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Police Blotter for Monday, January 15, 2024

Lacey Police Department On 1/15/24 at 10:11 PM in the 700 block of Sleater Kinney Road SE, police arrested Nathaniel G. Ridley, 39, on suspicion of an out-of-town misdemeanor warrant. … more

1/16/24

The Olympia School District (OSD) Board released Frequently Asked Questions related to school closures, which the Superintendent shared last January 11, 2024.

School budget challenges 'not unique to Olympia' as Seattle, Bellevue, Hoquiam and Bainbridge Island also closing schools

Olympia School District (OSD) Superintendent Patrick Murphy addressed the public’s budget concerns during a regular board meeting last Thursday, January 11. more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/15/24 | 1 comment

'Catastrophic' water leak at Littlerock Elementary School

The frigid temperatures experienced over the past several days have led to numerous cases of frozen water pipes, affecting businesses, homes, and buildings, including at Littlerock Elementary … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 1/15/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Strategic Communications Director Kellie Braseth announced the launch of Oly TV3, a city-run broadcast channel, at a city council on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Cities launching their own TV channels

Olympia launched its cable-access television channel, Oly TV3, following the city's conclusion of its partnership with Thurston Community Media (TC Media). At Tuesday's city council meeting, … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado, Lorilyn Lirio and Jerome Tuaño | 1/15/24 | 3 comments

Lacey City Engineer Aubrey Collier said new developments helped increase the pavement condition scores of the street network.

Lacey streets are in good condition, but upkeep costs rising, says manager

In 2023, 96.4%, or over 90%, of Lacey's streets were in “good” or “very good” condition, City Civil Engineer Aubrey Collier reported at the council work session on Tuesday. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/15/24 | 1 comment

The new Washington state laws taking effect in January 2024

Restrictions on testing workers for marijuana use, a waiting period for firearm purchases, stronger voting rights for Washington residents and harsher penalties for street racing are among the new … more

by Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard, December 29, 2023 | 1/15/24

Sean said he thinks the area’s recent cold temperature would have killed him had he been out all night.

Spending the night in the frigid cold

“I wanna climb into a microwave and turn it on high,” said Chris early last Saturday morning, as he stood shivering in front of SK Market on Washington Street NE in Downtown … more

By JM Simpson | 1/15/24 | 2 comments

The Capitol Campus fountain, the water frozen in place, with a view of the capital building.

Record-breaking freezing temperatures over weekend

Over the weekend, record-breaking freezing temperatures came to Thurston County and the rest of Western Washington. Temperatures dropped to 11 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday and a low of seventeen … more

By Sage Hamilton | 1/15/24

This savory dish can work as a side or a main dish.

Chickpea and Spinach Casserole Recipe

This is a savory casserole that can be a side dish paired best with chicken or fish, or as a protein-rich main course served with a green salad and crusty bread. It is warm and comforting on these … more

By Shannon Beigert | 1/15/24 | 1 comment

The scales of Justice represent the idea of decisions reached fairly and objectively by a weighing of evidence.

Teen makes bomb threat after ‘losing bet’

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputies reported a bomb threat hoax on their social media post . Deputies were dispatched to the Dollar General store in Rainier on Wednesday, … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 1/15/24

Police Blotter for Sunday, January 14, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 1/14/24 at 12:17 AM in the 20000 block of Sunrose Lane SW, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Chase Richard Dickinson, 23, on suspicion of 3 rd degree … more

1/15/24

Police Blotter for Saturday, January 13, 2024

Lacey Police Department On 1/13/24 at 6:11 PM in the 1500 block of Marvin Road NE, police arrested Christopher Adam Dilka, 42, on suspicion of theft shoplifting. Olympia Police Department … more

1/14/24

Police Blotter for Friday, January 12, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 1/12/24 at 9:08 PM in the Rainier Chapel, Sheriff’s deputies arrested John Herman Bichler, 44, on suspicion of driving under the influence. … more

1/13/24

Shown in the foreground, Port of Olympia Commissioner Bob Iyall, Nisqually Indian Tribe Chairman Willie Frank III and Port of Olympia's Director of Environmental & Planning Programs Shawn Gilbertson are shown at the January 8, 2024 event kicking off an eight-week underwater research project to evaluate sediment conditions in the East Bay of Budd Inlet.

Port of Olympia begins sampling activities to diagnose condition of Budd Inlet

The Port of Olympia deployed a research vessel on Monday, January 8, to help the Port collect sediment samples from Budd Inlet. The collected samples will be analyzed to help the Port identify … more

By Danny Stusser and Jerome Tuaño | 1/12/24 | 3 comments

Icy patches of roadway will greet drivers turning off of arterial streets in Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia tonight.

Increased outreach efforts and emergency shelter beds offered Thursday, January 11 through Monday, January 15 for Hazardous Weather Event

OLYMPIA – Upcoming snow and extreme cold temperatures are dangerous for those without shelter. The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for snow and below freezing nighttime weather … more

Submitted by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services | 1/12/24

District Court Executive Officer Frankie Peters (lower right) briefs the Tumwater Public Health and Safety Committee on the services of district court.

Thurston County District Court discontinues probation services

Thurston County District Court has discontinued its probation services, District Court Executive Officer Frankie Peters told a Tumwater committee on Tuesday, January 9. Peters attended this … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/12/24 | 2 comments

At the Olympia City Council meeting held Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Bishop Charlotte Beeler-Petty of Risen Faith Fellowship accepted the Dr. Martin King Jr. Day on behalf of the community.

County, Olympia set Monday as Martin Luther King Day

Thurston County and Olympia made separate proclamations celebrating Monday, January 15 as Martin Luther King Day in commemorating the slain civil rights activist pivotal in racial reforms in the … more

By Lyn Lirio and PJade Asumbrado | 1/12/24 | 1 comment

Lauren Howard, center, is shown with her friend and employer, Katie McMurray, left, at an event featuring Sensory Tool House.

Green Beret Foundation Spouse of the Year

Bloom where you are planted. That is what Lauren Howard did, helping those near her, first her family and then those around her, throughout 21 years as an Army wife of a Green Beret soldier. She … more

By Shirley Stirling | 1/12/24

Oly Town updates coaching staff with pro players Jason Dunn and Miguel Gonzalez, plus tryouts tomorrow

Oly Town FC’s coaching and technical staff underwent changes with the introduction of former Seattle Sounders and USMNT forward Jason Dunn new head coach for its USL2 team, as well as Miguel … more

By Vince Zafra | 1/12/24

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Support the Thurston County Resource Hub

I urge folks to support a new County service, the Thurston County Resource Hub. It’s geared toward people who are involved in the justice system, but services are open to anyone. The Hub helps … more

Submitted by Steve Tilley | 1/12/24