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 Thurston County deputies quell riot attempt, one officer injured
A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured and two inmates arrested after a riot attempt at the Thurston County Jail on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 18.  Thurston County …
One Net Yelm receives grant to fund wheelchair-accessible swing at Yelm City Park
One Net Yelm, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Yelm, received a $38,619 grant to fund the purchase and installation of a wheelchair-accessible swing at Yelm City Park. The grant, awarded by …
Yelm City Council confirms six appointments to committees, advisory boards
The Yelm City Council officially signed off on Mayor Joe DePinto’s recommendations for committees and advisory boards as it confirmed six applicants to their respective City of Yelm groups. …
Thurston County commissioners aiming to boost community engagement with proclamations
As the Thurston County Board of Commissioners plans its goals for the new year, it is aiming to increase community engagement by continuing its proclamations and making the process more robust. …
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. …
City of Yelm custodian recognized as 2024 Employee of the Year
Billy Cruz, City of Yelm custodian, goes above and beyond with his work — just ask Public Works Director Cody Colt or Mayor Joe DePinto. During a Yelm City Council meeting Tuesday, Jan. …
2024 Point-in-Time homeless census counts 952 homeless in Thurston County
Data from the 2024 Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census (PIT) has been released and finalized by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services and shows 952 individuals in the county experienced …
What's Happening: Wrestling Senior Night, Taste of the Prairie, Dollars for Scholars Auction
Thursday, Jan. 23 Yelm boys wrestling senior night Join Yelm High School’s boys wrestling team in honoring the soon-to-be graduates within the program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, …
Thurston County selected as one of nine fan zones in Washington for 2026 World Cup
Thurston County has been chosen as one of nine locations across Washington to host fan zones during the 2026 World Cup. As Seattle is one of the host cities for the world’s largest …
Road obstruction at Walmart Boulevard intersection to be fixed soon
Drivers traversing through the Walmart Boulevard intersection on state Route 507 might have noticed a large cavity forming in the road following stage work being completed last month for the Yelm …
City secures nearly $2 million to fully fund Rhoton Road reconstruction
In preparation of the long-awaited Yelm Loop project coming to fruition in the near future, the City of Yelm has secured $2 million in grant funding to fully fund the upcoming Rhoton Road …
Roy water improvements on hold as city waits for county testing
The City of Roy’s long-awaited water improvement project remains on hold as the Roy Public Works Department is waiting for Pierce County to respond to requests for third-party water testing. …

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State & Regional News
 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 …
SPSCC culinary students cater governor’s ball
Courtesy photos
Thurston County nearing agreement on scaled-back courthouse renovation project
Thurston County commissioners unofficially agreed on a scaled-back renovation of its courthouse campus during a Wednesday, Jan. 8, work session. County staff put forth three reduced options to …
Thurston County commissioners to hold public hearing on planning policies update
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has scheduled a public hearing to hear input on a potential county-wide planning policies update. The proposed update can be viewed …
Thurston County names new assistant county manager, public works director
Thurston County has named Jennifer Walker to the recently vacated assistant county manager position and Karen Weiss to replace her as public works director, County Manager Leonard Hernandez announced …
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to receive new equipment
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is set to begin the new year with a large amount of upgraded equipment. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved, Tuesday, Dec. 17, the …
In focus: Community celebrates retiring Thurston County commissioner
Photos by Dylan Reubenking
Nisqually fishermen fish for winter chum for first time in seven years
Despite the brisk temperatures on a recent December morning, Nisqually Tribe fishers and families were nothing but smiles on the Nisqually River as they fished for winter chum for the first time in …
Thurston County resident files recall petition against Commissioner Emily Clouse
A Thurston County resident has filed a petition to recall Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse for “acts of misfeasance and/or malfeasance and for violations of her oath of office.” …

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Life
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 …
A woman walks along the estuary boardwalk at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, Jan. 2.

A new year at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Photos by Ridley Hudson/For The Nisqually Valley News
Rainier High School's floral program takes orders from businesses and community members for floral and balloon arrangements for events like weddings, anniversaries and dances.

RHS students learning design, business skills in floral program

One of Rainier’s flourishing businesses is a student-run floral shop operating out of Rainier High School’s floral design program. The beginning and advanced floral framework classes …
Steven England proposed to Tiffany Weaver during their time on Beast Games on Amazon Prime.

Rainier resident and fiancé have trip of a lifetime on ‘Beast Games’

Tiffany Weaver and Steven England were two of the 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize on the new Amazon Prime reality competition show “Beast Games,” hosted by …

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  • 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

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Business
Gamers Juggernaut recently relocated to Roy and serves Pierce and Thurston counties.
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.” …
The crew at TJ's Grillin' poses for a photo on Tuesday, Jan. 7, in front of its food truck.
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 …
Jake Panther squats during a workout at Get Fit Tenino on Jan. 9.
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 …
Cheryl Cottine pets a horse in one of the stalls at Aspiring Equestrian Center on Dec. 30.
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, …
Steele Barrel Barbecue recently introduced an indoor dining area for customers to enjoy freshly prepared smoked goods.
Steele Clayton’s long-awaited vision for his restaurant Steele Barrel BBQ will finally come to fruition as the local food truck establishment has opened indoor seating for customers and will …

The Nisqually Valley News - January 9, 2025

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Sports

Mountaineers score final 35 points, zap Cardinals 59-10

Bryn Beckman shoots a 3-pointer from the wing against Winlock on Jan. 21.
If the Rainier High School girls basketball team didn’t score a point after the first quarter against the Winlock Cardinals, the Mountaineers still would’ve won by double digits. Rainier …

NyaStrong Warriors Academy wins Tumwater Competitive League championship

The fifth grade NyaStrong Warriors Academy (NWA) capped off a highly successful 5-on-5 season by picking up a league championship in the Tumwater Competitive League on Saturday, Jan. 11. NWA …
Yelm's Aiyana Valera smacks Spanaway Lake's S'Mone Edge in the face while wrestling in the 105-pound quarterfinals in the Iron Sharpens Iron tournament at Spanaway Lake High School on Jan. 18.

