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Public commenters raise concerns at Commercial Aviation Work Group inaugural meeting

When the newest iteration of a group tasked with relieving Washington’s projected aviation capacity shortage held its inaugural meeting , community members weighed in on the committee, its …
The Wheeler Avenue project separates crossing lanes for pedestrians and bicyclists from the driving lanes.
Olympia has scheduled overnight maintenance on Boulevard Road to occur from Monday, July 29, to Thursday, August 1, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. The project involves the application of permanent road …
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FC Olympia wishes the best for its two goalkeepers, who will represent their nations in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris
After their successful stints in this season’s USL W League, two Artesians players are suiting up for their national teams in the women’s football event of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games …
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Pat Cole
I have no doubt that what everyone reading this wants to do is get involved in a lengthy policy process and discussion in and about Olympia.  OK, just kidding, but if you do have such a desire, …
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Don't eat the wild cucumber. They are poisonous, so don’t eat them. And don’t eat their roots either.
Who knew there are wild cucumbers growing in Western Washington? Apparently, a lot of people knew, and now we do too. Variously known as Bigroot, Manroot, or Old-man-in-the-ground, wild …
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The wreckage of a head-on collision from a DUI suspect fleeing police and heading into ongoing traffic.
On July 21, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputies pursued a driver suspected of driving while under the influence (DUI) whose actions sent him and another driver to the hospital. …
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The online and mail voter registration deadline for the 2024 Primaries is July 29, while the deadline for in-person registration is August 6.
The August 6 Primary Election is fast approaching, and here are important deadlines and information you need to know. The online and mail voter registration deadline is July 29, while the …
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Silhouettes of diverse people overlapping
A survey of Olympia residents has revealed widespread discrimination, with marginalized groups like transgender individuals, people of color, and those with disabilities facing the most frequent …
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The request concerns an 8.17-acre parcel along the Martin Way corridor in the unincorporated portion of the Lacey Urban Growth Area.
The Lacey Planning Commission recently received an introductory briefing from Planning Manager Ryan Andrews on an out-of-cycle rezone request from Thurston County. The request concerns an …
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Red-tailed Hawk screaming
For our avian neighbors, July is Fledging Month. I was reminded of this a few days ago when a large bird flew right overhead screaming desperately. It was a fledgling Bald Eagle , recently out of the …
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The motorcycle rider fled law enforcement and crashed and was found with fentanyl pills.
A Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputy attempted to stop a street bike on I-5 yesterday at about three a.m., because the license plate not being visible. According to the TCSO post , …
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The summer is still on with these fun events. 
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The Speed Summit is set to return to Ridge Motorsport Park on August 24-25.
Global Time Attack (GTA) announced on their website Friday that the GTA Speed Summit is set to return to the Ridge Motorsport Park in Shelton from August 24 to 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The …
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A timeline for the master plan process will start immediately and continue until next year, according to a presentation by Camille St. Onge (top right), the port’s director of strategic initiatives.
A master plan for the port peninsula is moving forward. On Monday, July 22, the commission authorized Executive Director Alex Smith to sign an amendment to the contract of Dalton, Olmsted & …
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The City of Lacey is enhancing its community engagement as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.
The City of Lacey is enhancing its community engagement as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.    Central to this effort is the Communications and Community Engagement Plan, …
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Life
THE SAGE CONNECTION
Two Olympia Police Officers assisted Nikki Freitas to wrap things up at Senior Day at Capital Lakefair on July 19, 2024.

Senior Day at Capital Lakefair, thoughts on age and wisdom

I was with the Lions Low Vision Resource Center last Friday at Senior Action Network's Senior Day at Capital Lakefair. At one point, I noticed a Zumba class in front of the stage. After watching for …

Underwater Disagreement by Eileen Lagasse.

