Local news
Abbarno bill to provide stability to private utilities amid natural disasters signed into law
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, on Monday, May 19, that gives more financial flexibility to utility companies to respond to certain emergencies. …
Tenino esports team wins state championship to cap off perfect debut season
Philip Harrington knew fairly quickly that the Tenino High School “Rocket League” esports team could be a championship contender. After all, he understands what it takes to build a …
Olympia Distilling Co. offers opportunity to invest in business, be part of history
Olympia Artesian Vodka is far from a typical vodka, according to a news release from Olympia Distilling Co. It’s a smooth, refined spirit with a story that stretches back more than a …
Thurston County public health to use three video billboard spaces for overdose prevention campaign
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services is furthering its overdose prevention campaign by purchasing three video billboard advertising spaces in the county. The Thurston County Board …
Thurston County declares emergency to repair deteriorating culvert at Scatter Creek tributary
Thurston County has declared a local emergency for the section of Churchill Road Southeast that crosses a tributary of Scatter Creek in unincorporated south county to make immediate repairs to a …
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to utilize new biomedical sensors for high-risk inmates at jail
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) will use a new piece of technology to upgrade its monitoring of high-risk inmates at the county jail. The agency will purchase seven wall- and …
Roy City Council selects location of new water reservoir
Skillings, an engineering firm contracted by the City of Roy, issued a recommendation for the site of a new local reservoir on Monday, May 12, at the city’s monthly council meeting. Before …
Construction for Roy crosswalk delayed indefinitely
During a study and work session before the Roy City Council meeting on Monday, May 12, Mayor Kimber Ivy informed present council members that construction for the city’s new crosswalk across …
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad continues with launch of new RailCycle route after devastating bridge fire
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is still reeling from the fire that destroyed its 28-span wooden trestle bridge between Mineral and Morton on April 30, but the railroad hasn’t lost any steam. On …
Treat Me With Love Project seeking funds for rescue dog’s training
When Duke arrived at the Treat Me With Love Project Sanctuary, he was barely recognizable as a dog. Emaciated, dehydrated and covered in pressure sores, Duke had suffered long-term confinement. A …
11th annual Movies in the Park series to return this summer
For the 11th time in event history, Yelm Lions Club will roll out the big screen at Longmire Park and welcome community members to participate in the six-week “Movies in the Park” series, …
‘Trip of a lifetime:’ YHS choir members and director highlight trip to NYC and Carnegie Hall
With help from the community, countless hours from the Yelm High School Choir Boosters Committee and a tireless effort from YHS Choir Director Tim Henderson, more than 40 students experienced a …
State & Regional News
Critics of newly signed $78 billion Washington state operating budget predict dire fallout
The day after Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a two-year, $78 billion operating budget that amounts to the largest tax increase in state history, critics expressed disappointment and …
Stop Trump’s tariffs, Washington state leaders beg court
The past couple months have been a rollercoaster ride at the Port of Seattle. In response to President Donald Trump’s tariff whipsaw, international cargo imports spiked in March and April …
Columbia River salmon restoration hit hard by $1.5B cut to Army Corps of Engineers
The Trump administration has cut tens of millions of dollars from a key Columbia Basin salmon-restoration program run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a move experts say puts the treasured …
Critics of newly signed $78 billion Washington state operating budget predict dire fallout
The day after Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a two-year, $78 billion operating budget that amounts to the largest tax increase in state history, critics expressed disappointment and …
Stop Trump’s tariffs, Washington state leaders beg court
The past couple months have been a rollercoaster ride at the Port of Seattle. In response to President Donald Trump’s tariff whipsaw, international cargo imports spiked in March and April …
You can now take some roadkill home to eat in Southwest Washington
Good news for people who enjoy deer, elk and saving money: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will allow people to take home and eat deer killed in motor vehicle collisions in Clark, …
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signs parental ‘bill of rights’ rewrite
The parental “bill of rights” overhaul, one of the most divisive bills approved during this year’s Washington state legislative session, was signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on …
Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday signed into law a controversial policy requiring gun buyers to first pay for a new state permit.  Starting in two years, House Bill 1163 will require …
Report: Pacific Northwest states some of the worst for military retirees
The Pacific Northwest is home to the worst states for military retirees, with Washington state coming in No. 50 and Oregon ranking No. 51, according to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance …
Life
On Tuesday, Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad announced a new RailCycle route that is now open for reservations

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad continues with launch of new RailCycle route after devastating bridge fire

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is still reeling from the fire that destroyed its 28-span wooden trestle bridge between Mineral and Morton on April 30, but the railroad hasn’t lost any steam. …
A competitor rides a horse through the arena while shooting balloon targets during the South Sound Mounted Shooters Spring Fling at the T90 Ranch in Tenino on Friday, May 9.

