Local news
Over $200,000 raised by supporters after Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad trestle bridge burns down
Back at the end of April, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad’s wooden trestle bridge located between Mineral and Morton burned down in a fire that was believed to have been deliberately started. …
Washington state government spending surges 116% since 2015
Washington state faces deficit spending by 2028 as lawmakers just hit taxpayers with the state's largest combined tax increase – all driven by massive state spending increases over the past …
More crisis care beds coming to Thurston County thanks to Department of Commerce partnership
A new 16-bed crisis triage and stabilization facility is coming to Thurston County, thanks in part to a $4.95 million grant from the Washington state Department of Commerce, a recent news release …
WDFW accepting master hunter applications
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting new applicants to join the ranks of over 1,200 certified master hunters across the state, a news release from the WDFW stated. …
Thurston County issues burn ban on yard waste and land clearing
Thurston County commissioners recently approved a temporary ban on residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns in unincorporated areas of Thurston County, a news release from the …
Yelm Distance Running to host second ‘Speed Night’ for local athletes
As head coach for the Yelm High School boys cross country team and a long distance coach on YHS’s track team, Alex McIntire has long had a vision of creating a culture of running. His efforts …
Adam Craig to headline first outdoor concerts at Tenino’s Ag Park
Tenino native and Nashville rising star Adam Craig will return to his hometown for two performances at the new Stone City Event Center on Friday, July 11, and Saturday, July 12, for the first outdoor …
Police pursuit through Yelm ends in fatality in Pierce County
A police pursuit that began in Thurston County Sunday night, July 6, and continued to Pierce County ended in a fatality after the driver was ejected from his fleeing vehicle upon collision with …
City of Yelm holds first ever ‘Brass on the Grass’ concert
To close out the Fourth of July weekend, the City of Yelm hosted its first ever “Brass on the Grass” concert at Yelm City Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon, July 6. Over 100 Yelm residents …
Yelm resident inspired to serve the community through fresh, home-cooked meals
Erin Sunshine, a longtime Yelm resident and former business owner in the community, believes nobody deserves to go hungry. Her actions have backed her beliefs throughout 2025, as earlier in the year …
Yelm FFA Alumni Association reflects on over 20 years of supporting YHS program
In Yelm, you know you’re officially approaching the Fourth of July when the Yelm FFA Alumni Association sets its trailer up in the parking lot of the 507 Taproom, just off Yelm Avenue. For over …
Senior-focused “Lakefair 50+ in the Park” set for July 18 at Heritage Park
Senior Action Network (SAN) and its member businesses are calling all seniors. SAN will host its annual “Lakefair 50+ in the Park” from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at Heritage …
State & Regional News
Measure would make Washington residents prove they are citizens when they register to vote
A Republican-led effort to make Washington residents prove they are U.S. citizens before receiving a ballot is hitting the streets. Backers of an initiative requiring a person to provide proof …
How Latinos in Washington state are coping with ICE crackdowns: ‘I don’t really have time for therapy’
Alejandra Guzman-Mercado was just weeks away from graduating college – the first in her family to do so – when a judge denied her father’s request to remain in the United States and …
High pay, low test scores: Washington state teachers earn most when adjusted for cost of living
Washington state ranks highest in the nation for adjusted pay among elementary, middle and high school teachers, according to USAFacts , based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. …
Washington state Republican convicted over Election Day refusal to wear a mask
An Island County, Wash., election observer has been convicted of a felony over his refusal to wear a mask last year when policy was established by the county auditor due to a high rate of COVID-19 …
After suing, Washington gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices
The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic rifles into machine guns in Washington and other states where they are illegal. More than a dozen states …
U.S. Senate Dems from Western states blast Trump budget for cutting federal aid
Members of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee differed along party lines at a Thursday hearing about how the U.S. Forest Service should partner with states and how the federal …
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost Washington state $8.7 billion
Officials are warning that the megabill passed last week will likely raise Washington households’ electricity costs and eliminate thousands of jobs in Washington’s clean energy and …
Supporters, critics weigh in on Trump scrapping Biden’s Snake River dam deal
Less than a month after President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum revoking a Biden-era agreement regarding the potential removal of the Lower Snake River dams in southeastern Washington …
Alaska governor’s office says state has no plans to build ‘Bear Alcatraz’ to jail ICE detainees
After a Fox News interview raised the possibility of Alaska building a “Bear Alcatraz” Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, the office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy said on …
Life
Adam Craig

