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

Billy Frank, center, is arrested during a "fish-in" near the Washington State Capitol in Olympia in the late 1960s.

On February 12, it will be 50 years since federal Judge George Boldt issued the landmark decision that fully recognized the Indian fishing rights spelled out in the 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty. This … more

By George Walter | 2/9/24 | 2 comments

The woman is suspected of being involved in several thefts and identity theft in Thurston County and Kittitas County.

Sheriff’s Office seeking suspect involved in identity theft, multiple crimes

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) is reaching out to the public for any information regarding a woman suspected of multiple crimes in Thurston County and Kittitas County. TCSO shared … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/9/24 | 1 comment

The scales of Justice represent the idea of decisions reached fairly and objectively by a weighing of evidence.

Suspect allegedly attacks man over ‘girlfriend’

A man allegedly sprayed mace and punched another man in the early morning of January 20, believing the latter's girlfriend was his and claiming they have kids together. Thurston County Sheriff's … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/8/24

County commissioners look at accuracy, inclusiveness of ‘Point in Time Homeless Census’

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agenda-setting meeting on Tuesday, February 6, was marked by discussions surrounding the annual Point in Time Homeless Census and the Right of Way … more

By JC Medina | 2/7/24

Thurston County Law & Justice Council updates membership, adds tribe rep

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners recently approved the motion to update the membership and charter of the Thurston County Law & Justice Council during its meeting on Tuesday, February … more

By JC Medina | 2/7/24

Suspect's relative saves deputy from fatal injury

A Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputy escaped a potentially deadly situation thanks to the intervention of a suspect’s family member. The incident, which happened Friday, … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/7/24

Cliff Moore of Prothman Consulting, who processed the executive director applications.

Get to know the finalists for the Port of Olympia’s executive director position

Some 90 community members gathered last night for a public reception to meet the four finalist candidates for the Port of Olympia’s executive director position. The reception was held at the … more

By Danny Stusser and Jerome Tuaño | 2/6/24 | 3 comments

TRPC senior planner Allison Osterberg presented the housing allocation assessment to the council on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Thurston Regional Planning Council member pushes for student focus in housing allocation planning

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) discussion of the housing needs assessment and proposed allocation methodology, TRPC member Hilary Seidel urged the staff Friday, January 2, to consider … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/5/24 | 3 comments

Man with drug trafficking history arrested anew

A man previously arrested for unlawful possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver was arrested once again by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) for alleged drug trafficking and attempting … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/5/24 | 6 comments

Sheriff's Office seeking information on missing Eddy Bidlake, 63-year-old man with memory disorder

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is seeking the public's help locating Eddy Bidlake, a 63-year-old man reported missing from his residence in the 19000 block of Melon Street SW. … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/5/24

What's happening this February— Olympia’s First Funk Festival!

The start of February will surely be full of funk and love! International Guitar Night, Thursday, February 1, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. International Guitar Night brings you the world’s … more

2/1/24

The suspect, who hurled rocks at passing cars and injured one of the motorists, parked his truck on the side of the road and hid in the nearby woods. He was arrested shortly after.

Suspect arrested after throwing large rocks at passing cars, injuring one

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputies arrested a man for allegedly throwing rocks at motorists and injuring one. On Saturday, January 27, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 2/1/24 | 1 comment

During its meeting on January 30, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved two interagency agreements with the Washington State Department of Commerce and a contract with a private consultancy firm.

County OKs deals for climate grant, ‘Thurston 2045’ comprehensive plan updates

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has given the green light to three contracts to address climate change concerns and update its comprehensive plan. During its meeting on … more

By JC Medina | 1/31/24 | 2 comments

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

Remote voter registration closes Monday to vote in Special Election

Thurston County reminds community members of next week's voter registration deadlines for the February 13 special election. In a press release, the Office of the County Auditor reminded that … more

1/31/24

TCSO and law enforcement chased after a black 2005 Ford F350 for 30 minutes before the suspect was arrested.

Pickup driver rams deputy and recruit during chase

Two deputies were rushed to a hospital following a dangerous pursuit involving local law enforcement agencies in the early hours of January 26, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) reported … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 1/31/24

Sediment control planning is the focus of Deschutes Estuary work this year, state tells port

The Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES) continues to plan the removal of the 5th Avenue Dam and restoring the Deschutes Estuary. For this year, DES will focus on completing an … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/30/24 | 5 comments

Distressed female nurse in hospital corridor

Our Healthcare System is Broken: Part 1

Broken is: ACCESS – to primary care for one EMERGENCY CARE – long waits, delayed care, lack of beds causing unnecessary suffering or worse INSURANCE - access and cost... more

1/30/24 | 6 comments

Landslide warning due to heavy rain that has put pressure on soil instability, which increases the risk of landslides.

Increased threat of landslide alert for Western Washington this week

A Hazardous Weather Conditions alert with “an increased threat of landslides in western Washington” has been issued by the National Weather Service (NOAA). This is due to the large amount … more

1/29/24

Two suspects with warrants were found with a large quantity of fentanyl, as well as meth, firearms, and $4,000 US dollars, among others.

Police arrest two suspected dealers, uncover large quantity of fentanyl and guns

Two individuals were arrested on January 22 at a local hotel near the intersection of Marvin Road NE and Quinault Drive NE, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported on their social media post … more

By Darlanne Cruz | 1/29/24

Washington's 22nd Legislative District (LD22) is shown in purple and covers Olympia and parts of Lacey and Tumwater. South and west of LD22 is the 35th LD, which also covers Mason County. East and south of Lacey is the LD2, which covers most of Pierce County. The district shown in blue is LD20 which covers most of Lewis and Cowlitz Counties.

Virtual Town Hall for 22nd Legislative District is this Tuesday

To learn more about the issues that district residents face, the 22nd Legislative District Virtual Town Hall will be live-streamed on Facebook on Tuesday, January 30, at 7 p.m. “The 22nd … more

1/26/24