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

Camas Lions Club Treasurer Nancy Eubank works together with Olympia Host Lions Club members to construct a mechanical hand at First Baptist Church in Olympia on July 28, 2026.

Building mechanical hands for people in need

A local group recently joined in an effort to help low income countries get access to prosthetic devices by building a number of mechanical ... more

By Keyan Gregoire-James | 8/21/26

Saint Martin’s University is a 2026-27 College of Distinction.

Saint Martin’s University earns 10 Colleges of Distinction awards

Saint Martin’s University was named a 2026-27 Colleges of Distinction in 10 categories, including the new transfer award that recognizes ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/21/26

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a pre-submission conference for a proposed triplex housing project at 1607 Union Ave. SE on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.

Housing project proposed on Union Avenue in Olympia

A proposed multi-unit development at 1607 Union Ave. SE in Olympia could eventually be sold with each dwelling being owned separately if ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/20/26 | 4 comments

The Lacey City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day during its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

Lacey City Council proclaims Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day 

As prevention and recovery efforts continue in Thurston County, the City of Lacey will mark Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/20/26

Tumwater City Hall is located at 555 Israel Road in Tumwater.

City of Tumwater signing up for state workplace giving program

The City of Tumwater is signing up for the state of Washington's Combined Fund Drive workplace giving ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/20/26

The Olympia School District 111 Esther R. Knox Building in Olympia, as seen on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

OSD board broadens opportunities for disadvantaged groups in procurement process

There will be more efforts to maximize chances for qualified businesses owned by disadvantaged groups in the service procurement process ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/20/26 | 1 comment

Olympia Public Works Director Mark Russell presented a 10-year waste collection rate projection during a city council study session on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

Olympia City Council favors keeping city-run waste collection

The Olympia City Council showed little interest in pursuing privatization of solid waste collection earlier this week, instead directing staff to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/19/26 | 8 comments

Lacey City Hall is located at 420 College St. in Lacey.

Lacey Planning Commission to hold hearing on tree protection code changes

The City of Lacey is revisiting its tree protection rules amid more public feedback to the Lacey City Council about tree standards and how ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/19/26

A ballot dropbox in Olympia on March 12, 2024.

Thurston County Canvassing Board certifies Aug. 4 Primary Election results

The race for the Thurston County Commissioner District No. 5 seat will pit an incumbent against a local city councilman in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/19/26 | 5 comments

Olympia School District parent Chelsee Heley commented on the district not tracking unenrollment data of families leaving schools at at an OSD board meeting on Aug. 13, 2026.

Long-term planning effort underway at Olympia School District

Mapping out the future of schools at Olympia School District (OSD) will involve updating a strategic plan, putting forth a bond measure ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/19/26 | 1 comment

Olympia Community Development Planner Casey Shaufler presented the updated 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan at a meeting on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

Olympia presents updated $412.5 million capital plan

A preliminary Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) for 2027-32 proposes $412.5 million in projects, including $82.3 million in 2027, for the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/18/26 | 3 comments

Lacey City Council members reviewed possible changes to the city’s solid waste collection system during a work session on Aug. 11, 2026.

Lacey City Council weighs LeMay franchise, possible higher rates 

More city control over solid waste collection could come at a cost for customers in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/18/26 | 7 comments

An alternate driving route around the multimillion-dollar Fones Road Corridor Project in Olympia.

Fones Road Corridor Project street closures extended

Partial street closures are being extended along Fones Road because of some unexpected design changes related to ongoing roundabout ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/18/26 | 5 comments

Energize Thurston is now in its second year.

Discounted heat pump program enters second year in Thurston County

Energize Thurston, the heat pump campaign for Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, is now in ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/18/26

A graphic details how to reduce the likelihood of getting swimmer's itch.

Swimmer's itch surfaces at Clear Lake in Thurston County

The parasite that causes swimmer's itch appears to be present at Clear ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/18/26

A stretch of Capitol Way S in Olympia is going to be close to thru traffic, including emergency vehicles, starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Overnight closure for section of Capitol Way S in Olympia

A stretch of Capitol Way S in Olympia is going to be closed to thru traffic, including emergency vehicles, starting at 7 p.m. on ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/18/26

The Olympia City Council approved funding for development of local food system plan at a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.

Olympia City Council serves up $245K for food systems plan

The Olympia City Council approved $245,000 in funding to develop a comprehensive local food systems plan aimed at strengthening food ... more

By Lorily Lirio | 8/17/26 | 11 comments

The veterinary staff at Pasado’s Safe Haven.

JASCOM hears plan for new low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tumwater

Thurston County pet owners are expected to have another low-cost option for spay and neuter services before the end of the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/17/26 | 4 comments

The Port of Olympia netted $103,011 in the first half of 2026 after general and administrative costs and depreciation.

Olympia Regional Airport’s non-aviation segments key to profit margin

Olympia Regional Airport’s portion of the business that deals with real estate properties helped keep it profitable in the first half of ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/17/26 | 3 comments

A demolition excavator prepares to finish leveling the last standing part of the old General Administration Building on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.

General Administration Building on Capitol Campus gets demolished

The mechanical Tyrannosaurus rex swung its massive head around and bit into the side of what once was the General Administration Building in ... more

By JM Simpson | 8/17/26 | 5 comments