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

The Martin Way Crossing Strategy outlines 10 priority sites for improved pedestrian crossings along the corridor.

Thurston Regional Planning Council calls for coordinated approach to upgrades on Martin Way

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) members are urging a unified, countywide approach to upgrading the Martin Way corridor ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/9/25 | 5 comments

A location map of the Gorgas property southeast of Yelm shows proximity to Yelm Creek and Nisqually River.

Thurston County seeks public input on Gorgas Open Space tax reduction request

Thurston County residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposed 50% reduction in market value assessment for a 76.96 acre ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Shellfish harvest biotoxin closure at Budd Inlet

Recreational shellfish harvesting for all species is off limits in Budd ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Forecast calls for wind and rain in Thurston County

A stout diet of wind and rain are on tap over the next 36 hours in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/9/25

Reader opinion: 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.

Update on Lake Lawrence Lake Management District renewal

I’d like to share an update with Thurston County residents about the progress of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD) ... more

By Barry Halverson | 12/9/25

The Thurston Regional Planning Council recognized long-serving employees on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The planning council also honored outgoing members, including Chair Robin Vazquez.

Thurston Regional Planning Council recognizes dedicated employees, outgoing members

The Thurston Regional Planning Council celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outgoing council members at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/8/25

Thurston County Board Chair Tye Menser, left, and Vice Chair Wayne Fournier and Commissioner Carolina Mejia deliberated on the modified Chehalis Basin resolution during a board work session on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Thurston County supports Chehalis Basin efforts minus dam endorsement

Thurston County joined 12 jurisdictions backing Chehalis Basin flood management efforts after revising a resolution to align with its ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 1 comment

Dark clouds hovered over Percival Landing and West Bay in Olympia, as rain fell throughout Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025.

National Weather service warns of potential for landslides and flooding in Thurston County

A robust atmospheric river is expected to pound Thurston County with several inches of rain before it makes its way through the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/8/25

Dark clouds hovered over the Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia on Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, 2025.

Wet weekend ahead for Thurston County

A series of atmospheric rivers should make for sopping wet days ahead, as the bands of rain make their way into ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/5/25

Washington State Human Rights Commission Executive Director Andreta Armstrong addressed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners remotely during proclamation proceedings for Universal Human Rights Month at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Universal Human Rights Month celebrated in Thurston County with proclamation

Universal Human Rights Month was declared in Thurston County with the unveiling of a proclamation featuring a message about choosing ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/4/25 | 11 comments

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

There are a number of events taking place this weekend in Thurston County, including Breakfast with Santa at the Olympia Senior ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/4/25

Noxious Weed Control Board Chair Carol Piening addressed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners about proposed rate increases for county utility services.  She made her remarks at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Thurston County utility rate hikes receive backing from advisory boards

Thurston County utility rate increases received unanimous support from two advisory boards at a public hearing where no objections were ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/3/25 | 2 comments

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Fire and Smoke Map displayed air quality readings across western Washington on Dec. 1, 2025. Green indicators show good air quality in Thurston County, while yellow markers in Pierce County indicate moderate pollution levels that prompted the voluntary burn restriction.

Thurston County gets voluntary outdoor burn warning as Stage 1 threat looms

Thurston County residents face a choice this week between voluntary outdoor burning restrictions or potential mandatory prohibitions on ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/2/25 | 3 comments

Thurston Regional Planning Council completes planning phase of Martin Way Crossing Strategy

The Thurston Regional Planning Council has wrapped up the planning phase of the Martin Way Crossing Strategy and will present a final report ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/1/25 | 3 comments

Single-family residence, condo prices rise in Thurston County

Single-family home and condominium prices climbed in the first full month of fall, while total active listings in Thurston County were the highest in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/1/25 | 2 comments

Two people arrested after vehicle stopped for no license plates in Thurston County

A traffic stop of a vehicle with no license plates led to the arrest of two people on a variety of charges on ... more

By The JOLT Staff News | 12/1/25

The Olympia Transit Center in downtown Olympia, as seen on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

Olympia City Council to get update on Intercity Transit’s 2026 system overhaul

The Olympia City Council is expected to receive a briefing about Intercity Transit’s planned system redesign, which will transform bus service ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/28/25 | 11 comments

Thurston Conservation District unveiled a "Forestry Services" web page featuring forestry assistance, property tax relief options and links to federal conservation programs.

New web page connects Thurston County landowners to forestry services

Thurston County landowners can now book forestry site visits and apply for tax breaks through a newly launched web page from the Thurston ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/27/25 | 2 comments

Thurston County Noxious Weeds program staff remove dfloating primrose-willow from Chambers Lake in Lacey. The county extracted 1,500 pounds of the state-banned invasive plant over three days using only hand-pulling methods.

Thurston County sees success in weed battle at Chambers Lake

After three years of targeting the floating primrose-willow, Thurston County Public Works Department staffers finally purged 1,500 pounds of the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 11/27/25 | 4 comments

Tenino Holiday Market returns on Nov. 28-30

The 6th annual Tenino Holiday Market is returning for the Thanksgiving ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 11/27/25