As we prepare to enter a new year, we look back on the headlines of 2022.
In this roundup, readers will find one news item from each of the Nisqually Valley News’ editions of the year.
Take a journey through the year with news as it was written in 2022.
Jan. 6
Community Rallies Around Businesses Lost in Nisqually Plaza Fire
The Yelm Chamber of Commerce and community partners will host a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Yelm Community Center for those affected by the commercial fire that destroyed businesses at the Nisqually Plaza in the morning on Dec. 22.
Happy Feet Spa, Red Nail Salon and Freedom Training Center all received extensive damage, nearing a total loss. No injuries were reported.
Jan. 13
‘It Meant a lot to Him’ Community Shows Support for Man on
Home Hospice Care During Car Parade
The Yelm community came out in force to support 21-year-old Jeren Pollock during a 139-car parade that took place on Saturday, Jan. 8 outside of his Yelm home where Pollock has been confined for two years in hospice care.
Pollock has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which causes muscle degeneration through the altering of certain proteins that help maintain muscle growth, said Tad DesVoignes, who learned about the condition while he was Pollock’s school bus driver.
Jan. 20
Mayor DePinto Gears Up For an Active First 100 Days in Office
As the first month of Joe DePinto’s term rounds out, the new mayor of Yelm aims to fill out the rest of his first 100 days by increasing workplace morale, employee training and public access to city hall.
DePinto was sworn into office by Washington state Supreme Court Justice Debra Stephens on Dec. 28 after being voted into office during the November general election.
“It was an honor to be sworn in by a Supreme Court justice, which I believe was the first time for a mayor from Yelm,” DePinto said. “It was a very special and proud moment for me.”
Jan. 27
JBLM Master Sergeant Receives Medal of Honor
Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee, currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden on Dec. 16, 2021.
Plumlee was the weapons sergeant assigned to Charlie Company, 4th battalion, 1st special forces group airborne at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, when the complex was attacked in 2013.
“In Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, on Aug. 28, 2013, then Staff Sgt. Earl Plumlee distinguished himself by acts of gallantry … above and beyond the call of duty, while engaging with the enemy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,” Sgt. 1st Class Jared Gehmann said.
Feb. 3
507 Taproom to Expand to Second Yelm Location
This spring, 507 Taproom and Filling Station will expand to a second location at the old bank building on Yelm Avenue East.
Owner Bill DeVore said he hopes the doors to the new spot, which will include a grill, will be open on or by the business’ three year anniversary on March 15.
DeVore said the primary reason for the expansion is because the business is too busy to accommodate all of its potential patrons.
Feb. 10
Council Discusses Upcoming Police Body Camera System in
Study Session
The Yelm City Council discussed the city’s law enforcement body camera program at its Feb. 1 study session.
The city used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to afford the program, which is required by law.
Assistant Police Chief Rob Carlson said Yelm began working on the program in July, in preparation of the enforcement of House Bill 1223, which went into effect last month.
“Basically, that House bill tells us that we’re required to audio and video felony adult suspect interviews as well as all juvenile suspect interviews,” Carlson said.
Feb. 17
‘Cache’ of Explosives Found at Yelm Property
Local, state and federal agencies worked to clear out what the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad commander called a “homemade explosive lab” that was discovered on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at a Yelm property near Cougar Mountain Airfield.
Lt. Cameron Simper with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to reports of possible “explosives and explosive making materials” early Tuesday afternoon in the 20000 block of Neat Road Southeast. The explosives and the chemicals were found in a shed that was located on the property of the residence.
Feb. 24
Tenino City Hall Renovation Sees Restoration of ‘Heart of the City’
After a process that took about two years, the Tenino City Hall renovation is nearing completion.
There is still some painting and finishing touches that need to take place, but for all intents and purposes, the project resembles a job well done, said Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier.
Fournier thanked Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, for his work in getting the funds for the project allocated from the state’s capital budget.
March 3
Tenino Stone Carvers to Become Nonprofit to Preserve Stone City’s Carving Legacy
For the Tenino Stone Carvers, being between a rock and a hard place is something to strive toward, not avoid.
The Tenino Stone Carvers are in the process of starting a nonprofit organization for the development of stone carvers in the region.
The group was started by area resident Keith Phillips, who has been carving stone out of a quarry in Tenino since the 80s.
