2024 Best of Lewis County Nominations
Local News
I-5 lanes closing in both directions near Nisqually River this weekend
Travelers on Interstate 5 this weekend can expect congestion in both directions near the Nisqually River due to a series of lane closures. The Washington State Department of Transportation …
United Way of Lewis County’s Power of the Purse event to return Aug. 6
The United Way’s Power of the Purse, Lewis County’s largest women’s event, will continue to motivate connectivity and passion for supporting the local community as the event returns …
Mount. St. Helens Institute hosts first ever artist-in-residence
The Mount St. Helens Institute will host its first ever artist-in-residence, Ian Ramsey, through Tuesday to aid in summer programs, read poetry and engage with the landscape. Ramsey, the author …
MGP nabs endorsement from Washington Farm Bureau, the only federal-level Democrat to do so: ‘We really feel like she’s fighting for us’
A mechanic by trade, freshman U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, has found kinship with Washington’s farmers. “I just like those people,” she said. For the …
Suspect in a January robbery at Centralia business has been arrested
A woman accused of stealing over $800 in merchandise and repeatedly punching an employee at a Centralia business in January has been arrested. Jessica Lynn Maldonado, 39, of Tenino, was arrested …
Lewis County Jail inmate charged after staff find suboxone strip in his sock
A Lewis County Jail inmate was charged Wednesday in Lewis County Superior Court after jail staff found a strip of suboxone in his sock. Suboxone is an opioid used to treat narcotic dependence. …
Lewis County Auditor’s Office encourages voters to return primary ballots early
The Lewis County Auditor’s Office has advised registered voters to mail their ballots at least a week before the Aug. 6 primary. In a news release Thursday, the auditor’s office said …
Fundraiser to assist White Pass Ski Area staffer whose home burned nearly triples goal 
A fundraiser to assist a longtime staff member at the White Pass Ski Area who lost their home in the Retreat Fire has nearly tripled its funding goal. According to a GoFundMe campaign organized …
Sirens: Computer stolen from hotel lobby; two men, woman seen having sex behind business; nine cases involving contraband at Green Hill
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Theft • A backpack containing shoes and clothes was reported stolen from a parked vehicle in the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue just after 9:20 a.m. on July …
Brian Mittge: New home for homeless mothers opens in Centralia
Expectant mothers with no place to turn now have a place they can call home.  This month, the new Lewis County Maternity House opened its doors to their first resident, a 20-year-old …
Lewis County commissioners pass $3.4 million budget amendment
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners has approved a budget amendment to the 2024 budget after expenditures in the county increased by $3.2 million and revenue decreased by nearly $250,000. …
Republican candidates make their case in Mossyrock
Ahead of the August primary, candidates for federal, state and county offices gathered in Mossyrock Thursday to share their visions for the future. Hosted by the Lewis County Republican Party, …
Onalaska girl and her horse qualify for Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship rodeo in December
Late last month, 10-year-old Paislee Miles, of Onalaska, was riding her horse, Romeo, in the Kitsap Junior Rodeo, competing in the breakaway roping event. Breakaway roping is a timed event where …
Cowlitz Indian Tribe elders visit Glenoma farm now accepting EBT cards
Fourteen Cowlitz Indian Tribe elders journeyed to the East Lewis County community of Glenoma on the morning of Thursday, July 25, to take a tour of Rainy Glen Farm and Bates Family Foods and shop for …
Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency receives USAging’s 2024 Workforce Development Award, its third accolade
The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) this week announced it will receive USAging’s 2024 Workforce Development Award in recognition of its ongoing dedication to advancing …
Local Sports
RBI Dirtbags come up short in Regional Final
The RBI Dirtbags were three innings away from a trip to the RBI World Series, but a four-run fifth from Kelso Premier in the Northwest Regional Championship Game was enough to hand the Dirtbags a 6-4 …
College basketball: Centralia alum earns induction into Southern Oregon HOF
Jacki Jewell had life all figured out. Even as she was tall and talented in her multiple sports for Centralia High School back in the mid-2000s, her true passion was showing horses. …
Prep girls soccer: Tenino set to host sixth rendition of Battle on the Blacktop
When the summer of 2018 was winding down, Kevin Schultz and Dave Montgomery were wanting to get their girls on the soccer field sooner than the first organized practice. At the time, Schultz was …
Tenino set to host sixth Battle on the Blacktop
When the summer of 2018 was winding down, Kevin Schultz and Dave Montgomery were wanting to get their girls on the soccer field sooner than the first organized practice. At the time, Schultz was …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 195: I hope they’re better at finding people 
  • News Dump Ep. 194: Where do you even put 1,000 pills?
  • News Dump Ep. 193: Too many people’s champions, not enough crime
Obituaries

