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

Tumwater approves agreement to maintain Palermo Treatment Lagoon

The Tumwater City Council approved an interlocal agreement between Tumwater and the Washington Department of Transportation (WDOT) to maintain the Palermo Treatment Lagoon Thursday, May 19. … more

By Tiziana Piatos | 5/20/22 | 1 comment

Alleged no-contact order violator arrested after four-hour standoff

A man accused of violating a no-contact order was arrested on Wednesday, May 18, after a four-hour standoff against Tumwater police and the Thurston County SWAT team. Officers were dispatched to a … more

By Julia Ornedo | 5/19/22

Tumwater annexes 11 parcels into city

City staff urged Tumwater's city leaders to make annexing twelve "islands" a top priority for the council. In his report to the city council yesterday, Tumwater planning manager Brad Medrud said … more

By Tiziana Piatos | 5/19/22

The scales of justice represent the balance between fairness and injustice.

Boyfriend allegedly assaults partner

A Shelton man was arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in her Tumwater apartment over suspicions of cheating. Tumwater police arrested the suspect, 24, after his girlfriend … more

By Julia Ornedo | 5/17/22

Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley, shown at a Tumwater City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.

Tumwater proclaims May 15-21 Emergency Medical Services Week

The Tumwater City Council declared May 15-21 as Emergency Medical Service Week at its meeting Tuesday, May 3. “I encourage all people to join in this observance to recognize those who give … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/16/22

Regional Fire Authority committee members meet on Monday to discuss the public outreach for RFA plan.

Olympia, Tumwater to hold public event on the Regional Fire Authority plan May 19

The cities of Olympia and Tumwater will co-host an online event on May 19 at 6 p.m. to provide opportunities for a public discussion about the Regional Authority (RFA) plan. In an RFA committee … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/10/22 | 1 comment

This drawing shows the "Alternative A" conceptual design for Tumwater’s new maintenance and operations facility.

Community members oppose location of planned Tumwater maintenance facility

Plans to build a new Operations and Maintenance Facility for Tumwater have come under scrutiny as residents oppose the long-planned project. “We want the city to call time-out and pause this … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/6/22

Tumwater man arrested over alleged theft

A Tumwater man was arrested after allegedly stealing food from a grocery store. Mohammed Ali Cobian, 42, was arrested on April 28 after a reported theft at the Safeway on Cleveland Avenue. The … more

By Julia Ornedo | 5/6/22

Tumwater's Barclift Park will receive a prefabricated restroom under the plans approved by the city council on May 3, 2022.

Tumwater council approves Barclift Park and Tumwater Hill park restroom improvements

The Tumwater council in its session on Tuesday, May 3, authorized mayor Debbie Sullivan to sign a public works contract with KBH Construction Co., of Olympia, $215,900 for restroom improvement … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/5/22

The dashed line shows the Urban Growth Boundary surrounding the city of Tumwater. The city is proposing to annex all 12 parcels into the city.

Tumwater council planning to annex remaining 12 “islands” into city limits

The Tumwater City Council has approved staff recommendations to schedule final deliberations for the city to annex 12 “islands” in the coming months. These “island” … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/4/22 | 1 comment

The southbound portion of US 101 in red will have increased traffic until September due to construction and repairs.

Construction ongoing on US 101 southbound as it joins I-5

Southbound US 101 as well as the highway’s onramp to northbound I-5 will undergo construction from May to September. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/3/22 | 1 comment

Kimmie Street to undergo roadwork Friday

Kimmie Street SW’s 9300 block near its 93rd Avenue will have a reduced, alternating lane Friday, April 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tumwater Transportation & Engineering Services Department … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 4/27/22

Amy Buckler update the Olympia City Finance Committee members on Thurston Strong Recovery and Reset program on April 20, 2022.

Thurston Strong’s Phase 2 Recovery and Reset Program now underway, says Olympia economic planner

Implementation of Thurston Strong’s phase 2 Recovery and Reset program – which translate to an $11 million investment – is underway, according to Olympia strategic projects manager … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/25/22

Cops cannot engage in pursuits as SB 5919 fails, says TPD chief

Tumwater Police Chief Jon Weiks expressed concerns about the police’s limited authority to engage in pursuits as Senate Bill 5919 failed to get support for a vote. SB 5919 would have allowed … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/15/22

Tumwater Police Department Chief Jon Weiks gives an update on 2021 police data at the city’s Public Health Safety Committee meeting.

Tumwater police chief: TPD receives less calls for service during pandemic year

COVID-19 lockdowns decreased calls for service from the Tumwater Police Department, Tumwater Police Chief Jon Weiks said during the city’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/13/22

TPD Police Chief Jon Weiks shows a photo of K9 James enjoying children's attention during the dog’s heyday.

Tumwater police looking for new police dog

The Tumwater Police Department is in the process of getting a new canine to replace K9 James, who is nearing the end of his service in the department. According to TPD Chief Jon Weiks, K9 James … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/13/22

The Barnes Lake district is generally bounded by the roads that surround the area outlined in blue.

Barnes Lake rate hearing rescheduled to May 5

Tumwater’s Public Works Committee has rescheduled a public hearing for the Barnes Lake Management District (BLMD) regarding a proposed 5% annual increase to the district's rates and … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/13/22

The Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Planning Committee of Olympia and Tumwater met on Monday to iron out its work plan as a preparation for the presentation to the city councils on April 19.

Merging fire departments: April 19 set for presentation to Tumwater and Olympia city councils

The Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Planning Committee of Olympia and Tumwater will present its work plans to the city councils on Tuesday, April 19. In its Monday meeting, members of the RFA … more

By JC Medina | 4/12/22

Water Resources specialist Carrie Gillum, of Tumwater Water Resources and Sustainability department, presents to Public Works Committee the programs they are undertaking to encourage the consumers to conserve water.

Tumwater offers incentives to residents joining water conservation programs

Tumwater Water Resources and Sustainability (TWRS) will give incentives to its water customers who participate in conservation programs. Tumwater Water Resources Specialist Carrie Gillum said it … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/11/22

Don Carney, Capital Projects manager, is giving the Tumwater Public Works Committee an update on the Historic Brewery Tower renovation during the committee meeting held on April 7, 2022.

Tumwater’s capital projects seek additional $11K for the historic Brewery Tower for seismic work

The Tumwater Public Works Committee will recommend that the city council approve an additional $11,025 for the historic Olympia Brewery Tower renovation. In justifying the request for additional … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/11/22