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Tumwater City Council and Planning Commission members, along with citizens, listen to City Planning Manager Brad Medrud (right center of photo, in black jacket) pointing out features of a new development, Forest Park Townhomes, in a tour of existing middle housing. The tour serves to provide ideas as the city updates its Comprehensive Plan.

Tumwater Council, Planning Commission tours housing options

The Tumwater City Council and Planning Commission took to the road in a joint work session on Tuesday, April 9, to look at existing approaches to housing developments in the city and in Olympia. … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 4/11/24 | 2 comments

Flaco, an escaped Eurasian eagle-owl, in Central Park

Early April meandering thoughts

The Schmidt House hosts a monthly series of talks, and last week, I was the speaker. I had a PowerPoint presentation ready, and the slides provoked a great, wide-ranging discussion about birds. I … more

By George Walter | 4/11/24

Tumwater's road reconfiguration project involves the construction of three roundabouts along Capitol Boulevard, Interstate-5, and Trosper Road.

Tumwater's Capitol Boulevard at Trosper Road transitions to roundabout

The traffic signal at the Capitol Boulevard and Trosper Road intersection will be taken out on April 9, with temporary striping and channelizing devices in the area to guide drivers through a … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/8/24 | 2 comments

20,000 ballots mailed in Yelm Area for April 23 Special Election

The Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division has mailed out more than 20,000 ballots to registered voters in the Yelm area for the upcoming April 23 Special Election. These ballots are … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/8/24 | 2 comments

Lacey seeks 7 to serve on new human services grant committee

Lacey has announced the launch of its Human Services Grant Program for 2024, which will allocate up to $300,000. A Lacey press release said the city is seeking the participation of seven … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/8/24

Drive-by shooting injures child and family dog

On Wednesday night, April 3, a residential neighborhood on Belair Drive SE was disturbed as a family became victims of a drive-by shooting. According to the Lacey Police Department (LPD) news … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/8/24

Resident Larry Taylor said that he collected 24 signatures from the community against the roundabout.

Ridgeview residents in Lacey oppose proposed roundabout at Martin Way and Meridian Road

Some residents from the community near Ridgeview Road east of Lacey’s city limits object to the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Martin Way, Meridian Road, and Duterrow Road. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/5/24 | 6 comments

Rebecca Howard Park is managed by the Olympia Department of Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Olympia wants ideas for developing Rebecca Howard Park

Olympia is seeking proposals from creative design professionals to develop a master plan for Rebecca Howard Park. The city aims to create an inspiring master plan for the 0.34-acre park that … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/5/24 | 2 comments

Spring’s first procession of the species

Aided by calm, blossom-friendly weather, we’re having a wonderful run of spring-flowering trees, and the procession just keeps on coming. It’s been fun to watch the news these past couple … more

By Jill Severn | 4/5/24 | 3 comments

County commissioners highlight efforts of county committee and other volunteers

Thurston County has officially designated April 2024 as Volunteer Appreciation Month, highlighting the indispensable contributions made by volunteers across the community. The proclamation, … more

By JC Medina | 4/5/24

Hollywood the Dog snuggles up with homeless owner Prince on a foggy Saturday morning recently.

2024 preliminary census data reveals an increase in Thurston's homeless population

Preliminary data released by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, based on the Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census (PIT), revealed a rise in the homeless population for 2024. … more

By JC Medina | 4/4/24 | 6 comments

Planting trees is a popular way to celebrate Arbor Day.

Lacey celebrates Arbor Month and Earth Day with community events

Lacey officially proclaimed April Arbor Month, celebrating the city's longstanding commitment to tree preservation. more

By JC Medina | 4/4/24

County expands Veterans Advisory Board

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted to approve amending the county code to expand the number of members of the Veterans Advisory Board on Tuesday, April 2. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/4/24

Lane closures on Somerset Hill Drive SW, Tumwater - expect delays

Somerset Hill Drive SW, spanning from R.W. Johnson SW to Thorpe Drive SW, will undergo alternating lane closures between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through April 15. more

4/4/24

Christopher Burbank (left) with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders during Burbank's oathtaking ceremony as a deputy last Monday, April 1, 2024.

TCSO deputy involved in Tacoma man’s death leaves post two days after hiring amidst community protest

Christopher Burbank, one of the three police officers involved in the death of Manuel Ellis in Pierce County in March 2020, has resigned today, two days after he was sworn in as lateral patrol deputy … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/3/24 | 7 comments

Public commenters gathered at a meeting yesterday to protest the hiring of Christopher “Shane” Burbank, involved with the death of Manuel “Manny” Ellis last 2020, as a patrol deputy at the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents condemn Sheriff's hiring of former Tacoma officer involved in death of Manuel Ellis in Tacoma

Community members protested the hiring of Christopher “Shane” Burbank as a Lateral Patrol Deputy at the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) due to his involvement in 2020 … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/3/24 | 4 comments

Planning Manager Brad Medrud talks to the Planning Commission about a community survey for the comprehensive plan update.

Tumwater seeks renters' voices, below-median income earners, others in shaping comprehensive plan update

Tumwater is looking to include more renters, below-median income earners, BIPOC individuals, and other groups in future public outreach activities in preparation for its 2025 comprehensive plan … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/3/24 | 1 comment

Rent prices from 1985 to 2020 increased dramatically by 149%, outpacing the 35% income growth over the same period.

Olympia for All advocates for 'Landlord Fairness Code' as rental inflation outpaces wage growth

In response to the rising rental increases and housing crisis in Olympia, a group called Olympia for All is pushing for a measure adopting a citizen's initiative they call a "Landlord Fairness Code," which they … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/3/24 | 11 comments

The Olympia Planning Commission opened a public hearing on the Capital Mall Triangle area plan, where community members raised their concerns on affordable housing and parks, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Community members ask for specifics re Capital Mall Triangle subarea plan

Traffic, parks, and affordable housing took center stage as the Olympia Planning Commission heard public testimony on proposals to redevelop the Capital Mall Triangle subarea into a more urban … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/2/24 | 7 comments

South Puget Sound Community College Building 22 pictured amongst the trees of the campus

SPSCC to recognize 92 honor college students from Washington schools

The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is set to celebrate the year’s top community and technical college students. This coming Thursday, April 25, SPSCC’s Lacey Campus will … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/2/24