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

Woodpeckers

Most people know more about birds than they realize. That is true about the woodpeckers, even if all you can bring to mind are old Woody Woodpecker cartoons. The first thing, of course, is that these … more

By George Walter | 6/30/22

In a Planning Committee meeting held June 27, 2022, Strategic Projects manager Amy Buckler told commissioners that home prices and rent continue to rise this year.

Unaffordable housing a threat to Olympia economy, says city planner

Unaffordable housing threatens the Olympia economy, Strategic Projects manager Amy Buckler told Olympia planning commissioners. "Although the housing market is cooling due to inflation and … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/29/22 | 5 comments

This is a close-up of a police body camera similar in function to what police throughout Washington will be using, according to new laws passed by the legislature in 2021.

Bodycams on Olympia cops start in August

Olympia police officers will start wearing body-worn cameras in August and launch in-car video systems in mid-2023, Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen said at the virtual Town Hall last night. During … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/29/22

Preparedness, response and mitigation are shown as important concepts to planning the Hazards Mitigation Plan of Thurston Region.

Mitigating disaster: Thurston County is getting an update to our hazards mitigation plan

Thurston County’s hazard mitigation plan was brought to the Tumwater City Council work session yesterday. Planning Manager Brad Medrud laid out the details, explaining “this is our … more

By Sage Hamilton | 6/29/22

The Lacey Commission on Equity partnered with The Athena Group to draft its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.

Lacey drafts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

To further champion diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the Lacey Commission on Equity contracted with The Athena Group to draft its DEI Strategic Plan. The Athena Group’s Ronald … more

By JC Medina | 6/29/22

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

County to celebrate Independence Day

Thurston County government offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. All offices will reopen for regular business Tuesday, July 5. The county’s … more

6/28/22

The Thurston County Housing Authority is interested in purchasing the former OYO Hotel in Tumwater, above, and converting it into long-term housing for senior citizens and "neighbors with disabilities."

Port continues to seek a path to enable conversion of OYO hotel to affordable housing

The Port of Olympia commissioners expressed willingness to collaborate with the Regional Housing Council (RHC), directing Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney to reach out to discuss the Housing … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/28/22 | 3 comments

Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen will appear at an online meeting on Tuesday, June 28.

New OPD chief to hold online public meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Newly-appointed Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen is inviting the public to join him in an online meeting, where he will address some questions on various issues on Tuesday, June 28, at 6 p.m. Allen … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/24/22

A July 24, 2022 screenshot of Rep. Andrew Barkis’ Facebook post on his stolen RV.

Representative’s RV ripped off

Just twelve days after two suspects broke into and attempted to set fire to his business, State Rep. Andrew Barkis (WA-District 2, R) woke up to find his camping trailer stolen. In his Facebook … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 6/24/22

If you have information on this man, please call Olympia police at 360-753-8300 or the Thurston County CrimeStoppers at 800-222-8477.

Olympia police seek suspect in alleged abduction attempt

The Olympia Police Department is seeking information about a man who allegedly attempted to abduct a woman walking home from work. Olympia police said officers were dispatched to an abduction … more

By Julia Ornedo | 6/24/22

Governor Jay Inslee shoots a selfie with his wife, Trudi, at the formal opening of the Capitol Campus Pollinator Garden on June 22, 2022.

Olympia’s newest park is for the bees

Olympia’s newest park offers something for toddlers, seniors, skaters, lunch-packers, grade-schoolers, gardeners and beekeepers. Not only that, Olympia didn’t have to pay a penny for … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/24/22

Here comes the sun, for now

Here comes the sun – but apparently only for a few days, so get it while it’s hot. Forecasters are predicting a cooler than normal July. Will they be right? And what about August and … more

By Jill Severn | 6/24/22

Olympia High School graduates (from left) Ella Sherin, Smriti Somasundaram, Whitney Sederberg and Liyana Alam take in the crowd before walking down the aisle at their graduation on June 21 at Saint Martin’s University.

Congratulations Oly Bears of 2022!

Olympia High School's graduates marched last Tuesday, June 21 at Saint Martin's University to collect their diplomas in front of family and friends. Olympia School District Superintendent … more

6/24/22

Charlotte Persons asked the city council to review the city staff study on Multifamily Tax Exemption program before giving tax breaks to Madrone Apartments and Market Flats. Persons, who participated in the public comment segment, made the request during the city council meeting on June 21, 2022.

Public challenges council about tax breaks for housing developers

Four residents expressed opposition to giving tax exemptions to multifamily housing developers. Public commenters asked the councilmembers to remove from the calendar consent two items: approval … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/23/22 | 2 comments

Timberland Regional Library staff gear up for the first Saturday of Camp Capital, held June 4.

Enjoy some summer fun at Camp Capital

Kids can kick off their summer by taking part in the fun at Camp Capital every Saturday in June and July at Capital Mall in Olympia. Sponsored by Timberland Regional Library (TRL) in partnership … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 6/23/22

Crows and Jays

Jays and crows, members of the Corvid Family, are among our most common birds. Most are not all that colorful, and males and females look alike. But they all have interesting stories to … more

By George Walter | 6/23/22 | 1 comment

Some of Capital High School's Class of 2022.

Congratulations Capital High School Class of 2022

Capital High School’s 2022 graduates marched on Friday, June 17 in front of friends,family and guests. Speakers included Olympia School Superintendent Patrick Murphy, School Board Vice … more

6/22/22

Olympia city attorney Mark Barber described the ordinance that prohibits open carry of guns at locations of public meetings on June 21, 2022.

Olympia restricts open carry firearms in city hall, other locations

The Olympia City council approved an ordinance that echos a new state law prohibiting open carry of firearms and other weapons in city hall, council chambers or any locations used in connection with … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/22/22 | 3 comments

During the Olympia City Council meeting on June 21, 2022, Housing Programs manager Darian Lightfoot described a state contract to build and manage tiny homes on Franz-Anderson Road property.

State grant to cover cost to build and run 50 tiny-home village to support homeless

The Washington State Department of Commerce has allocated $6.2 million to build and manage tiny houses on Franz-Anderson Road, Olympia Housing Programs manager Darian Lightfoot reported to the city … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/22/22

The 3000 Pacific Ave. SE building in Olympia will house the offices of county Auditor, Community Planning and Economic Development, Board of County Commissioners, Information Technology, Board of Equalization, Human Resources, Geodata, Central Services Administration and Treasurer.

Thurston approves $2M budget for Atrium furniture, fixtures

Subhead: Voting 2-1, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) awarded yesterday the $2,025,558 contract to Gordon Products Inc, which does business as The Creative Office, for … more

By JC Medina | 6/22/22 | 4 comments