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

A view of north Olympia from Budd Bay. For a point of reference, not KGY and KAYO Radio's studios, shown to the right edge of the photo.

Child-care needs complicate classroom return for Head Start

OLYMPIA - Head Start employees here want more flexibility as kids return to the classroom.Sophia Rychener, a teacher who heads the Federation of Head Start Employees, said some of her union members … more

By Eric Tegethoff | Washington News Service | 4/1/21

This is the iconic sign+wall at the Thurston County Courthouse

Blake Decision’s effect on Superior Court largely unknown at this point, judge says

The Blake decision saddled both the Thurston County prosecutor’s office and office of public defense with a large workload, but it’s not known quite yet how the sweeping decision will … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 4/1/21

Location of 1210 West Bay Drive NW, Olympia

Olympia council approves development agreement on West Bay Drive after developer agrees to $250K Home Fund donation

In a vote of 6-1, the Olympia City Council approved a development agreement with a developer interested in constructing housing and amenities along the waters of Budd Bay on West Bay Drive NW. The … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/31/21 | 2 comments

Bill to ban private prisons in Washington almost passes both House and Senate

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. Senate lawmakers debated Engrossed House Bill 1090, which would … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/31/21

The proposed levy would increase funding for the Medic One service in Thurston County.

Commissioners to hold public hearing on proposed Medic One tax levy ballot measure

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tue., April 13, at 3 pm to receive public comment on adding a Thurston County Medic One property tax levy to the ballot for … more

3/30/21

Auditor works with community to strike racially restrictive covenants

The Thurston County Auditor's Office is reaching out to hundreds of landowners whose properties contain antiquated unlawful racially restrictive covenants. A recent law allows the Auditor's Office to … more

3/30/21

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. Senate lawmakers debated Engrossed Senate Bill 5232, which … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/30/21 | 1 comment

This home at 8434 Sweetbrier Loop SE in Olympia sold last week for $451,000. Holistic Home Group photo.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for March 21-27, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 66 sales completed from Sunday, March 21 through Saturday, March 27, … more

3/29/21

Legislature seeks to ban open carry of weapons on the state Capitol Campus during protests or marches

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. House lawmakers debated for six hours on Engrossed Second … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/29/21

2020 Community Leadership Award Honorees Recognized

Earlier this month, Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation recognized the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding initiative, inspiration to … more

3/26/21

The area at Beaver Creek considered for rezoning is highlighted in this image.

Rezoning effort to allow warehouses to be built near Beaver Creek receives 155 comments opposed

The Thurston County Commissioners voted unanimously to move a rezoning issue to the Official Docket of Comprehensive Plan amendments, after receiving 155 public comments against the rezoning. At … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/25/21 | 1 comment

Another example of trash strewn along the north side of Wheeler Ave. SE in Olympia on March 9, 2021

County program would clean tent encampments, provide on-site support

A program designed to clean tent encampments and provide intensive case management with people living in the camps is in the works. The “Scattered Site Management Pilot Project” was … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/25/21 | 1 comment

Gender-affirming medical treatments may not be denied under this bill

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. House lawmakers debated Second Substitute Senate Bill … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/25/21 | 1 comment

Oly council hears opinions about proposed 478-apartment development on West Bay Drive

A public hearing at the Olympia City Council meeting last night drew a crowd of opposition and proponents of a potential project that would bring large development along West Bay Drive. At the … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/24/21

Should the state provide re-entry services to persons released from state and local correctional facilities?

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. The House Health Care & Wellness Committee, heard public … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/24/21

Jennifer S. Thomas appointed to North Thurston School Board

North Thurston Public Schools' Board of Directors has chosen Jennifer S. Thomas, PhD, to join them to represent Director District 3. Thomas replaces Director Melissa “Mel” Hartley, who … more

3/23/21

Senate passed bill regarding conditional release of sexually violent incarcerated felons

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. The House Public Safety Committee, heard public … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/23/21

Multiple police organizations joined together, including county sheriff and state patrol to separate protesters from rioters at the Red Lion Inn in downtown Olympia on Sunday evening, Jan. 31, 2021.

Police accountability agenda loses some teeth in WA Legislature

After last year’s Black Lives Matter protests, Washington state lawmakers set out to enact a sweeping collection of police accountability reforms in 2021. Some of those measures … more

By Melissa Santos | Crosscut.com | 3/23/21

This is a north-facing view of the property on which a developer is proposing to construct five mixed-use buildings and parking. The location is on West Bay Drive in west Olympia.

Gilman said he will vote against West Bay Yards development agreement

Prior to what’s sure to be a lively public hearing tomorrow for a potential large development along West Bay Drive, one member of the Olympia City Council announced he will vote against a … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/22/21 | 1 comment

Tying child support debt to insurance claims

The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Presents The Daily Legislative Report, covering The 2021 Washington State Legislature. The Senate Law & Justice Committee, heard public testimony, … more

By Troy Kirby | 3/22/21