Jan. 5, 2023
Yelm Resident Jared Potter finds success in film industry
Jared Potter, a Yelm resident for nearly 20 years, has found success in the film industry.
Whether it’s animation or effects work in television shows, movies or commercials, Potter has done it all. Prior to January, he completed his work for the movie and television remake of Beavis and Butt-Head.
“Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe” was released to Paramount Plus’ streaming service on June 23, 2023. Potter said most of his work on the movie included 3-D modeling, animation and compositing work.
“That was a blast. It was a lot of work, but really really fun,” Potter said. “It was a tough job, but it was super rewarding. Everything is a niche audience these days, but when Beavis and Butt-Head was marketed, it was marketed all over the place. That was super rewarding.”
Prior to his work with the movie, Potter found his big break in the film industry while he worked as a visual effects artist and later as the supervisor for the television series “Z Nation.”
Jan. 12, 2023
Between Sisters Boutique reopens in new location
Between Sisters Boutique recently celebrated the re-opening of its store in a new location at 1202 E. Yelm Ave. The shop originally opened on March 6, 2020, with mother in-law Heidi Potter and daughter-in-law Nanette Potter at the helm.
The grand re-opening of the store was held on Friday, Jan. 6. The store was “extremely busy” following the re-opening, the owners stated, which made the two feel grateful for the support they received from the community.
Nanette said the Between Sisters Boutique outgrew its original location at a fast rate.
“The new location was something we always wanted to grow. We feel like there’s a lot better visibility, which is great for retail,” Heidi said. “We really enjoyed where we were at for our first three years, but this opportunity presented itself to us. It was something we really wanted, the timing was right, and so we took the leap.”
Jan. 19, 2023
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders discusses his goals
Newly elected Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders began in his new role on Tuesday, Jan. 3 after he defeated former Sheriff John Snaza in the general election.
Just two weeks after he started in his new position, Sanders said was inspired to join law enforcement during his childhood. His mother was a dispatcher, and his father was a corrections deputy. Sanders said he got his first big break once he returned to Washington from school, as he was hired as a community service officer in Lacey.
“By the grace of God they hired me, and I don’t know why, but I never turned back after that,” Sanders said. “I did the boring, dirty stuff of police work. After two months, I knew that I wanted to do the whole thing and become a cop. This is where my passion is.”
Jan. 26, 2023
Hanford McCloud talks Nisqually history at City of Yelm’s first ‘Storytellers’ event
Hanford McCloud, the chairman of the Nisqually Tribal Council, hosted the City of Yelm’s first Storytellers event, where he discussed the history of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s early beginnings in the region.
Line Roy, with the City of Yelm, organized the event, which was hosted at the Yelm Community Center on Thursday, Jan. 19.
“Growing up in Yelm was very strong, considering my history,” McCloud said during the event. “Growing up in Yelm, my grandfather bought land down off Crystal Springs Edwards Street in 1957 or ‘58, and his brother followed suit. I always knew about their history.”
McCloud, who also works with local schools to educate students on the history of the Nisqually Tribe, said he is often asked about what brought settlers to the Nisqually region. The water, prairie, trees and mountains made the region rich in resources.
Feb. 2, 2023
Steele Barrel BBQ finds success with food truck
After opening its food truck for weekend take-out in November, Steele Barrel BBQ has become a well-known staple for residents with a hankering for a smoky or saucy treat.
Selling around 300 pounds of meat per week on average, Steele Barrel BBQ, 1506 W. Yelm Ave., has plenty of options to satisfy meat lover’s cravings.
The business features a large selection of barbecue items, which include brisket and pulled pork. That includes large breakfast burritos, the loaded mac and cheese and fries and sandwiches. There are also hamburgers available on the menu. Everything is made from scratch.
Feb. 9, 2023
Opening of Tenino-area sex offender housing facility delayed
Some Tenino-area residents gathered outside the Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) sex offender housing facility on 140th Avenue Southwest near Tenino on the morning of Feb. 1, to protest the arrival of the facility’s first resident, but that resident never showed up.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced on Feb. 1 that, according to state officials, the plan to move that resident from the McNeil Island Special Confinement Center into the LRA has been postponed. Representatives from the state Department of Corrections and the state Department of Social and Health Services confirmed that postponement during a webinar with community members that same day.
“That release has been paused for the time being while the property owner and the county discuss concerns raised related to code compliance for the property,” said Kevin Mellencamp, the assistant secretary of the DSHS Behavioral Health Administration.
Feb. 16, 2023
Local family helps Ukrainian soldiers and their families through care packages and friendship
Wenonah Galusha and her family are making a difference for Ukrainian soldiers and families by sending supply packages and offering friendship to those who need it the most.
They have provided soldiers with 17 large boxes containing items like clothing and boots, to handwritten and personalized cards.
