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Anastasia Everett, CDBG Program manager for Olympia, shows a graph of CDBG funds allocated to the city, which has dwindled over the years.

Olympia appeals for increased Community Development Block Grant funding amid proposed budget cuts

In light of the proposed cuts to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund in the Fiscal Year 2025 national budget, the Olympia City Council urged federal lawmakers to advocate for increasing … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/18/24

Environmental Planning and Programs Director Shawn Gilbertson presented a slide showing how much more the Port of Olympia needs to continue the investigation work on Budd Inlet.

Ports seeks additional funding to continue investigation of Budd Inlet

The Port of Olympia is seeking $6.6 million to complete the investigation into Budd Inlet's contamination, according to Environmental Planning and Programs Director Shawn Gilbertson, who spoke to the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/18/24 | 5 comments

Eli Sterling, organizer of Procession of the Species, attended the Thurston Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 16, 2024 to receive the Earth Day proclamation.

Earth Day: County commissioners urge engagement in activities

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed April 22 as Earth Day, urging residents to participate in various events to foster environmental awareness and sustainability. … more

By JC Medina | 4/18/24

In proposing a new tax audit program, Olympia's Tax and License analyst Brandie Andrews says its establishment would cost around $500,000 but the city would see a potential revenue increase through this program.

Olympia developing new business tax audit program

The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, approved continued work on establishing a new tax audit program, which aims to improve business tax compliance for local establishments operating in the city. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/17/24 | 3 comments

April 16, 2024, Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Family Support Center in applying for the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program.

County joins with Family Support Center to apply for violence against women grant

Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the county and the Family Support Center (FSC) in applying for the Department of … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/17/24 | 1 comment

Chelsea Yarwood, Lacey’s Accounting Manager, explained the city’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program from the Government Finance Officers during the Lacey City Council meeting on April 16, 2024.

Lacey awarded for excellence in financial reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) honored the City of Lacey with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program for its 2022 budget report. During … more

By JC Medina | 4/17/24

Roger Jones, the Community Engagement Director for Family Education Support Services (FES) distributed blue pinwheels to the Lacey Council on April 16, 2024, symbolizing national solidarity in preventing child abuse.

Lacey proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

The City of Lacey joined the nation in dedicating April to the prevention of child abuse during its council meeting on April 16. Mayor Andy Ryder, on behalf of the city council, officially … more

By JC Medina | 4/17/24 | 1 comment

Audiences can expect hand-crafted puppets that breathe life into the characters, adding an extra layer of wonder to the journey through the Land of Oz. Wizard of Oz poster.

Olympia Family Theater to run The Wonderful Wizard of Oz starting May 10

The Olympia Family Theater (OFT) invites you to follow the yellow brick road as it proudly presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from May 10 to June 2 . Collaborating with String and Shadow Puppet … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/17/24

Olympia Planning Commission recommending Capital Mall Triangle plan, with amendments

On Monday, April 15, the Olympia Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Capital Mall Triangle subarea plan to the Land Use and Environment Committee, with some amendments around … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/16/24

Finalists for Griffin School District Superintendent position: Cindy Orr, Dan Gregory, Kirsten Rue

Three finalists line up for Griffin School District Superintendent position

Griffin School District announced three finalists for its Superintendent position after preliminary interviews witnessed by approximately 30 people online. From 12 applicants, the board picked … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/16/24

Chief Executive Officer of Experience Olympia & Beyond Annette Pitts met with Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners on Monday, April 8 for tourism updates.

11 million tourists visited Thurston County last year, says report

Experience Olympia & Beyond Chief Executive Officer Annette Pitts shared in her report that an estimated 11,081,763 tourists visited Thurston County from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/16/24 | 3 comments

The Clippers golf team brings in Joey Woods as assistant coach.

South Puget Sound Clippers to return for NWAC Golf action, hires new assistant coach

After a six-month winter break, the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams are set to return to the golf course to compete in various meets as they vie … more

By Vince Zafra | 4/16/24

VFW representative Darcy McGardee proposed a community dialogue to find potential solutions to neighborhood disturbances.

Veterans’ group airs concerns on neighborhood disturbances from nearby supportive housing

Representatives of the Martin Way Veterans of Foreign Wars post shared their concerns regarding the disturbances they are experiencing caused by residents at the nearby Unity Commons shelter. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/15/24 | 9 comments

Zandt Bryan, Sexual Health and Prevention Program Manager at the Department of Health, underscored the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the increasing prevalence of STIs, particularly syphilis, during the Thurston’s Board of Health meeting on April 9, 2024.

State warns against increasing syphilis cases in Thurston County

A representative from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) raised concern about the increasing number of cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), particularly syphilis, in the … more

By JC Medina | 4/15/24

Thurston’s Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) has entered into a service contract with the Nisqually Tribe during its meeting on April 8, 2024.

Joint Animal Services partners with Nisqually Indian Tribe

In a move aimed at bolstering animal welfare services, Thurston’s Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) has entered into a service contract with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. more

By JC Medina | 4/15/24

Local artist Abe Singer presented a maquette of the entryway and bird blind concept at the Arts Commission meeting.

Local artist Abe Singer presents concept design to transform water tank at the Grass Lake Nature Park

The Olympia Arts Commission approved and accepted the design concept for the Grass Lake Nature Park public art project and recommended it to the city council for consideration. At the April 11 … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/15/24

Alauna Carstens (in green) books her tickets to the conference and national championships in women’s 1500 meters, her second national standard.

Carstens sets national standard again for Evergreen Track and Field

The Evergreen State College Track and Field competed again in another track meet, this time in the John Knight Twilight … more

By Vince Zafra | 4/15/24

More than 100 people participated in South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's office-building dedication event on March 9, 2024.

Habitat for Humanity dedicates its new offices in Olympia

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, the local agency of the national non-profit organization that works to provide affordable housing, officially opened its new office. The organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/12/24

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency’s board of directors amended its policy to exclude small gas facilities from its registration program.

24 sites may be exempt from ORCAA’s registration program due to policy change

Twenty-four sites may now be exempted from the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency’s (ORCAA) registration program after its board of directors amended its policy on Wednesday, April 10. The … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 4/12/24 | 1 comment

The Olympia City Council appoints 24 new committee members and honors 22 departing members at its Tuesday meeting, April 9, 2024.

Olympia appoints 24 volunteers, honors departing committee members

The Olympia City Council approved appointments to fill vacancies on 11 advisory boards and committees on Tuesday, April 9. A total of 64 community members applied for the 31 open positions. The … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/12/24