2026 Best of Nisqually Valley
Local news
Yelm superintendent provides update on levy efforts, legislative priorities for school districts
Chris Woods, Yelm Community Schools (YCS) superintendent, provided an audience on Thursday, Sept. 24, with an update on Yelm’s levy campaign efforts and legislative priorities for school districts …
Four local organizations donate nearly $14,000 combined to Yelm Community Schools
The generosity of the greater Yelm region was once again on display during a Yelm Community Schools (YCS) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, as the board of directors unanimously …
Sunny day follows stormy night for live at Breakfast with the Beatles
The morning cheerful weather on Saturday, Sept. 25, was a welcome reprieve from the previous day’s storm which brought windy rain and power outages throughout the northwest. But a sunny Saturday …
Yelm City Council approves $120,000 stormwater planning agreement with Parametrix Inc.
Yelm City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Parametrix Inc. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, which authorized nearly $120,000 in grant-funded work to develop the city’s stormwater management …
City of Yelm finance director presents look ahead at preliminary 2027-28 biennial budget
During a Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, City of Yelm Finance Director Stephanie Nanavich led a presentation to the council, which provided an early look ahead at the preliminary …
Thurston County Medic One hosting town halls and listening sessions for Community Needs Assessment
Thurston County Medic One is hosting a series of public town hall meetings and targeted listening sessions over the next six weeks as part of its ongoing Community Needs Assessment. Identified …
Thurston County proposes use of rainy day fund and outside funding to reduce impacts of budget cuts for 2027
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Sept. 29, approved a tentative plan to cut $5.5 million from the 2027 budget, followed by $4.5 million from the 2028 budget and $4 million from …
Poster Contest draws hundreds of children to the 37th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival
A vibrant crowd of young nature enthusiasts and families flooded the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Sept. 26, for the 37th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival, …
Earthquake shakes parts of Thurston County
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake just south of Bremerton rattled homes in parts of Thurston County Tuesday afternoon.  The seismic event started at 2:05 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, nearly 12 miles …
“Jesus loves ‘em”: Man with cross offers a simple message
Wind ripped through the air picking up any ungrounded objects in its path as a storm hit Lewis County on Friday, but Durrell Bell stayed anchored to the ground from the weight of the nearly 6-foot-5 …
Candidates highlight policies at Thurston Chronicle forum
Thurston County will undergo tremendous leadership changes this coming year, as the longtime elected heads of four county departments decided to open the door to newcomers rather than run for …
One injured, business and vehicles damaged in downtown Olympia shooting
The Olympia Police Department (OPD) is investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of 4th Avenue and Franklin Street the night of Friday, Sept. 25. An OPD officer heard multiple gunshots …
State & Regional News
Wolves in SE Washington pack to be killed ‘incrementally’ by state officials after livestock attacks
The director of the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife this week authorized the “incremental” killing of wolves in southeastern Washington with a goal to stop attacks on livestock.  …
Legislative staff in Washington state Senate reject new contract
The union representing staff of Democratic state senators in Washington has overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract, citing its lack of adequate protections for workers facing termination. …
Washington's EV efforts continue to face logistical challenges
Washington state's plans to electrify private and public transportation sectors and spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on charging infrastructure are still facing numerous logistical and …
Here’s how Oregonians want the state to address its transportation budget crisis
Oregonians ranked maintaining and preserving highways and bridges and improving safety as the top priorities they think the Oregon Department of Transportation should focus on as it looks to resolve …
Oregon Republicans revisit cap and invest proposal seven years after they walked out over it
Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Oregon have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss the potential to collaborate on a climate policy that just seven years ago drove them apart, and drove some …
Some Idaho officials say proposed nuclear waste shipments could threaten Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer
Accepting a deal with the U.S. Department of Energy to bring a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus to Idaho could force the state to accept more than 30,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel and …
Washington state lawmaker to resign 3 days before the election
In a surprise announcement, Republican state Rep. Skyler Rude of Walla Walla, said Tuesday that he will resign from office days before the election to start a new job with Democratic Secretary of …
Gov. Ferguson launches council to boost Washington commercial space industry
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson hopes the state’s space entrepreneurs can pilot their industry to infinity and beyond. To that end, Ferguson signed an executive order Monday night launching the …
New federal law puts an end to the hemp industry, Oregon businesses say
Pet tinctures and topicals are the most popular products sold at Oregon CBD Company, a small business located at the junction of the Willamette Valley town’s busiest roads. Pet owners use them to …
Life

Schmidt House History Talk to cover Lincoln, the Civil War and the Pacific Northwest

History Talks continue at the Schmidt House in Tumwater, with the next one set to be held at noon Thursday, Oct. 1. It is titled “Lincoln, Civil War and the Pacific Northwest,” and invites …
Copies of Works in Progress' September 2026 issue sit in a stack at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia on Friday, Sept. 9, 2026. The issue marked the paper's return to print after a several-year hiatus.

