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

County wants the public’s thoughts on aid funds

Thurston County is seeking public input on which sectors should be allocated with $10 million worth of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, meant to be used for public health and economic … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/16/22

A tender cobweb with small dew drops shines in the sunlight against a warm background.

Shorter days, more spiderwebs

A friend complained yesterday that the days are slipping away ever faster, and soon his life will be over. That’s a sensation that comes in September when every day is shorter than the … more

By Jill Severn | 9/16/22

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland during the Congress Subcommittee for Indigenous People of the United States, September 14, 2022.

Congress mulls bill granting 99-year leasing rights for Chehalis tribe

Congress mulls bill of 99-year leasing rights for Chehalis tribe By Edwin Oscar U. Gutierrez, Jr. Washington Congress’ Natural Resources met on September 14 to hear testimony on HR 6564, … more

By Edwin Oscar U. Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/15/22

Tumwater’s general government committee met on September 14 to discuss yearly amendments to the city’s municipal code.

Tumwater deliberates church signage and use

Tumwater’s General Government Committee argued an amendment to the city’s municipal code, which will allow 15-feet signage for churches in residential zone districts during their meeting … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/15/22 | 1 comment

Timberland Regional Library cards are displayed.

Sign up for adventure with a TRL Library Card!

Take adventures, access resources and learn something new for free with a library card from your local Timberland Regional Library. Timberland Regional Library (TRL) offers a variety of … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 9/15/22

Interested in photography? Join Lacey's TRL contest!

Lacey’s Timberland Regional Library branch and the Friends of the Lacey Library teamed up for an exciting digital photography contest for its residents. Titled “My Neighborhood: A … more

By JC Medina | 9/15/22

What's happening coming up for the 3rd week of September?

Time flies so fast. We are now approaching the last weeks of the month. Let us take a peek at some events next week that might interest you and your family. Beginner Square Dance Lessons, … more

9/15/22

Mrs. Green, right, spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting yesterday, September 13, 2022, about her son Timothy, whom a police officer allegedly killed.

Olympia community members want independent investigation of Timothy Green's death

Olympia community members are clamoring for an independent investigation of the August 22 shooting incident involving a police officer who allegedly killed Timothy Green, who had mental health … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/14/22 | 8 comments

A drawing of Timothy Green who was shot and died in a police shooting on August 22, 2022.

Letter to CMII regarding the death of Timothy Green

The Olympia Chapter of SURJ (Showing Up For Racial Justice) sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Black, disabled, loved one, Timothy Green. Timothy Green was a whole person, a … more

9/14/22 | 2 comments

Screenshot of Washington’s online voter portal.

Thurston hails September 20 National Voter Registration Day

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed Tuesday, September 20, National Voter Registration Day. The board said the proclamation shows that Thurston County is … more

By JC Medina | 9/14/22

Olympia proclaims September Suicide Prevention Month

The Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating September 2022 Suicide Prevention Month during their September 13 meeting September is globally observed as "Suicide Prevention Month," … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/14/22

Tumwater’s public health and safety committee recommended on September 13 for Mayor Debbie Sulivan to renew the city’s contract with Thurston County prosecutors.

Tumwater moves to renew contract with Thurston County prosecutors

Tumwater’s public health committee approved the renewal of a contract to maintain legal support services provided by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The committee … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/14/22

The Thurston County Board of Health's citizen member slots are now filled during the county commissioners' meeting September 13, 2022.

County commissioners appoint three new BOH members

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially appointed three applicants for the expanded Board of Health (BOH) during the commissioners’ meeting on September 13. The three … more

By JC Medina | 9/14/22 | 1 comment

Check out the new mural in Olympia

If you’re in the neighborhood of Percival Landing, near 215 Columbia Street NW, you might want to drop by and see the newly dedicated “Welcome to Squaxin Territory” and “Land … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/13/22 | 1 comment

At a meeting September 7, 2022, PBIA staff liaison Max DeJarnatt updated the advisory board on the unexpended 2022 budget.

Surplus money from underspending 2022 budget in Olympia committee

The Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Board (PBIA) is underspending its 2022 budget, according to its staff liaison Max DeJarnatt. For 2022, the city has allocated $135,000 for PBIA's … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/12/22 | 2 comments

Western Gull - breeding colonies on the Washington Coast

Thurston County’s Gulls – Part 2

As I noted in my last column, before the year 2000 when the previously open county dump at Hawk’s Prairie finally closed, there were huge numbers of gulls wintering here. Those numbers have … more

By George Walter | 9/12/22

At the presubmission conference on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Olympia's Site Planning Committee reviewed a proposed project that would provide a duplex and six cottage units at 908 Chambers Street SE.

Duplex and cottage housing development proposed on Chambers Street

Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on a proposed project to build a duplex and six cottage housing at 908 Chambers Street SE on Wednesday, September 7. In a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/12/22

Monkeypox is a new disease dangerous all over the world.

Thurston County reports first probable local case of monkeypox

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) reported the county’s first probable monkeypox case in a press statement released earlier today. According to the press release, a … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/9/22 | 1 comment

Lacey may have to have a new city hall to keep up with its growth.

Lacey growing from town to city, looking at infrastructure needs

Lacey City Council discussed the city's long-term capital facilities plan, specifically its investments in its public works operations, animal services, and administration facilities during their … more

By JC Medina | 9/9/22

A closeup shot of a bundle of Canna Lilies in a garden full of plants on a cloudy day.

Garden Provacateur

Ah, the wonders of YouTube. It has noticed my interest in gardening and is now serving up all manner of videos on the subject – some dreadful, a few divine. Among the divine is a biopic … more

By Jill Severn | 9/9/22