Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Olympia High School girls fastpitch team triumphed over Tumwater High School with a 12-2 victory on March 14, 2025, marking the start of the WIAA 2025 spring sports season. Senior Ava Bautista led the Bears with an impressive performance, contributing significantly to the team's success. Coach Drew Wellner expressed optimism about the team's chemistry and goals for the season.
The article discusses the historical significance of Olympia's Sea Mart, which operated from 1959 to 1993, as a unique shopping destination in downtown Olympia. It details the transformation of the Olympia Canning Company buildings into a vibrant shopping center, highlighting the store's colorful murals and its association with the Yard Birds chain. Through the lens of local history, the piece celebrates the impact Sea Mart had on the community and its lasting memories.
The Olympia Regional Learning Academy celebrated the planting of a Moon Tree, a tree grown from seeds that orbited the Moon, during a ceremony on February 27, 2025. This unique initiative highlights the school's involvement in NASA's Artemis I mission, which aimed to explore the effects of deep space on plant life. The event signifies a connection between education, space exploration, and environmental stewardship.
The Thurston County Passport Fair, scheduled for March 15, 2025, offers essential passport services for first-time applicants and those whose passports have expired for over five years. The event, held at the Thurston County Administrative Building, allows walk-in applications and provides passport photo services, ensuring compliance with State Department requirements. With upcoming changes to domestic flight requirements in May 2025, this fair is crucial for local residents planning to travel.
The Expanding Your Horizons Conference on March 15, 2025, aims to inspire middle school students, particularly young women, trans, and nonbinary youth, to explore careers in STEAM fields through hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities. Hosted at South Puget Sound Community College, this inclusive event fosters a welcoming environment for youth from diverse backgrounds, especially BIPOC students. Participants will connect with professionals and gain confidence in their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
The Lacey Joggernauts, a community-run club based in Lacey, WA, invites residents to participate in weekly free 5K and 8K runs/walks at Thrive Community Fitness Center. Established in 2018, the club fosters a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, promoting health and community engagement.
The LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s Board has approved $125,000 for the Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project in Olympia, aimed at addressing the regional affordable housing crisis. This funding is part of a broader initiative to reduce financial barriers to housing and improve sanitation across the region. LOTT's commitment to affordable housing aligns with its mission to protect public health and the environment.
Riley Jackson Real Estate is hosting a free "Meet the Builder(s)" event on March 29, 2025, at the Schafer Crossing development in Elma, aimed at those interested in designing homes on acreage. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet builders, explore floor plans, and receive financial guidance from Timberland Bank representatives. This event is particularly significant for local residents considering new home construction in a scenic area.
Boggs Inspection Services introduces a Pay at Close option for home inspections, allowing buyers to incorporate inspection fees into their closing costs. This innovative approach aims to alleviate financial burdens during the home buying process, enhancing accessibility for both first-time buyers and seasoned property owners. The service is particularly beneficial in a competitive real estate market, where upfront costs can be a significant barrier.
Thurston County will host a variety of summer camps in 2025, offering exciting programs for children and families. This initiative aims to enrich the local community by providing engaging educational experiences in various settings, including bars, restaurants, museums, and galleries. The camps are designed to foster creativity and learning, making them a valuable addition to community activities.