In loving memory of Christopher Dale Robertson: 1960-2024

Christopher Dale Robertson, better known as Chris Robertson, of Rochester, Washington, passed away on July 10, 2024.  Born on June 1, 1960, in Centralia, Washington, Chris lived a life full …

In loving memory of Frank "Lee" Nelson: 1933-2024

Colonel Frank Leroy "Lee" Nelson was born on Aug. 19, 1933, in a log cabin in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 10, 2024, in Kirkland, …

Death notices: July 24, 2024

• TAMMY LYNN MCDANIEL, 61, Winlock, died July 11 at her residence. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • MARY E. TOLLEFSEN, 76, Longview, died July …

In loving memory of Thomas Joseph Sealy: 1973-2024

Thomas Joseph Sealy passed away on June 15, 2024. Born on April 28, 1973, Tom enjoyed classic car shows and was known as a jack of all trades. He had a big heart and often performed acts of charity …

In loving memory of Jason Burnham: 1971-2024 

Jason Ellis Burnham, 53, passed away July 18, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He lived his life as an amazing husband, father, son, uncle, friend, mentor and coach. He touched many …

In loving memory of Warren Johnson: 1932-2024 

Warren Burr Johnson, 92, passed away on July 8, at Chehalis West Assisted Living. Born on March 4, 1932, to Burr Gabriel and Daisy Frances Johnson in Chicago, Illinois, Warren's family moved from …
State & Regional News

DNR and Squaxin Island Tribe partner to conserve last major kelp bed in South Sound

The Washington state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Squaxin Island Tribe have announced a partnership to conserve the Squaxin Island Kelp Bed, the last major kelp bed in South Puget …

Schools
Lintott Elementary School hosts Kindergarten Carnival to help new kindergarteners prepare for school 
The James W. Lintott Elementary School playground was transformed into a carnival for incoming kindergarteners and their families on Saturday, July 20, in an effort to help them transition to …
Onalaska School District to host ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive
The Onalaska School District will host the “Stuff the Bus” program in the district office parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12 through Aug. 15. The event is an annual community …
Foster parents of missing girl Oakley Carlson to hold school supply drive in August 
The former foster parents of missing 6-year-old Oakville girl Oakley Carlson will hold a school supplies drive through the month of August in Oakley’s honor.  Oakley’s foster …
Boistfort class of 1974 to be honored at alumni potluck
The annual Boistfort High School alumni potluck will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Boistfort School lunchroom and gym next to the school on Boistfort Road in Curtis. All former …
Centralia College to host the fifth annual Statewide Inspirational Speech Championship
Centralia College’s Jamie Cline will compete for the title of Statewide Inspirational Speech Champion on July 27. This year’s competition will mark the fifth year since the …
Business Stories
Centralia Downtown Association to host Christmas in July Block Party

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) will host the return of its Christmas in July Block Party. The community and downtown business owners are …

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Experience with Secret Service agents leaves impression

In November 2011, the 21-member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, commonly known as APEC, met in Honolulu, Hawaii. The countries represented included major heads of government from …

Commentary

John Braun: Remember Democrats’ gerrymandering when casting primary ballots

The primary voting period in our state began July 19 and runs through Aug. 6. Tens of thousands of voters across more than a quarter of Washington's legislative districts are being forced to …

Julie McDonald: Could tourists flock to Lewis County to learn of Washington’s history?

Like more than 2 million tourists each year, my husband and I traveled last weekend northeast to Leavenworth, a once-dying town that reinvented itself in the 1960s as a Bavarian-style village. …

Publisher's note: Biden should step down now that his candidacy has ended

After President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race citing the need to focus on his responsibilities, there is increasing worry about his ability to effectively lead the …

Brian Mittge: Berry sweetness and obscure additions to Lewis County’s Top 10 spots

Happy Berryuary! It’s my favorite time of year: the midsummer season when Washington’s woods are at their bountiful best.  The native trailing blackberries are delicious, the …

John Braun: When Democrats say they want to lower costs, ask them about the cost-saving initiatives

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But Senate Republicans aren’t feeling particularly flattered that state Attorney General Bob Ferguson is claiming to support a majority of …
Outdoors
Outdoors
There's a new top fish of the Columbia River — and it doesn't mind the warm water
BONNEVILLE DAM, Columbia River — There is a new king of the Columbia. Each spring, a chrome tide of fish native to the East Coast floods the Northwest's mightiest river by the millions. …
Camp at White Pass has been a destination for Washington cross country runners for 50 years
WHITE PASS — Washington high school runners won't see any courses this fall as challenging as the two-mile climb from the base to Pigtail Peak at Clear Lake/White Pass Cross Country Camp. …
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission OKs new cougar hunting rules
Washington's cougar hunting rules have been rewritten. In a virtual meeting Friday, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to approve a new suite of cougar hunting rules after months …