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

Tumwater Planning Commission endorses four development code updates

The Tumwater Planning Commission recommended the adoption of an ordinance that involves four sets of updates to the city’s development ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/21/26

K-9 Talia searched a housing area after an inmate was caught allegedly trying to conceal a narcotic in his pants at Thurston County Corrections Facility on April 15.

Thurston County inmate fails to stash suspected fentanyl down his pants

An inmate in custody for a domestic violence offense added to his legal woes when he was caught with his hands down the back of his trousers ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 4/21/26 | 2 comments

The Olympia Transit Center on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Intercity Transit Authority discusses petition aimed at retaining Route 41

A group of local residents is behind a petition that calls for Intercity Transit to keep Route 41 from being eliminated as part of upcoming bus ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/20/26 | 12 comments

Joint Animal Services Animal Control officers were recognized during National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.

City of Lacey recognizes Joint Animal Services during appreciation week

The City of Lacey honored Joint Animal Services (JAS) staff as part of Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, which takes place in the second ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 4/20/26 | 4 comments

Olympia City Council reappoints hearing examiner, creates backup position

The Olympia City Council approved the reappointment of the hearing examiner and the addition of a new pro tem role at a meeting on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/20/26 | 1 comment

Food inspection results in Thurston County – April 20, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 4/20/26

North Thurston Public Schools inviting military families to appreciation event

All active duty and reserve personnel, veterans and their families are invited to attend the Military Spouse Appreciation Event of the North Thurston ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/20/26

Olympia City Council members posed with Family Education Support Services (FESS) representatives holding pinwheels the city council proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month at a meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Olympia proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month

The Olympia City Council approved a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/17/26 | 3 comments

Price of regular unleaded gasoline eases in Olympia market

After a steady upward march over the past few weeks, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline retreated in the Olympia market amid ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 4/17/26 | 2 comments

Columbia Street between 5th and 7th avenues to close for roadwork

A short stretch of Columbia Street in downtown Olympia is going to be closed later this week for asphalt ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 4/17/26 | 1 comment

Colleagues, family and community representatives honored the legacy of James P. Werner at the dedication of his namesake air monitoring station at Mountain View Elementary School in Lacey on April 8, 2026.

ORCAA holds dedication ceremony for Thurston County air monitoring station

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) held a dedication ceremony for its new Thurston County air quality monitoring station on ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 4/17/26 | 1 comment

Longtime Olympia resident C-C Coates spoke about housing insecurity and safety concerns during the city’s Fair Housing Month proclamation at a city council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Olympia residents and advocates call for stronger housing protections

Residents and advocates urged Olympia leaders to take immediate action on housing access and anti-discrimination protections, tying their ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/16/26 | 16 comments

Tumwater leaders express frustration over absence of school district officials at meeting

A potential joint meeting between the Tumwater City Council and Tumwater School District fell through due to the nonappearance of ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/16/26 | 2 comments

North Thurston Public Schools student and staffer honored at Readers are Leaders event

Two individuals from the North Thurston Public Schools were honored for championing literacy at the South Sound Reading Foundation’s ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/16/26

City of Olympia Associate Planner Brittany Gillia presented a slide outlining proposed neighborhood projects recommended for matching grant funding. The city council approved the 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant allocation at a meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Olympia funds 11 neighborhood projects through grant program

The Olympia City Council approved the 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant allocations, along with a series of updates aimed at improving ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/15/26 | 4 comments

The Lacey City Council discussed the Commission on Equity's recommendations for the city's pilot Community and Cultural Events Grant program at a work session on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Lacey City Council reviews pilot grant program for cultural and community events

The Lacey City Council deliberated on funding recommendations for the city's initial Community and Cultural Events Grant ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 4/15/26 | 1 comment

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the next round of digs will take place in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties from April 17-23.

WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs

A number of razor clam digging opportunities await people willing to venture out to the coast and load up on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 4/15/26

The Tumwater School District is celebrating "Month of the Military Child" on April 18, 2026.

Tumwater School District to celebrate military children on April 18

A celebration of military children is going to take place this weekend in ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/15/26 | 3 comments

Community listening sessions about budget issues to be held at Olympia schools

The Olympia School District Board of Directors is holding community listening sessions this week to gather input on the budget ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/14/26 | 1 comment

Olympia opens 'Mayor for the Day' competition for local students

The City of Olympia has announced the return of its “Mayor for the Day” program, inviting local elementary students to share their ideas ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/14/26