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All three proposed alternatives for the future of Capitol Lake are shown above at various tide levels.

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) proposed to remove the 5th Avenue Dam on the Capitol Lake Deschutes Estuary at the Port of Olympia commissioners’ work session … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/20/21 | 3 comments

Ever wonder what equity means? This diagram explains that Equality means each individual or group is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

New Transportation Priorities Survey seeks your input

Whether you walk, drive, bike, ride the bus or find another way to get around, there’s a new survey to help regional planners to make more and better decisions about new roads, bus routes and … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/19/21

The Lacey City Council awarded Phil Aasen a Certificate of Achievement for his decades-long safe-driving career during its regular meeting on July 15, 2021. Aasen is shown on the third row, right. His employer, Justin Erickson, CEO of Harbor Wholesale, is shown in the second row, right.

City of Lacey honors veteran truck driver Phil Aasen

For nearly three decades of service, veteran truck driver Phil Aasen received a City of Lacey Certificate of Achievement. During the regular city council meeting yesterday, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/16/21

Suicide is often preventable. See free 24-hour resources at the bottom of this story.

Distraught woman booked into jail, placed on watch

An allegedly intoxicated woman who told a Thurston Sheriff’s Deputy she was suicidal was arrested last night after her car slid into a small ditch and she backed into a tree The … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/16/21

One of Intercity Transit's newer full-size busses passes in the east side of the Legislative Building on the Washington State Capitol Campus on Route 13.

Express bus service to Pierce County locations resumes Monday, July 19

Express bus service between Olympia and Lacey to Pierce County resumes on Monday, July 19, 2021. Route 620 will serve the Olympia Transit Center, the State Capitol Campus, Lacey Transit Center, … more

7/16/21

In Every Breath a Prayer - By David Hanig

Local first-time author David Hanig's new book, "In Every Breath a Prayer," tells the story of the author’s early childhood pain and his road to recovery. An unusual book, it combines prose … more

By Linda Villegas Bremer | 7/15/21

Thurston Community Media’s live election coverage won the Democracy Action Category during the recent Hometown Media Awards. The broadcast was hosted by TCMedia CEO, Deborah Vinsel, pictured.

Thurston Community Media brings home three national awards

Thurston Community Media brought home not just one, but three national awards from the Alliance for Community Media Foundation in a virtual celebration on July 1. TC Media, which manages four … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/14/21

It’s time for some fun again! (For all ages.)

Okay, folks, it’s time for some fun! Now that we have been allowed back into society it’s time to remember there is more out there than the grocery store. For instance…the … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/14/21

With a new paint job and door to the new covered patio, New Traditions Cafe is much brighter than before its 2021remodel.

New Traditions Cafe re-opens remodeled after six-month closure

New Traditions Cafe today rejoined its sister operation, New Traditions Fair Trade, as an open and ready business. The Cafe was closed for six months both because of pandemic restrictions and to … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/9/21

Registration is open now to runners of all three races to be held July 17, 2021.

Olympia gears up for Lakefair Races after a year off

Lakefair, the festival, is still cancelled for 2021. But runners are gearing up for the upcoming Lakefair Races 2021 on July 17, following a year-long hiatus. As one of the first live … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/9/21

Olympia's Familiar Faces program has received attention from around the United States.

Familiar Faces Program becomes a permanent part of downtown services

The Olympia City Council approved funding for the Familiar Faces program as a part of its city operations last Thursday, June 29, following a three-year trial period. The program provides a … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/6/21

"A Year with Frog and Toad" is in rehearsal now with performances by the Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre July 15-25, 2021.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theater's next musical launches next week

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre (TYT) will present the musical, A Year with Frog and Toad, July 15 to July 25 in the Tenino City Park at the Quarry Pool. This unique setting is perfect to tell … more

7/6/21

Bales of hay burned during the July 4 wildfire near Yelm.

Wildfire now close to home: 29 acres burn near Yelm

Firefighters responded to a wildfire near Vail Road in Yelm on Sunday, July 4. The S.E. Thurston County Fire Authority reported that the wildfire had burned approximately 29 acres. “Could … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/5/21

There will be fireworks in Tumwater and Lacey to celebrate Independence Day

Lacey, Tumwater to host fireworks shows for Independence Day

The cities of Lacey and Tumwater are inviting locals to participate in their upcoming Independence Day Events. Lacey The City of Lacey invites locals … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

What else is happening July 3 - 10?

Here are a few events in the Thurston County area to keep you entertained in the coming week! more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/2/21

The blistering heat on June 27, 2021in the Pacific Northwest was caught on NASA’s thermal infrared maps.

Four people dead in Thurston County from the record-breaking heatwave

With temperatures hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Thurston County Coroner reported that at least four people died due to the heat, including a 39-year-old man in Tumwater. Official … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theater received the largest gift in its 30-year history, designated to purchase this piece of land on which to build a theater building.

Anonymous donor purchases lot to build Tenino Young-at-Heart Performing Center

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre (TYT) is planning to build a “real live theater” in the Tenino Creative District, thanks to the generous help of an anonymous donor. The property is … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/1/21

Dick Pust holds a copy of his new memoir, AM 1240: Life at a Small Town Radio Station.

Dick Pust finally writes it all down

He’s charming. But you knew that. His name is Dick Pust and for 50 years, local old timers and newcomers alike, listened to his soothing voice on the radio. For 50 years he was … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/30/21 | 1 comment

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Martin Way Corridor Study: Online Open House available now through July 7

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) identified safety as priorities for its Martin Way Corridor Study during a public hearing on Wed., June 23. In the discussion, TRPC Associate … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/25/21

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, anyone is at risk if they don't take precautions.

UPDATED: What to do about the coming hazardous heat wave

It’s going to be hot around here this weekend. How hot? Expect a high of 105 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Thurston County will experience excessive heat … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/24/21 | 1 comment