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

The Marine Drive project spans one-half mile from the marine terminal gate to Olympia Avenue, according to a presentation by Port of Olympia Public Works Program Manager James Sommer.

Port of Olympia awards $1.07 million contract to strengthen Marine Drive

The Port of Olympia awarded a $1.07 million contract to Miles Resources, a Puyallup-based construction firm, to beef up a stretch of Marine Drive NE in ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/13/25 | 21 comments

Behavioral hospital patient arrested for alleged assault of multiple people

A 41-year-old man was arrested after allegedly assaulting multiple people at South Sound Behavioral Health Hospital in Lacey, including a ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 8/13/25 | 1 comment

Rain in the forecast for Thurston County

A string of days where daytime highs ranged from 90 to 95 degrees has given way to cooler conditions with rainfall on the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/13/25

The Olympia City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance strengthening oversight of massage and reflexology businesses at a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

New rules for massage and reflexology businesses advanced by Olympia City Council

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance designed to close regulatory gaps and strengthen oversight of massage ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/13/25 | 2 comments

Olympia Youth Council Chair Nolan O’Connell, left, and Youth Council member Shruti Lingham-Nattami presented a new public service announcement on overdose awareness at a city council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

Olympia Youth Council debuts overdose awareness PSA

A youth-led public service announcement (PSA), aimed at raising awareness about drug overdoses and saving lives, made its debut at an Olympia City ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/13/25

Two mother cats care for a litter of newborn kittens at Joint Animal Services. During a Joint Animal Services Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, the shelter revealed a record influx of kittens and puppies during the busiest part of breeding season, with kitten numbers up 63% from 2024.

Joint Animal Services hit with an influx of kittens, puppies in breeding season

Kittens and puppies have driven a record rise in animal intake at Joint Animal Services over the past year, according to figures presented ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/13/25

The Olympia Planning Commission reviewed the Climate Element draft of the city's 2045 Comprehensive Plan on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The discussion centered on tree canopies.

Olympia Planning Commission eyeing new tree policy to address climate risks

The Olympia Planning Commission is exploring a new policy to discourage clear-cutting of trees during new construction projects and to fund ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/12/25 | 10 comments

The intersection of Legion Way and Adams Street in downtown Olympia is closed for street work through Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

Legion Way and Adams Street intersection closed due to street work

A sewer and stormwater project has shuttered an intersection in downtown Olympia through Friday ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/12/25

Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Brian Waananen now heads the City of Lacey’s Veterans Service Hub, as announced on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. He assumed the post in June 2025.

Veterans Services Hub in Lacey welcomes new coordinator from Army ranks

Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Brian Waananen, a combat veteran with 28 years of active-duty service and deployments to five foreign ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/12/25

In February 2025, the Olympia City Council approved 18 sculptures to be featured in the 2025 Percival Plinth Project.

Hundreds of Olympia residents vote on Percival Plinth Project People’s Choice Award

A total of 519 community members voted in July to select their favorite sculpture for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project, an annual public art ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/12/25

Stormwater project on tap at West Bay Park in Olympia

An upcoming stormwater project is taking aim at suspended solids, such as microplastics and trash, that enter Budd ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/12/25

The Thurston County Resource Hub Block Party takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.

Resource Hub hosting second annual Block Party on Aug. 13 in Olympia

The Thurston County Resource Hub is inviting people to its second annual Block Party on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The free event ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/12/25

Saint Martin’s University earns gold award in Best of South Sound

Saint Martin’s University received a gold award in the Higher Education category of the 2025 Best of South Sound ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/12/25

The City of Olympia secureda $1.18 million federal grant to improve pedestrian and bike safety along Martin Way with new crossings, bike lanes and safety features.

Martin Way safety improvement project in line for $1.18M in federal funding

The Olympia City Council is set to consider a resolution on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to accept roughly $1.18 million in federal funding for the Martin Way ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/11/25 | 3 comments

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution of intention to establish the Long Lake Management District No. 25 at a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.

Long Lake Management District set to return in Thurston County amid milfoil threat

Thurston County has taken the first step toward the implementation of a new Long Lake Management District after local residents warned ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/11/25 | 2 comments

City of Lacey officials and MJR Development representatives took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the HUB Apartments on Woodland Square Loop, a 50-unit complex converted from a former state office building through Lacey’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption ordinance.

HUB Apartments a result of an 8-year tax relief policy in Lacey

A former state office building in Lacey’s Woodland Square Loop reopened in early August as a 50-unit, market-rate apartment ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/11/25 | 8 comments

Intercity Transit is introducing two new routes to replace Route 620, the Olympia/Lakewood Express, starting on Sept. 7. Route 600 will be a direct, weekdays-only route to Lakewood, while Route 610 will have more stops and be available seven days a week.

Intercity Transit moving ahead with two new routes to Lakewood

Two new routes from Olympia to Lakewood are going to debut next month. The Intercity Transit Authority approved the new routes ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/11/25 | 2 comments

Olympia School District 2025–26 bus registration closes on Aug. 15

Parents and guardians of Olympia School District students, who plan to ride the bus to and from school, are running out of time to fill out a bus transportation ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/11/25

Energize Thurston ends, but federal government still offering clean energy tax credits

The Energize Thurston program has officially closed after pushing the region toward energy efficiency for ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/8/25 | 2 comments

South Puget Sound Community College earns fourth gold in Best of South Sound

South Puget Sound Community College won a gold award as Best Community College for the fourth straight year in Best of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/8/25 | 1 comment