Local News
One treated for smoke inhalation after Winlock firefighters respond to residential blaze 
Firefighters from Lewis County Fire District 15 in Winlock responded to a residential structure fire at about 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in the 200 block of Cemetery Road, according to a news release …
Why blue Washington state voted to ban trans athletes from girls sports
There are multiple ways to understand why, as a blue wave washed across the U.S. in Tuesday’s midterm elections, Washington voters passed an initiative that the state’s Democratic Party opposed. …
Washington state Republicans pay the price for staying loyal to Trump
The national Democratic shellacking of Republicans in Tuesday’s midterm is getting called a blue wave, or even a tsunami. For Republicans in Washington, though, it looked more like a mudslide …
News Dump Ep. 299: Requiem for an Election
On the 299th episode, local man Aaron VanTuyl and Chronicle editor Eric Schwartz discuss the election afterglow with surprise guest Chad Taylor. We have a new Sheriff, and a new Auditor, and the same …
Chehalis man accused of eluding trooper at 120 mph after turning off lights
A Chehalis man was arrested Thursday for allegedly eluding a state trooper at speeds of roughly 120 mph after turning off his vehicle’s lights on Interstate 5. Tyler Ford Porter, 21, is …
Centralia man with reported dementia accused of strangling wife 
Prosecutors filed charges against a man with reported dementia Friday after he allegedly strangled his wife during an assault the day before. Michael G. Compton, 68, of Centralia, was booked …
Thurston County man accused of threatening state trooper with slurs during arrest
A Lacey man faces possible prison time after he allegedly threatened a state trooper with racial slurs during his arrest for driving with a suspended license. Kenshawn Q. Muldrow, 33, is charged …
Chehalis escapes regional budget challenges in 2027
Unlike neighboring local governments, many of which are facing structural deficits as they seek to balance their budgets, Chehalis appears to be in a good spot headed into 2027. Expected …
Rochester teen who has persevered through heart defect hopes winning crown will lead to a career helping others
Rochester resident Myrranda Doelman had her first heart surgery at just 6 months old. In 2014, at the age of 4, she underwent her second open heart procedure, which was detailed in an article by …
Sirens: Suspect steals merchandise, rams police vehicles, flees; pumpkin thrown through church window by nude suspect
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Attempted vehicle theft • An attempted vehicle theft was reported in the 500 block of West Main Street at about 3:51 p.m. Nov. 4. There was no suspect …
Meeting roundup: Toledo City Council selects new mayor pro tem, tables state Route 505 water main loan acceptance
Members of the Toledo City Council appointed Councilor Dan Anderson as the city’s new mayor pro tem during their first regular meeting of the month on Monday, Nov. 2. Councilor Rebecca Duerst …
Air taxi to Legislature: Spokane-Olympia direct flights to launch in 2027
Traveling from eastern Washington to Olympia for the state’s Legislative session just got easier. SeaPort Airlines announced a new air service between Spokane and the state capital on …
A Look Back in Time: Centralia sees more Prohibition raids; hunters arrested for shooting after dark; LaFrance fire truck finds new home at SWW fairgrounds
In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Saturday, Nov. 6, 1926, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about more Prohibition raids being carried out in Centralia. Five hunters were …
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office announces ‘off-duty conduct’ investigation into employee’s behavior in video from about 6 years ago
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) on Wednesday announced an “off-duty conduct” investigation into an employee following the release of a video on social media showing a man allegedly …
Lewis County woman, 87, injured in single-vehicle crash on I-5
An 87-year-old woman was hospitalized Friday following a single-vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near Napavine, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Fern E. Fuchs, …
Local Sports
Sports Dump: Seeding Sunday Bracket Reveal!
On a special Sunday Zoom edition of Sports Dump, the boys break down Friday and Saturday’s crossover-ish football games and Saturday’s district championship games and matches. Then the fellas …
Tenino blanks Riverside to advance to Round of 12
The Tenino football team pitched a shutout on the Blacktop on Saturday night, as the 12-seeded Beavers defeated No. 13 Riverside 19-0 in a 1A Round of 24 matchup. The Tenino defense came up with …
Morton pulls off reverse-sweep to stun Naselle, hoist district championship
When the Huskies and Comets met early in the regular season, it was a five-set barnburner where three of the sets went longer than the standard 25 points. Surely the district title rematch …
Tumwater sweeps Woodland to get back to state tourney
The T-Birds suffered their first loss to a Class 2A program all season when they were swept by Columbia River in Saturday’s District 4 semifinals, but rebounded hours later and swept Woodland in …
2A/1A State XC: Tumwater’s Alexandra Broome notches top-25 finish in final state meet
PASCO — Alexandra Broome made a living in the 40s at the 2A state meet the past three years. The Tumwater senior never finished higher than 40th or lower than 49th in her three state …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: The Round Of (XXXXX) Is Here
  • Sports Dump: The Cornjerker Hath Returned
  • News Dump Ep. 298: A Mossyrocktober Surprise
Obituaries

