Opinion | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Birding in Eastern Washington – Potholes region

This column is mainly about local Thurston birds, but sometimes people journey around Washington and wonder whether the birds they see will be the same as back home. Some will be – robins and … more

By George Walter | 6/8/23

"But when I am trying to overcome an obstacle, work through a personal problem or feeling, or clarify just what I am feeling, and why, I go to the poets and lyrists."

Wordsmiths are my heroes

At the risk of sounding tiresome, words have always mattered to me. Spoken or written, they can transport me to another time, place, or emotion in a blink of the eye. While I would probably rate … more

Column by Kathleen Anderson | 6/7/23 | 2 comments

Epics and mysteries galore – books at nonprofits, ocean festival, recycling volunteers

The 2023 Timberland Regional Library Summer Library Program has started and runs from June 1 to August 31. This annual program is for everyone (no matter their age) to enrich their summer with … more

Column By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 6/6/23

"You are the observer and creator of your life."

Who am I - the road to self discovery

Dear Lexis, People always say how important it is to “know” yourself, but no one seems to have any idea how you go about figuring that out. Do you have any advice on how to approach … more

Column by Alexis Rae Baker | 6/5/23 | 1 comment

Bus Buddies at an information session held at Panorama in Lacey: Volunteers from left to right: Bill Hansen, Geoff Wilkie, Marilyn Scott, JoAnn Scott, Margaret Hill, and Donna Jones. May 31, 2023.

The gift of getting around, Bus Buddy program

Out and About on Day Trips It’s a gift really. Do you hesitate to make a day trip to Ocean Shores, Tacoma, Seattle, or even locally by car? You can get there and back by bus, … more

Column by Shirley Stirling | 6/2/23 | 1 comment

Plants of the week

Three plants are having their peak moment this week: black locust trees covered in fat, pendant white blossoms; buttercups blooming everywhere, including in the lawn on the Capitol campus; and fat … more

Column by Jill Severn | 6/2/23 | 1 comment

Barn Swallow nest with young. Those flashing yellow mouths stimulate the adults to feed them.

Nesting and eggs, a colorful conundrum

It’s the breeding season for all our bird neighbors and that means there are nests and eggs all around us. But where are they? Some are easily found, for example the mud nest of the Barn … more

By George Walter | 6/1/23 | 4 comments

The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

28 Years Later, Applying Sales Tax to Gasoline Still a Good Idea

Imagine this scene: A neighbor's house is on fire. The first fire truck arrives. But instead of using water on the blaze, the firefighters throw kerosene at it. The fire burns hotter, and the next … more

Submitted by John Gear, first published in the Vancouver Columbian, May 9, 1997. | 6/1/23 | 3 comments

Make Lying Wrong Again t shirt displayed on a man.

Shirts and thoughts for pre-election year media bombardment

Well, folks, the pre-election year is upon us once again. Not for the first or last time will we be bombarded with political ads, name-calling, out and out lies, and general juvenile behavior by … more

Column by Kathleen Anderson | 5/31/23 | 3 comments

TC Media brings home two awards, and more on art and cultural nonprofits

I started writing this column highlighting local nonprofit organizations about a year and a half ago. However, 25 years before I started this column, Thurston Community Media (known as TC Media) was … more

Column By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/30/23

Stethoscope on a large pile of paperwork.

Hero in Our Midst Part 1, Prescription Opiate Epidemic Revealed

I had the recent privilege to interview a local hero who uncovered the origins and causes of the national prescription opiate crisis. He did this right here in Olympia in the WA State Department of … more

Column by Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 5/30/23 | 1 comment

Bronka, Holocaust Concentration Camp Survivor, Mountaineer & Oldest Mt. Rainier Record Holder

She is a tiny woman who radiates love and joy. Her life is inspiring and she has thrived in her life, despite early devastation. On Sunday, May 21, 2023, a ribbon-cutting event with about … more

By Shirley Stirling | 5/26/23 | 1 comment

One of the very few Himalayan blue poppies in bloom for the Rhododendron Species Foundation festival last weekend.

Are you a gardenerd or an anthophile? Our gardener seeks out her beloved Himalayan blue poppies

The fascination of Himalayan blue poppies Anyone who has seen a Himalayan blue poppy remembers when they saw one for the first time: the sudden, stunned breath of wonder at the sight of this … more

By Jill Severn | 5/26/23 | 1 comment

Our less known feathered neighbors

Editor's note: George is taking a week off. This was originally published June 9 , 2022 under the headline, " Three lesser-known bird species that are among the most interesting. " … more

By George Walter | 5/25/23

I often catch myself asking myself out loud “why did I come in here?’

Speculating on family quirks

Those of us who have raised children have a pretty good idea of what their personalities, dreams, goals, and foibles are by the time they reach adulthood…or so we like to think… … more

Column By Kathleen Anderson | 5/24/23

Small American Flags next to white marble gravestones on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Reflections, a mindful code to follow

I am sure you are aware; that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and while many of us will be celebrating with BBQ, boats, or beaches, I think it is important to take a moment to reflect on the … more

Column By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/23/23

"The power of consistency cannot be overstated."

Pushing past the fear - learning to overcome

Dear Lexis, I’ve been trying to move forward with a project that requires me to speak in front of other people and I’m finding it extremely difficult to “pull the … more

Column by Alexis Rae Bake | 5/22/23

On our third anniversary: what have we learned about producing local news for Thurston County?

On Sunday, The JOLT enters the start of Year 4 of its life as a startup news organization, one of about 1,000 hyperlocal newsrooms across the United States that have launched in the past 10 years. … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/19/23 | 18 comments

This is the place that Casey and Bridget decided would become home for now. May 12, 2023.

Arrival in the Jungle

Casey and Bridget entered The Jungle from the Martin Way entry point on the morning of Thursday, May 11, 2023. Both are from Portland, Oregon. He said he had been homeless for several … more

By JM Simpson | 5/19/23 | 5 comments

L to R: Steve Tilley, DRC 2019 Outstanding Volunteer; Anne Larsen; and Larry Jefferson Jr., Director of the Office of Public Defense, State of WA. Tilley and Jefferson nominated Anne Larsen for the 2023 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award, May 7, 2023.

Anne Larsen receives the Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award

This year’s recipient of the Dispute Resolution Center’s (DRC) Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award is an Olympia Police Department (OPD) civilian staff person, Outreach Services … more

By Shirley Stirling | 5/19/23