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

Boats are seen docked at Percival Landing in Olympia on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

Flood watch in effect for Thurston County with more rain on the way

A flood watch was issued for Thurston County ahead of a series of weather systems barreling toward ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/15/25

The Lacey Veterans Services Hub dropped off donated food at the Armed Services YMCA at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Dec. 3, 2025. The food will go to military families during the holiday season.

Lacey holiday food drive benefits JBLM service members, families

Service members and military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) got a holiday helping hand from the Lacey Veterans Services Hub ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/15/25 | 2 comments

Thurston County officials warn of jury duty scam

A warning was issued regarding a phone scam about missed jury ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 12/15/25 | 4 comments

The Thurston County Board of Health and county officials celebrated the adoption of the National Influenza Vaccination Week proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. The county's flu vaccination rate currently stands at 21%.

Thurston County Board of Health pushes flu vaccines

Get your flu shot now. That is the message from the Thurston County Board of Health after influenza accounted for roughly 10% of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

Jews and non-Jews gathered for a ceremonial Hanukah candelabra lighting ceremony on Olympia's Port Plaza

Jewish community to celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lightings across Thurston County

Jews around Thurston County are preparing for the season of Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah — with a festival of lights and traditions, celebrating ... more

By Jessie Darland | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

There are a number of events happening this weekend in Thurston County, including the Native Holiday Market in ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/12/25 | 1 comment

Makah Tribe member Micah McCarty, brother of outgoing Port of Olympia Commissioner Maggie Sanders, performed a Native American song before gifting a paddle crafted by Sanders for the port at a meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Outgoing Port of Olympia commissioners bid farewell

The Port of Olympia Commission concluded its final meeting of the year on Monday, Dec. 8, with farewell remarks from three departing ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 12/11/25 | 1 comment

Thurston County Regional Housing Council adopts 2026 funding priorities

The Thurston County Regional Housing Council (RHC) has set funding priorities for 2026, with an emphasis on supporting the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/11/25 | 1 comment

Chance of rain falls over next couple of days in Thurston County

A break in the weather is on the horizon following days of rain that led to a flood watch being issued for ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/11/25

The aftermath of a fire at Nisqually Plaza shows damage to the awning near Young's Teriyaki on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. No injuries were reported.

Nisqually Plaza fire causes $250,000 in damage

An electrical fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damage at Nisqually Plaza in Yelm on ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/11/25

Tumwater Falls on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 10, 2025.

Flood watch in effect for Thurston County

A flood watch has been issued for Thurston County and the Emergency Coordination Center was activated because of an ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

A graphic shows the outcome of a certified count and a machine recount in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race in the Nov. 4 General Election.

Machine recount confirms win for Jerry Toompas in Port of Olympia Commission race

A machine recount of ballots cast in the Port of Olympia Commission, District No. 2 race confirmed victory for challenger Jerry ... more

The JOLT News Staff | 12/10/25 | 3 comments

The Martin Way Crossing Strategy outlines 10 priority sites for improved pedestrian crossings along the corridor.

Thurston Regional Planning Council calls for coordinated approach to upgrades on Martin Way

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) members are urging a unified, countywide approach to upgrading the Martin Way corridor ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/9/25 | 5 comments

A location map of the Gorgas property southeast of Yelm shows proximity to Yelm Creek and Nisqually River.

Thurston County seeks public input on Gorgas Open Space tax reduction request

Thurston County residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposed 50% reduction in market value assessment for a 76.96 acre ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Shellfish harvest biotoxin closure at Budd Inlet

Recreational shellfish harvesting for all species is off limits in Budd ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 12/9/25 | 2 comments

Forecast calls for wind and rain in Thurston County

A stout diet of wind and rain are on tap over the next 36 hours in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/9/25

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Update on Lake Lawrence Lake Management District renewal

I’d like to share an update with Thurston County residents about the progress of the Lake Lawrence Lake Management District (LMD) ... more

By Barry Halverson | 12/9/25

The Thurston Regional Planning Council recognized long-serving employees on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The planning council also honored outgoing members, including Chair Robin Vazquez.

Thurston Regional Planning Council recognizes dedicated employees, outgoing members

The Thurston Regional Planning Council celebrated the contributions of long-serving employees and outgoing council members at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/8/25

Thurston County Board Chair Tye Menser, left, and Vice Chair Wayne Fournier and Commissioner Carolina Mejia deliberated on the modified Chehalis Basin resolution during a board work session on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Thurston County supports Chehalis Basin efforts minus dam endorsement

Thurston County joined 12 jurisdictions backing Chehalis Basin flood management efforts after revising a resolution to align with its ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 1 comment

Dark clouds hovered over Percival Landing and West Bay in Olympia, as rain fell throughout Monday afternoon, Dec. 8, 2025.

National Weather service warns of potential for landslides and flooding in Thurston County

A robust atmospheric river is expected to pound Thurston County with several inches of rain before it makes its way through the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/8/25