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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) Department confirmed there is a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Lacey’s Long Lake, making it unsafe for swimmers and pets. The most recent sample detected microcystin algae toxin levels at 14 micrograms per liter of water—above the state standard of eight micrograms per liter for recreational water use. more

OLYMPIA –– Even in human time, it hasn’t been long. From the beginning until now, it’s been a bit more than two months. more

OLYMPIA –– I have only lived in Olympia for a few months. Most of that time has been during social distancing, face masks and hand washing in the COVID era. more

WASHINGTON –– Look up! As Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE passes through our inner solar system, catch a view of this once-in-a-lifetime sight. more

THURSTON COUNTY –– As parks in the greater Olympia area start to open up under “Safe Start” Phase 3, government officials are starting to spread the word about what to do to stay safe while enjoying local parks. more