The JOLT - The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

being on the right side of history is not for sissies Hikers are flooding our public … more

By Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff | 7/26/21 | 1 comment

All three proposed alternatives for the future of Capitol Lake are shown above at various tide levels.

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) proposed to remove the 5th Avenue Dam on the Capitol Lake Deschutes Estuary at the Port of Olympia commissioners’ work session … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/20/21 | 2 comments

There are two paths found near the wall, the asphalt road leads to the trail, while the other leads to the waterfalls.

Tumwater unveils new improvements in the Deschutes Valley Trail

The City of Tumwater unveiled the new facilities and improvements for the Deschutes Valley Trail during the regular city council meeting on Tue., June 15. Tumwater Engineering … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 3 comments

More than 120 participants watched the 2021 Nisqually Land Trust's annual Conservation Celebration & Auction event, held online on June 5, 2021. Presenters included, top row, l-r, Jeanette Dorner, executive director of the organization, J.W. Foster, mayor of Yelm; lower row, l-r, Willie Frank III, chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe; Hanford McCloud, member of the Tribal Council.

Nisqually Land Trust annual Conservation Celebration highlights role of the Nisqually Tribe

On Saturday, the Nisqually Land Trust highlighted the valuable role of the Nisqually Indian Tribe in environmental conservation during its annual auction. Yelm Mayor JW Foster, and Executive … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/8/21

The proposed Log Cabin Road Extension would connect North Street-Log Cabin Road in Olympia with Herman Road-37th Ave SE in Lacey.

LBA Woods: source claims Olympia will revive talks about a road through it

Last Monday, a source claimed that the Olympia Planning Commission revived its plan for the Log Cabin road extension, a proposed street connection that would cut across the LBA Woods. According to … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21 | 2 comments

This sequence shows the bald eagle being carried from the vehicle in which it was transported back to the property where it was found, on Sun., May 23, 2021, just prior to its release. L-r, Stephanie Estrella, Mark Fleming.

Bald eagle released after brief rehab following airturf battle

Two bald eagles who lived in or near a recently clear-cut urban forest in Olympia did battle in the air last week. One needed a brief stay at a local rehabilitation center and was released yesterday … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/24/21

An American Brown Bear, the same species found in Lacey on May 8, 2021, crossing a street in Alaska.

Black bear killed by police in south Lacey

A black bear roaming the 13th fairway of the Capital City Golf Course was shot by Lacey Police this morning. Lacey Police received multiple calls regarding the bear starting at 7:37 a.m. on May 8, … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/8/21 | 4 comments

Springtime's here but shady spots never seem to go away

The great spring surge of growth is gathering momentum. Buds are opening, the grass is taller with every passing day, and every unpaved inch of earth – even the cracks in the pavement – … more

By Jill Severn | 4/16/21

The fish ladder at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is shown just to the left of the fence in the center of the image above.

Tumwater Falls Park reopens as Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls re-opened to the public yesterday, with some new amenities and a new name -- but without new signs yet. The Olympia Tumwater Foundation closed the park last year so it … more

4/2/21 | 1 comment

Look closely and you'll see a blue heron in flight near the center of the pond. It's unusual to see these birds in the city; this one was spotted at William A. Bush Park on Yelm Highway in Lacey on March 24, 2021.

Blue heron spotted in South Lacey

Scene in Thurston County: If you see something amazing or especially beautiful in Tumwater, Lacey or Olympia, and capture a reasonably decent photo, please send it to us. We're not yet … more

3/26/21

Julia Brayshaw and Kevin Head at Priest Point Park in Olympia on March 13, 2021.

Kevin and Julia and the Curse of the Ivy

I met Kevin and Julia on Saturday morning, March 13, at 8:15. We sat at a picnic table near the playground the Southwest section of Priest Point Park. I would call them local heroes. Kind, caring … more

By Denny Hamilton | 3/19/21 | 1 comment

Almost-spring's first Trilliums appeared in Priest Point Park in Olympia on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Trilliums appeared over the weekend

If you've taken a photo recently that you'd like us to consider featuring, please email it to news@theJOLTnews.com or use the Contribute your news button above, at the right end of the site … more

Photos by Denny Hamilton | 3/15/21

Project Manager Amos Callendar with Thomas Architecture Studios presents a map of waterfront property to be developed in coming years, marked with potential uses for each site.

Port of Olympia plans for large developments along waterfront in coming years

Several sites along the Port of Olympia’s eastern bank may see significant development in the years to come, as Port officials continue seeking public input and discussing the sweeping … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 3/5/21

This garbage was collected in Priest Point Park in Olympia on Thu., Jan. 21, 2021 -- in just a few minutes. Most of it was recyclable - and was put into the recycling stream at home.

Things are picking up again at Priest Point Park

Denny here again. Have been to Olympia's Priest Point Park each of the last three days. Last Thursday, I made a sweep of the southwest section of the beach, from the southern-most access trail to … more

By Denny Hamilton | 1/25/21

A map of a planned dog park near McLane Elementary School in Olympia. The park is set to be opened sometime in Summer 2021.

Three off-leash dog parks coming to Olympia this summer

Olympia city officials recently finalized a lease with Olympia School District for a 5.5 acre plot of land near McLane Elementary School, which will be utilized as an off-leash dog park sometime … more

By Cody Neuenschwander | 1/21/21

Public invited to comment tomorrow on long-term vision for Thurston County

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 24, at 5:30 p.m. to receive public testimony on proposed amendments to the Thurston County Comprehensive … more

11/23/20

Do Olympia dogs need an off-leash park?

OLYMPIA -- Thurston County is considering the development of a new off-leash dog park. The new dog park would be on 5.7 acres of land bordering 200 Delphi Rd. SW. more

by JOLT staff | 10/15/20 | 2 comments

What's that bird in my backyard?

Inspired by news reports of many people taking up birding amid COVID-19, members of the Black Hills Audubon Society (BHAS) began hosting multiple online events for people who share interests in birds … more

by Prachi Gohil | 10/8/20

City officials discuss having outdoor fitness equipment in parks

OLYMPIA –– Members of the city’s parks and recreation advisory committee discussed the possibility of having outdoor adult fitness equipment in parks amid COVID-19 restrictions to promote usage of parks. more

By Prachi Gohil of JOLT | 8/21/20

Exercise equipment might be coming to Olympia parks

OLYMPIA –– City officials will talk on Thursday night about how best to meet the needs of the city’s residents, with plans to discuss installing outdoor exercise equipment in public parks for visitors to use while COVID-19 restrictions are in effect. more

By Madeline Shannon of JOLT | 8/20/20