Economy puts pinch on county retail sales

Taxable retail sales in Thurston County dropped nearly 6 percent in the second quarter compared with 2007, another blow to South Sound's economy at a time when some local governments are considering layoffs to offset lost revenue.
• Retail sales plunge 1.2 percent in September

Auditor faults Olympia's use of impact fees

State Auditor Brian Sonntag released an audit Tuesday that criticizes the city of Olympia for the way it has collected and spent the impact fees charged to developers.

BIAW puts $4.1 million in fund

The Building Industry Association of Washington poured $4.1 million into its ChangePAC political committee just before a limit took effect Tuesday that caps such contributions at $5,000.

Clams ruled safe for weekend dig

The Washington coast razor clam dig that begins Thursday evening is a big deal - up to 30,000 people are expected to hit the sand with shovels and clam guns.

Local debate watch party at The Washington Center

What: Residents can watch the final presidential debate between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama on a big screen, then share their thoughts about the results.

Winged Victory dedicated to honor statue's restoration

OLYMPIA — The Winged Victory monument, again radiating the rich, brown hue of its past, was rededicated during a ceremony attended by more than 100 people Tuesday.
• Photo Gallery: Winged Victory Monument rededication ceremony
• Video: Winged Victory Monument

Regional briefs for Oct. 15

• Tires slashings plague SiskiyouStreet this week
• Group home manager accused of child rape
• Xanax-overdose death leads to murder charge
• Drive-through library's grand opening Saturday
• Preparedness class is today at fire station

Owen, opponent promise balance

Lieutenant governor isn't exactly the highest-profile job in state government.

Arrest made in Aug. hit-run

Tumwater police arrested a woman who was wanted on suspicion of leaving the scene of a collision after the car she was driving struck a 4-year-old girl on Yonkers Drive in Lacey on Aug. 27, court papers state.

Thurston County Medic One's founding father dies

Dr. Rodney Allison Brown, a founding father of one of the first countywide Medic One emergency medical services systems in the nation, has died of a stroke.