Phillips has done stone restorations and artwork with stone across the state of Washington, and has become known in the region for his work. As recently as last year, Phillips offered stone-carving workshops for people in and around Tenino, something the stone carvers nonprofit group will continue at some point in the future, said group member Daniel Miller.
March 10
Ownership of Walt’s Point S Tires Changes, but Stays in the Family
Walt Franczyk, the owner of Walt’s Point S Tires in Yelm, is retiring after nearly 40 years of serving the community, but his business will live on in the family as his daughter and son-in-law take over ownership.
Franczyk first opened up shop in 1985 in Roy before he eventually moved his business to Yelm. Franczyk and the business have created a well-known reputation for themselves. They were voted the No. 1 tire store in the Best of the Nisqually Valley in 2021 and provide a family-like environment.
March 17
Veterinarian Jerry Brown Leaves Behind a ‘Profound Legacy’
After being admitted to the hospital unexpectedly, longtime veterinarian Dr. Jerry Brown died after a sudden illness on Feb. 26, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered.
Brown grew up in Yelm and moved away for school. He graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979.
He got his start as a veterinarian in Spanaway before embarking upon the bulk of his career at Yelm Veterinary Hospital in 1982, becoming a partner in the practice by 1985. He worked until his sudden death.
March 24
Rainier Thanks Former City Administrator for Starting Restoration of Rainier Historical Zion Church at Open House
Decades ago, when former Rainier city administrator Charmayne Garrison was 10 years old, she and her friends would often play in the Rainier Historical Zion Church.
They would pretend to get married during many of the Pacific Northwest’s trademark rainy days.
The church — originally built in 1896 by brothers Albert, Theodore and Paul Gehrke — was used as the second schoolhouse in Rainier while it also functioned as a church. It was fully restored late last year, and the city held an open house and ribbon-cutting for the venue last week.
Garrison was the original force behind the restoration efforts when they started in about 2010, so when the city of Rainier held last week’s reopening ceremony, Mayor Bob Shaw gave Garrison flowers and thanked her. He also credited community partners and the Rainier City Council for continuing the work Garrison started.
“I really want to thank my council, because when Charmayne left and the project was set in limbo for a year during COVID, the city council earmarked enough money so that Tami (Justice) and I could finish this project. … You guys did a good job of allocating a large sum of money that we put in here right at the last minute.”
March 31
Yelm Drama Club Set for First Play in Two Years
The Yelm Drama Club is gearing up for multiple performances this coming spring, with a localized rendition of “Working.”
The drama club has been unable to perform on stage over the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The drama club is now under new leadership too, as former Yelm High School student Hannah McLaughlin has stepped into the role of director.
“My passion for drama started when I was here at Yelm High School as a student,” McLaughlin said. “We were in between drama teachers and I really wanted us to have a program.”
April 7
YHS Graduate Competes on NBC’s American Song Contest
Matt Sablam, better known as Sabyu, competed on NBC’s American Song Contest, and appeared on the Monday, April 4 airing of the show.
The show features artists representing each state and territory in a competition to determine who has the country’s best original song. Sabyu incorporates a blend of island and statewide rhythms into his own style.
Sabyu’s family is from Saipan, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean, which is the territory he represents in the competitions. He incorporates his family’s roots and heritage into his music and performances.
April 14
Community Comes Out in Force for Yelm Easter Fest
For the first time in event history, Easter Fest took over in the Yelm Community Center and park.
The new, two-day community event took place on April 9 and April 10.
After hosting Easter Fest at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, LaDonna Shea-Hockaday felt the need to bring the successful celebration of Easter home to her community.
She worked with city officials who greenlit the event and brought it to the City of Yelm.
April 21
Rainier Hosts Egg Hunt for Adults in Time for Easter
There was a mad dash for the perfect egg, candy-filled canisters of springtime delight hid in the grass for a hasty hand to grab. Participants raced to add the next prize to their hunt’s colorful bounty.
Such descriptions are common for seasonal Easter egg hunts that kids around the region enjoy each year, but in Rainier, the festivities were also geared toward those who are young at heart.
The community group We Love Rainier WA held its annual eggstravaganza for the area’s youth on Saturday at Wilkowski Park, though this year some of the 5,000 eggs up for grabs were earmarked specifically for adults.
