Local News
Cedar Creek Corrections Center inmate escapes from work crew in Lakewood
The Department of Corrections (DOC) and local law enforcement are searching for minimum-security incarcerated individual Zaquai Zekia McCray after he walked away from a facility work crew in Lakewood …
Moonstruck Studio to celebrate anniversary in downtown Centralia
A downtown Centralia jewelry studio is preparing to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Moonstruck Studio, located at 320 N. Tower Ave. Suite 101, will mark its first birthday with specials and …
Sirens: Juvenile jailed for DUI; Centralia resident sentenced for rape; $200K bail for man arrested for drugs
LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT The following list is not comprehensive. Superior Court records can be accessed at the Lewis County Clerk’s Office in Chehalis. Sentencings • Julian …
Public invited to help plant trees at Seminary Hill Natural Area
Over the next two weekends, all are invited to a pair of tree-planting events at the Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia. Volunteers will work under experienced arborists to plant several …
Julie McDonald: Expanding Your Horizons on indefinite hiatus
For the first fall in more than three decades, middle school girls won’t be traveling to Centralia College on a Saturday for an introduction to careers in science, technology, engineering, art and …
Steve Grega still feels like part of the family at Lewis County PUD — now, he would like to help lead it
Originally born in the Seattle area, Steve Grega has spent the vast majority of his life living in Lewis County. For a good chunk of that time — roughly 37 years — he has worked for the …
Sixth annual Cozy Kids Coat Drive returns to help keep Lewis County children warm this winter
As temperatures begin to drop, Women United, an affinity group of the United Way of Lewis County, is calling on the Lewis County community to come together once again to help ensure local children …
Community invited to comment on proposed rezone of 4.9-acre parcel in Grand Mound
The Thurston County Planning Commission will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 to accept comments on the applicant-initiated proposal to rezone a 4.9-acre parcel on 193rd Avenue in Grand …
Public comment period open about proposed changes to WDFW’s listing and recovery planning processes for at-risk species
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting public comments on proposed rule changes to update or clarify the department’s process for listing and developing recovery …
Gifford Pinchot National Forest lifts closure for High Lava Fire
The Gifford Pinchot National Forests has lifted the closure for the High Lava Fire, effective on Friday, Oct. 9. All roads, trailheads, and trails within the closure area are now open and …
Economic Alliance of Lewis County announces two upcoming events focused on forestry
The Economic Alliance of Lewis County has announced it will be holding two events focused on forestry. The events are titled “The Forests Around You” and “The Woody Biomass Conference …
JJ Olson says he has the experience to change the Thurston County Assessor’s Office for the better
With longtime Thurston County Assessor Steven Drew retiring at the end of the year, JJ Olson thinks his 11 years of experience within the Thurston County Assessor’s Office makes him the most …
Tumwater police and Thurston County Narcotics Task Force execute search warrant, arrests two
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Tumwater Police Department and Thurston County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant in the Tumwater area on a residence where drug activity was suspected. The …
Hunting Highlights: Bull elk, buck harvested during muzzleloader season
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email …
Local Sports
Centralia’s top doubles teams to face off in Sub-District Final
The top two Centralia boys tennis doubles teams had excellent days on Monday, the first day of the 2A EvCo Sub-District Tournament, and they’ll meet in the final on Tuesday. Zander Corwin and …
Toledo overcomes slow start to top Naselle in four
It took the Toledo volleyball team a bit to get going at home on Monday night, but the Riverhawks eventually got on a roll and topped Naselle 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-19. Ellie Fallon led the way …
Toledo blanks Ocosta to remain perfect in league play
The Toledo girls soccer team earned its second shutout victory on Monday night, as the Riverhawks topped Ocosta 6-0 on their home field. The Riverhawks dominated possession in the first 15 …
Olympia’s Quenton Lanese, Pope John Paul II duo set PRs at Fall Classic Invitational
Another day, another Quenton Lanese record. The Olympia sophomore cross country star, one week after recording his first sub-15-minute race, set another personal record with a time of 14 …
Capital’s Quin Walz resets own school sophomore record at Oaksridge Invitational
Capital sophomore cross country runner Quin Walz continued his torrid start to the season, breaking his own school sophomore class record at the Oaksridge Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 10. Walz …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • News Dump Ep. 296: THAT IS AN ORG CHART
  • Sports Dump: Week 5 Roundup (and Centralia finally loses)
  • News Dump Ep. 295: Introducing the Thurston Chronicle crew
Obituaries

