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Olympia Public Works Director Mark Russell discussed the potential impact on local projects if federal funding is lost during a city council study session on budget sustainability and the 2026 operating budget held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Olympia's sanctuary city status puts $11.9M in local projects at risk

The City of Olympia is bracing for potential federal funding cuts that could impact up to $11.9 million in public works projects due to its sanctuary status. At a city council study … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/14/25 | 18 comments

Thurston County plans to launch "Fish Wars" events in honor of Billy Frank Jr.,  taking inspiration from Pierce County’s successful commemoration. As pictured, a portrait of Frank was featured during Pierce County’s regular council meeting wherein a resolution proclaiming March 9 as “Bill Frank Jr. Day”

DEI governance programs carry forward 'Fish Wars' resistance in Thurston County

Coupling tribal history with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training, Thurston County is partnering with South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) to reposition ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/14/25 | 19 comments

After a multi-day manhunt, 10-time felon Damien Madison was captured trying to cross the Nevada-California border on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Felon Damien Madison captured after multiday manhunt

Felon Damien Madison, 27, was captured Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to slip across the Nevada–California border in a vehicle, according to a social media post from Thurston County … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/14/25 | 10 comments

Two TCSO deputies were injured after a fight with a man suspected of harassment of a public defender on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Man arrested after alleged assault on 2 sheriff's deputies

Two deputies from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) were injured after they responded to a report of harassment. on Tuesday, May 13. Deputies went to the suspect’s … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/14/25 | 2 comments

Health board approves landmark Health Equity report, highlighting racial, economic disparities

The Thurston County Board of Health officially approved its inaugural Journey to Health Equity report, a comprehensive analysis of health disparities across ... more

By JC Medina | 5/14/25

Noelle Gordon (left), a Procurement Coordinator for Intercity Transit, briefed the Intercity Transit Authority about the purchase of three new vans for the agency’s Village Vans program on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Intercity Transit purchases replacement vehicles for Village Vans program

The Intercity Transit Authority authorized General Manager Emily Bergkamp to purchase three new vans for its Village Vans program on ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/14/25 | 2 comments

Applications being accepted for Lacey Youth Council

The City of Lacey is accpeting applications for the Lacey Youth Council from 2025-26 sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend private or public schools ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 5/14/25

Thurston County’s Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jane Futterman briefed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on statutory conflicts affecting the Salary Commission during the board’s agenda setting meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Thurston County’s Salary Commission in limbo over state law conflict

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) grappled to reconcile two incompatible appointment requirements during an agenda ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/13/25 | 2 comments

TRPC calls for proposals for operational analysis of detour routes

The Thurston Regional Planning Council has issued a call for proposals to conduct an operational analysis of Thurston County's emergency detour routes ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/13/25

After an alleged road rage incident, the suspect fled the scene but was later on captured. His vehicle showed signs of damage consistent with the reported collision.

Man arrested after alleged road rage incident results in death of another motorist

A man is in custody following a deadly road rage incident that occurred Saturday night in the area of Monique Court SE and Holmes Island Road SE in ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/13/25 | 3 comments

The Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Board discussed the upcoming Metropolitan Park District (MPD) ballot measure at its May 7, 2025, meeting, providing details about the Aug. 5 election proposition that could impact the city's parks and recreational services.

Lacey board outlines plan for parks funding ballot measure

The Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Board discussed the upcoming Metropolitan Park District (MPD) ballot measure at its May 7 meeting, providing details ... more

By JC Medina | 5/13/25 | 2 comments

Mustafa Mohamedali, a member of the Islamic Center of Olympia, accepted the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation during the Lacey City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Lacey declares May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Lacey City Council proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the community’s contributions to ... more

By JC Medina | 5/13/25 | 3 comments

Tree work to impact vehicular traffic at Squaxin Park on May 20-21

A hazardous tree work project at Squaxin Park in Olympia will impact vehicular traffic at the location on Tuesday, May 20 and ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 5/13/25 | 1 comment

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as Prairie Appreciation Month to recognize the region’s endangered native grasslands and to honor volunteers, ranchers and indigenous communities who steward prairie lands.

Decline of South Puget Sound prairies are a conservation priority in Thurston County

South Puget Sound’s native prairies are now listed as one of the state’s rarest ecosystems, as The Nature Conservancy confirmed prairie lands have dwindled to under ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/12/25 | 14 comments

Damien Madison, the alleged suspect of firing at a TCSO deputy during a car chase on May 8, remains at large. TCSO is offering $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to his arrest.

Damien Madison remains at large; $1,000 reward offered for information on shooting suspect

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of man wanted for allegedly shooting at a deputy during a car chase ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/12/25 | 4 comments

A crew member secured the Artemis EF-12 Escape at a Port of Olympia dock on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Redefining water travel

An evolutionary development in water travel pulled up and docked at the Port of Olympia on May 8, amid a backdrop of local dignitaries and special guests who gathered to get a feel for what future … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/12/25 | 10 comments

Darton Riely-Gibbons, of AKS Engineering and Forestry, presented one of the renderings of Fieldstone Apartments 15 residential buildings, which will provide 272 affordable units. Olympia's Design Review Board approved the project on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Olympia Design Review Board approves Fieldstone Apartments with conditions

The Olympia Design Review Board has approved the Fieldstone Apartments project, a 272-unit affordable housing development ... more

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

Thurston Regional Planning Council to present strategic framework for bicycle connectivity

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is spearheading a comprehensive Bicycle Connectivity Strategy (BCS) to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for bicyclists across the county. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/12/25

The Lacey City Council honored retiring Lacey Police Department Commander Jim Mack, center, on May 6, 2025, with a formal commendation recognizing his 35 years of dedicated service to the community.

City bids farewell to longtime Lacey Police Department Commander Jim Mack after 35 years of service

The Lacey City Council honored retiring Lacey Police Department Commander Jim Mack on Tuesday, May 6, with a formal commendation recognizing his 35 years ... more

By JC Medina | 5/12/25

Brad Medrud is currently the deputy director of Tumwater’s community development department and has worked with the city for nine years. He will be the department’s new director starting June 2, 2025.

Tumwater mayor appoints new community development director

Brad Medrud will be the director of the Tumwater’s community development department starting on June 2, Mayor Debbie Sullivan announced at a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/12/25