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The Washington State Capitol building can be seen in the backdrop amid snow that fell in downtown Olympia on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Snow falls in Thurston County as an atmospheric river moves through region

An atmospheric river delivered as predicted, bringing rain and snow to Thurston County on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/13/26

Daffodils are a joy to see, and easy to grow. Deer and moles don’t eat them, they’re not fussy about soil, and they often live longer than the people who plant them. There are early, mid-season and late varieties that bloom from late February until May, in a range shapes, sizes and shades of yellow and white. Bulbs are planted in the fall, and the flowers are admired starting the next spring. Someone planted these along the edge of the Chehalist-Western Trail years ago.

The happiness of daffodils

First, a few lines from the poet William Wordsworth ... more

By Jill Severn | 3/13/26 | 3 comments

Police Blotter for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/12/26 at 1:46 p.m. in the 1400 block of 83rd Avenue SE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Mathew Thomas Grasso, 27, on suspicion of second-degree assault. … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/13/26

Police Blotter for Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/11/26 at 6:39 a.m. in the 4400 block of 87th Avenue SE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Jacob Collin Turner, 40, on suspicion of 1) harassment ― threats … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/13/26

Cracked and deteriorating pavement, left, contrasts with freshly resurfaced Lacey roads, right, as shown in the 2025 State of the Streets Report, which was presented to the Lacey City Council on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Report: Lacey streets in good shape

The City of Lacey's streets are nearly as good as they have ever been, according to its latest biennial road ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/12/26 | 4 comments

Tumwater committee advances body-worn camera policy

A body-worn camera policy is one step closer to being implemented in ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/12/26 | 2 comments

Flood watch issued for Thurston County

An abundance of rain over the past few days, coupled with the likelihood of more precipitation, has led to a flood watch being issued for ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/12/26

Vaughn A. Burgess

Vaughn Austin Burgess, age 96, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Feb. 18, 2026 in Olympia, Washington. He was born ... more

3/12/26

Scatter Creek Wildlife Area

Bird watchers in Thurston County know that we are blessed with many protected natural lands, and most are publicly ... more

By George Walter | 3/12/26 | 1 comment

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

Visit an artisan market, join an informative expo or attend a symphony this weekend in Thurston ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/12/26

The Lacey City Council reviewed co-living housing regulations at its regular meeting at Lacey City Hall on March 3, 2026.

Lacey City Council adopts co-living housing regulations

New regulations for co-living housing are in place after the Lacey City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance that addresses the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/11/26 | 1 comment

Olympia Fire Department Chief Matt Morris presented a community risk and response study during an Olympia City Council study session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Olympia Fire Department presents community risk and response study

The Olympia Fire Department presented its newly completed Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover report, a data-driven ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/11/26 | 2 comments

Atmospheric river moving into Pacific Northwest

An atmospheric river is taking aim at the Pacific Northwest and is expected to bring more rainfall to Thurston County before ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/11/26 | 1 comment

James Edward Phegley

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of James Edward Phegley, also known as Jim, Jimmy, Big Jim, Dad, Grandpa or the Commish, who ... more

3/11/26

Review: 'The Foreigner' by Harlequin Productions

Throughout my life, I have heard many people say this or that is “not for the faint of heart.” Perhaps if the sociopolitical circumstances ... more

By Rachel Benton | 3/11/26

A poster for the South Sound Block Party V event.

South Sound Block Party returning in August, early bird tickets now available

Early bird tickets are now available online for South Sound Block Party V, which takes place on Aug. 28-29 at Port of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/11/26 | 2 comments

Police Blotter for Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/10/26 at 2:00 a.m. in the area of Martin Way E and Galaxy Drive NE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Zahra Jassim Al Hassani, 32, on suspicion of driving … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/11/26

The Olympia School District 111 Esther R. Knox Building in Olympia, as seen on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Staff, educational program cuts possible at Olympia School District

Layoffs appear to be on the horizon at the Olympia School District, amid a bleak budget outlook that is going to require some tough decisions ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/10/26 | 9 comments

Disability Justice Task Force Program Manager Joslyn Nelson spoke about the Olympia City Council’s Disability Awareness Month proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Olympia proclaims March as Disability Awareness Month

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating March 2026 as Disability Awareness ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/10/26 | 2 comments

Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, left, and Vic Merolla, a community volunteer leader with the American Red Cross South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter, held the American Red Cross Month proclamation at a Lacey City Council meeting on March 3, 2026.

Lacey City Council honors American Red Cross

In recognition of its humanitarian work, the Lacey City Council proclaimed March 2026 as American Red Cross Month ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/10/26