April 28
Back Country Horsemen Participate in JBLM Trail Ride
Amidst a beaming sun and warm spring weather, the Back Country Horsemen Chapters of Nisqually and Pierce County attended a three hour long trail ride at site eight on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Nearly 50 riders attended the event on Sunday, April 24. Kathy Talbot, the vice president of the Nisqually chapter, said she only expected around 30 riders to show up, but the two groups gladly accommodate the extra participants.
Leading up to the event, Talbot was responsible for contacting JBLM to obtain a permit so the groups could ride on the base for the day.
May 5
Yelm Residents Announce Draft Picks for Seattle Seahawks in Las Vegas
Phil Edwards and his son Brian Edwards recently went on the trip of a lifetime together.
The two were formally invited to attend the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks organization after a simple conversation with a team representative turned into something much more heartfelt.
Phil, who has been a season ticket holder of the Seattle Seahawks since their inaugural season in 1976, lost his wallet several months ago. Once he realized his tickets needed to be renewed, he called Seahawks customer service to inform them he’d changed cards and needed to update his information.
After Phil exchanged information, the season ticket representative asked a simple question of “how have you been lately,” to which Phil replied by saying he’d had a rough couple of months.
Phil woke up on the morning of Jan. 22 and found his wife, Coleen Edwards, had died because of a brain aneurysm. After sharing that with the representative, the Seahawks offered to include Phil’s wife in the lift of Seahawk fans who’ve lost their life in 2022.
Following their conversation, the Seahawks representative called Phil back a week later with a gesture on behalf of the Seattle Seahawks organization.
The Seahawks wanted to thank Phil for being a fan for 46 years, as well as honor his late wife, so they invited him to Las Vegas for the NFL Draft, which was hosted from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30.
May 12
Norse West Vikings Present Yelm American Legion With New Cannon
The Yelm American Legion Post 164 has replaced its cannon that was stolen sometime during its Easter celebration this year.
The cannon was used as a way to honor fallen veterans.
On Saturday, May 7, the Norse West Vikings donated a sister-cannon which is now once again on display at the post.
Captain Bill Koutrouba of the Norse West Vikings donated the original cannon in 2020. Koutrouba said it’s especially important to step up and serve the veterans who fought to protect the nation.
May 19
Rainier Community Talent Show Returns for Second Showing
Organizers brought back the Rainier Community Talent Show on Saturday, May 14 after its first iteration in July of 2021 proved to be popular.
The event featured a heavily packed line of participants brought together by organizer Veronica Brauer.
The talent show lasted four hours at Rainier High School and featured 19 adults and 17 children. Those numbers were more than three times of the first show last year where 10 people signed up to perform.
Brauer said the event is not a competition, but instead an opportunity to showcase their skills without any pressure.
May 26
Nisqually Tribe Celebrates Progress on New Elder Center During Ceremony
Representatives from the Nisqually Indian Tribe celebrated as one of the final bea,s was set into place on the tribe’s new Elder Center on May 19, which is expected to be completed in March.
Elder manager Cleo Frank was emotional at the ceremony as she expressed her gratitude toward those responsible for the fast progress of the new building.
Before the start of the “topping out” ceremony, elders and members of the tribe had the opportunity to sign the final beam before it was hoisted to the ceiling for support.
“Today has made a lot of hearts happy, and mine is one of them. This will be here for many generations of elders coming … This is so wonderful,” Frank said.
June 2
Memorial Day Ceremony in Roy Honors Fallen Service Members
The Yelm Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion joined together on Memorial Day to honor those who died defending the United States.
Nearly 30 people attended the memorial service held at the Roy cemetery on Monday, May 30, which had representation spanning from the veterans organizations, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and others.
Yelm’s VFW Commander Frank Persa led the opening remarks.
“What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead. We should guard their graves with sacrifice,” Persa said during the ceremony. “As long as two comrades survive, so will the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the United States.”
June 9
Rodeo Enthusiasts Come Out in Droves to Annual Event in Roy
The 61st annual Roy Pioneer Rodeo returned during its June iteration as attendees gathered from throughout Washington to attend the staple event for the city.
