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

Olympia's Familiar Faces program has received attention from around the United States.

Familiar Faces Program becomes a permanent part of downtown services

The Olympia City Council approved funding for the Familiar Faces program as a part of its city operations last Thursday, June 29, following a three-year trial period. The program provides a … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/6/21

Sunday at the park: drunk and confused, police say

Tumwater police were dispatched to intercept an intoxicated man who had gotten into a brawl with nearby park goers and was attempting to drive out of the parking lot on Sun., June 27 just after 6 … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/1/21

Kyle Grunenfelder, principal of Tumwater Virtual Academy, presented to the Tumwater School District board on June 17, 2021.

Tumwater Virtual Academy to offer dual enrollment for school year 2021-22

As the school year draws to a close, the Tumwater Virtual Academy (TVA) invites students to enroll in its flexible online school program for the 2021-22 school year In a presentation to the … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/22/21

The CARE Wellness Center is presenting its first Juneteenth Jubilee on Sat., June 19, 2021.

Thurston County Celebrates the Juneteenth Holiday

On June 19, several Juneteenth events have been long planned prior to President Joe Biden’s signature confirming Congress' vote earlier this week recognizing it as an official holiday. While … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/18/21

The Thurston County Housing Authority is interested in purchasing the former OYO Hotel in Tumwater, above, and converting it into long-term housing for senior citizens and "neighbors with disabilities."

Port of Olympia continues to push plans to use airport property for long-term housing

On Wednesday, the Port of Olympia continued to push its proposal to facilitate use of a parcel of its airport property to provide long-term housing. Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/17/21 | 2 comments

There are two paths found near the wall, the asphalt road leads to the trail, while the other leads to the waterfalls.

Tumwater unveils new improvements in the Deschutes Valley Trail

The City of Tumwater unveiled the new facilities and improvements for the Deschutes Valley Trail during the regular city council meeting on Tue., June 15. Tumwater Engineering … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/16/21 | 3 comments

Booze, beers, bumper, Blazer

Despite standing next to his disabled car which witnesses say had hit a parked car, ran over a yellow curb and almost hit a building, an allegedly intoxicated man told Tumwater police that he was not … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/15/21

No injuries when DUI suspect crashed into school bus

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported that an intoxicated man with a suspended driver’s license, driving a stolen vehicle, crashed into a school bus on Tuesday. The school bus … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/11/21

Tumwater police note argument between driver and passenger

Last Sunday, Tumwater police initiated a traffic stop of two men who were arguing in a car that turned out to be stolen. The driver, Jose Perez III, 30, a transient living in Tacoma, was taken … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/10/21

This is some of the merchandise Tumwater police say Reed McCarty took from the Tumwater Fred Meyer store on May 27, 2021.

Busted for shoplifting, released at the scene

A man is accused of stealing more than $400 worth of merchandise, carrying out the items in a giant dufflebag, only to be released at the scene last Thursday. Reed McCarty, 33, of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21

These brass knuckles were in Ben Harris' right pocket, on May 28, 2021, according to Tumwater police.

Pair of shoplifters caught at Tumwater Walmart

A man shoplifted over $250 worth of merchandise and was found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, was arrested and released at the scene by Tumwater police last Friday. Ben Harris, 28, of … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/7/21

A Tumwater police vehicle camera records the field sobriety test of Elizabeth J. Buker on Sat., May 29, 2021.

Nearly midnight, two 13-year-olds experience DUI from the backseat

A mother caught swerving through lanes of traffic with two 13-year-olds in the car was arrested for driving under the influence after being pulled over late last Saturday night. Elizabeth J. … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/4/21

Tumwater city officials are seen discussing the 2022-27 Comprehensive Transportation Plan at their meeting on June 1, 2021.

Tumwater approves six-year transportation improvement plan

The Tumwater City Council approved Resolution No. R2021-007, a comprehensive six-year transportation plan for the city, beginning from 2022 to 2027. Transportation Manager Mary Heather Ames … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/2/21

This is one of the box trucks Benjamin Larson is accused of breaking into on May 23, 2021.

Painting contractor victimized, then partially restored

After a local painting company found several items missing from its box vans, Tumwater Police were able to make an arrest last Sunday. Benjamin Larson, 35, was arrested after Tumwater officers … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/1/21

This is a view of the room Vu Nguyen was accused of damaging on May 25, 2021.

Thinking his mobile phone had been hacked, hotel guest takes out his anger on the room, police say

A man tore allegedly apart a room at a Tumwater hotel after claiming that his phone was hacked last Tuesday evening. Vu Nguyen, 39, of Olympia, caused more than $800 worth of damage at the Best … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/28/21

This image shows the hybrid meeting of the Olympia School District board of directors on Thu., May 27, 2021.

Enrollment has dropped in Olympia schools

As the Olympia School Board looks towards the next school year, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Priddy reported at the board meeting yesterday that local schools have experienced low … more

5/28/21

DUI from west Olympia to Tumwater to Lacey

An alleged hit-and-run driver was also cited for driving under the influence after a witness to the collision photographed Adams’ license plate and provided it to Tumwater Police on … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/21/21

31-year-old man allegedly beats his 17-year-old girlfriend, is arrested on simple assault

A 31-year-old transient was arrested after allegedly beating his 17-year-old girlfriend at the Ensign Road homeless encampment last Thursday. Zacharey Hanley, 31, was allegedly witnessed grabbing … more

By The JOLT Staff | 5/20/21

This catalytic converter was partially sawn off a U-Haul truck on April 26.

Catalytic converter cutter caught in the act, police say

A good Samaritan walking to work at 2:47 a.m. notified Olympia Police of suspicious activity which turned out to be two men attempting to steal catalytic converters off of U-Haul trucks next to the 2 … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/18/21 | 1 comment

This is the butter knife that Delfino Medina allegedly used during his attack on his girlfriend at their apartment on May 15, 2021.

Argument goes public, suspect in Tumwater goes to jail

A closed taco truck became the centerpiece of an argument in which a man allegedly punched in his girlfriend in the face and cut her with a sharp butter knife last Saturday. Delfino Medina, 34, … more

By Danny Stusser | 5/17/21