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

Tribal members on the shore sing after the canoeists from the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe arrive at their destination during the Healing of the Waters Ceremony, which celebrates the restoration of the Deschutes Estuary.

Festival celebrates planned Deschutes Estuary

On Saturday, August 17, the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) and the Squaxin Island Tribe held the “2nd Festival of the st̓əč̓as,” The theme of the festival was … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 8/20/24 | 3 comments

Workshops offer discounted heat pumps for Olympia residents

Through the Energize Olympia program, the city is holding free educational workshops in August and September on heat pumps, energy savings, and financial incentives to boost home energy efficiency. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio and Jerome Tuaño | 8/19/24

Olympia Kiwanis Club’s Food Bank Garden, where success is found through cooperation

Don Leaf learned the ethic that drives the Olympia Kiwanis Club’s Food Bank Garden during his career in the County Health Department: “Thou shalt cooperate.” Indeed, protecting … more

By Jill Severn | 8/16/24 | 2 comments

What's happening this weekend— Tumwater Artesian Brewfest, Grand Oly Pry and fundraising events

Enjoy the weekend by supporting charitable causes in the locality. more

8/15/24

James Sommer, the port’s capital assets program manager, (standing by the podium) presents to the Port of Olympia Commission on August 12 a contract for EHDD Architecture to begin the design process for the Waterfront Center.

Port moves forward with Waterfront Center, hires design firm

The Port of Olympia is moving forward with the Waterfront Center, a proposed three-story mixed-use building expected to be near Swantown Marina. The Port of Olympia Commission authorized … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/15/24 | 8 comments

The Backyard Bird Chronicles, written and illustrated by Amy Tan

Book Review – 'The Backyard Bird Chronicles'

You perhaps know of the Chinese American writer, Amy Tan , who has written several books about the immigrant experience, family dynamics and culture. Her best-known book is The Joy Luck Club (1989). … more

By George Walter | 8/15/24 | 1 comment

On Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the Olympia City Council signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 31, 2024, as International Overdose Awareness Day.

Olympia joins in observing International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31

On Monday, Aug. 5, the Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating August 31, 2024, as International Overdose Awareness Day. This marks the third consecutive year the council has made … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/14/24

Atka in Budd Inlet at Olympia Harbor Days.

Olympia Harbor Days 2024 offers around 300 things to see and do, 150-drone show, tugboat race

The annual Olympia Harbor Days (OHD) festival will run from August 30 to September 1, featuring a 150-drone show and tugboat race among its over 300 activities. The award-winning free festival … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/14/24

The management of River Ridge High School Pool (pictured), along with those at North Thurston High School and Timberline High School, is addressed in an agreement between North Thurston Public Schools and Lacey Parks & Rec.

Lacey Parks, Culture & Rec recommending three agreements with NTPS

Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Board is recommending approval of three new sub-agreements with North Thurston Public Schools to enhance the use and management of shared resources in the community .… more

By JC Medina | 8/13/24

Some 33 bus stop improvements are considered “very complicated,” such as a bus stop on Martin Way near Ranger Drive, which would involve adjusting an existing bike lane.

Intercity Transit hires contractor to improve 157 bus stops

Intercity Transit’s (IT) board of directors authorized engineering firm KPFF to design and plan improvements for 157 bus stops. The agency previously tasked KPFF, its on-call … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/9/24 | 6 comments

The Thurston County Resource Hub Community Fair will take place on August 15.

Thurston County Resource Fair next week to offer free services

Over 30 community organizations will join this year’s Thurston County Resource Fair on August 15, 2024. This free and open-to-all event will be held at the Thurston County Courthouse campus … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/9/24 | 2 comments

Karen Sixkiller wins Percival Plinth sculpture contest with Ember 2

Olympia Arts Commission votes to recommend that the city purchase the sculpture. The public has spoken, and the people have chosen a winner. The Olympia Arts Commission voted to recommend Karen Sixkiller's Ember 2 as the 2024 People's Choice Award winner … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/9/24 | 2 comments

The onset of August

This is the month often known as the dog days of summer – a time of heat, lassitude, and crowded beaches. It’s a month of ups and downs for gardeners. Vegetable gardens are … more

By Jill Severn | 8/9/24 | 3 comments

What's happening around here— Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County Plant Sale, Free Tenor - Baritone Choral Workshop and other events

August has a lineup of local events and activities you can enjoy with your family and friends. Free Tenor - Baritone Choral Workshop, Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The … more

8/9/24

Thurston County ranks 5th nationwide in homeless data collection

The county successfully collected quality data on homelessness among single adults. Nonprofit Community Solutions announced in a case study on Friday that Thurston County became the fifth community nationwide to collect quality data... … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/8/24 | 2 comments

The Capitol Theater as seen from the street.

Capitol Theater celebrates its 100th year with indie punk musicians

Centennial celebration with Heavenly, Lois, Mount Eerie, and Swansea Sound Celebrate Capitol Theater’s 100th year at the Olympia Film Society (OFS) with indie punk performances from musicians Swansea Sound, Lois, Mount Eerie, and Heavenly... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/8/24 | 1 comment

Spammy, Hormel Foods’ mascot, will be in the spotlight at the Spam Musubi Day festivities at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue on Wednesday.

Hawaiian fast food chain to celebrate Spam Musubi Day

Spammy the mascot scheduled to appear The Tumwater branch of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is hosting its fourth annual Spam Musubi Day on Thursday, August 8. Spam musubi is a … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/7/24

The Senior Action Network is moving full-throttle into a busy slate of events.

Senior Action Network is in high gear with many upcoming events

Senior Action Network (SAN), fresh off a successful Senior Day at Capital Lake f air event, is already hard at work on other upcoming events. SAN member Revel Lacey hosted a Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 8/7/24

Karen Fraser will receive the quinquennial Daniel J. Evans Nisqually Stewardship Award this September at a ceremony and dinner. She is only the fourth recipient of this award.

Nisqually River Foundation to honor former state Senator Karen Fraser

Karen Fraser will receive the fourth Daniel J. Evans Nisqually Stewardship Award, the Nisqually River Foundation announced. more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 8/6/24 | 4 comments

Caption: Taylor Buie joins the SPSCC women’s basketball coaching staff as assistant coach.

SPSCC announces new women’s assistant basketball coach

South Puget Sound Community College hired Taylor Buie as the new assistant coach for the Clippers Women’s Basketball Team on Friday. Buie, a Puyallup native, will join the women’s … more

By Vince Zafra | 8/6/24