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

The Thurston County Board of Health and county officials celebrated the adoption of the National Influenza Vaccination Week proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. The county's flu vaccination rate currently stands at 21%.

Thurston County Board of Health pushes flu vaccines

Get your flu shot now. That is the message from the Thurston County Board of Health after influenza accounted for roughly 10% of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

Olympia City Council to vote on tenant screening reforms

The Olympia City Council is set to vote on an ordinance addressing tenant screening practices at its meeting on Tuesday ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/12/25 | 10 comments

Jews and non-Jews gathered for a ceremonial Hanukah candelabra lighting ceremony on Olympia's Port Plaza

Jewish community to celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lightings across Thurston County

Jews around Thurston County are preparing for the season of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah — with a festival of lights and traditions, celebrating ... more

By Jessie Darland | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

Tumwater Police Department Chief Jay Mason (bottom right) and the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee discused a contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the procurement of body cameras and new in-car cameras.

Tumwater committee endorses police body camera contract

The Tumwater Police Department is nearing the process of acquiring body-worn ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

Makah Tribe member Micah McCarty, brother of outgoing Port of Olympia Commissioner Maggie Sanders, performed a Native American song before gifting a paddle crafted by Sanders for the port at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Outgoing Port of Olympia commissioners bid farewell

The Port of Olympia Commission concluded its final meeting of the year on Monday, Dec. 8, with farewell remarks from three departing ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/11/25 | 1 comment

Thurston County Regional Housing Council adopts 2026 funding priorities

The Thurston County Regional Housing Council (RHC) has set funding priorities for 2026, with an emphasis on supporting the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/11/25 | 1 comment

Chance of rain falls over next couple of days in Thurston County

A break in the weather is on the horizon following days of rain that led to a flood watch being issued for ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/11/25

The aftermath of a fire at Nisqually Plaza shows damage to the awning near Young's Teriyaki on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. No injuries were reported.

Nisqually Plaza fire causes $250,000 in damage

An electrical fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage at Nisqually Plaza in Yelm on ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/11/25

Olympia School District students record above average marks in English and math

Olympia School District students performed above the state average in English language arts and mathematics in the latest reporting ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/11/25 | 4 comments

Eastside Street SE in Olympia to close for water line work

A short stretch of Eastside Street SE in Olympia is going to be closed for water line ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/11/25

Tumwater Falls on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 10, 2025.

Flood watch in effect for Thurston County

A flood watch has been issued for Thurston County and the Emergency Coordination Center was activated because of an ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

Community Planning and Economic Development Planning Manager Joyce Phillips presented the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.

Olympia City Council adopts 2045 Comprehensive Plan

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan, a long-range vision that will guide the city’s ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/10/25

A graphic shows the outcome of a certified count and a machine recount in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race in the Nov. 4 General Election.

Machine recount confirms win for Jerry Toompas in Port of Olympia Commission race

A machine recount of ballots cast in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race confirmed victory for challenger Jerry ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

A slide from a presentation by Port of Olympia Harbor Senior Manager Damian Egan on Nov. 24, 2025, showed two of the vessels under the Olympia Harbor Patrol. “Harbor 1” (left) is currently out of service due to engine issues, leaving the program with only “Port 1,” a 19-foot boat.

Port of Olympia advances plan to transfer harbor patrol to sheriff’s office

The Port of Olympia and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office are moving ahead with a plan to transfer control of the Olympia Harbor ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/10/25 | 2 comments

The Martin Way Crossing Strategy outlines 10 priority sites for improved pedestrian crossings along the corridor.

Thurston Regional Planning Council calls for coordinated approach to upgrades on Martin Way

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) members are urging a unified, countywide approach to upgrading the Martin Way corridor ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/9/25 | 5 comments

A location map of the Gorgas property southeast of Yelm shows proximity to Yelm Creek and Nisqually River.

Thurston County seeks public input on Gorgas Open Space tax reduction request

Thurston County residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposed 50% reduction in market value assessment for a 76.96 acre ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Shellfish harvest biotoxin closure at Budd Inlet

Recreational shellfish harvesting for all species is off limits in Budd ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

The Tumwater School District received the Year-End Finance Report at a meeting on Dec. 4, 2025 meeting.

Tumwater School District closes 2025 with less money than previous year

The Tumwater School District had an ending total fund balance of $3,299,987.06 for fiscal ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Forecast calls for wind and rain in Thurston County

A stout diet of wind and rain are on tap over the next 36 hours in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/9/25

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Update on Lake Lawrence Lake Management District renewal

I’d like to share an update with Thurston County residents about the progress of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD) ... more

By Barry Halverson | 12/9/25