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 Roy mayor condemns conduct by council members
Roy Mayor Kimber Ivy condemned recent and past behavior by members of the Roy City Council toward community members and staff, according to an open letter she wrote Monday, April 15. Ivy’s …
Learners Without Limits to host third annual 5K fundraiser
Learners Without Limits’ (LWL) 5K fundraiser is back for the third year after successful events in 2022 and 2023. The event is one of the organization’s two major fundraisers during the …
Yelm’s Parks & Rec to host series of family-friendly events this summer
The City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department has kept busy by organizing a series of events scheduled for this spring and summer to offer a variety of activities for area residents to …
We Love Rainier WA donates thesauruses to fourth graders
We Love Rainier WA presented thesauruses to fourth graders at Rainier Elementary School and Eagle View Christian School in March. The nonprofit organization partnered with OBEE Credit Union, which …
Yelm schools recognize “Kindness Matters” book artists
With the publication of its “Kindness Matters” book this month, Yelm Community Schools honored six of its student artists from two elementary schools whose artwork was selected for the …
What’s happening: Luke Yates concert, Rainier Senior Center driving class, Nisqually Valley Spring Expo
Friday, April 19 Christian country artist Luke Yates concert Popular Christian country recording artist Luke Yates will perform at 7 p.m., Friday, April 19, at Rainier Chapel, 206 …
Yelm community raises $15K for Lacey woman fighting cancer
The week of March 9, 2024, was one of the toughest weeks of Edith Vanderwal’s life. While watching her son’s soccer game in Aberdeen, the Lacey woman fell down a few sets of bleachers, …
Oblivion Wrestling to debut May 25 at Thurston County Fairgrounds
Fans of professional wrestling in Thurston County and surrounding regions will finally have their fix of local action as Oblivion Wrestling is set to debut on Saturday, May 25, at the Thurston County …
Yelm community pays tribute to ‘Historic Yelm Canyon’
In a town lined with breathtaking views, a booming economy and historic buildings with stories dating back a century, Yelm’s most polarizing attraction in 2024 has been what residents have …
Yelm Chamber of Commerce hires new executive director
After a weeks-long search, the Yelm Chamber of Commerce hired Tina Richardson as its next executive director. Richardson replaces Amanda Muñoz, who stepped down last month after more than a …
City officials contemplate future of Longmire Park
Longmire Park might be in for a facelift in the near future, as the City of Yelm awaits a potential design for a park master plan.   According to the Yelm projects and programs manager Brad …
Yelm’s annual farmers market set to return May 4
Customers can have their picks of locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and locally crafted items as the annual farmers market returns to Yelm beginning on Saturday, May 4, at 206 McKenzie …
State & Regional News
 Thurston County Sheriff’s Office warns of increase in scammers
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) warned the community of an increase in scams in which scammers pretend to be members of the sheriff’s office. According to TCSO’s …
Residents speak out at TCSO forum after hiring of officer acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death
The roughly 30 Thurston County residents who spoke at the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office’s public forum on Thursday, April 11, had differing opinions on the controversial hiring and …
Area runner after bigfoot report: ‘That Sasquatch running was me’
A recent Sasquatch sighting near Grand Mound, investigated by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), may have been debunked by a Rochester cross country and track athlete. The …
Inslee signs Rep. Wilcox’s bill to study avian salmon predation
Gov. Jay Inslee has signed legislation to study the effect of avian predation on salmon populations in the state. House Bill 2293, sponsored by Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, establishes an Avian …
American Revolution Experience opening at Schmidt House in Tumwater
The Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting the opening of the American Revolution Experience at the Schmidt House in Tumwater, beginning on April 5. The pop-up exhibition includes display …
Ahead of spring, gas prices on the rise in Washington state
Washington state drivers may have noticed an increase in the price at the pump recently. On Monday, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the Evergreen State increased to nearly $4.31 per …
Salmon recovery proponents say several bills got away this legislative session
Supporters of salmon recovery efforts in Washington state were optimistic going into this year's short 60-day legislative session. There was bipartisan support for habitat restoration, with …
Battle begins over three revenue-cutting initiatives on the ballot this November
Less than eight months from now, Washington state voters will – in addition to casting a ballot for president in November’s general election – decide the fate of three initiatives …
Gov. Inslee signs bill allowing hate crime charges for defacing public property
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a bill that classifies certain types of public defacement as a felony if it's perceived to be an act of "hate." Senate Bill 5917 amends …
Life

Christian country artist Luke Yates to perform in Rainier

While people can listen to many recordings of Christian music artist Luke Yates, nothing tops a live performance. On April 19, Yates will be performing at the Rainier Chapel in a free concert of …
A helicopter drops Easter eggs onto Vets Field at Yelm’s American Legion on Saturday, March 30, to celebrate the holiday.

