**Join Sheriff Sanders for Town Halls This October!**

Thurston County, we want to hear from YOU! Sheriff Sanders is hosting multiple **Town Halls** throughout October, and it’s your chance to voice your concerns, ask questions, and get updates on public safety in our community.

**What to Expect:**

– Updates on local law enforcement initiatives

– Open Q&A with Sheriff Sanders

– How you can get involved in keeping Thurston County safe!

**Dates & Locations:**

• October 2: Yelm Community Center, 6pm

301 2nd St SE, Yelm

• October 9: Swede Hall, 6pm

18543 Albany St SW, Rochester

• October 16: Griffin School, 6:30pm

6530 33rd Ave NW, Olympia

• October 23: Kodiak Room, 6pm

225 Sussex Ave W, Tenino

• October 30: The Hub, 6pm

676 Woodland Square Lp SE

Bring your questions, bring your neighbors, and let’s work together to keep Thurston County a safe and thriving place for everyone!

**Don’t miss out—mark your calendars!** Let us know if you’ll be attending by commenting below or sending us a message. **Please SHARE this post** to help spread the word!

#ThurstonCounty#SheriffSanders#CommunitySafety#TownHall#WeAreThurston

Yelm appointments available October 22 and 23

Make an appointment: www.bloodworksnw.org/giveblood

Click here for Yelm, October 22

Click here for Yelm, October 23

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Turn your support into action by donating blood with @bloodworksnw. Make a donation appointment today!

Give blood. It’s easy to do and it feels good to save a life. Book your appointment with @bloodworksnw.

With Fall here, there are plenty of reasons in new the season to schedule your blood donation appointment with @bloodworksnw. What’s yours?

When will the investigation into Commissioner Clouse end? Thurston County has few answers

Excerpt from The Olympian:

Thurston County has still not released the results of its protracted investigation into Commissioner Emily Clouse, who was indefinitely suspended from some of her appointments last month.

The Olympian asked the county to provide an update on the investigation and share when the public can expect a final report that was promised by the Board of County Commissioners in a Sept. 6 statement.

Amy Davis, Clerk of the Board, said on Thursday that the investigation is still ongoing and she was unable to say when the report may be released. As for Clouse’s suspension, Davis provided no update on when that may be addressed again.

“Commissioner Clouse remains in her position as County Commissioner,” Davis said. “Commissioner appointments to outside boards and commissions are at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners. As of now, no time frame has been announced for reconsidering appointments to outside boards and commissions.”

Commissioners Wayne Fournier, Carolina Mejia and Gary Edwards voted to suspend Clouse on Aug. 13, two weeks after the board decided to contract with an independent workplace investigator to look into a complaint against Clouse.

It’s been about one and a half months since Clouse’s suspension and three weeks since the board promised to release the results of the investigation and issue a statement.

In a Thursday statement to The Olympian, Maia Robbins, Clouse’s attorney, said her client is eager for closure and transparency.

Read more of the story.

Gov. Jay Inslee named on Forbes’ first-ever list of worldwide leaders in sustainability

Excerpt from The Bellingham Herald via MSN:

Last week, Forbes published its first-ever list of the 50 preeminent leaders across the globe in environmental sustainability, in an effort to highlight some of the latest and most important work done in the fight against climate change. The list included government officials, CEOs and nonprofit directors, and for Washingtonians, a familiar face: Governor Jay Inslee.

Forbes highlights Inslee’s climate policy

Forbes touted Inslee, who has served as Washington’s governor since 2013, for his efforts to reduce emissions in the state, while providing access to renewable energy in underprivileged communities.

In 2021, he signed the HEAL Act, establishing a statewide effort to address environmental disparities. Inslee has helped implement policies to cut down emissions on new buildings in the state, and to spur the state’s transition towards clean energy.

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Inslee named to inaugural Forbes Sustainability Leaders list

Excerpt from the Office of Gov. Jay Inslee:

Forbes Magazine named Gov. Jay Inslee to their inaugural list of sustainability leaders this week. Editors hailed Gov. Inslee’s leadership in Washington and his implementation of numerous reforms to reduce pollution during his three terms in office.

