Local News
Centralia enacts 1% property tax increase as it faces budget deficit
The City of Centralia will take the allowed annual 1% property tax revenue increase for 2027 as the first step in seeking to close a nearly $2 million predicted budget shortfall over the next two …
McEntire receives second fine from a state agency in two-month period
The Washington state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) officially fined state Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, $500 this week as punishment for personal use of campaign funds after a $3,000 payment …
El Niño could mean a warm winter, but rain levels remain hard to predict
Early forecasting from the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests a high chance of average rainfall and warmer than average temperatures this winter. That same conclusion could also suggest an …
Sirens: K9 tracks DUI, hit-and-run suspect; furnishing liquor to minors investigation; vehicle damaged in parking lot
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Vehicle damaged • A vehicle was reportedly damaged in the parking lot of a business in the 1000 block of South Yew Street according to a caller at 11:17 a.m. …
Kevin-Burton Crow says he wants public accountability for Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Kevin Burton-Crow believes that Thurston County deserves a sheriff’s office that’s directly accountable to the people it serves. He is running for the office’s top office to put systems in …
Brian Mittge: Help for the beautiful, baffling, terrific and tough job of parenting
Among the many blessings of life, perhaps none is greater than being a parent. And perhaps none can feel as challenging at times. As our two eldest children head into adulthood and our youngest …
Winlock City Council again discusses possible official invocation policy; councilor addresses “party” rumors
Members of the Winlock City Council convened on Monday, Oct. 26, for a regular meeting where, after some discussion on the issue, councilors did not take action on a proposal to incorporate an …
25 Napavine High School culinary students earn personalized Tiger Chef jackets
Hard work in the kitchen has earned 25 third-semester Napavine Jr./Sr. High School culinary students a special milestone: their own personalized Tiger Chef jackets. Students across four class …
A Look Back in Time: Sheriff pleads “not guilty” to prohibition charges; Borst Park race track proposal rejected; Local 4-H members train guide dogs for the blind
In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Saturday, Oct. 30, 1926, edition of The Chronicle featured an update embattled Lewis County Sheriff Frank Roberts, who, along with other men, including …
CDA, Centralia man among honorees of Washington Main Street’s 2026 Excellence on Main awards
The Washington State Main Street Program has announced the 2026 winners of its annual Excellence on Main awards, and Centralia has earned two of them. Justin Zenkner was highlighted for his …
Thurston County Auditor’s Office has updated 58,000 voter registration records so far this year
The Thurston County Auditor’s Office is hard at work preparing for the Nov. 3 general election in Thurston County. One aspect of that work that takes place year-round is updating voter …
“He’s just the purest form of a human being”: Thurston County family raising awareness for 11-year-old boy diagnosed with terminal cancer
Yelm resident, Nathan White, 11, is currently in the fight of his life. A little over a week ago, on Thursday, Oct. 22, the Thurston County boy’s family heard news that no parent or relative …
The Gilded Siren Meadery to celebrate opening in Centralia
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Gilded Siren Meadery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 7. Located at 1640 S. Gold …
$633,686 for Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund: Commerce awards $4.36M to expand access to business credit
The Washington state Department of Commerce has awarded $4,356,000 to 11 organizations through its Equitable Access to Credit (EAC) program, including the Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund. The grants …
Local Sports
Prep football: Black Hills outlasts Aberdeen to snare final D4 state berth
TUMWATER — Jesse Keith stepped into the Black Hills High School football program as a wide-eyed freshman and established himself as a varsity contributor. Coen Reaves hadn’t put on the pads, …
Centralia falls in shootout against Hoquiam
Fans of offensive football were in for a treat at Tiger Stadium on Friday night, where Hoquiam and Centralia traded touchdowns until the final seconds of the game. A potential game-winning …
Rochester shuts out Elma to complete 9-0 regular season
For the second time in program history, the Rochester football team will enter the postseason at 9-0. The Warriors capped their unbeaten regular season on Friday night in Elma, where they shut …
Tenino tops Montesano, claims Evergreen’s No. 2 seed
The Evergreen League’s No. 2 seed was on the line in Tenino on Friday night, and the Beavers topped Montesano 33-14 on the blacktop to finish second in the league. Parker Minerich was back at …
Huskies shut out Panthers in regular-season finale
The Morton football team ended its regular season with a dominant performance on Friday, as the Huskies shut out White Pass in a 68-0 victory. “We finished strong,” Morton coach Lee Metcalf …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: The Cornjerker Hath Returned
  • News Dump Ep. 298: A Mossyrocktober Surprise
  • News Dump Ep. 297: Of Forums and Fake News
Obituaries