Community turns out for Easter fun Saturday at egg drop in Yelm

Worthy Coffee Co.’s Sunday worships welcome all walks of life

The Sunday worship services at Worthy Coffee Co. continue to build a community with people from diverse backgrounds to give them a place to congregate outside of traditional churches. Worthy …
Participants at Worthy Coffee Co.'s Sunday Worship event on Feb. 25 hold their arms high as they praise Jesus during a song by Parkland's Crossover Ministries.

Worthy Coffee Co.’s Sunday worship aims to build community

On Sundays, Worthy Coffee Co. in Roy offers more than just caffeinated beverages and treats. Instead, co-owners Brandy and Josh Worthy offer the Holy Spirit and prayer. Over 50 attendants …
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Business
Worthy Coffee Co. and Steele Barrel BBQ set up shop outside Yelm High School in 2023's edition of the Nisqually Valley Spring Expo.
For years, the Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show was Yelm’s premier home improvement trade show, kicking off the spring season with local businesses, activities and a car show. The …
Members of Wild Heart Beauty, Tayelyn Cutler, Pepsy Mcgill, Presly Littlejohn and Brooklyn Cutler, pose for a photo in the new salon.
Wild Heart Beauty, a family-owned business, opened its doors on Feb. 19 and aims to build strong relationships with community members and clientele as the four family members have set up shop in the …
Kayla Walker works on a customer's eyebrows in this courtesy photo.
When Kayla Walker moved from San Diego, California, to Yelm in 2022, she knew that it could be a home for her business. She owned a couple of salons in San Diego but had to close due to the COVID-19 …
Students work on an art project during YARD's summer program in 2023.
For six weeks, Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YARD) will transform into the “Prairie Old West” for the return of its summer program. The organization is meshing the 100-year …
Sverre Ange and Karin Ange smile behind the register at Karvada's Cauldron Shoppe on Feb. 15.
Karin and Sverre Ange wanted to combine their passions to create a new business in Yelm. Karin served for more than 18 years in the U.S. Army National Guard as a supply sergeant, and Sverre owned his …

The Nisqually Valley News - April 11, 2024

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Sports

Mountaineers shut out in non-league contest by Elma

Ryleigh Cruse prepares to throw a pitch against Elma as drops of rain fall around her on April 16.
The falling hail wasn’t the only sharp pain in the Rainier High School softball team’s neck in its non-league contest against Elma on Tuesday, April 16. Earning three outs in a single …

Tornados cruising through conference schedule

The Yelm High School softball team has a winning recipe this season: score double-digit runs. The Tornados have not lost a game in which they score 10 or more runs and have not won a game in which …
Peyton Sheaffer runs to first base after hitting a ground ball against Wahkiakum on April 13.

Mountaineers blow seven-run lead in loss to Mules

Just as the Rainier High School baseball team was beginning to turn its season around with a 3-0 record since spring break, the Mountaineers couldn’t hold on against Wahkiakum on Saturday, …

Mountaineers can’t stop scoring in win over T-Wolves

The Rainier softball team started scoring early and never looked back on Thursday, as the Mountaineers raced past Morton-White Pass 25-6 in five innings. Rainier (5-3, 1-1 C2BL) scored at least …
Ashley Swails stretches during Yelm Wolf Pack practice at Yelm High School's track on April 1.

Yelm Wolf Pack looking for growth ahead of new season

One of Yelm’s longest-tenured coaches is Sonia Wengelewski, who has coached the Yelm Wolf Pack for more than 37 years. The Special Olympics track and field team, composed of athletes with …
Jordan Lasher poses for a photo after he won the 3A pole vault competition in 2023.

