Your trusted source for local Olympia, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Tim Lang has been appointed as the new secretary of the Washington State Department of Corrections by Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson. With 16 years of experience in the Attorney General's Office, Lang focuses on rehabilitation reforms to enhance safety and reduce recidivism within the corrections system.
Thurston County's recent food safety inspections revealed multiple violations across various dining establishments, including serious red violations that pose risks of foodborne illnesses. Notable closures and required corrective actions underscore the importance of adherence to health standards in local restaurants, emphasizing public health safety in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.
The Washington State tree-lighting ceremony at the Capitol is scheduled for December 6, 2024, featuring Santa Claus and Lt. Gov. Heck. This free, family-friendly event promises a festive atmosphere with the theme 'Winter Wonderland.'
Governor Jay Inslee has announced a hiring freeze on nonessential positions within Washington state agencies due to a projected budget shortfall of $10 billion to $12 billion. This directive also includes a pause on noncritical service contracts and equipment spending, while allowing for the filling of essential vacancies. Inslee has encouraged other state agencies and institutions to adopt similar measures for immediate savings.
A man in west Olympia was arrested after accidentally running over another man's foot while parallel parking. The situation escalated when the suspect threatened the victim with a pellet gun, leading to charges of vehicular assault and felony harassment. This incident highlights how minor disputes can quickly turn serious.
The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services has secured a $1 million federal grant to support the Deschutes Estuary restoration project in Olympia. This funding will aid in the design and permitting of a habitat berm at Heritage Park, enhancing flood resilience and protecting the shoreline from climate change impacts.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in downtown Olympia after threatening four teens with a handgun and firing a shot into the air. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, was reportedly linked to a confrontation over noise and displaced tents occupied by homeless residents. The suspect faces multiple charges, including felony harassment and unlawful possession of a firearm.
A parking incident in west Olympia escalated when a driver accidentally ran over a man's foot, leading to threats of violence. The driver brandished a pellet gun from a balcony, resulting in his arrest for vehicular assault and felony harassment. This incident highlights the dangers of aggressive confrontations over minor disputes.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has ordered a freeze on nonessential hiring and spending across state agencies due to a projected budget shortfall of $10 to $12 billion. Essential positions and critical expenditures are exempt from this freeze, which aims to promote fiscal responsibility.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in downtown Olympia after threatening four teenagers with a handgun early Sunday morning. The incident escalated when the suspect fired a shot into the air, prompting the teens to flee. He faces multiple charges, including felony harassment and unlawful possession of a firearm.