In loving memory of Robert Harper: Jan. 31, 1938-Oct. 8, 2026

Bob was the third of five children born to Clara Moore Stidham. He was placed in foster care at age four when Clara and her husband, Roy Stidham, divorced.  Bob was eventually adopted by J. …

In loving memory of Kyle Seymour: Aug. 17, 1971-Oct. 7, 2026

Funeral services for Kyle Seymour will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Summit Wesleyan Church in Buffalo, Wyoming. Donations in Kyle’s memory may be made to The Path Behavioral Health …

Death notices: Oct. 9, 2026

• TONYA DARLENE ALEXANDER, 46, Toledo, died Oct. 7 at Centralia Providence Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo. • SUE E. NELSON, 83, Onalaska, died …

In loving memory of Maureen Nolen: 1944-2026

Maureen Florence Nolen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, went home to Heaven on Oct. 3, 2026. Maureen was born on Oct. 11, 1944, in Leigh-on-Sea, …

In loving memory of Jay Ensrud: 1939-2026

Jay Levi Ensrud, 87, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood, Montana, on Sept. 22, 2026. Jay was born on March 18, 1939, in McVille, North Dakota, …

In loving memory of Paul Neeley Sr.: 1947-2026

Paul Aaron Neeley Sr. “Pilot” passed away peacefully at home with wife Fawn by his side on Sept. 11, 2026, having battled heart issues for many years. He was born Aug. 18, 1947, in Morton, …
State & Regional News

Portland policy of allowing parked cars to pack streets led to motorcyclist’s death, jury’s $5M verdict

A jury late last week said the city of Portland and a driver who caused a fatal motorcycle crash must pay a combined $5.1 million to the family of the dead motorcyclist — ruling that the city …

Schools
Tenino High School unveils new sign made by its students
Five years ago, Tenino High School took down its historic wooden sign for refurbishment, and discovered it was damaged beyond repair. Instead of simply ordering a replacement, the school decided …
Centralia College to host World Dyslexia Day community discussion
Centralia College is inviting the community to participate in a dyslexia awareness event on Oct. 8, World Dyslexia Day. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and celebrate the strengths …
In Focus: Drew North Foundation 5K raises support for local youths in Chehalis
The annual Drew North Foundation Mental Health & Suicide Awareness 5K was held in Chehalis on Saturday, Sept. 26. Proceeds from the event will go to providing resources for the youth of the …
Commentary

Washington girls share the reason they did not compete against biological male

On Sept. 15, there was something more important to Skyview High School cross country athletes Charlie Garrett and Sierra Retzlaff than their race at Camas High School. The girls felt it was important …

Brian Mittge: A small-town love letter to Dayton

I’ve been traveling a lot recently, and a few months ago we had the chance to spend the evening in the town of Dayton. It’s a delightful community in the Palouse, about 50 miles as the crow flies …

Commentary: During manufacturing tour, a celebration of Washington’s hidden makers

How do you choose which businesses to visit? That’s one of the questions I frequently hear as the Association of Washington Business team climbs onto a bus every October and circles the state, …

Storms across the Columbia River: The Washington congressional race blanketing Oregon airwaves

When I sat down for a recent supper in a restaurant in Yamhill, the TV set on the side wall was showing Portland-area news. Campaign ads dominated the commercial breaks, as is normal for October of …

Opinion: A line is being drawn on the Chehalis, and it shouldn’t be between the tribe and fishermen

There is a line being drawn on the Chehalis River. But I don’t believe that line should be drawn between the Chehalis Tribe and recreational fishermen. The current dispute over …
Outdoors
Outdoors
PNW's tiny pygmy owls are adorable little murder machines
A northern pygmy owl weighs about as much as a chicken egg. They’re adorable, with big yellow eyes. They’re also ruthless predators known to kill chickens far heavier than themselves. …
WDFW: The rut is on; watch for deer on the move
Try using a little less pressure on the accelerator this fall when driving; deer are especially active in November as the rut (mating season) is at its peak. Additionally, many animals from each …
Hunting Highlights: Reader-submitted photos from recent harvests
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email …