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 Public comment period open about proposed changes to WDFW’s listing and recovery planning processes for at-risk species
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting public comments on proposed rule changes to update or clarify the department’s process for listing and developing recovery …
WDFW: The rut is on; watch for deer on the move
Try using a little less pressure on the accelerator this fall when driving; deer are especially active in November as the rut (mating season) is at its peak. Additionally, many animals from each …
Vehicle strikes pedestrian walking on state Route 507 in Thurston County
A vehicle struck a pedestrian walking on the highway in Thurston County between Yelm and McKenna on Thursday, Oct. 8. The pedestrian, identified by the Washington State Patrol as Jonathan M. …
JJ Olson says he has the experience to change the Thurston County Assessor’s Office for the better
With longtime Thurston County Assessor Steven Drew retiring at the end of the year, JJ Olson thinks his 11 years of experience within the Thurston County Assessor’s Office makes him the most …
Lynda Nashed Zeman aims to bring long-term stability to Thurston County Assessor’s Office
Lynda Nashed Zeman intends to bring transparency, fairness and people-centered leadership to the Thurston County Assessor’s Office. “I’m running to bring strong leadership and management …
National Federation of Independent Business to voters: Yes on I-645 — stop the income tax
Washington state’s leading small business association announced in a news release Tuesday its support of Initiative 645, which would repeal the new state income tax. “Wall Street gets a pass …
Thurston County documents influenza-related death
Thurston County marked the official end of the 2025-26 flu season with one more death to add to the count. 
Tillie Naputi-Pullar looks to apply extensive elections experience to the Thurston County Auditor's Office
Longtime Thurston County Elections Manager Tillie Naputi-Pullar is looking forward to applying her extensive experience in elections administration to the entire auditor’s office.  …
Washington State Supreme Court candidates make their case as high-profile election nears
Less than a month remains until an election that will transform Washington’s state Supreme Court. Two new justices will join the nine-member high court, and two new justices appointed by Gov. …
Longtime Thurston County PUD employee named WPUDA’s 2026 Water/Wastewater Employee of the Year
The Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA) has presented its annual Water/Wastewater Employee of the Year award to Thurston County Public Utility District Project Management …
Community Calendar for October 8: Yelm and Rainier football
Friday, Oct. 9 Yelm football hosts Bonney Lake Yelm High School (0-4, 0-1 SPSL) will host the Bonney Lake Panthers (0-4, 0-1 SPSL) in each program’s third South Puget Sound League contest of the …
Blue Fern presents draft of development agreement with Yelm, including 3,000 residential units
Representatives from Blue Fern Development were present during a special Yelm City Council study session meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to highlight what is included in its proposed development …

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State & Regional News
 Critics slam Washington state tort reform committee for excluding abuse survivors
An advisory committee is finalizing a report this week outlining ways the state can reduce skyrocketing lawsuit payouts and liability when children under Washington state supervision are harmed or …
Olympia is home to the only NOAA-authorized whale entanglement response team in the PNW
Across the Pacific coast, reports of large whales tangled in buoys, gillnets and other fishing equipment are increasing.  In 2025, Washington was among four states where nearly 80% of …
Allegations of racial bias swirl around embattled Washington agency
The leader of Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families was questioned this week about her agency’s commitment to equity amid allegations of racial bias in the agency made by two …
Seattle firefighters, public slam cuts in proposed city budget
Firefighters pushed back Tuesday against cuts in the proposed Seattle city budget that would close firehouses to help address an estimated $175 million budget gap next year. Firefighters were …
Idaho voters can help pick the state’s official gun in 2026 general election
This year, Idaho voters have a lot to decide on: Who will be the state’s next governor or U.S. senator? Should two constitutional amendments pass? Should voters pass their own law to repeal the …
Oregon’s Merkley, Utah’s Curtis propose extending military death benefits to fallen firefighters
A financial benefit for surviving family members of wildland firefighters who die fighting blazes on federal lands could increase tenfold under a new bill proposed by Oregon’s Democratic U.S. Sen. …
Washington officials consider steep cut to developmental disability services
A Washington state agency has floated cutting services for more than 2,600 residents with developmental disabilities with the goal of saving money to close a looming budget gap. As part of its …
WDFW accepting pre-proposals for upcoming wildlife diversity grants
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting pre-proposals for an upcoming grant intended to fund wildlife conservation projects that benefit at-risk species in Washington, a …
With election pressure mounting, states move to suspend fuel taxes
With Election Day less than a month away, lawmakers in several states are suspending gas taxes or rolling back regulations on diesel fuel as voters grow increasingly frustrated with rising fuel costs …

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Life
Creativity, innovation and community will come together as Lacey MakerSpace opens its doors for the Festival of Sparks, its annual fundraiser, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event is free and open to all.

