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Police Blotter for Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 12/10/25 at 1:57 a.m. in the area of Scatter Creek Rest, sheriff’s deputies arrested John Evan Griffiths, 42, on suspicion of reckless driving. … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 12/11/25

Tumwater Falls on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 10, 2025.

Flood watch in effect for Thurston County

A flood watch has been issued for Thurston County and the Emergency Coordination Center was activated because of an ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

Community Planning and Economic Development Planning Manager Joyce Phillips presented the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.

Olympia City Council adopts 2045 Comprehensive Plan

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan, a long-range vision that will guide the city’s ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/10/25

A graphic shows the outcome of a certified count and a machine recount in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race in the Nov. 4 General Election.

Machine recount confirms win for Jerry Toompas in Port of Olympia Commission race

A machine recount of ballots cast in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race confirmed victory for challenger Jerry ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

A slide from a presentation by Port of Olympia Harbor Senior Manager Damian Egan on Nov. 24, 2025, showed two of the vessels under the Olympia Harbor Patrol. “Harbor 1” (left) is currently out of service due to engine issues, leaving the program with only “Port 1,” a 19-foot boat.

Port of Olympia advances plan to transfer harbor patrol to sheriff’s office

The Port of Olympia and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office are moving ahead with a plan to transfer control of the Olympia Harbor ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/10/25 | 2 comments

This rendering shows a thriving Port Peninsula where the working waterfront sits adjacent to a hotel, public access, and other community amenities.

Governing is more than drawing pretty pictures

The recent opinion piece, “A Better Vision for the Port of Olympia,” offers attractive renderings of the Port Peninsula. But there is a difference ... more

By Amy Harding | 12/10/25 | 19 comments

'The Snow Queen' arrives in Olympia

In this brisk chilly world, we are given a few options: we could go outside and complain, we could stay inside but always feel lonesome ... more

By Rachel Benton | 12/10/25

Police Blotter for Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 12/9/25 at 5:21 a.m. in the 20000 block of Kuper Court SW, sheriff’s deputies arrested Jazmin Christine Kennedy, 25, on suspicion of fourth-degree … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 12/10/25

The Martin Way Crossing Strategy outlines 10 priority sites for improved pedestrian crossings along the corridor.

Thurston Regional Planning Council calls for coordinated approach to upgrades on Martin Way

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) members are urging a unified, countywide approach to upgrading the Martin Way corridor ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/9/25 | 5 comments

A location map of the Gorgas property southeast of Yelm shows proximity to Yelm Creek and Nisqually River.

Thurston County seeks public input on Gorgas Open Space tax reduction request

Thurston County residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposed 50% reduction in market value assessment for a 76.96 acre ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Shellfish harvest biotoxin closure at Budd Inlet

Recreational shellfish harvesting for all species is off limits in Budd ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

The Tumwater School District received the Year-End Finance Report at a meeting on Dec. 4, 2025 meeting.

Tumwater School District closes 2025 with less money than previous year

The Tumwater School District had an ending total fund balance of $3,299,987.06 for fiscal ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Forecast calls for wind and rain in Thurston County

A stout diet of wind and rain are on tap over the next 36 hours in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/9/25

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.

Update on Lake Lawrence Lake Management District renewal

I’d like to share an update with Thurston County residents about the progress of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD) ... more

By Barry Halverson | 12/9/25

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

My dog, his food and the insulin dance

This column is a little different than the type of columns we usually produce, but it’s something that is on my mind a lot and we thought other ... more

By Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz | 12/9/25

Police Blotter for Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 12/8/25 at 4:00 p.m. in the 6400 block of 201st Avenue SW, sheriff’s deputies arrested Rafael Pantoja-Martinez, 27, on suspicion of fourth-degree … more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 12/9/25

Exterior and interior views of the Bowker House after owners Christa Harvey and Destiny Furbush completed a multiyear rehabilitation of the oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood.

Lacey grants property tax reduction for city’s first registered historic home

The oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood, and the first property added to the city's register in 1991, now qualifies for a 10-year ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 3 comments

The Thurston Regional Planning Council recognized long-serving employees on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The planning council also honored outgoing members, including Chair Robin Vazquez.

Thurston Regional Planning Council recognizes dedicated employees, outgoing members

The Thurston Regional Planning Council celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outgoing council members at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/8/25

Thurston County Board Chair Tye Menser, left, and Vice Chair Wayne Fournier and Commissioner Carolina Mejia deliberated on the modified Chehalis Basin resolution during a board work session on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Thurston County supports Chehalis Basin efforts minus dam endorsement

Thurston County joined 12 jurisdictions backing Chehalis Basin flood management efforts after revising a resolution to align with its ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 1 comment

Dark clouds hovered over Percival Landing and West Bay in Olympia, as rain fell throughout Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025.

National Weather service warns of potential for landslides and flooding in Thurston County

A robust atmospheric river is expected to pound Thurston County with several inches of rain before it makes its way through the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/8/25