Local News
MGP, Braun stretch each others’ records in 3rd District debate
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and state Sen. John Braun faced off in their first debate Wednesday evening in the race for Southwest Washington's 3rd Congressional District.  At times, …
Vader man accused of racking up over $4,800 in personal purchases on company cards
A former employee of A Better Towing Co. in Chehalis has been accused of making over $4,800 in personal purchases across multiple company cards.  Jason R. Rayfield, 42, of Vader, is charged …
Sheriff Sanders speaks out on fishing license dispute between Chehalis Tribe, WDFW 
Editor’s note: On Wednesday evening, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders weighed in on the fishing license dispute between the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and the Washington …
In Focus: Patriot Guard brings Fallen Soldier Cart to Chehalis
Patriot Guard Riders unveiled a cart used to transport the remains of military service members during a stop at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 6. "Patriot Guard Riders …
Chehalis Tribe’s fishing permits more nuanced than WDFW’s recent description
The fishing permits offered by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation to non-tribal members differ from the description given by the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife …
$250,000 bail: Centralia police arrest suspect after hotel staff find bag of cocaine in lobby
Centralia police arrested a suspect Monday after staff at the Red Roof PLUS+ hotel found a bag of suspected cocaine in the lobby. Police later found suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA inside …
Ruling: TransAlta still on the hook for the costs of federal order to maintain ability to burn coal
TransAlta Centralia will, for the time being, not be allowed to recover the costs for repairing and maintaining a coal generation unit after a Trump administration order last year required the …
Sirens: Modified lockdown at W.F. West; man points gun at motorist; inmate spits in officer's face
CHEHALIS SCHOOL DISTRICT • W.F. West High School initiated a modified lockdown at 9:24 a.m. Oct. 7 while police and school staff responded to a student in crisis. “The modified lockdown was …
Chick-fil-A expected to break ground at Centralia Station this month
Chick-fil-A is expected to break ground this month on its new site across Art Lehman Drive from the Centralia WinCo Foods location. The Port of Centralia announced the news Tuesday just a few …
Death notices: Oct. 7, 2026
• KIRK MARWOOD THOMPSON, 80, Centralia, died Oct. 1 at Wellspring Centralia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • JEANNE MARIE PLEIER, 67, Onalaska, died …
“Prescription: MURDER — A Columbo Mystery” performances take the stage this weekend at Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia
Actors and production staff at Evergreen Playhouse will premiere live performances of “Prescription: MURDER — A Columbo Mystery” starting this weekend at the Centralia theater. The show …
National Federation of Independent Business to voters: Yes on I-645 — stop the income tax
Washington state’s leading small business association announced in a news release Tuesday its support of Initiative 645, which would repeal the new state income tax. “Wall Street gets a pass …
Chehalis invites community to transportation funding Q&A ahead of election
The City of Chehalis is inviting community members to attend a public question-and-answer session about the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) renewal on the November general election ballot, a …
Clam digs on coastal beaches postponed until further notice due to spike in marine toxins, WDFW reports
The recreational razor clam season — originally scheduled to begin Oct. 9 through 14 on four coastal beaches — has been postponed until further notice, the Washington Department of Fish and …
Thurston County documents influenza-related death
Thurston County marked the official end of the 2025-26 flu season with one more death to add to the count. 
Local Sports
Morton’s win streak reaches nine with sweep of Firm Foundation
All the Huskies have done over the last month is win and win comfortably, sweeping everyone in their path, which included a 25-10, 25-9, 25-15 verdict against the Eagles on their home floor on …
Beavers secure win over Blazers to close non-league slate
Ignited by a stat-packed night from senior star Katen Burkhardt, the Tenino High School volleyball team defeated The Bush School 25-16, 25-17, 20-25, 25-12 on Thursday night at Brock Court. …
‘Consistent’ Loggers sweep Tigers, notch third straight win
ONALASKA — When Onalaska volleyball coach Susan Gordon talks about her team, one word always comes to the forefront. Consistency. “We have to come out consistent, focused, and we have …
Wolves pick up competitive victory over Tigers
A matchup between two sides without a league win was closely contested on Thursday night. In the end, the Black Hills High School volleyball team did just enough to secure a 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, …
Rainier captures first C2BL win, sweeps Mossyrock
The Mountaineers bounced back from a five-set heartbreaker earlier in the week to cruise by the Vikings 25-16, 25-8, 25-12 at home on Thursday night to claim their first league win of the fall. …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: Week 5 Roundup (and Centralia finally loses)
  • News Dump Ep. 295: Introducing the Thurston Chronicle crew
  • Sports Dump: Week 4 Wrap (And A BERTH Announcement)
Obituaries

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, …

In loving memory of Sue Nelson: 1943-2026

Sue Elizabeth Aldrich Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Onalaska, Washington, with her husband, daughter and her loyal Basset Hound, Rosie, by her side. Born Jan. 3, 1943, in Seattle …

Celebration of life for Bette Fried: 1964-2026

A celebration of Bette Fried’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Centralia, Washington, at Borst Park Kitchen 1. Previously published obituary:  Bette …

In loving memory of Gary LeBaron: 1946-2026

Gary William LeBaron, 80, of Rochester, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 30. Gary was born in Chehalis, Washington, July 19, 1946, to Donald and Caroline LeBaron and grew …
State & Regional News

Suspected drunk driver crashed into Washington State Patrol trooper

A suspected drunk driver hit a trooper’s patrol car while he was blocking traffic on Interstate 82 near the Oregon border Wednesday, Trooper Matthew Parham, 38, of Kennewick, was blocking the …

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 …
Business Stories
New Rainy Day Fest set to celebrate the season in Pe Ell

With fall’s arrival in the region comes the famous rainy season, and in Pe Ell, one local business owner wants to welcome the weather and is organizing the inaugural Rainy Day Fest. The event …

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Prosecutor endorses Frase for Lewis County sheriff

There has been a lot of rhetoric surrounding the race for sheriff. Many are convinced change is needed and that only someone from the outside can make those changes. Frankly, half of that …

Commentary

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 …

Our Views: Dishonesty takes center stage in MGP’s pursuit of new term in Congress

Nobody can rightly say that The Chronicle hasn’t given Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez full or fair news coverage during her years in office. If you believe differently, go back and read the …

Our Views: Sean O’Donnell is the right nonpartisan choice for Washington Supreme Court

The Seattle Times and The Chronicle editorial boards aren’t always on the same page, but we are in at least one recent case.  The Seattle Times has endorsed Sean O’Donnell for …

Fact check: Washington's income tax initiative doesn't “cut” government programs

Washington voters will decide this November whether to keep the state's new 9.9% income tax . Politicians and the media are claiming approval of Initiative 645 will "cut funding" for public …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Summer turns to fall at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Before you know it, orange leaves and rainy days will be encompassing everyday life in Southwest Washington. The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s River "S" Unit is one of the best places …
WDFW launches new kindergarten curriculum to introduce students to wildlife
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this week announced a new kindergarten curriculum centered around “Many Places, Many Lives,” an illustrated poetry collection that …
‘Tis the season: 2026 Washington state hunting prospects now available
September marks the beginning of new hunting seasons across Washington, including early archery opening for deer and elk. As hunters across the state gear up for big game, waterfowl, and upland bird …