In loving memory of Randy Dee Coady: 1949-2026

Randy Coady passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was a residence of Pe Ell for his entire life.   Randy was a logger, carpenter, merchant seaman, butcher, meat …

Death notices: Oct. 30, 2026

• GENE EDWARD HOFFERBER, 94, Toledo, died Oct. 28 at home. Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo. • BARBARA ANN FOOTE, 86, Centralia, died Oct. 23 at Sharon …

In loving memory of William "Bill" Bruce Marshall: 1940-2026

William "Bill" Bruce Marshall passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 86 on Oct. 17, 2026, at Chehalis West Assisted Living in Chehalis, Washington. Born on March 2, 1940, Bill grew up …

Death notices: Oct. 28, 2026

• WALTER L. MARTIN, 60, Winlock, died Oct. 21 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • WILLIAM D. WOLFF, 71, Centralia, died Oct. 25 at …

In loving memory of Bert (Dick) DeMaris: 1946-2026

With deep sorrow, we announce that Bert Richard (Dick) DeMaris left this world on Oct. 18, 2026. He was born in Raymond, Washington, on Nov. 6, 1946, to Bert and Josephine DeMaris. Dick attended …

In loving memory of Richard Zandecki: 1938-2026

Richard James Zandecki, 88, of Mossyrock, Washington, passed away on Oct. 13, 2026. Richard was born on April 17, 1938, in Salkum, Washington. After marrying his wife, Glenda, he made his …
State & Regional News

Washington mobilizes National Guard for added security for ballot drop boxes

In a precedent-setting move, members of the Washington National Guard are being deployed in seven counties to help protect ballot drop boxes in the final days of the election. The mission, …

Schools
Frustration grows as Centralia teachers union negotiates new contract with district
Twice last week, members of the Centralia Education Association teachers union picketed on school property as they continue to negotiate for a new contract. On Tuesday,   union members …
W.F. West, Centralia receive Gesa scholarship funding
Just a few months after launching its W.F. West Affinity Debit Card, Gesa Credit Union has donated $5,000 to W.F. West High School for student scholarships, thanks to community members who chose the …
Centralia College’s one-day registration event is Nov. 10
Centralia College is taking the stress out of new student registration with a fast-track registration event ahead of winter quarter classes, according to a news release from the college. The …
2027 Distinguished Alumnus Chris Thomas “keeps showing up for Centralia”
Chris Thomas didn’t even wait to graduate before becoming a leader in the Centralia School District. As a senior at Centralia High School, he served as vice president of his class, lettered in …
Legacy of legendary tribal rights activist Helen Sanders now enshrined at Centralia College’s Diversity Plaza
In the 1930s, a little tomboy and the youngest of seven children born on the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation received, as her birthright, a portion of land on the Quinault Indian …
Commentary

Richard Stride: The history my mother left me

Sometimes history comes to us in unexpected ways. Not through a textbook, a museum or a documentary, but through an old box of newspapers, yellowed pages and things someone we loved thought important …

Letter: Running for sheriff while focused on what matters

As we approach election day, I want to thank the people of Lewis County for the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote. From the beginning of my campaign, I made a commitment to stay …

Greg Rohr: As prices rise out of control in Washington, vote Republican

For families across Lewis County, affordability is not an abstract political debate. It is the reality of filling up the gas tank, buying groceries, paying the electric bill, keeping a small …

Our Views: Experience, integrity and public trust matter — vote Frase for sheriff

The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is one of the most important institutions in our community. Its deputies respond to emergencies, investigate serious crimes, protect victims and serve residents …

Opinion: How to get Washington’s business climate back on track

The check engine light for Washington’s business climate is flashing. In July, the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) held a summit with small businesses, policymakers, and …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Hunting Highlight: A father-son bond and a boy’s first buck
“As a local Onalaska resident, our 8-year-old son Jack committed to putting in all of the work, dedication and hours required to obtain his hunting license this summer. Once he successfully earned …
Fishing closures begin Oct. 24 in many Western Washington rivers, including the Chehalis
Fishing for salmon and all game fish is closing Oct. 24 in many rivers and tributary streams across Washington’s Coastal Region due to low water conditions from the ongoing drought as well as …
Hunting Highlights: Young hunters find success in early deer 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 …