The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Make Lying Wrong Again t shirt displayed on a man.

Shirts and thoughts for pre-election year media bombardment

Well, folks, the pre-election year is upon us once again. Not for the first or last time will we be bombarded with political ads, name-calling, out and out lies, and general juvenile behavior by … more

Column by Kathleen Anderson | 5/31/23

TC Media brings home two awards, and more on art and cultural nonprofits

I started writing this column highlighting local nonprofit organizations about a year and a half ago. However, 25 years before I started this column, Thurston Community Media (known as TC Media) was … more

Column By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/30/23

Stethoscope on a large pile of paperwork.

Hero in Our Midst Part 1, Prescription Opiate Epidemic Revealed

I had the recent privilege to interview a local hero who uncovered the origins and causes of the national prescription opiate crisis. He did this right here in Olympia in the WA State Department of … more

Column by Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 5/30/23

Bronka, Holocaust Concentration Camp Survivor, Mountaineer & Oldest Mt. Rainier Record Holder

She is a tiny woman who radiates love and joy. Her life is inspiring and she has thrived in her life, despite early devastation. On Sunday, May 21, 2023, a ribbon-cutting event with about … more

By Shirley Stirling | 5/26/23 | 1 comment

One of the very few Himalayan blue poppies in bloom for the Rhododendron Species Foundation festival last weekend.

Are you a gardenerd or an anthophile? Our gardener seeks out her beloved Himalayan blue poppies

The fascination of Himalayan blue poppies Anyone who has seen a Himalayan blue poppy remembers when they saw one for the first time: the sudden, stunned breath of wonder at the sight of this … more

By Jill Severn | 5/26/23 | 1 comment

Our less known feathered neighbors

Editor's note: George is taking a week off. This was originally published June 9 , 2022 under the headline, " Three lesser-known bird species that are among the most interesting. " … more

By George Walter | 5/25/23

I often catch myself asking myself out loud “why did I come in here?’

Speculating on family quirks

Those of us who have raised children have a pretty good idea of what their personalities, dreams, goals, and foibles are by the time they reach adulthood…or so we like to think… … more

Column By Kathleen Anderson | 5/24/23

Small American Flags next to white marble gravestones on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Reflections, a mindful code to follow

I am sure you are aware; that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and while many of us will be celebrating with BBQ, boats, or beaches, I think it is important to take a moment to reflect on the … more

Column By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/23/23

"The power of consistency cannot be overstated."

Pushing past the fear - learning to overcome

Dear Lexis, I’ve been trying to move forward with a project that requires me to speak in front of other people and I’m finding it extremely difficult to “pull the … more

Column by Alexis Rae Bake | 5/22/23

L to R: Steve Tilley, DRC 2019 Outstanding Volunteer; Anne Larsen; and Larry Jefferson Jr., Director of the Office of Public Defense, State of WA. Tilley and Jefferson nominated Anne Larsen for the 2023 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award, May 7, 2023.

Anne Larsen receives the Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award

This year’s recipient of the Dispute Resolution Center’s (DRC) Evan Ferber Peacemaker Award is an Olympia Police Department (OPD) civilian staff person, Outreach Services … more

By Shirley Stirling | 5/19/23

Camas is blooming, foragers delight and history of this prairie based plant

Camas is blooming in Thurston County prairies this week, including prairie land on JBLM. It’s also blooming in the median of I-5 in Hawks Prairie. This small blue flower is a hardy native … more

By Jill Severn | 5/19/23 | 2 comments

Birdsongs to wake up to in the early morning

It’s been so warm at night that I have left my bedroom’s sliding door open. As a result, I’ve been awakened at about 5:00 a.m. by singing birds (and wide-awake cats who think they … more

By George Walter | 5/18/23

Hospital stay musings, then and now

Recently I spent a few days as a patient in Providence St. Peter Hospital. I have not been in any hospital since 1976, so to say things have changed would be a major understatement. When my last … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 5/17/23 | 2 comments

Various rescue teams aid victims in this community mock disaster drill

After the lightning last night, thoughts on Community Emergency Response teams and volunteering

How did you like the lightning and thunder show last night? I know that here in the PNW we don’t get storms like that very often (in Texas, we call that April and May), but the severity of the … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 5/16/23

Covid 19 wrap-up, reflections on the pandemic

Summer is here (albeit in spring) and the end of the pandemic has been declared! I would like to share some reflections on Covid-19. Two research studies, a book, and a concert experience … more

By Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 5/16/23

"It can be hard to determine when to stick around, only you know where your line is."

When to move on from a toxic situation

Dear Lexis, When do you know it’s time to move on from a toxic situation? Thanks, Wondering in Olympia Dear Wondering, That can be a tricky question. There are all … more

5/15/23

A robust offering of tomatoes in a greenhouse.

How to choose tomato plants

Wow. A forecast for nearly 90 degrees on Mothers’ Day! Public opinion is divided about our heat wave, but tomato plants love it. And a lot of mothers love tomato plants. Maybe your mother … more

By Jill Severn | 5/12/23

Dick Pust posing with a yellow 1960s caddy. This vehicle is an echo of his former 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible of the same hue, which Dick purchased in 1960 for $1,795. It was a car that he dearly loved.

Mr. Radio and the stories of our lives

Since 2022, JOLT has told the stories of Thurston County, and what is happening right here in our own community. Editor Danny Stusser calls it an exercise in democracy, saying, “We publish … more

By Shirley Stirling | 5/12/23 | 3 comments

Identifying bird songs

In recent weeks several readers have asked me to help them better identify the spring birds, and especially their songs. I suspect some of you have tried listening to the dawn chorus and been … more

By George Walter | 5/11/23 | 1 comment

A woman who travels in shoes, just her shoes and rolling luggage are visible.

Those shoes - musings on women and their iconic shoes

Tell us what you're gonna do tonight, mama. There must be someplace you can go In the middle of the tall drinks and the drama, There must be someone you know. God knows, you're … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 5/10/23