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

Rhyne strikes again in Evergreen women's soccer win over Providence, 1-0

It might be Peyton Rhyne’s world, and we live in it. The 22-year-old senior defender bailed out The Evergreen State College again, scoring the only goal of their 1-0 win over the … more

By Vince Zafra | 11/1/24

After pushing back on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, Thurston County Commissioners Carolina Mejia (leftmost), Tye Menser (second from the left), and Emily Clouse (rightmost) supported the motion to approve the ILA, while Commissioner Gary Edwards (second from the right) opposed it during a meeting on October 29, 2024.

Thurston County okays Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement

After a delay for review , Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement (ILA) at a meeting on Tuesday, October 29. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/31/24 | 3 comments

What’s happening this weekend—Homemade For The Holidays Bazaar, Dia de los Muertos - Altar Exhibition and other festivities

Start November with these beautifully curated events and happenings. With markets, a ball, a gala and more... more

10/31/24

Olympia’s 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan funding relies on multiple sources, with 35% from other financing, 11% from utility revenue, and 10% from the city’s fund balance.

Olympia holds public hearing on 2025-30 Capital Facilities Plan

Olympia's City Council reviewed the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), a six-year blueprint for infrastructure projects in transportation, utilities, and parks, during a public hearing on … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/30/24

Olympia City Council discusses the 2025 Ad Valorem tax plan, focusing on property tax limitations and allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, during the October 29, 2024 Public Hearing.

Olympia homeowners: Here's where your property taxes go

Olympia’s Budget and Finance Manager Joan Lutz presented the proposed rates and allocations for residents in an effort to clarify the city's property tax expectations for 2025. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/30/24 | 1 comment

Olympia Women's March takes place this Saturday, two days before November 5 election

The Olympia Women's March 2024 takes place this Saturday, November 2, beginning at 10 a.m. on the steps of the Legislative Building and ending at Heritage Park. The inclusive event … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/30/24 | 6 comments

Footprints of Fight supports families dealing with pediatric cancer

I have written about caregivers quite a bit recently, but today, I want to introduce you to a different kind of caregiving organization that is just now expanding in our area. Whether you are a … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 10/30/24

The Olympia School District has 9,022.3 full-time equivalent enrollment this October for the school year 2024-2025.

Olympia School District reports enrollment has small increase over last year's numbers

The Olympia School District (OSD) has 9,022.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment this October for the school year 2024-2025, shared Executive Director of Business and Capital Projects Kate Davis … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/28/24

Key discussions on the transportation master plan underway at the Olympia Planning Commission meeting on October 24, 2024, with Senior Planner Michelle Swanson

Olympia's Transportation Master Plan draft prioritizes 'complete' streets, expanded bike networks and community input

Olympia's Planning Commission convened on October 24 to refine the city's second draft of the transportation chapter in the city's comprehensive plan. The proposed plan sets policy changes to … more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/26/24 | 8 comments

TC-CAP’s roadmap follows a voluntary approach, taking an alternate route away from the traditional court system.

Homeless court alternative to be tested via one-year pilot program

Thurston County is set to pilot its voluntary Thurston County - Court Alternative Program (TC-CAP), a hybrid version of San Diego’s Homeless Court, through a 12-month program. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/25/24

Evergreen State’s Brieanna Dell scored a goal and ptrovided an assist in the Geoducks’s massive 9-1 home victory over the Walla Walla Wolves.

Evergreen soccer teams record two huge wins over Walla Walla in doubleheader weekend

The Evergreen State College soccer teams hosted a doubleheader feature last Sunday, October 20. Both the Geoduck teams faced the Walla Walla University soccer squads, and they made it a memorable … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/25/24

Olympia City Council, Oct. 22, 2024. Councilmembers convened for a study session, where they tackled the Workers' Bill of Rights and in-depth discussion of the same in their January retreat.

Olympia: Council to revisit Workers' Bill of Rights proposal and public engagement plan at January 2025 retreat

Though the Olympia City Council has yet to determine a clear path forward on the Workers' Bill of Rights and minimum wage increase proposals, all councilmembers agreed to have a more in-depth … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/24/24 | 2 comments

This year’s Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve features underwater cameras, salmon docents, and kids activities among many others.

Explore salmon run up close at Bayshore Preserve November 9-11

Get up close with aquatic wildlife through the annual Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve this November 9, 10, and 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Capitol Land Trust (CLT) and Puget … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/24/24

Olympia City Council, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Councilmembers hold a study session that tackles the 2025 operating budget deficit and explores potential measures to achieve a balanced budget.

Olympia proposes staff cuts, organizational changes to address the 2025 budget deficit

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney unveiled a multi-pronged plan to shrink its 2025 operating budget deficit. Among the recommendations include staff reductions, organizational changes, and the … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/23/24 | 10 comments

Water, sewer, garbage: Olympia committee proposes 3 to 7.6% increases

Olympia City officials have proposed increasing utility rates, permit, and impact fees as part of the 2025 budget, aimed at supporting critical infrastructure, and other municipal services. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/22/24 | 1 comment

Under construction road sign, traffic cones and orange safety helmet

Street closures in Olympia and Tumwater this week

Olympia is warning motorists of street closures along Washington and 4th Avenue and Cherry Streets and 18th Avenue, while Tumwater is announcing a road closure along Seventh Avenue this week. … more

10/22/24

Olympia School Board President Hilary Seidel, Squaxin Island Tribe Chairman Kris Peters and Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy secure the halyard holding the Squaxin Island Tribe's flag. October 21, 2024.

Olympia School District raises Squaxin Island Tribe flag alongside national, state flags

For the first time, the Squaxin Island Tribe’s flag was raised along with the United States and Washington State flags at a ceremony today at the Olympia School District's offices. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado and Danny Stusser | 10/21/24 | 5 comments

Former Olympia mayor Cheryl Selby (center) and some city advisory committee members.

Volunteer for Olympia: Advisory Committee applications open until Dec. 13

The City of Olympia seeks community members interested in serving on various committees. The application period is open and runs until Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at 4 pm. Planning Commission. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/21/24

Juan Mendez scored a goal in each of the two games of the Evergreen State College men’s soccer team this weekend. The Geoducks mustered four of possible six points.

Geoducks still undefeated at home after win and draw from past weekend’s games

The Geoduck Pitch is turning out to be a fortress for the Evergreen State College men’s soccer team this season. They remain without a loss in three outings at home turf in conference play. … more

By Vince Zafra | 10/21/24

Olympia’s Poet Laureate Kathleen Byrd's new book, 'Last Resort'

I’m not sure how many cities or counties in Washington State have Poet laureates. Sometimes, the position is called Civic Poet. A Poet Laureate is usually officially appointed by a … more

By Amy Lewis | 10/21/24