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Tumwater School District recognized student achievements in sports and music during a board meeting on May 21. Notable honors included Sloane Kruger, who became a wrestling state champion, and the Tumwater High School Dance Team, which secured three first-place titles at the state competition. Additionally, students Fiona Tang and Gabriel Kendall earned accolades at the Washington State Solo & Ensemble contest.
Tumwater Middle School has hired an independent investigator to examine allegations of student-to-student sexual harassment following a protest by students. Principal John Neal confirmed no reported incidents of rape at the school but emphasized the commitment to address any complaints seriously. The investigation aligns with Title IX regulations to ensure a safe environment for all students.
Tumwater School District will now review and approve attendees for public comment during board meetings to ensure diverse perspectives. The updated guidelines, effective May 14, 2025, prioritize comments aligned with agenda topics and require sign-ups by 9 AM on meeting days. Those not selected can submit their comments via email.
Tumwater’s FDCARES program connects 911 callers to essential support services, reducing repeat emergency calls. Since its launch in February, the program has aided 23 individuals and aims to expand its resources.
Family-friendly events are scheduled across Thurston County this weekend, including the Lacey Spring Fun Fair and the SOGO Spring Concert. The South Sound Climate Action Convention will facilitate discussions on climate planning, while various activities for youth and plant enthusiasts are also set to take place.
Brad Medrud will take over as the new director of Tumwater's community development department on June 2, 2025, succeeding Mike Matlock, who is retiring after 35 years. Medrud, the current deputy director, aims to enhance community relationships and address the need for 9,000 housing units and 10,000 jobs in the next two decades.
The Tumwater City Council authorized a $321,000 contract with A&D Enterprises LLC to construct a new sewer main on Antsen Street. The project aims to enhance the sewer system's capacity and will take approximately four weeks, coinciding with annual pavement maintenance on the street.
A sign waving rally to support Social Security will occur on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Social Security Administration office in Lacey. Organized by Olympia Indivisible, the event will also collect nonperishable food donations for the Thurston County Food Bank.
Puget Sound Energy will install new underground power lines along Littlerock Road in Tumwater, causing traffic delays from May 8 to May 23. Motorists should plan for intermittent one-way traffic and consider alternate routes to avoid congestion.
The Tumwater City Council approved a $4.01 million contract with Lakeside Industries for annual pavement maintenance. The council granted the flexibility to increase the contract by up to 20% to accommodate project scope changes. Funding comes from a 0.2% sales tax dedicated to road maintenance.