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At Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee meeting Thursday, September 15, 2022, Climate Program intern Louisa Sevier updated the committee members on the city's emissions inventory.

Olympia's day-to-day operations in 2021 have generated 8,262 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e), 11% less than it did in 2014, city Climate Program intern Louisa Sevier reported at the … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/16/22 | 1 comment

Olympia Fire Chief Todd Carson reported that private ambulance availability in the city has increased by 25% in July and 21% in August. Still, it did not improve response time to emergency calls. Overall the call volumes have gone up, and the availability of private ambulances is down. Carson presented the data at the Olympia City Council meeting held Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Private ambulances operating in Olympia still not meeting medical standard services, says fire chief

"Private ambulance services in the city did not meet the generally accepted medical standards and reasonable levels of service," Olympia Fire Chief Todd Carson reiterated at the city council meeting … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/16/22 | 3 comments

County wants the public’s thoughts on aid funds

Thurston County is seeking public input on which sectors should be allocated with $10 million worth of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, meant to be used for public health and economic … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/16/22

A Statue of St. Benedict at Saint Martin's University.

Saint Martin's No. 52 top performer on social mobility for regional universities in the west

LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin’s University has been ranked No. 52 among the 2022-2023 Top Performers on Social Mobility for Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World … more

9/16/22

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland during the Congress Subcommittee for Indigenous People of the United States, September 14, 2022.

Congress mulls bill granting 99-year leasing rights for Chehalis tribe

Congress mulls bill of 99-year leasing rights for Chehalis tribe By Edwin Oscar U. Gutierrez, Jr. Washington Congress’ Natural Resources met on September 14 to hear testimony on HR 6564, … more

By Edwin Oscar U. Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/15/22

Tumwater’s general government committee met on September 14 to discuss yearly amendments to the city’s municipal code.

Tumwater deliberates church signage and use

Tumwater’s General Government Committee argued an amendment to the city’s municipal code, which will allow 15-feet signage for churches in residential zone districts during their meeting … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/15/22 | 1 comment

Mrs. Green, right, spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting yesterday, September 13, 2022, about her son Timothy, whom a police officer allegedly killed.

Olympia community members want independent investigation of Timothy Green's death

Olympia community members are clamoring for an independent investigation of the August 22 shooting incident involving a police officer who allegedly killed Timothy Green, who had mental health … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/14/22 | 8 comments

Screenshot of Washington’s online voter portal.

Thurston hails September 20 National Voter Registration Day

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed Tuesday, September 20, National Voter Registration Day. The board said the proclamation shows that Thurston County is … more

By JC Medina | 9/14/22

Tumwater city administrator John Doan proposed several increases in stormwater utility fees to cover the city’s contribution to the Deschutes Estuary project.

Tumwater proposes increases in stormwater utility fees to fund Deschutes Estuary project

Tumwater is proposing several increases in stormwater utility fees to fund the city’s contribution toward the Capitol Lake-Deschutes Estuary project. During a city council work session … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/14/22 | 3 comments

At the Olympia City Council meeting yesterday, September 13, 2022, Councilmember Yen Huynh read a proclamation designating September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Month.

Olympia proclaims September Suicide Prevention Month

The Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating September 2022 Suicide Prevention Month during their September 13 meeting September is globally observed as "Suicide Prevention Month," … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/14/22

Tumwater’s public health and safety committee recommended on September 13 for Mayor Debbie Sulivan to renew the city’s contract with Thurston County prosecutors.

Tumwater moves to renew contract with Thurston County prosecutors

Tumwater’s public health committee approved the renewal of a contract to maintain legal support services provided by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The committee … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/14/22

The Thurston County Board of Health's citizen member slots are now filled during the county commissioners' meeting September 13, 2022.

County commissioners appoint three new BOH members

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially appointed three applicants for the expanded Board of Health (BOH) during the commissioners’ meeting on September 13. The three … more

By JC Medina | 9/14/22 | 1 comment

At the RFA planning committee meeting on September 12, 2022, consultant for RFA Karen Reed presented charts that reflect the impact of estimated FBC adjustments in various properties.

RFA committee discusses possible FBC adjustments

Regional Fire Authority planning committee members are considering six options to adjust the Fire Benefit Charge (FBC) formula. At the RFA planning committee meeting held Monday, September 12, … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/13/22 | 2 comments

At a meeting September 7, 2022, PBIA staff liaison Max DeJarnatt updated the advisory board on the unexpended 2022 budget.

Surplus money from underspending 2022 budget in Olympia committee

The Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Board (PBIA) is underspending its 2022 budget, according to its staff liaison Max DeJarnatt. For 2022, the city has allocated $135,000 for PBIA's … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/12/22 | 2 comments

At the presubmission conference on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Olympia's Site Planning Committee reviewed a proposed project that would provide a duplex and six cottage units at 908 Chambers Street SE.

Duplex and cottage housing development proposed on Chambers Street

Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on a proposed project to build a duplex and six cottage housing at 908 Chambers Street SE on Wednesday, September 7. In a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/12/22

Monkeypox is a new disease dangerous all over the world.

Thurston County reports first probable local case of monkeypox

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) reported the county’s first probable monkeypox case in a press statement released earlier today. According to the press release, a … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 9/9/22 | 1 comment

The Olympia School Board convened on September 8, to discuss the reports for the opening of the new school year.

Technical courses in Olympia schools described, and OSD enrollment right on target

The Olympia School District reported no noteworthy increases in the number of enrolled students for the start of the school year 2022-2023 during its regular hybrid session on September … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/9/22

Lacey may have to have a new city hall to keep up with its growth.

Lacey growing from town to city, looking at infrastructure needs

Lacey City Council discussed the city's long-term capital facilities plan, specifically its investments in its public works operations, animal services, and administration facilities during their … more

By JC Medina | 9/9/22

Four applicants failed the chief’s interview as discussed during a civil service commission meeting on September 8.

No new Tumwater police officer hired in August

Tumwater’s Civil Service Commissioners revealed that there had been no new police officer hired in August after all six applicants failed the application process. The applicants for … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/9/22

At-home COVID-19 tests are available free, by mail, to US residents.

Department of Health announces updated at-home COVID-19 testing guidance

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has announced updated guidance around COVID-19 at-home testing, including changes to how self-testing results should be reported and additional … more

9/9/22