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

This image shows LOTT's wastewater treatment plant from the north.

Olympia board hears 'The State of LOTT Clean Water Alliance'

Olympia's Utility Advisory Committee heard a briefing in its May 2 meeting on “The State of LOTT Clean Water Alliance.” LOTT Executive Director Matt Kennelly, P.E. gave the presentation. … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 5/14/24

Introducing the Thurston Pets Project in The JOLT

Just wanted to invite you to look for our new weekly column dedicated to the happiness that is brought into our lives by our magnificent pets. Much of it will cover how we can return that joy to them … more

By Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn | 5/14/24 | 1 comment

The King in Yellow is a play set in the Victorian era showcasing love triangles with a twist of dark comedy. Showing at Oly Theater this month of May.

Original new play, ‘The King in Yellow’ performs this month

Theater Artists Olympia (TAO) is running an original new play, ‘The King in Yellow’, written by Xander Layden and directed by pug Bujeaud. The play is an adaptation of Robert W. … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/14/24

Shellfish from Eld and Henderson Inlets face potential restrictions, state says

Thurston County's Eld Inlet and Henderson Inlet are among fifteen shellfish harvest areas in the state facing potential harvest restrictions due to heightened levels of fecal bacteria in the water. … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/10/24 | 2 comments

Wildfire sweeping across prairie grass, a firefighter is shown close to the fire.

Wildfires expected to worsen due to drought; residents urged to keep safe and prepare

Wildfires are expected to worsen and appear more frequently as the dry and warm conditions are anticipated this spring and summer. The Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency for most … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/10/24 | 1 comment

Puget Sound Energy Senior Local Government Affairs Representative Kristine Rompa (center) met with Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners yesterday, May 8, 2024, to discuss wildfire measures.

Puget Sound Energy introduces wildfire safety initiative

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) representatives discussed the company's Wildfire Program and a new initiative, Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), with the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) at a meeting … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/10/24 | 2 comments

Rebecca Howard Park is managed by the Olympia Department of Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Olympia Metropolitan Park District

Olympia's Metropolitan Park District Advisory Committee ’s (MPDAC) May 1 meeting provided the opportunity to clarify the city’s different parks committees and their functions. Paul … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 5/10/24

Wild tomato stories

There are currently two origin stories about tomatoes. One is that they were originally the size of a berry, and grew in the mountains of Peru, where Incas began to cultivate and eat them. The second … more

By Jill Severn | 5/10/24 | 1 comment

Yelm Community Schools April 23, 2024 levy failed by 225 votes.

Yelm Community Schools proposition levy disapproved by slim margin

Voters turned down Yelm Community Schools’ proposal to raise a levy to replace its school programs and operations. Thurston County Canvassing Board has officially certified the results of … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/9/24 | 6 comments

Artist Max Ehrman at work on the Olympia Regional Learning Academy mural.

Thurston County Art Contest invites local artists to showcase talent

Calling all artists! The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and employees to showcase their creativity by participating in the Thurston County Art Contest. With … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/9/24

Councilmember Eileen Swarthout (top left) receives the proclamation which declares May 12 to 19 as a week of celebration for the 1984 women’s Olympic marathon trials.

Tumwater commemorates 1984 women’s Olympic marathon trials

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 women’s Olympic marathon trials, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan proclaimed May 12 to 19 as a week of celebration for the historic sporting … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/9/24

Street closure ongoing on 15th Avenue for Capitol Campus construction in Olympia

A street closure on 15th Avenue SW between Columbia Street SW and Water Street SW in Olympia which started Monday, May 6 is expected to last until June 10. This roadwork is part of the second … more

5/9/24

What's happening this weekend— 10th Annual Pizza Klatch Gayla, Concern For Animals Spring Plant & Gift Sale and other festivities

Bring your family and friends to these wonderful local events this weekend. The SpongeBob Music, May 10-18 Is nautical nonsense something you like? No? Yes? Maybe? You may want … more

5/9/24

Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong presented the draft and recommended updates to the public comment policy of the Lacey meeting to the Commission on Equity on May 6 and to the City Council on May 7.

Lacey to update public comment policy on meetings following zoombombing incident

In response to a race-related incident during a Commission on Equity meeting, Lacey now plans to revise its public comment policy. The incident, which occurred on March 25, involved remote … more

By JC Medina | 5/8/24 | 3 comments

During a public meeting on May 7, 2024, Thurston Board of County Commissioners has officially declared May 5th through May 11th as Public Service Recognition Week.

Thurston County, Olympia honor public servants

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and Olympia City Council separately issued proclamations recognizing the contributions of public servants working to serve the community. During … more

By Lorilyn Lirio and JC Medina | 5/8/24

Olympia Food Co-op is buying back walnut halves and pieces

Olympia Food Co-op, a local store in Olympia, has issued a recall for its organic walnut halves and pieces sourced from Gibson Farms, Inc., after the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/7/24

Harvey Foundation President Terry Minton

South Puget Sound Community College to add about 25 new scholarships

The OJ & Mary Christine Harvey Educational Foundation awarded $1.8 million to the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) intended for student scholarships, the college’s press release … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/7/24

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

Fire District 8: Auditor seeks opinionated committee members for voters' pamphlet statements

The Thurston County Auditor’s Election Division is inviting community members to serve as “For” and “Against” committee members for the upcoming August 6 Primary … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 5/7/24

Two youngsters sit inside the spray at the splash pad at Woodruff Park.

‘Why should the public care’ about parks, arts and recreation

The Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) heard presentations from the city’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Department (PARD) staff about performance measures and the … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 5/6/24

Harvey Drahos receives his Congressional Gold Medal from Enrico Tadeo of The Philippines’ Consulate during a ceremony held in DuPont’s Clocktower Park on May 2, 2024.

101-year-old Lacey WWII veteran finally receives nation’s highest civilian award

During the City of Lacey’s 2023 Mayor’s Gala last October, Karen Schoessel introduced the evening’s guest of honor, then-100-year-old Harvey Drahos, a World War II veteran who had … more

By JM Simpson | 5/3/24