It’s right there in the headline: The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater has been producing original local news stories for five years as of today.
Some would say we’ve come a long way since May 20, 2020. We’ve grown our editorial staff from one volunteer to some 18 people, including an experienced executive editor, Wyatt Haupt, Jr., who joined us last December. (A belated welcome. Story soon!)
Our reporters and columnists have produced more than 5,000 local stories. Our reporting has had impact — we were first to expose a candidate voters decided was too dangerous to elect, saved endangered species from dynamite blasts, helped Tumwater and Olympia voters to decide about a complex ballot issue. Along the way, we’ve won national awards, too.
But the full story is more complicated and, well, still very risky.
On our fifth anniversary, here are five things to know about The JOLT:
Besides several volunteer columnists and our volunteer board of directors, about 20 people have stepped up to help us tell others about local news at public events, help out in the office and manage our computer technologies. We’re very grateful to all of these people.
All local. Nearly all fully original (we sometimes will bring you stories from other publishers, too, but all focused on Thurston County issues).
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! We don’t make promises we can't deliver, but please know that we’re looking into new methods of reporting and delivery — think video and audio. More local lifestyle stories. And we’re developing a high school sports section, too.
Advertising will likely never support our operations. Surprised? Read about it here. But The JOLT’s ad services provide great value for up to about 18 advertisers at a time. Curious about advertising in The JOLT or The Daily JOLT newsletter? Click here!
The IRS determined that we’re a “public charity,” so for those who itemize their tax deductions, gifts to The JOLT News Organization are deductible. (We’re also “qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 or 2522,” whatever those are, the IRS told us.) Plain English: We’re ready and legal to accept contributions of appreciated stock, crypto and other assets. Please.
Every weekday, The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater (The JOLT) brings you original, accurate and timely news about what’s happening in Thurston County. It isn't easy to do. We need more and regular support from local people here to ensure that The JOLT’s journalism continues to be free for all.
We need to raise $265,000 this year from local contributors. If just 18% of our 7,700 subscribers to The Daily JOLT newsletter kicks in $15.99 per month, we can hit that target.
Please consider making a monthly contribution to support our daily work.
Thank you for supporting The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Danny Stusser is the publisher of The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater and the executive director of The JOLT News Organization.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Grailking
Thanks JOLT for five years of LOCAL news and service to our Thurston County communities!
Tuesday, May 20 Report this
KarenM
Thank you to The Jolt for giving us a local news source that is free to access. The coverage you provide for local government activities is critical. I enjoy the range of topics you include. Local columnists add flavor.
This is such a valuable service.
Tuesday, May 20 Report this
Njoy2be
Great seeing and talking w you all at the fair Saturday!! Love what you all do keeping us informed about our communities! Please keep it up.
Tuesday, May 20 Report this
BobJacobs
Thanks for welcoming reader comments on all articles. It is very valuable to have other information and opinions, especially in this government town with so many well informed and educated people.
Bob Jacobs
Tuesday, May 20 Report this
KatAshe
Congratulations Danny, and your entire staff. I’renewed’ my ‘annual subscription’ last night.
It s sad how meaningless the Olympian had become since I moved to Olympia in 1997. I’m a lifelong supporter and former subscriber to print news, but the hedge funds and similar have destroyed real print news in the last 20 years, in particular local community newspapers, so now we depend on news sources like the JOLT.
Thank you
Wednesday, May 21 Report this