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The Olympia School District has 9,022.3 full-time equivalent enrollment this October for the school year 2024-2025.

Olympia School District reports enrollment has small increase over last year's numbers

The Olympia School District (OSD) has 9,022.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment this October for the school year 2024-2025, shared Executive Director of Business and Capital Projects Kate Davis … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/28/24

Superintendent Kevin Bogatin expressed the district’s support for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources—Board of Natural Resources timber sales.

Tumwater School District Superintendent presents draft letter in support of timber sales

Tumwater School District (TSD) Superintendent Kevin Bogatin expressed the district’s support for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources—Board of Natural Resources … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/28/24 | 9 comments

Saint Martin’s University appoints Theresa Hanson as new Interim Director of Athletics

Saint Martin's University announced on its website last Tuesday that Theresa Hanson has been hired as its new Interim Director of Athletics. She will replace Steve O'Brien, who passed away on August … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/28/24

Key discussions on the transportation master plan underway at the Olympia Planning Commission meeting on October 24, 2024, with Senior Planner Michelle Swanson

Olympia's Transportation Master Plan draft prioritizes 'complete' streets, expanded bike networks and community input

Olympia's Planning Commission convened on October 24 to refine the city's second draft of the transportation chapter in the city's comprehensive plan. The proposed plan sets policy changes to … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/26/24 | 8 comments

A slide from Tumwater Finance Director Troy Niemeyer’s presentation to the City Council on Tuesday, October 22, showing the estimated expenditures versus the projected revenues during the 2025-2026 biennium.

Tumwater's draft budget for 2025-26 biennium would put the city $10 million underwater

The planned expenditure for Tumwater's 2025-26 biennium is $10 million above its revenues, but city staff will continue to explore ways to reduce the gap. According to a preliminary … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/25/24 | 6 comments

TC-CAP’s roadmap follows a voluntary approach, taking an alternate route away from the traditional court system.

Homeless court alternative to be tested via one-year pilot program

Thurston County is set to pilot its voluntary Thurston County - Court Alternative Program (TC-CAP), a hybrid version of San Diego’s Homeless Court, through a 12-month program. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/25/24

Evergreen State’s Brieanna Dell scored a goal and ptrovided an assist in the Geoducks’s massive 9-1 home victory over the Walla Walla Wolves.

Evergreen soccer teams record two huge wins over Walla Walla in doubleheader weekend

The Evergreen State College soccer teams hosted a doubleheader feature last Sunday, October 20. Both the Geoduck teams faced the Walla Walla University soccer squads, and they made it a memorable … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/25/24

Olympia City Council, Oct. 22, 2024. Councilmembers convened for a study session, where they tackled the Workers' Bill of Rights and in-depth discussion of the same in their January retreat.

Olympia: Council to revisit Workers' Bill of Rights proposal and public engagement plan at January 2025 retreat

Though the Olympia City Council has yet to determine a clear path forward on the Workers' Bill of Rights and minimum wage increase proposals, all councilmembers agreed to have a more in-depth … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/24/24 | 2 comments

A map, prepared by Ronda Larson Kramer, showing the trail of the Oct. 27 Walk along the path of Cowlitz trail

Supporters of Davis-Meeker Oak plan 2.7-mile walk along path of historic Cowlitz Trail Sunday

Supporters of the Davis-Meeker Oak tree will gather on Sunday, October 27, to walk 2.7 miles of the path of Cowlitz trail, beginning at the historic Oregon White Oak ( Quercus garryana ) tree … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/24/24 | 3 comments

This year’s Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve features underwater cameras, salmon docents, and kids activities among many others.

Explore salmon run up close at Bayshore Preserve November 9-11

Get up close with aquatic wildlife through the annual Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve this November 9, 10, and 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Capitol Land Trust (CLT) and Puget … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/24/24

Olympia City Council, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Councilmembers hold a study session that tackles the 2025 operating budget deficit and explores potential measures to achieve a balanced budget.

Olympia proposes staff cuts, organizational changes to address the 2025 budget deficit

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney unveiled a multi-pronged plan to shrink its 2025 operating budget deficit. Among the recommendations include staff reductions, organizational changes, and the … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/23/24 | 10 comments

The LOTT-owned property is the forested delta-shaped area on the south side of Mullen Road.

Lacey mulls acquiring LOTT property to construct affordable housing near middle school

The City of Lacey plans to acquire a surplus parcel of land from the LOTT Clean Water Alliance and erect an affordable housing structure directly across from Komachin Middle School. Plans … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/23/24 | 1 comment

Concept design for the Parthia exhibit, which will be located at the entrance to the Olympia Farmers Market.

Pavilion for historic tug boat to begin construction near Olympia Farmers Market

A historic tug boat called the Parthia will soon be a roadside display near Olympia Farmers Market. On November 4, the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association (SSMHA), in partnership with the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/23/24 | 2 comments

Water, sewer, garbage: Olympia committee proposes 3 to 7.6% increases

Olympia City officials have proposed increasing utility rates, permit, and impact fees as part of the 2025 budget, aimed at supporting critical infrastructure, and other municipal services. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/22/24 | 1 comment

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

Where to register to vote this week – until Monday, October 28

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office is reminding community members that the last day of voter registration date before the November 5 election is at the end of the month. Remote … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/22/24

Thurston County auditor updating voter registrant data for General Election

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office announced earlier today that it has already updated over 30,000 voter records among more than 200,000 registered voters in the county. In a press … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/22/24 | 2 comments

Olympia School Board President Hilary Seidel, Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman Kris Peters and Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy secure the halyard holding the Squaxin Island Tribe's flag. October 21, 2024.

Olympia School District raises Squaxin Island Tribe flag alongside national, state flags

For the first time, the Squaxin Island Tribe’s flag was raised along with the United States and Washington State flags at a ceremony today at the Olympia School District's offices. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado and Danny Stusser | 10/21/24 | 5 comments

A slide from a May 9, 2024, Tumwater Public Works committee meeting showing that the existing culvert is too small to allow for the natural passage of fish.

Tumwater City Council approves acquisition of two properties for Percival Creek culvert project

Tumwater will acquire two properties as necessary right-of-way for a culvert project on Percival Creek. Tumwater City Council approved the acquisition of the properties for $34,050 as … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/21/24

Former Olympia mayor Cheryl Selby (center) and some city advisory committee members.

Volunteer for Olympia: Advisory Committee applications open until Dec. 13

The City of Olympia seeks community members interested in serving on various committees. The application period is open and runs until Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at 4 pm. Planning Commission. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/21/24

Juan Mendez scored a goal in each of the two games of the Evergreen State College men’s soccer team this weekend. The Geoducks mustered four of possible six points.

Geoducks still undefeated at home after win and draw from past weekend’s games

The Geoduck Pitch is turning out to be a fortress for the Evergreen State College men’s soccer team this season. They remain without a loss in three outings at home turf in conference play. … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/21/24