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During the Olympia Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, Water Resources director Eric Christensen discussed with the committee members the proposal to provide a discount irrigation rate for urban agriculture.

Olympia utilities committee approves discount water rate for urban agriculture

The Olympia Utilities Advisory Committee (UAC) has directed its staff to develop a discounted rate for irrigation water used for urban agriculture. Water Resources Department director Eric … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/10/22

At Silver Springs Organics in Rainier, Armondo Lugo drives a machine that turns over giant steaming piles of compost.

Olympia seeks to divert compostable materials

Public Works Waste ReSources Director Gary Franks recommended to the Olympia Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) that members include some elements House Bill 1799 concerning organic material management … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/9/22

Olympia to install 10 new solar-powered “pay-by-plate” kiosks

Olympia will start installing 10 new solar-powered pay-by-plate parking kiosks to modernize the process of payment for customers, Parking Services Field Representative Chelsea Baker said. In a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/6/22 | 1 comment

OSD’s physical, emotional and social services to improve through HB 1664, says school district official

The Olympia School District will improve physical, social, and emotional services through increased state funding required in House Bill 1664, passed in the recently concluded legislative … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/5/22

A committee that advises the Olympia City Council on rental housing issues is evaluating feedback from the public that might lead to new regulations and requirements.

Olympia wants further discussion on rent issues

Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee wants to have further discussions on rent increases, move-in fees, and rental registration fees as well as a license and inspection … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/5/22 | 5 comments

The Savannah Sparrow builds its nest on the grounds of grassland prairies.

Prairie Birds - Part 1

Thurston County has a rare habitat type that is underappreciated – prairies. These are native grasslands that, 200 years ago, stretched for scores of miles in the relatively flat central and … more

By George Walter | 5/5/22 | 2 comments

The dashed line shows the Urban Growth Boundary surrounding the city of Tumwater. The city is proposing to annex all 12 parcels into the city.

Tumwater council planning to annex remaining 12 “islands” into city limits

The Tumwater City Council has approved staff recommendations to schedule final deliberations for the city to annex 12 “islands” in the coming months. These “island” … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/4/22 | 1 comment

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners approved on Tuesday, May 3, a grant agreement between U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the HOME American Rescue Plan Program for $3,053,476.

Thurston County receives HUD grant to house “vulnerable populations”

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved on Tuesday, May 3, a grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME … more

By JC Medina | 5/4/22

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Is yours one of the 40,000 vehicles on Martin Way each day?

Community members are invited to provide input and feedback on plans for the Martin Way Corridor in an online public meeting on Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. As part of the Martin Way Corridor Study … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/3/22 | 1 comment

During the Utilities Commission meeting on May 2, Lacey Water Resource Specialist Linsey Fields said the Lacey Water Resources updated the Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) for better communication and readability.

Lacey updates water shortage response plan

The Lacey Water Resources Department (WRD) recently updated their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) for better communication and readability. Lacey Water Resource Specialist Linsey Fields said … more

By JC Medina | 5/3/22

Olympia and other local school districts are considering changing to a Balanced Calendar. This slide is from the OSD board meeting on March 16, 2022.

OSD wants community members to participate in survey for balanced calendar

Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy encourages the community to complete an online survey about the balanced calendar concept. “We want to know what our community thinks … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/2/22

Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy reads a proclamation designating May 2-6 as Teachers Appreciation Week on April 28, 2022.

Olympia School District celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

The Olympia School District (OSD) proclamedthe week of May 2-6 as Teacher Appreciation Week. The proclamation, signed at the OSD regular board meeting yesterday, underscored the teachers’ … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/29/22

Heritage Commission chief Holly Davies revealed the five nominees for the 2022 Olympia Heritage Award at the Community Livability and Public Safety meeting Wednesday, April 27.

Olympia’s Heritage Commission unveils five small-business nominees for 2022 Olympia Heritage Award

Heritage Commission Chief Holly Davies revealed five nominees for the 2022 Olympia Heritage Award, focusing on businesses contributing to the city's legacy, heritage and culture. Davies was at … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/28/22

Thurston County seeks members for new Racial Equity and Inclusion Council

Thurston County recently opened an application process for the new Racial Equity and Inclusion Council. Nicole Miller, the county’s first-ever racial equity program manager, launched the … more

By JC Medina | 4/28/22 | 2 comments

Stamps chosen for their warm and nonthreatening appearance are seen next to an envelope set to be hand addressed to a tenant facing eviction at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County in Olympia, Washington on April 21, 2022. The staff at the center work to broker deals between landlords and tenants facing eviction.

How rent relief fraud allegations left Thurston County tenants hanging

Nicky spent much of the past decade as a social worker, helping people get into housing or avoid eviction. So when she fell … more

4/28/22

Saint Martin’s University to award three honorary doctorates

Saint Martin’s University will confer honorary doctorate degrees to three members of the Benedictine community at its commencement ceremony next Saturday, May 7. “Each year Saint … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 4/27/22

Washington arts center operates in the black

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is financially afloat despite shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization’s executive director Jill Barnes said in Olympia’s … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/27/22

Olympia is encouraging its residents to ride a bike this month.

Olympia City Council proclaims May Bicycle Month

Olympia City Council approved a proclamation designating May as Olympia Bicycle Month at its meeting yesterday. The city council approved the proclamation to recognize both the 52nd Earth Day … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/26/22

Amy Buckler update the Olympia City Finance Committee members on Thurston Strong Recovery and Reset program on April 20, 2022.

Thurston Strong’s Phase 2 Recovery and Reset Program now underway, says Olympia economic planner

Implementation of Thurston Strong’s phase 2 Recovery and Reset program – which translate to an $11 million investment – is underway, according to Olympia strategic projects manager … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/25/22

The 70-acre Kaiser Woods Park property abuts the county to the west and Tumwater to the south.

Olympia unveils the updated plan for Kaiser Woods Park

The Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is reviewing the Kaiser Woods Park plan, which would provide more trails for running, biking, hiking and dog walking. In her … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/22/22