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

Toxic algae bloom reported in Lake Lawrence

The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department issued an advisory for a toxic algae bloom in Lake ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/19/26

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency office, as seen in this undated photo.

ORCAA opens public comment on proposed fee increases in draft 2027 budget

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) wants to hear from the public on its draft Fiscal Year 2027 ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/15/26 | 3 comments

The Chevron gas station at 1018 Plum St. SE in Olympia, where regular unleaded gas was priced at $5.999 per gallon Friday, May 15, 2026.

Gas prices at record levels in Olympia and state of Washington

Motorists found no relief at the pump this week, as local and state gas prices remained at historically high levels amid ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/15/26 | 1 comment

TRPC Transportation Manager Katrina Van Every presented a chart showing traffic safety performance measures trending in the opposite direction of the region’s Target Zero goals during a Transportation Policy Board meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Data shows regional traffic continues to move away from safety goals

Thurston County is getting farther away from its Target Zero traffic safety goals, as traffic fatalities and serious injuries continue to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/14/26 | 9 comments

Olympia Prosecutor Bryanna Pinkston and Public Defense Coordinator Diane Whaley discussed options for a future therapeutic court model at a city council study session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Olympia City Council reviews options for therapeutic court program

The Olympia City Council is evaluating options for reestablishing a therapeutic court model after shifting Municipal Court ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/13/26 | 13 comments

Percival Landing in Olympia, as seen from the Views on Fifth building on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026.

Wet, breezy conditions in the weather outlook for Thurston County

A set of sunny spring days are going to give way to some wet and breezy weather as the workweek progresses in Thurston ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/12/26 | 1 comment

Nisqually River Float Trip takes place on June 13-14, tickets now on sale

The family-friendly, no-rapids 2026 Nisqually River Float Trip returns on ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/11/26

'Leaders Lead' podcast: Commissioner Emily Clouse on the record

In the latest episode of the "Leaders Lead" podcast, host Tony Taylor dives into the Thurston County political scene with an interview of Commissioner ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/8/26 | 14 comments

From left, Olympia Federal Savings board member emeritus Kathleen Bauknight, newly appointed board member Heather Burgess and board member emeritus Mary Gentry.

OlyFed announces board appointment and retirements

Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) announced sweeping board changes on April 29, including a new appointment, two reelections and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/8/26

A slide from Walk N Roll Program Supervisor Kerri Wilson’s presentation to the Intercity Transit Authority outlines the program’s 2025 achievements at a meeting on April 15, 2026.

Intercity Transit distributed record number of free bicycles in 2025

Intercity Transit distributed more bicycles in 2025 than in any other single year, according to a report for the Walk N Roll ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/7/26 | 3 comments

Washington Supreme Court rejects state’s attempt to unblock sheriff eligibility law

A Washington Supreme Court commissioner on Tuesday, May 5, declined to pause a judge’s ruling that blocked a new law setting stricter qualifications ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 5/7/26

State agency investigating use of deadly force incident in Olympia

The three Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the use of deadly force incident last week have been identified, amid an ongoing ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 5/7/26

The Thurston Regional Planning Council approved a $200,000 feasibility study for the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, as part of its 2026 Call for Projects. The planning council approved the process on Friday, May 1, 2026.

TRPC approves 2026 Call for Projects, includes Karen Fraser Woodland Trail study

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) approved its 2026 Call for Projects process, including a $200,000 funding set-aside for a ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 5/6/26 | 5 comments

The Port of Olympia, as seen on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024.

Port of Olympia adopts policy for standardizing discounts for partners

The Port of Olympia Commission adopted a new policy standardizing a mechanism for providing discounts to monthly fees, including ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/6/26 | 3 comments

A detour route around a bridge replacement project at Littlerock Road SW and 113th Avenue SW in Thurston County.

Bridge replacement, road improvements underway at Littlerock Road and 113th Avenue

A bridge replacement project is underway along Littlerock Road in Thurston ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/5/26

Port of Olympia adopts resolution banning use of its properties for immigration enforcement operations

The Port of Olympia Commission unanimously adopted a resolution restricting the use of port properties and assets for civil immigration ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/1/26 | 13 comments

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners recognized winners of the 2025 Thurston County Art Contest.

Thurston County announces 3rd annual art contest, invites artists to capture county in motion

Creative residents in Thurston County are once again being invited to showcase their best ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 5/1/26

A single-family residence under construction at 3rd Avenue and Sunbeam Street in south Olympia on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Residential sales jump, median price falls in Thurston County

The residential housing market heated up in the final days of winter and early part of spring, as home sales jumped amid a slight decrease in the median ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 4/30/26

Thurston County judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law

Washington’s new law setting stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs was partially blocked in state court on Wednesday, April 28, one day before ... more

By Jake Goldstein-Street | Washington State Standard | 4/30/26 | 4 comments

The Thurston Regional Housing Council deliberated on affordable housing funding at a meeting on April 22, 2026.

Regional Housing Council recommends funding for nine affordable housing projects

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) advanced a slate of affordable housing recommendations totaling nearly $7.3 million ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 4/29/26 | 8 comments