With over 2,000 people in attendance on June 4 and June 5, there were first time rodeo attendees and rodeo veterans present. The delicious aroma of burgers from Jim Bob’s Chuck Wagon filled the air as the rodeo was set to begin.
All of the classic Roy Rodeo contests took place, and the day began with sponsor flags being presented.
June 16
Rainier High School Celebrates Class of 2022 at Graduation
Rainier High School celebrated 53 seniors during its 2022 commencement ceremony on Friday, June 10.
Beginning at 6 p.m., hundreds of spectators made up of friends and family gathered to witness the seniors graduate.
The ceremony began with the usual rendition of “Pomp and Circumstances” as all of the graduating seniors filed into the gymnasium at Rainier High School. Once they were settled in, seniors David Cano III and Sean Mahaffey, the masters of ceremony, took to the podiums for their upcoming messages.
June 23
Yelm’s Class of 2022 Honored During Graduation at Tacoma Dome
Yelm High School celebrated nearly 350 students at the Tacoma Dome as they sent off the Class of 2022 during a commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 16.
For the first time since the Class of 2019, Yelm High School graduates crossed the stage at the Tacoma-based venue.
Yelm’s Principal Curtis Cleveringa led the soon-to-be graduates into the Tacoma Dome to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstances,” a graduation classic, as those in attendance cheered on the seniors.
“We are more than excited to be honoring the Yelm High School Class of 2022, here at the Tacoma Dome for the first time in three years,” Matt Mounts said. “Thank you for being here tonight to celebrate our seniors.”
June 30
Prairie Days Parade Rolls Through the City of Yelm
Yelm residents created a buzz on the morning of June 25 as they lined Yelm Avenue for the traditional Prairie Days Parade.
The sun shined bright when attendees began to take to the street around 8 a.m. in order to secure a spot under the clear blue sky. Numerous generations were present as residents young and old eagerly awaited the start of the parade.
Once 9 a.m. rolled around, a convoy of parade participants began to flood the street. Participants on the parade floats threw candy near the sidewalks as children hustled to collect their sweet treats.
July 7
Community Celebrates Fourth of July at ‘Retro Rainier’ Event
The Red White Blue Agency hosted a “Retro Rainier Independence Day Celebration” on Saturday, July 2 at Wilkowski Park in Rainier. The event featured a variety of activities, like carnival-style games and food vendors.
The family-friendly event also included performances by acrobats and had local law enforcement vehicles on display.
From 2 to 8 p.m. visitors had the opportunity to walk throughout Wilkowski Park and learn more about several local vendors. The Red White Blue Agency was in attendance to provide All-State insurance information to attendees.
July 14
Prestige Senior Living Opens ‘Little Free Library’ in Yelm
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the addition of a new “little free library” at Prestige Senior Living Rosemont in Yelm on Tuesday, July 12.
Two residents unveiled the mini-library during the event, which was held outside of the senior living facility. After the ribbon was cut, they read “Brandi the Bulldog,” which was written by Prestige’s own Barbara Lein.
The Prestige Senior Living Rosemont facility has teamed up with the nonprofit organization Little Free Library to help promote better literacy in the community, and to encourage citizens to simply get out and read.
July 21
Masonry Cafe Reopens with Expansion in the ‘Old Firehouse’
Masonry Cafe officially reopened its doors on Wednesday, July 13 with an expansion of the cafe into the Old Firehouse on Yelm Avenue.
The new upgrades to the business will help establish the popular restaurant as a new sit-down spot.
Prior to the upgrades, Masonry Cafe provided a “grab-and-go” style of menu, featuring pre-made sandwiches, soups, desserts and other foods. Now the business has changed its hours and its menu. They are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday with new breakfast options.
Masonry Cafe closed down its doors for the renovations in mid-June.
July 28
Third Annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally in Yelm Deemed a
‘Huge Success’
The third annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, which is often described as the “biggest event of the summer,” lived up to its expectations on Saturday, July 23.
The event was held at Yelm City Park and brought in thousands of meat lovers.
“We were so excited that we had so many people come out to the barbecue rally. It was a huge success overall,” Line Roy said. “Our bands were incredible. It was such an entertaining day for everybody there, and the vendors were successful as well. We’re so thankful for the support from the community too.”