Yelm athlete has sights set on becoming two-time state champion pole vaulter

Yelm High schooler Jordan Lasher isn’t a typical senior student. As a junior, the multi-sport athlete became a multi-sport state champion as part of the 2022 3A WIAA state football championship …

Yelm baseball swept by Peninsula Seahawks over spring break

After picking up its first sweep of the season, Yelm High School’s baseball team itself was swept by the Peninsula Seahawks. The Tornados played a home-and-road series against the South Sound …

Mountaineers have eyes on state titles halfway through regular season

Acacia Murphy attempts the high jump during Rainier's home meet on March 21. Murphy took first with a 4-foot-6-inch leap.

A buzz is beginning to build around the Rainier High School track and field teams at the halfway mark of the regular season. Both the girls and boys boast complete, deep rosters capable of making …

Mountaineers blow seven-run lead in loss to Mules

Ryder Cruse throws a pitch against Wahkiakum on April 13. Cruse struck out seven batters in five innings.

Just as the Rainier High School baseball team was beginning to turn its season around with a 3-0 record since spring break, the Mountaineers couldn’t hold on against Wahkiakum on Saturday, …

Rainier boys golfers take first at Oaksridge competition

Thomas Sprouffske watches his drive during practice at Tahoma Valley Golf Course on March 8.

The Rainier High School boys golf team finished with a first-place victory on Friday, April 12, at Oaksridge Golf Course in Elma, where it competed against Willapa Harbor, Agape Christian and Mary M. …

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

Passing EP&O levy necessary to providing comprehensive education to students

Passing EP&O levy necessary to providing comprehensive education to students   Editor, As a dedicated member of the Yelm community, I am writing to express my enthusiastic …
Early day Sisters of Providence supported the construction and operation of their works of charity through begging tours. These fund-raising journeys to distant logging camps and mines were made by boat, by stagecoach and on horseback, circa 1890.

Mother Joseph and Sisters of Providence opened schools, hospitals, orphanages

Today marks the 201st birthday of a Canadian woman whose loving selfless acts of service saved many lives throughout the Pacific Northwest. Esther Pariseau was born April 16, 1823, on a farm …
Members of the Yelm Community Schools district show their support for the replacement levy in this provided photo prior to the February 2024 special election.

Our Views: Upcoming YCS levy vote has long-term implications for students

Residents throughout the Yelm Community Schools (YCS) district will have an important decision to make in the April 23 special election when they vote to approve or reject the educational programs …
Letters to the editor can be submitted to yelmnews@yelmonline.com.

Community must bridge ed funding gap together

Editor, To the esteemed members of the Yelm community, I address you today not merely as residents who fulfill vital roles in our community — as bankers, accountants, engineers, …
Letters to the editor can be submitted to yelmnews@yelmonline.com.

Support school levy on April 23

Editor, As a longtime, proven, loyal advocate and leader in our wonderful community, I encourage all eligible voters to vote yes on our upcoming levy ballots. Our students have been through …

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Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean Kiourkas 6/17/57 ~ 2/17/24
Barbara Jean Kiourkas, of Yelm, Washington, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 17, 2024.  She was born in Tacoma, Washington on June 17, 1957 to Happy John Ryan …
In loving memory of Eric Anton Heid 1961-2024
Eric A. Heid, 62, of Yelm, Washington, died peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. He was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1961 to Emil and Carita Heid, and he was raised in Milwaukee, …
In Loving Memory of Peggy Lucille Black April 2, 1944 - Jan. 17, 2024
In Memoriam of Peggy Black Peggy Lucille Black passed away on Jan. 17 from a brief illness. She is survived by husband, Brian Black, daughter Shelley Lucus, brother Wes Ament Jr., sister …
In loving memory of Grace M. Dvorak: March 20, 1940 - Jan. 13, 2024
Grace passed away into the arms of her Lord on Jan. 13, 2024, at her home in Yelm, Washington, surrounded by her husband and two sons. Grace was born on March 20, 1940, to Albert and Emma …
In Loving Memory of Janet L. Thompson
On Nov. 15, 2023, our sweet mama, Janet L. Thompson, left us to fly free with the angels. She was a mom, a wife, a grandma, a great-grandma and a friend to many.   She was a wonderful …

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