Gov. Inslee’s administration has driven nation leading policies to slash pollution and build a clean energy economy, including:

• A landmark 100% clean electricity policy that puts Washington on the nation’s most ambitious pathway to 100% clean electricity by 2045
• A nation-leading clean buildings policy to phase fossil fuels out of new building construction
• The Climate Commitment Act, a market-based cap-and-invest program with robust environmental justice provisions that is helping fund new climate-friendly transportation options and community investments that help businesses and families to transition away from fossil fuels
• Rapid electric vehicle adoption that has earned Washington the second highest rate of electric and plug-in hybrid sales in the nation.
• Launching the state’s Clean Energy Fund, the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at Washington State University, and the Clean Energy Institute at University of Washington, programs that have created and supported dozens of new technologies and business ventures.

The result of all of these policies is not only protecting clean air and water for Washingtonians. It’s also fostering a booming clean energy economy. The growing economic sector now employs more than 80,000 Washingtonians. 

“Humility is often a virtue, but I’ve never been humble when sharing the incredible work of legislators, Tribes, labor, businesses, community groups and so many others who have made Washington a leading state for climate action,” said Inslee. “We’re creating jobs, spurring innovation and reducing climate change. Let’s keep it going. Our children are depending on us.”

Washington has the best public education on west coast, top five in US, new study says

Excerpt from The Bellingham Herald via MSN:

Washington students have access to some of the best public education in the country, according to a new study.

In a study published last week, market research outlet Consumer Affairs looked at statewide test scores, graduation rates and school funding, among other metrics, to determine which states offer the best public education. Washington took fourth place in the country, far outranking any of its west coast neighbors.

Washington ranks fourth in the country

Using data from the College Board, the National Education Association and the National Center for Education Statistics, among other sources, the study gave every state a score on a scale from one to 100. 30 points each were assigned to the K-12 performance, school funding and higher education categories, with the remaining ten points determined by school safety metrics.

Washington ended up with 64.7 points, behind only Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, and just ahead of Pennsylvania and Vermont. The next-highest ranking state on the west coast was Oregon at 31st, although only a little farther east, Montana and Wyoming both cracked the top 20.

Why does WA rank high for public education?

The main driver of Washington’s ranking was its score in the higher education category, which was the fourth-highest in the country as it earned particularly high marks for the amount of grant aid it offers students.

Foreign exchange student at Yelm picks up first D1 football offer from Boise State Broncos

Excerpt from High School on SI via MSN:

Might want to get used to seeing this name pop up in high school football recruiting circles over the next few months.

Bol Bol.

An exchange student from Canada, the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder has seized one of the starting defensive end spots as a senior at Yelm High School – and college recruiters are paying attention to his raw talent.

On Thursday, Bol Bol received his first NCAA Division I offer – from the Boise State Broncos (who have gotten a commitment from lineman Jacob Tracy, Bol Bol’s teammate).

“You look at him with that frame and the way he runs like he does,” Yelm coach Jason Ronquillo said. “He is just scratching the surface in what he can do.”

Bol Bol had played football at Brooks Composite High School in Alberta, and had been a standout on the summer camp circuit up north.

Last summer, Bol Bol was at a WSU camp where his family bumped into Cougars volunteer assistant Brian Foote, who used to be on Ronquillo’s staff at Yelm.

When the family mentioned it was looking for an exchange-student school in the United States for Bol Bol to play his senior year, Foote casually mentioned for them to check out the 2022 Class 3A champions.

And the family did just that. Once counselors from both schools were in contact, Bol Bol was found a host family in Yelm – and moved to Washington in July.

Read more of the story.

Our newest specially designed aircraft celebrating the Seattle Mariners is a home run

We’re thrilled to unveil our new Seattle Mariners-themed aircraft, ready to hit the skies on Friday, Sept. 27—just in time for Mariners Fan Appreciation Day. This plane is sure to be a home run with fans!

Excerpt from Alaska Airlines:

• We’re proud to unveil the Seattle Mariners aircraft that will take to the skies on Friday, Sept. 27, just in time for the Mariners Fan Appreciation Day.