Yelm’s Sam Blank pins her way to Iron Sharpens Iron 135-pound championship

Yelm High School senior Samantha Blank earned yet another tournament championship victory on Saturday, Jan. 18, as she pinned her way to an Iron Sharpens Iron tournament 135-pound championship. …
Sophomore guard Urijah Aalona attempts a free throw against Bonney Lake on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Injury-riddled Tornados boys team drops SPSL contest 64-44 to Bonney Lake

Yelm High School’s boys basketball team is still working toward its first win in the 4A South Puget Sound League after a 64-44 loss to the Bonney Lake Panthers on Thursday, Jan. 16. Though …
Rainier's Layla Hill defeats Yelm's Annabell Reed in the 125-pound second round in the Iron Sharpens Iron tournament at Spanaway Lake High School on Jan. 18.

Mountaineers proud of growth in Iron Sharpens Iron tournament

Despite finishing 18th out of 19 schools at the Iron Sharpens Iron tournament Saturday, Jan. 18, the Rainier High School girls wrestling team sharpened its skills by battling wrestlers from much …
Rainier's Angelica Askey brings the ball up the floor while defended by Toledo's Peyton Holter on Jan. 17.

Mountaineers snap Riverhawks’ 8-game win streak in 66-20 thrashing

The Toledo Riverhawks ran into a buzzsaw unlike any they have seen this season when the Rainier Mountaineers cruised to a 66-20 home win Friday, Jan. 17. Rainier denied Toledo of a ninth …
Yelm High School's girls wrestling team competed in a three-way dual on Wednesday, Jan. 8, against Bonney Lake High School and Spanaway Lake High School.

Yelm girls wrestling sees 'high-end' competition at Spanaway Lake and Bonney Lake dual

Though the Tornados lost to Spanaway Lake 45-31 and Bonney Lake 42-26 on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in a three-way dual at Bonney Lake High School, Tornados head coach Ben Hawk said the competition provided …

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Mountaineer boys cap off long weekend with Justin Norton Memorial tournament

Rainier

A grueling weekend for the Rainier High School boys wrestling team came to a close as the Mountaineers played host for the annual Sgt. Justin Norton Memorial Invitational, where they placed ninth as …

Tenino tops Hoquiam for second straight win

Tenino

The Tenino boys basketball team seems to be finding its groove at the perfect time, as the Beavers won their second league game in a row on Friday over Hoquiam. Tenino’s offense scored 34 …

Mountaineers run out of gas in second half in 50-37 loss to Pirates

Bryn Beckman shoots a floater against Adna on Jan. 10.

The Rainier High School girls basketball team fought valiantly to recover from a 14-point first half deficit against Adna, but Karsyn Freeman had other plans in the Pirates’ 50-37 win Friday, …

Opinion

Why Washington-grown food is facing a crisis (and how Olympia is making it worse)

Even though locally and regionally grown food is celebrated in Washington state, the reality is that fewer and fewer types of crops are being grown in the state, particularly west of the Cascades. …

Being Frank: Today's youth are tomorrow's salmon stewards

As tribal leaders, we are looking ahead to the next seven generations of environmental stewards to protect salmon, shellfish, wildlife and plant resources. It is our responsibility to provide …

All energy options should be considered by Americans

One of the most significant shifts from our recent elections is that America is headed back to an “all-of-the-above” strategy that expands our energy options rather than further …
Letters to the editor can be submitted to yelmnews@yelmonline.com.

Vote no on the Yelm Community Schools special levy

Editor, The special levy is intended to keep the Yelm Community Schools (YCS) operating the same way it has been: failing!  Over the last 10 years, on average, YCS has failed to get …

Washington needs a pro-growth agenda

Washington lawmakers began the 2025 legislative session facing something many of them have not experienced during their time in office — a sizable budget gap. The last time the state was in …

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Obituaries
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 …
In loving memory of Barbara Jean Burnham (Reichel)
Barbara Jean Burnham (Reichel), 90, died peacefully on Nov. 30, 2024, at her home in Rainier, Washington.    Barbara was a resident of the Rainier and Yelm area most of her life. …

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Community
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 …
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 …
Yelm football seniors forgo college opportunities to join military
By Jacob Dimond jake@yelmonline.com Yelm High School seniors and former Tornado football players Shane Creegan and Nathan Ford made the biggest decision of their lives so far by deciding to …
A year in review: The stories that captured headlines in 2024
Jan. 4, 2024 TCSO’s Derek Sanders reflects on first year as sheriff, goals going forward When Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders first took office in 2023, he knew he had a lot of …
40 children shop for Christmas gifts with cops at Yelm Walmart
Yelm Walmart was filled with Christmas spirit as 40 children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and Family Support Center joined Yelm Police Department officers and Thurston County …
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