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Executive Director of Business and Capital Projects Kate Davis said during a Feb. 27, 2025, meeting that the Olympia School District projects ending the current school year 2024-25 with a $7,931,947 ending fund balance.

Olympia School District projects $7.93M ending fund balance for 2024-25 school year

A combination of spending more money amid less revenue coming in is taking a bite out of Olympia School District (OSD) finances. The school district is projecting a $7,931,947 ending fund … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/5/25 | 2 comments

The Olympia City Council declared March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month. The proclamation was signed by Mayor Dontae Payne on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Olympia City Council declares March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month. The proclamation marks a commitment to promoting accessibility and upholding the rights of … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/5/25

Olympia Council member Clark Gilman introduced a referral that allocates $30,000 for resettlement services to immigrant and refugee families staying in Olympia. The city council voted unanimously to endorse the referral on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Olympia allocates $30K to bridge federal funding gap for refugees and immigrants

The Olympia City Council voted unanimously to provide $30,000 in emergency support to World Relief, as a means of helping immigrant and refugee families ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/5/25 | 8 comments

Exploring end-of-life issues

Some time ago, I attended a Death Cafe hosted by Death Doula Glenn Harper at the Olympia Senior Center. I had no idea what to expect and would have been surprised at any conversation that took … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 3/5/25 | 1 comment

Police Blotter for Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/4/25 at 2:17 a.m. in the 15600 block of 123 rd Ace SE, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Alfred Gene Carver, 62, on suspicion of first-degree assault. … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/5/25

The Lacey Fire District has released the final design for Engine 31, which will replace the district’s 2016 Pierce velocity pumper.

Lacey Fire District secures new engines, delivery lags

Fire engines are built for urgency, but getting them into service has turned into a waiting game in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/4/25

Intercity Transit Deputy Director of Planning Rob LaFontaine and Marketing, Communications & Outreach Officer Nick Demerice met with the Tumwater School District School Board at a regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.

Intercity Transit mulls one seat, direct bus rides to Tumwater schools by September

Aside from additional bus stops, the community can expect more frequent, direct and one-seat bus rides to and from the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/4/25 | 1 comment

Thurston Regional Housing Council approves funding for homeless services, affordable housing project

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) approved two funding requests to support vulnerable community ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/4/25 | 4 comments

Panattoni Development Company plans to begin development of the 29.27 acre South Sound Commerce Center

Port of Olympia considering allowing Panattoni to begin development without habitat conservation plan

The Port of Olympia is considering allowing Panattoni Development Company to begin the development of the 29-acre South Sound Commerce Center ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/4/25 | 11 comments

Suspect arrested after pursuit and standoff in Thurston County

A man was arrested on Feb. 14 following a police pursuit and standoff in Thurston County, according to a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/4/25

Thurston Regional Housing Council and partners secure funding for Franz Anderson housing project

In a collaborative effort, Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) has secured funding to support the development of the Franz Anderson permanent ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/4/25

Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program manager, discussed a resolution authorizing a 12-year multifamily tax exemption agreement between Olympia and 505 Union Avenue LLC for an affordable housing development project. The city council approved the resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

Olympia approves 12-year tax exemption for affordable housing project

The Olympia City Council approved a 12-year multi-family tax exemption (MFTE) agreement with 505 Union Avenue LLC to develop ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/4/25 | 4 comments

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

Funny things dogs do

Just a quick mention about the upcoming 2025 New York Cat Film Festival presented by the Olympia Film Society on Friday, March 7, at the ... more

By Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz | 3/4/25 | 2 comments

Police Blotter for Monday, March 3, 2025

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/3/25 at 4:00 p.m. in the 500 block of Yauger Way SW, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Theadora Hazel-Marie Martin, 30, on suspicion of a protection … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/4/25

A City of Lacey Public Works crew operates heavy machinery during a roadway maintenance project in 2022.

Bids sought for Rainier Road SE reconstruction and bike-friendly upgrades in Lacey

The City of Lacey is launching a competitive selection process for civil engineering firms to oversee a roadway reconstruction project that ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/3/25

A review of Commissioner Emily Clouse’s vote has delayed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners’ executive aide hiring process as of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.

Various issues slow hiring of Commissioner Emily Clouse’s executive aide

A heated confrontation over ethical standards and policy adherence halted progress on a routine hiring process during a Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/3/25 | 20 comments

Four men were arrested in February for their alleged roles in a large-scale cockfighting and animal cruelty operation in Yelm.

Authorities uncover large animal cruelty and cockfighting operation in Yelm

A large-scale cockfighting and animal cruelty operation has been uncovered in Yelm, leading to the arrests of four individuals and the rescue of ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/3/25 | 7 comments

City of Olympia opens grant applications for community development program

The City of Olympia is now accepting applications for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/3/25 | 1 comment

Here is the map showing the affected area in Pacific Avenue SE for an overnight road closure this Monday, March 3 at 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4.

Overnight road closure on Pacific Avenue SE scheduled for March 3

There will be an overnight road closure on Pacific Avenue SE on Monday, March 3, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/3/25

These Percival Plinth Project sculptures were approved for display by the Olympia City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

Percival Plinth Project Exhibition 2025 sculptures approved by Olympia City Council

The Olympia City Council approved the sculptures the Arts Commission recommended for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio and P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/3/25 | 1 comment