Adam Craig to headline first outdoor concerts at Tenino’s Ag Park

Tenino native and Nashville rising star Adam Craig will return to his hometown for two performances at the new Stone City Event Center on Friday, July 11, and Saturday, July 12, for the first outdoor …

High Rock Lookout closed to public for construction

The High Rock Lookout and surrounding area have been closed to the public for the construction and renovation of the High Rock Lookout on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This closure order will …

Rising food insecurity in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties drives record demand for local agency’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Farmers market season just started, but older adults in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties have already claimed every available benefit card for Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging’s …
Swerve Strickland is one of eight total AEW wrestlers included on a promotional poster for tapings of Collision and Dynamite in Kent.

Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland talks PNW roots, historic three-year run 

Since Swerve Strickland signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and made his debut at AEW Revolution, a pay-per-view on March 6, 2022, he’s quickly climbed the ranks of the promotion and become …
Mark Schult's scratchboard water color piece "Twilight at the Liberty Theater" is displayed at The Atrium on Tuesday, June 17.

Thurston County recognizes winners of second annual art contest

Thurston County announced and recognized the winners of its second annual art contest during its Tuesday board meeting. Winning artwork for the contest, which was themed “Homegrown and …

  • 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
About 10 years ago, Wayne Fournier, Michael Cade and Aslan Meade had nothing but a napkin and a dream. The trio met at the Sandstone Cafe & Quarry Bar in Tenino and discussed the future of …
Olympia Artesian Vodka is far from a typical vodka, according to a news release from Olympia Distilling Co. It’s a smooth, refined spirit with a story that stretches back more than a …
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is still reeling from the fire that destroyed its 28-span wooden trestle bridge between Mineral and Morton on April 30, but the railroad hasn’t lost any steam. …
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has announced the award of $14,000 in literacy grants to Washington nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are a part of a donation of …
Songbird Haven Farm, a King County incubator farm, will expand to include the Chehalis Farmers Market in June and the Southwest Washington Food Hub for its seventh season of farming. Songbird …
Sports
Brooklynn Bell, a homeschooled student from Rainier, poses for a photo with her horse Shirley.

Rainier teen claims reserve world championship at national junior rodeo

8.99 seconds. Brooklynn Bell traveled over 1,800 miles and over 28 hours from Rainier to Des Moines, Iowa, for just that seemingly miniscule amount of time. But in the junior high breakaway roping …
Rainier head coach Andy Bartell instructs his team during a practice at Rainier Elementary School on July 2.

Mountaineers spend early July prepping for fall camp

On Wednesday morning, July 2, the Rainier football team continued its string of practices in preparation for fall camp by taking on a formidable, yet instructive, foe — the Fisher Hedgehog. The …

Rainier youth football franchise looking to fill spots before registration ends

The Rainier Jr. Mountaineers of the Thurston County Youth Football League are looking to fill spots for its tackle football teams before regular registration closes on July 15. Specifically, the club …
Former Yelm High School athletic director, Rob Hill, soaks in the environment at Husky Stadium prior to YHS football's 3A state championship matchup with Bellevue in December of 2023.

Longtime FFA adviser Matt Mounts hired as YHS athletic director

A new era is underway in Yelm High School’s athletic department, as longtime FFA adviser and agriculture teacher Matt Mounts has been hired as the new YHS athletic director and will oversee …

‘Both feet in’: Yelm football coach holds meet and greet with public

The Rex Norris era at Yelm High School has officially begun. After spending a week with players and current assistant coaches, including a jamboree at Pacific Lutheran that served as the finale to …
Yelm athlete Quinten Loomis breaks a tackle during a spring scrimmage against Sumner at Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday, June 19.

Tornados test their spring progress at Pacific Lutheran University

Just days after announcing Rex Norris as head football coach, the Yelm High School Tornados traveled up the road to Pacific Lutheran University to conclude spring practices with a jamboree showcase …

Tenino student grows as athlete, teammate and leader in Nyastrong Warriors Academy

Incoming Tenino Elementary School fifth grader Kora Hadaller has played a big part in the Nyastrong Warriors Academy’s (NWA) success as a youth basketball team. The NWA program aims to honor …

Washington State Parks says budget cuts won’t undermine visitor access or services this summer

River runners go down Rainbow Falls at Rainbow Falls State Park during the Pe Ell River Run on the Chehalis River on Saturday, April 13.