Galusha said she’s a pug breeder and met an individual from Kiev, Ukraine, through her endeavors in Yelm. The two began to bond online and later a friendship was born.
On Feb. 24, 2022, Galusha said she received a message from this individual, which stated “Hell is here.” After several days of no contact, Galusha received another message stating “Hell is at my door.” Her friend then informed Galusha the Russian military was beginning to bomb Ukraine, including at airports and bridges throughout the country.
“At first, we were just going back and forth messaging,” Galusha said. “I was getting a lot of pictures that even the news wasn’t getting, and it’s pretty horrid.”
Feb. 23, 2023
Mayor presents ‘State of the City’ address at chamber forum
Mayor Joe DePinto said the city had a “good year” as he reflected upon the progress made throughout Yelm during the annual State of the City address on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Yelm Community Center.
DePinto reviewed his first year as mayor, noting he’s proud of the expanded relationships that have been created with area organizations and businesses, like the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the Yelm Senior Center. DePinto also discussed improvements to storefronts through the city’s beautification grant.
“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a steep learning curve. There’s a lot to learn, and reflecting back, there’s maybe some things I would’ve done differently,” DePinto said. “Yet throughout all the learning, we had a good year here in the city of Yelm. The state of the community remains strong.”
March 2, 2023
Senior From Yelm High School selected as candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Aiden Kortjohn, a senior at Yelm High School, was selected as one of over 5,000 candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Candidates were selected from 3.6 million students who are set to graduate from American high schools in 2023.
“Just last week I had the opportunity to observe Aiden during a mock legislative hearing in his AP government class,” Yelm High School Principal Curtis Cleveringa said. “He is a natural leader with unlimited potential, and I can't wait to see him impact our community.”
Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Brian Wharton said being a candidate for the prestigious program is an incredible honor and accomplishment.
“Very few seniors in each state achieve this level of recognition. This will be the third consecutive year a YHS senior has become a candidate,” Wharton said. “Molly Corak earned this recognition in 2022 and Dylan Jemtegaard in 2021. It is definitely something of which Aiden, the school and our community should be extremely proud.”
March 9, 2023
Community rallies in support of Rainier High School senior killed in fatal crash
Jessie Uch, a 17-year-old senior at Rainier High School, was identified as the girl who died
in a two-vehicle crash in the 13800 block of Rainier Road Southeast on March 4.
Uch served on the procurement team for the Rainier Education Foundation’s auction and was a cheerleader.
“Jessie touched a ton of people in her lifetime and her loss has and will continue to have enormous impacts on our students, staff and community members,” said John Beckman, the principal at Rainier Middle School and Rainier High School in a letter.
Uch died after an 18-year-old driver, who was not identified by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, was traveling north when he lost control of the vehicle on a curve and entered the oncoming lane. His vehicle was struck on the passenger side of the southbound vehicle, and the impact killed Uch, who was the passenger, according to the sheriff’s office.
The 18-year-old driver is facing vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and vehicular assault charges, according to the sheriff’s office. He was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital and then transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
March 16, 2023
Vigil held in honor of Rainier High School senior Jessie Uch
Hundreds of community members gathered in Rainier for a lighted vigil on March 7, in honor of 17-year-old Jessie Uch, who died in a fatal car wreck on March 4.
Uch, a senior, was a cheerleader who helped with the Rainier Education Foundation’s annual auction. Those in attendance gathered in the gymnasium at Rainier High School to support the Uch family and celebrate her life. People could write encouraging messages or memories of Uch on notecards for her family. Those who were comfortable speaking spoke about how she impacted their lives.
Her father, Sopheak Uch, described his daughter as a selfless, loving and caring individual. He said she always attempted to cheer people up and put a smile on the face of anyone who was struggling.
“Jessie was enthused about living life to the fullest. She was not shy about making sure others are happy,” Sopheak said after the vigil. “She loved to be there for those who wanted her to be there, even for those who didn’t want it, or those who didn’t know they were in need of a smile.”
March 23, 2023
PIT census counts 58 homeless individuals living in Yelm, surrounding areas
Love Abounds Here recently carried out its annual Point in Time (PIT) census of the homeless population in Yelm and surrounding areas. The PIT census recorded 58 individuals who are experiencing homelessness who live in Yelm, Rainier, Roy or McKenna.
The PIT census also found that 85% of the area’s homeless population lived in one of the mentioned cities before becoming homeless. The population includes 25 women and 33 men.
The results of the census state 73% of all of the respondents lived on the streets for over a year. Twenty-six percent of the population listed eviction as the cause of their homelessness, followed by 22% who cited family rejection as their cause.
The results showed 21% of the respondents listed job loss as their cause for becoming homeless, while 19% listed domestic violence. Behavioral issues were cited by 12% of the population.
