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

Sudden changes at the Olympia Regional Learning Academy have community members pushing back

Critical comments filled the public comment section during the Olympia School District meeting on Thursday, October 13, regarding Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA). Around a dozen parents, … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/14/22 | 1 comment

Darren Murata, a sub-consultant from DOWL Incorporated, presented the preferred alternative for the commercial air service area of the Olympia Regional Airport.

Concerns still loom over Port’s airport plans

Concerns still loom over Port’s airport plans Port presents preferred development alternative for commercial air service area By Jerome Tuaño Thurston county residents continued … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/14/22 | 5 comments

TRL staff member Nicole June shows how to use a key fob to access the library during expanded access hours.

TRL offers expanded access hours to patrons

Tenino Timberland Library will be one of six locations to gain expanded access hours, allowing patrons more time to visit the library. Timberland Regional Library (TRL) is evolving to meet the … more

By Taniah Najih | Timberland Regional Library | 10/14/22

Tumwater mulls new city logo designs

Tumwater city staff presented new logo designs to the general government committee for discussion yesterday, October 12. City communications manager Ann Cook presented several logo concepts. … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/13/22 | 5 comments

The Olympia Site Plan Committee approved the land use recommendation for the six-unit apartment project on 13th Avenue and Cherry Street on October 12, 2022.

Housing project on 13th Avenue and Cherry Street greenlit in Olympia

Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee yesterday approved a land use recommendation for a housing project on 532 13th and Cherry Street SE. Olympia associate planner Jackson Ewing said the … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 10/13/22

This is the iconic sign+wall at the Thurston County Courthouse

County to hear public input on Offut Lake Management District

Thurston County will hold a public hearing to get the community’s thoughts on establishing an Offut Lake Management District. Concerned community members voice their thoughts on the … more

10/13/22

Tumwater’s planning commission and the tree board held a joint meeting on October 11 to discuss their public engagement plan as they updated various regulations on trees and vegetation.

Tumwater is holding an online open house for the planning of the city tree and vegetation code

Tumwater is holding an online open house for the planning of the city tree and vegetation code By Jerome Tuaño Tumwater will have a soft launch of its online open house on … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/13/22

Crystal Pratt standing with a paint colored horse.

Scholarship awarded to Crystal Pratt, originally of Tumwater from the Iowa Veterinary Medical School

The Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) awarded Crystal Pratt, originally of Tumwater, the recipient of the 2022 IVMA Foundation Incoming Freshman Scholarship for $2,000. Crystal’s … more

By Sage Hamilton | 10/13/22

Tumwater’s public health and safety committee met on October 12 to discuss an agreement with Tumwater School District to extend an SRO program.

Tumwater city committee holds off recommending cops’ return to schools

Tumwater’s Public Health and Safety Committee held off from recommending an interlocal agreement to extend the school resource officer (SRO) program, citing the need for clarifications on the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/12/22 | 1 comment

At the joint Planning Commission meeting of Thurston and Olympia on October 11, 2022, Associate planner for Thurston Country Leah Davis briefly discussed the updated Joint Plan.

No public hearing yet for Olympia-Thurston Joint Plan

No public hearing yet for Olympia-Thurston Joint Plan Thurston Planning Commission wants more discussion By Lorilyn C. Lirio Olympia and Thurston County’s Planning Commissions … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 10/12/22 | 1 comment

Thurston County’s newly expanded Board of Health (BOH) held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Thurston welcomes new Board of Health members

Thurston County’s newly expanded Board of Health (BOH) held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 11. BOH chairperson Tye Menser, Vice Chair Gary Edwards, Commissioner Carolina Mejia, … more

By JC Medina | 10/12/22

Make sure your digital personal information is safe.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Thurston

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month during its October 11 meeting. The board said it recognizes its role in protecting … more

By JC Medina | 10/12/22

"One of the best college orchestras in the nation," the St. Olaf (College) Orchestra, will perform in Olympia on October 18, 2022.

Two Olympia grads touring with St. Olaf Orchestra

An award-winning college orchestra is performing here next Tuesday, October 18; —tickets are free, but are running out fast. The St. Olaf Orchestra, hailed by TIME magazine as “one of … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/12/22

At the Regional Fire Authority planning committee meeting on October 10, 2022, Karen Reed, consultant for the proposed RFA, showed a table of Fire Benefit Charge formula options, which reflects a reduced fee for the residential sector.

RFA Planning Committee to forward recommendations to Olympia, Tumwater City Councils

UPDATED: October 12, 2022 - This update clarifies that the recommended formula for the Fire Benefit Charge continues to include a square root in the calculation. The Regional Fire … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 10/11/22 | 4 comments

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

Olympia wants advisory committee members

Olympia is looking for community members interested in serving on its various advisory committees. According to an Olympia press release, there are currently eleven vacancies in various advisory … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 10/11/22

Port commissioners improved a consultant agreement with General Counsel Richard Hughes to extend his term and increase his contract’s not-to-exceed amount.

Port changes contract with General Counsel Richard Hughes

The Port of Olympia commissioners agreed to amend its consultant agreement with General Legal Counsel Richard “Rick” Hughes during a meeting held yesterday, October 10. The improved … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/11/22 | 1 comment

Blazers burn Rams, 41-14

Timberline High School's football team took down their North Thurston High School rivals in a commanding 41-14 October 7 at the South Sound Stadium. Also the Blazers' homecoming game, the event … more

By Gloria Towne | 10/11/22

Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee recommended the approval of land use permits for two projects – the Martin Way affordable housing project and Intercity Transit improvement on October 5, 2022.

Olympia's Site Plan Committee recommends approval of Martin Way affordable housing, Intercity Transit improvements

Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee has recommended the approval of the land use of two projects - Martin Way affordable housing project at 111 Pattison Street NE and Intercity Transit - South … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 10/10/22

Lacey is encouraging families and students to walk or ride a bike, for health and the environment.

It’s Walk-to-School Month in Lacey!

The Lacey City Council is urging students and parents to walk and cycle to school instead of driving private vehicles to promote the safety and health of children. During its regular meeting last … more

By JC Medina | 10/10/22 | 2 comments

Olympia Farmers Market hires new General Manager

The Olympia Farmers Market Board of Directors has selected Karin "Wren" Green as the Market’s new General Manager. Wren was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She grew up spending … more

10/10/22