• The design features the Seattle Mariners logo, Mariner Moose, and the famous line “Fly, Fly Away” commemorating longtime Mariners broadcaster and Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus.

• This is the second iteration of a Mariners-themed aircraft (tail number #N710AL), and the new design will fly throughout our network until 2026. [Editor’s note: the first flights were a roundtrip from Seattle to Miami.]

It’s not time to hang up the mitts just yet, because we’re announcing a new aircraft that hits it out of the park!

Celebrating our longstanding partnership (since 2001) with our favorite Major League Baseball team, we’re proud to unveil the Seattle Mariners aircraft that will take to the skies on Friday, Sept. 27, just in time for the Mariners Fan Appreciation Day.

The design, displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX, features the Seattle Mariners logo, Mariner Moose, and the famous line “Fly, Fly Away” commemorating longtime Mariners broadcaster and Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus.

This is the second iteration of a Mariners-themed aircraft, and the new design will fly throughout our network until 2026. The plane’s tail number, #N710AL, is also a nod to the Official Radio Station of the team, Seattle Sports 710, who broadcasts all Mariners games throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“As Seattle’s hometown airline, we’re excited to launch one of the most requested custom livery designs we’ve had over the past few years– a new Seattle Mariners Boeing 737. This aircraft represents an exciting opportunity to show our Seattle spirit and celebrate our baseball team not only during the season but year-round,” said Eric Edge, managing director of Marketing and Advertising, Alaska Airlines.

Final Yelm Farmers Market of season

Excerpt from the NVN:

The final 2024 Yelm Farmers Market of the season will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at 206 McKenzie Ave., near City Park. The event will feature 20 or more vendors offering farmers, artisans, bakers, beekeepers, leatherworkers and more, plus a children’s program and special events. Visit http://yelmfarmersmarket.com/yfm/ for more information. 

Don’t miss the 35th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival this Saturday!

From the Nisqually River Council:

The Nisqually Watershed Festival is back this Saturday September 28th @ 10AM – 4PM at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge! This free, all-day festival is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich history, culture, and environment that makes Nisqually such a unique and beautiful place.

Come discover the wonders of the watershed through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a variety of performances and presenters. Catch the Olympic Highlanders playing bagpipes in the morning, bring and decorate a salmon print t-shirt, view salmon and dogfish dissections with our environmental educators, and explore the trails at the refuge.

The festival will also feature a salmon barbecue lunch with fish provided by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, as well as local food vendors.

From environmental science storytelling with Killer Whale Tales, to drum and song performances by the Nisqually Indian Tribe Canoe Family and Samba OlyWa, the Nisqually Watershed Festival has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us this Saturday to celebrate all that is Nisqually!

Free parking and shuttle to the festival will be available at Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride 2548 Hogum Bay Road NE, Olympia

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The Nisqually Watershed Festival is funded in part through a generous donation by the Tacoma Public Utilities Community Support Grant Program.

Early American Encampment at Wilkowski Park September 28th and 29th, Rainier, WA

From the Spirit of 76 Living History Assoc.:

Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 9am-5pm, Sunday, September 29, 2024 – 9am-3pm

Free event with donations welcome.

Click here to read more.

Join us September 28-29, 2024 in Rainier, WA for a weekend of military demos, fife & drum music, living history camps, and colonial crafts. Free event with donations accepted. Bring the family and take a step back in time.

We portray soldiers, sailors, musicians, and civilians who lived during the 18th century and American Revolutionary era.  The Columbia Fife & Drum, 43rd Regiment of Foot, 3rd New Hampshire, Artillery, HMS Chatham, and Civilians are our six main units. New impressions or units appropriate to the time period are welcome.

Saturday, September 28th, 2024- 9am-5pm Sunday, September 29th, 2024- 9am-3pm

Calling all history enthusiasts, military devotees, and families with children seeking an unique weekend experience! Don’t miss our upcoming Rainier, WA event in September 2024 – Encampment at Wilkowski Park! Join us for a weekend of engaging Revolutionary War era military demonstrations, fife and drum music, and an 18th century living history camp at Wilkowski Park in Rainier, WA. Entertaining and educational activities for the whole family!