Local News
Man who died in crash on Rainier Road in Thurston County has been identified
An Olympia man died Thursday after his vehicle left Rainier Road and hit a tree just west of the city of Rainier. On Friday afternoon, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock identified the man as …
Onalaska man, 85, airlifted to Harborview after crash on state Route 508 
An Onalaska man was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after crashing his vehicle into a tree along state Route 508 on Friday, according to the Washington State Patrol.  John …
In focus: Dick’s Brewing Company celebrates 30 years of business in Centralia
Dick’s Brewing Company celebrated 30 years of business at the August Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Thursday, Aug. 15. Attendees joined owners Julie …
Green Hill students with multiple charges now facing additional cases for marijuana, cellphone possession
Two Green Hill School students already facing multiple charges for possession of controlled substances in a correctional facility and prison riots after getting into fights with other Green Hill …
Washington State Patrol launches aerial patrols in Southwest Washington
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is teaming up with troopers in the air this week to bring Target Zero aerial patrols to Southwest Washington. “The WSP’s Aviation Section is a force …
'Truly an economic engine': Chehalis, Nisqually Tribes detail efforts to grow, expand business operations in the region
Tribes throughout Southwest Washington have sought to diversify their business portfolios in recent years as a means to increase non-gaming revenue, a collection of officials from various tribes said …
Sirens: Motorcyclist airlifted after crash; suspect provides brother's name after arrest; several vehicles egged
Centralia Police Department Attempted vehicle theft • At 10:09 a.m. Aug 14 in the 400 block of North Gold Street, a victim reported someone attempted to steal their vehicle sometime …
Death Notices: Aug. 16, 2024
• ROSEMARY NEWMAN, 94, Olympia, died on August 7 at Olympia Transitional Care and Rehabilitation. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • DANNY L. PASCHICH, 78, …
Salmon fishing off mouth of Columbia River to reopen Monday
Salmon fishing will reopen Monday off the mouth of the Columbia River after a week-long closure. Federal managers said there are enough hatchery coho remaining in the pre-season quota to allow …
Brian Mittge: Thriving fair emphasizes the best of Lewis County life
It’s hard not to be happy about the world and our community when you walk through the Southwest Washington Fair. This week, I had the chance to spend some time at the fair, and I came away …
Lewis County farm tour brings together agricultural leaders, lawmakers to discuss issues plaguing farmers
Freshman U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, pulled out her phone while reflecting on a day that took her to farms throughout Lewis County. While navigating her notes app Wednesday, …
‘I just want to make sure what Rob started gets finished’: Wife of late mayor appointed to Bucoda Town Council
Running a rural community such as Bucoda is no easy task for those who volunteer their time and labor as the town’s late Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief Robert “Rob” Gordon once did, …
Local Sports
The Ultimate Underdog: Brock Peterson continues forward, still keeping busy in Virginia Beach
What makes an underdog? By pure definition, it encompasses an individual going through hardships and rising from them. It shows that even the little guy, despite some obstacles in the way, …
Trailblazers looking to build in Ceanna Larson’s second year
Volleyball season is just around the corner at Centralia College, and on Friday, the Trailblazers hosted a super scrimmage with four other teams to help prepare for their opener next Friday. …
Prep sports: Oakville, North River combining for all athletics
When the gun went off on the first day of the state track and field championships in May, Oakville High School freshman-to-be Cecil Gumaelius donned a red jersey in the Class 1B 3,200-meter run. …
College soccer: Blazers open season with narrow victory
Eight years ago, it was viewed as a pipe dream. Centralia College women’s soccer team was in its literal infancy as a program, establishing itself on the junior college level. Making the …
Mossyrock prepped for jump back into C2BL
Rochester isn’t the only local school impacted by the latest WIAA reclassification cycle. After just four years down in 1B, the Mossyrock Vikings are headed back up to the C2BL, their …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 198: The fair is here and things get heated
  • News Dump Ep. 197: The ballots are in and we have been elected irregularly  
  • News Dump Ep. 196: A feisty election preview 
Obituaries

In loving memory of Louella "Lou" Maxine Lee: 1930-2024 

On July 28, 2024, our precious mother, Louella "Lou" Maxine Lee, peacefully passed away at her home in Centralia. She was 93.  Born on Nov. 22, 1930, in Adna, Washington, Louella married …

