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

Reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci's 1510 painting named, The Creation of Adam, this image contemplates the challenges of the news story below.

QAnon-type accusations come between married ministers

A minister allegedly assaulted and accused her minister husband of a QAnon-type conspiracy in their Olympia home on Wed., Sep. 1. Jennifer Chuks, 45, had her voice initially captured on a 911 … more

By Danny Stusser | 9/3/21

Olympia’s proposed new Social Justice and Equity Commission’s Founding Member Workgroup, city staff, and members of the General Government Committee held a discussion on Tue., Aug. 31, 2021.

Olympia’s Social Justice and Equity Commission is closer to reality

To promote social justice and equity, the city of Olympia is preparing to launch a new commission that will hear and resolve complaints of racism, as well as help the city to draft equitable … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/2/21 | 2 comments

Police Auditor Tara Parker (second row, center) provided insights on complaints involving the use of force by police officers to the Olympia City Council on Tues., Aug. 24, 2021.

Mental illness, intoxication primary reasons for police use of force

New HB 1310 legislation requires law enforcement officers to reconsider their approach towards public safety, particularly in the use of force. Data from the Olympia Police Auditor's Mid-Year Report … more

By Kristine Javier | 9/1/21

The Regional Housing Council discussed possible ways to resolve a $1.7 million gap in funding gap for the 2828 Martin Way Phase 2 project during their regular council meeting on Aug. 30., 2021

Martin Way Phase 2 faces a $1.7 million funding gap needed to build 64 new housing units

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) discussed possible actions to resolve the $1.7 million funding gap needed to complete 2828 Martin Way Phase 2, a project which is set to provide 64 new … more

By Kristine Javier | 8/31/21

Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek, the Thurston County Health Officer.

County health officer writes to school leaders today about how to proceed

Dear Thurston County Superintendents and Heads of Schools, I am writing to inform you about the COVID-19 guidance from the Washington State Department of Health for the 2021-2022 school year. … more

8/31/21

LoveOly Summer Fest event became a target of booking scam

Event organizers were shocked to learn that they failed to book this week’s main act, singer and guitarist Jonathan Richman, and instead became a target of a booking scam. LoveOly Summer … more

By Kristine Javier | 8/27/21

Pleasures of the season

This week’s changeable weather sure felt like the end of summer, regardless of what the calendar says. (It says fall begins on September 22.) But there may be a brief summer sequel or … more

By Jill Severn | 8/27/21

What's happening coming up?

Here are a few events in Thurston County and online to keep you entertained in the coming week! Rainier Blue Grass Festival: Sat-Sun., Aug 27-28, 2:00 p.m. onwards. Experience the Bluegrass … more

by Prachi Gohil | 8/27/21

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney (top row, middle) encouraged residents who are experiencing housing instability to apply for rental and utilities assistance during the Olympia City Council meeting on Aug. 24, 2021.

Funds remain unclaimed for pandemic-related rent and utilities assistance

Despite the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, and a backlog of unpaid rent, almost three-quarters of the COVID-19 Rental and Utilities Assistance Fund remains available. During … more

By Kristine Javier | 8/25/21 | 1 comment

Critical Race Theory: In response to a push for culturally responsive teaching that gained steam following the police killing of George Floyd, Republican lawmakers and governors have championed legislation to limit the teaching of material that explores how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law.

Critical race theory: A political debate hits WA schools

By Venice Buhain / Crosscut.com August 24, 2021 Unlike in previous years, instead of kicking off this year’s English literature class with reading, Mark Gardner plans to … more

8/25/21 | 1 comment

The Port of Olympia staff and commissioners discussed on Aug. 23, 2021 their decision not to issue a preferred alternative in an open letter addressed to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) on the future of Capitol Lake.

Capitol Lake-Deschutes Estuary: Port commissioners decline to declare a preference

Port of Olympia commissioners did not specify a preferred alternative in their open letter addressed to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) for the future of Capitol Lake … more

By Kristine Javier | 8/24/21 | 2 comments

This home at 6805 4th Wy SE in Olympia sold last week for $408,000 by Brooke Kolar

The JOLT Real Estate Report for Aug. 15-21, 2021

Last week 98 single-family homes were sold in Thurston County. This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 98 sales completed from … more

by Prachi Gohil | 8/23/21

Tumwater Artesian Brewfest highlights a week of nearby events

Here are a few events in Thurston County and online to keep you entertained in the coming week! 2021 Oly Cider Fest: Sat., August 21, 11:00 a.m. more

by Prachi Gohil | 8/20/21

Dog days in the garden

Jill Severn writes from her home in Olympia, where she grows vegetables, flowers and a small flock of chickens. She loves conversation among gardeners. Start one by emailing her … more

By Jill Severn | 8/20/21

Hayden Anderson and Nhino Denis celebrate in their highly personalized Timberline High School graduation gowns on June 15, 2021.

Timberline High School graduates listed

Timberline High School graduated its seniors on Tue., June 15, 2021 at St. Martin’s University in Lacey. More photos are available on the school's official Facebook … more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/17/21

The Olympia Fire Department discussed two proposals affecting its emergency response during the city council’s Ad Hoc Public Safety Committee meeting on Thu., Aug. 12.

Olympia Fire Department proposes adding ambulance and clinical services

With the addition of new laws on public safety, the Olympia Fire Department (OFD) proposed several major changes to their emergency-response services. OFD presented two proposals to the city … more

By Danny Stusser | 8/17/21

This feature documentary is available to stream at no charge from Sun., Aug. 15 through Tue., Aug. 17. It shows the experiences of five American Muslim families in 2017-18.

“American Muslim” film free this Sunday through Tuesday

“American Muslim” tackles relevant issues such as racism, and bigotry in the age of social media. “This film is really into bridge-building work and helping to shatter the … more

By Danny Stusser | 8/13/21

The new sign for the VA Olympia Outpatient Clinic was still in its protective shipping wrapper as recently as the week before the official opening of the clinic on Aug. 16, 2021.

New VA healthcare clinic in Olympia opens Aug. 16

Veterans seeking healthcare won’t have to travel to American Lake for many services after this Mon., Aug. 16, when the new VA Olympia Outpatient Clinic opens its doors to in-person … more

By Danny Stusser | 8/13/21 | 1 comment

Color in the garden

Gertrude Jekyll, a wonderfully eccentric artist and gardener, was born in London in 1843 and spent most of her life in the English countryside. She was the author of several gardening books that … more

By Jill Severn | 8/13/21

EMBRACING – Laura embraces her son Nathan. She says kids who need special help are harmed further when the Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts them in unstable living conditions: It piles ‘trauma on top of trauma,’ she says. Laura and Nathan asked that their real names not be used in this report.

Can a court victory provide refuge for foster youth?

Laura was afraid her autistic son, Nathan, would accidentally kill himself. After a brain injury, the 13-year-old had begun setting fires in their house and had climbed onto the roof. Unable to find … more

By Allegra Abramo | InvestigateWest | 8/12/21