Local news
Suspect at large after shooting in Yelm leaves two with gunshot wounds 
Two gunshot wound victims are in stable condition after a shooting in the Sea Mar Community Health Center parking lot in the late evening hours of Thursday, Feb. 6, in Yelm.  One of the …
Washington state Senate votes to officially adopt century-old nickname the “Evergreen State”
The Washington state Senate on Thursday, Feb. 6, passed a bill 49-0 that, if signed into law, would officially deem Washington the “Evergreen State.” This marks the third year in a …
WDFW accepting public comment on new hunting rules and regulations, feeding ban
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Friday the opening of a public comment period on new rules and regulations proposed for the upcoming hunting season as part of its …
Thurston County Solid Waste looks to offer book donation bins
Thurston County is working to reduce landfill waste by offering book donation bins through public-private partnerships. The bins, placed at county solid waste facilities, provide a simple way …
Homeless housing survey now open for Thurston County residents
The Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention is conducting a community survey as part of the public engagement process for developing Thurston County’s Local Homeless Housing …
Washington state Senate Democrats approve changes to parents’ ‘bill of rights’
Washington Senate Democrats on Wednesday approved changes to an initiative passed last year that establishes a parental “bill of rights” for families with children in the state’s …
Republican state lawmaker urges public hearing for bill to allocate surplus Climate Commitment Act funds for critical road projects
Washington state Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is urging for a public hearing to be held on House Bill 1324, which would direct excess Climate Commitment Act (CCA) revenue toward road projects. …
Thurston County commissioners grappling with potential federal funding freeze
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) spent much of their Tuesday, Jan. 28, agenda-setting meeting devising an action plan in case President Donald Trump’s federal funding …
Clams on the Super Bowl menu? WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Feb. 8
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers on Tuesday confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Saturday, Feb. 8. “This upcoming tide series …
Thurston County auditor talks Pierce County’s handling of upcoming Yelm Community Schools levy measure
Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall made a virtual appearance during the Tuesday, Jan. 28, Yelm City Council meeting to discuss the upcoming Yelm Community Schools levy measure and why Pierce County is …
Lacey’s Regional Athletic Complex working to upgrade park in 2027
Since the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey has been open, it has welcomed many teams of all age groups and skill levels from within the Nisqually Valley and across Washington state to compete …
Nisqually Markets receives international acclaim as top 1% of Shell locations
Nisqually Markets recently announced that three of its four Shell locations — Camas Plaza on the Nisqually Reservation and the fuel retailer’s Lakewood and Frederickson locations — …
State & Regional News
Sen. Maria Cantwell joins 18 others in call for hearing on Elon Musk’s access to U.S. Treasury information
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, and a group of fellow senators published a letter Wednesday demanding immediate hearings to discuss reports of the newly created Department of Government …
Washington state legislators, members of the public debate new education choice scholarships bill
More than 2,600 people signed on to support a school choice bill that received a public hearing Thursday in Olympia. House Bill 1140 , sponsored by Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, would create …
Bill to remove medical debt from credit scores in Washington state moves forward
State lawmakers are forwarding a bill that would change how medical debt impacts Washingtonians' credit scores. Senate Bill 5480 doesn’t erase medical debt completely but “Declares a …
Trump administration tells states billions in EV charger money is on hold
The Trump administration on Thursday told states it was blocking money for electric vehicle chargers, including $71 million for Washington, one of the latest steps by the White House to halt …
Why a Washington state lawmaker wants to collect data on cow farts and burps
The latest beef in Olympia? Cow burps, farts, and poops. Washington lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to gather better data on the scale and scope of methane emissions released by dairies …
Washington state could require bars to carry spiked drink drug tests
They’re not old enough yet to drink in bars, but a group of Washington students wants to make nightlife in the state safer.  A bill in the state Legislature requested by Lake …
Seattle judge is second to indefinitely block Trump’s birthright citizenship order
A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday indefinitely blocked President Donald Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal immigration …
Black Washington state lawmakers at odds with Gov. Ferguson over $100M police hiring plan
Washington’s new Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson has vowed to veto any state budget bill that does not include $100 million for hiring more cops. The idea doesn’t sit well with Black …
Washington leaders offer more detail on federal funding blocked by Trump
The status of more than $50 million in federal grants to Washington’s Department of Ecology remained in doubt late Tuesday, halting projects on water quality, shoreline restoration and toxic …
Life
Yelm City Councilor Joshua Crossman was elected to his position on the council in 2021.

