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Local News
 Adna School District Temporarily Shifts to All-Remote Learning Due to High COVID-19 Quarantine Numbers 
With large portions of its staff and student body absent from school due to COVID-19 quarantine requirements, all Adna School District students have been temporarily shifted to remote learning …
‘Sad Page in WA State’s History’: Local Lawmakers Decry Inslee Vaccine Mandate as Monday Deadline Passes
As the deadline closed Monday for state, health care and education workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, several Washington state Republican lawmakers issued statements decrying Democratic Gov. …
In Focus: Hitching a Ride on the Pumpkin Train
Here photos from Saturday's run of the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Pumpkin Train.  The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum has additional Pumpkin Train rides set for Oct. 23 and 24 at noon …
Suspect Still at Large After Armed Man Robs Toledo Timberland Bank
No one was injured during an armed robbery at the Toledo Timberland Bank on Friday. The male suspect reportedly brandished a black handgun twice during his interaction with bank tellers around 6 …
Court Cuts 5 Years From Former Centralia Man Gordon Hammock’s Sentence for 2007 Murder
Resentencing: Court Orders Payment of Over $2,000 in Fees; Defense Attorney Appeals New Sentence A former Centralia man convicted of murdering a 25-year-old man in 2007 had his 50-year jail …
Warrant Issued for Arrest of Lewis County Jail Staff Member Accused of Sexually Assaulting an Inmate
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a kitchen staff member at the Lewis County Jail accused of sexually assaulting an inmate. The defendant, Teresa M. Russell, was charged with …
Thurston County May Get High Speed Internet Thanks to Nisqually Tribe
The Nisqually tribe has called on Thurston County to support its efforts to build fiber-optic internet infrastructure in under-served areas. The Board of County Commissioners heard a presentation …
Woman Accused of Starting House Fire in Pe Ell
A woman has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the fire that destroyed a Pe Ell residence and the surrounding brush Thursday afternoon. Fire crews were called to respond …
Photos: Morton Students Get to Throw Water Balloons at Staff for Jog-a-thon Reward
Three weeks ago, Morton Elementary School held their annual jog-a-thon at both the playfield at the school and the high school track. The students raised $6,035.67 and were rewarded with ice cream …
Centralia Girl Scout Devotes 50 Hours to Lewis County Animal Shelter, Library
The Lewis County Animal Shelter has made headlines in The Chronicle this year for various challenges, including an overwhelming number of cats and kittens due to delays in neutering during the early …
Sirens: Morton Teen Jailed for Burglary; Vehicular Assault; Criminal Impersonation; Theft
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Theft and Burglary • At 7 a.m. on Oct. 15, there was a report of a burglary at a business in the 1300 block of Lum Road that occurred sometime overnight in …
Meet the Candidates for Morton City Council Position Number 5
Morton residents are faced with a choice on Nov. 2 between incumbent Councilor Jeanette Chamberlain and challenger Caro Johnson, a real estate agent experienced with community organizations, for city …
Proposed Maps Foreshadow Changes to Washington’s 3rd Congressional District
Redistricting: One Proposal Would Remove Klickitat County From 3rd; Another Would Move Part of Lewis County to 6th Congressional District Maps published last month by the four voting members of …
General Election: Hubbard, Daarud Face Off For Open At-Large Centralia Council Seat
Two civic-minded Centralians will duke it out next month for a non-partisan, open seat on the Centralia City Council being vacated by Councilor Mark Westley, who’s seeking a district seat. …
Cyber Security Summit to Be Hosted in Centralia
The Centralia Community Foundation will be hosting a cyber security summit on Oct. 26 at the Centralia Train Station from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Those interested in learning about cyber security for …
Prevention Coalition Hosting ‘Drug Take-Back Day’ Oct. 23 at Centralia Middle School
The Centralia Prevention Coalition will host a “drug take-back” event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at Centralia Middle School to encourage community members to safely dispose of unused …
Lewis County Auditor’s Office: Oct. 25 Deadline to Remotely Register to Vote, Update Registration
Next Monday, Oct. 25, will be the final day for Lewis County voters to update or register by mail, online or at drivers licensing locations for the Nov. 2 general election, according to the Lewis …
Free COVID-19 Testing For Lewis County Students Offered at Fairgrounds
In response to a rapid increase in the demand for testing of symptomatic students, Lewis County Public Health and Social Services (LCPHSS) has partnered with Bird's Eye Medical to provide testing for …
Rochester Homecoming Activities to Be Rescheduled Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Rochester High School will be rescheduling all homecoming activities, including the homecoming football game, after-game homecoming events, parade and tailgating experience, due to COVID-19 health …
Photos: Community Garage Sale Draws Shoppers to Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Search of Deals Saturday
Local Sports
 Mossyrock Avenges Only Loss to Toutle Lake
Mossyrock picked up its 11th straight win, and avenged its only loss this season against Toutle Lake in a four-set victory (25-21, 25-17, 24-26, 25-16) Monday night.  The Vikings (12-1, 9-0 …
Riverhawks Blitz Cardinals
On Senior Night, nothing was going to stop Toledo as it looked to send off its elder group with a win in their last home game as high school students.  When it was all said and done, the …
Napavine Runs Past Raymond-South Bend
NAPAVINE — The Tigers used four first half goals, and a brace from senior Natalya Marcial, to run past Raymond-South Bend 5-1 Monday night. The Tigers (9-2, 5-1 league) came out red-hot, …
2B SWW Football League Crossover Details
With a restructured league, teams in COVID-19 protocol and rescheduled games on a week-to-week basis, crossover play at the end of the Washington high school football regular season will be anything …
Blazers Tie Bellevue, 2-2, Still in Hunt for Playoffs
After tying Bellevue 2-2 on Saturday, the Centralia College women’s soccer team is still alive for the Northwest Athletic Conference playoffs. Kennedy Bodily and Pe Ell graduate Ali …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 67: Old Man TransAlta, Dam
  • Sports Dump: Give the 2Bs Four More Berths
  • News Dump Ep. 66: Give Me Liberty or Give Me FreedomWeen
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The Chronicle - October 16, 2021