Though Washington State Parks, like other parts of state government, did not make it through this year’s legislative session with its budget unscathed, park visitors shouldn’t notice any …

AEW’s Collision and Dynamite tapings rock ShoWare Center in Kent

“Hangman” Adam Page moonsaults off the top turnbuckle in AEW Dynamite’s main event against The Beast Mortos on Wednesday, June 25 at the ShoWare Center.

For the first time in eight months, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returned to the Evergreen State and presented three televised shows to a rowdy audience inside the ShoWare Center in Kent. The first of …

YCS selects Rex Norris as Tornados head football coach

Yelm High School’s newly hired football coach Rex Norris introduced himself to YHS athletes on Monday, June 16.

Yelm High School has chosen its next football coach, the Nisqually Valley News has confirmed. Rex Norris, who served as head coach for the Eatonville Cruisers the past two seasons, will take over a …

Opinion
Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. He believes that small towns are the last frontier of big ideas. He shares stories of civic creativity, leadership and community-building in his regular newspaper column.

Wayne Fournier: That time the mayor threw a chair and Danny Bonaduce called me ‘Councilmember D-bag’ (Yes, really, I can’t make this stuff up)

Local government isn’t often glamorous; sometimes, it’s downright messy. But every leadership lesson has a story, and this one happens to involve that guy from The Partridge Family and a …
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, stands in the wings of the Senate floor at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

John Braun: Deal in facts when reacting to federal budget actions, not partisan fiction

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s first speech to the Legislature included several declarations that were encouraging to Republicans in the audience. One was that he was not here to defend government, but to …
Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus Chair.

Peter Abbarno: Washington state’s child care crisis demands real solutions

Washington is in the midst of a child care crisis — and families across Southwest Washington are paying the price. In communities throughout the 20th Legislative District — from Centralia …
The Mariners Moose mascot cheers during a game in Seattle on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Richard Stride: Baseball, hot dogs and American dreams — a Seattle Mariners story

There’s something about the smell of grilled onions and sizzling hot dogs wafting through a ballpark that feels like pure summer. It’s July, the sun hangs stubbornly in the sky long …

Commentary: Washington state Supreme Court hides the ball on state employee compensation offers

In a shocking 8-1 ruling , the Washington Supreme Court has given its official blessing to a secretive process that allows the offers and counteroffers leading to more than a billion dollars in …
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Joseph Agosto: 1963-2025
Joseph Vincent Agosto II, born on January 14, 1963, in Spanaway, Washington, departed this world on May 12, 2025, in Rainier, Washington. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, …
In Loving Memory of Ed Rhodes
Edward “Ed” Harry Rhodes was born in Seattle Washington, to Dale and Edna Rhodes. He was the eldest of two children.     Ed was predeceased by his son Wes …
In Loving Memory of David Cook: 1957-2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David W. Cook on March 25, 2025, in Centralia, Washington. David was born to Laurence Cook and Lorraine (Tolliver) Cook on March 30, 1957, in Colville, …
In loving memory of Lester Reichel: 1931-2025
Lester Rice Reichel, 94 years old, passed away on April 9, 2025, while in the home of his daughter, Sherri Anderson. His other two daughters, Jenny and Linda, were present. Born Feb. 7, 1931, in …
In Loving Memory of Michael Brown: 1961-2025
Michael Brown lived his life for adventure. After traveling as a young boy with his dad cross-country to pick up a fire truck for the Yelm Fire Department, he fell in love with the road. After …
Community
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for July 10
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • Marc Masters, 39, was seriously …
Community Calendar: Movies in the Park, Capital Lakefair, Oregon Trail Days, Jazz in the Park
Saturday, July 12 Movies in the Park: “Trolls Band Together” Yelm Lions Club’s “Movies in the Park” series will continue at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Longmire Park …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for July 3
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • Puget Power was granted an …
Community Calendar: Lacey Fireworks Spectacular, Yelm Farmers Market, Shiplap Street Fest
Thursday, July 3 Lacey Fireworks Spectacular The annual Lacey Fireworks Spectacular features live entertainment, rides, face painting and, of course, a night of fireworks. The free festival is …
Take a trip through our area’s rich history for June 26
Enjoy these snapshots of articles written in past issues of the Nisqually Valley News from 45, 35, 25 and 15 years ago. A look back at this week, 45 years ago • Valley Trading Post, located on …