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7 Unmissable Updates And Why Nisqually Valley News Is Essential To Yelm, WA's Future

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For residents of Yelm, Rainier, Roy, and the entire Nisqually Valley, the Nisqually Valley News (NVN) remains the definitive source for hyper-local journalism, a critical function that has only grown more vital as of December 20, 2025. This weekly newspaper provides an indispensable window into the decisions made at Yelm City Hall, the events shaping the community, and the complex interplay between the region's key entities, including the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Its commitment to covering everything from the Yelm City Council's mid-biennium budget review to major 2025 community events like the Nisqually Valley Spring Expo ensures that citizens are informed, engaged, and connected to the pulse of Thurston County life.

The Nisqually Valley News, published every Friday, is more than just a paper; it's a historical anchor for the "Pride of the Prairie," covering a region that stretches far beyond Yelm to include surrounding areas like McKenna and Tenino. In an era of shrinking local news coverage, the NVN, owned by CT Publishing LLC, continues its mission, which dates back to the early 20th century, to deliver the news that truly matters to the people of the Nisqually River valley. The following list details the most important updates and the crucial roles this institution plays in maintaining the region’s strong sense of community and civic responsibility.

The Nisqually Valley News Staff and Profile

The Nisqually Valley News is a weekly newspaper based in Yelm, Thurston County, Washington. It serves the communities of Yelm, Rainier, Roy, McKenna, and Tenino.

  • Publication Type: Weekly Newspaper
  • Publication Day: Friday
  • Owner: CT Publishing LLC
  • Main Office Address: 401 Creek St. SE Ste B, Yelm, WA 98597
  • Key Staff Members (Journalists/Editors): Eric Schwartz, Jacob Dimond, Dylan Reubenking, Brian Watson, Elijah White, Austin DeBolt

1. Deep Dive into Yelm’s Local Government and Civic Life

The NVN’s most critical role is its exhaustive coverage of local governance, providing transparency for the citizens of Yelm and the greater valley. Recent reporting has focused heavily on the financial health and legislative actions of the City of Yelm.

  • Budget and Finance: The paper has provided detailed coverage of the Yelm City Council's unanimous approval of budget amendments and the City of Yelm finance director's presentation of the mid-biennium budget review, ensuring the public understands how taxpayer dollars are being allocated.
  • Interlocal Agreements: Coverage extends to crucial interlocal agreements, such as the Yelm City Council's recent approval of a jail services agreement with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, highlighting essential partnerships between local government and tribal entities.
  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety: The Yelm Police Department’s activities, including recent detentions and public safety updates, are regularly featured, keeping the community informed on local law and order matters.
  • Regional Politics: The NVN also connects local issues to broader state politics, offering commentary and news on figures like Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and regional energy stakeholders, such as discussions around Washington's last coal-fired power station.

2. 2025 Community Event Calendar and Cultural Highlights

The Nisqually Valley News is the primary promoter and chronicler of the vibrant community spirit in Yelm. Its upcoming coverage for 2025 is already shaping the social calendar for Thurston County residents.

A Look at Upcoming Nisqually Valley Events:

The City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with entities like the Yelm Timberland Library, is planning a jam-packed year of activities.

  • Nisqually Valley Spring Expo 2025: Scheduled to be Yelm's premiere home improvement trade show, the Expo (formerly the Nisqually Valley Home Show) is a major event for local businesses and homeowners, featuring over 100 vendors.
  • Yelm Farmers Market: A staple of the community, the market provides a platform for local growers and artisans, with the NVN providing regular updates on its operations throughout the season.
  • Summer Festivals: Look for coverage of the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, which includes a beer garden and live music, and other large regional events like LoveOly SummerFest and Oregon Trail Days.
  • Literary and Historical Events: The paper highlights educational and cultural efforts, such as the City of Yelm's quarterly story trails event, which partners with the Yelm Timberland Library.

3. The Interconnectedness of the Nisqually Valley Ecosystem

To truly understand Yelm, one must appreciate its place within the broader Nisqually Valley ecosystem, a region defined by the Nisqually River and its complex network of social and environmental entities. The Nisqually Valley News excels at reporting on these interconnected relationships, strengthening its topical authority.

Key Regional Entities and Coverage:

The NVN regularly reports on entities that govern, preserve, and enrich the region, stretching its coverage area to include the City of Roy, Town of Eatonville, and City of DuPont.

  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM): The paper serves the large military population in the area by reporting on events like the annual National Native American Heritage Month Observance, which often features performances by members of the Nisqually Tribe.
  • The Nisqually Indian Tribe: Coverage is extensive on the Tribe's history, current governance, and partnerships with the City of Yelm, including the Leschi Honor Walk held on JBLM and the growing relationship with Yelm High School.
  • Environmental and Historical Preservation: The NVN chronicles the efforts of organizations like the Nisqually Land Trust and the Nisqually River Council, which work to protect the Nisqually River valley. Coverage often includes historical deep-dives on the region's pioneers and its evolution from a "one-light town" to the blooming city it is today, celebrating Yelm's history since its incorporation in 1924.
  • County-Wide Influence: The paper's scope is essential for connecting Yelm to the larger governing bodies of Thurston County, Pierce County, and Lewis County, ensuring that local issues are seen in a regional context.

4. The NVN’s Digital Footprint: Yelmonline.com

While the print edition remains a beloved weekly tradition, the Nisqually Valley News maintains a robust digital presence at yelmonline.com. This online platform ensures that breaking news, legislative updates, and community features are accessible instantly to a wider audience, including commuters and former residents of the Nisqually Valley. The website is a critical archive, featuring stories on everything from local crime to political commentary by columnists like Rob Richards.

5. Connecting Small Towns: Rainier, Roy, McKenna, and Tenino

The Nisqually Valley News understands that the valley is a collection of distinct, yet interconnected, towns. Its commitment to covering Rainier, Roy, McKenna, and Tenino is a testament to its mission as a true regional paper. By featuring news, features, and advertising from these smaller communities, the NVN acts as a vital communication bridge, fostering a collective identity within the broader Thurston County area.

6. Preserving Local History and Heritage

The NVN frequently publishes historical articles that serve as a living record for the region. These features often delve into the area's rich past, exploring topics like the early days of Yelm before its incorporation and the history of the Nisqually people. This dedication to heritage provides crucial context for current events, linking the actions of the Yelm City Council today to the foundational stories of the Nisqually River valley.

7. The Future of Local Journalism in the Nisqually Valley

In an increasingly digital world, the Nisqually Valley News stands as a beacon for the future of local journalism in Yelm, WA. By focusing on essential, hyper-local content—from the activities of Mayor Joe DePinto to the Nisqually Valley Spring Expo 2025—the paper maintains an irreplaceable connection with its readership. Its ability to serve as a forum for civic discussion, a source for community event planning, and a historical record ensures its continued relevance and essential nature to the entire Nisqually Valley community.

7 Unmissable Updates and Why Nisqually Valley News is Essential to Yelm, WA's Future
nisqually valley news yelm wa
nisqually valley news yelm wa

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