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Roger Rogoff, director of the Office of Independent Investigations, and his team spoke at the city council study session on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

New use-of-force agency seeking civilian investigators for law enforcement oversight

Washington State’s newly established Office of Independent Investigations (OII), A civilian-led investigative team with a focus on anti-racist training, is looking for people who will make up … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/1/23

A public hearing on an ordinance requiring the use of compost in public projects was closed without any comments from the public.

Thurston now requires use of compost for county projects

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance requiring the purchase and use of compost material for county projects involving landscaping and construction during a meeting … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/1/23

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders during the January 29, 2023 town hall conducted to discuss planned sex-offender residence expected to open in a single-family home in the Maytown area.

Sheriff cautions public to act peacefully in the wake of death threats over controversial housing for sex offenders in Tenino

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders warned the public against violence after threats were made against authorities involved in the planned housing at Tenino for sex offenders. Sanders said … more

By Julia Ornedo | 1/31/23 | 1 comment

The Capital Mall area, highlighted in yellow.

Olympia invites community to discuss Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan Thursday

Olympia is calling on community members to attend an open house on the Capital Mall Triangle Subarea Plan on Thursday, February 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The meeting, which will also discuss the … more

1/31/23

Olympia is looking for a resident artist to serve the community through its Artist in Residence (AIR) program.

Olympia seeks local artist for community program

Olympia is looking for an artist to serve in its Artist in Residence (AIR) program in the city’s efforts to promote the arts to the community. According to an Olympia Parks, Arts & … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 1/31/23

More than 300 residents appeared at the town hall meeting at Tenino High School on January 29, 2023 regarding the planned residence for sex offenders planned to be run from a single-family house in Maytown.

Sunday town hall draws 300 opposed to planned sex-offender housing near Tenino

Some 300 Tenino-area residents met for two hours on Sunday to hear from three public officials and each other about the planned sex-offender residence expected to open this Wednesday in a … more

By Danny Stusser and JC Medina | 1/30/23 | 4 comments

This site is set to become Revival Motors & Coffee Co. on Union Avenue in Olympia.

Revival Motors & Coffee Co. seeks to remodel former Howard's Cleaners location

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission hearing on a proposal for remodeling a building at 606 Union Avenue SE into a restaurant and a retail shop. In the narrative submitted … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/30/23

Commenters at the Olympia School District’s meeting on January 26, 2023 expressed their concerns about the effects of the budget deficit.

Olympia School District’s budget deficit draws alarm

The Olympia School District (OSD) had a meeting last Thursday, January 26, to discuss what actions can be taken to address the budget deficit, bringing community members to voice their worries, … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/27/23 | 5 comments

At Silver Springs Organics in Rainier, Armondo Lugo drives a machine that turns over giant steaming piles of compost. The Lacey City Council discussed adopting an ordinance on considering compost products in planning government-funded projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for such projects during its worksession on January 26, 2023.

Lacey mulls passing ordinance on use of compost materials in public capital projects

Lacey City Council discussed adopting an ordinance on using compost products in planning government-funded projects or soliciting and reviewing bids for such projects. Public Works Management … more

By JC Medina | 1/27/23

Electronic Tax form 1040 with the help word on calculator

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will assist you in filing your tax returns – all ages assistance

After entirely closing their offices and halting their services during the pandemic, the AARP Foundation is back in business for this season’s filing income tax returns. The … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/27/23

Thurston County Manager Ramiro Chavez said the county has drafted strategies to address the ongoing community concerns on the planned housing project for sex offenders in Tenino.

County engages local legislators to address public concerns on planned housing for sex offenders in Tenino

Thurston County Manager Ramiro Chavez said the county has drafted three strategies to address the ongoing community concerns on the planned housing project for sex offenders in Tenino. Chavez said … more

By JC Medina | 1/26/23 | 3 comments

At the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting held Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Olympia Strategic Communications Director Kellie Braseth showed a table reflecting 25 vacant positions on various advisory boards.

Olympia receives 86 applications for 25 vacant positions on various committees

Olympia City received 86 applications for various city advisory boards, including 32 applicants for the newly-established Cultural Access Program, the city's Strategic Communications Director Kellie … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/26/23

Olympia and Thurston County’s Planning Commissions passed the motion to recommend adopting the amended Olympia joint plan, an element of the Thurston County comprehensive plan during an Olympia Planning Commission meeting on January 25, 2023.

Olympia and Thurston County partner for Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan

Olympia and Thurston County’s Planning Commissions collaborated on Wednesday, January 25, to approve and forward a joint Urban Growth Area (UGA) Comprehensive Plan to the Olympia City … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/26/23

At a meeting held Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee reviewed Bailey's Inn phase 2 project at 3337 Martin Way.

Olympia Site Committee reviews Bailey's Inn project on Martin Way

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission hearing on the Bailey's Inn phase 2 project, which proposed constructing a five-story residential building with 89 units at 3337 Martin Way … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/26/23

‘Lacey Loves to Read’ partners pick winning bookmark art

To encourage citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of reading, Lacey proclaims the month of February as “Lacey Loves to Read” month. During the meeting on January 19, … more

By JC Medina | 1/26/23 | 1 comment

The home share program has a detailed application process to ensure compatibility.

Lacey home share program has eight successful matches, housing in exchange for support

Lacey’s General Government & Public Safety Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, January 24, to discuss updates to the Home Share pilot program. “A home share is a living … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/25/23 | 3 comments

Thurston County Housing Authority Executive Director Craig Chance speaks to the Tumwater city council about a conversion project for Tumwater Inn.

Thurston Housing Authority is considering converting Tumwater Inn into housing for seniors

The Housing Authority of Thurston County (HATC) is considering purchasing Tumwater Inn on Capitol Boulevard and converting the motel to supportive housing for seniors, said HATC Executive Director … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/25/23

At a meeting held Monday, January 23, 2023, the Olympia Planning Commission approved its work plan for 2023.

Olympia Planning Commission to take a deep dive discussion with builders on affordable housing hurdles

The Olympia Planning Commission wants to have an open discussion with local housebuilders and developers to understand their hurdles in building affordable housing better as part of its work plan for … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/25/23 | 6 comments

The Regional Fire Authority (RFA) planning committee reconvened on Monday, January 23, 2023, to appoint five people for two committees –advocating or opposing the ballot measures.

Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee appoints 5 to advocate pro and con positions

The Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Planning Committee appointed five people who will make up two committees that advocate or oppose the creation of the RFA, which is the subject of the voters' ballot … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/24/23 | 9 comments

The Olympia Social Justice & Equity Commission had a meeting on January 23, 2023 to discuss the police auditor’s annual report and roles. Police auditor Tara L. Parker briefed the commission about the responsibilities of her office.

Police practice in Olympia: Which oversight model, and which consultant, will the city choose?

Olympia's Social Justice & Equity Commission met yesterday to discuss the police auditor's annual report and roles. In December last year, the commission was tasked with evaluating … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/24/23