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

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

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 proposed Log Cabin Road Extension would connect North Street-Log Cabin Road in Olympia with Herman Road-37th Ave SE in Lacey.

LBA Woods: source claims Olympia will revive talks about a road through it

Last Monday, a source claimed that the Olympia Planning Commission revived its plan for the Log Cabin road extension, a proposed street connection that would cut across the LBA Woods. According to … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21 | 2 comments

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

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

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