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

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

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

Dr. Justin Ainsworth, one of the finalists, is associate superintendent in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in Palmer, Alaska.

North Thurston Public Schools picks Justin Ainsworth for new superintendent

The North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) Board of Directors selected Dr. Justin Ainsworth to become the next superintendent, pending his acceptance. “Dr. Ainsworth’s leadership … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/12/24 | 1 comment

This is the baseball bat that the suspect used to hit the victim on the back of his head, causing his death.

Suspect in fatal assault in Olympia homeless encampment arrested after a month at large

Olympia police arrested two suspects involved in the fatal attack on a man walking in The Jungle homeless encampment who was hit fatally in the head with a baseball bat. more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/12/24 | 1 comment

At a Tuesday, April 9, 2024 meeting, the Olympia City Council did not adopt the proposed code amendment for drive-though.

Olympia City Council votes down proposal to allow drive-throughs on Plum Street

After almost an hour of discussing options for balancing housing, climate goals, safety, and health, the Olympia City Council voted not to adopt the proposed amendment to allow drive-throughs on Plum … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/11/24 | 4 comments

Homeless for over a year in Olympia, Destiny gets herself ready for her day.

They still are homeless

For the past 15 months, I have been engaged in photographically documenting the homeless in Olympia for The JOLT and national media . As such, I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with … more

By JM Simpson | 4/11/24 | 13 comments

Christa Lenssen, Olympia's Housing Program senior specialist, presented a chart from the Washington State Department of Commerce reflecting the correlation that homelessness also rose when rental prices increased.

Olympia modifies, extends rental housing regulations

In a unanimous vote, the Olympia City Council approved a first reading that would lead to additional rental housing policies with some tweaks on key elements. The additional elements would … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/10/24 | 11 comments

Puget Sound Energy’s Senior Local Government Affairs Representative Kristine Rompa (right) briefed Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) for the facility’s features and goals.

Puget Sound Energy aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030

“Climate change is an existential threat that cannot be ignored, and we are doing our part to move further and faster to save our planet,” said Puget Sound Energy (PSE) President and CEO … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/9/24 | 4 comments

Olympia Mayor Bill Daley is shown in Washington, D.C., circa 1987, fifth from left holding the All-American City Award from the National League of Cities. Others shown, from left, include business owner Rob Panowicz, former city manager Dick Cushing, city councilmember Holly Gadbaw, Olympia Chamber of Commerce president Jim Krinbring, Olympia public information specialist Karen Goettling and city housing director Ken Black.

Former Olympia Mayor Bill Daley’s memorial this Saturday

The public is invited to visit former Olympia Mayor William “Bill” Daley’s memorial service this Saturday, April 13, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Indian Summer Golf Course. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/9/24

Olympia wants ideas for developing Rebecca Howard Park

Olympia is seeking proposals from creative design professionals to develop a master plan for Rebecca Howard Park. The city aims to create an inspiring master plan for the 0.34-acre park that … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/5/24 | 2 comments

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission meeting for a proposed renovation of the Lassen Building from a commercial space into a restaurant.

Developer proposes conversion of Lassen Building on Capitol Way N for a popular restaurant

Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee heard a proposal for renovating the Lassen Building at 301 Capitol Way N from an existing commercial space into a new restaurant during its Wednesday, April … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/5/24 | 2 comments

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

Man arrested after alleged multiple sexual assault of friend’s minor daughter

A mother has sought the help of authorities after her 11-year-old daughter confessed to her that she had been sexually molested by their family friend multiple times. more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/4/24 | 4 comments

Artesians return to the men’s Evergreen Premier League after their takeover of Lacey Lights FC. Tryouts for aspiring lads will be on April 13 at Timberline HS in Lacey.

Artesians confirm participation in 2024 EPLWA and Cascadia PL via Lacey Lights FC merger

Following their acquisition of Lacey Lights FC late in February, the FC Olympia Artesians have confirmed that they will compete for this summer’s Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) and Cascadia … more

By Vince Zafra | 4/4/24

Rent prices from 1985 to 2020 increased dramatically by 149%, outpacing the 35% income growth over the same period.

Olympia for All advocates for 'Landlord Fairness Code' as rental inflation outpaces wage growth

In response to the rising rental increases and housing crisis in Olympia, a group called Olympia for All is pushing for a measure adopting a citizen's initiative they call a "Landlord Fairness Code," which they … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/3/24 | 11 comments

After refusing to surrender, the suspect surrendered when SWAT’s armored Bearcat vehicle arrived on the scene.

Knife-wielding suspect resists arrest, alleged protection order violation

On the night of March 28, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Lacey area. Authorities discovered that a man inside the vehicle was … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 4/3/24

The Olympia Planning Commission opened a public hearing on the Capital Mall Triangle area plan, where community members raised their concerns on affordable housing and parks, on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Community members ask for specifics re Capital Mall Triangle subarea plan

Traffic, parks, and affordable housing took center stage as the Olympia Planning Commission heard public testimony on proposals to redevelop the Capital Mall Triangle subarea into a more urban … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/2/24 | 7 comments

South Puget Sound Community College Building 22 pictured amongst the trees of the campus

SPSCC to recognize 92 honor college students from Washington schools

The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is set to celebrate the year’s top community and technical college students. This coming Thursday, April 25, SPSCC’s Lacey Campus will … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/2/24

At a meeting on March 28, 2024, public commenters, including former Board Director Talauna Reed (podium), showed up to criticize Olympia School District’s monitoring report about biases.

Community criticizes Olympia School District Board anew

Former OSD Director Talauna Reed and other community members showed up to air their criticism of the board’s actions concerning minimizing biases Last Thursday, March 28, th … more

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