Thursday, July 31st, 2025

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Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Architect Donnie Hull presented a proposal on July 23rd to expand St. Michael Parish School at 1208 11th Ave. SE by adding more classrooms and a new drop-off lane for better access. The plan calls for a new two level building with expanded administration and library space—city officials said it will need a Type 3 Conditional Use Permit and further review from planning and engineering. JOLT
- ➤ Mackenzie, who recently graduated from high school, built her confidence in the Club House program at Chinook Middle—she first joined in 5th grade at Pleasant Glade Elementary—and now she volunteers to help younger students. Educators warn that cuts to federal funding for community learning centers could threaten this safe space for student growth. ThurstonTalk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Olympic National Forest announced additional road and trail closures in the FS-24 network due to the Hamma Fire reported on July 27 — the National Incident Management Team now leads the response. Closed roads include NF-2401, NF-2480, NF-2421, NF-2441, NF-2464, NF-2469 and NF-2471 and trails such as Jefferson Ridge Trail, Lower Elk Lake Trail, Elk Lake South Trail, Upper Elk Lake Trail and Jefferson Lake Trail — while campgrounds and day use sites on FS-25 remain open. ThurstonTalk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Thurston County won 19 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for programs such as public health services, election security, and resource hubs—efforts that support residents. The county will hold its award-winning Fix-it Fair on November 5 while other projects continue to advance community services. ThurstonTalk
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sound Youth Neurodiversity Collective provides speech therapy, occupational therapy and mental health care to children, youth and adults. Founder Mary Coburn and her team work together—offering longer sessions and free discovery calls—while also mentoring local providers. ThurstonTalk
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Olympia.
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17th Annual Olympia Pub Crawl
3-8 p.m. — Nicole's Bar — $25 until August 1st, $30 day of event — A fun walking tour of local pubs supporting childhood cancer research and family support.
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Dream Create: A Half-Day Workshop
10 AM – 2 PM — Kenneydell Park — Workshop fee applies — Engage in creating a dream art journal amidst nature in Olympia, WA.
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Scherler Sundays: Free Concert Series
3-7 p.m. — Carnegie Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fantastic lineup of over 30 independent bands in a family-friendly, outdoor setting.
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Fish, Forage, Fire!
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Squaxin Park — Cost not specified — Dive into fishing, archery, and foraging skills at this outdoor camp.
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Billy Nation - A Tribute to Billy Joel
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the hits of Billy Joel with a high-energy tribute concert that gets the audience singing along.
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Family Retreat Washington
Aug 18-22 — Black Lake Bible Camp and Retreat Center — $375 per person — A Christ-centered retreat designed for families living with disabilities, offering fun and accessible activities.
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Artvana Paint & Sip at Cup of Swords Tavern
6-8:30 p.m. — Cup of Swords Tavern — 21+ only — Unleash your creativity while painting guided by a local artist and enjoy a variety of drinks.
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South Sound Block Party 2025
5 PM – 6 AM — Port of Olympia — Ticket required — Celebrate the vibrant musical arts with exciting performances at the South Sound Block Party.
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South Sound Block Party 2025
Aug 22–23 — The Port of Olympia — Get tickets now — Experience a vibrant two-day music festival along the beautiful shores of the Puget Sound with a diverse lineup.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
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