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Obituaries

Death Notice: Oct. 19, 2021

• STEPHEN NOEL DILLON, 93, Chehalis, died Oct. 11. A service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chehalis. Viewing will be at 9 a.m., rosary at 10 …

In Loving Memory of Beverly Ann (Obermire) Jaeger: 1937-2021

Beverly Ann (Obermire) Jaeger, age 84, peacefully passed away in her home on Oct. 2, 2021.  Bev was born on June 15, 1937, in Cripple Creek, Colorado. She graduated from Winlock High School …

In Loving Memory of Roy Delmar Pratt: 1937-2021

Roy Delmar Pratt, 84, of Toledo, Washington, passed away in Olympia, Washington, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, surrounded by family. Roy was born June 21, 1937, in Toledo at the family home to Leslie and …

In Loving Memory of James L. Ferrier: 1937-2021

James L. Ferrier, a son of Chehalis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 2 while his sons were holding his hands. Jim was eager to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with …

In Loving Memory of David Anthony “Tony” Spencer: 1941-2021

David Anthony “Tony” Spencer was born in Chehalis, Washington on Jan. 31, 1941 to his parents Ruth and Hobert Spencer. He was the fourth of six children. He would then spend the next 18 …

In Loving Memory of Thomas Marvin Beatty: 1945-2021

Thomas Marvin Beatty went to be with the Lord on Sept. 23, 2021. He was born to Dr. Joseph O. and Sylvia Beatty on March 9, 1945, in Portland, Oregon. Tom graduated from Marymount Military Academy in …