In loving memory of Norman Carl Schroeder: Sept. 26, 1947 - July 18, 2024

Norman Carl Schroeder, a beloved master craftsman, was known for his insatiable pursuit of knowledge, sharp wit and generous spirit in sharing his expertise. A devoted father, grandfather and …

In loving memory of Philip Michael Daniels: 1945-2024

Philip Michael Daniels was born Nov. 12, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, and passed away unexpectedly Aug. 10, 2024, at Providence Centralia Hospital in Centralia, Washington.  He was the …

In loving memory of Nancy M. Mason

Nancy M. Mason, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully in July 2024. She was born and raised on a farm near historic Washington, …

Death notices: Aug. 14, 2024

• KENNETH LEE RAAPPANA, 82, Chehalis, died Aug. 4 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • LESLIE A. DAVIS, 77, …

In loving memory of Eloria (Kycek) Cerkan: 1933-2024

Eloria C. Cerkan, a resident of Chehalis, Washington, since 1957, died at the age of 91 on Aug. 5, 2024. She was born July 31, 1933, to Vincent and Bertha (Pantel) Kycek in South Bend, Washington. …
State & Regional News

International firefighters in Pacific Northwest to fight fires

MOSES LAKE — A team of 65 senior firefighters from Australia and New Zealand has arrived in the Pacific Northwest to help combat the region's severe wildfires. Upon arrival, the firefighters …

Schools
In focus: ‘Stuff the Bus’ Back-to-School Supply Drive underway in Chehalis
The “Stuff the Bus” Back-to-School Supply Drive outside of Walmart in Chehalis began on Friday, Aug. 9. The drive will continue accepting donations of school supplies, clothing and …
Centralia High School to host homecoming and alumni night Sept. 20
Centralia High School invites alumni to its annual homecoming game and a night of festivities to celebrate Centralia’s past, present and future on Sept. 20. The night will begin at 5 p.m. …
In focus: Students build catapults at W.F. West High School STEM camp
Students participated in a catapult-building competition during the University of Washington’s annual science, math, technology and engineering (STEM) camp on Thursday.  The camp, …
Centralia College student wins Washington Inspirational Speech Championship with story of overcoming addiction
With the nation still in the midst of the fentanyl crisis, Centralia College student Jamie Cline, of Olympia, chose to make her own struggles with addiction the focus of her speech for the fifth …
Annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive for Centralia schools set for this Friday and Saturday
The annual Centralia “Stuff the Bus” Back-to-School Supply Drive, held at the Chehalis Walmart, will accept donations of school supplies, clothing and money from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this …
Business Stories
Fortescue puts plans for a big hydrogen factory in Centralia on hold

The multi-billion plan to build out clean hydrogen production and distribution facilities across the Pacific Northwest is getting dealt wild cards out of the gate, with a key project in southwest …

Commentary

John Braun: Ferguson’s attempt to deny secrecy accusations sends up more red flags

On top of Bob Ferguson’s known credibility problems, add these to the list: The Democratic candidate for governor clearly has trouble handling criticism, admitting when mistakes are made and …

Guest commentary: Awareness campaigns prevent overdoses and save lives

International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31, is the most extensive annual campaign to end overdoses. The campaign raises awareness of overdoses, which have impacted every community. Too many …

Richard Stride commentary: Like sticks and stones, words can really hurt after all

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We have all heard this. But the truth we all know is that this is just plain false. The fact is words …

Commentary: Progress on Columbia River Treaty is good news for Washington

The U.S. and Canada reached a preliminary deal last month to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, a 60-year-old agreement that guides how the two countries manage one of North America's largest …

Julie McDonald: Evening with Authors features award-winning writers

An associate professor who earned a six-figure advance for his memoir about life in the Marines will moderate the Lewis County chapter of the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Stretch your legs on these long-distance hikes on the Oregon coast
If your summer legs are itching for a big adventure, look no further than the Oregon coast. While Oregon’s long mountain treks get all the attention, the coastal trail networks offer a …
Focus turns to understanding scope of chronic wasting disease outbreak in Washington deer
It's not clear how a deer in north Spokane ended up with chronic wasting disease, but wildlife officials believe they found the disease early and are prepared to deal with it. They also think …
Four Mount Rainier National Park hikes recommended by a wildflower enthusiast
Mount Rainier National Park has long been hailed for the abundant, colorful wildflower species surrounding the peak, and photographer Donovan Tracy has documented around 250 of them — all …