Latest News in Olympia, WA

Teninos Agriculture Innovation Park Fosters Entrepreneurial Spirits Across Thurston County

The Tenino Agriculture Innovation Park, a project of the Thurston Economic Development Council, celebrates its ongoing expansion aimed at fostering local agricultural entrepreneurship. The park, which spans 15 acres, offers business space, an event center, and resources for food-related businesses. Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier highlights its role in enhancing regional food sovereignty and addressing processing facility shortages for local ranchers.

The Port of Olympia Helps Downtowns Beloved Hands On Childrens Museum Expand

The Hands On Children’s Museum in downtown Olympia plans to expand its offerings, aiming to enhance community engagement and tourism. The museum, which attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, collaborates with the Port of Olympia for this growth, which includes potential new partnerships and expanded facilities.

South Sound Parent to Parent is a Resource Helping Families With Concerns About Maintaining Confidentiality in Autism and Other Protected Records

South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P) addresses parents' fears about autism diagnosis confidentiality following controversial remarks by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The organization emphasizes the importance of proper management of diagnosis records to ensure access to necessary services for children with autism.

City of Lacey Invites Local High School Students to Be an Exciting Part of Local Government by Serving on 2025-2026 Lacey Youth Council

Lacey area high school students can apply for the Lacey Youth Council (LYC) for the 2025-2026 school year, which serves as an advisory body to the City Council. The application period is open until June 30, 2025, and participants can earn community service hours or stipends while gaining leadership experience. Current members emphasize the value of learning about local government and building friendships.

Dicks Brewing Company Launches New Food Truck and Serves Up Flavor With a Side of Legacy in Centralia - ThurstonTalk

Dick’s Brewing Company launched a new food truck during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 9, 2025, in Centralia. The food truck, stationed outside their brewery, aims to enhance the local dining experience. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community and culinary innovation.

Mandatory drivers education to expand under new Washington law

Washington's House Bill 1878 mandates expanded driver's education for individuals up to 21 years old by 2030, starting with 18-year-olds in 2027. The law aims to reduce high crash rates among young drivers by offering financial assistance for driving school and requiring safe driving courses for those with traffic tickets.

Matthew Klifman Takes Over as All Kids Win Board Chair

Matthew Klifman will succeed Kelly Wilson as board chair of All Kids Win, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food resources for homeless youth in Thurston County. Established in 2006, the organization delivers weekend food bags to students in need, aiming to alleviate hunger and improve their educational experience. Klifman, who has been involved since 2019, emphasizes the importance of these resources in supporting students facing food insecurity.

Saints Mentor with Heart Builds Community at Saint Martins University

Saint Martin’s University launched the “Saints Mentor with Heart” program to support first-year students transitioning to college life by pairing them with experienced upperclassmen. The initiative aims to foster community, enhance student retention, and provide essential resources for students, particularly those who are first-generation college attendees.

Local High School Students Took First Place at Lau Samoa Competition

The Laumua Samoan Dance Group from Thurston County won first place in the academics division at the inaugural La’u Samoa Academic & Samoan Cultural Competition on May 3, 2025. The competition, held at Mount Tahoma High School, featured 40 students showcasing their academic excellence and cultural heritage through dance. Overcoming challenges since COVID, the group nearly doubled in size and included diverse participants from multiple cultural backgrounds.

Community rallies for WA father arrested at Tacoma ICE detention center

Maximo Londonio, a father from Thurston County, was arrested by federal immigration agents upon returning to Washington from a family vacation in the Philippines. His arrest has sparked community outrage, with supporters rallying for his release, expressing concerns about the impact on his family and the Filipino community.