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

What’s happening– Family Cornhole Challenge and more

Did you enjoy the first days of August? Let us continue to join in on the fun! 2023 Family Cornhole Challenge, Weekend, August 5, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Family Cornhole Challenge is an outdoor … more

8/3/23

At the BoCC meeting on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Commissioner Gary Edwards highlighted the need to address fentanyl problems in the county.

Thurston commissioner proposes redirecting public health funds to address the fentanyl and opioid problem

Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards is proposing redirecting public health funds toward the county coroner's office to address the increase in deaths caused by fentanyl and other opioids. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/2/23 | 5 comments

Judge Mary Sue Wilson gives the Board of County Commissioners an update about the status of the Superior Court.

County Superior Court catches up on backlog cases

The County Superior Court has cleared its backlog on family law cases, announced Judge Mary Sue Wilson to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, July 31. Wilson attributed two ways they … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/2/23

Thurston and Pierce County representatives gathered yesterday, July 31, to discuss updates about the Central and South Puget Sound Region Meat Production and Processing Infrastructure and Labor Study.

Limited facilities and resources hobble regional meat processing industry progress

Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met yesterday, July 31, to receive updates about the Central and South Puget Sound Region Meat Production and Processing Infrastructure … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/2/23 | 3 comments

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners approved the maintenance renewal with Adobe for one more year during its meeting on August 1, 2023.

Thurston County renews Adobe software tools for the year

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) approved the maintenance renewal with computer software by the company Adobe for one more year during its meeting on the first day of August. … more

By JC Medina | 8/2/23

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

Youth allegedly intentionally ran stop sign in Grand Mound, 5 people seriously injured

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) cautioned motorists against mimicking dangerous driving behavior they might have seen on social media. “There has been a drastic increase … more

By Julia Ornedo | 8/2/23

Closeup detail of birth certificate form.

Thurston County opens new streamlined site for ordering birth and death certificates

Today it became easier to order birth and death certificates in Thurston County using new online forms. Applicants for such documents will continue to be required to prove that they are … more

By Danny Stusser | 8/1/23

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

Don't forget to vote

The Thurston County Auditor's Office is reminding voters to submit their ballots by tomorrow, August 1 before 8 p.m. There are 29 ballot drop boxes distributed throughout the county (see … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 7/31/23 | 2 comments

Sheriff chases fleeing driver accused of hit and run, DUI, multiple warrants

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders pursued a fleeing suspect accused of hit and run and driving under the influence (DUI), who was later arrested and booked on multiple charges. Last Saturday … more

By Julia Ornedo | 7/31/23 | 2 comments

Gladys Burns (third from the left) with Governor Arthur B. Langlie (far right) in his office with two other people, names unrecorded. Source: Susan Parish Photograph Collection, 1889-1990, WASHINGTON STATE ARCHIVES.

What can one person do? A lot!

She lived her life to make a difference – and did! She literally crafted our local human services system over 50+ of her 85+ years. Now, a group of people are taking action to ensure her legacy … more

By Shirley Stirling | 7/28/23 | 2 comments

“We do not condone the prejudicial labeling of the collection, we believe that the ability to freely choose what to read is the cornerstone of democracy and of a free society,” Timberland Regional Library Executive Director Cheryl Heywood said.

No ‘prejudicial labeling’ of books coming from Timberland Regional Library

Timberland Regional Library does not condone the “prejudicial labeling” of their books, said Executive Director Cheryl Heywood. During their board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/27/23 | 5 comments

County commissioners met yesterday, July 26, 2023, to share updates on its Shoreline Master Program

County Shoreline Master Program to be updated, roundtable discussion with Chehalis tribe

Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) had two meetings yesterday, July 26, to share updates on its Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and conducted a roundtable discussion with the … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 7/27/23

Olympia's Climate Program Director, Dr. Pamela Braff (bottom row, right), presented the interlocal agreement for implementing the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan before the climate executive committee meeting on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Thurston climate committee approves interlocal agreement for coordinated climate mitigation implementation

The Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative Executive Committee approved the interlocal agreement (ILA) for implementing the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP) Monday, July 24. According … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/27/23 | 1 comment

TRL Neurodivergent Kids Book Club at Sensory Tool House provides safe & inclusive space to find community and joy in reading

The Timberland Regional Library (TRL), in partnership with Sensory Tool House (STH) hosts a monthly Book Club for Neurodivergent (ND) kids ages 8 and older. The club was started out of the desire to … more

7/27/23

What’s happening: Thurston County Fair and more

Enjoy the last days of July and welcome the fast-approaching days of August! 2023 Thurston County Fair, Weekend, July 26 - 30 Fair hours: 10-9 Wed & Thurs, 10-10 Fri & Sat, 10-8 Sun … more

7/27/23

Thurston County invites community members to observe random audit of election

Thurston County’s Auditor will be holding a random audit of the primary elections on August 1 to test and demonstrate the tabulation equipment’s accuracy. In a statement released by … more

7/26/23

Alleged car thief attempts escape, loses three tires when pursued

A vehicle lost three wheels when the person who allegedly stole it attempted to flee from law enforcement. Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported on social media that on Tuesday, an … more

By Julia Ornedo | 7/26/23

Acting Executive Director Rudy Rudolph says that the original recommendation of $300,000 as the new contract amount would have saved the Port Commission time from needing to re-amend it.

Port renews contract with lawyers assisting with Local 47-B union negotiations

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Acting Executive Director Rudy Rudolph to sign an amendment to the contract of the law firm of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis, extending their services until the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/25/23 | 2 comments

Environmental consultant James Maul briefs the Port Commission about a $300,000 Ecology grant.

Port seeks Ecology grant for waterway remediation projects

The Port of Olympia is seeking a $300,000 grant from the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to support various remediation projects. The Port Commission authorized Acting Executive Director Rudy … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/25/23

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders informed county commissioners what his department plans to do with funds from the proposed public safety tax on July 18, 2023

New public safety tax up for vote this November

Thurston County residents are set to vote on a new public safety tax in the November 7 general elections. If approved, retail sales taxes throughout the county would increase by 0.2%, or … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/24/23 | 7 comments