Local Politics | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

On May 14, the Yelm City Council approved the MOU, allowing the city to share the costs of the housing displacement and disparate impacts study.

Racial disparities impact study to be funded by Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm

Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm have agreed to conduct a study on housing and racial disparities. The Olympia City Council has approved a resolution that allows the city to enter into a … more

By Lorilyn Lirio, Jerome Tuaño, JC Medina | 5/16/24 | 9 comments

This is an example of the outside component of a mini-split heat pump system.

Energize Olympia hopes to engage 500 residents in the 2024 heat pump program

Olympia is continuing its Energize Olympia heat pump program in 2024 with the goal of engaging at least 550 residents by providing education on heat pump technology and installing additional heat … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/16/24 | 3 comments

Fire Chief Brian Hurley briefs the Tumwater City Council about a proposed new Medic One unit which will be stationed in Tumwater.

Thurston County Medic One looks to add new unit

Thurston County Medic One is looking to add a new unit which will be based in the North End Fire Station at Linwood Avenue, Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley told the Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/16/24

Lacey Youth Council accepting applications, ongoing until June 30

Lacey is now accepting applications for its Lacey Youth Council (LYC) from students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the 2024-25 school year. Applying students must be … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/16/24

Seen facing north, the Davis-Meeker oak tree overhangs Old Highway 99 and is adjacent to the northernmost airplane hangar.

Tumwater mayor decides to remove Davis-Meeker Oak

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan has decided that the city will remove the historic Davis-Meeker Garry Oak tree on Old Highway 99. City staff informed the city council about the mayor’s plans … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/15/24 | 11 comments

Wildfire sweeping across prairie grass, a firefighter is shown close to the fire.

'Red, Set, Go!' evacuation campaign introduced this Wildfire Awareness Month

Thurston County has introduced "Ready, Set, Go!," evacuation campaign as part of Wildfire Awareness Month. This campaign aims to deliver the evacuation message clearly to the residents to ensure … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/15/24 | 2 comments

Police Auditor Tara Parker briefed the Olympia City Council on the 2023 draft police annual report on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The police auditor highlighted an uptick in juvenile arrests with 72 incidents recorded in 2023.

Olympia reports a decline in police use of force, but an uptick in juvenile arrests

The Olympia Police Department saw a reduction in overall use of force incidents in 2023, but noted an increase in juvenile arrest trend, police auditor Tara Parker reported to the city council on … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/15/24 | 2 comments

Councilmember Rory Line emphasized the LYC's ongoing dedication to addressing homelessness, highlighting the nuanced distinction between homelessness and houselessness.

Public safety, homelessness among Lacey Youth Council’s top priorities

The Lacey Youth Council (LYC) took center stage during the Lacey City Council work session on Tuesday, May 14, presenting updates and outlining priorities for their term. From initiatives … more

By JC Medina | 5/15/24

Various mental health advocates attended the Thurston Board of Health meeting on May 14, 2024, to receive the proclamation on Maternal Mental Health Month.

Maternal Mental Health Month declared by County's Board of Health

The Thurston County Board of Health has declared May 2024 as Maternal Mental Health Month to address the critical issue of maternal mental health. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of … more

By JC Medina | 5/15/24

Solid Waste Division Manager Jeff Bickford and Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners had a work session on Monday, May 13, 2024, for the state of the Solid Waste System update.

State of the Solid Waste System updates for Thurston County

Solid Waste Division Manager Jeff Bickford met with Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) for the state of the Solid Waste System update, yesterday, May 14. Bickford briefed the board … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/15/24

At the Olympia City Council meeting on May 7, 2024, Valerie Hammond voiced her concerns about speeding on Capitol Way which caused near accidents and property damage in recent years.

Olympia residents voice concerns over dangerous speeding on Capitol Way

At the Olympia City Council meeting on May 7, several residents voiced their concerns about speeding on Capitol Way in the south Capitol neighborhood, citing multiple incidents that have resulted in … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/14/24 | 3 comments

Olympia senior planner David Ginther presented recommendations on the Capital Mall subarea plan at the Land Use and Environment Committee on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Olympia committee recommends adoption of the Capital Mall triangle subarea plan

Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee recommended adopting the Capital Mall triangle subarea plan to the city council. At the committee meeting on Thursday, May 9, Senior Planner … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/14/24

This image shows LOTT's wastewater treatment plant from the north.

Olympia board hears 'The State of LOTT Clean Water Alliance'

Olympia's Utility Advisory Committee heard a briefing in its May 2 meeting on “The State of LOTT Clean Water Alliance.” LOTT Executive Director Matt Kennelly, P.E. gave the presentation. … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 5/14/24

Tumwater Council discussed on Tuesday, May 7, the allocation of the funds from the Community Development Block Grant program.

9 nonprofits designated to receive grant funding from Tumwater

Nine nonprofit organizations are set to receive $983,454 from the city of Tumwater as part of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/13/24

Looking up at the sky from the sidewalk in front of Olympia City Hall, Oct. 7, 2021. The flagpole shown at the right, which extends through the roof, displays the Squaxin Island Tribe's flag as of today.

Olympia's Neighborhood Centers: Online open house this Thursday

Olympia residents are invited to participate in a digital open house scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. to talk about improvements and support for the neighborhood centers in the city. … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/13/24 | 1 comment

During a public meeting on May 7, 2024, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners officially declared May 5th through May 11th as Public Service Recognition Week.

Public Service Recognition Week declared by county commissioners

Last week, Thurston County Commissioners paid tribute to the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to serve the community. During a public meeting on May 7, the Thurston Board of County … more

By JC Medina | 5/13/24

Puget Sound Energy Senior Local Government Affairs Representative Kristine Rompa (center) met with Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners yesterday, May 8, 2024, to discuss wildfire measures.

Puget Sound Energy introduces wildfire safety initiative

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) representatives discussed the company's Wildfire Program and a new initiative, Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), with the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) at a meeting … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/10/24 | 2 comments

This house and garage are the main structures now at 2401 Conger Avenue NW.

Affordable housing development on Conger Avenue proposed

Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee heard a proposal for a cottage housing development at 2401 Conger Avenue NW on Wednesday, May 8. In the narrative, applicant Ken Liliquist stated that he … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/10/24 | 5 comments

Saints baseball players enjoying the game earlier this season vs PLU.

Seven Saints lauded in GNAC Baseball All-Conference Team of the Season

Despite missing out the championships in this season’s baseball, the Saints have something to celebrate as seven players from the Lacey-based baseball squad were named in the 2024 Great … more

By Vince Zafra | 5/10/24

The existing culvert on Sapp Road and Percival Creek is too small to allow for the natural passage of fish.

Tumwater to receive grant for construction of Percival Creek culvert

Tumwater is set to receive $257,550 from the Recreation and Conservation Office’s (RCO) Salmon Recovery Funding Board to fund the construction of a larger culvert on Sapp Road as it crosses … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/10/24