Local News
Providence and MultiCare settle two class action lawsuits worth a combined total of $155.5 million
The two largest not-for-profit health care organizations in Washington state — MultiCare and Providence — have both reached settlement agreements in two class-action lawsuits after a neurosurgeon …
Washington pays record sums to pricey private lawyers amid lawsuit explosion
In April, attorneys representing the state of Washington were dealt a stunning defeat in a lawsuit over the death of a 2-year-old Pierce County girl. After a five-week trial, a jury found the …
Former fairgrounds employee sues Grays Harbor County
Former Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds employee Kelly Peterson-Lalka recently filed a lawsuit against Grays Harbor County in Thurston County Superior Court. Peterson-Lalka’s tort claim alleges …
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visits Thurston County
The U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives canceled a public appearance with Southwest Washington congressional candidate and state Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, earlier this week after an …
Chehalis dog euthanized after biting child at backyard birthday party
A Catahoula leopard dog named Buoy that belonged to a Chehalis family was euthanized last month after it was reported to have attacked a young child and friend of the family who owned the animal …
Sirens: Woman gets prison for stolen handgun; man arrested for drugs; counterfeit bill used to quash bail
LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT The following list is not comprehensive. Superior Court records can be accessed at the Lewis County Clerk’s Office in Chehalis. Sentencing • Hailey A. …
Death notices: Oct. 2, 2026
• THEANNE EILEEN RANCICH, 64, Centralia, died Sept. 16 at Three Rivers Care Center. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • SYLVIA FREUND, 81, Centralia, …
Western Washington drug trafficker sentenced after federal investigation
A 54-year-old Federal Way man was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Charle Neil Floyd …
Bail set at $100K for Randle man accused of strangling ex
Lewis County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Randle man Wednesday morning after he allegedly strangled his ex-girlfriend and threatened to kill her. Kurt R. Killian Sr., 62, is charged with one …
Lewis County AAUW presents proceeds of Evening With Authors to Hope Alliance of Lewis County
Lewis County branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) representative Jo Martens met with Hope Alliance of Lewis County Executive Director Kris Camenzind on Thursday, Oct. 1, to …
Survey: Public invited to share experiences along state Route 507 in Centralia
People who live, work and travel along state Route 507 in the Centralia area are invited to share their experiences and help identify future transportation needs along the highway, the Washington …
Repair and Sustainability Fair joins Community Garage Sale at SWW Fairgrounds
Residents with ripped clothes or broken appliances should think twice before they toss them, as the Repair and Sustainability Fair is on tap for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the …
Experience Chehalis announces executive director search and interim leadership
Experience Chehalis has announced its search for a new executive director as the organization continues its work to strengthen downtown Chehalis and support a vibrant, welcoming and economically …
Lewis County to hold annual flood meeting at courthouse, test alert system
The Lewis County Department of Emergency Management will hold its annual meeting focused on the coming flood season later this month. The county department announced Friday that it would host …
Mineral Lake fishing season extended through Oct. 31
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the extension of the Mineral Lake game fish season through Oct. 31 annually. This extension comes after WDFW received a …
Local Sports
Loggers cruise past Bulldogs in weekend contest
The Onalaska High School volleyball team capped their non-league schedule with a 25-5, 25-8, 25-9 sweep over North Mason at home on Saturday afternoon. Now at 9-1, they head into C2BL play on Tuesday …
Rainier shuts down Mossyrock
The Mountaineers rebounded from a Week 4 loss to begin C2BL East play on Friday night with a dominant 60-0 victory over the Vikings at home. Rainier signal caller Ryan O’Neal was 4-of-5 …
Centralia sweeps Swamp Cup series against W.F. West
It came down to the wire on Friday afternoon, but the Tigers prevailed over the Bearcats 3-3 (7-6 on sets) to stay perfect in Evergreen Conference and claim both dual wins in the rivalry matchup. …
Trio of area runners nab top-five placements at John Payne Invite
In one of the most loaded cross country races of the regular season, three SW Washington runners put on a show. Centralia’s Ethan Weiher, Tumwater’s Alexandra Broome and Rainier’s Komaire …
Locals compete in John Payne XC Invitational at Chambers Creek
The 2026 HOKA John Payne XC Invitational, hosted Saturday, Oct. 3 in University Place, was a hotspot for personal records for Thurston County cross country runners. At the top of the list of …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • News Dump Ep. 295: Introducing the Thurston Chronicle crew
  • Sports Dump: Week 4 Wrap (And A BERTH Announcement)
  • Sports Dump: Week 3 Wrap (and Congratulations to a Kalama Alum)
Obituaries

In loving memory of Neva C. Thomas (Alton) Ormiston: 1937-2026

Born Dec. 17, 1937, in Longview, Washington, to Woody and Virginia Thomas, Neva peacefully passed away on July 11, 2026, in Olympia, Washington. A lifelong lover of animals, Neva especially …

In loving memory of Ronald Walker

Ronald Anthony Walker, age 70, officially put the wrenches away on Sept. 25, 2026, in Centralia, Washington. A Lewis County man through and through, Ron lived his entire life right where he wanted to …

In loving memory of Reverend Edwin Schimelpfenig: 1954-2026

Reverend Edwin Schimelpfenig, 72, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Sept. 11, after a long battle with cancer. Edwin was born to Alfred and Harriett Schimelpfenig in Cottage Grove, Oregon, but …

In loving memory of Nancy Bay: 1944-2026

Nancy Bay, a longtime resident of Rochester, Washington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Nancy was born in Oakland, California, in 1944. She lived a full and meaningful life …

Death notice: Sept. 30, 2026

• TRACY TORGERSON, 67, Winlock, died Sept. 27 at home. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington.

In loving memory of Frank Paulin: 1946-2026

Frank Randel Paulin, son of Louie and Betty Paulin, was born July 30, 1946, in Centralia, Washington, and passed away Sept. 14, 2026, at the age of 80. An outdoorsman and adventurer, Frank …
State & Regional News

Gov. Ferguson visits Eastern Washington school to discuss proposed cell phone ban

Gov. Bob Ferguson doesn't see a need for cell phones in schools. Ferguson visited Lewis and Clark High School on Friday morning to discuss key legislation he's bringing forward for the 2027 …

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 …
Commentary

Opinion: Washington State Supreme Court tramples on citizens’ initiative power

“All political power is inherent in the people …” That’s how Washington’s Constitution begins. Apparently, however, the state supreme court disagrees. Washington voters decided …

Our Views: The Chronicle Editorial Board endorses John Braun for Congress

A member of Congress is elected to represent the people, values and interests of a district. By that standard, the choice in the race to represent Washington’s Third Congressional District is …

Opinion: Support our rural libraries by voting for Timberland levy lid lift

As former trustees for Timberland Regional Library (TRL), we urge voters to approve TRL’s levy lid lift measure that is on this fall’s ballot. The Timberland district covers five counties …

Opinion: Washington’s I-645 — repealing the new 9.9% income tax 

This November, Washington voters will decide whether to enact I-645. This proposal would repeal a new 9.9% income tax , with a current statutory exemption of one million dollars, that is scheduled to …

Julie McDonald: Lewis County Maternity House offers help to young mothers

As a teenager who was strongly pro-life, I always thought communities needed a home for unwed mothers where their baby could grow inside their womb in safety and they could give birth without doing …
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 …