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

The Tumwater School District received the Year-End Finance Report at a meeting on Dec. 4, 2025 meeting.

Tumwater School District closes 2025 with less money than previous year

The Tumwater School District had an ending total fund balance of $3,299,987.06 for fiscal ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Forecast calls for wind and rain in Thurston County

A stout diet of wind and rain are on tap over the next 36 hours in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/9/25

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Update on Lake Lawrence Lake Management District renewal

I’d like to share an update with Thurston County residents about the progress of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD) ... more

By Barry Halverson | 12/9/25

Exterior and interior views of the Bowker House after owners Christa Harvey and Destiny Furbush completed a multiyear rehabilitation of the oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood.

Lacey grants property tax reduction for city’s first registered historic home

The oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood, and the first property added to the city's register in 1991, now qualifies for a 10-year ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 3 comments

The Thurston Regional Planning Council recognized long-serving employees on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The planning council also honored outgoing members, including Chair Robin Vazquez.

Thurston Regional Planning Council recognizes dedicated employees, outgoing members

The Thurston Regional Planning Council celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outgoing council members at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/8/25

Thurston County Board Chair Tye Menser, left, and Vice Chair Wayne Fournier and Commissioner Carolina Mejia deliberated on the modified Chehalis Basin resolution during a board work session on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Thurston County supports Chehalis Basin efforts minus dam endorsement

Thurston County joined 12 jurisdictions backing Chehalis Basin flood management efforts after revising a resolution to align with its ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 1 comment

Dark clouds hovered over Percival Landing and West Bay in Olympia, as rain fell throughout Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025.

National Weather service warns of potential for landslides and flooding in Thurston County

A robust atmospheric river is expected to pound Thurston County with several inches of rain before it makes its way through the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/8/25

City of Lacey seeks Human Services commissioner

The City of Lacey is looking to fill a vacancy on the Human Services ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/8/25

Inspire Olympia releases first-year report, launches 2026-28 grant funding cycle

The City of Olympia’s Cultural Access Fund has released a report for Inspire Olympia’s first full year of ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/5/25 | 1 comment

The City of Lacey recognized fourteen law enforcement agencies for their collaboration in investigating a drive-by shooting that killed two teenage brothers on Nov. 14, 2025.

Lacey City Manager praises community assistance in drive-by shooting investigation

The City of Lacey recognized 14 law enforcement agencies and first responders for their collaboration in arresting two men charged with ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/5/25 | 2 comments

Olympia Federal Savings releases Q2 financial results

Olympia Federal Savings reported assets of more than $1 billion at the end of the second quarter, in part because of strong demand for its ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/5/25 | 1 comment

Dark clouds hovered over the Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia on Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, 2025.

Wet weekend ahead for Thurston County

A series of atmospheric rivers should make for sopping wet days ahead, as the bands of rain make their way into ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/5/25

The proposed 2026 spending plan for the City of Lacey is $224,954,147.

Lacey’s nearly $225M budget for 2026 sails through final hearing

The City of Lacey's proposed budget got $91.8 million lighter for 2026 after major construction moved toward completion and one-time ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/4/25 | 3 comments

Washington State Human Rights Commission Executive Director Andreta Armstrong addressed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners remotely during proclamation proceedings for Universal Human Rights Month at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Universal Human Rights Month celebrated in Thurston County with proclamation

Universal Human Rights Month was declared in Thurston County with the unveiling of a proclamation featuring a message about choosing ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/4/25 | 11 comments

Rebecca Howard Park is located at 911 Adams St. SE in Olympia.

Olympia Arts Commission to receive update on Rebecca Howard Park development plan

The City of Olympia is moving forward with plans to guide future development at Rebecca Howard ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/4/25 | 1 comment

Visit the Tumwater City Hall and Headquarters Fire Station for the 22nd annual Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.

Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival to feature performances and treats on Dec. 6

The 22nd annual Tumwater Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is taking place on Saturday ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/4/25

Dozens of people showed up outside of Olympia City Hall to protest the use of Flock cameras on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Olympia to remove Flock cameras amid federal data misuse concerns

The City of Olympia is moving to suspend and remove its Flock Safety automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras after a local law ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/3/25 | 21 comments

Noxious Weed Control Board Chair Carol Piening addressed the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners about proposed rate increases for county utility services.  She made her remarks at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Thurston County utility rate hikes receive backing from advisory boards

Thurston County utility rate increases received unanimous support from two advisory boards at a public hearing where no objections were ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/3/25 | 2 comments

Lacey bank robbery suspect taken into custody at casino

A man was arrested at a casino after allegedly robbing a bank in Lacey and fleeing in a vehicle with the ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/3/25 | 2 comments

1st Vice Regent of the Sacajawea Chapter Franida Maudsley met with the Tumwater City Council on Dec. 2, 2025, to discuss the Union Pioneer Calvary Cemetery headstone preservation.

Local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution leads preservation effort for headstones

Volunteers from the Sacajawea Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution are cleaning unkept headstones for veterans to preserve ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/3/25 | 2 comments