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

Jeff Peterson (right), a Senior Procurement Coordinator at Intercity Transit, briefed the agency’s board of directors on Wednesday, March 21, 2025, about a $15.5 million contract with Avaap USA, Workday Inc., and Trapeze to implement an enterprise resource planning and enterprise asset management system for the agency.

Intercity Transit Authority approves $15.5M contract for new enterprise management system

The Intercity Transit Authority authorized General Manager Emily Bergkamp to sign a $15.5 million contract for the implementation of an enterprise resource planning ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/23/25

An 11-time convicted felon was arrested after he was identified as the suspect in a major burglary. Two other suspects connected to the felon were also arrested.

Arrest made in multi-agency burglary investigation

A recent burglary investigation led by the Lacey Police Department (LPD) resulted in the arrest of 11-time convicted felon and the recovery of numerous stolen ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/23/25 | 6 comments

On Wednesday, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Tumwater School District Board and superintendent honored high-achieving students.

Tumwater School District honors achievers in sports, performances

Tumwater School District Board members and Superintendent Kevin Bogatin read proclamations on Wednesday, May 21, to congratulate several students, who excelled in wrestling, dance and music in the … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/23/25

TCSO is looking for information on a suspect (shown in the photo above), who evaded from authorities after car pursuit.

Suspect flees after police chase, authorities seeking information

Law enforcement agencies from multiple jurisdictions were involved in a vehicle pursuit on Tuesday, May 20, after a suspect in an H3 Hummer attempted to evade ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/23/25

Woman arrested in attempted check fraud at local bank

A woman was arrested on May 12 after reportedly attempting to cash a fraudulent check at a local bank, according to Olympia Police Department (OPD). The incident occurred around 4:54 p.m. at … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/23/25 | 1 comment

Thurston County approves $963K contract for Safe Routes to School Project

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners awarded a $963,246.39 contract to Sterling Breen Crushing of Centralia for the Pleasant Glade ... more

By JC Medina | 5/22/25 | 1 comment

Members of the Intercity Transit Authority (ITA) approved a contract on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1765, which represents the agency’s bus drivers, Dial-a-Lift dispatchers, and customer care representatives. From left to right, Kelly Von Holtz, ITA member; Sue Pierce, ITA vice chair; Carolyn Cox, ITA chair; Peter Stackpole, IT development director; Jeffrey Myers, IT legal counsel, and Wendy Goodwin, ITA member.

Intercity Transit ratifies contract with bus drivers union

Intercity Transit approved a new contract with the union that represents its bus drivers on Wednesday, May 21. The transit agency and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1765, which ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/22/25

City of Olympia Senior Planner David Ginther presented a Capital Mall Triangle subarea plan that includes mid-block connections, which demonstrates an approach to transform the area into a more walkable urban environment. He made the presentation to the city council on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Olympia City Council approves ordinance to reshape Capital Mall Triangle area

The Olympia City Council approved the first reading of a planned action ordinance to reshape the Capital Mall Triangle area into a complete urban neighborhood ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/22/25

Chevron employee accused of luring 15-year-old into back room for a kiss

An employee at a Chevron gas station on Pacific Avenue SE in Olympia was arrested on May 11, following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/22/25 | 2 comments

The Lacey City Council recognized Kurt Cavalier Jr. as the 2025 Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Kurt Cavalier Jr. honored as Washington Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year in Lacey

The Lacey City Council recognized Kurt Cavalier Jr. as the 2025 Washington State Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year during its regular council meeting ... more

By JC Medina | 5/22/25 | 1 comment

Thurston County jail sergeant arrested for alleged voyeurism

A sergeant employed at the Thurston County jail has been arrested following a criminal investigation into allegations of ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/22/25

Early conceptual renderings of the Waterfront Center from a presentation by Camilla St. Onge, the port’s strategic initiatives director, to the Port of Olympia Commission on March 18, 2024.

Port commission explores future of Waterfront Center

The Port of Olympia Commission discussed the next steps for the proposed Waterfront Center now that the port has decided to relocate its administrative offices to a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/21/25 | 6 comments

LOTT Clean Water Alliance board members and executive officials reviewed the proposed layout and budget projections for the new Martin Way Pump Station during a board meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The station handles more than 80% of Lacey’s wastewater and will include a bypass pipe, stormwater pond and self-cleaning wet well by 2029.

Lacey urban growth spurs LOTT to modernize sewer system

For 35 years, the Martin Way Pump Station has served the City of Lacey by processing more than 8 million gallons a day through its original generator, pumps, and wet well, components ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/21/25 | 1 comment

The Olympia City Council approved a new permit grant program on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. With initial funding, the program could support two large affordable housing projects of more than 50 units and a variety of smaller or medium-sized developments.

Olympia approves permit fee grant program; targets 50% area median income housing

The Olympia City Council approved a new permit fee grant program to reduce development costs for affordable housing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/21/25 | 2 comments

Students protest alleged sexual harassment at Tumwater Middle School

A third-party investigator is set to probe an unspecified instance of student-to-student sexual harassment at Tumwater Middle School following a sidewalk protest ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/21/25

Thurston County OKs contract to rehabilitate affordable senior housing

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners approved a $950,000 contract with the Housing Authority of Thurston County (HATC) to rehabilitate 24 units of ... more

By JC Medina | 5/21/25

On The JOLT’s 5th Anniversary

It’s right there in the headline: The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater has been producing original local news stories for five years as of today. Some would say we’ve … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/20/25 | 5 comments

The Dancing Goats, as seen at the Dancing Goats Coffee building at 200 Market St. NE in Olympia on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Port of Olympia expands contract with architecture firm to support relocation of admin offices

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized the expansion of a contract with its on-call service engineering and design service ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/20/25 | 5 comments

The Olympia Finance Committee endorsed a funding strategy for the Hands On Children's Museum expansion on Monday, May 19, 2025. The recommendation will be forwarded to the city council on June 17 for consideration.

Olympia Finance Committee approves $20M bond for Hands On Children's Museum expansion

Olympia's Finance Committee approved a $20 million bond sale to support the Hands On Children's Museum's expansion plan. The plan aims to address ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/20/25 | 7 comments

Tumwater School District sets stricter standards for public comment in board meetings

Community members signing up to attend regular Tumwater School District Board meetings will now have to be reviewed and approved ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/20/25 | 5 comments