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State & Regional News
Bellingham Man Allegedly Threatens to Drown Cat While Holding It in Tub With Water Running
A man is suspected of threatening to drown a cat during a Bellingham domestic dispute as he held the cat in a bathtub with the water running. The cat was not physically injured in the …
Amazon Plans to Hire 150,000 Seasonal Workers to Meet Holiday Rush, Including 2,300 in Washington State
Amazon is recruiting for 150,000 open seasonal positions in its U.S. warehouses as the retailer gears up for a holiday shopping season that experts anticipate will be plagued by backlogs and delays …
Decline in COVID Cases Slows as Washington State Hospitals Sort Through Vaccination Deadline
The state's COVID-19 vaccination deadline for thousands of employees arrives at the end of Monday, pushing health care facilities throughout Washington to scramble to sort through remaining …
Judge Denies Last-Minute Effort to Block Gov. Jay Inslee's COVID Vaccine Mandate
A last-ditch effort to halt Gov. Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccination mandate for state employees and health care workers was rejected Monday morning by a judge who ruled that Inslee has acted within …
Driver Died After Friday Wreck on Steamboat Island Road in Thurston County
A Thurston County resident in his 80s has died after a single-vehicle wreck on Steamboat Island Road late last week, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. The man died Friday …
Two in Custody After Medina Police Officer Fires Shots at Hit-and-Run Suspect Who Rammed Patrol Car
A Medina police officer fired his gun at a hit-and-run suspect who rammed his patrol car Saturday night, police said. No one was hit or injured, and the suspect and a second person in the vehicle …
Seven Rescued After Vehicle Goes Off Cliff Near Trailhead in Snohomish County
Search and rescue and fire crews rescued seven people Saturday evening after the vehicle they were in went over a cliff on the road to the Boulder River Trailhead, southeast of Arlington, Snohomish …
Clark County Sheriff's Deputies Fatally Shoot Assault Suspect After Pursuit
Police shot and killed an assault suspect after a pursuit in the Orchards area early Sunday, according to the Clark County Sheriff's Office. At about 2:20 a.m., deputies tried to stop a car …
Northwest Farmers Who Lost Crops to Extreme Heat Eligible for Federal Disaster Relief
Pacific Northwest food producers stung by extreme heat will be eligible for disaster relief in a $10 billion package included in legislation now signed into law. The record-setting temperatures in …
Researchers Make Surprising Discovery While Tracking Chinook Salmon in Salish Sea, B.C.
Researchers made a surprising discovery while tracking Chinook salmon in both the foraging areas of endangered southern resident orcas and the growing, healthy population of the northern resident …
Nation/World News
General Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State, Dead at 84
Gen. Colin Powell, the trailblazing son of the South Bronx who rose to the highest ranks of the U.S. military, died of complications from COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated, his family announced …
Gov. Northam, Leader of Virginia’s Fight Against Pandemic, Has had ‘Long COVID’ for a Year
At first, the positive results from Gov. Ralph Northam’s COVID-19 test were the only indication he had been infected. It wasn’t until a couple of days later that the symptoms erupted …
Schumer Nears Make-or-Break Moment to Deliver on Biden Agenda
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces staggering policy challenges — President Joe Biden’s economic agenda, voting rights legislation and another risky debt limit fight — …
Jury Selection Begins Today in Ahmaud Arbery Trial
BRUNSWICK, Ga. —   Hundreds of prospective Glynn County jurors are expected to report on Monday as the trial for three men charged with murder in the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery gets …
California Records Driest Year in a Century
LOS ANGELES — In a year of both extreme heat and extreme drought, California has reported its driest water year in terms of precipitation in a century, and experts fear the coming 12 months …

Community Calendar: 'Hocus Pocus' in the Park; Ryderwood’s Arts and Crafts Fair; Trunks With Treats

Business Stories
Sunbird Shopping Center Sold

Sometimes, it’s best to go with your gut. That’s what Ron Sturza says. He’s worked at the Sunbird Shopping Center for roughly 45 years, and it’s that gut feeling …

In Focus: Chamber Brings Lewis County Hiring Fair to Centralia
Powersports Northwest Sold to Local Family After Four Decades With Previous Owners

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Commentary
Julie McDonald Commentary: Saying Goodbye to a SEAL, Welcoming a New Port CEO

The Navy SEALs lost part of their living history Sept. 30 with the passing of Master Chief Petty Officer Peter Paul Slempa Jr., a plank owner (or member) of the original SEAL Team One, which formed …

Other Views: Inslee Should Suspend WA Cares Program Law
Brian Mittge Commentary: Local Doctor and Mom Inspires ‘Signs of Hope’

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Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Hamilton Is the Doer Chehalis School Board Needs

After watching The Chronicle’s debate between the two candidates for the Chehalis School District Board position, I wanted to show my support for Kelsi Hamilton. The Chehalis School …

Letter to the Editor: Daarud Will Bring Bold Leadership to Centralia Council
Letter to the Editor: You Can Trust Vicki Daniels on Chehalis School Board
Letter to the Editor: My Experience Shows I’ll Represent Centralia Well on Council

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Outdoors
Outdoors
 Washington Wildlife Officials Sample for Chronic Wasting Disease on Opening Day of Deer Hunting Season
For the first time in a decade, Washington wildlife officials surveyed for a deadly neurological disease during Saturday's modern deer hunting season opener. Washington Department of Fish and …
Public Comment on Washington's Spring Bear Hunting Seasons Coming to a Close
A chance to comment on proposed changes to Washington's spring bear hunting season will close Oct. 21. After that, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission will review a WDFW …
Outdoors: Unpromising Start Turns to Trophy Hunting Day for Centralia’s Josh Westley
The morning hadn’t started out as planned. Josh Westley, a Centralia native and resident, was packed and out the door of his house at 4 a.m. on Sept. 11 — the opening day of archery …
History
 Photo: Chehalis From Above in October of 1950 — Before Construction of Interstate 5
The Chronicle History Project: Mossyrock Pioneer Days in 1956
Chronicle History Project: Eisenhower Stops in Centralia in 1952
Editor’s Note: The following news item was published Oct. 7, 1952, as Dwight Eisenhower pursued the presidency. It likely reflects an earlier stop than the one depicted in the photos included …
The Chronicle History Project: 1955-56 Bearcat Basketball
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