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KING 5

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5 western Washington schools to close

Olympia, WA · 15h

The Olympian

partner publisher · 20.3K followers
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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 · 2d

KING 5

publisher · 173.4K followers

Washington Districts Close Five More Elementary Schools

Olympia, WA · 10h

thurstontalk.com

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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 · 1d
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Tacoma News Tribune

partner publisher · 33.0K followers

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 · 3d

The Olympian

partner publisher · 20.3K followers

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

Olympia, WA · 4d

The Olympian

partner publisher · 20.3K 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 · 2d

Tacoma News Tribune

partner publisher · 33.0K 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 · 1d

The Olympian

partner publisher · 20.3K followers

Smash burger restaurant opens in Thurston Co. New apartments planned in Tumwater

PNW Smash Burger , the father and son dream of Alexander and Xander Mararac, is now reality as the grand opening of the business is set for Saturday, Nov. 14. “After a long wait, we are officially opening our doors!” they said in an email. Both have food experience. Alex grew up working in his parents’ Filipino restaurant in South Tacoma, he said, and Xander, his son, studied culinary arts at the New Market Skills Center in Tumwater and was set to do the same at South Puget Sound Community College until the program closed, The Olympian previously reported. Let’s get to the important stuff: What’s a smash burger? It’s a balled up beef patty that is then flattened on a hot surface, stainless steel or cast iron, giving the burger a seared and crispy edge while maintaining its juiciness, the Mararacs told The Olympian. What’s on the menu? For one, the Alpine smash burger: Using 100% ground chuck, they then add grilled onions, melted Swiss cheese and top it with truffle garlic aioli sauce and serve it on a buttered toasted potato bun. Where can you get one? 730 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Suite D. They intend to operate

Tumwater, WA · 16h

Tacoma News Tribune

partner publisher · 33.0K followers

When will Western Washington see its first frost this fall? What forecasters say

It’s getting colder in Washington state. As temperatures drop, you could start seeing small ice crystals forming on leaves, grass and roads. When can Western Washington residents expect to see frost covering the ground this fall? How long will frosty temperatures last, and how can you protect your plants and plumbing from the chill? Here’s what the experts say: When will we see the first frost in Washington state? When you can expect to see frost in 2026 depends on where you live in Washington state , according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac . The almanac looked at likely dates for the first and last frosts of the season , based on its long-range weather forecasts as well as historical frost averages. In much of Western Washington, frost timing should be “close to the historical average ,” the almanac said, while the last spring frost is expected roughly a week or two later than usual in Central and Eastern Washington. Even “modest” shifts in frost timing can “make a meaningful difference when you’re deciding when to sow early crops, set out seedlings or keep frost protection handy,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac said. The almanac predicted Bellingham would see its first

Washington · 2d

everafterinthewoods.com

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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

First For Autos

partner publisher · 1.0K followers

Diesel Truck Blasts Corvette With Thick Black Smoke During Road-Rage Incident in Viral Video

A resurfaced viral video clip featuring a merging dispute in Tacoma, Washington, has renewed scrutiny over the practice of modifying diesel trucks to blast thick black exhaust at other motorists. According to The Auto Wire, the widely shared footage shows a pickup appearing to aim its exhaust at a C4-generation Chevrolet Corvette, enveloping the sports […]

Tacoma, WA · 2d

hoodline.com

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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 · 1d

nildealnow.com

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Severe Storms With Up to 70 MPH Winds and Possible Waterspout Target Seattle, Tacoma, and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington Tonight

WASHINGTON — The severe weather risk has been expanded across the Olympic Peninsula and into Seattle and other parts of Puget Sound for tonight. The main concern is damaging thunderstorm winds of 60 to 70 mph, which could bring down trees and power lines across western Washington. A waterspout also cannot be ruled out off the coast as stronger storms move ashore from the Pacific.

Seattle, WA · 6d

The Olympian

partner publisher · 20.3K followers

Parents sue Olympia School District after decision to close three schools

Five parents who are attorneys filed a Notice of Appeal Nov. 13 in Thurston County Superior Court after the Olympia School District Board of Directors voted the night before to close Madison, McKenny and LP Brown elementary schools. District parent Marissa Smith shared a media statement and the appeal with The Olympian on Nov. 13. “The parents allege that the district failed to meet the minimum requirements in state law for public engagement,” according to the media statement. “According to the lawsuit, the school board cannot close any school until it first adopts a formal policy explaining how citizens will be involved in the development of the closure proposal. The parents argue that the school board’s current policy does not meet the statutory requirements for citizen engagement and therefore is invalid.” Parents are also concerned about Superintendent Patrick Murphy presenting a closure proposal without any formal request from the school board, according to the media statement. “The lawsuit cites a school board policy that says a closure proposal cannot proceed until the school board publicly requests a written analysis of the proposal from the district,” according to the media statement. The Olympian has reached out to district spokesperson Conor Schober,

Olympia, WA · 7h

Yahoo!

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Western Washington experiences record warm temperatures

If you thought it felt unseasonably warm Wednesday, you weren't wrong. Bellingham, Olympia and Seattle broke previous record high temperatures by early afternoon. The temperature in Bellingham reached 68 degrees by 1 p.m. The previous record of 67 degrees was set back in 1977. The temperature at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport...

Bellingham, WA · 2d

familydestinationsguide.com

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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

southsoundmag.com

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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...

Olympia, WA · 4d

Stacker

partner publisher · 77.1K followers

Cheapest gas stations in Olympia

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

Olympia, WA · 4d

wheninyourstate.com

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Walk a mile over Washington’s wild tideland where river, marsh, and sea collide

About eight miles northeast of Olympia, the Nisqually River empties into Puget Sound through one of the last relatively undisturbed estuaries on the water. Salt marsh, mudflats, freshwater wetlands, riparian forest and grassland all press together here in a tight mosaic that earned the site a National Natural Landmark designation.

Olympia, WA · 2d