Local News
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 …
$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 first influenza-related death of the season
Thurston County has had its first influenza-related death of the 2026-2027 influenza season, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) announced Wednesday, Oct. 7.  Details …
Fall Community Garage Sale and Swap Meet returns to SWW Fairgrounds Oct. 10; free Repair and Sustainability Fair also offered
The Southwest Washington Fairgrounds will welcome bargain hunters, treasure seekers and community members for the annual Fall Garage Sale and Swap Meet on Saturday, Oct. 10, featuring more than 176 …
Winlock Dance Center, cheerleaders celebrate award-winning Onalaska festival performance
The Winlock Dance Center was proud to participate in the Onalaska Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, working with the Winlock High School/Middle School Cheer Program for a successful …
Local Sports
Northwest Christian holds its own in loss to Tenino
The Northwest Christian volleyball team went toe to toe with Tenino in a 3-1 home loss on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Northwest Christian made an early statement with a dominant first-set victory 25-13. …
W.F. West’s Cushman takes gold at Stan Hedwall Park
W.F. West’s Joy Cushman impressed at Stan Hedwall Park on Wednesday, finishing first among all female runners in an EvCo meet between Tumwater, Aberdeen, and W.F. West. Cushman finished in …
Centralia’s Weiher, Black Hills’ Knight win at Fort Borst
Centralia’s Ethan Weiher and Black Hills’ Maddie Knight finished in first at Fort Borst Park on Wednesday, where Centralia, Black Hills, and Shelton competed in an EvCo meet. Weiher finished …
Rainier’s Robles, Myers earn top two spots at Rainier Invite
Rainier’s Komaire Robles and Alexis Myers impressed at the Rainier Invite on Wednesday in Rainier, as the two Mountaineers finished in first and second among all racers at the event. Robles …
Tigers finish second out of three on Senior night at Riverside
The Centralia boys golf team played its final league match of the year at Riverside on Wednesday afternoon, and the Tigers finished second out of three teams. Shelton won the tri-match with a …
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

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 …

In loving memory of Robert "Bob" Pollock: 1942-2026

Robert “Bob” Pollock passed away peacefully in his family home at the age of 83. Bob lived a full and remarkable life — one filled with family, service to his country, adventure, fishing, …

In loving memory of Madeleine Grimes: 1937-2026

Madeleine Marie Yvonne Grimes, age 88, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at home in Centralia, Washington. She was born Oct. 26, 1937, in Foug, France, to Georges and Marthe Miletic. In her youth, …

In loving memory of Tracy Torgerson: 1959-2026 

Tracy Alden Torgerson passed away peacefully in his longtime home of 44 years on Sept. 27, 2026.  Tracy was born Aug. 11, 1959, to Alden and Elizabeth Torgerson in Anchorage, Alaska.  …

Death notices: Oct. 5, 2026

• JOHN “JACK” RUSSELL BRAUN, 84, Chehalis, died Sept. 24 in Olympia. Services will be announced at a later time. Arrangements are under the care of Sticklin-Brown Funeral Chapel. • SUSAN …
State & Regional News

Oregon mom of six lost legs, hands, lips after post-surgery infection, $68M lawsuit says

A mother of six who underwent partial or full amputations to her legs, hands, lips and tongue filed a $68.5 million lawsuit last week — claiming that doctors failed to provide proper post-surgery …

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

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 …

Julie McDonald: Kay Odegaard memorial an example of bipartisan love

A packed room at Harrison Square Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening brought together students and teachers, Republicans and Democrats, friends and family to honor Kay (Marit) Odegaard on what …

Richard Stride: For over a decade, Braun has shown up, listened and worked with us

In politics, particularly during an election season, it is easy for people to be reduced to party labels. Republican. Democrat. Conservative. Liberal. Those labels may tell us something, …
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 …