Local news
Annual Roy Pioneer Rodeo set for Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7
For over 60 years, the Roy Pioneer Rodeo has drawn crowds to the small Nisqually Valley town of Roy and cemented its place as the community’s longest standing tradition and annual summer …
Yelm native, artist Nui A’alona pays tribute to Polynesian musician Fiji in cover of ‘Nothing’
Nui A’alona, a 1999 graduate of Yelm High School and rising country music artist, has released singles in years past like “Just Add Summer,” “Up in Smoke,” and “Tonight’s on You,” but …
The Olympian, News Tribune journalists join strike against McClatchy Media for better pay, AI protections
The Olympian shuttered its doors for the day on Tuesday, May 26, as its unionized journalists joined their colleagues in Tacoma for a strike against corporate publisher McClatchy Media over alleged …
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office asks for info on missing vulnerable adult
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help locating a missing vulnerable adult.  Donald “Donnie” Tuskey was last seen in Yelm the evening of Monday, May 25, …
Abbarno tours Centralia College’s Mobile Training Lab at Tenino Middle School
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, earlier this month visited Centralia College’s Mobile Career and Technical Education (CTE) Training Lab during a stop at Tenino Middle School, highlighting the …
Olympia man faces possible charges for involvement in two-vehicle crash near Yelm 
An Olympia man is facing possible DUI and vehicular assault charges after he allegedly caused a crash that injured two people near Yelm on Sunday. The crash was reported on state Route 510 near …
Hennrich says there remains a “path to victory” in his effort to unseat MGP
The Brent Hennrich campaign is calling on incumbent Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, to step aside this election cycle despite Hennrich’s significant fundraising disadvantage. …
Thurston County Board of Commissioners to rule on appeal of controversial Rochester battery energy storage system
The fate of a proposed lithium-ion battery storage system in Rochester is now in the hands of the Thurston County Board of Commissioners.  The board, acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, is …
TRL names longtime library administrator Andrea Heisel as interim executive director
The Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Board of Trustees has appointed longtime Library Services Director Andrea Heisel to the role of interim executive director, effective Thursday, May 21. The …
Thurston County auditor to hear challenge to commissioner candidate’s voter registration
The Thurston County Auditor’s Office will hold a hearing May 28 to determine whether Thurston County commissioner District 5 candidate Nic Dunning put a false residential address on his voter …
Thurston County Fleet Services ranks in the top 100 Best Fleets in the Americas
Thurston County celebrated its Fleet Services Department on Tuesday for once again earning a spot on the National Association of Fleet Administrators’ “100 Best Fleets in the Americas” list. …
Thurston County releases 2025 Community Health Assessment report
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (PHSS) has released the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) report, highlighting the issues community members suggest are affecting the health …
State & Regional News
Washington kindergarten teacher placed on leave amid allegations involving girl
An Elk Ridge Elementary kindergarten teacher is on administrative leave as the White River School District investigates allegations of inappropriate conduct with a child, police records and …
Let’s Go WA breaks week-one signature record for income tax repeal initiative
One week into the signature gathering campaign, more than 92,000 Washington voters have signed petitions for an initiative aimed at repealing the new income tax. “There has been record …
WDFW authorizes killing of one wolf after suspected cattle attacks
Washington will permit the killing of a single gray wolf in the state’s northeastern corner following three suspected attacks on livestock. The incidents took place in the Aladdin Valley, a …
Judge sides with Washington in dispute over $4M grant canceled during DOGE era
A federal judge in Seattle on Tuesday ruled the Trump administration wrongfully terminated a $4 million grant for Washington meant to provide services for new migrants. The case is somewhat of a …
Supreme Court rejects Florida lawsuit against Washington over immigrant truck driver licensing
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s attempt to sue California and Washington for licensing an undocumented truck driver accused of killing three …
Washington Secretary of State turns over unredacted attorney client privileged record after appeal
The Washington Secretary of State’s (SOS) Office has turned over unredacted attorney client privileged emails to The Center Square after it appealed the redactions of communication between SOS and …
One year later, how Washington’s controversial cap on rent hikes has been enforced
A year into Washington’s limit on residential rent increases , the state has yet to collect a cent in civil penalties from landlords. That’s not to say some haven’t violated the law.  …
‘Going green now for who?’ Yakama protest clean energy project on sacred site to power data center
GOLDENDALE, Wash. – High up on the Washington side of the Columbia River near the John Day hydroelectric dam, members of the Yakama Nation gathered to protest a clean energy storage project slated …
States that cover healthcare for immigrants scale back
Budget constraints are forcing liberal-leaning states that spend their own money on healthcare for noncitizens to scale back that aid, as they grapple with federal Medicaid cuts and the expiration of …
Life
Visitors rest at Wolf Haven in Tenino in this photo by Diana Hulet.