Death Notice: Nov. 6, 2026

• ALBERT OREN HOLCOMB , 73, Centralia, died Nov. 1 in Centralia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington.

Celebration of Life: Leland "Lee" Day, Aug. 24, 1938 - Oct. 22, 2026

A celebration of the life of Leland "Lee" Day will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 5th at the Grace Church, 1965 S Market Blvd Chehalis Washington .  All who loved him are welcome.

In loving memory of Melvin Wilkins: 1928-2026

Melvin Ottis Wilkins completed his earthly journey on Oct. 13, 2026. He was born Feb. 4, 1928, to Carlton and Bessie Wilkins in Pilot Point, Texas. He is preceded in death by brothers James and Glen …

In loving memory of Kathy Good: 1949-2026

Kathleen (Kathy) Marie Good, of Curtis, Washington, passed away on Oct. 26, 2026. She lived a life devoted to her love of horses, her family and the many people whose lives she touched along the way. …

In loving memory of Gene Hofferber: 1932-2026

Gene Edward Hofferber, 94, born June 10, 1932, in Nebraska, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Gene will be remembered for his generous and loving heart, his kindness to …

In loving memory of Tony Karniss: 1951-2026

Tony Michael Karniss, 74, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on Oct. 6, 2026, in Chehalis. Tony was born on Nov. 24, 1951, in Chehalis (Lewis County) to Theodore and Clara Karniss. He grew up …
State & Regional News

'This is a death cult': Spencer Pratt argues in Spokane that the left wants to destroy America

"It feels like home," Spencer Pratt said in Spokane Friday night. "I was in a burned-out town today, naked drug addicts on the way here from the airport — home sweet home." The former reality …

Schools
Napavine Jr./Sr. High School Honor Roll
The following are members of Napavine Jr./Sr. High School second semester honor rolls. Students are listed in alphabetical order. The lists were provided by Napavine Schools. Honorable …
Volunteers needed for Lewis County Business Academy
With the annual Lewis County Business Academy on the horizon, event organizers Kiddin’ Around have announced the need for community volunteers. The Business Academy will be held at Centralia …
No issues reported after Centralia police, school district announce increased presence for football game
The Centralia Police Department (CPD) and the Centralia School District (CSD) on Friday issued a joint statement to update the community regarding Oct. 30’s Centralia High School varsity football …
Onalaska School District evacuates elementary and middle school after ‘unverified’ bomb threat
The Onalaska School District evacuated its elementary and middle school building Monday morning as the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigated a possible bomb threat. According to …
Commentary

Opinion: Governor must put politics aside and let Washington’s kids benefit from federal education tax credit program

I talk with parents in Spokane Valley, Greenacres and other Eastern Washington communities regularly. Behind almost every conversation is a story that stays with you. I hear from mothers whose …

Richard Stride commentary: Considering Jim Thorpe — the original GOAT

Today, sports fans love to argue about who deserves the title GOAT, the Greatest of All Time. Some say Michael Jordan. Others insist it's Tom Brady, Muhammad Ali or perhaps Babe Ruth. But long …

Julie McDonald: Elected county, state officials — do your jobs

For nearly four decades, my husband has grown Christmas trees, both in Centralia and outside Toledo. He works hard all year on planting, fertilizing, shearing, trimming tops, controlling weeds and …

Wayne Fournier: After election season, a question — who would sign up for this?

Well, another election season is behind us, more or less. Thankfully. I'm still getting political text messages from candidates as far away as Maine and Texas, so apparently somebody hasn't …

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 …
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 …