Percival Plinth People’s Choice voting closes soon 

Olympia reminds community members that voting for this year’s Percival Plinth sculptures ends in a week.  The city’s social media announced that Tuesday, July 30, is the …
This is a close-up of what we're calling

Recipe: Port Angeles Summer Slaw

I’ve been traveling over the past few weeks; it is good to be back in Thurston County. First, I visited friends on the Olympic Peninsula and in the Seattle area, and then I went on to …

Olympia celebrates Parks, Arts, and Recreation Month with focus on community, health, and advancing climate goals

On Tuesday, July 16, the Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating July 2024 as Parks, Arts, and Recreation Month. The proclamation recognized the benefits of parks, arts, and …

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter for Thursday, July 25, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 7/25/24 at 11:00 a.m. in the 700 block of Adams Street SE, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Jeffery Alexander Bailey, 42, on suspicions of 1) …

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Junior League of Olympia introduces Club Moxie 
This article is all about Club Moxie. Before I tell you how cool Club Moxie is, I must fill you in on the Junior League of Olympia. T heir mission statement says it better than I can . “The …
Nominations are now open for a new shrub
Nominations are now open for a new shrub in my backyard. So far, the nomination process is not as messy as the one playing out in our nation’s capital, but it’s still beset with …
Bushtit – a unique bird species
A friend tells me bushtits “charm her socks off.” She loves the constant, cheery little sounds these tiny birds make. She says if she were going to be a bird, she’d want to be …
Manage your stress -- don’t let it manage you 
I just came off two weeks of stress - filled events , and I am facing one more this week. So, I have been wondering if I am overreacting .   Do you ever feel stressed out? Rerunning the …
Their stories are part of our history
Our animal friends have been with us for thousands of years, and their history is intertwined with ours.  While we cannot even begin to scratch the surface, we would like to share these five …

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Calendar of events
Olympia headlines
The Olympia Police are looking for Steven L. Messex, the alleged suspect in a homicide incident.
The Olympia Police Department (OPD) is on the hunt for a homicide suspect who allegedly shot a victim who succumbed to his wound and passed away.   According to an OPD post , the incident …
DES will lower the water level in Capitol Lake to gather data for the restoration of the Deschutes Estuary.
Next week, visitors to the Capitol Campus will get a rare look at Capitol Lake's lakebed as the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) lowers the water levels in an effort to gather data to restore …
A small girl ready to play softball
Capitol Little League announced on Saturday, July 13, that it will launch a girls’ softball program for the first time this fall season. Signups opened on July 15 and will continue until …
The gun confiscated from the suspect.
Olympia Police Department (OPD) charged a man with multiple charges, including four counts of reckless endangerment, after an incident involving a firearm on the night of July 4. OPD officers …
At Thursday's Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee meeting, members discussed updating agricultural codes to remove barriers to urban farming.
Olympia is taking steps to remove barriers and incentivize urban farming as part of its efforts to increase local food production and self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote …

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Tumwater headlines
The Crosby House, built circa 1860 by Nathaniel Crosby for his bride, Cordelia Jane Smith, is the oldest standing house in Tumwater.
Tumwater’s oldest house, the Crosby House, will be undergoing repairs. The Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed to its city council on Thursday, July 18, a contract with Construction …
Photo of the Davis-Meeker oak
Five firms and one consulting professional responded to Tumwater’s Request for Quote (RFQ) as the city searches for an arborist to provide another risk assessment of the historic Davis-Meeker …
Sustainability Coordinator Alyssa Jones Wood briefed the Tumwater Public Works Committee about a sub-award agreement with the nonprofit River Network.
Tumwater has secured a grant via the nonprofit River Network to hire an urban forester and fund other urban forestry programs. The Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed a sub-award agreement …

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Thurston County
The Commercial Aviation Work Group (CAWG), meeting for the first time on Thursday, July 11, is tasked with resolving Washington’s projected aviation capacity shortage. Interim chairman Evan Nordby (left-center) addresses the group.
A new state-created agency tasked with resolving Washington’s projected aviation capacity shortage held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, July 11, at the Capital Event Center in Tumwater. …
The Thurston Regional Housing Council in July 2024 approved a set of Affordable Housing Capital Pipeline projects based on the county's Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommendations. Image of a house icon and key in a paper shopping bag in front of many home icons.
The Thurston Regional Housing Council has approved a set of Affordable Housing Capital Pipeline projects based on the county's Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommendations.
Alex Persse, county’s Affordable Housing Program Manager, asked the Thurston Board of County Commissioners to approve the funding recommendation from the Regional Housing Council to fund the Vital Housing Courtside Apartment Acquisition and Preservation project as presented in their application for a total of $1,357,699.15.
The Thurston Board of County Commissioners approved more than a million-dollar funding recommendation from the Regional Housing Council for acquiring and preserving the Courtside Apartments for Vital …

