Though Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any …

Firefighters and public lands managers are urging Washington residents to use extra caution when setting off fireworks this Fourth of July due to dry conditions.  “We’ve already …

Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier, who is also a full-time firefighter in Grays Harbor County, found himself in the right place at the right time to assist victims of a crash in Centralia …

Local baker Grace Robinson needed something to do. The Michigan native was living at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2019 with her husband and firstborn when she got the idea to start making sugar …

Last month, the Rainier School District celebrated the retirements of Chris Rearden and Sue White after their combined 54 years of service to the district. Rearden, a special education teacher at the …

Attention military members and overseas voters: The Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division recently mailed over 8,000 primary election ballots for county districts that have a primary. To …

The cost to get hitched in Thurston County is about to go up. On July 27, a newly approved $100 state surcharge will go into effect for all marriage licenses in the county, increasing the total cost …

In what has become a budding tradition, Prestige Senior Living Rosemont held its third annual prom for senior residents on Saturday, June 21. Dubbed “A Night to Remember,” this …

During a Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 24, Jeanie James, volunteer executive director at Yelm Senior Center, took to the podium for a special presentation and to thank the City of Yelm …

The second annual color run, hosted by Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YARD), was a massive success for the local athletic organization as 118 runners hit the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trail on …

With the appointment of David Johnstone to the Yelm City Council last month, Mayor Joe DePinto has officially filled Johnstone’s vacancy on the Yelm Planning Commission as city councilors …

Farmers market season just started, but older adults in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties have already claimed every available benefit card for Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging’s …

Two Democratic state lawmakers are set to clash in 2026 in one of the party’s strongholds in western Washington. State Rep. Cindy Ryu has launched a campaign to unseat Sen. Jesse Salomon, …

As of Tuesday, a slew of new and increased charges, taxes and fees went into effect in Washington state. This year’s legislative session saw lawmakers approve a tax increase package …

About 170,000 Washingtonians stand to lose food stamp benefits under the Republican megabill that passed Congress Thursday, state officials estimate. Of those, 137,000 face obstacles from more …

John C. Hughes is, at root, a storyteller. As he marks the end of a nearly six-decade career that spanned hot-type newspapering on the coast to crafting the biographical record of Washington’s …

With the Fourth of July just days away, Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove urged caution on Wednesday after some 600 fires in Washington state have already started this season.  The …

More than half a million acres of trees spread across Washington were sick, struggling, or dead last year, according to the results of an aerial survey of forests by the state’s Department of …

The Trump administration is taking a new approach in its attempt to snatch personal data of food stamp recipients from states.  The latest move has renewed worries from advocates that the …

The Alaska Department of Corrections announced that 35 men arrested and detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from out of state and held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex were …

Child care is a significant expense for families nationwide, but a new report from personal finance website and app WalletHub finds it especially challenging in Washington state. “For …

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, …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 • Puget Power was granted an …

Thursday, July 3 Lacey Fireworks Spectacular The annual Lacey Fireworks Spectacular features live entertainment, rides, face painting and, of course, a night of fireworks. The free festival is …

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 …

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 …

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 …