Longtime alternative community newspaper returns to print

Olympia’s longtime independent, volunteer-run news outlet is returning to print.     Works in Progress relaunched its print edition Friday, Sept. 9, after a three-year hiatus from …
Spooner Berry Farm co-owner Sue Spooner speaks at an Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to advocate against moving the berry farm's current stand on Yelm Highway. The City of Olympia is not renewing Spooner's contract to lease a portion of Jolene Unsoeld Community Park after it expires Oct. 1, as park construction is scheduled to begin later this fall.

Beloved Thurston County berry stand’s future uncertain as city of Olympia begins construction on community park

With construction of Jolene Unsoeld Community Park set to begin this fall, the Olympia community is raising concerns about what the development means to a longstanding berry stand on the property. …

Timberland Regional Library schedules levy lid lift information sessions ahead of Nov. 3 election

Timberland Regional Library will host drop-in information sessions about the upcoming levy lid lift throughout its five-county service area in September and October. Community members are …

Washington POW/MIA recognition event set for Sept. 18 on Olympia

The public is invited to the POW/MIA Monument on the Washington state Capitol Campus in Olympia at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 for the annual POW/MIA Recognition Event. The event is aimed at “honoring …

  • 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
Business
Talent turnover is accelerating, technology is reshaping roles, and the gap between what workers expect and what employers are offering is widening. These challenges, and the opportunities they …
TransAlta Centralia is expected to begin operations generating power through burning natural gas by 2028 and cease all burning of fossil fuels by a state deadline of 2044. The Washington state …
Providence St. Peter Hospital’s heart care program recently enhanced its outpatient cardiology services as well as hospital-based interventional, electrophysiology, structural heart, cardiothoracic …
Julie Parker, assistant general manager of Thurston Public Utility District (PUD), has been named a 2026 CFO of the Year honoree by Puget Sound Business Journal, an honor given to local leaders who …
Seven projects in five mostly rural counties, including Thurston County and one tribal community, will receive a total of $13,804,000 to help build, repair and upgrade systems that capture methane …
Sports

Rainier rocks Rochester on Allyson Ooms’ 18th birthday

Rainier's Allyson Ooms serves the ball against Rochester at Rochester High School on Monday, Sept. 28.
ROCHESTER — The week leading up to Allyson Ooms’ 18th birthday was quite strange. Her Rainier Mountaineers played three non-league games — all wins in straight sets — and only practiced …

Yelm, North Thurston cross country teams shine at Nike Portland XC

The Yelm and North Thurston high school cross country teams set the Blue Lake Regional Park course ablaze at the Nike Portland XC meet Saturday. Yelm senior Marcos Andujar now holds the …
Olympia's Ibrahima Diallo (5) stiff arms Yelm's Noah Brewer (31) during a game at Yelm High School on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Ibrahima Diallo breaks Olympia single-game rushing record in rout of Yelm

It has already been quite the impressive season for Olympia senior running Ibrahima Diallo, but the star speedster added a broken record to his resumé. Diallo set the school record for rushing …
Rochester's Maddox Rodgers runs the ball against Rainier during a non-league game on Friday, Sept. 25 at Rochester High School.

Prep football: Rochester runs wild to first 4-0 start this century

ROCHESTER — All it takes is four words by Maddox Rodgers to his coaching staff on the Rochester High School football team’s sideline. It’s a calm tone, but one with certainty of the end …

Mustoe’s hat trick lifts Tenino to league-opening victory

Rayanna Mustoe buried not one, not two, but all three goals for the Beavers en route to them defeating arch rival Rochester 3-0 on Thursday night at home to begin 1A Evergreen League play. In …

Rainier upends Montesano, extends winning streak to four

It’s becoming quite the theme for the Mountaineers over the last week to win and sweep their opposition, the latest a 25-11, 25-20, 25-15 triumph over Montesano on Thursday night at home. …

Toledo girls clip Rainier in league meet team race

In a potential changing of the guard atop the C2BL and District 4, the Riverhawks squeaked by the Mountaineers 29-31 to claim a league meet team title on their home course on Thursday afternoon. …

YCS provides update on investigation of YHS head football coach

Yelm High School head football coach walks on the field before practice on Monday, Aug. 24. He was placed on administrative leave a week later on Monday, Aug. 31, due to an “isolated incident.”

