The Olympian week in review

Private wellness club proposed for Olympia waterfront

A local property owner has proposed building The Water Club, a 20,000-square-foot private membership country club on a hillside at 500 Deschutes Parkway Southwest, overlooking Capitol Lake and the future-restored Deschutes Estuary. The facility would feature cold plunge pools, steam rooms, a sauna, spa treatments, and a fitness center for members, along with day passes for visitors. A smoothie bar and view terrace would be open to the public. Senior Planner Jackson Ewing noted the site is zoned residential but could be permitted through a conditional use permit requiring hearing examiner approval. He cautioned that wetlands, landslide hazard areas, and shoreline impacts must be evaluated, and that access challenges exist due to a nearby roundabout and the proposed 5th Avenue bridge reconstruction tied to Deschutes Estuary restoration.

Reported by Ty Vinson, published May 23

Tenino couple acquitted of murder in bar shooting

A Tenino couple has been acquitted of first-degree murder in connection with a 2024 shooting at a Thurston County bar that killed Olympia man Gaylord Travis Sayers, 56. Curtis Gibson, 70, and Tabitha Gibson, 49, were found not guilty following a month-long trial in Thurston County Superior Court. The shooting occurred on April 16, 2024, at Old Highway 99 Company Bar and Grill near Offut Lake. Prosecutors alleged the couple planned the shooting between two visits to the bar, while Curtis Gibson’s defense argued he acted in self-defense after being attacked by members of a motorcycle club. Tabitha Gibson’s attorney said she was simply a passenger and that jurors rejected the state’s theory of a planned killing. Both defendants had been jailed for over two years awaiting trial. The Sayers family called the verdict “heartbreaking,” while the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said it respects the jury’s decision.

Reported by Martín Bilbao, published May 21

New Italian restaurant Bottega opening in Lacey

Restaurateur Rick Nelsen, formerly of the steakhouse Ricardo’s, is set to open Bottega, a new Italian restaurant in Lacey’s Woodland Square Loop area, overlooking Huntamer Park. The soft opening is scheduled for June 9, starting with wood-fired pizza, salads, select cocktails, and wine, with additional menu items introduced gradually over following nights. The full menu will feature handmade noodles, handmade lasagna, caprese salad, buffalo milk mozzarella, steak, and Italian roasted chicken. A walk-up window will offer pizza by the slice, sandwiches, and salads. Bottega will operate Tuesdays through Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with happy hour from 3 to 5:45 p.m. The restaurant is currently hiring servers and cooks; interested applicants can email bottegalacey@gmail.com.

Reported by Rolf Boone, published May 21

Pardoned J6er seeks Trump fund, faces probation hearing

Taylor Taranto, 40, of Pasco, a pardoned January 6 rioter, appeared before Franklin County commissioners to request help applying for President Trump’s proposed $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, claiming he may be eligible for relief. Taranto was convicted of carrying guns without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, and filing a bomb hoax after threatening to blow up a federal building and was later arrested near former President Obama’s D.C. home. His Capitol riot charges were dropped following Trump’s mass pardon. A final probation revocation hearing is scheduled for June 8 after repeated violations, including resisting home visits by probation officers. Taranto has also filed to run unopposed as a Republican precinct officer in Franklin County’s precinct 3. He is a disabled Navy veteran with PTSD who has shown resistance to court-ordered mental health treatment, authorities say.

Reported by Cory McCoy, published May 24

Lacey council member’s residency challenged ahead of race

A voter registration challenge has been filed against Lacey City Council member Nic Dunning, who is running for the Thurston County Commission District 5 seat. The challenge, filed by former Olympia City Council member Jim Cooper, alleges that Dunning does not reside at the address listed on his voter registration — 5823 Lacey Blvd SE, the location of his business, West Coast Fitness. Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder clarified that Dunning has been living at the business while searching for a new home, after his apartment lease ended. Dunning purchased a property in the McAllister Park area in November 2025, but it requires work before he can move in, Ryder said. An administrative hearing is scheduled for May 28, where Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall will review evidence before issuing a written decision. Dunning called the challenge politically motivated, noting it was filed the day after he filed for office.

Reported by Rolf Boone, published May 22

NASCAR star Kyle Busch dead at age 41

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at age 41 following a sudden and severe illness that required hospitalization, leaving the racing world in shock. The cause of death has not been specified. Busch, known to fans as “Rowdy,” won 234 races across NASCAR’s top three series and claimed two Cup championships, in 2015 and 2019. He is survived by his wife, Samantha and their two children, Brexton and Lennix. His final social media post, shared three days before his death, celebrated son Brexton’s 11th birthday. Busch had won a race at Dover just the previous weekend, where he reflected: “Because you never know when the last one is.” He is expected to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Reported by Scott Fowler, published May 22

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 2:15 PM with the headline "The Olympian week in review."