McKenna, WA Events and More

New roundabout opens in Pierce Co. ‘Major construction' finishes soon on another

Transportation crews are closing the loop on two new roundabouts in Pierce County. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced Monday that it has finished building a roundabout in Spanaway and is nearing the end of construction on another near McKenna. The Spanaway roundabout , located on state Route 507 at 208th Street South, has been under construction since May. Department spokesperson Adrienne Hatmaker told The News Tribune in an email that crews removed the temporary traffic lights from the work zone and reopened the closed portion of the road on Sept. 24, but intermittent flagging continued through Oct. 28 as crews finished permanent striping, landscaping, and prep for permanent light pole installation. “If the weather cooperates next week, the contractor plans to finish some minor construction activities at the SR 507 roundabout,” Hatmaker said. Travelers may see a “few more days” of daytime flagging from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m, she added. Near McKenna, crews are wrapping up construction on the other roundabout at the SR 702 and Harts Lake Road intersection, which began in June, WSDOT said. The department said it expects “major construction” on SR 702 to finish this month, depending on the weather. The locations

Pierce County, WA · 2d

KOMO News

Families in tears and outrage after Olympia School District votes to close 3 schools

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — In a highly charged and emotional board meeting on Thursday night, the Olympia School District board voted to close down three elementary schools, despite a fiery contingent of district families speaking against the proposal. As a result of the vote, LP Brown, McKenny, and Madison...

Olympia, WA · 10h

thurstontalk.com

partner publisher · 77.1K followers

Everyone’s Favorite Toy Brick Is Coming to Yelm

One part play, one part engineering, one part creativity, 100% fun. This is LEGO building if you are an AFOL (adult fan of LEGO). But all ages will love seeing what these incredible builders create at Backyard Bricks! Open to the public on January 1, 2027, at the Yelm Community Center, there is no admission and parking is free. Kick off the New Year with this family-friendly event!

Yelm, WA · 22h

Stacker

Cheapest gas stations in Olympia

Stacker compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in Olympia using data from Gas Buddy

hoodline.com

partner publisher · 20.3K followers

Medina Foundation Hands Yelm, Grays Harbor Groups Millions in Final Grants

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is getting $3 million for a permanent Yelm clubhouse, and it's not alone — nonprofits across Thurston and Grays Harbor counties just landed some of the largest individual grants the Seattle-based charitable foundation has ever made. The money is part of a final round of transformational grants, each ranging from $1 million to $5 million, awarded to 42 nonprofits as the Medina Foundation spends down its remaining resources before shutting its doors in 2027.

Thurston County, WA · 18h

The Olympian

Major downtown Olympia road to close for three years during construction, WA says

The updated plans for restoring the Deschutes Estuary in downtown Olympia from its current status as a stagnant lake have gotten the attention of residents due to one specific change: The entire portion of Deschutes Parkway around Capitol Lake will need to be closed for up to three years to get the work done. Olympia resident Bill Elliott said on Nextdoor on Oct. 30 that he learned about the planned road closure at a public open house for the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Oct. 28 at the Olympia Center. He said the event was only attended by about 20 people. “An up to 3-year closure of Deschutes Parkway Southwest between Lakeridge Drive and 5th Avenue is now being proposed for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration project,” he said. “The up to 3-year street closure is to allow for construction of the new roundabout at the intersection of Deschutes Parkway SW, Olympic Street, and the new bridge approach. That seems like a very generous street closure duration for the described work.” According to previous reporting, the project is one of the biggest urban restoration projects in the country. By the time construction starts, the cost of restoring the Deschutes Estuary

partner publisher · 20.3K followers

The Olympian

Olympia Farmers Market vendor receives ‘permanent suspension,' owner says

Crafted Restorations, a knife maker and former vendor at the Olympia Farmers Market that had sought reinstatement to the market after they were suspended last month, has been permanently suspended, the owners announced on social media. The owners, Kevin and Stacy Box, were waiting on an answer about their market status via certified letter, which they received on Saturday. They posted about the news on social media the next day. “As of the November 7th letter from the Olympia Farmers Market director, Crafted Restorations has been permanently suspended from the market,” the social media post reads. It didn’t come as too much of a surprise, owner Kevin Box told The Olympian on Wednesday. “I figured that’s how it would go,” he said. The letter, which was shared with The Olympian, spells out an appeals process that goes through the farmers market board. Box said they plan to appeal and are also pursuing legal action, although he declined to comment on what the legal action might be. In the letter from market director Alvinita J. Stuart, also known as Alvi Stuart, she zeroed in on the vendor’s decision to share their concerns about the market on social media as her reasons

Olympia, WA · 15h

The Chronicle

partner publisher · 21.3K followers

In Washington, voters keep a controversial county sheriff in the saddle

Voters in one Washington state county want to keep electing the sheriff, even if they are not enamored with the one in the job today. In another, they preserved their ability to know the

Pierce County, WA · 3d

familydestinationsguide.com

This No-Frills Neighborhood Diner Serves The Best All-Day Breakfast In Washington

Some places don’t need a fancy sign or a velvet rope to tell you they’re worth your time, and the Martin Way Diner in Olympia, Washington is exactly that kind of place. The parking lot is always busy, the coffee is always hot, and nobody’s going to judge you for ordering breakfast at two in the afternoon.

everafterinthewoods.com

This Unassuming Washington Country Market Sells Homemade Pies, Local Honey, And Bulk Buys At Bargain Prices

A jar of raw milk, a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, and a heap of closeout coffee can all land in the same basket at one small roadside market in Washington. Better yet, the total at the register tends to stay surprisingly friendly. The pies are made locally and wait in...

