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

Planning Manager Brad Medrud (lower left) briefed the General Government Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 9, about the land capacity study by the Thruston Regional Planning Council

County-wide study shows Tumwater has surplus land capacity for low-income housing needs until 2045

A county-wide study shows that Tumwater has sufficient land capacity to accommodate future housing needs for low-income households until 2045, but a city planner warns that the margin of error is too … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/10/24 | 6 comments

What’s happening next week– Olympia Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Harvest Craft Festival and other festivities

There is so much to celebrate in our locality—from nature to culture. Harvest Craft Festival & Food Drive, Weekend, October 11-12 The first-ever Harvest Craft Fair … more

10/10/24

This image shows the southeast corner of Tumwater's Urban Growth Area (in beige) and BAR Holdings property (in red).

How to help the housing crisis

Do you want to help combat the housing crisis? Then you should consider submitting comments to the county in opposition to a development called BAR Holdings/Salish Landing, and you should consider … more

Submitted by Ronda Larson Kramer | 10/8/24 | 5 comments

Tumwater City Councilmember Eileen Swarthout led a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the two EV charging stations on Friday, October 4.

Tumwater launches off-grid solar charging at Pioneer Park

Two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now available for public use at Pioneer Park in Tumwater. Tumwater held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 4, to celebrate the … more

By Jerome Tuaño and Sage Hamilton | 10/7/24 | 4 comments

Jason Wettstein (top left), the city’s communications manager, briefed the Tumwater City Council on a resolution expressing the council’s disapproval of a state ballot measure that would prohibit the trade of carbon credits.

Tumwater council wants voters to vote no on Initiative 2117

Tumwater City Council adopted a resolution expressing its disapproval of a state ballot measure that, if passed, would prohibit the trade in carbon credits. The council unanimously voted to … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/4/24 | 9 comments

The Tumwater Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on Sept. 23, 2024, to review the applications of several organizations looking to receive lodging tax funds.

Tumwater awards lodging tax funds to 14 organizations

Tumwater City Council approved the distribution of this year’s lodging tax funds. As part of its consent agenda on Tuesday, October 1, the council adopted the recommendation of the Lodging Tax … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/3/24

What’s happening this weekend– Olympia Fall Arts Walk, Lacey Children’s Fest and other festivities

Invite the whole neighborhood to visit the well-loved arts walk and children’s fest. Olympia Arts Walk, Weekend, October 4-5, September 28 Mark your calendars for a vibrant … more

10/3/24

What’s happening this weekend

There's likely an event coming up to suit anyone's interests -- for the environment, culture, and the arts. Day of Caring, Friday, September 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Expect to see over 500 … more

9/26/24

Once the project has been finished, the restored estuary will extend two miles from Tumwater Falls to the Fifth Avenue Bridge.

Tumwater City Council reviews interlocal agreement for shared governance of Deschutes Estuary project

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) presented to the Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 24, a draft interlocal agreement for the Deschutes Estuary restoration project. Under the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/25/24 | 5 comments

Join the Suicide Awareness Gathering on Monday, September 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Join community-centered ASHHO’s Suicide Awareness Gathering and catch the Cultural Bazaar

The ASHHO Cultural & Job Training Center at Tumwater is opening its doors for a mental health gathering about suicide and its well-known cultural bazaar. Suicide Awareness Gathering … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 9/25/24

The first phase of the project is referred to as upland work and involves the planting of riparian trees on the outer part of the site. The second phase will focus on the in-water features along 1,000 feet of Deschutes River and additional plantings.

Tumwater refocuses work to improve Pioneer Park’s shoreline

Tumwater is refocusing its work on stabilizing the shoreline of the Deschutes River as it passes Pioneer Park, a project that has been in the works since 2014. The erosion along Pioneer … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/24/24 | 1 comment

This is an example of the outside component of a mini-split heat pump system.

Electrification rebate program coming to Tumwater, but first city must nail down details

Grant-funded rebates program to launch in January 2025 Around $400,000 will be available to Tumwater … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/20/24 | 3 comments

A wood burning stove and basket of cut wood

Have an old wood stove? Agency pushes to destroy or replace them

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency offers financial incentives to those willing to ditch or replace wood stoves. Residents who want to upgrade or get rid of their wood stoves may qualify for a cash incentive. The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) announced Tuesday, September 17, … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/20/24 | 5 comments

Police Chief Jon Weiks presents the police department’s community outreach strategy for its strategic growth plan to the Public Health and Safety Committee.

Tumwater Council dissatisfied with Police Department's community outreach

Police chief reassured committee: strategic growth plan is a living document to be revisited Tumwater council members who are also part of the Public Health and Safety Committee expressed their concerns about the public engagement process that led to the police department’s strategic growth … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/13/24 | 1 comment

Tumwater Falls Fest to showcase local entertainment, Deschutes River loop trail

The third annual Tumwater Falls Fest will open on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. The festival features local musicians, artists, … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado and Jerome Tuaño | 9/12/24 | 2 comments

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Anne Egeler decided in favor of Save the Davis Meeker Gary Oak group’s motion to set the bond to a lower amount during a hearing on Friday, September 6.

Court allows Davis Meeker Oak supporters to pay bond to secure stay against tree removal plans

Supporters of the Davis Meeker Gary Oak tree along Old Highway99 may further delay Tumwater’s plan to cut down the historic tree after a partial win at a court hearing on Friday, Sept. 6. … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/10/24 | 4 comments

The Tumwater Retail and Tourism Visitors Center had its grand opening on Tuesday, September 3.

New Tumwater tourism center combines education, destination services

School District, Chamber of Commerce collaboration provides visitor services, retail, and work-based learning The Tumwater Retail and Tourism Visitors Center had its grand opening on Tuesday, September 3. Located at 5304 Littlerock Road, the center will aim to provide hospitality and … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/6/24 | 1 comment

What's happening around here— Homes First's 2024 Heroes for Housing Breakfast and others

The local events set for this weekend and next week would be fun for families and friends. more

9/6/24

Help name Thurston County parks and facilities: Criteria and community engagement

Olympia is seeking public input to officially name three park properties – the Olympia Armory, Yelm Highway Community, and Kaiser Woods Park. The city will be collecting name … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 9/5/24 | 4 comments

The segment to be repaired on Israel Road is from the I-5 bridge to Linderson Way.

Pavement repairs planned for Crosby Boulevard and Israel Road in Tumwater

Tumwater City Council okayed plans for pavement repairs on Crosby Boulevard and Israel Road. As part of the council’s consent agenda on Tuesday, September 3, the council authorized the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/4/24