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

This home at 1626 Sundrop Lane SE in Tumwater was sold by Dennis Hillman during the week of June 6-13, 2021 for $407,000

The JOLT Real Estate Report for June 6-12, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 98 sales completed from Sunday, June 6, through Saturday, June 12, 2021. The median sales price of these properties was more

6/14/21

The difference between yard work and gardening

Some garden promoters claim that growing perennials (they mean flowering plants that come back year after year) is an easy, low-maintenance alternative to planting annuals. As former President George W. Bush might say, they misunderestimate what perennials require. more

By Jill Severn | 6/11/21

Olympia's off-leash dog parks are distributed across the city, as shown.

City of Olympia to build three dog parks

“It's a celebration,” Councilmember Lisa Parshley said after the Olympia City Council shared its plan to open not just one but three dog parks during the regular city council meeting … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/9/21 | 2 comments

More than 120 participants watched the 2021 Nisqually Land Trust's annual Conservation Celebration & Auction event, held online on June 5, 2021. Presenters included, top row, l-r, Jeanette Dorner, executive director of the organization, J.W. Foster, mayor of Yelm; lower row, l-r, Willie Frank III, chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe; Hanford McCloud, member of the Tribal Council.

Nisqually Land Trust annual Conservation Celebration highlights role of the Nisqually Tribe

On Saturday, the Nisqually Land Trust highlighted the valuable role of the Nisqually Indian Tribe in environmental conservation during its annual auction. Yelm Mayor JW Foster, and Executive … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/8/21

The JOLT Real Estate Report for May 30 - June 5, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 83 sales completed from Sunday, May 30, through Saturday, June 5, 2021. The median sales price of these properties was $470,000 or $265.95 per square foot. more

6/7/21

The marriage of gardening and cooking

We are entering the season when gardening and cooking get married. Already the world’s best salads are at hand. Now, before the tender lettuce plants bolt and go to seed, is also the time when … more

By Jill Severn | 6/4/21 | 1 comment

What's happening June 5 - 13 ?

Here are a few events in the Thurston County area to keep you entertained in the coming week! 2021 Virtual Conservation Celebration and Auction: Sat., June 5, 6:00 pm on … more

6/4/21

Commissioner Edwards spoke today about homelessness, housing, courts and crime

Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards spoke on the issues of homelessness, home permitting processes and the judicial system of jury trials due to COVID-19 restrictions in front of 100 people at … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/2/21 | 4 comments

Youths Logan and Jonny visit with elders Dottie, Ethel and Bill.

Finding joy in intergenerational engagement

I recently spoke with Linda Terry, the Founder and Director of STEP, (Sharing Time with Elders Project) and the first thing that struck me was the joy in her … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/2/21

This home at 4348 Abigail Dr NE in Lacey sold during the week of May 23-29, 2021 for $675,000.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for May 23-29, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 113 sales completed from Sunday, May 23, through Saturday, May 29, 2021. The median sales … more

6/1/21

Homelessness: We’ve made some progress … if we look for it

When I started trying to learn about the homeless camps I was under the impression that little was being done. My thoughts would be along the lines of “what the hell is going on, why … more

By Pat Cole | 6/1/21 | 2 comments

Douglas James, one of the lead carvers in the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation, standing in front of the totem pole that will travel to Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2021, in Olympia on May 15, 2021.

House of Tears Carvers displaying new totem pole this weekend at Chehalis reservation

If you missed the chance to meet the House of Tears Carvers when they were in Olympia two weeks ago, you've got another chance this weekend. They are displaying their new totem pole at the … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/28/21

One of the many services offered to Veterans by the Hub is transportation to healthcare appointments.

Online "gala" to support Lacey Veterans Services Hub set for next Friday, June 4

The City of Lacey invites the South Sound community to its 2021 Mayor’s Gala on Friday, June 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The free, virtual event will help support programming and operations at … more

5/28/21

Saving the planet, one clover seed at a time

I am perennially perplexed about my lawn. The more I read about lawn, the more I have thought that getting rid of it might be the environmentally responsible thing to do. But I like it a lot, … more

By Jill Severn | 5/28/21

Olympia to expand its Crisis Response Unit and Familiar Faces program

A year after George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police, the Olympia Police Department (OPD) shared its plans to expand its Crisis Response Unit (CRU), and its Familiar Faces program to … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/27/21

This summer Thurston County residents can go to the library and stay at home at the same time.

Timberland libraries offer free books from their online summer program

Readers can earn a free book by participating in the upcoming Online Summer Library Program hosted by the Timberland Regional Library. The program runs from June 1 to August 31, and residents of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/26/21

Movies at the Marina will be back for 2021, with three mid-summer dates.

Movies at the Marina to return to Port of Olympia

Movies at the Marina will return for its second summer, according to Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney yesterday. Just like last year, the Port plans to hold the outdoor event on … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/25/21

The Thurston County Fair is cancelled for 2021 -- and was cancelled for 2020 as well. Families of children such as these might find fairs in other counties in Washington this summer.

2021 Thurston County Fair Cancelled

The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously in support of canceling the 2021 Thurston County Fair this year. The recommendation to cancel the fair came from the Thurston County Fair … more

5/25/21 | 1 comment

Sakara Remmu, the lead strategist of the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance, in Seattle on May 20, 2021. Remmu said several major pieces of legislation wouldn't have passed if it weren't for citizen advocacy and last year's Black Lives Matter protests.

A year after George Floyd’s murder, what’s changed in Washington state?

When George Floyd called for his mother with his dying breaths, the police officers holding him down didn’t seem to notice — but the rest of the world heard him loud and … more

By Melissa Santos | Crosscut.com | 5/25/21

This sequence shows the bald eagle being carried from the vehicle in which it was transported back to the property where it was found, on Sun., May 23, 2021, just prior to its release. L-r, Stephanie Estrella, Mark Fleming.

Bald eagle released after brief rehab following airturf battle

Two bald eagles who lived in or near a recently clear-cut urban forest in Olympia did battle in the air last week. One needed a brief stay at a local rehabilitation center and was released yesterday … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/24/21