Rochester, WA Local News and More

Recent Olympia-area business closures, including a drive-in restaurant

Multiple longtime Olympia-area businesses have announced closures in recent weeks, including a Lacey bakery, a west Olympia drive-in and a farm supply store. Here are key takeaways: Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes in Lacey plans to close by the end of the year after nearly 14 years in business. Owner Rachel Young, who finished as runner-up on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2013, cited declining sales, higher gas prices keeping customers away and rising food, labor and utility costs. Builders FirstSource has closed its west Olympia location at 1830 Black Lake Blvd. SW, consolidating operations into its Lakewood and Shelton facilities. The Coastal Farm & Ranch store at 5500 Martin Way E. in Lacey is winding down operations by Dec. 31 , according to store manager Rob Re. Everything is being sold, including fixtures, with current discounts up to 50% expected to grow as the final day nears. The Sonic Drive-In at 1303 Cooper Point Road SW in west Olympia permanently closed Oct. 15 , a company spokesperson confirmed. Sonic encouraged customers to visit its Lacey location at 7746 Martin Way E. The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Olympian reporter Rolf Boone.

Olympia, WA · 22h

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

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.

The Olympian

Man accused of groping woman inside downtown coffee shop, Olympia police say

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation after he allegedly groped a female customer at a downtown coffee shop in Olympia. About 11 a.m. Monday, police responded to the coffee shop in the 600 block of Fourth Avenue East, which is across from Olympia City Hall and the police station. The man was outside the business when the 46-year-old customer entered it. Witnesses said he appeared to be watching her when he came into the store, Lt. Paul Lower said Tuesday. He then allegedly walked behind her, moved closer, began to ask odd questions and then groped the woman’s buttocks, Lower said. Coffee shop staff called 911. Meanwhile, the man went outside and allegedly began to bang on the windows. That’s where police found him and took him into custody, Lower said. Staff at a coffee shop in the 500 block of Capitol Way South also reported that the man exposed himself there at 7 a.m. Monday, Lower said.

Olympia, WA · 1d

The Olympian

partner publisher · 77.1K followers

Teriyaki spot scores 100 red points. Here are Thurston Co. food scores for Nov. 10

Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) inspection reports, which are available for each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667. Report restaurant, grocery store, deli or bakery complaints online via the complaint form here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/eh-problem.aspx . Reading inspection scores: Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature. Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing. If red points exceed 45, the county will require a reinspection within 10 business days. A reinspection also is required if total red and blue points exceed 65. If red points exceed 100 and there’s a lack of managerial control, the county may shut down the establishment. The establishment may reopen after the person-in-charge develops a written course of action to correct all violations and demonstrates corrective action

Thurston County, WA · 1d

Stacker

Cheapest gas stations in Olympia

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

The Chronicle

Chehalis City Council welcomes new police officer to the force

The City of Chehalis welcomed a new police officer with a swearing-in ceremony in front of the Chehalis City Council. Chehalis Police Department Deputy Chief Matt McKnight led the ceremony for

Chehalis, WA · 19h

The Chronicle

Thurston County man injured after crashing into tree

A Yelm man crashed his car into a tree while speeding on state Route 510 in Thurston County on Sunday. Andrew Juarez, 34,   was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital for treatment of

Thurston County, WA · 2d

The Chronicle

Chehalis teen accused of burglarizing business, ramming police vehicles 

An 18-year-old Chehalis man is back behind bars about a month after he was released on unsecured bail for allegedly stealing Pokemon cards from a downtown Centralia toy store.  Peyton Perry

Centralia, WA · 2d

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...

The Chronicle

Sirens: Large trash fire prompts response; stolen bicycle leads to arrest; scam under investigation

Centralia Police Department Theft • Money was reported stolen from a room in the 1500 block of Harrison Avenue at about 11:31 a.m. Nov. 11. No suspects were identified. • Theft of

Centralia, WA · 18h

thurstontalk.com

Top Local News – Thurston County – November 9, 2026

Your daily roundup of local news from Thurston County, Washington — covering Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, and Rochester. 1. SeaPort Airlines plans seasonal Spokane-Olympia route for 2027 legislative session. 📍 Olympia. In Olympia, SeaPort Airlines announced a seasonal route linking Spokane and Olympia that is set to...

Thurston County, WA · 2d

The Chronicle

partner publisher · 10.7K followers

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 · 18h

Dailyfly News

Jimi Hendrix Chosen to Represent Washington on 2029 U.S. Dollar Coin

OLYMPIA, WA — Legendary guitarist and Seattle native Jimi Hendrix has been selected to represent Washington state in the U.S. Mint’s American Innovation $1 Coin Program, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Monday, November 9. Hendrix was chosen following

Washington · 2d

The Chronicle

Winlock firefighters save elderly disabled man from burning home 

Lewis County Fire District 15, better known as Winlock Fire & Rescue, has shared additional details of a recent harrowing rescue of an elderly disabled man.  At about 10:53 p.m. Friday,

Winlock, WA · 1d

The Chronicle

Winlock City Council approves new city clerk candidate as plans set in motion for lighted Christmas parade on Dec. 19

The City of Winlock has a new city clerk after the Winlock City Council approved the appointment of Shelley Buresh to the vacant position during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, inside Winlock ...

Winlock, WA · 18h

thurstontalk.com

New Fused Glass Studio in Olympia: Grand Opening Veterans Day

Are you looking for something fun to do during the next six months of grey gloom? Check out GlassHaus NW! This new art studio in Olympia is owned by Griselda Hall, a retired U.S. Army veteran who is excited to share this fun activity with everyone. “I’m most excited about...

Chronicle

Letter to the editor: Thank you to Chehalis voters

On behalf of the City of Chehalis Public Works Department, thank you to everyone who participated in the Nov. 3 election. We appreciate the time residents took to learn about the Transportation Benefit District renewal, ask questions, and consider the transportation needs of our community. Voters approved continuing the existing...

Chehalis, WA · 18h

wheninyourstate.com