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

This drawing shows the plan for a proposed small commercial development in the Meridian Campus in northeast Lacey, as discussed on May 20, 2021 by the Lacey Planning Commission.

Lacey discusses proposal for new Meridian Campus commercial project

Last Thursday, May 20, the Lacey Planning Commission shared a proposal to build a new commercial project on the Meridian Campus. In a webinar, Lacey Senior Planner Samra Seymour discussed the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/25/21 | 1 comment

This sequence shows the bald eagle being carried from the vehicle in which it was transported back to the property where it was found, on Sun., May 23, 2021, just prior to its release. L-r, Stephanie Estrella, Mark Fleming.

Bald eagle released after brief rehab following airturf battle

Two bald eagles who lived in or near a recently clear-cut urban forest in Olympia did battle in the air last week. One needed a brief stay at a local rehabilitation center and was released yesterday … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/24/21

North Thurston Public Schools is seeking responses from the general public to its annual survey, now through June 3.

No kids in Lacey schools? North Thurston Public Schools still wants to hear from you

Every year North Thurston Public Schools turns to the community to ask for feedback on academics, leadership, budget, student programs, and more through a short online … more

5/21/21

This is one of Intercity Transit's newer Dial-A-Lift buses, shown arriving at a rider's home.

Intercity Transit looks into alternatives for Dial-A-Lift services

Intercity Transit Authority’s directors met on Wednesday and considered alternatives to its Dial-A-Lift services, seeking to control the cost of operation while at the same time providing … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/20/21

Annette Pitts selected to head Experience Olympia & Beyond

Experience Olympia & Beyond's Board of Directors has selected Annette Pitts as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer beginning June 7, 2021. "Annette is bringing the energy, skills … more

5/18/21

This is the hybrid live and online meeting of the Olympia School Board on May 13, 2021.

Olympia schools look towards fall re-opening, focus on students' emotional well-being

On Thursday, Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy shared with the board that the district will prioritize students' emotional well-being ahead of its fall reopening. The move is … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/17/21

Tumwater school officials discussed students' mental health concerns and resources at their meeting on May 13, 2021.

Tumwater school board tackles mental health concerns ahead of school re-opening

Tumwater School District board’s student representatives presented the growing need for emotional support during its board meeting yesterday. At the May 13 meeting, student representatives … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/14/21

Kristy Woodford, CEO of Holistic Home Group

Buyers: Is this the market for you?

If you’ve been following this column, or if you have any first- or even second-hand experience with the housing market, you probably know that it strongly favors sellers. I’ve talked … more

By Kristy Woodford | 5/13/21

Jennifer Dye, director of the Small Business Development Center at South Puget Sound Community College, was the keynote speaker at the Lacey South Sound Chamber of Commerce's Forum on May 5, 2021, held at the Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.

Lacey Chamber holds first major in-person business gathering here in 14 months today

Approximately 45 businesspeople gathered today at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club for Thurston County’s first major in-person gathering since the start of the pandemic. The occasion … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/5/21 | 1 comment

Thurston Strong delivers for small businesses and nonprofits

Tumwater, WA— When COVID-19 came to town, Thurston County community and economic development agencies jumped into action by creating a collaborative, collective impact response model that has … more

5/4/21

Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek, the Thurston County Health Officer.

County health officer offers guidance to school leaders

Dear Superintendents and Heads of School, Thurston County is experiencing higher levels of COVID-19 transmission in our county. This is reflected in the following metrics: Thurston … more

5/4/21

Why is Thurston County so desirable for buyers?

Lately, I’ve had a lot of folks ask me why Thurston County has suddenly become such a desirable place to live. We’re seeing a trend in relocations from King County to Pierce County, and … more

By Kristy Woodford | Holistic Home Group | 4/29/21 | 1 comment

State senators discuss modifications to Climate Commitment Act before passing new bill

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. Near the close of the 2021 Legislative Session, Senate … more

By Troy Kirby | 4/29/21

The elected leaders shown above are scheduled to answer questions from members of the public at the event described below.

"Working with local governments" -- Wed., April 28, 6:30 p.m.

Elected leaders from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County will take questions from the members of the public at a one-hour public forum tomorrow (Wed., April 28) at 6:30 p.m. that will … more

By Danny Stusser | 4/27/21

This photo shows graffiti allegedly made on Fri., April 16, 2021 as part of a protest in west Olympia.

Police release jailhouse interviews with "Antifa News Network" protestor and two others from Fri., April 16

An alleged organizer of the Friday, April 16, 2021 protest proclaimed that he was a victim of police brutality and that the police did not respect his journalistic capacity when he was arrested for a … more

By Danny Stusser | 4/27/21 | 1 comment

Legislators discuss what to do about The Blake Decision and how to limit drug abuse

The JOLT News Presents The 2021 Washington State Legislative Session. As the 2021 Legislative Session came to a close this weekend with the ceremonies of sine die, legislators discussed The Blake … more

By Troy Kirby | 4/27/21

Capital-gains tax legislation moves closer to passage

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. For two days, House lawmakers debated Engrossed Substitute … more

By Troy Kirby | 4/22/21 | 1 comment

Proposed law that will obligate law enforcement officers to intervene with other officers goes to the Governor

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. Senate lawmakers voted on whether to concur with House … more

By Troy Kirby | 4/21/21 | 1 comment

Modifying the informed-consent laws in Washington healthcare settings

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. The Senate debated concurrence on Substitute Senate Bill 5185, … more

By Troy Kirby | 4/21/21

This "PRESS PASS" includes the words "Antifa News Network" and the name "Miguel Louis (he/they)." Miguel Louis Lofland was arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse.

Four Friday-night protestors were arrested

Four suspects were apprehended during protests last Friday, April 16 in West Olympia. One of them identified as a member of the press. The protest included 20-30 individuals according to police … more

By Danny Stusser | 4/20/21