Yelm’s Josh Crossman talks balance between owning a business and serving as city councilor

Owning and operating a business and serving the community on Yelm City Council is not always “roses and rainbows.”  Just ask Joshua Crossman, who has run PTL Flooring in the …
Yelm senior linebacker Ethan Owens stands with his family at halftime of the Cleats vs. Cancer All-Star game on Monday, Jan. 20, after he was awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Yelm’s All SPSL linebacker competes in 'Cleats vs. Cancer' All-Star game

High school football players often yearn for one final opportunity to compete on the gridiron after completing their senior seasons, but when senior Ethan Owens represented Yelm in his high school …

Comedy fundraiser to support Rainier, Tenino boys basketball teams

The first event ever hosted at the brand new Stone City Event Center in Tenino will be a comedy show fundraiser supporting the Rainier and Tenino high school boys basketball teams Friday, Jan. 24. …
Braden Castleberry-Taylor celebrates after scoring a run during the semifinal round of the Prairie Days Charity Mushball Tournament at Longmire Park on June 23.

City Parks and Recreation Department to present jam-packed year of activities in 2025

After the City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department hosted nearly 100 events in 2024, it plans to stay on track in 2025 with plenty of inclusive and family-friendly events throughout the …
Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards talks about concerns in south Thurston County with Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez during a meeting at the Sandstone Distillery in Tenino in 2023.

Retired Thurston County commissioner reflects on 37 years of service

Gary Edwards knew in the spring of 2024 that he would retire from serving Thurston County as one of its five commissioners at the end of the year. He concluded his second term at 9 p.m. on New …

  • 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
When brothers Tim and Kai Fyrst set out to create their own construction business in 2005 after years of working for multiple contractors, they wanted to create a company for which they would want to …
William Flerry recalls being a kid who loved to play the latest video games with his family at his cousin’s house, including “Super Mario Bros” and “Street Fighter.” …
People who have driven by Yelm’s Long Shot since Halloween of last year might have smelled the aroma of barbecued foods wafting through the air. The source of that scent is none other than …
South Thurston County residents now have a new option for their fitness needs as Get Fit Yelm has expanded into a second location in Tenino. Get Fit Tenino officially opened Jan. 1 for a soft …
Aspiring Equestrian Center in Rainier is the culmination of two of Cheryl Cottine’s biggest passions: horses and teaching. The new equestrian center, located at 12440 Koeppen Road SE, …
Sports

Yelm lineman signs with Central Washington University

Chris Hauss poses for a photo while on his official visit to Central Washington University.
Former Yelm High School lineman Chris Hauss will take his talents down Interstate 90 to play for the Central Washington University (CWU) Wildcats in Ellensburg. Hauss, who played along the …

Yelm High School girls wrestling heating up for postseason run

Yelm High School’s girls wrestling team is heating up for its 2025 postseason run, which will begin on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, in the South Puget Sound League championship …
Bryn Beckman shoots a 3-pointer from the wing against Winlock on Jan. 21.

Rainier hooper conquers torn meniscus to return for final postseason push

Rainier High School senior guard Bryn Beckman made a move she had made a million times before on the basketball court during an AAU tournament in California in July. ‘ But the million and …
From left: Brooklynn Swenson, Angelica Askey and Bryn Beckman pose for a photo after surpassing 1,000 career points in a senior-night victory over Mossyrock on Feb. 1.

‘A bond beyond basketball’: Mountaineers celebrate seniors, thump Vikings 62-35

In a season where the Rainier High School girls basketball team has been hyper-fixated on finishing its unfinished business, the Mountaineers took a quick moment to relish in their accomplishments on …
Rainier's Josh Meldrum goes up for a layup against Winlock on Jan. 31.

Shorthanded Mountaineers blow out Cardinals 70-32 on senior night

While three of the four seniors on the Rainier High School boys basketball team are triplets, the quartet has built a brotherhood over their five years playing basketball together. So when Jake …
Rainier's Dorien Cano grapples with Tenino's Koy Knox on Jan. 29.

Cruse’s near fall breaks tie for Mountaineer girls, boys dominate in dual with Beavers

A clutch nearfall by Rainier High School wrestler Ryleigh Cruse against Tenino’s Emma Chance simultaneously clinched the tying and tie-breaking points for the Mountaineers on a criteria that …
Rainier's Brooklynn Swenson blocks Napavine's Hannah Fay on Jan. 28.

Hungry Mountaineers get revenge on Tigers in 51-32 statement win

The senior quartet of Janess Blackburn, Brooklynn Swenson, Bryn Beckman and Angelica Askey for the Rainier High School girls basketball team don’t need much motivation before stepping on the …

Yelm High School cheer secures fourth, seventh at state competitions

Yelm High School’s cheerleading team attempts a stunt at the 4A State Cheer competition, which took place Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25, at Battle Ground High School.

