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Community Action Council CEO Kirsten York shared an update on the programs that the council currently provides.

Community Action Council introduces housing options for people at risk

In a presentation to the Tumwater City Council on Tue., Sept. 28, Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties (CAC) presented several housing options for people who are either … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/30/21

Reality-TV bikini-barista business employee allegedly threatened

A bikini barista worker was allegedly threatened by a man wielding a knife-like object at her drive-thru window at 6 a.m. last Friday, September 24. Michael Richard Shepard, 61, of Lacey, allegedly walked … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/30/21

The Thurston County Board of Health proclaimed the month of September 2021 as Suicide Prevention Month to address the increasing number of suicide cases in the county.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in Thurston County

In a proclamation by county commissioners, Thurston County recognized suicide as one of the leading causes of death for young people between 10-17 years old and remains the 8th leading cause of death … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/30/21

Police Blotter for Wed., Sept. 29, 2021

Lacey Police Department On 9/29/2021 at 1:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Sleater Kinney Rd SE, police arrested Nathan W Barr, 19, on suspicion of theft - shoplifting. Olympia Police Department … more

9/30/21

Zoey Tucker, age 7 as pictured, daughter of Timberland Regional Library employee Lindsay Tucker, uses a Birding Backpack from the TRL Library of Things to spot birds and other fauna in a local park.

Try something new with TRL’s Library of Things

Timberland Regional Library offers outdoor adventure, at-home assistance and a chance to try new hobbies with its Library of Things collection. Timberland Regional Library (TRL) offers more than … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 9/30/21

The Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department recently took over the management of four city properties including Yauger Wetlands (above) and Indian Creek (both images below) .

Olympia public works transfers control of four city properties to parks department

During the city council meeting on Tue., Sept. 28, the Olympia City Council approved a resolution that transfers primary management and control of four city properties from the Public Works … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/29/21 | 2 comments

“Best for women” Soroptimists are active in Olympia

This week come with me to explore an organization I’ve heard about over the years but never knew very much about. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working to … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 9/29/21

Police Blotter for Tue., Sept. 28, 2021

Lacey Police Department On 9/28/2021 at 5:23 a.m. in the 8500 block of Litt Dr SE, police arrested Kvohn Lee Griffin, 28, on suspicion of assault. … more

9/29/21

This sign, installed during the week of Sept. 20 has attracted national discussion and local disruptions at the Nisqually Indian Tribe's Brighton Creek Healing and Retreat Center in Pierce County.

Nisqually Indian Tribe responds to threats related to its quarantine site

A new banner that reads “Nisqually ACTIVE COVID Quarantine Site” has frightened some anti-vaccination neighbors and generated calls and comments from as far away as New Mexico in recent … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/28/21

Lacey City Council members expressed their concerns on Sept. 23, 2021 regarding the Regional Housing Council’s proposal to use the County Home Fund for the acquisition of 150 to 200 housing units.

Lacey City Council surprised over RHC’s permanent supportive housing plan

Several members of the Lacey City Council shared their surprise when they learned that the Regional Housing Council (RHC) has forwarded a motion to the Thurston County Commissioners for the … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/28/21

Port Commissioner Bill McGregor shared his concerns over the Port of Olympia’s mandatory vaccination requirement for its employees during the regular commission meeting on Mon., Sept. 27, 2021.

Port Commissioners react to mandatory vaccination requirement

In a statement, Port of Olympia Commissioner Bill McGregor said, “I am opposed to be mandated to do something. It’s a freedom of choice issue,” in reaction to a proposed resolution … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/28/21

This recent image of Lake Lawrence, in south Thurston County, shows a layer of algae scum that caused health officials to restrict use of the lake twice during the summer of 2021.

Toxic algae advisory lifted on Lake Lawrence

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services confirmed that the toxic algae advisory on Lake Lawrence has been lifted. On Monday, the county assured residents that it is now safe to … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/28/21

Police Blotter for Mon., Sept. 27, 2021

Lacey Police Department On 9/27/2021 at 12:55 a.m. in the 2400 block of Marvin Rd NE, police arrested Brandea Faye Pollard, 32, on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle. On 9/27/2021 at … more

9/28/21

Benjamin Anthony Varela on Sept. 23, 2021.

Details about Sept. 4 Antifa shooter are released

The Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office has charged an alleged Antifa supporter with shooting a Proud Boy supporter during the Sat., Sept. 4 protest marches between the two … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/27/21 | 2 comments

Karen Messmer of Olympia, a volunteer with Thurston Climate Action Team, campaigned for electric cars at Thurston Climate Action Team's flash mob gathering on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021.

Electric car flash mob popped up on Saturday

Electric car flash mob popped up on Saturday Will your next car be electric? Thurston Climate Action Team offers 15 answers to help you ditch the gas pumps. Visitors more

By Danny Stusser | 9/27/21 | 4 comments

This home at 5711 James Place SE in Olympia sold last week for $500,000 by Heather Griffin.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for Sept. 19-25, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 101 sales completed from Sunday, September 19 through Saturday, September 25, 2021. The median … more

By The JOLT Staff | 9/27/21

When times are tough, here's what to focus on

Dear Lexis, My husband recently lost his job and I find myself worried about our financial situation. We have enough savings to get by for a while but I still find myself constantly worried. What … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 9/27/21

Police Blotter for Fri.-Sun., Sept. 24-26, 2021

Lacey Police Department On 9/24/2021 at 12:10 p.m. in the 4700 block of Yelm Hwy SE, police arrested Joshua Stephen Preble, 41, for an out-of-town warrant and on suspicion of 1) assault and … more

9/27/21

Chabad Jewish Center of Olympia's Rabbi Yosef Schtroks, standing, with his son, Levi, make a holiday house call to enable a homebound Jew to celebrate the Sukkot holiday on Sept. 24, 2021.

Rabbi makes "house" calls to homebound followers

Every autumn Rabbi Yosef Schtroks becomes a delivery man for a few days. But instead of bringing packages, he brings community and opportunity to Jews unable to travel to celebrate at events … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/24/21

In this image, taken on Sept. 4, 2021 from Intercity Transit security video, a man is shown holding a handgun just prior to firing it.

Suspect arrested for Sept. 4 shooting in downtown Olympia

Olympia Police Department (OPD) reported that they arrested a 36-year-old man yesterday in connection with the Sept. 4 shooting incident at the Intercity Transit station in downtown … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/24/21