According to the PIT census, one in five of the respondents deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, and one in six deal with mental health problems. One in eight have physical disabilities, and one in six have chronic health problems.
March 30, 2023
Yelm Drama Club’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ recognized at Yelm School Board meeting
The Yelm High School Drama Club was recognized at the school board meeting on March 23, following six showings of “The Little Mermaid” at the school’s Performing Arts Center.
Superintendent Brian Wharton congratulated the club for its success and highlighted the popularity of the performances.
“These musicals have always been big events in our town, but this year we had six shows, and five sold out,” Wharton said. “We had more than 2,500 people attend, which is fabulous.”
Hannah McLaughlin, the Yelm High School Drama Club director, introduced several of its members at the meeting, which included AJ Hicks, club vice president; club historian Maiya Mohrweis, who played Ariel; and technical director Dale Sharp.
“I just want to say thank you to Yelm Community Schools for your constant, continued support of the arts and all the programs here,” McLaughlin said. “I also want to thank our greater Yelm community because we wouldn’t receive the recognition today if you didn’t come to our shows.”
April 6, 2023
City of Roy uncovers financial discrepancies as mayor, city clerk treasurer resign
Roy Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Starks said a $40,000 deficit and a number of other issues were discovered following the resignation of the city’s Mayor Rawlin “Anthony” McDaniel and City Clerk Treasurer Kelli Loudin.
At a City Council meeting on March 27, Starks said McDaniel resigned from his role as mayor on March 6, while Loudin resigned from her role as city clerk treasurer on March 7.
Starks, who said the city is trying to make sure its accounts are payable at this time, was advised by legal counsel to discuss the findings publicly.
“One of the accounts we found on the computer had a deficit of over $40,000. It’s believed that the treasurer hadn’t put in a beginning balance for the new year,” Starks said. “There were duplicate checks found, so she was having some trouble balancing.”
According to Starks, the City of Roy’s account hadn’t been balanced since August 2022. She added the city's “software people” have been advised to go back to January of 2022 to reconcile every statement.
April 13, 2023
American Legion ‘Easter Egg Drop’ draws large crowd during second annual event
American Legion Post No. 164 in Yelm held its second annual “Easter Egg Drop” event, which brought together hundreds of people who scrambled to collect eggs during the popular Easter celebration on April 8.
The back roads of Yelm were congested as hundreds of people parked on Grove Street, Old McKenna Road or in the parking lot of the Yelm Adult Community Center.
Once they made their way to the American Legion facility, they were greeted by different vendors and American Legion representatives.
Anticipation started to build prior to the noon drop, which was conducted by “Dan the Pilot” with Classic Helicopter Corp. He flew a helicopter above Vet’s Field as approximately 10,000 Easter eggs dropped from the sky.
As soon as the first egg touched the ground, hundreds of children swarmed the field to collect as many as they could.
April 27, 2023
New superintendent selected for Yelm Community Schools
The Yelm School Board selected a new superintendent to lead the district on Thursday, April 20.
Chris Woods, who has worked as the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County for the past four years, is set to take the reins on July 1 from current Superintendent Brian Wharton, who is set to retire.
“Once July rolls around, a lot of people try to get in some much needed vacation time,” Woods said. “I’m really trying to make that transition smooth by spending some time over the next two months and not waiting until July 1.”
When asked his priorities for his new position, Woods said he wants to focus on the “community” portion of the district’s name.
May 5, 2023
Wrestling event draws large crowd to Quarter Mile Bar and Grill
For the first time in promotion history, “Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling” hosted an event in Yelm in front of a packed crowd at the Quarter Mile Bar and Grill on April 28.
The talent of wrestlers at the event, who only provided their stage names, included Mr. Nice Guy, Boom Box, Lumberjack, Heavy Metal Mario, Little Nasty Boy, Sawed Off Samoan and Chamuel.
The seven athletes had four matches and a “battle royal” main event.
Prior to the start of the show, Mr. Nice Guy, 34, of Jackson, Mississippi, said he has been wrestling for five years. He said the event highlights true athleticism and great entertainment for those who attend.
“This is a dream that I never knew I had. I grew up watching wrestling, guys like Macho Man Randy Savage, the Undertaker, Hulk Hogan. As a kid I tried to imitate their moves, and I’d get in trouble for doing their moves and gestures,” Mr. Nice Guy said. “As I got older, I grew away from wrestling, but I had a friend back home that was doing it. I saw him traveling around, and I knew I had to get into it.”
May 11, 2023
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que announces expansion to Nisqually Plaza in Yelm
Pecos Pit Bar-B-Que announced on Wednesday, May 10, that a restaurant location is coming to the Nisqually Plaza in Yelm this summer.