Aug. 4
Mermaid Fest Draws in Large Crowds to Yelm City Park During
Summer Heat Wave
Between 1,500 and 2,000 people turned out to Yelm City Park for the third annual Mermaid Fest on Saturday, July 30.
The Mermaid Fest coincided with the ongoing Yelm SUmmer Farmers Market, which created a packed day of events for residents.
‘I survived the Mermaid Fest and I’m surprised how large the turnout was given the heat,” said event organizer LaDonna Shea-Hockaday, who is also known as Lady L.
Temperatures rose as high as 99 degrees in Yelm during the festival.
Aug. 11
At 21, Roy Farmer is Already a Veteran of the Fields
Yelm Grad Completes Haying Season, Has A Year-Round Season for Cows
Yelm High School graduate and lifelong Roy resident Colton Lester, 21, has completed yet another successful haying season.
Each summer, he tends to his family farm of over 100 years, cutting their hay fields and yielding a successful harvest.
With the whole operation being weather dependent, Lester waits for weeks of dry weather each summer to begin the haying process. According to Lester, the entire process usually takes three to four weeks to complete.
The process begins each summer with equipment preparation, consisting of greasing of the tractors, oil and filter changes, and simply making sure each machine properly runs. Once all the boxes have been checked, each field gets cut down one at a time. The farm itself consists of 200 acres, which is divided into several fields.
Aug. 18
Thurston County Deputies Recover ‘Massive Amount of Stolen Property’ After Report of Shots Fired
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported last week it recovered at least four stolen vehicles and a “massive amount of stolen property” after responding to the 14700 block of Regal Lane Southeast in Yelm on Aug. 8.
A Freightliner service truck was tracked to the location using the GPS tracking system in the truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
A 911 caller reported that someone from the home on the property fired several gunshots at an employee who was attempting to recover the truck.
Deputies responded and located the stolen truck and were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence.
Aug. 25
‘People Should Remember Collin as Somebody to Live For’
Event Honors Yelm Teen Who Died While Raising Awareness on Dangers of Fentanyl
Family, friends, and community members touched by Collin McLaren and his story gathered at the Yelm Skate Park on Sunday, Aug. 21 to both honor McLaren’s life, and spread awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
McLaren, who was a senior at Yelm High School, died on May 1 as a result of fentanyl poisoning.
According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Over 150 people die each day due to fentanyl related deaths, stated the CDC.
McLarens mother, Karisa Carpenter, hoped to teach others about the danger of fentanyl during the Skate for Collin event. Carpenter wants parents to learn about the severity of fentanyl poisoning and the risks of overdose. She hopes they will use that knowledge to teach their children to steer clear from drugs.
Sept. 1
City of Rainier Celebrates During Round Up Days, Bluegrass Festival
The community of Rainier experienced a weekend packed full of events as the annual Rainier Round Up Days and the Bluegrass Festival took over the city on Saturday, Aug. 27.
The events included a parade, weiner dog races and various bands who put on musical performances for attendees.
The grand marshal for the Rainier Round Up Days parade was Jerry Sprouffske, a lifelong resident of the city.
Sept. 8
Yelm Police Chief Rob Carlson Settles Into Role, Discusses Plans
for Department
After being appointed as Yelm’s chief of police during a Yelm City Council meeting on June 28, Rob Carlson said he had a smooth transition into his new role.
Carlson has been a member of the Yelm Police Department for 17 years, starting in March of 2005. The longtime employee has served in several positions for the police department, which included roles as the city’s police sergeant.
“My time as chief has really been good,” Carlson said during an interview with Nisqually Valley News. “Prior to my promotion, I did the assistant chief job for around two and a half years, and Chief (Todd) Stancil was able to prepare me and mentor me to get where I need to be for this position.”
Carlson said he owes a lot of his success and the success of the department to Stancil, the former Yelm chief of police. He is thankful that Stancil was a mentor for several years before he retired.
Sept. 15
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Coming Back to Life
The Western Forest Industries Museum (WFIM) has reformed and is planning to reopen the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum after they were shut down in 2020 due to operational difficulties and COVID-19, according to a news release.
While WFIM originally founded the railroad back in 1980, it was sold to American Heritage Railways (AHR) out of Colorado in 2016 when WFIM was broken up. AHR was operating the railroad when it shut down in 2020,
Then, in August 2022, the WFIM got a new management team and board of directors. Seeing that WFIM had been reformed, AHR returned any railroad-related assets to WFIM.
