Local news
County residents celebrate Juneteenth at Rebecca Howard Park
On Saturday, June 21, the Women of Color in Leadership Movement and Media Island International hosted Olympia’s fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration at Rebecca Howard Park. The City of Olympia …
Yelm City Council approves collective bargaining agreement with Yelm Police Sergeants and Officers Guild
During a Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 10, the Yelm Police Sergeants and Officers Guild received an answer on the changes requested in its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as …
Majority of Yelm budget ahead of original estimates
Yelm Finance Director Stephanie Nanavich presented some encouraging news to the Yelm City Council during its Tuesday, June 10, meeting, as she highlighted numerous city fund balances set to be …
Thurston County extends recruitment incentives program for sheriff’s office after successful start
After a successful start to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office’s (TCSO) pilot recruitment incentive program, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to extend the …
Thurston County recognizes winners of second annual art contest
Thurston County announced and recognized the winners of its second annual art contest during its Tuesday board meeting. Winning artwork for the contest, which was themed “Homegrown and …
Yelm and 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band to host ‘Brass on the Grass’ concert
The City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department is aiming to extend this year’s Independence Day celebrations through Sunday, July 6, as the city is set to partner with the 133rd …
Yelm City Council unanimously approves transportation plan, updates facilities charge
The Yelm City Council gave the community a glimpse into the future of local transportation and infrastructure projects as it unanimously approved a six-year transportation improvement plan (STIP) …
Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland talks PNW roots, historic three-year run
Since Swerve Strickland signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and made his debut at AEW Revolution, a pay-per-view on March 6, 2022, he’s quickly climbed the ranks of the promotion and become …
Washington state updates student discipline rules for public schools
New discipline guidelines for public school students will go into effect across Washington state next month. While educators say the changes are necessary to address disruptive post-pandemic …
Man survives fall into Ohanapecosh River at Mount Rainier National Park
A Texas man was rescued after falling into the Ohanapecosh River at Mount Rainier National Park near Packwood on Monday, June 9, and transported to Arbor Health Morton Hospital, park officials …
Thurston County Auditor’s Office wins five national awards for public service projects
The Thurston County Auditor’s Office won five Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for standout programs that improved election security, expanded access to …
Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with China
A former U.S. Army sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Western Washington pleaded guilty June 18 in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced …
State & Regional News
Yelm City Council approves Prairie Line Trail construction contract, amends management agreement
In efforts to expand Yelm’s Prairie Line Trail over the Nisqually River, the Yelm City Council has unanimously approved a contract with Boss Construction. The contract between the City of Yelm …
How Washington state’s congressional delegation reacted to the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites
Washington’s congressional delegation was divided along party lines in reacting to President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend.  …
Feds seek to block Washington state law requiring clergy to report child abuse
The Trump Administration moved Monday to join a legal fight to overturn a new Washington law requiring religious leaders to report child abuse or neglect even when it is disclosed in confession. …
Washington state agency that oversees Medicaid will get a new director
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has found a new leader for the Health Care Authority , which administers Medicaid for nearly 2 million people and is the largest purchaser of health care in the state. …
Washington state veterans counselor pushes for more support in aftermath of Decker murders
Amid the backdrop of an Army veteran charged with murdering his three young daughters, Heather Hill – a psychotherapist and owner of Central Washington Veterans Counseling in Wenatchee, Wash. …
Supreme Court upholding Tennessee's ban on transgender care for minors won't directly impact Washington state
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wednesday ruling upholding Tennessee’s law banning minors from receiving transgender medical treatments will not directly affect Washington’s laws because …
Seattle police investigating attack on journalist during Antifa protests
Seattle Police are investigating an attack on an independent conservative journalist last weekend during anti-Trump and anti-ICE rallies in Seattle. Cam Higby says he was assaulted by Antifa …
For a second time, FEMA rejects Washington state’s request for bomb cyclone disaster aid
Washington won’t receive federal aid to cover tens of millions of dollars in damage to public property caused by last fall’s bomb cyclone. The Trump administration denied the …
Washington state looks to strengthen safety net for children whose parents are deported
Detained immigrant parents worried who will pick their children up from school. Mothers who’ve been deported with infants while their older kids are left behind in the U.S. These are among …
Life
Swerve Strickland is one of eight total AEW wrestlers included on a promotional poster for tapings of Collision and Dynamite in Kent.

Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland talks PNW roots, historic three-year run 

Since Swerve Strickland signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and made his debut at AEW Revolution, a pay-per-view on March 6, 2022, he’s quickly climbed the ranks of the promotion and become …
Mark Schult's scratchboard water color piece "Twilight at the Liberty Theater" is displayed at The Atrium on Tuesday, June 17.

Thurston County recognizes winners of second annual art contest

Thurston County announced and recognized the winners of its second annual art contest during its Tuesday board meeting. Winning artwork for the contest, which was themed “Homegrown and …
Keith Phillips of the Tenino Stone Carvers works on a piece at the Tenino Stone City Arts Festival on Saturday, June 14.

In focus: Local culture on display at Tenino Stone City Arts Festival

Families cool off at the newly reopened Tenino Quarry Pool during Tenino Family Fun Day held at Tenino City Park on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Tenino Quarry Pool set to open for summer season Saturday

City of Tenino staff are preparing to open the Tenino Quarry Pool for the summer season this Saturday, June 21, from noon to 6 p.m., coinciding with the Tenino Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., …
Valedictorian Bryn Beckman presents a speech during Rainier High School's Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Friday, June 6.

