Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
In 1964, Olympia's Capitol Lake Park opened a public swimming area that became a popular summer destination until pollution led to its closure in 1985. The park, originally developed following a city bond measure, featured various swimming sections and recreational facilities. Despite its initial success, health concerns over water quality ultimately ended swimming activities at the park.
Sequoia’s Farm and Forest School invites parents to an open house on August 5 and 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to explore its outdoor education program for children aged 3.5 to 7. The school emphasizes hands-on learning through nature, animal care, and gardening, fostering creativity and social collaboration.
Providence Swedish seeks former patients and their families to join the Patient Family Advisory Council, aimed at enhancing patient care at local healthcare facilities. Interested individuals can share their insights to improve care at Providence Medical Group clinics, Providence St. Peter, and Providence Centralia Hospital. The initiative highlights community involvement in healthcare improvement.
Evergreen Christian School in Olympia has expanded its preschool and kindergarten programs to accept children as young as 2 years old. This initiative aims to provide early education opportunities for families in the area. The change reflects a growing demand for early childhood education options.
Unintentional falls account for 49% of injury-related deaths among Washington residents aged 65 and older. In response, Thurston County Public Health has launched a grab bar installation program to reduce fall risks, partnering with local agencies for support. The initiative aims to enhance safety for vulnerable older adults in the community.
Stone City Event Center in Tenino, Washington, will host a wedding, concert, and celebration on July 21, 2025. The event aims to showcase local agriculture and provide a festive atmosphere for attendees. Located in Thurston County, the center is expected to attract a diverse audience.
Olympia's Mickey Mouse Club, formed during the Great Depression, attracted over 1,500 members, providing joy and community for local children. The club's activities included contests and events that fostered camaraderie among youth during difficult times. This historical aspect highlights the resilience and creativity of communities in challenging eras.
Restoring Earth Connection has completed a project identifying Olympia's largest trees, emphasizing their role in carbon drawdown and stormwater management. The project cataloged 1,521 trees across the city, revealing that the largest tree is a giant sequoia with a circumference of 31 feet, 11 inches. A map of these trees will soon be available for public exploration.
Suffragist Susan B. Anthony addressed the Washington Territorial Legislature in Olympia on October 19, 1871, marking a historic first for women in legislative sessions. Anthony, supported by local suffragists, emphasized the need for women's voting rights, citing the lack of representation in law-making. Her visit highlighted the growing movement for women's suffrage in the Pacific Northwest.
Matt Orr received an 8.5-year prison sentence for killing Dane Nielsen, a father of two, during a high-speed police chase in Washington. Orr fled from deputies, reaching speeds of 100 mph before crashing into Nielsen's vehicle. The court heard emotional testimonies from Nielsen's family, while the defense attributed some blame to law enforcement.