Lacey MakerSpace invites the community to Festival of Sparks

Creativity, innovation and community will come together as Lacey MakerSpace opens its doors for the Festival of Sparks, its annual fundraiser, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event is free …
People loading onto the North Thurston Public School Buses at the Hawks Prairie Park & Ride on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, during the Nisqually Watershed Festival.

Poster contest draws hundreds of children to the 37th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival

A vibrant crowd of young nature enthusiasts and families flooded the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Sept. 26, for the 37th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival, …
Tenino High School’s new backlit aluminum sign hangs in front of the school on Monday. Sept. 28.

Tenino High School unveils new sign made by its students

Five years ago, Tenino High School took down its historic wooden sign for refurbishment, and discovered it was damaged beyond repair. Instead of simply ordering a replacement, the school decided …
Durrell Bell carries a cross in his hands as it rests upon his shoulder at Harrison Avenue in Centralia on Friday, Sept. 25.

“Jesus loves ‘em”: Man with cross offers a simple message

Wind ripped through the air picking up any ungrounded objects in its path as a storm hit Lewis County on Friday, but Durrell Bell stayed anchored to the ground from the weight of the nearly 6-foot-5 …
Rob Richards, sheriff candidate Kevin Burton-Crow’s campaign manager, delivers a statement in place of Burton-Crow during the Thurston Chronicle candidate forum at the Thurston County Expo Center in Lacey on Monday, Sept. 21. Burton-Crow was unavailable to attend as he was at a law enforcement conference as part of his duties with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

Candidates highlight policies at Thurston Chronicle forum

Thurston County will undergo tremendous leadership changes this coming year, as the longtime elected heads of four county departments decided to open the door to newcomers rather than run for …

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  • 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

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Business
A preview of the front news and sports pages for the first print edition of the Thurston Chronicle, printing Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. Visit ThurstonChronicle.com to subscribe and see a growing list of locations where the weekly newspaper will be available for purchase. Call 360-245-6737 or 360-736-3311 for more details.
In January 2021, Lewis County-based CT Publishing entered the world of journalism, purchasing The Chronicle in Centralia, the Nisqually Valley News in Yelm, and The Reflector in Clark County. …
Spooner Berry Farms has operated a stand on Yelm Highway for the last 43 years. The stand is located on land currently slated to become part of Jolene Unsoeld Community Park, construction for which is scheduled to start later this fall.
With construction of Jolene Unsoeld Community Park set to begin this fall, the Olympia community is raising concerns about what the development means to a longstanding berry stand on the property. …
Talent turnover is accelerating, technology is reshaping roles, and the gap between what workers expect and what employers are offering is widening. These challenges, and the opportunities they …
The TransAlta Centralia plant is pictured on Thursday, March 12.
TransAlta Centralia is expected to begin operations generating power through burning natural gas by 2028 and cease all burning of fossil fuels by a state deadline of 2044. The Washington state …
Providence St. Peter Hospital’s heart care program recently enhanced its outpatient cardiology services as well as hospital-based interventional, electrophysiology, structural heart, cardiothoracic …

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The Nisqually Valley News - October 8, 2026

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Sports

Yelm crushed by Bonney Lake in head coach Tutu Tamaalevea’s debut

Yelm head football coach Tutu Tamaalevea and the Yelm Tornados perform a Haka chant before a game against Bonney Lake at Yelm High School on Friday, Oct. 9.
YELM — In Tutu Tamaalevea’s quest to rebuild the Yelm football program in his first season as the head coach, he knew some changes needed to be made within the roots of the organization. …

Rainier captures first C2BL win, sweeps Mossyrock

The Mountaineers bounced back from a five-set heartbreaker earlier in the week to cruise by the Vikings 25-16, 25-8, 25-12 at home on Thursday night to claim their first league win of the fall. …

Northwest Christian holds its own in loss to Tenino

The Northwest Christian volleyball team went toe to toe with Tenino in a 3-1 home loss on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Northwest Christian made an early statement with a dominant first-set victory 25-13. …
Rainier’s Alexis Myers competes in the 800-meter run during the final day of the state track and field championships at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima on Saturday, May 30.

