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Kim Doughty, principal of Peter G. Schmidt Elementary, received the 2026 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year award. Doughty's leadership has fostered a strong sense of community and academic excellence at the school, where she emphasizes belonging and support for every student.
The City of Lacey offers food and utility bill assistance to support families affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Nearly 35,000 SNAP clients in Thurston County face reduced benefits, prompting the city to encourage residents to utilize their assistance hub for aid options. Community members can also contribute to local food and utility programs through donations.
The Tumwater Timberland Library has reopened after a significant redesign aimed at enhancing family and children's areas, making the space more accessible. Operations director Brenda Lane emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for future generations. The remodel, which took over a year to complete, was executed in-house, saving the library thousands of dollars.
Intercity Transit launched the Transit Ambassador program in July 2025 to enhance the bus riding experience in Thurston County. Ambassadors provide customer service, assist passengers with transit navigation, and improve safety on bus routes. Their training includes CPR, first aid, and de-escalation techniques.
The Evergreen State College will launch a host family program for international students in spring 2026, aligning with its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The initiative seeks to lower living costs for students and foster cultural exchange by matching them with local families. Host families can participate for short or extended periods and receive financial subsidies for housing and food.
Comcast organizes a community donation drive throughout November to support Mary’s Place, a nonprofit aiding homeless families in Thurston County. The drive encourages residents to donate new, unwrapped items to provide warmth and joy during the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at Xfinity Retail Stores in the area.
The Park Side Café in Olympia offers a fully organic, vegan Thanksgiving dinner available for pre-order, catering to various dietary needs. Following the holiday, shoppers can enjoy Black Friday deals at The Rolling Pin, with discounts ranging from 20% to 60% on kitchen supplies.
Several restaurants near Olympia will offer Thanksgiving dinner in 2025, providing a variety of dining options for those looking to celebrate without cooking. The article also includes resources for free Thanksgiving dinners, catering to community needs during the holiday season.
Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike and Miss Washington’s Teen Kendall Runyan actively engage in community service initiatives throughout their year in office. Their commitment includes programs aimed at promoting literacy and assisting local organizations. Both titleholders exemplify leadership and community dedication in their respective roles.
K.A. Cobell, a Native American author from Olympia, won the 2025 Washington State Book Award for Young Adult Literature for her debut novel, "Looking for Smoke." The book features a mystery on a Blackfeet reservation and emphasizes cultural representation and the theme of potential in young adulthood. Cobell aims to provide authentic narratives that resonate with both Blackfeet readers and those unfamiliar with reservation life.