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Public Works Senior Water Resources Engineer Joe Plahuta met with Thurston County Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, to seek approval of the contract for the Boston Harbor Water Main Replacement and Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project.

Thurston County awards contract for Boston Harbor water main project

Thurston County commissioners approved the contract for the Boston Harbor Water Main Replacement and Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project, which will replace almost 6,000 linear feet of older … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/5/24

Sylvanna Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance, presented the parks department's list of 10-year accomplishments and challenges at the Olympia City Council study session on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department highlights accomplishments and challenges

The Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department presented its list of 10-year accomplishments and discussed challenges, such as public safety, climate change, equity issues and funding large-scale projects. more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/5/24

Some homeless individuals have complained that they lose all of their possessions when they are arrested, particularly when those possessions are in a shopping cart. A homeless person's possessions are shown on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

A question of possession

Editor’s note: All individuals interviewed consented to be quoted in this article. Most of the individuals preferred to remain anonymous. An anonymous homeless woman with two shopping … more

By JM Simpson | 12/5/24 | 5 comments

Lacey finalizes permanent Human Services Commission

The Lacey City Council unanimously voted to establish a permanent Human Services Commission during its public meeting on Dec. 3. The new commission will provide recommendations on … more

By JC Medina | 12/5/24

Dr. Jennifer Freiheit shares her vision for Public Health and Social Services following her appointment as director.

Thurston County names new directors for public health, budget and community planning

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 3, introduced a new slate of leaders to key positions in public health, budgeting, and community planning. County Manager … more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/4/24

New zoning rules for LRA housing focus on permitting processes, public notice requirements and safety standards.

Thurston County advances zoning rules for housing sex offenders after safety concerns were raised

Thurston County officials are moving to establish new zoning rules for Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) housing for sex offenders after public backlash over gaps in oversight and safety concerns. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/4/24

Board of County Commissioners of Thurston County Tuesday, December 3, during the public meeting.

Thurston County Ballot Processing Center to get $3 million makeover

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners approved a $3,069,000 contract to remodel the Ballot Processing Center. more

By JC Medina | 12/4/24

City of Olympia Planner Jackson Ewing presented a map showing the location of a proposed nine-lot short plat development project site, which is just north of Martin Way and east of the Chehalis Western Trail.

Proposed short plat development along Martin Way E faces wetland delineation and transportation hurdles

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference for a proposed nine-lot short plat development at 3900 Martin Way E. In the narrative, the proposed project … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/4/24 | 3 comments

Sheriff Derek Sanders discusses how Public Safety Sales Tax funds support deputy hiring and bond payments for new county facilities.

Thurston County faces budget cuts amid calls for transparency, public input

During a public hearing on the 2024-25 midterm budget held on Monday, Dec. 2, Thurston County officials discussed concerns regarding funding priorities, particularly for law enforcement, … more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/3/24 | 7 comments

Olympia's senior planner David Ginther provided an overview of the planned action ordinance on the Capital Mall Triangle subarea project. The ordinance would introduce a height bonus of up to 130 feet for affordable housing projects that dedicate at least 30 percent of units to people earning 80 percent or less of the area's median income.

Olympia Planning Commission reviews planned ordinance to reshape Capital Mall Triangle area

The Olympia Planning Commission weighed in on a planned action ordinance that would pave the way for redevelopment of the Capital Mall Triangle area, which includes allowing taller buildings and more flexible parking requirements. more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/3/24 | 4 comments

Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s administration building in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls would be the site of the History and Nature Center.

Olympia Tumwater Foundation seeks state funding to break ground for History and Nature Center project

Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) should know by March 2025 if it will get funding to continue its History and Nature Center project. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/3/24 | 1 comment

Lacey City Hall, shown in November 2020.

Lacey considers establishing permanent Human Services Commission

The Lacey City Council is considering establishing a permanent Human Services Commission to provide oversight and guidance for the city's human services programs and funding. At a Tuesday … more

By JC Medina | 12/3/24

Become a rock star advocate

Ask artificial intelligence (AI) about special education, and the online oracle has been trained to respond with such delightful phrases as, “navigating a maze” and “demystifying … more

By Shannon Sankstone | 12/3/24

The total greenhouse gas emissions from Tumwater’s city operations were down by less than 1% from 2015 to 2023, while net emissions were down by 73% from 2015 to 2023. The chart seemingly does not show net emissions from 2015 to 2020.

Tumwater’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by less than 1% from 2015-23

Tumwater’s city operations generated around 3,821 metric tons of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO₂e) in 2023, which is less than 1% compared to 2015, according to a sustainability report … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/2/24 | 2 comments

This image is of the shield that every officer in the Olympia Police Department wears or carries.

Olympia issues call for proposals for Civilian Police Auditor

Olympia has announced plans to strengthen its police oversight system as it requested a proposal from a potential Civilian Police Auditor. The role involves overseeing investigations of use-of-force … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/2/24

The port’s 2025 capital investment plan includes the construction of a temporary warehouse at the marine terminal and the expansion of the boatyards.

Port of Olympia adopts 2025 budget

The Port of Olympia Commission adopted its 2025 operating and capital budget on Monday, November 25. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/2/24

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, November 21, to develop a 2025 work plan.

Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission grapples with inadequate resources and staffing support

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on Thursday, November 21, to develop a work plan for 2025. However, without funding and additional staffing capacity to support the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/29/24 | 3 comments

Retiring Olympia Councilmember Lisa Parshley

Olympia launches application process for city council seat; deadline is Dec. 13

Olympia has opened the applications for City Councilmember Position #5. The seat will be vacant on Dec. 31 when Councilmember Lisa Parshley transitions to her new role as state … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/29/24

Joy and Justice Book and Gift Giveaway this December now accepting cash, in-kind donations

The 5 th  Annual Joy and Justice Book and Gift Giveaway for kids will be held on December 16-18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Vista Apartments Community Center. The community … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 11/29/24 | 2 comments

Manny Nicasio was selected for this season’s All-Conference First Team in men’s soccer.

Evergreen College's Nicasio, Foley, get nods in All-Cascade Collegiate Conference

After the end of collegiate soccer’s regular season this fall, two players from The Evergreen State College received plaudits in the 2024 All-Cascade Collegiate Conference honors after their … more

By Vince Zafra | 11/29/24