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

Making Sense of Olympia by David Sherer Water

Having been born and raised in Thurston County, I have fond memories wrapped up in this place. I remember when the Olympia Farmers Market was in the Shakeys Pizza parking lot, when the Carnegie … more

By Amy Lewis | 10/7/24 | 5 comments

South Sound Graduate School Fair to gather 40 institutions next week at The Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College, in partnership with the South Sound Graduate Fair Coalition, will host the first annual South Sound Graduate School Fair on October 8. The fair will be held at Evergreen … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/4/24

"... the whole purpose of being a landlord is to provide housing and services to people in exchange for rent," writes Priscilla Terry.

Olympia seeks community input this Tuesday about federal affordable housing grant

The City of Olympia will hold a public hearing in council chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to gather community input on a proposed $5.45 million grant application for affordable housing initiatives. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/4/24 | 3 comments

Olympia Finance Committee, Sept. 16, 2024. Olympia has made the minimum wage increase issue a priority, to develop an ordinance for city council consideration.

Olympia committee considers city minimum wage like Seattle's

The Olympia Finance Committee is developing a potential recommendation to the city council that would raise the minimum wage in the city as early as January 1, 2025. The committee deferred a … more

By Lorilyn Lirio and Danny Stusser | 10/3/24 | 9 comments

What’s happening this weekend– Olympia Fall Arts Walk, Lacey Children’s Fest and other festivities

Invite the whole neighborhood to visit the well-loved arts walk and children’s fest. Olympia Arts Walk, Weekend, October 4-5, September 28 Mark your calendars for a vibrant … more

10/3/24

The new 5th Avenue Bridge design includes an oculus—a large opening or hole in the middle of the bridge span—that allows visitors to observe the returning salmon and other aquatic life in the restored estuary.

Olympia City Council to vote on shared funding, governance for Deschutes Estuary project

The Olympia City Council reviewed a draft interlocal agreement for the Deschutes Estuary restoration project presented by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services on Tuesday, October 1. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/2/24

Evergreen’s Emmanuel Nicasio delivers a set piece. He scored the winner in the 90th minute against Northwest University to deliver their first win of the season.

Nicasio hands first win for Evergreen State with late winner over Northwest Univ, 2-1

Evergreen State College finally ended its losing streak with a chaotic finale. Emmanuel Nicasio scored the winning goal for the Geoducks at virtually the final kick of the match, 2-1, over Northwest … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/2/24

The potluck picnic/barbeque drew neighbors and city officials including Olympia Police Sgt. Josh Marcuson, left, Olympia City Councilmember Robert Vanderpool, center, and Bentley the Olympia Police K9 Community Dog.

Olympia's South Capitol Neighborhood Association holds potluck-barbeque

The South Capitol Neighborhood Association (SCNA) in Olympia held its potluck/barbeque picnic on Sunday, September 8 at Lincoln Elementary School. The SCNA is one of the many Recognized … more

Submitted by Gerald Apple | 10/2/24

Who can help with disaster preparedness?

The recent horrific reports of the devastation of Hurricane Helene brought to mind the need for volunteers to aid the residents affected by the storm. We in the Pacific Northwest have other … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 10/2/24 | 1 comment

Hands On Children’s Museum revives Boo Bash!

Celebrate fall as Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) brings back family-friendly thrills and spooky treats at its annual Boo Bash! this October 25-31. HOCM wrote on its event … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/1/24

Under construction road sign, traffic cones and orange safety helmet

Culvert replacement project: Road closure on Kellogg Dr NE, Olympia through October 23

Thurston County Public Works has announced a month-long road closure on Kellogg Drive NE to replace a failing culvert. The closure, spanning from 72nd Ave NE to 7203 Kellogg Dr NE, will be in … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/1/24

At a Thursday, September 26 meeting, the Olympia School District adopted a series of policies.

Olympia School District adopts policies on students, community relations, personnel

The Olympia School District (OSD) Board of Directors adopted some of its Policy Series for students, community relations, and personnel at a meeting on Thursday, September 26. The meeting … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/30/24 | 1 comment

BEFORE: Contractors used heavy machines to scoop up and remove large amounts of trash.

The Jungle gets a clean-up

City of Olympia officials notified homeless individuals living in The Jungle encampment on Monday, September 16, that the city would soon begin a “clean” of accumulated trash there, … more

By JM Simpson | 9/30/24 | 12 comments

A group of people putting their hands together

Olympia School District is in search of volunteers for its facilities planning advisory committee, student advisory council

The Olympia School District (OSD) is seeking interested volunteers for the Long Range Facilities Master Planning Advisory Committee and Student-Led Advisory Council. Long Range Facilities … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/30/24

Celebrate local Indigenous culture, history, and communities at Squaxin Park on Monday, October 14, as the City of Olympia partners with the Squaxin Island Tribe for an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration.

Indigenous People’s Day celebration planned for October 14

Olympia will join the Squaxin Island Tribe to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Squaxin Park. Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorates … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/30/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Strategic Communications Director Kelly Braseth reports 26 vacancies across ten advisory boards and committees. The application process begins in October.

City of Olympia faces 26 vacancies across advisory boards; application process to open in October

Olympia will open the recruiting process in October to fill 26 vacancies in the city's ten advisory boards and committees for 2025. At the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/27/24

Teacher helping students working at computers.

Olympia School District asks for community participation in socio-emotional survey

Olympia School District (OSD) urges students, staff, and families in grades 3-12 to answer the Panorama Fall Climate Survey from Monday, September 23, to Monday, October 7. The survey gauges the … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/27/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Fall Arts Walk 2024 Innovation Award recognizes five recipients.

Olympia Fall Arts Walk 2024 Innovation Award recipients recognized

Award for art excellence and innovation in community engagement . The City of Olympia announced the Olympia Fall Arts Walk 2024 Innovation Award recipients, a news release stated Tuesday... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/27/24

Caption: Evergreen State College’s Jessica Mitchell (#4) sets the ball for an attack from Marin Collins (right) in their win versus Warner Pacific University

Evergreen State leaps into hot form with two weekend wins

Aft e r losing their first four conference games this year , the Evergreen State College Geoducks slowly built up their winning form in two important victories over the weekend . They squeez ed past … more

By Vince Zafra | 9/27/24

What’s happening this weekend

There's likely an event coming up to suit anyone's interests -- for the environment, culture, and the arts. Day of Caring, Friday, September 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Expect to see over 500 … more

9/26/24