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The leadership of Tumwater Police Department met with the city council to discuss the department’s strategic growth plan.

Tumwater Police lay out plan to meet city’s growing needs

To accommodate the growing needs of Tumwater, the city’s police department has developed a plan to show how it aims to improve its services, facilities, staffing, and use of technology across … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/18/24 | 3 comments

The new Thurston County courthouse complex would be constructed on Plum Street in Olympia.

Proposed county courthouse would be erected on Plum Street in Olympia

Thurston County Commissioners discussed sending voters another proposal to build a new county courthouse complex, this time in downtown Olympia. The location proposed is along Plum Street … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/18/24 | 10 comments

Regional planners open call for projects

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) has announced the opening of the 2024 Call for Projects with almost $20 million in funding available from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/18/24 | 2 comments

Join Puget Sound Estuarium’s Annual Benefit Cruise on June 30 to explore the diverse estuary ecosystem while enjoying delicious snacks and refreshments.

Puget Sound Estuarium hosts Annual Benefit Cruise on June 30, invites nature enthusiasts

Puget Sound Estuarium invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to embark on its Annual Benefit Cruise on Sunday, June 30. This exclusive boating trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/18/24 | 1 comment

Elected Officials (Superior Court, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office updates Board of County Commissioners) met with Thurston Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 11 for an informational session.

Officials update Board of County Commissioners

Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) heard presentations from county s uperior court , prosecuting attorney , and s heriff’s office on Tuesday, June 11. In an … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/17/24

Tumwater School District Superintendent Kevin Bogatin welcomed new principals and directors and congratulated the graduating class at a meeting yesterday, June 13.

Tumwater School District Superintendent welcomes new principals and officials, congratulates class of 2024

At a meeting yesterday, June 13, Tumwater School District (TSD) Superintendent Kevin Bogatin updated the board on the changes in leadership, graduation, and events in the latest quarter. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/17/24

The Lacey Planning Commission meeting was on June 12. Lacey is making strides in updating its Middle Housing Initiative, following new state legislative requirements.

Lacey updates Middle Housing Initiative policies amid new state requirements

Lacey is making strides in updating its Middle Housing Initiative, following new state legislative requirements. The city aims to adopt a Middle Housing ordinance within six months … more

By JC Medina | 6/17/24

Joint Animal Services kennels full: Adopt or foster a dog today!

Joint Animal Services (JAS) is at full capacity , with its kennels filled with lovable dogs in need of homes. JAS is reaching out to the community, urging “furparents” to … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/17/24 | 2 comments

South Puget Sound Community College nominated as finalist for $1 million Aspen Prize anew

The Aspen Institute named South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) again as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence . more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/14/24

An expert panel addresses the growing fentanyl crisis locally and statewide in a TVW-hosted forum following a public screening of the TVW documentary. On-air personality Jennifer Huntley (left) hosts the panel including (left-to-right) State Sen. John Braun, State Rep. Lauren Davis, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, and Evergreen Treatment Services' Sean Soth.

Local documentary, forum tackle fentanyl epidemic

It’s no secret that opioids -- fentanyl in particular -- have blazed a path of addiction and death across this nation, and the state of Washington is no exception. As a locally produced … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 6/14/24 | 2 comments

Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Crimmins (bottom right) briefed the Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee about an amendment to the city’s contract with Medic One.

Medic One to reimburse partner cities for SWAT paramedics

Thurston County Medic One is working on a mechanism to add SWAT paramedics to its response team. The Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee endorsed to its city council on Monday, … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/14/24

This is is an exterior wall of the Tenino Timberland Library, designated to be the site of a new mural being commissioned this summer.

City of Tenino seeks artists to create two murals

Tenino is looking to commission two mural projects on city buildings; bids are due by July 1. The city's ARCH (Arts, Recreation, Culture, History & Business) Commission and staff will … more

By JM Simpson | 6/14/24

County staff who oversee food safety in the region were present during the proclamation of Food Safety Month at the Board of Health’s June 11, 2024 meeting.

County proclaims June as Food Safety Month

T o enhance public health and prevent foodborne illnesses, the Thurston County Board of Health has officially proclaimed June as Food Safety Month. This initiative underscores the … more

By JC Medina | 6/14/24

Join the Meet the Beach program and get to know the different marine life in the different Puget Sound beaches such as sea stars, snails, crabs, jellyfish, and a myriad of other fascinating marine creatures.

Join Puget Sound Estuarium’s Meet the Beach 2024 and explore marine life

This summer, the Puget Sound Estuarium invites you to discover the rich marine life in Puget Sound with the Meet the Beach program. Offered for free throughout the season, these … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/14/24

The Lacey Planning Commission is updating the city's zoning after community engagement over the past year and a half, city officials are now making decisions on how tall buildings should be and where people can live in these areas.

Lacey explores new guidelines for Neighborhood Commercial Districts

The Lacey Planning Commission has taken big steps toward updating the city's neighborhood commercial districts, with a set of recommendations that could reshape local zoning laws. After … more

By JC Medina | 6/13/24 | 1 comment

Port of Olympia Executive Director Alex Smith (rightmost) gives an update to the Port Commission about environmental issues surrounding the air show.

Port’s Alex Smith addresses concerns about air show coinciding with breeding season of larks

Port of Olympia Executive Director Alex Smith addressed concerns about this week’s air show coinciding with the breeding season of larks. Conservation group Black Hills Audubon … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/13/24 | 7 comments

Your tax dollars at work: Washington State Department of Health routinely tests waters for bacterial contamination. See story for list of locations from which some shellfish are currently unsafe.

Shellfish harvesting reopens in parts of Willapa Bay and some rivers

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has reopened several areas in Willapa Bay for commercial shellfish harvesting. Nahcotta, Cedar River, North River, Nemah River, and … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 6/13/24

Close-up of man's hands over a compost bin holding compost made from broken down household food waste

June is Composting Awareness Month , promoting sustainable practices

In an effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices, Thurston County has officially designated June 2024 as Composting Awareness Month. This proclamation … more

By JC Medina | 6/13/24

Environmental planning director Shawn Gilbertson (on the podium) briefs the Port of Olympia Commission about a $2 million budget amendment to continue the investigation of Budd Inlet.

Port reappropriates funds for investigation of Budd Inlet, next up West Bay

The Port of Olympia Commission approved the transfer of $2 million from the Port’s reserve funds to proceed with the analysis of Budd Inlet on Monday, June 10. Sediment sampling was … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/12/24

IT Development Director Peter Stackpole (most bottom-right) briefed the board of directors about the expanded scope of the turnaround facility.

Intercity Transit reconsiders plan for Martin Way-Meridian Road roundabout

Intercity Transit (IT) is reconsidering its plan to construct a roundabout on Martin Way and Merdian Road, according to an update by Development Director Peter Stackpole. The transportation … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/12/24 | 3 comments