Customers describe its barbecue as mouth watering, slow roasted and wood smoked.
Brie Noble, with Pecos Pit, residents can expect Yelm’s newest barbecue establishment to be open by mid-summer.
“Part of the whole plan is 2,600 locations across the United States. We’ve been searching all over Washington to discover what our next territory is. We’re trying to pick things that are off the freeway in the corridor area,” Noble said. “Eventually, it was decided that Yelm would be a great location for a Pecos Pit.”
The restaurant will feature dining options including a variety of sandwiches that feature chopped pork, beef brisket and smokey chicken. The business also offers bowls or platters that include either chopped pork, beef brisket, chicken thighs or all beef hotlinks. The bowl or platter options include a macaroni and cheese bowl, a loaded baked potato or a salad.
May 18, 2023
Rainier Outdoor Market opens with wide range of vendors
The annual Rainier Outdoor Market attracted a large crowd as the sun beat down for the second Saturday sale of the year on May 13.
The market takes place at Wilkowski Park.
Dawn Workman, a volunteer with the Rainier Outdoor Market, said attendees can expect between 20 to 35 different vendors on any given weekend.
“I’m trying to do this year's farmers market so we have a variety of vendors, instead of the same things being sold,” Workman said. “I’m making sure the vendors are filtered in so we have a great amount of different items coming in, instead of the same things being sold.”
The proceeds from vendor fees will go directly to the Rainier Senior Center, Workman said. Typically, vendors pay a $15 fee, but the cost varies. Workman said vendor fees increase for Rainier Roundup Days and the city's Fourth of July event.
“It means a lot to me to help the Rainier Senior Center out,” Workman said. “It means a lot to me because it’s something that’s ignored sometimes. People don’t realize that organization is there and that they need help. Let's face it, that’s going to be us one day.”
May 25, 2023
Hundreds gather in memory of fallen Yelm youth football coach
Shawn Jemtegaard’s family members, friends, colleagues and youth football athletes gathered at Yelm High School on Sunday, May 21, to honor his life and memory during a memorial service. Jemtegaard was shot and killed on April 22 near Hawks Prairie after an alleged “road rage” incident, according to reports.
The memorial service was highlighted by stories and words of encouragement, while roses were placed on the 50-yard line.
The former Thurston County Youth Football League coach was memorialized at the high school’s field and stadium, where his sons and team played football. Several hundred people made their way into the stands prior to the start of the memorial.
Jason Ronquillo, Jemtegaard’s friend and coaching colleague, touched on the coach’s character during the memorial.
“I have the privilege and utmost honor to be able to speak on his behalf for the Jemtegaard family. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing today than honoring his presence he’s had in my life, and obviously, the lives of all of you guys,” Ronquillo said. “Bringing us together because of these kinds of circumstances is never a bright spot, but the great thing is today, because we’re all together, we get to honor him together. He was the bond that brought us here together and he was the bond that we all shared.”
June 1, 2023
Dozens gather at Yelm Cemetery to remember fallen veterans during Memorial Day ceremony
Nearly 40 individuals gathered at the Yelm Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor the countless men and women who lost their lives fighting for freedom in the United States.
Steven Slater, a representative with VFW Post 5580, thanked the audience for attending the ceremony on May 29.
Slater then presented “General Order No. 11,” which served as a day of remembrance for those who died during the Civil War. This served as the groundwork for what is now Memorial Day.
“The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land,” Slater recited. “In this observance, no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”
June 8, 2023
Ma and Pa’s Family Diner impacted by string of burglaries
For the second time since March, Ma and Pa’s Family Diner in Yelm was burglarized May 23.
After being burglarized twice in the last two months, owners Jenny Smith and Bahman Robinson felt demoralized as they work to pick up the pieces.
“Both break-ins were around the same time frame, and both people that broke in wore COVID masks, so you couldn’t see anything. They wear hoods, hats, so it’s really hard to see anything. We do have cameras everywhere in our facility,” Robinson told the Nisqually Valley News on June 2. “They came up and shattered the glass door and then they ran right through the glass. They knew exactly where our till was at and took the money.”
Aside from a broken glass door, the most recent break-in resulted in $150 being stolen from the cash register. Surveillance footage showed the suspect was in and out of the restaurant in about 90 seconds.
June 15, 2023
First Pride Fest in Yelm attracts audience of 1,000
Over 1,000 people gathered at Yelm City Park on July 10 to attend Yelm’s first Pride Fest event, which was organized by LaDonna Shea-Hockaday with “Lady L Promotions.”
The event featured nearly 80 vendors and different activities.
On July 13, Shea-Hockaday told the Nisqually Valley News the “Lady L’s Drag Queen Pride Extravaganza” at the Yelm Community Center was also a success. Prior to the all-ages event, it garnered some criticism from community members at Yelm City Council meetings and on social media platforms.