Yelm High School’s cheerleading team capped off its inaugural 4A season on a high note, as the team finished in fourth place in the 4A traditional event and seventh place with its gameday group …

From Toledo to turnbuckles: Lewis County’s Brian Cook to wrestle for NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Brian Cook wrestles as “Evil Brian” against Drake Kwon in Portland.

When Brian Cook was a middle school student in Toledo, he already knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. His dream wasn’t much different than a lot of children his age: He wanted to …

Local youth athlete wins D1 Nation All-American Bowl with Team Washington

11-year-old Yelm resident Isaiah Pua recently competed in the D1 Nation All-American Bowl in Arizona.

Yelm Middle School student Isaiah Pua, 11, made the most of his trip to Arizona for the D1 Nation All-American Bowl last week, as his team, Team Washington, won the 11-U championship.  …

Opinion
Sen. John Braun in Olympia on Friday, Feb. 15, 2024.

John Braun: Legislators have unique opportunity to help prepare for the ‘silver tsunami’

Between 2010 and 2023, the 65-and-older population in Washington increased by more than 40%. In 18 of our 39 counties, at least 25% of the population was at least 65 when the 2020 census was taken; …

Commentary: Two different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting introduced

Lawmakers in Washington state and Wyoming are taking two radically different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Washington policymakers are considering House Bill 1448 to allow local RCV, …

Commentary: Massive tax increase proposed for single-payer health care in Washington state

Here we go again. Some lawmakers in Washington state will just not give up on their quest for a state-run single-payer health care system. Their latest attempt is Senate Bill 5233, …

Stop the cycle of overspending — show voters the results

Shortly after being elected, Gov. Bob Ferguson convened a diverse transition team to advise him on priorities like health care, education, infrastructure investment, and more. Among the many …
Senator John Braun speaks during Cascade Community Healthcare’s 11th annual Legislative and Governmental Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Shorten prison sentences to reduce state spending? No thanks, Democrats

A question regarding a bill introduced by a group of Democratic state senators early in this legislative session: What price do you put on public safety? For a fourth straight year, Republicans …
Obituaries
 In loving memory of Willis "Babe" Herness  and a life well lived: 1922-2025
Willis Earl “Babe” Herness was born at Tacoma General Hospital on Nov. 26, 1922, before Yelm was a town, and the road between McKenna and Tacoma was gravel.  He was raised in …
In loving memory of Dixie Jean Wallin Eisenmann: 1936-2024
Dixie Jean Wallin Eisenmann went to be with her Lord on Oct. 21, 2024. Dixie was born in Yelm, Washington, on March 9, 1936, to Ida and Arthur Wallin. She graduated from Yelm High School in 1954 and …
Death Notice
Lois Ann Sickles, 83, of Yelm, died Dec. 31, 2024. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington-Tumwater, 360-753-1065.
In loving memory of Phil Leonard Longmire Sr.: Sept. 25, 1948 - Dec. 19, 2024
Phil Leonard Longmire was born Sept. 25, 1948, and died Dec. 19, 2024. Phil is survived by his wife, Patty; his sister, Joyce Butlin; brother, Dan Longmire; his three children, Lisa Conway, Phil …
In loving memory of Mary Elizabeth Leche DeLong: Jan. 27, 1956 - Dec. 16, 2024
Mary DeLong, 68, a dearly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, died in Olympia, Washington, on Dec. 16, 2024. She was born on Jan. 27, 1956, to the Rev. Edward Douglas Leche …
Community
Nisqually Valley News Person of the Year: Stephanie Kangiser
When Stephanie Kangiser first moved to Yelm from Tacoma in 2002, she thought it was a place she would never work in that was in the middle of nowhere. About 23 years later, she now wears a …
Strickland launches annual Valentines for Veterans and First Responders drive
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s annual Valentines for Veterans and First Responders drive is returning with a new addition. Valentines will be distributed to veterans and first …
Local farm to host open house educational event
Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm will host an open house educational event, Climb Your Own Personal Everest, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. The event will feature Mitch and …
A new year at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Photos by Ridley Hudson/For The Nisqually Valley News
YHS seniors honored by U.S. Presidential Scholar nominations
Yelm High School seniors Taliah Boyd, Alex Hurd and Taylor Curzon are no strangers to academic achievement. But when they received word last month that they were going to be nominated for the …