Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 1st of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A man was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly punched and tried to throw a Bayview Thriftway worker to the ground, left the store, and then fought with an officer before being found near 8th Avenue SE and Plum Street SE. JOLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Bigelow House Museum will mark its 30th anniversary on April 24 with a fundraising event called "A Celebration of Olympia’s Heritage" at the Lord Mansion in the South Capitol Neighborhood Historic District. The event will feature an Olympia memorabilia display from Dwight Moody’s collection — live music by harpist Cindy Zechmann, a silent auction of local items, gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Bite Me Catering, and $75 tickets with proceeds funding essential preservation work. JOLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students in the Olympia School District scored above state standards on the WIDA ACCESS test in speaking, reading, listening and writing—with 44% progressing and 11% meeting standard versus state averages. Heather Randolph said the district will release updated scores on May 19 and continue its efforts to strengthen multilingual education programs. JOLT
- ➤ Saint Martin’s University was awarded the gold designation as a Military Friendly School for 2025-2026 by VIQTORY, marking its sixth time receiving the honor. The university also earned Military Support College of Distinction and Supportive College recognitions and was named the first Purple Heart University in Washington — a testament to its commitment to military students and families. ThurstonTalk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers debated how to close a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall while state officials warned that proposed funding cuts will reduce homeless services such as the highway encampment program, which will drop annual funding from $70 million to $45 million over the next two years. Department *Tedd Kelleher* said the cuts will limit the number of encampments cleared and the support provided to those in need. FOX13
- ➤ Olympia’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee recommended renaming Yelm Highway Community Park as Jolene Unsoeld Community Park in recognition of her environmental advocacy and Kaiser Woods as Elk Ridge Trails Park to reflect the area’s natural setting—the proposals will be sent to city council for approval. JOLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Penrose Physical Therapy reported that seniors with constant pain face a higher risk of memory loss as research shows chronic pain can speed brain aging. The center offers noninvasive treatments (EMTT and shockwave) to ease pain and support better cognitive health. ThurstonTalk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ FC Olympia is launching new blue and green splash shirts, beanies, hoodies and summer scarves ahead of its first home match on May 16 at the Regional Athletic Complex. The club will hold autograph sessions at Wembley Soccer Shop on April 5 & April 12 with Manny Nicasio and Blayke Warner meeting fans. JOLT
- ➤ FC Olympia will hold its fourth annual fundraiser from May 1 to July 15 to raise $20,000 for youth outreach programs, free USL match tickets, game-day expenses, and travel costs. President Ryan Perkins said the online event will help cover coaching fees, field rentals, and other essential costs that support local youth soccer development — a vital step in the club’s ongoing mission to build a pro pathway. ThurstonTalk
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Electric Sweats Concert
9 PM – 1 AM — Mc Coy's Tavern — Cost TBA — Experience the energetic blend of down-tuned metal and punk rock from Olympia's own Electric Sweats.
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Step Afrika! Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant blend of African dance styles and storytelling that will leave your heart pounding.
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IPC Trekkers at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — Free entry — Explore diverse habitats at a stunning wildlife refuge in Olympia.
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Thurston County Master Gardener Foundation 2025 Plant Sale
4-8 p.m. — Nursery at 530 Alta St SW — Free entry — Explore a variety of beautiful plants cultivated by local Master Gardeners.
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Comedy Underground Featuring Rodger Lizaola
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — $36 Reserved Table, $28 General Admission — Enjoy a night of laughs with a talented comedian known for his high-profile achievements in comedy.
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Encanto Sing Along Experience
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — $12 Adult, $10 Youth — Sing along to your favorite Encanto songs while enjoying the movie on the big screen.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
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