“It was really hard on me taking these blows from community members with hateful comments. I feel like they were just wasting the city’s time by coming to four or so meetings to discuss my event,” Shea-Hockaday said. “I did not comment on the hateful comments. I couldn’t do it. It was very hard on me, but I got through it with the help from all the support.”
Shea-Hockaday said she received several threats focused on Pride Fest and the drag show in the days leading up to the event. She complimented Yelm Chief of Police Rob Carlson and additional officers for their efforts to keep the event safe.
June 22, 2023
Mayor Joe DePinto honors Juneteenth With mayoral proclamation
During a Yelm City Council meeting on June 13, Mayor Joe DePinto honored the Juneteenth holiday through a mayoral proclamation.
Juneteenth is often referred to as “America’s second Independence Day” as the country’s final enslaved individuals were freed. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were freed. They gained their freedom from slavery two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, and one year after the United States Senate passed the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery.
The amendment was passed six months before Galveston’s final slaves were freed.
“We acknowledge on June 19, 1865, the last group of enslaved African Americans were informed of their liberation in Texas, two and half years after the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation,” Mayor DePinto said during the meeting. “In order that we may never forget the evils of slavery and its aftermath, we acknowledge the injustices and suffering Blacks experienced under slavery.”
June 29, 2023
Charity mushball tournament sees a dozen teams compete for choice of their charity
Twelve teams battled during the third annual Prairie Days Charity Mushball tournament on June 25, in an attempt to secure the title and donate the event’s proceeds to a charity of their choice.
This year's winner was The Feds, who defeated The Guardians, 14-4, in the championship round. The Feds’ charity of choice was Raise for Rowyn, an organization that has served over 500 families from across the nation who have suffered the loss of a child since 2014. The organization helps families with emotional and financial support.
Line Roy, with the City of Yelm Parks and Recreation department, said Raise for Rowyn will receive $1,000, which came from registration fees and monetary donations.
July 6, 2023
Retro Rainier Independence Day Celebration draws 2,000
For the second consecutive year, the Retro Rainier Independence Day celebration at Wilkowski Park in Rainier created an environment where community members could gather to celebrate Independence Day.
Described as the “fastest-growing Independence Day celebration in Rainier,” the Retro Rainier celebration was held on July 1, in Rainier. Wade Lowery, president of We Love Rainier and the event’s organizer, said the second annual event saw an estimated 2,000 people attend Wilkowski Park throughout the day.
The free, family-oriented event has “a little something for everyone,” according to Lowery, who added that a good portion of participants were families with young children.
July 20, 2023
Northwest Grind coffee shop opens with busy first month
After opening on June 8, Yelm’s Northwest Grind coffee shop has had quite a busy summer. The new coffee stand, 9241 Burnett Road SE, features a variety of drinks, including its Bubbleology brand.
Owner Crystal Bundy said, for the first few weeks after opening, from 25 to 30 cars waited in line at any given point.
Bundy said, despite how busy the shop was for the first several weeks, staff still took the time to talk to customers and put the effort into providing a quality drink.
This is the third Northwest Grind location, with others in Olympia and Rochester. Yelm’s Northwest Grind location is special because of its Bubbleology brand.
July 27, 2023
DEFY Showdown at the Mountain raises $15,000 to send Yelm girl to Paris
Over 250 fans of Defy Wrestling and supporters of 10-year-old Yelm girl Cataleya Castanon in her fight against neurofibromatosis (NF) raised money and watched a six-match professional wrestling show on Saturday, July 22 at the Eatonville Eagles Memorial Field. Immediately following the show’s main event, fans learned the show raised $15,000 to send Cataleya and her family to Paris.
Cataleya has been battling NF for the majority of her life, as she was diagnosed with the disorder when she was 1. NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and can result in blindness, bone abnormalities, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities, cancer and death.
July 27, 2023
Fourth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally draws thousands to Yelm City Park
Despite the sun scorching down on Yelm City Park with low 90-degree temperatures, thousands of carnivorous patrons crowded the area to enjoy the fourth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, July 22.
The event attracted approximately 8,000 barbecue lovers throughout the day, Yelm Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Muñoz said.
“I really think the fourth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally was bigger and better than before,” she said. “We were working on so many changes early in the year, and to see it come to life was so amazing. It was more than I could’ve imagined. It was awesome. The environment was so positive. Throughout the day I was able to speak with people that I've never met. I was told that every year it keeps getting better and better, and I think the community had a really good time.”
Aug. 3, 2023
Yelm residents receive lifetime achievement award at Thurston County Fair
Yelm’s Dawn Lantz and Neil Tolstead were recently honored for their dedication and involvement in the Thurston County Fair. Lantz has served at the fair since 2006, while Tolstead has been a part of the fair since 2014.