Tenino’s Wolf Haven launches silent, ‘sanctuary’ viewing experience

The Tenino-based Wolf Haven International has launched a contemplative experience called “Sanctuary as a Mindset,” according to a news release from the organization. The new program lets …
A member of VFW Post 318 holds up an American flag during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Tenino Food Bank Plus on Friday, May 15.

‘It’s really a village here in Tenino’: City celebrates food bank relocation

While the weather may not have been cooperating, dozens of locals still came out on Friday, May 15, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the relocation of the Tenino Community Service Center …
From the left, Bucoda Town Councilor Steven Lyle, Mayor Callie Carpenter and Councilors Laura Wilson and John Wood discusss agenda items during their regular Bucoda Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 12, at the Bucoda Community Center.

Bucoda mayor warns city may no longer be able to continue financially supporting ‘Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular,’ other events amid liability concerns

While the full council was not there, a quorum was still present at the Bucoda Town Council, which met at the Bucoda Community Center on May 12. Councilors Steven Lyle, Laura Wilson and John …

National “Click It or Ticket” campaign a reminder to buckle up

Through May 31, law enforcement agencies across Washington will participate in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Troopers and officers will be looking for drivers and passengers who are …

Olympia to preserve, relocate Yashiro Japanese Garden after June 1 closure

As the June 1 closure date for the Yashiro Japanese Garden grows closer, the City of Olympia on Friday shared its plans to preserve and relocate the garden to another public site. “The city is …

  • 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
Business
Earlier this month, Peak Credit Union President and CEO David Tuyo confirmed that employee layoffs had occurred at the Pacific Northwest credit union, which has 35 branches across Washington and …
Environmentally-conscious Thurston County leaders gathered at Saint Martin’s University on Wednesday to celebrate local businesses and organizations that steward sustainable practices. …
The Southwest Washington Grazing school will host its second course April 16-19 in Tenino. The four-day, on-site course is focused on rotational grazing systems, pasture management and grazing …
For the first time in nine years of offering in-home care to vulnerable community members, Capital Homecare Cooperative yielded a profit in 2025 that went back to co-op members. Co-op General …
The Thurston County community gathered in Olympia on Wednesday to celebrate three leaders who have made significant impacts in the community: TVW, the Squaxin Island Tribe and Sensory Tool House LLC …
Sports
YHS senior infielder Parker Myers was named first team all-SPSL after the conclusion of the 2026 baseball season.

Eight YHS baseball, six softball athletes earn all league status after 2026 season conclusion

After the conclusion of the 2026 high school spring season — which saw Yelm High School’s baseball team finish its year with a record of 12-11 (11-6 in the SPSL) and the YHS softball program …
Rainier's Rhyleigh Cruse (5) swings at a pitch during a 2B State Elimination game against Warden at Gateway Sports Complex in Yakima on Friday, May 22.

Mountaineers’ softball season concludes at 2B state tournament in Yakima

In Yakima, an emotional Rainier team left the field for the final time this season. The Mountaineers went 1-2 on Friday, May 22, losing a first-round matchup against Liberty (which had former …
Napavine players celebrate after defeating Cle Elum-Roslyn 9-8 during a 2B State Elimination game at Gateway Sports Complex in Yakima on Friday, May 22.

Tigers, Titans bounce back from quarterfinal losses to advance to Day 2

YAKIMA — Just before 8 p.m. on Friday night, both Pe Ell/Willapa Valley and Napavine lost their state quarterfinals against Toledo and Liberty (Spangle). They had only moments to dwell on …
Winlcok’s Victoria Sancho finishes first in the 100-meter dash during the 2B District 4 Championships at Centralia High School on Thursday, May 21.

Adna boys, Rainier girls win 2B District 4 titles

One week after winning league titles, the Adna boys and Rainier girls track and field teams finished on top again in Centralia on Thursday, taking home district titles at the 2B District 4 …

Rainier’s Peralta finishes second in Liberty Lake

Rainier’s Lily Peralta finished as the runner-up in the 1B/2B Girls State Golf Championships in Liberty Lake on Wednesday, finishing the two-day tournament with a score of 147, good for 7-over par. …

Three Olympia Bears named to First Team All-South Puget Sound League

Three members of the 2026 South Puget Sound League champion Olympia Bears baseball team received First Team All-SPSL honors, the league announced Tuesday. Senior pitcher Travis Kunkel, junior …
Tenino's Preslee Fisher (10) high-fives Callie Mickelson (20) after Mickelson scored a run during Tenino's 7-6 win over Kalama in the Round of 12 of the 1A District 4 Tournament at Fort Borst Park in Centralia on May 15.

