South Sound

No raise for Inslee, commission decides

Gov. Jay Inslee isn’t getting a pay raise this year, nor in 2014. But the nine members of the state Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen will get raises Sept. 1 — and their salaries will rise above even that of the governor.

Falcon more aggressive, chicks bigger this year at port

Four screeching peregrine falcon chicks squirmed in a cardboard box as a small crowd gathered around, cameras at the ready. Weighing in at approximately 3 1/2 pounds, the estimated 22-day-old balls of white fluff were banded and sexed.

Thurston County campuses go tobacco free in 2014

The Thurston County commissioners approved a tobacco ban that will prohibit smoking, e-cigarettes and tobacco products on county grounds starting next year, according to a news release.

Firecreek Grill wins port's Chowder Challenge

Firecreek Grill won top honors for its clam chowder at the Port of Olympia's Boatswap & Chowder Challenge on Saturday.

Walker Morton running for Lacey City Council

History lesson blooming in Steilacoom

Two centuries ago, a small pink flower framed the hills and prairie around the main village of the Steilacoom Indian tribe in what is now west Pierce County.

Best way to help after tornado is to give cash, Red Cross says

People in South Sound who want to help victims of the devastation left behind by the Oklahoma tornado Monday have a few options.

Injured funeral director can move his feet

A 41-year-old funeral director who was struck by a suspected drunken driver Sunday night on Steilacoom Road was still in critically stable condition Tuesday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the man’s employer said.

Big-picture peek shows local economy improving

Sometimes it’s the trend — not the one-month employment snapshot — that shows the Thurston County economy continues to improve.

State wins foster child ruling

The state will not have to return 15 troubled foster teens it removed because of safety concerns from three private facilities, including one in Lacey, a Thurston County Superior Court judge has ruled in part of an ongoing lawsuit.