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The ballot intake and scanning area at the Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Monday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2026.

Clouse builds lead in Thurston County Commissioner District 5 race, library bond measure cruising

Thurston County District No. 5 Commissioner Emily Clouse widened her lead to nearly 7,000 votes over Nicolas Martinez-Dunning in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 11/9/26

A conceptual site plan shows the proposed Western Trails development at 607 and 709 Sleater Kinney Road NE in Olympia. Design Review Board recommended approval of the proposal at a meeting on Nov. 5, 2026.

Western Trails multifamily project advances with design conditions in Olympia

The Olympia Design Review Board recommended approval of the conceptual design for Western Trails, a proposed 228-unit multifamily ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/9/26 | 4 comments

Lacey Transportation Benefit District funding has supported road rehabilitation, street overlays and sidewalk improvements across the city since 2017.

Lacey City Council tees up transportation tax renewal for February ballot

The City of Lacey is going to ask voters in February to renew a sales tax that has funded more than $28 million in transportation improvements ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/9/26

SeaPort Airlines announced a new air service between Spokane and the state capital. Flights start Jan. 8, 2027.

Air taxi to Washington Legislature: Spokane-Olympia direct flights to launch in 2027

Traveling from Eastern Washington to Olympia for the state’s legislative session just got ... more

By Aspen Ford | Washington State Standard | 11/9/26 | 2 comments

Thurston Regional Housing Council looking to fill Homeless Services Advisory Board positions

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) is recruiting Thurston County residents to serve on the Homeless Services Advisory ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/9/26

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Monday, Nov. 9, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 11/9/26 | 1 comment

Election workers inspected ballots at the Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Friday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2026.

Updated Nov. 3 General Elections results for Thurston County

The path to a second term in office remained on track for Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse, who upped her lead over rival Nicolas Martinez-Dunning ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 11/6/26 | 1 comment

The proposed Costco development on Tumwater Boulevard west of Interstate 5 includes a new warehouse, fueling station, car wash and several commercial out-lots, as well as land for a future multi-family residential project.

Development agreement approved for Costco warehouse in Tumwater

The Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff to sign a development agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation for a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/6/26 | 5 comments

Two covered bins store regular salt, left, and salt containing magnesium chloride, right, in Lacey. The site holds up to 160 tons of salt.

City of Lacey prepares road deicing measures ahead of winter

The City of Lacey has expanded its snowplow routes and increased on-call staffing for the 2026-27 winter ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/6/26

Gibson’s Custom Meats “Pay It Forward” program will be held on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Local butcher shop to hold one-for-one match anniversary event

A butcher shop in Lacey will celebrate its first year of operations by matching every single purchase of a meat pack to help combat holiday ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 11/6/26 | 3 comments

Election workers inspected ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election at the Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.

Updated November General Election results for Thurston County

A second term in office remained within the grasp of Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse, who has maintained a consistent margin ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 11/5/26 | 1 comment

Lacey Fire District 3 shared a message of appreciation in the aftermath of the Nov. 3 General Election.

Lacey Fire District 3 welcomes early bond measure results

Support for the Lacey Fire District 3 (LFD3) bond measure is running strong, based on unofficial returns from the Nov. 3 General ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/5/26

A map of the Tumwater Brewery District, which covers the area surrounding the former Olympia Brewery properties, as well as the area surrounded by Custer Way, Cleveland Avenue and Capitol Boulevard.

Firm hired to complete environmental impact statement for Tumwater Brewery District

The Tumwater City Council approved a $290,000 contract with BERK Consulting to complete a planned action environmental impact ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/5/26 | 2 comments

Olympia City Hall is located at 601 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia.

Olympia seeking residents to fill vacancies on advisory committees

The City of Olympia is looking for residents who would like to serve on advisory bodies that help shape local policies, preserve historic ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/5/26

A team of election workers inspected ballots at the Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 4, 2026.

Updated Nov. 3 General Election results in Thurston County

Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse padded her lead over challenger Nicolas Martinez-Dunning in a battle for the District No. 5 seat in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 11/4/26 | 15 comments

Olympia Planning Director Nicole Floyd presented AI-generated illustrations of a single-family home with two adult dwelling unitss, showing attached and detached configurations, during an Olympia Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

Barriers hinder middle housing development in Olympia

The City of Olympia allows four to six homes per lot in designated low-density residential zones, plus up to two accessory dwelling units ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/4/26 | 4 comments

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun and Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez are dueling in Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.

Gluesenkamp Perez cruising toward win over Braun in 3rd Congressional District

Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez enjoyed a comfortable lead over Republican state Sen. John Braun on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as she pursues ... more

By Jerry Cornfield | Washington State Standard | 11/4/26 | 1 comment

The 260-acre Capitol Lake, 5th Avenue dam, Port of Olympia, and South Puget Sound as seen on Thursday morning, Oct. 29, in downtown Olympia. Rafts of wigeons and other migratory birds could be heard from the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.

Locals weigh in on Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project at public hearing

A handful of community members gave their input at a public hearing held on Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, in downtown Olympia on new ... more

By Janine Gates | Little Hollywood | 11/4/26 | 4 comments

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller, left, presented the Veterans Appreciation Month proclamation to Hire Heroes USA Program Manager Dave Martinez during a Lacey City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims November as Veterans Appreciation Month

Veterans and military families are at the center of a citywide recognition in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/4/26 | 1 comment

The ThurstonCounty Ballot Processing Center in Tumwater on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3, 2026.

Election Night in Thurston County

Incumbent Emily Clouse held a nearly 5,000 vote advantage over challenger Nicolas Martinez-Dunning in the race ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 11/3/26 | 10 comments