Rochester, WA · 5d

southsoundmag.com

Olympia's New Dermatology Option

Olympia residents now have another place to pamper their nails, skin, and hair. Currently taking appointments, Epiphany Dermatology has opened new office in the city, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Dec. 11. The space is at 704 Lily Road SE. The business's dermatologist, Dr. Heidi Dearborn, specializes in skin-cancer...

Tacoma News Tribune

partner publisher · 21.3K followers

Over 130 dogs sent to Tacoma-Humane Society in November. Shelter asks for help

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is asking the public for help after receiving too many dogs. In a Nov. 11 Facebook post , the organization said it has received 130 dogs since Nov. 1 — 30 more than in mid-October. “This rise in dog intake is pushing us beyond our capacity. As one dog is adopted or reunited with their family, more than one dog is waiting to take their place,” the post said. “We need the support of our community to help us ensure there is space for the pets that desperately need our care.” Adoption fees for dogs who are at least 1 year old will be waived from Nov. 12 to Nov. 13, the post said. Residents can help the shelter by: Adopting. Interested dog owners can visit the Humane Society’s website or visit at 2608 Center St. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Mondays. If an owner has committed to a dog that is waiting to be spayed or neutered, they can foster the dog until their surgery. Fostering. Someone who can’t adopt but can provide a temporary home for a dog can help save space, the post said. The

Tacoma, WA · 17h

The Chronicle

Olympia Regional Airport's neighbors concerned about noise, pollution increase from new Spokane to Olympia route

As the Olympia Regional Airport prepares to welcome direct flights to and from Spokane for the 2027 legislative session, area residents are reiterating concerns about noise and air pollution.  ...

Olympia, WA · 1d

everafterinthewoods.com

This Washington Italian Spot Puts Rotisserie Chicken in the Lasagna and Sends You Home With Leftovers

Rotisserie chicken goes into the lasagna at one Washington Italian spot, and I think that alone deserves a little applause. The prawns show up spicy with Calabrian chili. The zucchini gets cut lengthwise and fried in tempura batter. That menu reads like a family recipe box that kept growing. Mushroom...

Puyallup, WA · 3d

Tacoma News Tribune

Just four votes separate candidates in East Pierce County state House race

A person who represents East Pierce County in the Washington state Legislature has run for re-election — and her bid for another term is on thin ice. According to the Washington Secretary of State’s website , the race for the 25th Legislative District’s second state representative has a four-vote difference. As of 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Republican incumbent Cyndy Jacobsen has 28,359 votes (49.97%) to Democratic challenger Jenn Marie Strickling’s 28,355 (49.97%). The 25th Legislative District stretches across Puyallup, South Hill and the Summit-Waller area. Voters first elected Jacobsen to the seat in 2020, replacing Rep. Chris Gildon (R), who went on to become the district’s state senator. She has been re-elected twice, once in 2022 and once in 2024. Before running for her seat in Olympia, Jacobsen served one term on the Puyallup City Council. According to the voter’s guide , Strickling is from Orting and served on the Pierce County Charter Review Commission after being elected in 2025. Jacobsen ran alongside fellow representative Michael Keaton (R), whose bid for a second term looks unlikely. As of Wednesday afternoon, Keaton had received 27,951 votes to Democratic challenger David Berg’s 28,851 votes — a 900-vote difference. Kyle Haugh, elections manager

Pierce County, WA · 22h

familydestinationsguide.com

You Can Enjoy A Meal Inside Vintage Train Cars At This Unique Washington Restaurant

Not every great restaurant announces itself with a neon sign and a valet stand, and the ones that don’t are usually the ones worth driving an hour to find. Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co. in Eatonville, Washington announces itself with actual vintage train cars parked on actual railroad tracks, which is a significantly more interesting way to make an entrance.

Eatonville, WA · 3d

Tacoma News Tribune

New Pierce County boutique with a beachy, vintage style opens soon

The Big Dark may be upon us, but it’s summer somewhere. At Kspek , Gig Harbor’s newest boutique in the downtown business district with a target opening date of Nov. 28, bold patterns, sun-faded fabrics and the slightly fuzzy, cottony texture of beach towels feature brightly in sweatshirts, jackets and bags. Led by Kathleen Vanderspek, a fashion designer who formerly worked for brands like Tommy Bahama and Buki , a Seattle-based brand specializing in travel luxury wear, the new studio at 7706 Pioneer Way will be Vanderspek’s first brick-and-mortar shop. She previously sold her products online and via Harbornest , another downtown boutique that will continue carrying her products. “I love the nostalgia of a vintage beach towel, and that’s really what drew me to working with them,” said Vanderspek in an interview Tuesday, adding that she grew up on Lake Michigan and spent a lot of time at the pool and going to the beach, taking her beach towel everywhere. Most of the towels she upcycles into sweatshirts and bags are from the ‘80s and ‘90s, she said, which she’s found to hold up over time and that feature playful geometric patterns, fun colors and landscape designs. After leaving

Gig Harbor, WA · 1d

Tacoma News Tribune