Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Evergreen State College men’s wrestling team is set to compete in the 2025 Cascade Collegiate Conference Men’s Wrestling Tournament at Simpson University, showcasing a strong lineup of 12 competitors. Head Coach Greg Ford expresses confidence in his team's preparedness, highlighting standout wrestlers such as Seth Dawkins and Jeramias Sandoval. The tournament promises to be pivotal, as it offers automatic bids for the NAIA Championships.
LOTT Clean Water Alliance is set to commence a significant refurbishment project on the digester system at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant, impacting access to Franklin Street in downtown Olympia. The street will be closed to all traffic from March 3, 2025, through December 2028, with specific detour routes and limited openings during holidays. This construction aims to enhance local wastewater management while ensuring public safety.
Más de 8 millones de estadounidenses viven con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo (I/DD), y para ayudar a estas comunidades, la Feria de Recursos y Transición de Discapacidades del Desarrollo del Condado de Thurston-Mason se llevará a cabo el 11 de marzo de 2025. Este evento gratuito ofrecerá recursos y asistencia para estudiantes, familias y educadores, promoviendo la inclusión y el acceso a servicios vitales.
Vy Le, a 16-year-old student from Olympia High School, founded WhereWear to provide high-quality clothing to domestic violence shelters in Thurston County and beyond after witnessing the struggles of her cousin in a shelter. With support from various grants and mentorship programs, WhereWear expanded rapidly, donating over 7,000 clothing items across five states in its first year. This initiative not only addresses clothing needs for vulnerable populations but also showcases the power of youth-led community service projects.
The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County has expanded its housing-related conflict resolution services at no cost to residents in Thurston and south Mason counties, thanks to partnerships with local cities. The center offers mediation for issues like overdue rent, lease agreements, and neighborhood disputes, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to these vital resources. To learn more, residents can visit their website or contact them directly.
The Thurston – Mason County Developmental Disabilities Resource and Transition Fair, scheduled for March 11, 2025, aims to support over 8 million Americans living with intellectual or developmental disabilities by providing essential resources and information. The event is open to I/DD students, families, educators, and community members, promoting awareness and inclusion during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Attendees can access various services, including application assistance for Developmental Disabilities Administration benefits and sensory-friendly spaces for those needing a calming environment.
The Evergreen State College’s Master in Teaching program offers innovative dual endorsements and alternative routes for aspiring educators, focusing on social justice and community-responsive curricula. This graduate program equips teacher candidates to meet the needs of diverse classrooms, particularly addressing the growing population of English Language Learners in Washington State's K-12 education system. Graduates emerge with enhanced employability and competitive salaries, reflecting the program's commitment to both educational excellence and equity.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Sports Awards, presented by the Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission in partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates. The awards celebrate local athletes, coaches, and sports contributors, with nominations accepted until May 12, 2025. Winners will be recognized at a banquet in June, highlighting the vibrant sports community in Thurston County.
A proposal to redesign Washington's state flag, House Bill 1938, has sparked debate among lawmakers, artists, and citizens. While supporters argue for a flag that better represents the state's identity, critics question the timing amid budget concerns and the significance of George Washington's image on the current flag.
Thurston County Inclusion, a nonprofit founded in 2019, aims to engage youth with and without intellectual disabilities through various events and summer camps. Executive Director Samantha Ezpinoza discusses upcoming events, including the Runway Revolution fundraising event on March 15, which champions community inclusion. The organization relies on donations and volunteers to provide free programs that foster engagement and support for local youth.