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An expansion of the North End Fire station, located at Linwood Avenue in Tumwater, would add more than 3,200 square feet of space to the building, with the total cost for construction estimated at around $5.1 million.

Design work moves forward on expansion of North End Fire Station in Tumwater

The expansion of the North End Fire Station in Tumwater is entering its next ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/20/26

An alternate driving route around the Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Traffic shift to take place for Fones Road Corridor Project

The traffic pattern for the Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia is going to change next week in order to give work crews the space necessary ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/20/26 | 2 comments

Youth exhibitors led their cattle at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, where the county will hold its first youth livestock exposition on April 25-26, 2026.

Thurston County to hold first youth livestock exposition in April

Aiming to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders, Thurston County will hold its inaugural youth livestock exposition next ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/20/26 | 1 comment

John Paul Burton

John Paul Burton, love of my life, my best friend, the most amazing, generous, full-of-life, Jesus-loving husband, father, grandfather, son ... more

3/20/26

The rush of high water at Tumwater Falls, and a flood of chaotic news: each is a metaphor for the other.

Readers respond

Two weeks ago, I invited readers to write about what you hope for after President Donald Trump leaves office following the 2028 ... more

By Jill Severn | 3/20/26 | 4 comments

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

Turn on your headlights, Olympia!

I see many cars around dusk (as well as during our recent fog events and common winter conditions) that don't drive with their headlights ... more

By Michael Carrol | 3/20/26 | 6 comments

Police Blotter for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/19/26 at 6:39 p.m. in the 8100 block of Union Mills Road SE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Jason Daniel O’Neil, 52, on suspicion of fourth-degree … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/20/26

The Linwood Avenue sidewalk project, which was completed on June 10, 2025, has improved pedestrian connections between Michael T. Simmons Elementary School and surrounding neighborhoods.

Linwood Avenue sidewalk improvement project gets seal of approval in Tumwater

The City of Tumwater closed out the Linwood Avenue sidewalk improvement project, which features improved pedestrian connections between ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/19/26

A vicinity map included in City of Lacey bid documents marks the Jubilee SW Pond Rehabilitation Project site near 41st Avenue NE and Marvin Road.

Bids sought for Jubilee Southwest stormwater pond rehabilitation in Lacey

The City of Lacey is inviting contractors to bid on the rehabilitation of three stormwater ponds in the Jubilee Southwest ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/19/26

A map of Tumwater shows the approximate areas of two parcels that the Tumwater City Council agreed to annex during a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

City of Tumwater annexes 11.8 acres of land

The Tumwater City Council adopted an ordinance annexing 11.8 acres of land within the city's urban growth area at a meeting on ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/19/26 | 1 comment

"Reanimated" by Matthew Wang of Olympia High School.

Olympia High School student’s artwork wins top prize at regional art show

Students from schools in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater were some of the winners of the 2026 Regional High School Art Show, with Matthew Wang of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/19/26 | 3 comments

Essays bring the signers to life for America 250

If you could go back in time and meet one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you ... more

By Shirley Stirling | 3/19/26 | 2 comments

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

There are a number of events happening this weekend in Thurston County, including an all ages, drop-in zine workshop, an art ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/19/26

Police Blotter for Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/18/26 at 10:44 p.m. in the 300 block of Gator Court SE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Dominic Antonio Jenkins, 33, on suspicion of 1) second-degree … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/19/26

Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development Director Ashley Arai spoke to county commissioners about the Home Energy Score ordinance at a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

County commissioners approve Home Energy Score ordinance

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance requiring home sellers to conduct Home Energy Score ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/18/26 | 22 comments

The Olympia School District Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing Superintendent Patrick Murphy to craft a reduced educational program and staffing plan at a meeting on March 12, 2026.

Olympia School District board backs Reduction in Program resolution amid budget woes

The Olympia School District Board of Directors approved a resolution that paves the way for a reduced education program and staffing plan for ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/18/26 | 1 comment

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller, left, presented the City of Lacey's Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation to PFLAG Olympia Board of Directors member Lucas Miller at a meeting of the Lacey City Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims Transgender Day of Visibility

Amid a backdrop of transgender protections facing challenges across the country, the Lacey City Council proclaimed ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/18/26 | 10 comments

A narcotics bust netted a number of items related to drug dealing. Two individuals were arrested at a residence in the Yelm area on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Two people arrested for alleged drug dealing, $14,000 in cash seized

Two alleged drug dealers were arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Yelm ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 3/18/26 | 1 comment

A sneak peek at 'Sunday Best' by The Carpenter's House

When I first heard about the "Sunday Best" event, it sounded unlike anything I have ever been to before, and I was immediately ... more

By Rachel Benton | 3/18/26

South Sound Reading Foundation to celebrate 25 years with signature events 

The South Sound Reading Foundation is celebrating 25 years of promoting reading across the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/18/26 | 1 comment