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

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

With a new paint job and door to the new covered patio, New Traditions Cafe is much brighter than before its 2021remodel.

New Traditions Cafe re-opens remodeled after six-month closure

New Traditions Cafe today rejoined its sister operation, New Traditions Fair Trade, as an open and ready business. The Cafe was closed for six months both because of pandemic restrictions and to … more

By Danny Stusser | 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

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

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

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theater received the largest gift in its 30-year history, designated to purchase this piece of land on which to build a theater building.

Anonymous donor purchases lot to build Tenino Young-at-Heart Performing Center

The Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre (TYT) is planning to build a “real live theater” in the Tenino Creative District, thanks to the generous help of an anonymous donor. The property is … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/1/21

Dick Pust holds a copy of his new memoir, AM 1240: Life at a Small Town Radio Station.

Dick Pust finally writes it all down

He’s charming. But you knew that. His name is Dick Pust and for 50 years, local old timers and newcomers alike, listened to his soothing voice on the radio. For 50 years he was … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/30/21 | 1 comment

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Martin Way Corridor Study: Online Open House available now through July 7

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) identified safety as priorities for its Martin Way Corridor Study during a public hearing on Wed., June 23. In the discussion, TRPC Associate … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/25/21

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, anyone is at risk if they don't take precautions.

UPDATED: What to do about the coming hazardous heat wave

It’s going to be hot around here this weekend. How hot? Expect a high of 105 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, Thurston County will experience excessive heat … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/24/21 | 1 comment

Local summer camp programs offer many opportunities for kids with varying interests.

The JOLT’s Ultimate Summer Camp Guide for Kids

As things slowly get back to normal, the summer offers a perfect opportunity for kids to interact and enjoy different activities after a year of online classes. From outdoor sports to learning about … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

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.

Intercity Transit to Resume Express Bus Service to Pierce County

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

6/21/21

This home at 7409 Mazama St SW in Olympia was sold by Jessie Henneck-Aguiar on June 16, 2021 for $357,000. Listing Agent: Cassie Sutherland.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for June 13-19, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 105 sales completed from Sunday, June 13, through Saturday, June 19, 2021. The median sales … more

6/21/21

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is shown before and after its 2014 renovation.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts seeks to complete major building improvements

On Tuesday, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts' leader gave an update on the current building improvements after it had closed down for 15 months following the coronavirus pandemic. In … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 2 comments

There are two paths found near the wall, the asphalt road leads to the trail, while the other leads to the waterfalls.

Tumwater unveils new improvements in the Deschutes Valley Trail

The City of Tumwater unveiled the new facilities and improvements for the Deschutes Valley Trail during the regular city council meeting on Tue., June 15. Tumwater Engineering … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 3 comments

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, when the last enslaved people in the United States were freed.

Juneteenth celebration: City of Olympia hosts Omo Africa

City of Olympia hosts Omo Africa for its Juneteenth celebration The city of Olympia invites residents to participate in its upcoming Juneteenth celebration called Omo Africa in honor of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/15/21 | 1 comment

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