Daily
Olympia
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
Good morning, Olympia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Troopers are asking the public to help identify the driver of a white GMC pickup truck that struck and killed a pedestrian on I-5 near Sleater Kinney Road on July 30—contacts were provided for anyone with information. FOX13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Olympia residents voted online in July to choose the top sculpture for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project—an annual waterfront art exhibit. Stephanie Johnson will present the voting results at the art commission meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14 as the city considers purchasing the winning piece for up to $10,000 from the Municipal Art Fund. JOLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Saint Martin’s University won a gold award in Higher Education from the Best of South Sound awards—chosen by community votes—and thanked local supporters for their trust. President Bill Brownsberger said the honor shows the school’s commitment to preparing students for community service. JOLT
- ➤ Local nonprofit TOGETHER! helped four local campers and two junior counselors attend the La Cima Bilingual Leadership Camp at Central Washington University in July — the camp taught leadership and college preparation skills to underserved Latino youth and case manager Morelia Ayala is pursuing grants to support more students. ThurstonTalk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Olympia Planning Commission discussed a policy on Aug 4 that would discourage clear-cutting during construction by considering fees for projects with large tree removal—intended to fund tree replanting and protect local tree cover. City planners noted that existing rules already require replanting and warned that extra fees might lead to legal issues. JOLT
- ➤ A stormwater project will begin on Monday, Aug. 18 at West Bay Park to trap 50% to 80% of suspended solids from a 55-acre basin in West Olympia and improve water quality. Russ Construction will install a pre-treatment vault along the pedestrian trail at the intersection of West Bay Drive and Brawne Avenue through late September—residents may face noise, minor traffic delays and up to five weeks of trail closures. JOLT
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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 Painting Class
6:00-8:30 p.m. — Cup of Swords Tavern — $33-$45 — Unwind and get creative with a fun paint night experience perfect for all skill levels.
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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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Wall-E Paint-n-Sip Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Insert Coin Olympia — All materials included — Create art inspired by beloved robots Wall-E and Eve while enjoying your favorite drinks.
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Coyote Island Live Performance
7:30-11 p.m. — Wild Child — $17.06 — Experience the electric sound of Coyote Island blending folk and psychedelic indie vibes.
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Free Introduction to Square Dancing
6:30-8:15 p.m. — Lac-A-Do Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening of friendly square dancing with no experience necessary.
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End of Summer Dance Party at Nicole's Bar
8 PM - 12 AM — Nicole's Bar — Check for entry fees — Switchback 360 returns for a lively evening of dancing in Olympia's favorite bar.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We accept the love we think we deserve.
~ Stephen Chbosky
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