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

Youth exhibitors led their cattle at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, where the county will hold its first youth livestock exposition on April 25-26, 2026.

Thurston County to hold first youth livestock exposition in April

Aiming to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders, Thurston County will hold its inaugural youth livestock exposition next ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/20/26 | 1 comment

"Reanimated" by Matthew Wang of Olympia High School.

Olympia High School student’s artwork wins top prize at regional art show

Students from schools in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater were some of the winners of the 2026 Regional High School Art Show, with Matthew Wang of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/19/26 | 3 comments

Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development Director Ashley Arai spoke to county commissioners about the Home Energy Score ordinance at a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

County commissioners approve Home Energy Score ordinance

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance requiring home sellers to conduct Home Energy Score ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/18/26 | 22 comments

A narcotics bust netted a number of items related to drug dealing. Two individuals were arrested at a residence in the Yelm area on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Two people arrested for alleged drug dealing, $14,000 in cash seized

Two alleged drug dealers were arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence in the Yelm ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 3/18/26 | 1 comment

South Sound Reading Foundation to celebrate 25 years with signature events 

The South Sound Reading Foundation is celebrating 25 years of promoting reading across the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/18/26 | 1 comment

Timberland Regional Library to lay off dozens of workers

Dozens of Timberland Regional Library employees have been notified they will lose their jobs in spring amid a budget crisis that is reshaping ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/17/26 | 11 comments

The Port of Olympia is joining the Washington Public Ports Association’s (WPPA) Maritime Industrial Base Coalition in a move aimed at restoring the state's competitiveness in the shipbuilding industry.

Port of Olympia joins coalition formed to support shipbuilding industry

The Port of Olympia is putting its weight behind a large effort to bolster the shipbuilding industry by joining the Washington Public Ports Association’s ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/16/26 | 9 comments

Rain on the way to Thurston County as winter winds down

The final week of winter is shaping up to be a wet one, with rain likely through Friday, March 20, before the odds of precipitation lessen this ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/16/26

The Washington State Capitol building can be seen in the backdrop amid snow that fell in downtown Olympia on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Snow falls in Thurston County as an atmospheric river moves through region

An atmospheric river delivered as predicted, bringing rain and snow to Thurston County on ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/13/26

Flood watch issued for Thurston County

An abundance of rain over the past few days, coupled with the likelihood of more precipitation, has led to a flood watch being issued for ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/12/26

Atmospheric river moving into Pacific Northwest

An atmospheric river is taking aim at the Pacific Northwest and is expected to bring more rainfall to Thurston County before ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/11/26 | 1 comment

The Tenino Arts Spring Market will return to The Kodiak Room on March 13-15, 2026.

Tenino Arts Spring Market to showcase local creativity this weekend

The free, family-friendly Tenino Arts Spring Market will return on March 13-15 at The Kodiak Room to showcase a variety of crafts by 36 local ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 3/10/26

Transportation Policy Board to review $16M grant cycle

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) staffers will brief the Transportation Policy Board on the upcoming ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/9/26 | 2 comments

Cold front to bring heavy dose of wind and rain to Thurston County

A cold front passing through the Pacific Northwest is expected to produce chilly, wet and windy conditions over the next couple of days in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/9/26

Washington Supreme Court rules on petition to recall Commissioner Emily Clouse

An effort to oust Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse from office ended after the Washington Supreme Court upheld a lower ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/2/26 | 9 comments

Rain likely over next two days in Thurston County

A string of sun-splashed days with daytime highs in the mid-50s is about to give way to weather more reminiscent of the final weeks of winter in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/2/26

Food inspection results in Thurston County – March 2, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

Compiled By Vanessa Jane Casabuena | 3/2/26 | 9 comments

Median home price drops, inventory levels swell in Thurston County

The Thurston County housing market was a bit mixed to start the year, with the median sales price for a single-family home and condominium heading in different ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/27/26 | 1 comment

A man was taken into custody shortly after his motorcycle got stuck in the woods while he was allegedly trying to evade law enforcement authorities on Feb. 25, 2026.

Motorcyclist gets a break, then ends up in jail for reckless driving

A man was taken into custody after a failed effort to evade law enforcement authorities ended with his motorcycle stuck in the ... The pursuit … more

By The JOLT Staff | 2/27/26 | 1 comment

Timberland Regional Library eyeing layoffs to help address budget deficit

A multimillion-dollar budget deficit has Timberland Regional Library in the throes of cost-cutting decisions, as it aims to get ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/26/26 | 11 comments