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

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, the Olympia City Council approved an amendment to the city's camping ordinance that expands the prohibition to include rights-of-way and parklets.

Olympia approves expanded camping ban in public spaces

In a 5-2 vote, the Olympia City Council approved an amendment expanding the city's camping prohibition to include rights-of-ways and parklets. At the city council ’s meeting … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/23/24 | 6 comments

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

County mails ballots for military, overseas voters

The Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division announced on Friday, Sept . 20, that it has mailed over 10,111 ballots to military and overseas voters registered in the county. … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/23/24

A new homeowner receiving the key to their new home

Olympia to apply for federal housing grant

On Tuesday Olympia approved authorization of city staff to apply for a federal grant program aimed at removing barriers to affordable housing in the city. The U.S. Department of … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/23/24

This is an example of the outside component of a mini-split heat pump system.

Electrification rebate program coming to Tumwater, but first city must nail down details

Grant-funded rebates program to launch in January 2025 Around $400,000 will be available to Tumwater … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/20/24 | 3 comments

The Olympia City Council recognizes Interfaith Works' 50 years of dedication to promoting compassion and community service.

Olympia recognizes Interfaith Works' 50 years of community service

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Olympia City Council recognized and celebrated Interfaith Works for its 50 years of dedication to promoting human dignity and peace through interfaith understanding and … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/20/24

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says the building purchase will consolidate deputies currently split into different locations.

Thurston County okays $14 million potential purchase of Tumwater building for Sheriff’s use

At a meeting yesterday, September 17, Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the potential purchase of a building for the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) to … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/19/24 | 6 comments

Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer during the council meeting while talking about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on September 17, 2024.

Lacey Mayor Ryder reveals diagnosis during prostate cancer awareness month proclamation

In a personal announcement during Lacey’s official Prostate Cancer Awareness Month proclamation, Mayor Andy Ryder revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. … more

By JC Medina | 9/19/24

At the Olympia City Council meeting held Tuesday, City Manager Jay Burney outlined a plan, a series of baseline adjustments and staffing reductions, to reduce the projected $11.8 deficit in the 2025 operating budget down to $6.7 million.

Olympia presents a plan to shrink $11.8M operating budget deficit for 2025

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney presented a plan to the City Council to reduce a projected $11.8 million deficit in the city's 2025 operating budget to $6.7 million through staffing reductions, … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/18/24 | 6 comments

A driver deposits her ballot in the official drop box across the street from the U.S. Post Office in Lacey on Election Day last year.

County urges residents to register to vote for upcoming election

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) marked National Voter Registration Day on September 17 by emphasizing the importance of voter registration and participation. The board’s … more

By JC Medina | 9/18/24 | 2 comments

On September 17, 2024, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners proclaimed September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.

County honors Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month with proclamation

In a formal resolution adopted on September 17, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners proclaimed September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. This annual … more

By JC Medina | 9/18/24

Olympia's Washington Center for the Performing Arts reports successful season, surge in new subscribers

"Since 2018 and 2019 a lot of people moving into our area who are just now discovering us. We're also seeing a lot of people move into our area from larger cities like Dallas or Seattle, or people who have expectations for cultural and arts and entertainment"... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/24

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, Olympia Parks Director Paul Simmons discussed the Phase 1 design for the Yelm Highway Community Park, focusing on maintenance facility, environmental sustainability, and accessibility.

Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 design addresses accessibility, environmental sustainability

New park aims to address a need for additional rectangular sports fields in the city On Tuesday, the Olympia City Council approved the retention of Berger Partnership as the city's consultant to complete the Yelm Highway Community Park Phase 1 design... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/17/24 | 1 comment

During a briefing to the Planning Commission on September 11, 2024, Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong discusses the updated Advisory Board Handbook aimed at revising public comment procedures and meeting protocols.

Lacey updates Advisory Board Handbook addressing public comment policy

In response to recent disruptions in public meetings, Lacey updated its Advisory Board Handbook to improve public comment procedures and meeting protocols. The changes, outlined by Lacey … more

By JC Medina | 9/17/24

A slide from Finance Director Tad Kopf’s presentation shows the Port of Olympia’s income statement for Q2 of 2024.

International freight conditions benefited marine terminal — Port’s Q2 financial report

International freight conditions continue to benefit the Port of Olympia’s marine terminal operations, according to Finance Director Tad Kopf’s presentation to the Port Commission on … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/17/24 | 2 comments

Olympia City Council. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Olympia Economic Development Director Mike Reid presents the Olympia Strong economic development strategy, which is billed at “creating pathways to opportunity for all residents.”

Olympia Strong economic development strategy approved, addressing economic disparities

Councilmember calls to tackle systemic challenges. On Tuesday, September 10, the Olympia City Council unanimously approved the “ Olympia Strong ” economic development strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing economic disparities … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/16/24 | 3 comments

At the Olympia City Council meeting, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, Board President Aram Wheeler of the Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties (left), and the clinic's Executive Director, Zachary Duncan, speak about the need for community support and resources to address the suicide crisis.

Olympia proclaims September 2024 Suicide Prevention Month

Olympia City Council signed a proclamation on Tuesday (Sept. 1 0) designati ng September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month, with the goal of starting a conversation about mental health and the impact … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/16/24

A slide from the Department of Enterprise Services’ presentation to the Port of Olympia Commission on September 9.

DES hears Port’s concerns over shared dredging costs of Deschutes Estuary project

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) presented an update to the Port of Olympia Commission about the Deschutes Estuary project on Monday, September 9. The presentation is a … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/13/24 | 6 comments

Daiz, a service dog from Canine Companions, joins the Olympia City Council in celebrating the proclamation of National Service Dog Month on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Olympia honors service dogs; celebrates National Service Dog Month

On Tuesday, the Olympia City Council chambers were graced by a special guest: Daiz, a service dog from Canine Companions. The city council issued a proclamation recognizing September 2024 … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/13/24

Karen Sixkiller's Ember 2 wins the 2024 Percival Plinth Project People's Choice award.

Olympia City Council approves purchase of 2024 Percival Plinth Project People's Choice winner

The Olympia City Council has expressed interest in purchasing not one, but two art pieces from the 2024 Percival Plinth Project, but the city's Parks, Arts, and Recreations Department warned that … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/13/24 | 2 comments

Police Chief Jon Weiks presents the police department’s community outreach strategy for its strategic growth plan to the Public Health and Safety Committee.

Tumwater Council dissatisfied with Police Department's community outreach

Police chief reassured committee: strategic growth plan is a living document to be revisited Tumwater council members who are also part of the Public Health and Safety Committee expressed their concerns about the public engagement process that led to the police department’s strategic growth … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/13/24 | 1 comment