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

Committee to review zoning changes to revitalize Briggs Village development in Olympia

The Olympia Land Use and Environment Committee is scheduled to review proposed zoning changes that could reshape development rules for Briggs ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/24/25 | 12 comments

Olympia man arrested for alleged unlawful imprisonment of woman

A 49-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 6, following allegations of unlawful imprisonment and rape at his residence in ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/24/25

The Lacey City Council adopted Ordinance 1683, which amended the 2025 city budget at a meeting on Sept. 16, 2025.

Lacey City Council amends 2025 budget to account for added revenues and expenditures

The City of Lacey’s 2025 fiscal year budget underwent a second amendment in order to account for additional revenue and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/24/25

Two inmates arrested for drug possession at Thurston County Corrections Facility

Two inmates were arrested at Thurston County Corrections Facility after deputies discovered they were in possession of alleged narcotics ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/24/25 | 2 comments

About 50 people attended an event on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at Olympia Municipal Court, at which former Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton was honored.

Former Olympia Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton honored at celebratory event

A group of about 50 people paid tribute to former Olympia Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton in a bittersweet event that blended laughter and joy with ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/24/25

A stretch of 5th Avenue in downtown Olympia, as seen on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 23, 2025.

Olympia seeks consultant for PBIA evaluation and restructure

The City of Olympia has issued a request for proposals seeking a consultant to evaluate the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), a downtown funding program that has supported business … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/23/25 | 3 comments

Woman arrested for alleged crime at Walmart in Tumwater

A 25-year-old woman was arrested in connection with a burglary at Walmart in Tumwater. A Tumwater Police Department report states ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/23/25

Utility installation work taking place on Cooper Point Road

A stretch of Cooper Point Road is going to a be a little tougher to navigate this week because of a utility installation ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 9/23/25

Thurston County officials joined recovery advocates after the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating September 2025 as National Recovery Month at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

September declared National Recovery Month by Thurston County officials

Community partners applauded local officials for their commitment to behavioral health on a day that served as a reminder that prevention ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/23/25 | 2 comments

Weapons were seized from a residence in the 2100 block of Jackson Avenue NW after the occupant was arrested on Sept. 4, 2025.

Olympia man arrested for alleged rape, narcotics and firearms seized

A 32-year-old man was arrested for the alleged rape of a woman at his residence in Olympia. An Olympia Police Department report states the ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/23/25 | 2 comments

Annalise Landy, a student at Bellarmine Preparatory School, works to ensure the sail on her boat is snug on Sept. 14, 2025. She was one of sixty participants during the 2025 Northwest Interscholastic Sailing Association Women’s & Nonbinary Qualifiers for the Pacific Coast Interscholastic Sailing Association’s Girls Invitational.

The joy of sailing

Sailing combines the joy of being out on the water with the desire to learn more about the art and craft of the sport. This attitude was on full display during the ... more

By JM Simpson | 9/22/25 | 1 comment

Man arrested for purchase of more than $20,000 in meat with stolen credit cards

A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with a case involving a series of meat purchases made with stolen ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/22/25 | 1 comment

The City of Olympia’s planned upgrade along Capitol Way includes new American with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps and safer crossings. Joey Jones, Senior Engineer with Olympia’s Public Works Department, presented the city’s Capitol Boulevard/Capitol Way overlay and lane reallocation project at a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

Engineer outlines Capitol Way redesign project in Olympia

The City of Olympia is exploring changes to Capitol Boulevard and Capitol Way that would reduce the road from four lanes to three ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/22/25 | 21 comments

The Trails End Park on 79th Avenue in Tumwater is going to be located adjacent to a planned public works facility at a site where a horse arena once stood.

Tumwater City Council authorizes additional spending for park, roundabout on 79th Avenue

The Tumwater City Council authorized additional spending on the planning of two projects on 79th Avenue — Trails End Park and a roundabout at the ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/22/25 | 7 comments

Community members urge Tumwater to pass ordinance requiring energy audits for homes

Local residents urged the Tumwater City Council to pass an ordinance that would require energy score audits for houses being ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/22/25 | 4 comments

Brandon Simmons, founder of The Skoolie Foundation, stands ready to hand out food packets during one of the foundation’s visits to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission on Aug. 14, 2025. “It’s all about dignity and hope,” he said.

Foundation offers hope one shower at a time

The Skoolie Foundation, a Puyallup-based nonprofit, has big plans for helping homeless individuals in Thurston ... more

By JM Simpson | 9/19/25 | 5 comments

Olympia Police Department to present public safety update

Olympia Police Department interim Chief Shelby Parker is going to present a public safety update to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/19/25 | 3 comments

Lacey City Council member Lenny Greenstein explained his abstention on Ordinance 1682, calling the process “absurd,” during the Lacey City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

Ordinance cements state building mandate in Lacey

The City of Lacey adopted Ordinance 1682 to amend eight chapters of its municipal code and align it with the state of Washington’s mandated International Series ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/19/25 | 2 comments

Thurston County began budget cut exercises this week, as part of ongoing work to close a gap in its general fund, according to a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

Deficit triggers budget reduction plan for Thurston County

Thurston County’s budget woes escalated this week, as commissioners confronted a significantly reduced spending blueprint for ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/19/25 | 3 comments

Man arrested in Olympia on suspicion of driving under the influence, drug possession

A 47-year-old man was arrested after law enforcement personnel responded to a report of a man passed out inside a parked vehicle in ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/19/25