The reopening won’t start until the spring. It will be a phased reopening as there is a lot of work yet to be done to get the steam engines running again, according to the news release.
Sept. 22
New Mural in Yelm Pays Homage to City’s Pride
PTL Hardwood Floors LLC unveiled a new mural showcasing the city’s pride on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The mural, located on the business at 310 Railroad Ave. NW, was made possible in part thanks to a beautification grant from the City of Yelm.
The mural pays homage to Yelm’s roots and traditions. Each letter is painted with a different theme as Mount Rainier looms in the background.
Sept. 29
Annual Festival Teaches People About the Importance of the Nisqually Watershed
The 33rd annual Nisqually Watershed Festival returned live and in-person for the first time since 2019 and was viewed as another successful rendition of the longtime celebration.
Throughout the day on Sept. 24, those in attendance at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge were treated to different interactive exhibits based on the Nisqually watershed. The event featured several live performances throughout the day which included the Reptile Lady, Wolf Haven International, the Nisqually Stream Stewards and Bats Northwest.
Oct. 6
‘He Built a Legacy’: Memorial Celebration Held for Referee Mike Kain
Following his sudden death on Saturday, Sept. 24, a celebration to honor the life of longtime South Sound referee Mike Kain was held at Ingersoll Stadium.
Kain’s family was surrounded by many of his officiating colleagues, as well as both Capital and Central Kitsap football teams on Thursday, Sept. 29.
After Kain’s family was welcomed to the field and joined by WIAA officials, an announcer read Kain’s accomplishments, which included 39 years as an official and 31 years in Thurston County. Kain spent eight years as the president of the South Sound Football Officials Association and officiated countless games.
“He built a legacy, and we’ve all been missing him this past week,” Jo Kain said in an interview with the Nisqually Valley News following the celebration. “We felt like we (missed him), but we realized how much he’s missed by everyone, by seeing all of these officials here tonight.”
Oct. 13
Thurston County Candidates for Sheriff, Commissioner’s Office Take Part in Forum
Four candidates who will be featured on the Thurston County general election ballot took part in a “meet the candidates” town hall forum hosted by the Yelm Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Oct. 10.
Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza and challenger Derek Sanders discussed different topics related to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, while incumbent commissioner Tye Menser and candidate Vivian Eason went over topics related to the commissioner’s office during the event at Yelm Cinemas.
Oct. 20
Kent, Gluesenkamp Perez Participate in Heated 3rd Congressional Debate
The race to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District has been making headlines since the summer of 2021.
On Nov. 8, Southwest Washington will choose between Joe Kent, R-Yacolt, and Marie Glusenkamp Perez, D-Washougal – both political newcomers – for the seat currently held in Congress by six-term Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground.
Oct. 27
Schilter Family Farm Offers Fall Fun During Harvest Festival
With fall officially settling in and Halloween looming, there are a plethora of activities for people of all ages to enjoy in the greater Yelm area, including the Schilter Family Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival.
Schilter Family Farm invites people of all ages to attend their farm to enjoy two pumpkin patches, a five-acre corn maze, and over 20 family-friendly activities. There are also seasonal gift shops, homemade food and drinks, and farm market produce available for customers.
The farm’s Harvest Festival is set to run until Monday, Oct. 31, and then the farm will close for several weeks. They will later reopen the day after Thanksgiving for the sales of Christmas trees.
Nov. 3
Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge Hosts Successful Santa’s Little
Helpers Fundraiser
The Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge hosted its annual Santa’s Little Helpers fundraiser auction on Saturday, Oct. 29, in an effort to ensure children or families in need have a happy Christmas.
Rhonda Kinnaman, the fraternal activities chair of the Nisqually Valley Moose Lodge, has volunteered to assist with the fundraiser for several years in order to spread more joy around the holidays. The event on Saturday marked the second fundraiser of the year for the program that provides presents to families during the Christmas season.
“It makes my heart happy to see the impact that Santa’s Little Helper can truly make,” Kinnaman said. “It’s been amazing to build a bunch of community relations with businesses willing to help as well. We’re thankful for their contributions.”