Tenino knocked out of district tournament

Tenino won its first matchup at the 1A District 1/4 Tournament on Friday at Fort Borst Park in Centralia, but the Beavers dropped their next two matchups and were knocked out of the district …

WDFW will only accept cards or checks for payment beginning in June

Anglers try their luck fishing in the Cowlitz River near Salkum during sunset on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2024.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced this week that it will transition away from accepting cash for license product purchases at its offices next month due to a new state …

Adna boys, Rainier girls pick up team titles at C2BL Championships

Fueled by their depth and three event victories, the Pirate boys were able to pile up 110 team points and hold off Toledo (104) and Rainier (102) at Thursday’s C2BL Championships in Rainier. …

Rainier breezes past Raymond/South Bend to stay alive

Rainier’s Sierra Lee (16) during a 2B District 4 Quarterfinal against PWV at Fort Borst Park in Centralia on Friday, May 15.

For a brief moment in Rainier’s district quarterfinal against Pe Ell/Willapa Valley on Friday, the Mountaineers had all the momentum. They had just put up six runs in an inning to take a two-run lead, and …

Opinion
Letters to the editor can be submitted to yelmnews@yelmonline.com.

Letter to the editor: Celebrating Out Back Ceramics & Art Studio

When a local treasure closes, some business closures are transactions. Others feel like the loss of a gathering place, a tradition, a little piece of community memory. For my family, Out Back …
Letters to the editor can be submitted to yelmnews@yelmonline.com.

Letter to the editor: Lake Lawrence LMD marks 40 years of community leadership and renewal

This year, Lake Lawrence celebrates a milestone — the 40th anniversary of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD), the oldest and longest-running LMD in Washington state. What began in …
Rob Richards

Commentary: ‘Good job, Boats’

I heard from one of my old Navy shipmates that the USS Juneau (LPD-10) will be sunk as a SINKEX target this summer. The USS Dubuque (LPD-8) went down the same way back in 2024. Those are the two …

Commentary: State policies matter for taxpayers and the business climate

I start each workday by reviewing the latest economic and government reports for Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. It doesn’t take long to see a trend. Those states that prioritize fiscal …

Commentary: Washington state keeps making it harder for law enforcement to serve

For 15 years, Washington has lived with an uncomfortable truth: we rank dead last in the nation for police staffing per capita. And instead of reversing course, the Legislature continues to pass laws …
Obituaries
In loving memory of David Edwards: 1950 - 2025
Celebration of Life  David Edwards 11/9/1950 - 12/25/2025 Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 5 p.m. Yelm Moose Lodge
In loving memory of Mariel Lindblad: 1939-2026
Mariel Louise Lindblad (Price), 86, of Yelm, Washington, passed away on March 13, 2026. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Mariel spent most of her life in Humboldt County, California, before moving …
In loving memory of Susan Jane Rutledge : 1948 - 2025
Susan Jane Rutledge passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, with her partner and family by her side. Susan is survived by her devoted partner, Jerry Fugich; her son, Christopher Rutledge; her grandson, Wyatt …
In loving memory of Robert Leroy Aschenbrenner Jr.: 1975-2026
Robert Leroy Aschenbrenner Jr. (Rob) was born November 19, 1975 in Puyallup, Washington. He passed away in St. Peter's Hospital on January 11, 2026. He was a busy little guy–he had two brothers, …
In loving memory of Beverly Huizenga: 1958-2026
Beverly Ann Huizenga, lovingly known as Bev, age 67, of Mill Creek, Washington, passed away Jan. 2, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds, Washington. Bev was born Feb. 5, 1958, in Olympia, …
Community
Community Calendar for Dec. 18: Worthy Coffee Co. Santa photos, Souper Sunday at Yelm Lions Club, YARD’s ‘Level Up Lounge’ grand opening
Friday, Dec. 19 Yelm boys basketball hosts Puyallup Yelm High School’s boys basketball team will host the 4A SPSL’s Puyallup High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, inside the YHS gymnasium. …
Community Calendar for Dec. 4: Free pictures with Santa, Christmas in the Park activities, 14th annual Yelm Lions Christmas Store, Santa Story and Ice Cream Social
Friday, Dec. 5 Free pictures with Santa The City of Yelm’s parks and recreation department will host free pictures with Santa from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Yelm Community …
Community Calendar for November 27: Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony, Free pictures with Santa
Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday Nov. 30 Tenino Holiday Market The 2025 Tenino Holiday Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, at The Kodiak …
Community Calendar for November 20: Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar, Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony
Saturday, Nov. 22 Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar Prestige Senior Living Rosemont, located 215 Killion Rd NW, will host its Christmas Bazaar event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on …
Community Calendar for November 13: Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar, Tenino Holiday Market, Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony, Free pictures with Santa
Saturday, Nov. 22 Prestige Senior Living Rosemont’s Christmas Bazaar Prestige Senior Living Rosemont, located 215 Killion Rd NW, will host its Christmas Bazaar event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on …