Good day Tumwater! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Pints Pavement Pounders Running Club and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. FESS to host free community conversations on cyber safety and substance use (thurstonchronicle.com) — Tumwater families can attend two free Strengthening Families Community Conversations at ESD 113 on Oct. 8 and 15, focused on cyber safety and emerging substance use trends. Local experts will explain current scams, online exploitation risks, and new "gas station" drugs, while offering practical prevention tips and time for questions so parents, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals leave with usable strategies.
2. Tumwater School District board adopts revised policies related to students (thejoltnews.com) — Tumwater families should know the school board just updated key policies affecting student disabilities, phone use, and how visitors access school buildings. The changes clarify protections for students with ADHD, tighten rules on when phones can be used, and formalize procedures for anyone entering Tumwater school facilities, all based on new state model guidance.
3. Tumwater City Council reviews funding requests for utilities, golf course (thejoltnews.com) — Tumwater residents face upcoming decisions on city spending for water, sewer, stormwater utilities, and the city-owned golf course as council reviews a trimmed-down 2026–27 budget. Most enhancement requests were denied, but funding for a new utilities project manager, staff reclassification, and key golf course infrastructure made the cut, alongside likely fee increases for golfers to support aging equipment.
4. Large branch falls from Davis Meeker Garry oak tree during windstorm in Tumwater (thejoltnews.com) — Tumwater's landmark Davis Meeker Garry oak near Olympia Regional Airport lost a large branch in Friday's windstorm, renewing attention on its safety and preservation. The 400-year-old tree, on Tumwater's historic register, remains protected under a court order requiring state and local historic approvals before any major alteration or removal by the city.
5. Top Local News – Thurston County – September 28, 2026 (thurstontalk.com) — Tumwater residents should watch the city's transportation plan update, which targets congestion relief, safer walking routes, and better bike and transit connections along key corridors. The broader Thurston County roundup also touches on Olympia's Food Waste Prevention Week, regional sports, new local media in Yelm, and stormwater restoration work, giving a quick snapshot of nearby civic and community changes.
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Ok Tumwater! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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