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

November General Election voters' pamphlets being mailed out in Thurston County

The Washington Secretary of State's Office is mailing out voters' pamphlets for the Nov. 4 General ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 10/7/25 | 2 comments

A U.S. Army Bell TH-67 training helicopter, similar to the surplus model acquired by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office through the federal Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) program, is shown in its original orange-and-white livery.

Thurston County to revisit sheriff’s search and rescue aviation plan

Thurston County’s aviation plan reemerged in board deliberations last week after the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners tapped ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/6/25 | 6 comments

The Thurston County Atrium was cited by Thurston County Board of County Commissioners as an example of the county’s reliance on rented space that the $34.9 million Plum Street purchase aims to replace.

County commissioners commit to $34.9M property purchase

Thurston County has officially committed to buying a $34.9 million downtown Olympia property after the Thurston County Board of County ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/2/25 | 8 comments

Olympia ‘Diaper Guy’ named in $940K rent aid fraud investigation

Newly uncovered audit findings allege a South Sound property manager fraudulently obtained nearly $1 million in pandemic rent assistance money ... more

By Brandon Block | Cascade PBS | 10/2/25 | 3 comments

A map of the proposed Local Actions Non-Dam (LAND) Alternative levee system, including groupings near Centralia and Chehalis, was presented to Thurston County Board of County Commissioners at a work session on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.

Thurston County joins Chehalis Basin long-term strategy dialogue

A study of the Chehalis Basin’s future is underway, with Thurston County reengaging as a voice in policy and public ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/2/25

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County — Harvest Festival, Optimism Walk and more

There are a number of events happening in Thurston County this weekend, including the Harvest Festival and ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/2/25

Man arrested after allegedly attempting to strangle date

A man was arrested after authorities responded to an assault involving two people, who had arranged to meet through an online dating ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 10/1/25 | 5 comments

A bus stop near Bark Store on Martin Way in Olympia is going to be among the 147 bus stops that Intercity Transit plans to enhance by extending concrete on bus stops and constructing bulb-outs.

Intercity Transit to improve more than 100 bus stops for better boarding experience

Intercity Transit is going to enhance 147 bus stops across Thurston County after its board of directors awarded a $2.48 million contract to a construction ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/26/25 | 5 comments

Man faces multiple charges after bicycle chase

A 43-year-old man was arrested after attempting to flee law enforcement personnel during a traffic stop on Center Street ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/26/25 | 2 comments

Inmate faces drug charge after overdose incident at Thurston County Corrections Facility

A 33-year-old inmate is facing a felony charge after deputies found narcotics inside the Thurston County Corrections Facility earlier ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/25/25 | 4 comments

What’s happening this weekend in Thurston County

There are a number of events taking place in Thurston County this weekend, including the 36th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival and the 4th ... more

P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/25/25

Two inmates arrested for drug possession at Thurston County Corrections Facility

Two inmates were arrested at Thurston County Corrections Facility after deputies discovered they were in possession of alleged narcotics ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/24/25 | 2 comments

Thurston County officials joined recovery advocates after the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating September 2025 as National Recovery Month at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

September declared National Recovery Month by Thurston County officials

Community partners applauded local officials for their commitment to behavioral health on a day that served as a reminder that prevention ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/23/25 | 2 comments

Thurston County began budget cut exercises this week, as part of ongoing work to close a gap in its general fund, according to a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

Deficit triggers budget reduction plan for Thurston County

Thurston County’s budget woes escalated this week, as commissioners confronted a significantly reduced spending blueprint for ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/19/25 | 3 comments

Treatment Sales Tax (TST) revenue figures were presented to the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at its agenda setting meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

Flat revenue projections push Thurston County to narrow its Treatment Sales Tax spending

The Treatment Sales Tax (TST) budget came under scrutiny this week, as Thurston County steers toward a leaner financial course for 2026-27 amid ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/17/25 | 3 comments

Camp Wa-Ya campers raced in a recycling relay during an outdoor environmental program in partnership with Thurston County’s Solid Waste Division, Noxious Weeds Program, Environmental Health staff from Public Health and Social Services, and the Stream Team from Community Planning and Economic Development. The event took place on Aug. 26, 2025.

Camp Wa-Ya partners with Thurston County on environmental stewardship

Thurston County divisions joined forces with Camp Wa-Ya for an outdoor play-and-learn event that advocated conservation and sustainable ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/16/25

One person arrested following fatal shooting in Grand Mound

A fatal shooting in Grand Mound led to the arrest of the victim’s family member, according to a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/15/25

Inmate dies after medical emergency at Thurston County Corrections Facility

An inmate at Thurston County Corrections Facility died after suffering a medical emergency, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 9/15/25 | 1 comment

Treaty activist and Puyallup tribal member Nancy Shippentower, left, a relative of Billy Frank Jr., Nisqually fisherman Nuggen “Nugie” Kautz, Nisqually Chairman Willie Frank III and Nisqually Tribal Council member Chaynannah Squally gathered at the Washington State Reception Room in Olympia for the unveiling of the Billy Frank Jr. statue maquette on Jan. 10, 2024.

Billy Frank Jr.'s legacy drives new training plan at SPSCC

As the state of Washington prepares to place Billy Frank Jr. among the nation’s historic figures in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., local officials ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/12/25 | 5 comments

Thurston County commissioners at odds over merging opioid settlement money

An effort to merge opioid settlement money into a regional fund failed to pass muster with the Thurston County Board of County ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 9/12/25