In focus: Rainier High School seniors celebrate graduation

  • 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
About 10 years ago, Wayne Fournier, Michael Cade and Aslan Meade had nothing but a napkin and a dream. The trio met at the Sandstone Cafe & Quarry Bar in Tenino and discussed the future of …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
Sports

Tornados test their spring progress at Pacific Lutheran University

Yelm quarterback Owen Sletten throws a pass during a spring scrimmage against Mount Tahoma at Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday, June 19.
Just days after announcing Rex Norris as head football coach, the Yelm High School Tornados traveled up the road to Pacific Lutheran University to conclude spring practices with a jamboree showcase …

Tenino student grows as athlete, teammate and leader in Nyastrong Warriors Academy

Incoming Tenino Elementary School fifth grader Kora Hadaller has played a big part in the Nyastrong Warriors Academy’s (NWA) success as a youth basketball team. The NWA program aims to honor …
Rex Norris

YCS selects Rex Norris as Tornados head football coach

Yelm High School has chosen its next football coach, the Nisqually Valley News has confirmed. Rex Norris, who served as head coach for the Eatonville Cruisers the past two seasons, will take over a …
A Yelm defensive back awaits the next play during spring football practice at Yelm High School on Thursday, June 5.

Yelm football begins spring practice without head coach

For the first time in over a decade, the Yelm High School football team started its spring practices without the guidance of head coach Jason Ronquillo. Worse, they started without a head coach, …

Three Yelm athletes sign to continue sports at collegiate level

Three Yelm High School seniors who excel in two different sports celebrated together on Friday, June 6, inside YHS as they each signed to their respective programs to continue athletics at the …
Yelm High School's athletic trainer, Brittany Babkirk (second from the left), poses with the WIAA's 3A football state championship trophy after Yelm defeated Eastside Catholic in 2022 to become 3A state champions.

Yelm High School’s athletic trainer reflects on five-year tenure working with athletes

Brittany Babkirk has been an unsung hero of Yelm High School athletics for five years. Beginning her role as athletic trainer during the 2020-21 school year — when COVID-19 brought the world to …

Six Tornados named to 2025 All-League SPSL Fastpitch team

Following an emotional run in the 2025 District 3/4 4A Softball Tournament — where Yelm, an 11 seed, played the role of underdogs twice and defeated six-seeded Kentridge and three-seeded Rogers …

Eight Yelm baseball players named to All-SPSL team

Designated hitter Barrett Schnetz was one of three Tornados selected to the first team All-SPSL in 2025.

After Yelm High School’s baseball team concluded the 2025 season with a 12-11 record, which included the program’s first return to the postseason since the 2018 season, eight Tornados …

Two Thurston County teens qualify to compete at world’s largest junior high rodeo

Most teenagers would leap at the opportunity to compete on the largest junior high rodeo stage possible. Brooklynn Bell and Jace Harris aren’t most teenagers. Bell, 14, of Rainier, …

Rainier athletes take state titles

Rainier’s Janess Blackburn competes in the 2B girls discus during day 2 of the state track and field championships at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima on Friday, May 30.

The queen of the Class 2B girls discus had four contenders to wear the crown. And all were from the Central 2B League. Onalaska’s Kiley Talley, Rainier’s Janess Blackburn and the Adna duo …

Opinion
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks with other senators  during the legislative session at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

Braun: Violence is violence, no matter who commits it or why

Leaders of our state’s Democratic and Republican legislative caucuses responded to the June 14 shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers with a joint statement condemning what had happened. In …
Julie McDonald

McDonald: Learning from librarians at a Pacific Northwest conference

If you have a Timberland Regional Library card, you can obtain a card for libraries in King County, Pierce County or even Fort Vancouver Regional Library, expanding your access to even larger …

Commentary: President Trump shows strong support for Snake River dams

With the stroke of a pen, the future of the Snake River dams in southeastern Washington state is looking better. President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on June 12 repealing a secretly …
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: Violence is violence, no matter who commits it or why

Leaders of our state’s Democratic and Republican legislative caucuses responded to the June 14 shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers with a joint statement condemning what had happened. …
Don C. Brunell

Commentary: The problems facing our higher education institutions go beyond the headlines about Harvard

Although President Donald Trump and Harvard's recent spats make headlines, key issues in question affect all higher education. Harvard, our nation's first college (1636), is a center of current …
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Joseph Agosto: 1963-2025
Joseph Vincent Agosto II, born on January 14, 1963, in Spanaway, Washington, departed this world on May 12, 2025, in Rainier, Washington. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, …
In Loving Memory of Ed Rhodes
Edward “Ed” Harry Rhodes was born in Seattle Washington, to Dale and Edna Rhodes. He was the eldest of two children.     Ed was predeceased by his son Wes …
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 …
Community
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for June 26
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 • Valley Trading Post, located on …
Community Calendar: Civic City Pride, Jazz in the Park, Color Fun Run
Friday, June 27-29 Capital City Pride Celebrate love in all forms at the three-day Capital City Pride festival in Olympia featuring live performances, visual art, music, and over 100 booths. The …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for June 19
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 • The Yelm Fire Department received …
Community Calendar: LoveOly SummerFest 2025, Yelm Farmers Market, Oregon Trail Days
Friday, June 20-22 LoveOly SummerFest 2025 The annual free street festival hosted by the Olympia Downtown Alliance includes live music, performances, activities for kids, local vendors, a Biergarten …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for June 12
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 • The Yelm High School track team …