Nov. 10
WSDOT Survey Crew Helps Rescue Livestock During Brush Fire in Yelm
Two Washington State Department of Transportation crew members were doing routine survey work on state Route 507 in Yelm in October when they found themselves in the middle of a brush fire and sprung into action.
The WSDOT blog stated Jeff Karnes was operating the survey equipment, while Garth Gavette recorded the information from a few hundred feet away. After Karnes looked into his data collector machine, he looked up to see Gavette acting strangely.
“I saw Garth kind of stomping and looking like he was dancing around and then I saw the flames,” Karnes said.
Karnes grabbed a fire extinguisher and started spraying it, stated WSDOT. They then noticed three or four more fires break out around them and they called the fire department. The dry conditions on Oct. 12 made it easy for the fire to spread quickly toward neighboring property and cows. Karnes’ wanted to notify the property owner, but no one was home.
Nov. 17
Veterans Honored During Breakfast at Prestige Senior Living Rosemont
Prestige Senior Living Rosemont hosted a special breakfast on Friday, Nov. 11 to honor those who have served the country on Veterans Day.
The free breakfast featured pancakes and sausage with “all the fixings.” Perhaps more important than breakfast was the bond at the table between servicemen and women, both past and present.
Sherry O’Dell, who works at Prestige Senior Living Rosemont, wanted to ensure the day was special for the veterans who attended so she designed and stitched together custom quilts to give to the service members at the breakfast.
“It’s the least I can do to give back for all they’ve done for our country,” O’Dell said.
Nov. 24
Veteran-Owned Ranch in Thurston County Offers Reindeer Rentals
Looking to add some literal life to your holiday event?
With Christmas a little over a month away, the Twisted Holly Reindeer Ranch in Rochester is offering reindeer rentals events ranging from pumpkin patches and corn mazes, to Christmas Tree lightings and corporate holiday parties.
The animals can also attend holiday bazaars and parades.
Dec. 1
Community Rallies to Show Support for Football Team
Community members gathered outside of Masonry Cafe sporting signs as they helped send the football team off to the semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 26.
Fans also gathered on the corner of Yelm Avenue and state route 507 in support of the team, who traveled to Art Crate field to take on the Bellevue Wolverines in the 3A State Semifinals.
Yelm ultimately defeated the Bellevue Wolverines, 28-27, clinching its spot at state.
This team will make its state championship debut against the Eastside Catholic Crusaders at noon on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Dec. 8
Willis Herness, a Lifelong Yelm Resident, Celebrates 100th Birthday
After 100 years in Yelm, lifelong resident Willis Earl Herness said he is thankful to still call the Pride of the Prairie home.
Herness, who recently turned a century old, celebrated his birthday with his family that spans over five generations on Saturday, Nov. 26.
He was born in 1922 and graduated from Yelm High School in the Class of 1940, which featured 48 students.
Herness said his grandfather on his father’s side of the family originally moved to McKenna from Wisconsin in 1906 and lived in McKenna until the Great Depression hit. That’s when his grandfather decided he needed to sell the farm, but he wanted to keep it in the family.
Herness’ parents purchased the farm in 1934. It was later purchased by Herness and his wife.
Dec. 15
Ileana Wall Named Yelm’s ‘Youth of the Year’
Ileana Wall, a senior at Yelm High School, was honored for her commitment to the community at the Christmas in the Park celebration where she was named Yelm’s Youth of the Year for 2022.
Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Brian Wharton referred to Wall in an email as being “an incredible choice” for the honor of Youth of the Year. Wharton said Quentin Robinson, who was an honorable mention for the award, was “equally deserving.” He called both students great leaders.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for me,” Wall said. “I was really excited to go up there and receive the award because I feel like I’ve put in a lot of work over the years and it was nice to be recognized for it.”
Dec. 22
Yelm Wrestling Coach Gaylord Strand Picks Up 400th Win in Victory
Over Peninsula
Longtime Yelm head wrestling coach Gaylord Strong, who is in his 49th year of coaching the Tornados program, picked up his 400th career victory on Thursday, Dec. 15 in a South Sound Conference matchup against the Peninsula Seahawks.
“If you stick around long enough, you’ll get those kinds of wins and accolades,” Strand said after the accomplishment. “Win 400 was a tough win though. Peninsula came at us hard.”
The Tornados picked up the team victory by defeating Peninsula 42-26.
