TOP STORIES

Olympia City Council backs emergency ordinance to address affordable housing crisis 

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Olympia City Council approved an emergency ordinance that aims to reduce barriers and increase the supply of affordable housing in the community.   The city recognized that …
The Tumwater City Council and the Planning Commission held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
Work that started in 2022 to amend Tumwater’s various tree codes may get delayed again, as a draft plan for city staff shows the work would pause in 2025.   Brad …
Read more.
An effort is underway to remove Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse from office. 
Read more.
Jon Pettit, co-owner of a 5-acre parcel at 2400 Morse Road, outlined a plan for a potential residential development at an Olympia Site Plan Review Committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee assessed the proposed land use for a 5-acre parcel at 2400 Morse Road, which presents opportunities for new housing.    …
Read more.
The Saints men’s basketball team huddled in a timeout as head coach Aaron Landon gave instructions.
Piggybacking from their hot form from preseason tournaments, the men’s basketball team of Saint Martin’s University opened conference play for the 2024-25 season with two wins ...
Read more.
Early fall is lovely; so is late fall, and the same may be true for us.
In a recent issue of The Atlantic, Jonathon Rauch reviews two books about what it means to be over 65 in America. Here’s one of its cheerier bits of data: “Eighty is the new 68, …
Read more.
A confluence of lower total employment and fewer people in the civilian labor force helped keep the jobless rate steady in Thurston County in October.
Read more.
Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huynh asked the city to balance compassion for homeless individuals with the city's limited resources.
As Olympia struggles to address homelessness, city council members highlighted the challenges of balancing compassion and limited resources in the face of an influx from nearby communities.  …
Read more.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) took action on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, censuring Commissioner Emily Clouse for ethical lapses while restoring her regional responsibilities.
Commissioner Emily Clouse faced a public censure Wednesday, Dec. 11, after Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) found she had engaged in “deliberate, deceptive behaviour.” …
Read more.
The Thurston County Board of Health officially declared loneliness, isolation and the lack of social and emotional connections as a public health crisis during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
The Thurston County Board of Health (BOH) officially declared loneliness, isolation, and the lack of social and emotional connections as a public health crisis.    The declaration, …
Read more.
JASCOM Director Sarah Hock announced that one of the most anticipated events of the year, Santa Paws, is set to return on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, 2024.
The Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) said it is gearing up for a series of events this month, aimed at finding homes for animals and bringing joy to pet owners during the holiday season. …
Read more.
Life
Weekend Roundup

What’s happening this weekend— holiday performances and fundraisers

Join local performances to welcome the spirit of glee and donate at fundraisers for the spirit of giving.

Scoters – marine birds of winter 

If the only birds you see are the ones at your bird feeder or those birds you see around the neighborhood; you may not be familiar with some of our more common birds of winter, the scoters. There are three …

14th annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition returns to Leonor R. Fuller Gallery 

Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is hosting the 14th annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition from Jan. 6 to Feb. 7, 2025, with the theme “Forgotten …

Hiking books for the casual hiker

In a couple of weeks, I am going to do a 2024 books of the year column. I’d love your input. For this, it’s not necessary to be a local book, but it could be. What book …
Police Blotter

Police Blotter for Thursday, December 12, 2024

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On 12/12/24 at 11:26 a.m. in the 1300 block of Allegheny Court SE, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Zachary David Bourdon, 31, on suspicion of no contact …

FREE NEWS - SUBSCRIBE HERE
Expect wonderful things from JOLT, every morning in your inbox.
 
And please note, we'll never sell your contact info.
 
Thanks!
 
 
 
