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

South Bay BBQ fans can look forward to a new restaurant someday at 4336 Martin Way E if Olympia approves the plans of property owners Eric and Suvantha Dickerson.

Three new housing projects reviewed by Olympia Site Plan Review Committee

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee reviewed three proposed housing projects along Wheeler Ave., Martin Way and Evergreen Park Drive at their meeting on Wed., June 30. These meetings … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

The 3000 Pacific Ave. SE building in Olympia will house the offices of county Auditor, Community Planning and Economic Development, Board of County Commissioners, Information Technology, Board of Equalization, Human Resources, Geodata, Central Services Administration and Treasurer.

Commissioners approve purchase of Mottman buildings, lease and improvements for 3000 Pacific Ave. building

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed resolutions yesterday that will add two new facilities which will expand office and operations capacity for several departments. The new … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/30/21

This home at 1703 View Point Ct SW in Tumwater was sold by Sandra Heart on June 6, 2021 for $525,000. Listing Agent: Sandra Heart.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for June 20-26, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 109 sales completed from Sunday, June 20, through Saturday, June 26, 2021. The median … more

6/28/21

Port of Olympia commission votes to expand to five members

On Monday, the Port of Olympia commissioners approved a motion to expand its three-member commission into a five-member one through a ballot proposition. The Port’s Executive Director, Sam … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/24/21 | 2 comments

Members of the Olympia City Council and staff cheer as they unanimously vote to approve the Olympia Housing Action Plan.

Olympia City Council approves Housing Action Plan

The Olympia City Council approved the Housing Action Plan, yesterday, which provides key strategies to help residents get an access affordable housing. Olympia’s Strategic Projects … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/23/21

The chart shows the percentages that make up each component of an average single-family home's water utility costs as of July 1, 2021. The percentage numbers add to 100.1% -- allowing for rounding.

City of Lacey to increase water utility rates by up to 5.0 percent

Last Thursday, the Lacey City Council discussed its plans to increase utility rates by up to five percent during the regular city council meeting. Lacey Finance Director Troy Woo explained the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

Kyle Grunenfelder, principal of Tumwater Virtual Academy, presented to the Tumwater School District board on June 17, 2021.

Tumwater Virtual Academy to offer dual enrollment for school year 2021-22

As the school year draws to a close, the Tumwater Virtual Academy (TVA) invites students to enroll in its flexible online school program for the 2021-22 school year In a presentation to the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

This is a close-up of a police body camera similar in function to what police throughout Washington will be using, according to new laws passed by the legislature in 2021.

Olympia police planning use of body cams based on new laws

The Olympia Police Department described several new laws which provide policy guidelines for law enforcement officers, including mandatory use of body cams during custodial … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

Hard way to apply for a job

A man was arrested for being found with employee property and keys to a business that he did not work at on Tue., June 15. Dustin Kornelussen, 35, of Olympia, was caught by two Michels Corporation … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/17/21

Joseph Lanham, left, accepts a plaque commemorating his year as board chair of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce from David Schaffert, CEO of the organization.

Thurston County Chamber holds its first in-person meeting since early 2020

The 116th Annual meeting of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce was a hybrid, with both in-person attendees at the Hotel RL and online attendees watching a live stream today. It was the first … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 1 comment

O’Day will work with students to paint local landscapes and scenery. (Source: Shay O’Day)

Nisqually Middle School to create murals inspired by Nisqually tribal history

In honor of its tribal namesake, Lacey’s Nisqually Middle school plans to commission murals inspired by the people, landscape, and wildlife that reflect the tribal culture and history of this … more

6/11/21

These brass knuckles were in Ben Harris' right pocket, on May 28, 2021, according to Tumwater police.

Pair of shoplifters caught at Tumwater Walmart

A man shoplifted over $250 worth of merchandise and was found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, was arrested and released at the scene by Tumwater police last Friday. Ben Harris, 28, of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21

Lacey to expand waiver of development fees for some affordable housing projects

On Thursday, the Lacey City Council discussed plans to expand the Lacey Municipal Code (LMC) 1.20 to defer certain development costs on new affordable housing projects. LMC 1.20 allows the city to … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/4/21

The yellow line shows the proposed route of the new SR 510 Yelm Loop highway.

Yelm invites comments and questions about the new SR 510, Yelm Loop Project

The state invites locals to an online open house about the new State Route 510 Yelm Loop Phase 2 Project, a $58.6 million proposal to construct a two-lane highway. Headed by the Washington State … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/3/21

Tumwater city officials are seen discussing the 2022-27 Comprehensive Transportation Plan at their meeting on June 1, 2021.

Tumwater approves six-year transportation improvement plan

The Tumwater City Council approved Resolution No. R2021-007, a comprehensive six-year transportation plan for the city, beginning from 2022 to 2027. Transportation Manager Mary Heather Ames … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/2/21

Commissioner Edwards spoke today about homelessness, housing, courts and crime

Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards spoke on the issues of homelessness, home permitting processes and the judicial system of jury trials due to COVID-19 restrictions in front of 100 people at … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/2/21 | 4 comments

Capital High School basketball fans burned their privilege to sit together and apart from supervisors during games for the rest of the 2021 season.

Capital High basketball games: Parents or guardians required

Capital High School announced the elimination of the students-only section in the gym during the remaining few home basketball games for the 2021 season last Tuesday. The decision to discontinue … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/29/21 | 2 comments

This image shows the hybrid meeting of the Olympia School District board of directors on Thu., May 27, 2021.

Enrollment has dropped in Olympia schools

As the Olympia School Board looks towards the next school year, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Priddy reported at the board meeting yesterday that local schools have experienced low … more

5/28/21

The icons overlay a map of Thurston County and represent individual businesses that received PPP loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Thurston Strong update presented to Olympia City Council

The Olympia City Council received a presentation from Thurston Strong, the county-based economic recovery organization created after the start of the pandemic, which shared that businesses and … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/27/21

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.

Special Three-Day Filing Period for Offices Without Candidates

A special three-day filing period will be held Wednesday, June 2 through Friday, June 4 to allow citizens to run for elected office for positions without candidates. Open positions … more

5/26/21