In focus: South Sound Mounted Shooters ride through Spring Fling

The South Sound Mounted Shooters hosted its Spring Flong competition at the T90 Ranch in Tenino over the weekend.  “Mounted shooting embodies the spirit of the American Old West, …

King County incubator farm to expand to Lewis County, purchase Thurston County property

Songbird Haven Farm, a King County incubator farm, will expand to include the Chehalis Farmers Market in June and the Southwest Washington Food Hub for its seventh season of farming. Songbird …

South Sound Mounted Shooters spring fling returns to T90 Ranch this weekend

The South Sound Mounted Shooters’ spring fling mounted shooting competition is back for a three-day event at T90 Ranch in Tenino from Friday through Sunday. The event begins at 3 p.m. …
Kelsey Gins

Olympia Distilling Co. honors the late Kelsey Buchanan ahead of Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, Olympia Distilling Co. is honoring Kelsey Buchanan, a young wife and mother of three, and the guiding light behind Olympia Distilling Co.’s most personal creation: …

  • Nisqually Valley News Bites Ep. 4: Ashley Brooks and Jesse Kellems talk levy efforts
  • Nisqually Valley News Bites Ep. 3: Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto talks journey to office, upcoming projects
  • Nisqually Valley News Bites Ep. 2: Steve Harshfield talks Standing Room Only Theater
Business
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has announced the award of $14,000 in literacy grants to Washington nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are a part of a donation of …
Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson will be the keynote speaker for the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce’s 120th annual meeting on Wednesday, May 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the …
Rainier Storage Lockers has a new owner. The local facility was recently acquired by Storwell Storage and renamed under its national brand. The growing West Coast-based company owns three …
After 15 years serving the Yelm community, DC’s Treasures Thrift Store will open its second location just a short distance away in McKenna, next to Worthy Coffee Co. The reason for …
Four Yelm community members will spend their April Fool’s Day voluntarily getting new ink while blindfolded at Dancing Needles Tattoo. But their reason for doing so is no joke. Line …
Sports
Lily Peralta chips a shot at Tahoma Valley Golf Course on Thursday, May 1.

Rainier’s Peralta ties for second at state tournament

Rainier’s Lily Peralta finished tied for second at the 1B/2B Girls State Golf Championships in Liberty Lake, where she posted a two-day score of 166. Peralta entered Day 2 in third place …
Zander Peck earns a PR throw of 181 feet, 5 inches in the javelin at the Central 2B League Championships at Rainier High School on Friday, May 16.

Mountaineer girls win league championship

The Rainier girls track and field team finished first overall with a score of 184 points at the Central 2B League Championships on Friday, May 16, at Rainier High School. Adna finished second (125) …

Yelm athlete Mason Embrey reflects on historic powerlifting state championship victory

Mason Embrey capped off his high school athletic career in a massive way at the Washington State High School Powerlifting State Championships on Saturday, May 3, at Olympia High School. The …
Sophomore Riley Smith high-fives first base coach Courtney Walton on Friday, May 16 against the Kentridge Chargers..

Yelm softball team qualifies for 4A state tournament

After missing out on the WIAA’s 3A State Championship Fastpitch Tournament last year in Lacey, the Tornados redeemed themselves in a big way by qualifying for the WIAA’s 4A State …
Gracie Lantz celebrates her winning out against Forks at Fort Borst Park on Wednesday, May 14.

Mountaineers’ season comes to end against Toledo

The Rainier softball team lost its final two games of the season against Adna and Toledo on Thursday, May 15, at Fort Borst Park in Centralia. A win in either game would’ve secured their spot …
Yelm’s head coach Dakota Hill watches on as his team plays its first district playoff game in seven years on Tuesday, May 13.

