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

The walnut tree is estimated to be about 100 years old, located at 420 W D Street SW.

Tumwater deliberates nomination of century-old walnut tree

The Tumwater Tree Board met yesterday, August 8, to consider nominating a century-old walnut tree growing in the city for designation as a Heritage Tree. The board discussed a nomination … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/9/22 | 6 comments

At the Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative-Executive committee meeting held on August 5, 2022, Olympia Water Resources Director Eric Christensen discussed different strategies for the SLR plan to address flooding within downtown Olympia.

Protection from sea-level rise suggested to cost Olympia $350 million

Olympia’s Water Resources Director Eric Christensen said it would cost up to $350 million to adapt long-term strategies against flooding in downtown Olympia. Christensen was at the Sea Level … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/8/22 | 4 comments

LOTT's study on its reclaimed water shows no harm to humans and minimal risk to the environment.

What has LOTT learned about the safety of reclaimed water?

Having recently completed its ten-year study on reclaimed the safety of reclaimed water, the LOTT Clean Water Alliance is hosting two kinds of events to involve the public. These include: A … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 8/8/22 | 2 comments

A pie chart showing that the sectors of students (73.6%), community members (55.7%), and staff members (47.1%) still want to retain the current calendar, while family members (42.5%) is the only sector with more votes on pursuing the balanced calendar.

Olympia schools wants to offer the public another look at the balance calendar concept

Olympia School District (OSD) is considering stepping up its campaign to inform community members about the balanced calendar concept. “It seems like folks don't understand what the balanced … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/8/22

This slide shows budgets for the proposed RFA growing from $39.7 million in 2024 to $52.9 million in 2030.

Are you ready to pay 47% more for fire and EMS in 2024 than you did in 2022?

The Regional Fire Authority (RFA) planning committee will meet for the 12th time this Monday, August 8 at 5:30 p.m. to prepare its recommendations to Olympia and Tumwater city councils the following … more

By Danny Stusser and Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/5/22 | 17 comments

Lacey considering updates to its neighborhood Zone rules following Meridian gas station decision

Lacey is mulling updating its Municipal Code 16.36 related to the Neighborhood Commercial Zone following in the wake of the controversial Meridian Gas Station’s approval. During the … more

By JC Medina | 8/4/22

Primary election ballots were due by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2.

Early primary election results show some clear winners

Primary elections were held throughout Washington on Tuesday, August 2, and results for many Thurston County races appear to be settled. That’s because we have a “Top Two” system … more

By Danny Stusser | 8/2/22 | 1 comment

Provisions of the Tumwater Municipal Code relating to planned unit development (PUD) were revised at a Tumwater city council meeting on August 1.

Tumwater amends certain multi-unit development regulations to measure its public benefits

Several provisions of the Tumwater Municipal Code relating to planned unit development (PUD) were revised yesterday, August 1, after the Tumwater City Council approved Ordinance No. O2022-006, which … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/2/22

Scratching isn't the best way for humans to deal with Swimmer's Itch, but it works for this swimmer.

Lacey cautions Long Lake goers

Lacey is warning community members to take care when swimming in the waters of Long Lake. In a Facebook post earlier today, Lacey authorities revealed that it has received two reports of … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 8/2/22

During the Lacey City Council work session yesterday, LOTT Clean Water Alliance presented its decade-long study on the safety of reclaimed water as a long-term measure in addressing the region's growing needs.

Reclaimed water safe to use—LOTT study

A decade-long LOTT Clean Water Alliance study assured reclaimed water has "very low risk" to human health and "no risk" to ecological health. During the Lacey City Council work session yesterday, … more

By JC Medina | 7/29/22

Schlich tending to clients in his store. ""I like to share the [wine's] provenance – where it comes from, its history and cultural ties."

OlyWines aims to help people embark on a journey

For cellar master Ed Schlich, wine is a democratic beverage that anyone should enjoy without concern about their knowledge of the products. "People have been intimidated by others when it comes to … more

By Danny Stusser and Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/29/22

The Funding and Governance Work Group of the Capitol Lake - Deschutes Estuary project presented their recommendations at the Tumwater City council work session on July 26, 2022.

Deschutes Estuary: Who will own and maintain its parts?

The Funding and Governance Work Group of the Capitol Lake-Deschutes Estuary project presented yesterday their recommendations for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as an interlocal agreement that … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/28/22 | 5 comments

Olympia Arts Program manager Stephanie Johnson and Arts Commission vice chair Kathryn Dorgan briefed the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee members on the proposed Artist in Residence program during its meeting on July 27, 2022.

Olympia committee seeks to launch arts program for those transitioning out of homelessness

A City of Olympia committee hopes to partnewith Drexel House to seek an Artist in Residence, who would lead a program which aims to increase access to the arts for underserved communities. Arts … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/28/22 | 4 comments

This is the mysterious pulpy material that has been flowing into LOTT's Budd Inlet Treatment Plant since approximately May 23, 2022.

What is the new and mysterious pulpy mass clogging up the works at LOTT’s treatment plant?

Something strange is floating into LOTT’s sewage treatment plant in downtown Olympia. It’s a nuisance, they say, and they’re willing to pay $1,000 to someone who tells them the … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/27/22 | 2 comments

County to support local homeless with short-term funding

Yesterday, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners passed a motion that approved a $49,275 contract with the Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) to provide shelter services … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/27/22 | 1 comment

At the BOCC public hearing formation of Pattison Lake Management District (PLMD) on July 16, 2022, Rob Peters recounted the tragic death of a man who drowned because of reeds in the lake.

BOCC hears public comments for proposed Pattison Lake Management District

Pattison Lake residents are pushing for the creation of a county-supported lake management district, which they believe would help protect and oversee the improvement of water quality and safety in … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/27/22

Colorful and inclusive equity in flags for Lacey with the new revisions to the Flag Policy

Lacey’s Commission on Equity finalized its proposed amendments to the City’s Flag Policy during its meeting yesterday, allowing the Juneteenth Flag, Nisqually Indian Tribe Flag and the … more

By JC Medina | 7/27/22 | 5 comments

The Port of Olympia Commission agreed on July 25 to hold a special election on whether there should be two more commissioners.

Port Commission okays election to approve adding 2 commissioners

The Port of Olympia Commission passed a resolution yesterday approving a ballot measure at this year’s General Election, set for November 8, so voters can decide whether to increase the number … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/26/22

Saint Martin's University Trustee scholars Becky Gudino, Amista Mariana Lujan, and Cody Mears.

Saint Martin’s University names 2022 recipients of the Trustee Scholarships

Saint Martin’s University chose three recipients of the 2022 Trustee Scholarship and is proud to recognize Becky Gudino, Amista Mariana Lujan, and Cody Mears with one of the most significant … more

7/26/22

Teacher Laura Chase helps students learn about American history and colonial life experiences.

Olympia teacher Laura Chase wins DAR classroom grant

Classroom Grant Laura Chase, a teacher of second through fifth grade at the Sunrise Beach School in Olympia, recently won the annual Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Helen Pouch Memorial … more

By Shirley Stirling | 7/25/22