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

Here are a few events in the Thurston County area to keep you entertained in the coming week! more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/2/21

The blistering heat on June 27, 2021in the Pacific Northwest was caught on NASA’s thermal infrared maps.

Four people dead in Thurston County from the record-breaking heatwave

With temperatures hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Thurston County Coroner reported that at least four people died due to the heat, including a 39-year-old man in Tumwater. Official … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

Lacey officials with members of the City of Lacey Commission on Equity at their training about the Public Records Law on June 28, 2021. Top row, l-r: Makieda Hart, member; Dave Schneider, assistant city attorney; Anne Clay, member. Center row, l-r: Shannon Kelley-Fong, assistant city manager; Thelma Jackson, member; Clifton Brown, member. Bottom row: Kristine Stolberg, member.

Lacey Commission on Equity members cautioned about Public Records Act requirements

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General conducted a training session for the Lacey Commission on Equity on the rules and guidelines for the Public Records Act on Monday, June 28. Lacey … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

A sad sight: poppies scorched by 109 degree heat

Climate change in the garden

Most of us have known for decades that we live on a warming planet caused by carbon dioxide emissions, so last week’s heat wave should not have been a surprise. Even so, 109 degrees was a … more

By Jill Severn | 7/1/21

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theater received the largest gift in its 30-year history, designated to purchase this piece of land on which to build a theater building.

Anonymous donor purchases lot to build Tenino Young-at-Heart Performing Center

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre (TYT) is planning to build a “real live theater” in the Tenino Creative District, thanks to the generous help of an anonymous donor. The property is … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/1/21

Dick Pust holds a copy of his new memoir, AM 1240: Life at a Small Town Radio Station.

Dick Pust finally writes it all down

He’s charming. But you knew that. His name is Dick Pust and for 50 years, local old timers and newcomers alike, listened to his soothing voice on the radio. For 50 years he was … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/30/21 | 1 comment

The easy part is over

In the spring and early summer, the world is full of perfect leaves, fast growth, and healthy, vigorous gardens. But now the solstice has passed, the heat’s been turned up – way up this … more

By Jill Severn | 6/25/21

The 2021 fireworks ban throughout unincorporated Thurston County prohibits handheld sparklers as well as all consumer fireworks during the Independence Day season, July 3-5.

(Consumer) fireworks banned nearly everywhere in county

Sorry, folks. Discharge of all consumer fireworks – including sparklers – is prohibited this year in unincorporated Thurston County as well as in the cities of Lacey, Olympia and … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/25/21

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Martin Way Corridor Study: Online Open House available now through July 7

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) identified safety as priorities for its Martin Way Corridor Study during a public hearing on Wed., June 23. In the discussion, TRPC Associate … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/25/21

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, anyone is at risk if they don't take precautions.

UPDATED: What to do about the coming hazardous heat wave

It’s going to be hot around here this weekend. How hot? Expect a high of 105 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Thurston County will experience excessive heat … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/24/21 | 1 comment

Port of Olympia commission votes to expand to five members

On Monday, the Port of Olympia commissioners approved a motion to expand its three-member commission into a five-member one through a ballot proposition. The Port’s Executive Director, Sam … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/24/21 | 2 comments

Local summer camp programs offer many opportunities for kids with varying interests.

The JOLT’s Ultimate Summer Camp Guide for Kids

As things slowly get back to normal, the summer offers a perfect opportunity for kids to interact and enjoy different activities after a year of online classes. From outdoor sports to learning about … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

Some three dozen people participated in the Grand Re-Opening event for the Abigail Stuart House, home of the Woman's Club of Olympia, on June 21, 2021.

Remodeled Abigail Stuart House celebrated by Woman's Club of Olympia

Some three dozen volunteers, members and public officials braved near-80-degree heat today to watch as a red ribbon was cut to officially re-dedicate one of Olympia's most famous landmarks. The … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/21/21

One of Intercity Transit's newer full-size busses passes in the east side of the Legislative Building on the Washington State Capitol Campus on Route 13.

Intercity Transit to Resume Express Bus Service to Pierce County

Intercity Transit’s Express bus service between Olympia and Lacey to Pierce County will resume on July 19, 2021. Route 620 will serve the Olympia Transit Center, the State Capitol Campus, … more

6/21/21

This home at 7409 Mazama St SW in Olympia was sold by Jessie Henneck-Aguiar on June 16, 2021 for $357,000. Listing Agent: Cassie Sutherland.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for June 13-19, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 105 sales completed from Sunday, June 13, through Saturday, June 19, 2021. The median sales … more

6/21/21

The CARE Wellness Center is presenting its first Juneteenth Jubilee on Sat., June 19, 2021.

Thurston County Celebrates the Juneteenth Holiday

On June 19, several Juneteenth events have been long planned prior to President Joe Biden’s signature confirming Congress' vote earlier this week recognizing it as an official holiday. While … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/18/21

Dishing on dirt

Back in the day, some farmers used to test their soil by tasting it. If it was sour, it was too acidic; to sweeten it, they added ground limestone or wood ashes. These days, the Thurston … more

By Jill Severn | 6/18/21 | 1 comment

Port of Olympia continues to push plans to use airport property for long-term housing

On Wednesday, the Port of Olympia continued to push its proposal to facilitate use of a parcel of its airport property to provide long-term housing. Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/17/21 | 2 comments

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is shown before and after its 2014 renovation.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts seeks to complete major building improvements

On Tuesday, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts' leader gave an update on the current building improvements after it had closed down for 15 months following the coronavirus pandemic. In … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 2 comments

There are two paths found near the wall, the asphalt road leads to the trail, while the other leads to the waterfalls.

Tumwater unveils new improvements in the Deschutes Valley Trail

The City of Tumwater unveiled the new facilities and improvements for the Deschutes Valley Trail during the regular city council meeting on Tue., June 15. Tumwater Engineering … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 3 comments