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

The Lacey City Council awarded Phil Aasen a Certificate of Achievement for his decades-long safe-driving career during its regular meeting on July 15, 2021. Aasen is shown on the third row, right. His employer, Justin Erickson, CEO of Harbor Wholesale, is shown in the second row, right.

City of Lacey honors veteran truck driver Phil Aasen

For nearly three decades of service, veteran truck driver Phil Aasen received a City of Lacey Certificate of Achievement. During the regular city council meeting yesterday, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/16/21

Suicide is often preventable. See free 24-hour resources at the bottom of this story.

Distraught woman booked into jail, placed on watch

An allegedly intoxicated woman who told a Thurston Sheriff’s Deputy she was suicidal was arrested last night after her car slid into a small ditch and she backed into a tree The … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/16/21

A gardener’s walk in the neighborhood

Years ago my 15-year-old foster daughter asked me a question I’ll never forget: Why, she inquired, do you make a beautiful garden in the back yard, but not the front yard? Don’t you think … more

By Jill Severn | 7/16/21

One of Intercity Transit's newer full-size busses passes in the east side of the Legislative Building on the Washington State Capitol Campus on Route 13.

Express bus service to Pierce County locations resumes Monday, July 19

Express bus service between Olympia and Lacey to Pierce County resumes on Monday, July 19, 2021. Route 620 will serve the Olympia Transit Center, the State Capitol Campus, Lacey Transit Center, … more

7/16/21

In Every Breath a Prayer - By David Hanig

Local first-time author David Hanig's new book, "In Every Breath a Prayer," tells the story of the author’s early childhood pain and his road to recovery. An unusual book, it combines prose … more

By Linda Villegas Bremer | 7/15/21

Thurston Community Media’s live election coverage won the Democracy Action Category during the recent Hometown Media Awards. The broadcast was hosted by TCMedia CEO, Deborah Vinsel, pictured.

Thurston Community Media brings home three national awards

Thurston Community Media brought home not just one, but three national awards from the Alliance for Community Media Foundation in a virtual celebration on July 1. TC Media, which manages four … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/14/21

It’s time for some fun again! (For all ages.)

Okay, folks, it’s time for some fun! Now that we have been allowed back into society it’s time to remember there is more out there than the grocery store. For instance…the … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/14/21

This summer season, the Thurston County Board of Health warns parents to be extra attentive to their children as the majority of drowning incidents involve children aged 1-4 years old.

Thurston County Board of Health warns children aged 1-4 years are at risk of drowning

As families plan and head out for a summer swim, the Thurston County Board of Health (BoH) warns parents to be extra attentive as children between 1-4 years old are at risk of … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/14/21

This home at 2142 79th Ave SE in Tumwater was sold by John Duerr for $625,000.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for July 4 - 10, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 93 sales completed from Sunday, July 4, through Saturday, July 10, 2021. The median sales … more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/12/21

Potted plants plainly more than a pleasantry

Potted geraniums on a front porch are a pleasant greeting when you come home from work, and a visual treat for neighbors walking by. But plants in pots are more than a pleasantry. For people who … more

By Jill Severn | 7/9/21

Registration is open now to runners of all three races to be held July 17, 2021.

Olympia gears up for Lakefair Races after a year off

Lakefair, the festival, is still cancelled for 2021. But runners are gearing up for the upcoming Lakefair Races 2021 on July 17, following a year-long hiatus. As one of the first live … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/9/21

What's happening around Thurston County?

Here are a few events in the Thurston County area to keep you entertained in the coming week! Connecting with Water Outdoor Pop-Up: Sat., July 10, 10:00 am. What does it take to make … more

by Prachi Gohil | 7/9/21

The debris spread around the grounds at the homeless encampment on Deschutes Parkway in Olympia was a mix of abandoned personal effects and trash, such as food package wrappers, stuffing such as is contained in sleeping bags, toys and outdoor clothing and discarded tents.

Ensign Road homeless encampment set for clean-up next week

Olympia officials announced on Wednesday that it will conduct a clean-up on the vehicle encampment along Ensign Road next Monday, July 12. The clean-up is a part of the city’s program which … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/8/21 | 2 comments

Olympia's Familiar Faces program has received attention from around the United States.

Familiar Faces Program becomes a permanent part of downtown services

The Olympia City Council approved funding for the Familiar Faces program as a part of its city operations last Thursday, June 29, following a three-year trial period. The program provides a … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/6/21

"A Year with Frog and Toad" is in rehearsal now with performances by the Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre July 15-25, 2021.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theater's next musical launches next week

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre (TYT) will present the musical, A Year with Frog and Toad, July 15 to July 25 in the Tenino City Park at the Quarry Pool. This unique setting is perfect to tell … more

7/6/21

Vaccines (or exemptions) to be required at SPSCC this fall

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) today announced that it will become a fully vaccinated COVID-19 campus for the start of Fall Quarter 2021. The decision to become a vaccinated campus … more

7/6/21

Bales of hay burned during the July 4 wildfire near Yelm.

Wildfire now close to home: 29 acres burn near Yelm

Firefighters responded to a wildfire near Vail Road in Yelm on Sunday, July 4. The S.E. Thurston County Fire Authority reported that the wildfire had burned approximately 29 acres. “Could … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/5/21

There will be fireworks in Tumwater and Lacey to celebrate Independence Day

Lacey, Tumwater to host fireworks shows for Independence Day

The cities of Lacey and Tumwater are inviting locals to participate in their upcoming Independence Day Events. Lacey The City of Lacey invites locals … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

What else is happening July 3 - 10?

Here are a few events in the Thurston County area to keep you entertained in the coming week! more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/2/21

The blistering heat on June 27, 2021in the Pacific Northwest was caught on NASA’s thermal infrared maps.

Four people dead in Thurston County from the record-breaking heatwave

With temperatures hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Thurston County Coroner reported that at least four people died due to the heat, including a 39-year-old man in Tumwater. Official … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21