Rainier’s Robles, Myers earn top two spots at Rainier Invite

Rainier’s Komaire Robles and Alexis Myers impressed at the Rainier Invite on Wednesday in Rainier, as the two Mountaineers finished in first and second among all racers at the event. Robles …

Prep football capsules: Rivalries, top-10 showdowns expected to deliver the goods

Identities of programs are starting to become clearer, as are the contenders from the pretenders in District 4. It’s not quite rivalry week, but the contests on the docket for Week 6 are …

Olympia, Tumwater football teams raise awareness for addiction prevention and recovery

Two football programs in the Thurston County region are bringing awareness to addiction prevention and recovery by participating in the American Addiction Recovery Association (AARA) Purple Project. …

Olympia sweeps doubles matches in win over Yelm

The Olympia boys tennis team has now won seven of its last eight matches after a 4-1 triumph over Yelm at home Monday, Oct. 5. The Bears’ doubles teams were all victorious. In first doubles, …

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Olympia staves off Yelm in sweep

The Olympia volleyball team defeated a feisty Yelm Tornados squad in a 25-17, 25-20, 25-21, sweep at home Monday, Oct. 5. Stella Sheeran shined once again with an impressive statline of 17 …

Rainier shuts down Mossyrock

The Mountaineers rebounded from a Week 4 loss to begin C2BL East play on Friday night with a dominant 60-0 victory over the Vikings at home. Rainier signal caller Ryan O’Neal was 4-of-5 …

Locals compete in John Payne XC Invitational at Chambers Creek

The 2026 HOKA John Payne XC Invitational, hosted Saturday, Oct. 3 in University Place, was a hotspot for personal records for Thurston County cross country runners. At the top of the list of …

Opinion

Storms across the Columbia River: The Washington congressional race blanketing Oregon airwaves

When I sat down for a recent supper in a restaurant in Yamhill, the TV set on the side wall was showing Portland-area news. Campaign ads dominated the commercial breaks, as is normal for October of …
Let’s Go Washington supporters hold a sign with the total number of signatures received for a petition, 511,408, outside the Washington Secretary of State’s office building in Tumwater on Thursday, July 2.

Fact check: Washington's income tax initiative doesn't “cut” government programs

Washington voters will decide this November whether to keep the state's new 9.9% income tax . Politicians and the media are claiming approval of Initiative 645 will "cut funding" for public …
The courtroom in the Temple of Justice is pictured on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Olympia.

Opinion: Washington State Supreme Court tramples on citizens’ initiative power

“All political power is inherent in the people …” That’s how Washington’s Constitution begins. Apparently, however, the state supreme court disagrees. Washington voters decided …
A librarian helps a guest at the Timberland Regional Library in Tenino.

Opinion: Support our rural libraries by voting for Timberland levy lid lift

As former trustees for Timberland Regional Library (TRL), we urge voters to approve TRL’s levy lid lift measure that is on this fall’s ballot. The Timberland district covers five counties …
Let’s Go Washington supporters hold a sign with the total number of signatures received for a petition, 511,408, outside the Washington Secretary of State’s office building in Tumwater on Thursday, July 2.

Opinion: Washington’s I-645 — repealing the new 9.9% income tax 

This November, Washington voters will decide whether to enact I-645. This proposal would repeal a new 9.9% income tax , with a current statutory exemption of one million dollars, that is scheduled to …

Read more about: Opinion

Obituaries
In loving memory of Garry James Brown: 1952-2026
Garry James Brown, D.O., born Sept. 22, 1952, in Olympia, Washington, passed away Sept. 19, 2026, at the age of 73 in Olympia after living with pancreatic cancer for two years. Garry lived a …
In Loving Memory of Robert Pape: 1939 - 2025
Robert A. Pape was born Oct. 11, 1939, and passed away Dec. 17, 2025. A celebration of life will be held Sept. 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The service will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral …
In Loving Memory of Steven Demich: 1957 - 2026
Though he will be deeply missed, Steve’s spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched over the years. “A smile costs nothing, but gives so much.” Those who knew Steve know that he …
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 …

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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 …
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