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Members of the Olympia City Council and staff cheer as they unanimously vote to approve the Olympia Housing Action Plan.

Olympia City Council approves Housing Action Plan

The Olympia City Council approved the Housing Action Plan, yesterday, which provides key strategies to help residents get an access affordable housing. Olympia’s Strategic Projects … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/23/21

The chart shows the percentages that make up each component of an average single-family home's water utility costs as of July 1, 2021. The percentage numbers add to 100.1% -- allowing for rounding.

City of Lacey to increase water utility rates by up to 5.0 percent

Last Thursday, the Lacey City Council discussed its plans to increase utility rates by up to five percent during the regular city council meeting. Lacey Finance Director Troy Woo explained the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

Hard way to apply for a job

A man was arrested for being found with employee property and keys to a business that he did not work at on Tue., June 15. Dustin Kornelussen, 35, of Olympia, was caught by two Michels Corporation … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/17/21

Joseph Lanham, left, accepts a plaque commemorating his year as board chair of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce from David Schaffert, CEO of the organization.

Thurston County Chamber holds its first in-person meeting since early 2020

The 116th Annual meeting of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce was a hybrid, with both in-person attendees at the Hotel RL and online attendees watching a live stream today. It was the first … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 1 comment

These brass knuckles were in Ben Harris' right pocket, on May 28, 2021, according to Tumwater police.

Pair of shoplifters caught at Tumwater Walmart

A man shoplifted over $250 worth of merchandise and was found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, was arrested and released at the scene by Tumwater police last Friday. Ben Harris, 28, of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21

This shows participants at the Lacey City Council meeting held over Zoom on Thu., June 3, 2021.

Lacey to expand waiver of development fees for some affordable housing projects

On Thursday, the Lacey City Council discussed plans to expand the Lacey Municipal Code (LMC) 1.20 to defer certain development costs on new affordable housing projects. LMC 1.20 allows the city to … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/4/21

The yellow line shows the proposed route of the new SR 510 Yelm Loop highway.

Yelm invites comments and questions about the new SR 510, Yelm Loop Project

The state invites locals to an online open house about the new State Route 510 Yelm Loop Phase 2 Project, a $58.6 million proposal to construct a two-lane highway. Headed by the Washington State … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/3/21

The icons overlay a map of Thurston County and represent individual businesses that received PPP loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Thurston Strong update presented to Olympia City Council

The Olympia City Council received a presentation from Thurston Strong, the county-based economic recovery organization created after the start of the pandemic, which shared that businesses and … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/27/21

This drawing shows the plan for a proposed small commercial development in the Meridian Campus in northeast Lacey, as discussed on May 20, 2021 by the Lacey Planning Commission.

Lacey discusses proposal for new Meridian Campus commercial project

Last Thursday, May 20, the Lacey Planning Commission shared a proposal to build a new commercial project on the Meridian Campus. In a webinar, Lacey Senior Planner Samra Seymour discussed the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/25/21 | 1 comment

This is one of Intercity Transit's newer Dial-A-Lift buses, shown arriving at a rider's home.

Intercity Transit looks into alternatives for Dial-A-Lift services

Intercity Transit Authority’s directors met on Wednesday and considered alternatives to its Dial-A-Lift services, seeking to control the cost of operation while at the same time providing … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/20/21

Annette Pitts selected to head Experience Olympia & Beyond

Experience Olympia & Beyond's Board of Directors has selected Annette Pitts as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer beginning June 7, 2021. "Annette is bringing the energy, skills … more

5/18/21

Kristy Woodford, CEO of Holistic Home Group

Buyers: Is this the market for you?

If you’ve been following this column, or if you have any first- or even second-hand experience with the housing market, you probably know that it strongly favors sellers. I’ve talked … more

By Kristy Woodford | 5/13/21

Jennifer Dye, director of the Small Business Development Center at South Puget Sound Community College, was the keynote speaker at the Lacey South Sound Chamber of Commerce's Forum on May 5, 2021, held at the Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.

Lacey Chamber holds first major in-person business gathering here in 14 months today

Approximately 45 businesspeople gathered today at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club for Thurston County’s first major in-person gathering since the start of the pandemic. The occasion … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/5/21 | 1 comment

Thurston Strong delivers for small businesses and nonprofits

Tumwater, WA— When COVID-19 came to town, Thurston County community and economic development agencies jumped into action by creating a collaborative, collective impact response model that has … more

5/4/21

Why is Thurston County so desirable for buyers?

Lately, I’ve had a lot of folks ask me why Thurston County has suddenly become such a desirable place to live. We’re seeing a trend in relocations from King County to Pierce County, and … more

By Kristy Woodford | Holistic Home Group | 4/29/21 | 1 comment

This home at 238 Planer Ct SE, Olympia, WA 98513 sold during the week of April 11-17, 2021 for $430,000. Listing agent is Melissa Douglas.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for April 11-17, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 86 sales completed from Sunday, April 11 through Saturday, April 17, 2021. The … more

4/19/21

This home at 359 Briar Lane S Unit #Lot11, Tenino sold last week for $341,350. Holistic Home Group photo.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for March 28 - April 3, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 79 sales completed from Sunday, March 28 through Saturday, April 3, 2021. The … more

4/5/21

This is the iconic sign+wall at the Thurston County Courthouse

Blake Decision’s effect on Superior Court largely unknown at this point, judge says

The Blake decision saddled both the Thurston County prosecutor’s office and office of public defense with a large workload, but it’s not known quite yet how the sweeping decision will … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 4/1/21

Location of 1210 West Bay Drive NW, Olympia

Olympia council approves development agreement on West Bay Drive after developer agrees to $250K Home Fund donation

In a vote of 6-1, the Olympia City Council approved a development agreement with a developer interested in constructing housing and amenities along the waters of Budd Bay on West Bay Drive NW. The … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/31/21 | 2 comments

The proposed levy would increase funding for the Medic One service in Thurston County.

Commissioners to hold public hearing on proposed Medic One tax levy ballot measure

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tue., April 13, at 3 pm to receive public comment on adding a Thurston County Medic One property tax levy to the ballot for … more

3/30/21