The criteria for the lifetime achievement honor state candidates must have at least five years of involvement in the Thurston County Fair, have made a sizable one-time or ongoing contribution at the fair, are not members of the current Thurston County Fair Board and participate and contribute to more than one area of the fair.
Aug. 10, 2023
Yelm Community Schools superintendent talks putting students first in new role
After he officially took over as Yelm Community Schools superintendent on July 1, Chris Woods discussed the adventure that lies ahead in his new role.
Woods, who has worked as the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County for the past four years, said his first month as superintendent has been positive.
“Really the month of July has been a lot of time here in the office learning, meeting with the staff that’s here all summer, and spending a lot of time getting to know some of our strengths and areas where we can improve,” Woods said. “Now that we’re getting into August, our principals are coming back and the rest of our staff at the district office are, too. We (started) our principal professional development at the (start of August), and August will be full of training for principals and staff.”
Aug. 17, 2023
Yelm students earn hands-on experience at STEMKAMP
Ping-pong balls flew, shake tables simulating an earthquake rattled and joyous laughter bounced through the Yelm Middle School hallways during STEMKAMP’s “Family Day” Friday, Aug. 11.
More than 100 students earned the title of “disaster master” at STEMKAMP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Kids of Active Military Personnel) from Aug. 7-11. Students gained hands-on STEM experience and learned from professionals in the field at the camp, hosted by the STEMKAMP organization and Yelm Community Schools.
The theme of this year’s camp was “Disaster Masters.” In the first three days, students learned about natural disasters — specifically earthquakes, falling meteors and oil spills — and then put their knowledge to the test in a series of experiments pertaining to each of the three types of disasters.
Aug. 24, 2023
Second annual Skate for Collin event honors life of YHS student
Through skateboarding and spending time with friends and family — some of Collin McLaren’s favorite activities — members of the Yelm community gathered to honor McLaren’s life in the second annual Skate for Collin event.
During the event on Aug. 20 at the Yelm Skatepark, more than 40 people gathered to skate, share memories related to McLaren and spread awareness of the dangers related to drug use and fentanyl.
“We’re here today skating for Collin. Collin is my son. He left this earth on May 1, 2022,” McLaren’s mother, Karisa Carpenter, said to those in attendance at the event. “He snorted a partial line of what is known on the streets as a ‘Perc 30.’ He laid in his bed until his respiration slowed and finally stopped. He was most likely gone in a couple of minutes and would’ve needed Narcan, which is a medication that can reverse an overdose. He would’ve needed it administered right away to reverse the effects. By the time I found my son, it was too late, despite my desperate measures to save his life. Sadly, this is becoming all too common in America. There is a new F word, and everyone needs to know it. It’s fentanyl.”
Aug. 31, 2023
Inaugural pie contest a hit at Rainier Round-Up Days
An assortment of fruity and delectable smells filled the Wilkowski Park air and drew a crowd of curious paradegoers, Saturday, Aug. 26. We Love Rainier’s inaugural pie contest at the Rainier Round-Up Days featured eight contestants in the race, and growing interest surrounded the tent as four judges determined the winner.
After several minutes of calculations and discussions among the judges, We Love Rainier member Tanya Waddell announced Rainier resident Angela Dalzin as the winner with her mixed berry lemon zest pie. Dalzin, an avid baker, described the pie as crustless with strawberries and blackberries lined on the bottom and a sprinkle of oats.
Sept. 7, 2023
Annual Roy September Rodeo brings weekend of excitement to pioneer town
Cowboys, cowgirls and fans of rodeo packed Higgins Greig Road Sept. 2-3 for the annual Roy Rodeo, which has served the Roy community and rodeo participants for decades.
Shane Scott of Mulino was the rodeo’s top earner, bringing home $1,658.70 from his performance in the bull-riding event. Dylan Hart of St. Helens brought home $1,309.50 for his winning efforts in the bareback-riding competition. Jody Wallen of Arlington brought home $1,136.81 after winning the barrel-racing competition. Annie Minor of Ellensburg brought home $1,204.74 for her winning efforts in breakaway roping.
Shane Erickson of Winnemucca brought home $675.12 for his efforts in the cow-milking event, while Hayden Hall of Stephenville brought home $640.20 for winning the steer-wrestling competition.
Sept. 14, 2023
Annual Norse West Viking Festival emulates, honors Norse culture and tradition
Yelm’s Cochrane Park transformed into eighth century Scandinavia as Vikings from all throughout the region celebrated the traditions, culture and lifestyle of the Norse.
The Norse West Viking Festival, held Sept. 9 and 10 in Yelm, featured many activities and demonstrations throughout the weekend, including horseback jousting, trebuchet, skinning, mead making and weaving classes, hair braiding, archery and more.
