Frykholm Jr., poses with Bev York at the Northwest Colonial Festival, in front of the Washington Inn (a bed and breakfast), 2021.
Ever since she can remember, Beverly York has been interested in history and how her ancestors lived and thrived early in our nation’s history.  Not sure what got a “bee in her …
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Olympia Civil Service Commission convened on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, and approved 20 new firefighters.
More than 400 individuals applied to the Olympia Fire Department (OFD), but only 20 made it to the entry-level firefighter (ELFF) register approved by the Civil Service Commission on Tuesday, March …
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The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee heard a proposal for rehabilitating the historic Joel M. Pritchard Building, which used to be the State Library, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Washington State Department of Enterprises Services has proposed rehabilitating and expanding the historic 1958 Joel M. Pritchard Building to retain the character of the building while enhancing its …
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The north lane of State Avenue is closed tomorrow between Jefferson Street and Adams Street from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Olympia announced that it is closing the north lane of State Avenue tomorrow between Jefferson Street and Adams Street from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Traffic control signs will be in …
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Dolly Parton cutout with with Olympia Library Staff
In partnership with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), joined by American icon, Dolly Parton, the …
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Life
THURSTON’S BIRDS

Dancing Cranes

Sandhill Cranes came into my mind this week for two reasons. First, I finally located the small flock of Sandhill Cranes that is still hanging out in the Chehalis River valley. As of March 22nd, they …

Salmon-friendly bridge on Green Cove Creek going forward after 2021 culvert collapse

Thurston County has received a $4.5 million construction loan from the Washington State Public Works Board to replace the Green Cove Creek Culvert at Country Club Rd NW in west Olympia. Public …

Milkshake reverie and soups of yesteryear

In the 80’s, I stepped away from the career in which I had spent most of my time working with seniors. I had directed the Homemaker Registry Pilot Program for the Area Agency on Aging along …

Cutting-Edge Advances Shaping the Future of Health Care

The future of healthcare was the topic for the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Forum luncheon. But you don’t have to take my word for it: You can watch the entire meeting on …

Spring cleaning with nonprofits

Spring is finally here! (It started yesterday.) In addition to enjoying the outdoors, around this time, folks think about spring cleaning. I freely admit that we have a few closets in desperate …
Olympia Fire Department updates emergency plan
Olympia Fire Chief Todd Carson and Deputy Chief Michael Buchanan presented the updated Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), which provides a framework for response and recovery activities …
Pictorial: A recipe for homelessness
In a large bowl mix the yeast of mental health issues with 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar of substance abuse in 2-1/4 cups of the warm water of the lack of accessible housing.  Let stand until the …
Zero parking for new multi-family residences? Seriously?
Dear Editor, Gee, wouldn't it be lovely if carbon-spewing automobiles were eliminated? Of course. But get real. The city of Olympia's proposed parking reductions for new construction promote …
Olympia's proposal to reduce parking at new residences draws public outcry
The Olympia Planning Commission held a public hearing on Monday, March 20, to discuss proposed parking code amendments that would reduce parking requirements for residential uses, including for …
10 intersections at Lacey to have their vehicle detectors upgraded to work in all weather
Lacey City Council awarded a contract to City Electric Co. for the installation of new vehicle detectors at 10 intersections in the city during a meeting on Thursday, March 16. The detectors being …
Port settles on location of building the new marine center
The Port of Olympia Commission decided to place a mixed-use office building called the Marine Waterfront Center near the Swantown Marina on Monday, March 20. Port Commissioner Joe Downing was the …
“Black House” in downtown Olympia destroyed by fire on Saturday
Five individuals known to have occupied a single-family residence at 511 7th Avenue SE escaped a “total loss” fire on Saturday afternoon.
International Transgender Visibility Day recognized by the Board of Health in Thurston County
To acknowledge the significant contributions of transgender people to the community and recognize the hardship facing transgender people in healthcare settings, the Board of Health (BOH) proclaimed …
Vanpool rideshares are up again in Thurston County
 Usage of the car-sharing service Vanpool has increased in multiple ways in Thurston County, Vanpool Manager Cindy Waterhouse reported to the Intercity Transit Authority (IT) reported on …
Port approves airport property lease to SpanaFac LLC
The Port of Olympia Commission approved a ground lease for a 1.44-acre airport property at Olympia Regional Airport with SpanaFac LLC during its meeting on Monday, March 13. The commission also …
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Olympia headlines

Plans for the homeless: Why not here, Governor?

I noted that Governor Inslee traveled north to Seattle on Tuesday, March 21 to tour the remains of a homeless encampment under the First Avenue Bridge. While in Seattle and surrounded by his …

Please vote NO on Olympia/Tumwater Proposition 1

Regional Fire Authority - Prop 1 Please vote NO on Olympia/Tumwater Proposition 1 in April. Biggest tax increase in the history of either Olympia or Tumwater. No new firefighters, fire …

The Proposed Regional Fire Authority – Olympia and Tumwater’s Best Idea

When our lives and property are on the line, your firefighters answer the call every time, no questions asked, treating everyone equitably, professionally, and with compassion. But we are at a …

Capital Mall Triangle to become ‘more people-oriented’ over next 20 years

In a meeting on March 16, the Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee discussed an update on the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan and the environmental impact statement. The area known …

Lacey headlines

North Thurston High School students share survey that shows they feel unsafe with nearby homeless camp

UPDATED: March 15, 2023, first published March 10, 2023. A survey conducted by the Lacey Youth Council shows that around 60% of surveyed students at North Thurston High School feel unsafe with the …

Lacey to hold forum on Black and African community, wants input from underrepresented community

Lacey is inviting community members to its forum discussing the Black and African American community this Tuesday, March 21 at the New Life Baptist Church, 7838 Pacific Avenue, from 6:30 to 8 …

Northbound I-5 on-ramp at Martin Way closed tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close the northbound lane of the I-5 on-ramp at Martin Way, near College Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to hold tree-felling operations …

Lacey revises sponsorship policy for park programs and facilities

Lacey revises sponsorship policy for park programs and facilities “A more comprehensive and standardized evaluation process” for reviewing such sponsorships By Jerome …

A message from the publisher
What's this about? Recognizing the rapid decline in resources among traditional news outlets, we're assembling a group of talented Tumwaterians, Laceyites and Olympians who care about making …
Tumwater headlines

Construction along Capitol Blvd starts on Monday

Capitol Boulevard SE’s northbound outside lane from the 6800 crosswalks to the intersection of Capitol Boulevard and Dennis Street will be closed from Monday, March 20 to April on weekdays, …

South Sound Behavioral Hospital and Tumwater HOPES considering partnership to serve youth

South Sound Behavioral Hospital, a mental health facility in Lacey, and drug abuse prevention community coalition Tumwater HOPES are exploring a potential partnership, representatives said during …

Barnes Lake Management District proposed budget is higher after plan’s scope grew

Tumwater’s Public Works Committee recommended 2023-2024 budget of the Barnes Lake Management District (LMD) is over the district’s allocation of $54,675. Presented on Thursday, March …

Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan, in the works for more than 6 years, nears completion

Tumwater would receive $225,000 to fund the final phase of the Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) if the city council votes to accept it at its meeting on March 21. The city’s …

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