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

Lacey Museum bids farewell to the Russell House as it gears up to move to the Bell Center, bringing more room for exhibitions and deeper connections to local history.

Explore Lacey’s history in a new setting

Lacey Museum is moving to the Bell Center on 6th Avenue, scheduled to open in early 2025. The City of Lacey announced in its press release that the move is designed to offer more dynamic ways to … more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/4/24 | 1 comment

Brianna Yamada’s first goal of the season brought down Seattle Pacific University and their 26-game unbeaten run in a huge upset victory in Seattle.

Soccer shocker in Seattle: Saint Martin’s snaps Seattle Pacific’s two-year unbeaten streak

They might be the second-worst scoring team in the conference, but the Saints might have just pulled off the season's biggest upset. A 90th-minute strike from midfielder Brianna Yamada … more

By Vince Zafra | 11/4/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Parks Director Sylvana Niehuser outlines the proposed 2025 budget, with $5.7 million earmarked for park maintenance, improvements, and community development.

Olympia parks district proposes its budget for 2025

The Olympia Metropolitan Parks District (OMPD) has proposed a $5.7 million budget for 2025 that prioritizes ongoing park maintenance, improved accessibility, and strategic community-focused projects. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/1/24

The Committee of Chairs meets on October 30, 2024, to outline the 2025 retreat agenda — prioritizing budget strategies, legislative advocacy, and onboarding for new council members.

Olympia City Council gets specific about goals for its annual planning retreat

Olympia’s City Council is preparing for its 2025 Annual Retreat, a two-day event to set budget priorities, finalize operational strategies, and improve committee structures. The retreat also … more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/1/24

Got a broken item? Don’t toss it! Bring it to the Fix-it-Fair and discover the power of repair!

Fix-it-Fair: free repairs for a greener Thurston County

Thurston County Solid Waste and the Lacey MakerSpace are thrilled to host the Fix-it-Fair on November 20, 2024, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lacey MakerSpace on the St. Martin's University Campus. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/1/24 | 2 comments

Rhyne strikes again in Evergreen women's soccer win over Providence, 1-0

It might be Peyton Rhyne’s world, and we live in it. The 22-year-old senior defender bailed out The Evergreen State College again, scoring the only goal of their 1-0 win over the … more

By Vince Zafra | 11/1/24

After pushing back on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, Thurston County Commissioners Carolina Mejia (leftmost), Tye Menser (second from the left), and Emily Clouse (rightmost) supported the motion to approve the ILA, while Commissioner Gary Edwards (second from the right) opposed it during a meeting on October 29, 2024.

Thurston County okays Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement

After a delay for review , Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement (ILA) at a meeting on Tuesday, October 29. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/31/24 | 3 comments

The State Auditor’s Office met with Lacey city management on Monday, October 28, to share the city’s 2023 accountability audit results.

Lacey aces 2023 accountability audit

The state auditor's office reported to city management on Monday, October 28, that the city of Lacey is in compliance with state regulations and its own policies. The State … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/31/24

Living In The Jungle: She said she felt safer living there with her dog.

Olympia's (almost) invisible homeless women

Editor’s Note: All of the women quoted asked that their names not be used because they feared their abusive husbands or significant others might be able to locate them. The women in … more

By J.M. Simpson | 10/31/24

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Worst toxic algae bloom in the history of Lake Lawrence closes lake to everyone

Water samples taken at Lake Lawrence, southwest of Yelm, on October 22, 2024 showed Microcystin levels at 2,361 micrograms per liter (ug/L), which is above the state recreational guideline of 8.0 … more

Submitted by Barry Halverson | 10/31/24

In support of the planned tree harvest

I am a Port of Olympia Commissioner. I write today as one commissioner, not on behalf of my commission body, as this is not an issue that has come before us. I am writing to support the … more

Submitted by Amy Evans Harding | 10/31/24 | 4 comments

Juneau, Carrot, and Cabbage Patch, which collectively represent 430 acres of forestland, have been authorized for sale but had been paused and are now back on the chopping block as the Board of Natural Resources (BNR) will consider re-approving them for auction.

Timber sales from 3 'legacy' forests, once delayed, are now back on the chopping block

Three forest stands whose timbers have been authorized for sale but had been paused are now back on the chopping block as the Board of Natural Resources (BNR) will consider re-approving them for … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/30/24 | 12 comments

Olympia’s 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan funding relies on multiple sources, with 35% from other financing, 11% from utility revenue, and 10% from the city’s fund balance.

Olympia holds public hearing on 2025-30 Capital Facilities Plan

Olympia's City Council reviewed the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), a six-year blueprint for infrastructure projects in transportation, utilities, and parks, during a public hearing on … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/30/24

Olympia City Council discusses the 2025 Ad Valorem tax plan, focusing on property tax limitations and allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, during the October 29, 2024 Public Hearing.

Olympia homeowners: Here's where your property taxes go

Olympia’s Budget and Finance Manager Joan Lutz presented the proposed rates and allocations for residents in an effort to clarify the city's property tax expectations for 2025. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/30/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Women's March takes place this Saturday, two days before November 5 election

The Olympia Women's March 2024 takes place this Saturday, November 2, beginning at 10 a.m. on the steps of the Legislative Building and ending at Heritage Park. The inclusive event … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/30/24 | 6 comments

A driver deposits her ballot in the official drop box across the street from the U.S. Post Office in Lacey on Election Day last year.

Ballots are safe, says county auditor

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office reassures voters that their ballots are secure, it said in a press release. “Thurston County has been proactive in ensuring the safety of our … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/29/24 | 4 comments

Thurston County Sheriff mulls getting new interconnected camera, taser system

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is considering subscribing to a new technology system bundle from supplier Axon to replace deputies’ body cameras, in-car cameras, and … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/29/24 | 3 comments

The Port of Olympia Commission unanimously approved on Monday, October 28, the renewal of the contract of a union representing marine terminal maintenance workers.

Port of Olympia renews contracts with one of two unions representing marine terminal maintenance workers

The Port of Olympia Commission approved on Monday, October 28, the renewal of its contract with ILWU Local 47A, which represents the marine terminal maintenance workers. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/29/24 | 1 comment

Pet owner collecting medications and supplies for the pug in her lap.

Keep your pets safe for Halloween, says Joint Animal Services

Joint Animal Services (JAS) reminds pet owners to take special measures to keep their animals safe during Halloween. “Halloween can be spooky fun,” acknowledges JAS in a press … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/29/24

The Saints volleyball team huddles after their third win of this GNAC season.

Saint Martin’s keeps MSU-Billings winless after five-setter win

In yet another conference match going to the distance, the Saint Martin’s Volleyball team beat Montana State Billings, 3-2 (25-18, 21-25, 25-17, 14-25, 15-12) at the Alterowitz Gymnasium in … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/29/24