OLYMPIA, Wash., May 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new cogeneration system installed at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant by the LOTT (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County) Alliance late last year has substantially reduced the amount of energy needed for treatment processes and buildings at the plant by using treatment by-products as fuel.

By Jeremy Pawloski, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Jul. 21--The likelihood of a wildfire threatening homes in Thurston County is on the rise. In the past week, fuel-moisture levels -- the critical barometer used by firefighters to measure wildland fire risk -- dipped below 19 percent.

By Keri Brenner, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Jun. 5--With baby formula costing up to $15 a can, some new mothers in Thurston County say they're shocked that their food-assistance program could be cut.

By Brad Shannon, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Apr. 29--Sandra Romero came away with Thurston County Democrats' nomination for county commissioner Monday night in a close vote by party precinct officers, besting longtime party volunteer Jon Halvorson. "Congratulations to Sandra.

By John Dodge, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Apr. 14--Food waste recycling arrives soon to curbside residential recycling programs in South Sound, thanks in large part to the success of a one-year-old organic waste composting plant in south Thurston County.