Latest News in Olympia, WA

Hansen Elementary School Teacher Moonlights With a Pop-Up Shop, Provides Olympia Area Youth with Free Clothes and More

Sabrina White, a teacher at Hansen Elementary School, has established the nonprofit Raindrops to Polkadots to provide free clothing, school supplies, and food to youth in Thurston County. Originating from a personal desire to help her students in need, the initiative has grown significantly, supported by community donations and various events like clothing drives and a Prom Pop-Up Shop.

New ranking names the most charming small town in every US state. Here are the PNW towns

HGTV has identified the most charming small towns in each U.S. state, with three notable mentions from the Pacific Northwest: La Conner, Washington, Jacksonville, Oregon, and Wallace, Idaho. These towns, celebrated for their unique charm and vibrant local culture, offer various year-round events and attractions, making them appealing destinations for travelers seeking a quieter experience away from bustling cities.

Olympia Soccer Program for Kids Emphasizes Love of the Game Instead of Competition

Kidz Love Soccer, a youth soccer program in Olympia, focuses on fostering a love for the game rather than competition, making it an ideal introduction for children aged 2 to 6. Founded in 1979, the program emphasizes fun, skill development, and important life lessons like teamwork and problem-solving, helping kids grow both as players and individuals. With classes available throughout the year, Kidz Love Soccer prepares children for future opportunities in soccer while maintaining a stress-free environment.

Thurston County finalizes 14.3 million building purchase for new sheriff station

Thurston County has finalized a $14.25 million purchase of a new 56,000-square-foot building for the Sheriff’s Office, enhancing public safety infrastructure. This strategic investment aims to consolidate policing operations and accommodate future growth, funded through the recently approved Public Safety Sales Tax. The Sheriff’s Office anticipates moving into the renovated facility by spring 2026.

Thurston County finalizes 14.3 million building purchase for new sheriff station

Thurston County has completed the purchase of a new 56,000-square-foot building for its Sheriff's Office at a cost of $14.25 million, with total project expenses expected to reach about $20 million. This strategic investment will consolidate operations and enhance public safety services for the growing community, which now has a population of over 307,000. The plan includes renovations and the establishment of a new vehicle impound facility and potentially an outdoor shooting range.

When will Olympia council discuss minimum wage and workers bill of rights? Heres what happens 1st

Olympia City Council is planning to discuss raising the minimum wage and adopting a Workers' Bill of Rights, following previous community feedback and internal deliberations. Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray will lead research efforts, with a Finance Committee meeting scheduled for February 18 to further explore the issue's scope. Council members express hope for community support in developing a comprehensive engagement process.

North Thurston High School Choir Prepares for Spring Concerts

North Thurston High School's choir, under the direction of Caitlin Van Zee, is gearing up for its spring concerts following a successful Solo & Ensemble performance involving 48 students, the largest participation in the school's history. The program, which includes four choirs, emphasizes community and personal growth among its members, with upcoming competitions set for February 1, 2025. The choir invites the community to attend their spring concert on March 6, showcasing their dedication to music and teamwork.

Sushi place tallies most violations. Here are Thurston food inspection scores for Jan. 29

Thurston County's latest food inspection scores reveal significant violations at local establishments, particularly highlighting Nori Sushi and Teriyaki, which recorded 65 red points. The article emphasizes the importance of proper food safety practices and provides insights into the inspection results for various restaurants and food services in the Olympia area.

People in Public Service Ernest Suko, Mid-Century Olympia Teacher and Principal

Ernest Suko, a notable figure in Olympia's educational history, served the Olympia School District from 1927 to 1969 as a teacher, principal, and community leader. His contributions to education and the community, including leadership roles in local organizations, left a lasting impact on numerous students and residents. This article highlights Suko's journey and the legacy he created in the Olympia area.

WA Farmers Wrongly Charged Under Climate Laws Pleading for a Fix

Washington farmers are facing financial challenges exacerbated by the state's Climate Commitment Act, which was intended to exempt them from carbon fees but has led to incorrect charges for many. With approximately 3,700 farms lost in the last five years, stakeholders are urging lawmakers to streamline exemption processes to ensure small and mid-sized farms receive the support they need. Governor Ferguson has also expressed his commitment to addressing these concerns during his inauguration.