Daily
Olympia
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Port of Olympia is nearing a lease agreement with Panattoni for a 29.27-acre parcel in Tumwater so the company can build a 477,880-square-foot industrial center for warehousing, light manufacturing and life sciences—offering a lease term of up to 75 years with rate adjustments and delayed payments. Some community members remain concerned about the expired gopher survey, and the contract will return on April 28 as a consent item—pending further review. JOLT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Detectives uncovered the remains of 82-year-old Marcia Norman—found partially encased in concrete under a shed on a property in Olympia—on April 9 using power equipment. FOX13
- ➤ Local authorities found the remains of missing Tenino woman Marcia Norman, 82, partially encased in concrete under a shed on an Olympia property after she disappeared from her McIntosh Lake home on April 1—detectives say Jeffrey Zizz, a person of interest arrested in Montana, remains in jail as they continue gathering evidence. JOLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Olympia Downtown Alliance announced that performer applications for the free Music in the Park summer concert series are now open and will close on May 14. The concerts will take place in July at Sylvester Park on July 9, 16 and 23 and at Port Plaza on July 30—inviting cover and tribute bands from the surrounding areas. JOLT
- ➤ Olympia's west side is a mix of free living and odd local customs—places like the Olympia Food Co-op and Free Store have served as community hubs since 1977. The area shows a blend of art, nature, and quirky traditions that gives residents a unique local flavor. JOLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a meeting on April 10, the Olympia School District Board of Directors proclaimed Public School Volunteer Week for April 20 to 26; they urged staff, students, and local citizens to help volunteer for public schools—boosting support for student learning. JOLT
- ➤ Undergraduate studies at The Evergreen State College offer a hands-on learning path that lets students design their own courses and explore fields such as marine biology. Junior Jake Church joined a research cruise last May to study deep-sea sharpchin slickheads—research that helps scientists learn more about climate change and genetic diversity. ThurstonTalk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At a council study session on April 15, Olympia City Council member Clark Gilman challenged the draft capital facilities chapter of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, saying it did not adequately curb transportation projects that raise greenhouse gas emissions and urban sprawl—he asked if high-emission projects should receive lower priority despite regulatory hurdles. Senior planner Joyce Phillips and council member Dani Madrone noted improvements in equity and accessibility but warned that strict changes might risk federal funding and compliance issues. JOLT
- ➤ On April 8, the City Council voted to sell the land where the Municipal Court is located, with funds originally meant for relocating staff now expected to support a transfer to District Court as explained by city managers on April 9. The absorption of the Municipal and Community Court services is set for January 2026, and the council will decide the future at a meeting on April 22 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. JOLT
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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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Narcotics Anonymous Weekly Meeting
8:00 PM — 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW — Free — Attend a supportive gathering focused on recovery and overcoming drug addiction.
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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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Unity and Diversity Festival
7 PM – 12 AM — Heritage Park, Olympia, WA — Free entry — Celebrate cultural diversity with lively entertainment and engaging booths for all backgrounds.
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JBF Consignment Sale in Olympia
10 AM – 12 AM — Capital Mall — Check website for cost — Find deals on children's and maternity items at this popular consignment sale.
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Super Sitters Certificate Course
9 AM – 2 PM — The Olympia Center — Registration required — Earn your Super Sitters Certificate while learning essential babysitting skills and leadership.
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Prairie Appreciation Day
7 AM – 12 PM — Glacial Heritage Preserve — Free entry — Explore the prairie ecosystem through engaging activities and expert-led bird walks.
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Solarize Thurston Workshop
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Olympia Timberland Library — Free entry — Discover solar energy options and get answers from local experts.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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