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

Sue Lean portrays Emma Smith DeVoe in an antique car at the Lakefair parade, Olympia, WA. In 1910, DeVoe ran the campaign making Washington the first state in the 20th century to grant full enfranchisement to women, 10 years before the 19th Amendment’s ratification. In 2010, Sue successfully nominated DeVoe into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and attended the Seneca Falls, New York induction.

Equality Day, what’s that? Sue Lean would like you to know about the happy day, August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was signed into law. This amendment … more

by Shirley A. Stirling | 8/18/23 | 4 comments

The scales of Justice represent the idea of decisions reached fairly and objectively by a weighing of evidence.

Man charged with assaulting woman with golf club, unlawful imprisonment

A 50-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a woman with a golf club and biting her arm. On the late night of July 13, Olympia police officers responded to a 911 dispatch of a possible … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 8/18/23

What’s happening next week– Tumwater Artesian Brewfest and other festivities

Join in on the fun by supporting local businesses. 2023 Tumwater Artesian Brewfest, Saturday, August 19 Brewing is Tumwater's History. The Tumwater Artesian Brewfest provides a unique outdoor … more

8/17/23

Aerial view of Olympia, Washington at sunset in June with a view of the port

Port names Rudy Rudolph as interim executive director

Rudy Rudolph, now Port of Olympia’s interim executive director, said that he would work to maintain the continuity of operations after the Port Commission placed Executive Director Sam Gibboney … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/16/23 | 4 comments

Olympia City Council discusses the proposed rental registry program; Mayor Selby has reservations

The Olympia City Council tackled the proposed rental housing registration and inspection program, which aims to improve housing quality, tenant protection, and education. At the city council … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/16/23 | 15 comments

Port to improve stormwater treatment and testing at Swantown Boatworks

The Port of Olympia is set to improve stormwater treatment at Swantown Boatworks in compliance with its new permit, which requires tightened standards for monitoring stormwater pollutants. The … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/16/23

County awarded federal funding for Green Cove fish barrier removal

“It sounds like a Public Works week.” This was what Thurston County Manager Ramiro Chavez said after he updated the Board of County Commissioners on the two awards that the … more

By JC Medina | 8/16/23 | 1 comment

Consultant sought for sea level rise plan sought for protecting downtown Olympia

The Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative is seeking a consultant who will assist in identifying and evaluating potential funding opportunities, governance models, and legislative actions for … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/15/23 | 1 comment

For reference only, this image shows the retaining wall on Olympic Way before it was painted with the Climate Justice Mural-- and before the new family painted the house above it purple over purple.

Pavement preservation on Harrison Avenue, Olympic Way in Olympia until Friday

Road construction in two places in west Olympia are happening this week. Harrison Avenue from Cooper Point Road to Division Street Olympic Way from … more

8/15/23

'A Song for Nurturing Peace' wins 2023 Percival Plinth Project People’s Choice Award

'A Song for Nurturing Peace' by Nancy Thorne-Chambers was voted as the 2023 Percival Plinth Project People's Choice, Olympia Art Specialist Angel Nava announced at the Arts Commission meeting on … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/14/23

August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day in Olympia

Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Clark Gilman emphasized the need for a dual-sided approach to combat drug addiction effectively, combining public health and law enforcement interventions as At Tuesday's … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/14/23

Olympia schools ‘confident to make few adjustments’ in next year’s budget

Kate Davis, Olympia School District (OSD)’s Executive Director of Business & Finance, expressed optimism about the district’s budget. Davis provided a brief update on the … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/14/23

The three IW awardees: faith community of the year, Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation; volunteer of the year, Khurshida Begum; and business of the year, L&E Bottling Company.

The Garden Party celebrates volunteers in our community

Would you like to help others but don’t know what to do or how to get involved? Attend this year’s annual party in Olympia, The Garden Party. You can help celebrate local volunteers, talk … more

By Shirley Stirling | 8/11/23

A preview of the proposed mural for the Olympia Senior Center.

Olympia accepts 'Arc of Aging' mural for senior center

At Tuesday's meeting, the Olympia City Counvil approved an ordinance accepting Senior Services for South Sound's art donation - the “Arc of Aging” mural, which is “designed to honor … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/10/23 | 1 comment

Brian Windrope, Executive Director of Senior Services, said the 50th anniversary also celebrates the partnership with Olympia that nurtured the organization.

Senior Services for South Sound celebrates 50th anniversary

The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, signed a proclamation designating 2023 as the 50th anniversary of Senior Services for South Sound. The proclamation honors seniors as leaders, parents, … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/10/23

The North Thurston Public Schools VOICE program (gold robes) and the Summit Virtual Academy (dark blue robes) celebrated their 2023 graduation.

The graduating classes of Summit Virtual Academy and VOICE of North Thurston Public Schools, 2023

The graduating class of 2023 for the North Thurston Public Schools VOICE program, and the Summit Virtual Academy celebrated their graduation. … more

8/10/23

The Olympia City Council approved an ordinance focused on electric vehicle requirements on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Shown is Dr. Pamela Braff, Olympia's Climate Programs director.

Olympia City Council adopts ordinance for electric vehicle parking requirements

The Olympia City Council approved an ordinance relating to electric vehicle parking requirements to ensure infrastructure and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging for residents on Tuesday. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/9/23 | 7 comments

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney announced the appointment of Mark Russell as the city's Public Works director on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

Mark Russell is the new Olympia Public Works director

Mark Russell is Olympia's new Public Works director, City Manager Jay Burney announced at Tuesday's city council meeting. "I conducted a nationwide search and found that we had exactly what we … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/9/23

At the Wednesday meeting, August 2, 2023, the PBIA board members approved the recommendation to create the Olympia Downtown Improvement District (DID).

PBIA approves recommendation of creation of Downtown Improvement District

Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) members approved the recommendation to move forward and support the creation of the Olympia Downtown Improvement District (DID) to the city council … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/8/23 | 7 comments

At the Olympia Planning Commission meeting held Monday, August 7, 2023, Principal Planner Joyce Phillips (bottom row, left) briefed the commissioners on the CFP financial plan and infrastructures for 2024 – 2029.

Olympia Planning Commission gets update on the budget and infrastructure plans for 2024-2029

Olympia's Community Plan and Development Principal Planner Joyce Phillips presented the preliminary Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), which outlines the financial blueprint for the city’s … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/8/23