‘Lots of belief. Lots of grit’: Yelm baseball team makes history with playoff victory over Auburn Riverside

Wyatt Robison, senior pitcher and outfielder for the Yelm Tornados, was a fifth grade student the last time Yelm High School’s baseball team made the playoffs in 2018. In his first ever playoff …

Mountaineers season ends to Ducks in district consolation bracket

The Rainier High School baseball team’s 2025 season came to a conclusion Tuesday afternoon, May 13, at the hands of the Toutle Lake Ducks 9-2 in the 2B District 4 consolation bracket. Toutle …

Tenino falls to King’s Way Christian in fifth-place game

One year after finishing third at the state tournament, the Tenino baseball team has missed the state tournament. The Beavers had their third and final chance to clinch a state spot on Saturday …

Toledo tops Rainier to advance to state tournament

Toledo’s Xtyn Norberg hits a pitch during a District 4 Tournament win over Rainier in Centralia on Thursday, May 15.

After letting a late lead slip away against Napavine during the morning slate on Thursday at Fort Borst Park, Toledo didn’t have much time to regroup. Just two hours later, the Riverhawks …

State hopes still alive for Riverhawks and Mountaineers, Loggers season ends

Toledo

The Toledo Riverhawks and Rainier Mountaineers are both one win away from returning to Yakima after losing in the 2B District 4 quarterfinals Wednesday at Fort Borst Park and bouncing back to win in …

Opinion

Commentary: Higher total taxes make Washington unaffordable

Too often, elected officials overlook the cumulative costs of regulations, taxes, and fees on taxpayers. However, those added costs come back to bite them hard when people pack up and move, …
Thurston District 4 Commissioner Wayne Fournier is sworn-in during a ceremony at The Atrium in Olympia on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Fournier: The yellow bicycle revolution — when public art meets politics

In politics, there are formal campaigns, and then there are revolutions made with spray paint, garage-sale bicycles and a little inspiration from the likes of Banksy and Sun Tzu. Before I was a …
Senator John Braun speaks during Cascade Community Healthcare’s 11th annual Legislative and Governmental Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Braun: When the government takes more, remember this: Democrats see paying taxes as a ‘privilege’

Editor’s note: This opinion piece was published prior to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s deadline for signing legislation approved during the session. Look for updates at yelmonline.com and in next …
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, stands in the wings of the Senate floor at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

John Braun: When the government takes more, remember this: Democrats see paying taxes as a ‘privilege’

The people of Washington are about to watch their new governor make what would seem to be the most important and revealing choice of his short time in office. No later than Tuesday, Gov. Bob …
Jaime Herrera Beutler

Herrera Beutler: Washington’s rent cap will backfire — Here’s what we should do instead

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and as bad as Washington’s housing market presently is, interventions by elected leaders in Olympia — including the rent control measure …
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of David Cook: 1957-2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David W. Cook on March 25, 2025, in Centralia, Washington. David was born to Laurence Cook and Lorraine (Tolliver) Cook on March 30, 1957, in Colville, …
In loving memory of Lester Reichel: 1931-2025
Lester Rice Reichel, 94 years old, passed away on April 9, 2025, while in the home of his daughter, Sherri Anderson. His other two daughters, Jenny and Linda, were present. Born Feb. 7, 1931, in …
In Loving Memory of Michael Brown: 1961-2025
Michael Brown lived his life for adventure. After traveling as a young boy with his dad cross-country to pick up a fire truck for the Yelm Fire Department, he fell in love with the road. After …
In Loving Memory of Lois & Larry Sickles: 1941-2025
In December 2024, Lois Ann Sickles preceded her beloved husband, Laren “Larry” James Sickles, who joined her in February 2025, as they crossed from this life to the next. Lois was born in 1941 …
In Loving Memory of Gary Vallandingham: 1943-2025
Gary Paul Vallandingham lived a wonderful life with his family and passed away on March 16, 2025. Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Vallandingham; daughters Kara Clary (Matthew Clary) and …
Community
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for May 22
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • Mount St. Helens erupted with a …
Community Calendar: Yelm Farmers Market, Roy Rodeo, Color Fun Run
Saturday, May 24 Yelm Farmers Market The Yelm Farmers Market will continue its series of weekly sales from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, near Yelm City Park at 206 McKenzie Ave. The event …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for May 15
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • A birthday party at Deschutes …
Community Calendar: City of Yelm Spring Cleanup, Roy Rodeo and Color Fun Run
Saturday, May 17 City of Yelm Spring Cleanup The City of Yelm’s spring cleanup event will return at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, as Yelm Public Works invites Yelm residents of the 98597 area …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for May 8
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • Valerie M. Thurston, 18, a Yelm …