Opinions: Yours & our columnists
What the WAC? 
The Washington Administrative Code, affectionately known as “The WAC,” is the rule of the land in Thurston County and the Evergreen State. It is the collective name for all state-level …
Elderhood roundtables and other elder issues
It is entirely possible that we all know someone who is dreading the upcoming holiday season. It could be because of the recent loss of a loved one, the home they had to give up due to health …
Another potpourri of sorts and Merry Christmas 
We wonder how many of our readers have thought lately that all we do is promote local businesses that concern animals. it does seem to be the case.  However, it is the holiday season, and we are …
The Big Shorts Festival takes place on Dec. 20 in Olympia
If you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, let me recommend The Big Shorts Festival.   On Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, the Olympia Film Collective will present The …
Squash 'n sprouts salad
As we move into winter, squash varieties become more prevalent in our markets. One of my favorites is butternut squash. It has a mild, comforting flavor. Paired with Brussels sprouts, it becomes a …
Olympia headlines
Port of Olympia Commissioners Amy Evans Harding and Jasmine Vasavada were elected to a newly created subcommittee that will oversee master planning efforts for the Port Peninsula.   …
Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) announced “Hibernate, A Celebration of Rest, Home, and Creativity,” a new exhibition featuring art installations by students from Olympia schools, …
Downtown Olympia faces significant flooding risks and infrastructure strain, as rising sea levels push groundwater levels higher, a groundwater study revealed at the Olympia Sea Level Rise …
The Olympia School District (OSD)’s Teaching & Learning, Technology, and Student Support staff updated the school board on the 2024-25 Professional Development (PD) Plan mid-year …
The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) approved the award of $19.7 million in federal transportation funding to a slate of projects across the region. The funding will support critical road, …
Tumwater headlines
The Tumwater City Council voted to pass a resolution on Tuesday, Dec. 3, providing a policy statement that affirms the council’s “commitment to equality, dignity, and protection of civil …
The Tumwater Fire Department nominated Scott Piper as firefighter of the year.   The proclamation was made on Tuesday, Dec. 3, during the Tumwater City Council meeting where Piper was given …
A desire to expand its footprint in the city of Tumwater has Costco Wholesale on a path to develop a new location in the southwest part of town.
Thurston County
District Five Commissioner Emily Clouse expressed deep regret about her decision to be in a relationship with a Thurston County employee, and shared her commitment ...
Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) certified the 2025 Property Tax Levies for the General Fund, Roads, Medic One, and Conservation Futures to the County Assessor for collection …
Efforts to close the racial wealth gap through homeownership could expand to Thurston County, as the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) evaluates the next steps in exploring the Black Home …
Lacey headlines
The Saint Martin’s volleyball team closed out their season with a 26-24, 25-20 and 25-16 loss to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, on Nov. 23.  …
On Dec. 3, the Lacey City Council unanimously passed a proclamation declaring the city's commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for all.    The …
The Lacey City Council unanimously voted to establish a permanent Human Services Commission during its public meeting on Dec. 3.   The new commission will provide recommendations on …
Enjoy a breakfast with Santa or visit one of the Christmas fundraisers and activities.   Signing Santa , Friday, December 6, 6 – 8 p.m. The Signing Santa program, presented by the …
The Lacey City Council is considering establishing a permanent Human Services Commission to provide oversight and guidance for the city's human services programs and funding.   At a Tuesday …
More local news
Washington Legislature to confront major budget gaps in 2025  session
Starting on Jan. 13, Washington State’s 105-day biennial legislative session will begin, with lawmakers poised to address fiscal and policy issues in light of leadership changes and a stronger …
Tumwater City Council adopts 2025-26 budget
The Tumwater City Council voted to adopt the city’s 2025-26 budget on Tuesday, Dec. 3.   The adopted budget contains a $5.7 million deficit in the general government fund to be …
Backup jail housing renewed as Thurston County faces overcrowding challenges 
To address potential jail overcrowding, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has approved a one-year extension of its contract with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office to …
Board of Natural Resources approves more timber harvests from 150 acres of Capitol State Forest 
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources (BNR) approved another batch of timber harvest from Capitol State Forest for the second time in two months. This time, the board authorized in a 4-1 …
How Thurston County’s $32 million bond package will be spent 
To balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term financial health, Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), alongside other officials, met Wednesday, Dec. 4, to address the 2024-25 …
Olympia pushes for mandatory approach to recycling and waste reduction
Council member Clark Gilman criticized the removal of zero-waste language in the draft utilities chapter of the city's 2045 Comprehensive Plan update at the Olympia City Council study session on …
County commissioners face scrutiny over handling of Clouse investigation
During a public comment session at the Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting on Tuesday, residents voiced frustration over the ongoing investigation into Commissioner Emily Clouse, …
Thurston County awards contract for Boston Harbor water main project
Thurston County commissioners approved the contract for the Boston Harbor Water Main Replacement and Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project, which will replace almost 6,000 linear feet of older …
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department highlights accomplishments and challenges 
The Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department presented its list of 10-year accomplishments and discussed challenges, such as public safety, climate change, equity issues and funding large-scale projects.  
A question of possession
Editor’s note: All individuals interviewed consented to be quoted in this article. Most of the individuals preferred to remain anonymous.  An anonymous homeless woman with two shopping …