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

Paul Berendt, the newest member of the Olympia City Council, took the oath of office at a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Olympia City Council holds ceremonial swearing in of newly elected member

In a ceremonial swearing in, Paul Berendt took his seat as the newest member of the Olympia City Council, where he outlined his commitment ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/7/26

Olympia Spring Arts Walk artist and vendor registration window opens

The registration window is open for artists, performers, vendors and business partners for the 2026 Olympia Spring Arts ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/6/26 | 1 comment

Flags sit atop Olympia City Hall on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

Olympia revives Fire Benefit Charge discussion in draft 2026 legislative agenda

The Olympia City Council is reviving a discussion of a Fire Benefit Charge and seeking flexibility on property tax limits, as part of a draft ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/5/26 | 15 comments

Danny Burkett (back row, center), Executive Director and CEO of Our Ark, a nonprofit that serves homeless youths and young adults, stands with members of Olympia’s Elk Lodge #186 after receiving a Gratitude Grant from the lodge on Dec. 22, 2025.

Elks Lodge helps to keep Our Ark afloat

Through the efforts of Olympia’s Elks Lodge #186, Our Ark, a Lacey-based nonprofit, recently received a much needed ... more

By JM Simpson | 1/5/26 | 2 comments

A 10-foot-wide strip of right-of-way along the south side of Garfield Avenue, abutting West Bay Drive, is being considered for residential development.

Olympia City Council signals policy review on right-of-way vacation

The Olympia City Council is signaling a future policy discussion on right-of-way vacations after a vote to advance a Garfield Avenue ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/2/26 | 3 comments

Witness a filmic black-and-white production of "Wait Until Dark" from Jan. 23 through Feb. 8, 2026.

Thriller 'Wait Until Dark' to run in special monochrome effects at State Theater in downtown Olympia

The classic thriller "Wait Until Dark" by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, is coming to State Theater in a special monochrome effect to ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/2/26 | 1 comment

Olympia City Council to consider request for local food system plan

A request to explore the development of a local food system plan will come before the Olympia City Council at a meeting on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/1/26 | 4 comments

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

Ring in the new year with some library events, a party for marine wildlife and a wellness workshop this weekend in Thurston ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/1/26

Thousands of people gathered at the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia on Saturday, June 14, 2025, as part of the "No Kings" protests held across the country.

A look back at some of the top stories in 2025

The road through 2025 was paved with stories that resonated deeply with readers of The JOLT News. From the trials and tribulations of a ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/31/25 | 2 comments

Olympia seeks new hearing examiner with focus on next generation leadership

The City of Olympia is launching its quadrennial search for a new hearing examiner, with an emphasis on succession planning, public communication ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/31/25 | 3 comments

Help celebrate the National Day of Racial Healing by submitting an art or poem before Jan. 12, 2026.

Olympia residents asked to contribute art, poems to celebrate National Day of Racial Healing

The City of Olympia is inviting residents to submit a piece of art or poetry in observance of National Day of Racial Healing in ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/30/25 | 19 comments

Vehicles stacked up on 4th Avenue waiting for the red light to change at Capitol Way in downtown Olympia on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.

Olympia City Council approves traffic safety enforcement agreement with state

The Olympia City Council approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/29/25 | 2 comments

City of Olympia Associate Parks Planner Sarah Giannobile presented a Rebecca Howard Park rendering inspired by Ghana’s Sankofa symbol during an Arts Commission meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2025.

Arts commission backs design for Rebecca Howard Park in Olympia

A plan for Rebecca Howard Park features public art throughout the property, offering new opportunities for artists to showcase Olympia's Black history ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/26/25 | 12 comments

A number of Christmas tree recycling options are now available for residents of Thurston County.

Christmas tree recycling options available for residents of Thurston County

A number of Christmas tree recycling locations are now open for residents of Thurston ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 12/26/25

Centennial Elementary School of the Olympia School District earned a Culture Kickoff Award for the second year.

Centennial Elementary School honored with Culture Kickoff Award

Centennial Elementary School in Olympia earned a Culture Kickoff Award for the second straight year, affirming its commitment to fostering a sense of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/26/25 | 2 comments

Application period open for 2026 Percival Plinth Project

The City of Olympia is inviting artists from Washington and Oregon to participate in the 2026 Percival Plinth Project, an annual outdoor sculpture ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/25/25

A rendering of a proposed playground at Yelm Highway Community Park. The Olympia City Council approved the park’s equipment purchase at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

City Council approves playground equipment purchase for Yelm Highway Community Park

To save approximately $70,000, the Olympia City Council approved the early purchase of playground equipment for the future Yelm Highway ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/24/25 | 1 comment

The City of Olympia’s Parking Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Program is under review, with staff evaluating rate structure, equity and long-term operational sustainability.

Olympia City Council extends $0 PBIA assessment rate into 2026 amid ongoing program evaluation

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved a $0 assessment rate for the downtown Parking Business Improvement Area ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/23/25 | 5 comments

Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee reviewed a townhouse development proposal at 2631 Division St. NW at a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

Proposed townhouse project reviewed under Olympia’s newly updated middle housing code

A proposed residential development at 2631 Division St. NW is being reviewed under the City of Olympia’s newly implemented middle housing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/22/25 | 5 comments

Local wood artists carve the bears at every Black Bear Diner, and give them elements that fit the town each restaurant is located in.

Black Bear Diner in Olympia: 'We try to make it feel like it's home'

A West Coast diner chain has returned to Thurston County, bringing heavy helpings of food and a homey cabin feel to its ... more

By Jessie Darland | 12/22/25 | 1 comment