Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Tumwater's new mixed-use development, The Rookery, offers eco-friendly living and working spaces, with rentals available starting July 1, 2025. Designed by the women-owned Artisans Group, the building features passive house principles and aims for net-zero energy consumption. It emphasizes community connection, sustainability, and proximity to local schools and amenities.
Lonnie Locke received the 2025 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award for her lifelong dedication to peace and community service. After moving from racially-segregated Alabama to Washington State at 17, she focused on helping immigrants and advocating for racial justice through various initiatives, including organizing peace marches and launching a Multicultural Services Center.
Three local nonprofits, the Firefighters Community Foundation, 4 the Love, and TOGETHER!, have formed the League of Foundations to enhance their collective resources and outreach. This collaboration aims to address urgent community needs more effectively by combining fundraising efforts and co-hosting events.
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 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 (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.
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.
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.
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 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.