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

A van pool at Timberland Regional Library in Tumwater.

Tumwater City Council backs TRL levy lid lift

The Tumwater City Council approved a resolution supporting the Timberland Regional Library's ballot measure for a levy lid ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/18/26 | 7 comments

Visitors participated in activities at a previous Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo.

Emergency preparedness expo returns on Sept. 26 in Lacey

Thurston County residents can prepare themselves for emergencies before something happens at an upcoming community event in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/18/26

A deadline looms for people to use Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards.

Large percentage of Senior Farmers Market benefits remain unused as deadline nears

Nearly half of all Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) cards issued to older adults in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties haven't been ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/16/26 | 4 comments

LOTT Finance and Administration Director Justin Long presented the proposed 2027-28 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan during the LOTT Board of Directors meeting on Sept. 9, 2026.

LOTT proposes $146.1 million budget with higher wastewater rates

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is proposing two consecutive annual wastewater rate increases, as part of a $146.1 million budget weighted ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/15/26

Members of the Transportation Policy Board voted to advance 25 projects at a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.

Transportation Policy Board endorses 25 projects for state funding

The Transportation Policy Board approved the draft 2027-30 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), moving more than ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/10/26 | 3 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Sept. 7, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 9/7/26 | 1 comment

One person was arrested after a seven-hour standoff at a resident in Rainier.

One person arrested after seven-hour standoff with law enforcement in Rainier

A response to a report about a deceased person inside a Rainier residence led to a seven-hour standoff in which multiple shots were fired ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/3/26 | 2 comments

Intercity Transit’s Dial-A-Lift is a shared ride service provided to individuals whose disability or health condition prevents them using a fixed-route bus.

Intercity Transit shares accomplishments in 2025

Intercity Transit recently highlighted the success of several programs designed to help seniors and people with disabilities navigate public ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/2/26 | 2 comments

Active residential, condo listings heat up in Thurston County

Would-be homebuyers had a plethora of options at the start of the second half of the year, as active residential and condominium listings surged ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/2/26

John Cooper, 69, is wanted in connection with a shooting in Tenino on Aug. 28, 2026.

Man shot in Tenino, suspect on the lam

Local authorities are seeking the public's help in locating a man wanted for allegedly shooting another person last week in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 9/1/26 | 2 comments

Tenino Arts will bring the Tenino Holiday Market to the Kodiak Room from Nov. 27-29, 2026.

Artisan application window opens for Tenino Holiday Market

The Tenino Holiday Market is returning to the Kodiak Room in the historic downtown area on Thanksgiving ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/1/26

A Thurston County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle.

Independent investigation requested following medical emergency at Thurston County jail

An investigation has been ordered into the care of an inmate at Thurston County Corrections Facility that led to the dismissal of a ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/25/26 | 2 comments

Felony assault suspects arrested after high-speed chase

A pair of felony assault suspects were taken into custody after a high-speed chase, in which speeds were reported to exceed 130 miles ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/25/26 | 2 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County — Aug. 24, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 8/24/26

The 37th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival takes place on Sept. 26, 2026.

Nisqually Watershed Festival returns for its 37th year

The 37th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival returns on Sept. 26 with animals, science, arts and crafts, music, food and ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/24/26

A ballot dropbox in Olympia on March 12, 2024.

Thurston County Canvassing Board certifies Aug. 4 Primary Election results

The race for the Thurston County Commissioner District No. 5 seat will pit an incumbent against a local city councilman in the ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 8/19/26 | 5 comments

Energize Thurston is now in its second year.

Discounted heat pump program enters second year in Thurston County

Energize Thurston, the heat pump campaign for Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, is now in ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/18/26

A graphic details how to reduce the likelihood of getting swimmer's itch.

Swimmer's itch surfaces at Clear Lake in Thurston County

The parasite that causes swimmer's itch appears to be present at Clear ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 8/18/26

The veterinary staff at Pasado’s Safe Haven.

JASCOM hears plan for new low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tumwater

Thurston County pet owners are expected to have another low-cost option for spay and neuter services before the end of the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 8/17/26 | 4 comments

The Port of Olympia netted $103,011 in the first half of 2026 after general and administrative costs and depreciation.

Olympia Regional Airport’s non-aviation segments key to profit margin

Olympia Regional Airport’s portion of the business that deals with real estate properties helped keep it profitable in the first half of ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/17/26 | 3 comments