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

This map shows the work area near the intersection of Fones Road SE and Pacific Avenue SE in Olympia.

Nighttime flashing signals at Pacific Avenue and Fones Road

Traffic signals at the intersection of Pacific Avenue SE and Fones Road SE are going into flashing status while crews work in and around the area during ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 10/1/25

Security guard charged for alleged burglary, theft at Capital Mall

A security guard has been charged in connection with an alleged burglary at a retail store inside of ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 10/1/25 | 1 comment

The intersection of 4th Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Olympia, as seen on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 30, 2025.

City of Olympia to mark 'Week Without Driving' with 4th Avenue walk audit

A community-led walk audit in downtown Olympia is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, as part of the annual "Week Without Driving" campaign ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/30/25 | 15 comments

Two women arrested for alleged theft of Ulta Beauty products at multiple stores

Two women were taken into custody for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of Ulta Beauty products from multiple stores ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/30/25 | 1 comment

Man charged in burglary, identity theft case in Olympia

A 40-year-old Olympia man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into an attempted residential burglary and identity ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/30/25

Olympia School District proclaims October as 'Walk to School Month'

The Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed October as "Walk to School Month" at a ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/30/25 | 2 comments

A "closed for construction" was unveiled at an event to mark the start of work on the first phase of a project aimed at reimagining the Olympia Armory as a creative campus. The event was held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Work begins on future creative campus at Olympia Armory

A historic and aging structure perched atop a hill on the outskirts of downtown Olympia is undergoing a broad transformation aimed at turning it into ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/29/25 | 3 comments

City of Olympia Senior Planner Jackson Ewing talked about the current conditions at Briggs Village, the city’s only Urban Village zone, at a meeting of the Land Use and Envirornment Committee on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Olympia committee backs amendment code for Urban Village zone

The City of Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee endorsed code changes aimed at modifying development rules for Briggs Village ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/29/25 | 3 comments

Paupau Justin Tupai was charged with possession of an explosive device and second-degree arson following an incident near a gas station in Olympia on Aug. 23, 2025.

Man arrested for alleged arson near gas station in Olympia

A man is facing charges of possession of an explosive device and second-degree arson following an incident near a gas station in ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/29/25 | 3 comments

Nighttime work to take place near Fones Road and Pacific Avenue

Nighttime work is going to take place on Monday evening, Sept. 29, near the intersection of Fones Road SE and Pacific Avenue SE in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/29/25

A 9mm handgun was allegedly stolen from Private Sector Arms in Olympia by a man who ran out of the store. He was later arrested near North Thurston High School.

Convicted felon arrested after alleged gun theft at firearms store in Olympia

A convicted felon was arrested shortly after a 9mm handgun was stolen from a firearms store and later recovered near North Thurston ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/26/25 | 5 comments

The City of Olympia is set to launch a recruitment process for advisory boards, commissions and committees in October.

City of Olympia to begin recruitment for advisory boards in October

The City of Olympia is launching an annual recruitment for vacant positions on city advisory boards, commissions and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/26/25 | 1 comment

This crime snapshot details homicide, robbery, rape, felony assault and other incidents.

Olympia Police Department updates committee on crime trends, staffing challenges and tech

The Olympia Police Department (OPD) gave the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee a report on crime trends, reporting on incident data ... more

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

Olympia City Council candidate forum set for Oct. 8

The League of Women Voters of Thurston County is hosting a candidate forum at Olympia Timberland Library on Wednesday ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 9/25/25

Ron Thomas, owner of Thomas Architecture Studios, presented initial layout plans for the Port of Olympia’s new administration building. The first floor would house a large commission room, which would have the capacity for 108 people.

Port of Olympia may have new administration building in 2027

The Port of Olympia may have a new administration building by early 2027, according to an update from Thomas Architecture Studios ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/24/25 | 21 comments

Committee to review zoning changes to revitalize Briggs Village development in Olympia

The Olympia Land Use and Environment Committee is scheduled to review proposed zoning changes that could reshape development rules for Briggs ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/24/25 | 12 comments

Olympia man arrested for alleged unlawful imprisonment of woman

A 49-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 6, following allegations of unlawful imprisonment and rape at his residence in ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/24/25

About 50 people attended an event on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at Olympia Municipal Court, at which former Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton was honored.

Former Olympia Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton honored at celebratory event

A group of about 50 people paid tribute to former Olympia Municipal Court Judge Lee Creighton in a bittersweet event that blended laughter and joy with ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/24/25

A stretch of 5th Avenue in downtown Olympia, as seen on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 23, 2025.

Olympia seeks consultant for PBIA evaluation and restructure

The City of Olympia has issued a request for proposals seeking a consultant to evaluate the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), a downtown funding program that has supported business … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/23/25 | 3 comments

Utility installation work taking place on Cooper Point Road

A stretch of Cooper Point Road is going to a be a little tougher to navigate this week because of a utility installation ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 9/23/25