One of the many reenacted ceremonies over the weekend was an offering to Freyja, a Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility. During the ceremony Sept. 10, a participant known as Vegtam led the ritual with a song and beating of a drum.
Sept. 21, 2023
YHS graduate returns from Germany to teach cooking class
Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YRD) is adding a culinary program to its menu of services in Yelm.
In the first class on Sept. 23, students ages 7 and up learned how to bake apple pastries from guest chef Jaydean Hamilton, a professional cook who grew up in Yelm. The class allowed students to make and decorate six tarts that they can bring home.
Hamilton is on vacation from her job at Panorama 2962 in Germany on the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. Her mother, Samantha Beattie-Beaver, who works at YARD, contacted her daughter about the new program this summer, and Hamilton is excited to teach her first class.
Sept. 28, 2023
Pacific Logging Congress hosts Live-In Woods Show in Rainier
Deep in the woods of the Weyerhaeuser Vail Tree Farm, over 40 exhibitors in the forestry industry demonstrated the ins and outs of timber harvesting at the ninth Pacific Logging Congress Live In-Woods Show during the weekend of Sept. 21-23.
The event was in Washington state for the first time in 13 years, as it occurs every four years and cycles between Washington, Oregon and California.
Oct. 5, 2023
InGenius! Gallery & Boutique offers healing and education in Yelm
Andrea Levanti and Diego Fleitas believe that art heals all, whether it is stress, self doubt, anxiety or any other afflictions. They want to bring a peaceful community to those who appreciate art, but especially to those who are new to it.
That’s why the Rainier residents, who co-own InGenius! Gallery & Boutique in Yelm, host art classes supporting and encouraging beginners and anyone who has ever been told that they have no artistic talent. Their classes include painting in acrylics, watercolor and 3D oil painting, among others.
Oct. 12, 2023
Hope for Heroes Equine Therapy gets leg up with $70k grant
Hope for Heroes Equine Therapy, located at 14528 Avis Lane SE in Yelm, received $70,000 in federal funding to help expand services at the non-profit.
The grant award, announced on Sept. 22, was sponsored by U.S. Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, and Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma, who led the charge.
Hope for Heroes offers a therapeutic solution to veterans and active duty service members with post traumatic stress disorder or other trauma through horseback riding and familiarizing themselves with one of 10 four-legged companions housed at the organization.
Hope for Heroes manager Bob Woelk said it’s wonderful to be receiving the grant as it has been a “year in coming.” With the grant secured, Hope for Heroes Equine Therapy hired its first full-time employee, who serves as head instructor for classes at the center.
Oct. 19, 2023
Masonry Cafe bakery smashed after driver crashes through building
Yelm Police Department, East Olympia Fire District and Thurston County Medic One responded to a wreck just before noon on Friday, Oct. 13 in which a driver smashed into the Masonry Cafe’s bakery building, located at 105 E. Yelm Ave.
According to the Yelm Police Department, the driver was heading eastbound on Yelm Avenue while crossing First Avenue and suffered a medical emergency in which he lost consciousness.
The driver then collided with another vehicle before driving onto the sidewalk near the restaurant and ultimately the building, according to the Yelm Police Department.
The department added there were no serious injuries as a result of the crash.
Oct. 26, 2023
Yelm grads celebrate long-time love with homecoming proposal
She said yes.
Former Yelm residents Anthony Romans and Rene Kord, now engaged, shared the memory of a lifetime on Oct. 20 in front of several thousand passionate football fans at Yelm High School homecoming game.
While the Yelm Tornados and Peninsula Seahawks football teams were warming up for their battle on the gridiron, Romans proposed to Kord surrounded by Yelm’s cheerleaders with the Tornados’ student section and a packed YHS stadium watching.
While Romans and Kord shared a special hug after the proposal, Yelm’s cheer squad and student section sang Bruno Mars’ “Marry You” to make the moment even more special.
Nov. 2, 2023
Council votes to allow combination of residential and commercial development within Tahoma Terra Master Planned Community
Yelm City Council approved an amendment to the Tahoma Terra Master Planned Community to allow a combination of residential and commercial development as the applicant, Tahoma Terra Holdings, LLC, seeks to construct several new amenities within the community.
Councilor Ashley Brooks was the lone ‘no’ vote, opposing the amendment.
Gary Cooper, Yelm’s planning and building manager, said the Tahoma Terra Master Planned Community was originally approved by Yelm City Council in 2005 and has been in the works for many years. He described this phase as the final portion of that community.
The original plans of the master community called for 220 acres featuring a variety of housing types, including townhomes, single-family residences and apartment buildings of various sizes. The applicant, Tahoma Terra Holdings, LLC, is proposing to build nine apartment buildings along Tahoma Boulevard and Berry Valley, which would have 102 apartment units.
