Daily
Olympia
Friday, August 1st, 2025
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Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of August.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Artists Ross Cowman and Mo Golden—owners of the Heart of the Deernicorn—are expanding their creative work by launching Studio Golden in downtown Olympia, which will offer handmade pottery, wall pockets and other art objects from local artisans while they continue to create unique role-playing games. ThurstonTalk
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Marine Terminal Senior Manager Afsin Yilmaz said the port handled six vessels in the first half of the year with two carrying paper pulp and four transporting logs, a drop from typical log shipments that once numbered 20 to 24 annually. He said revenue per vessel reached $152,000—unchanged from last year—while overall terminal revenue of $1.95 million fell short due to rising costs and lower log volumes. JOLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sensitive text messages about 'biological boys' in girls sports prompted school district officials to condemn the practice — both Olympia and Tumwater School District confirmed that the texts did not come from them. JOLT
- ➤ Saint Martin’s University has introduced a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee for first-year students in Engineering, Nursing, Education and Business Administration. The program offers a clear academic plan — including steady advising and course substitutions — to help eligible students finish on time. ThurstonTalk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters are protecting homes and reducing fire fuel near Lake Cushman as the Bear Gulch fire—estimated at 3,055 acres with 3% containment—continues to burn and controlled burns are used to slow its progress, while crews also work on the 66-acre Hamma fire, which is 60% contained and lined. Helicopters will drop water later today when smoke clears, and restrictions remain in place to protect structures and limit outdoor burning. ThurstonTalk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Thurston County commissioners approved a five-year lease on July 29 that will move the Syringe Services Program from downtown to Franklin Street—this relocation gives the program more space for harm reduction work and will save $36,759 a year. JOLT
- ➤ The Olympia City Council looked at creative ways to protect manufactured home communities from redevelopment by discussing alternatives to zoning such as voluntary easements or deed restrictions during a study session on July 29. Members said the new rent stabilization law does not cover land use concerns and urged statewide solutions (like partnering with state agencies) to support residents (including seniors and working-class families). JOLT
SHOP NEWS
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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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