During a Yelm Community Schools Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, YCS Superintendent Chris Woods provided an update on the investigation of Yelm High School’s head football coach, …

Yelm clashes with Bethel but comes up short in sweep

Yelm

YELM — Six games into the 2026 season, Yelm first-year head volleyball coach Bailey Whalen knows her team is better than the standings show. The completed schedule at the end of the season …

Yelm swept by Emerald Ridge in SPSL opener

The Yelm volleyball team received what head coach Bailey Whalen described as a “wake-up call” about the caliber of the 4A South Puget Sound League Monday night. Yelm opened its league …

Opinion
A librarian helps a guest at the Timberland Regional Library in Tenino.

Opinion: Support our rural libraries by voting for Timberland levy lid lift

As former trustees for Timberland Regional Library (TRL), we urge voters to approve TRL’s levy lid lift measure that is on this fall’s ballot. The Timberland district covers five counties …
Let’s Go Washington supporters hold a sign with the total number of signatures received for a petition, 511,408, outside the Washington Secretary of State’s office building in Tumwater on Thursday, July 2.

Opinion: Washington’s I-645 — repealing the new 9.9% income tax 

This November, Washington voters will decide whether to enact I-645. This proposal would repeal a new 9.9% income tax , with a current statutory exemption of one million dollars, that is scheduled to …
Wildland crews implement firing operations to remove unburned vegetation between a fire’s edge and containment lines on the 2026 Three Queens Fire in Washington.

Commentary: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Washington show key strategies for effective wildfire funding

Wildfire is no longer a seasonal surprise across the Mountain West. It is a recurring fiscal challenge that threatens communities, public lands, infrastructure, air quality, and state budgets. …

Opinion: Taxpayer money for government employee compensation demands real transparency

Multiple Washington school districts recently reached tentative bargaining agreements, and an October 1 deadline looms for unionized state government employees to submit ratified contracts in time …
The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Opinion: Washington has an income tax — why won’t the media call it one?

There seem to be two words that have suddenly become difficult to print in Washington state: income tax. Sure, you can find the phrase easily on the state’s own website. In fact, the …
Obituaries
In loving memory of Garry James Brown: 1952-2026
Garry James Brown, D.O., born Sept. 22, 1952, in Olympia, Washington, passed away Sept. 19, 2026, at the age of 73 in Olympia after living with pancreatic cancer for two years. Garry lived a …
In Loving Memory of Robert Pape: 1939 - 2025
Robert A. Pape was born Oct. 11, 1939, and passed away Dec. 17, 2025. A celebration of life will be held Sept. 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The service will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral …
In Loving Memory of Steven Demich: 1957 - 2026
Though he will be deeply missed, Steve’s spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched over the years. “A smile costs nothing, but gives so much.” Those who knew Steve know that he …
In loving memory of David Edwards: 1950 - 2025
Celebration of Life  David Edwards 11/9/1950 - 12/25/2025 Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 5 p.m. Yelm Moose Lodge
In loving memory of Mariel Lindblad: 1939-2026
Mariel Louise Lindblad (Price), 86, of Yelm, Washington, passed away on March 13, 2026. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Mariel spent most of her life in Humboldt County, California, before moving …
Community
Community Calendar for Dec. 18: Worthy Coffee Co. Santa photos, Souper Sunday at Yelm Lions Club, YARD’s ‘Level Up Lounge’ grand opening
Friday, Dec. 19 Yelm boys basketball hosts Puyallup Yelm High School’s boys basketball team will host the 4A SPSL’s Puyallup High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, inside the YHS gymnasium. …
Community Calendar for Dec. 4: Free pictures with Santa, Christmas in the Park activities, 14th annual Yelm Lions Christmas Store, Santa Story and Ice Cream Social
Friday, Dec. 5 Free pictures with Santa The City of Yelm’s parks and recreation department will host free pictures with Santa from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Yelm Community …
Community Calendar for November 27: Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony, Free pictures with Santa
Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday Nov. 30 Tenino Holiday Market The 2025 Tenino Holiday Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, at The Kodiak …
Community Calendar for November 20: Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar, Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 22 Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar Prestige Senior Living Rosemont, located 215 Killion Rd NW, will host its Christmas Bazaar event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on …
Community Calendar for November 13: Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar, Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony, Free pictures with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 22 Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar Prestige Senior Living Rosemont, located 215 Killion Rd NW, will host its Christmas Bazaar event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on …