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Lacey headlines
Lacey staff have collaborated with Thurston County staff to develop the draft interlocal agreement, ensuring it meets previous agreements specific to the area, according to Planning Manager Ryan Andrews.
On July 23, the Lacey City Council reviewed the Draft Interlocal Agreement for the Draham Road and Cuoio Park North Island Annexations during a work session.    This agreement sets the …
The suspect allegedly stole a Kia Sportage and fled from authorities but has been arrested after attempting to flee on foot.
On July 21, sheriff's deputies arrested two suspects, including Lonell Eugene Cooper, 31, of Lacey, a felon, who are suspected of the theft of a Kia Sportage in the Lacey area.   According …
Lacey City Council courthouse service dogs, namely Astro during their July 16, 2024 meeting.
During their July 16 meeting, the Lacey City Council recognized Astro, the courthouse service dog, for his outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the public. Astro, who has touched …
The “Buzz on Down to the Thurston County Fair!” invites art, floral, food, hobbies and crafts, and photography enthusiasts to participate in their open-class contests.
The “Buzz on Down to the Thurston County Fair!” is fast approaching, and they are calling on art, floral, food, hobbies and crafts, and photography enthusiasts to participate in their …
FC Olympia in their afterglow kit in the last USL2 match of the season.
FC Olympia failed to replicate last year’s ap pearance in the USL2 national playoffs, ending the season in 7th place out of the eight teams in a competitive Northw est Division with 13 points …

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More local news
 190,000 ballots mailed to Thurston County voters for 2024 Primaries
Over 190,000 ballots from the Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division were mailed to voters for the upcoming August 6 Primary Election. Registered voters who have not received their …
Olympia planner highlights Martin Way improvements in the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan
Olympia is planning a major reconstruction project on Martin Way to address the corridor's pressing needs, Public Works Department senior planner Michelle Swanson reported. At Wednesday's …
Fish-friendly Green Cove Creek culvert project going forward, contractors awarded project
The Board of County Commissioners awarded Aberdeen-based Quigg Bros Inc. a contract to replace a culvert along Green Cove Creek at Country Club Road. The contract, for $6,837,096, was approved …
Plans for two new roundabouts in Tumwater to move forward
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign the contracts of two design firms to work on separate roundabouts on Linwood Avenue and Tumwater Boulevard on Tuesday, July 16. The …
Olympia unveils housing plan to address affordability and equity
Olympia City planner Casey Schaufler unveiled a new housing element for the city's comprehensive plan update, which tackles affordability issues and historical racial disparities in housing. At Monday's Olympia Planning Commission meeting, Schaufler outlined strategies to implement House Bill 1220, requiring cities to plan and accommodate housing for all economic segments.
Tumwater City Council approves $3.4 million for pedestrian improvement projects on two stretches of road
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign two contracts amounting to around $3.4 million to construct various pedestrian improvements on two stretches of road. The contracts …
Olympia City Council approves funding package for Downtown Alliance's programs through end of 2025
Olympia City Council voted on Tuesday, July 16, to allocate $285,000 in one-time funding to the Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) to support the continuation of Olympia downtown programs through the …
Safe alternatives to burning amidst fire safety burn ban
Starting July 13 and lasting through September 30, Thurston County has enforced a seasonal fire safety burn ban . To help residents manage yard waste without burning, here are some of the …
Tumwater to receive $5.8 million in state funding for Deschutes Valley Trail project 
Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan on Tuesday, July 16 to accept $5  million from the state for the continuation of the Deschutes Valley Trail Connection project.   …
Olympia's Hands-On Children's Museum seeks to double its exhibit space
Olympia’s Hands-on Children’s Museum (HOCM) announced a $35 million expansion plan that would nearly double the museum's space to accommodate its rapidly growing visitor base.   …

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