Browse | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Edward Mackie, a former chief deputy attorney general for Washington, and Karen Ellieck spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to commemorate the Budd Inlet Six 50th anniversary. They shared firsthand accounts and legal actions that helped end orca captures in Washington waters.

Olympia celebrates 50th anniversary of 'Budd Inlet Six' orca rescue

The Olympia City Council endorsed a proclamation designating 2026 as “Budd Inlet Six – 50th Anniversary Year,” marking 50 years since ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/5/26 | 4 comments

A photo from last year shows John Dziedzic being honored by the Lacey City Council after receiving the 2025 Ken Balsley Lacey Historian of the Year for revitalizing the Lacey Historical Society and preserving the city's history.

Lacey Historical Commission seeking nominees for Historian of the Year

The Lacey Historical Commission is accepting nominations for its 2026 Historian of the Year award, with submissions closing at the end of the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/5/26

The Lacey City Council approved the First Amendment Interlocal Agreement for the Opioid Abatement Council Independent Subcommittee during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Lacey City Council approves pooling of opioid settlement funds with partner cities and county

The Lacey City Council unanimously approved the First Amendment Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for the Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/5/26 | 2 comments

Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its School Resource Officer Program during a city council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Mayor reaffirms Tumwater’s commitment to SRO program after reassignment of officer

Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its School Resource Officer Program following the reassignment of a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/5/26 | 1 comment

Review: Olympia Dance Festival

One of the most fulfilling parts of attending performances regularly in Thurston County is watching the growth and development that ... more

By Rachel Benton | 3/5/26

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

Appreciate music and films this weekend, as various local creative groups present their work in Thurston ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/5/26

Police Blotter for Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/4/26 at 2:10 a.m. in the area of Martin Way E and College Street NE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Rin Louise Henson, 24, on suspicion of driving under … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/5/26

Police Blotter for Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/3/26 at 12:50 a.m. in the 2200 block of Perimeter Court SE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Toby Lynn Bishop, 36, on suspicion of first-degree assault. … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/5/26

Former Olympia Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee member Brent Barnes urged the city council to work with The Evergreen State College and community partners to keep the college’s pool open. Barnes and other community members spoke during public comment at a city council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Students, community members take up Evergreen pool issue with Olympia City Council

Community members turned up at an Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, to make a case for keeping The Evergreen State College pool ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/4/26 | 12 comments

City of Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, left, stood with Lacey Library Board honorees Scott Robinson and Amy Blondin and Library Board Chair Sharla Desy after they received Distinguished Public Service awards at the Lacey City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Lacey City Council honors two former library board members

The Lacey City Council recognized two former library board members with the Distinguished Public Service awards for their years of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/4/26

Olympia School District board proclaims March 9-13 as Education Support Professionals Week 

The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed March 9-13 as Education Support Professionals Week to honor staff with supportive ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/4/26

The Lacey Police Department is seeking help in identifying two males, who allegedly stole more than $2,500 in merchandise from Ulta Beauty store on Marvin Road in Lacey.

Lacey police seek help in identifying alleged theft suspects

The Lacey Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying two males, who allegedly stole more than $2,500 in merchandise ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 3/4/26

Librarian vs. Barbarian

The AI tide is rising. Humanity is surging in high-speed motorboats through fog-shrouded shoals. No one has a map. The currents shift by ... more

By David Scherer Water | 3/4/26 | 4 comments

Olympia High School assistant swim coach Henry Valz spoke at a community meeting at the high school about the pending closure of the pool at The Evergreen State College. The meeting was held on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The Evergreen State College to close pool amid budget challenges

A decision to close the pool at The Evergreen State College because of financial constraints has local swimmers, parents and teachers calling for ... more

By Yohanes Goodell | For The JOLT | 3/3/26 | 7 comments

Tumwater’s 2025 budget projected to end in the black

The City of Tumwater is projected to end its 2025 fiscal year with a budget surplus, as less spending offset revenue ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/3/26 | 2 comments

Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee explored the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Ordinance/Act policy, which gives renters the right to be notified and buy their rental property, as a pathway to homeownership. The committee met on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Olympia committee explores options for tenant homeownership

The City of Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee is considering new ways to help renters become homeowners, including potentially ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/3/26 | 5 comments

The tugboat-themed playground SS Gateway rises above the gravel surface of William A. Bush Park in Lacey in a photo released on Feb. 26, 2026.

Lacey’s SS Gateway playground sails closer to spring opening

SS Gateway, the tugboat-themed playground under construction at William A. Bush Park in Lacey, is starting to look like a ship worth ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/3/26

Tumwater School District lists maintenance, site projects for $49.1 million capital levy

Major repairs and site improvements are in store for the Tumwater School District after the passage of the Replacement Safety, Technology, and ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/3/26

High school arts this spring

Recently, my mom and I stopped by our favorite local candy shop, Lolli Llama, and enjoyed a conversation with the co-owner Ryan ... more

By Rachel Benton | 3/3/26 | 3 comments

Police Blotter for Monday, March 2, 2026

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 3/2/26 at 9:39 a.m. in the 3400 block of Southbay Road NE, sheriff’s deputies arrested Kayla Morgan Brumfield, 34, on suspicion of violation of domestic … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/3/26