Nov. 9, 2023
Yelm couple offers banjo, guitar, harp, violin lessons
On the corner of Cook Road and Vail Road in Yelm, just outside Stewart’s Arena & Stables, sits a large sign that reads “Horse Feathers Music.”
The sign, decorated with horses, dolls, miniature instruments and lights promotes lessons in banjo, guitar, harp and violin. By calling the phone number written on the sign in wooden numbers, people will reach the home of Robert “Bob” and Roxana “Roxie” Goodwin.
Bob, who built the Horse Feathers Music sign, teaches the banjo and the guitar, while his wife, Roxie, teaches the harp and the violin. Lessons are open to people of all ages and experience levels.
Nov. 16, 2023
Veterans honored in Roy Elementary breakfast, assembly
Veterans in the Roy community were treated to a breakfast at Roy Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 9. The breakfast — put on by the city, the school and its PTA, and catered by Masonry Cafe — served more than 60 attendees, which included veterans from all branches of the military and their families.
The event was also made possible by a $500 donation from Timberland Bank.
“The breakfast was amazing. The community really came together, and it’s thanks to Roy Elementary and the PTA,” Roy City Clerk-Treasurer Michael Malek said. “Those entities were wonderful in making this happen. It was a great community gathering to thank our veterans.”
Students created thank you cards, featuring handwritten notes and drawings of veterans in uniforms for veterans, placed at every table at the breakfast.
Nov. 23, 2023
Former Yelm resident helping spacecraft land on moon in 2024
When the United States returns to the moon for the first time since 1972, a piece of Yelm will take part in the mission as well.
David Johnson, a former Yelm resident and current ground software lead at Intuitive Machines in Houston, Texas, worked on the Nova-C unmanned lander that will launch for the moon no earlier than Jan. 12, 2024.
The lander, built by Intuitive Machines, will carry five NASA payloads and commercial cargo. Objectives of the mission, dubbed IM-1, include studies of plume-surface interactions, radio astronomy and space weather interactions with the lunar surface. In order to study the plumes of debris that spacecraft create when landing on the lunar surface, the lander will essentially take a selfie as it lands.
Nov. 30, 2023
Yelm’s ‘free-range Santa’ aims to bring more joy to the community during the holiday season
For the last four Christmas seasons in Yelm, Harry Miller, also known locally as Santa, has tried to bring more holiday joy to the community and surrounding areas in a variety of ways.
The joyous man with the big white beard, who describes himself as a “free-range Santa,
can often be seen in full Santa attire at official events or just at different businesses at any given time to spread some Christmas joy.
“There’s been time where I’ll have done an event, and then I’ll stop by the Moose Lodge or the 507 Taproom or the Local, and I’ll give a ‘ho, ho, ho,’ and go from table to table to wish everyone a merry Christmas,” Miller said.
Dec. 7, 2023
Yelm alum’s national anthem performance a career highlight
Country music artist and 1999 Yelm High School graduate Nui Aalona had a career highlight on Dec. 1 at Husky Stadium in Seattle when he sang the national anthem prior to the 3A state championship football contest between Yelm and Bellevue.
Aalona, whose senior twin nephews Damian and Marius and freshman nephew Uriah were members of the 3A runner-up Tornados, said it meant a lot to him to sing in front of the hometown team and fans.
The opportunity to sing in front of kids he coached in past years, like his older nephews and Oregon-bound Brayden Platt, years before made the opportunity even more special, he said.
Dec. 14, 2023
German exchange students recap first months at YHS
Much of Yelm High School’s 2024 class has grown up in school together, continuing to build friendships that date as far back as elementary school. But for two seniors, their journeys didn’t start quite the same.
Marie Essel and Sophie Hurschler came to Yelm from Germany as part of an exchange program. They arrived in late August and will remain in Yelm with host families until graduation.
Hurschler had visited the United States a couple of times growing up as her parents had spent time in the country, but neither she nor Essel had lived in the country before. They didn’t get to choose where in the country they wanted to live as the decision belonged to the host families, but both are adjusting to life in not only a new country, but a new city, school and culture.
Dec. 21, 2023
Community helping Yelm XC teams get new course
Yelm’s cross country teams have been rising programs for the last several years, and with help of Alvarez Excavation and community members, the YHS boys and girls cross country programs will soon have a home course for training and competing.
Yelm boys cross country’s head coach Alex McIntire said this project began when Ryan Cox, father of sophomore and cross country athlete Nick Cox, approached him and said he has an excavator if they wanted to knock out a home course. After Ricky Alvarez, with Alvarez Excavation, agreed to help construct a home course, McIntire’s longtime dream of having one at YHS was finally coming to fruition.
