Local News
Coworkers rallying support for 19-year-old Chehalis man who fell 30 feet off a roof 
The coworkers of a 19-year-old Chehalis man who suffered severe injuries Tuesday after he fell 30 feet from a roof he was working on have started a fundraiser to help cover the costs of his medical …
Pe Ell man charged with hate crime after he allegedly threatened to kill police officer in Centralia 
A Pe Ell man is facing felony hate crime and harassment charges after he allegedly made racist remarks and threatened to kill an Asian police officer who contacted him while investigating a …
Fuchsia Fanciers to hold sale at Centralia Outlets May 3
The Fuchsia Fanciers, a Lewis County-based nonprofit gardening organization, will host a fuchsia plant sale on May 3 at the Centralia Outlets. The Fuchsia Fanciers will display and sell a …
News Dump Ep. 230: Cowardly ghosts refuse to show themselves
On the 230th episode of The Chronicle News Dump, hosts Aaron VanTuyl and Eric Schwartz discuss Thurston County commissioner business, graffiti, travelling circuses and more. Email us at …
Coroner identifies Vader man killed in crash near Toledo
The 55-year-old Vader man who was killed after crashing into a tree on Sunday, April 6, has been identified by the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.  James W. McGinnis died due to blunt …
Washington state Democrats reveal sweeping new tax plan as session nears an end
Democratic lawmakers in Washington are beginning to lay out the buffet of tax increases they want to use to fill most of a $16 billion state budget shortfall. There are hikes in business and …
Napavine SkillsUSA students shine at state competition
Napavine schools sent 18 students to the SkillsUSA state competitions March 27-29 at Clover Park Technical College. Two students received gold medals and will be competing at SkillsUSA Nationals …
Rochester students find success at SkillsUSA competition
The Rochester High School SkillsUSA team made a strong showing at the SkillsUSA state competitions March 27-29 at Clover Park Technical College. Students from the school took first and second …
Free recycling event set for Randle on April 26
Randle will host a free recycling event to offer East Lewis County residents an opportunity to recycle several materials and offer proper disposal for others on Saturday, April 26, at the Lewis …
Mount Rainier National Park seeks public input on proposed Paradise improvement project
The National Park Service (NPS) is starting a 30-day civic engagement period to share information and gather public input on a proposed project to rehabilitate a wastewater collection system and …
Thurston County commissioner's second job as firefighter called into question by resident, but there's no rule against it
Thurston County resident Jon Pettit accused the Board of Thurston County Commissioners of “covering up for somebody on your own board” and called for the resignation of Commissioner Wayne …
Sirens: Homeless man brandishes machete; person found dead in hotel room; custodial assault reported at Green Hill
CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT Green Hill School • A custodial assault that occurred at Green Hill School in the 300 block of Southwest 11th Street on March 30 was reported at …
Death notices: April 16, 2025
• RICHARD J. SCHOUVILLER, 88, Olympia, died April 5 at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Services are not planned at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Newell-Hoerling’s Mortuary. …
New Lewis County Salary Commission holds first meeting
The Lewis County Salary Commission convened its first meeting of the year on Monday, April 14, at the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis. The first meeting was led by the clerk of the Board of …
Man injured after he falls asleep at the wheel and crashes on I-5 in Lewis County
A Castle Rock man was hospitalized after he fell asleep at the wheel, struck a Jersey barrier and crashed into a ditch off of southbound Interstate 5 in Lewis County on Wednesday. The crash …
Local Sports
Tigers top Wolves to complete perfect week
The Centralia girls tennis team capped a perfect week on Thursday, defeating Black Hills 5-1 to win their fourth match in as many days. “This is a great group of girls,” Centralia …
Tenino falls via tiebreaker against Montesano
The Tenino girls tennis team split its six matches against Montesano on Thursday, but the Bulldogs came away with the win via tiebreaker. Chloe Suess won in the third singles match, and Taylor …
Warriors fall to Grizzlies at Riverside
The Rochester girls golf team faced Hoquiam at Riverside on Thursday, and the Warriors fell to the Grizzlies 235-271. Mallory Gilbert led the way for the Warriors by shooting a 61, while Ava …
Mountaineers find offensive groove to run-rule Ducks
The Rainier softball team was held scoreless through three on Thursday against Toutle Lake, but the Mountaineers found their rhythm at the plate late to blow past the Ducks 12-2 in six innings. …
Riverhawks dominate in sweep over Cardinals
The Toledo softball team cruised to a doubleheader sweep over Winlock on Thursday, sweeping the Cardinals 20-2 and 21-1 in five innings apiece. Peyton Holter pitched all five innings in Game 1, …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 229: A BMW, a handgun and 300 tarantulas
  • News Dump Ep. 228: Mint City, Stone City, Cheese Town and a dustup on the streets of Morton
Obituaries

In loving memory of Lois McKee: 1935-2025

Lois Priscilla McKee (Henricksen), 89, joined her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Tumwater, Washington. Born March 4, 1935, as the third child to her parents, …

In Loving Memory of Dallas Johnson 

Somewhere in the Bible it says, “Precious in the eyes of our God is the death of his faithful servants.” Dallas Leland Johnson was one of God’s faithful, so we are comforted knowing …

In loving memory of Stanley Sells: 1947-2025

Stanley Charles Sells (1947–2025) left his earthly home for his eternal one with Jesus the morning of Monday, April 7. He leaves behind his wife, Terri, of 43 years, and their three sons, …

In loving memory of Rosemarie "Rosie" Cruzan: 1940-2025

After suffering from an illness, Rosemarie “Rosie” Christel Szernitzky Cruzan passed away peacefully at Centralia Providence Hospital on March 11, 2025, with her family and friends …

Death notices: April 11, 2025

• BRANDON S. TAYLOR, 47, Centralia, died March 22 at his residence. A celebration of life with a potluck will be held at Alexander Park in Chehalis at 1 p.m. on April 26.   Arrangements are …

In loving memory of Carol Loop: 1941-2025

Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sibling, auntie, cousin, in-law, and dear friend Carol Lynne Breitenstein Loop passed away on March 2, 2025, in Olympia, Washington. Carol was …
State & Regional News

Gov. Bob Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12 billion tax plan as ‘too risky’

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson balked at Democratic lawmakers’ latest tax package on Thursday, calling it “too risky” given the budget tumult that actions by the federal government …

Schools
Chehalis School Board votes to move forward on proposed Regional Lewis County Tennis and Wrestling Facility
The Chehalis School Board voted unanimously during its regular meeting on Tuesday to move forward on the proposed Regional Lewis County Tennis and Wrestling Facility on Chehalis School District …
Police called to Tumwater School Board meeting after transgender rights activists disrupt gathering
The Tumwater School Board work session came to a quick end Thursday evening after transgender rights activists disrupted the meeting.  The protest prompted a 911 call to police, police Lt. …
Centralia College Winter Honor Rolls
Following are members of Centralia College’s Winter Quarter Honor Rolls. Students on the President’s List earned a GPA of 3.9 to 4.0. Students on the Vice President’s List had …
Centralia Christian School students tour Washington D.C., visit with U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
Fifteen students from Centralia Christian School’s eighth grade class visited the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., last week as part of a week-long trip that included a brief visit with U.S. …
Centralia City Council approves $1.5M in funding for United Learning Center
Following 40 minutes of testimony from United Learning Center (ULC) stakeholders and community members, the Centralia City Council on Tuesday night approved the transfer of $1.5 million from the city …
Business Stories
Westport Golf Links presents update to Grays Harbor County commissioners

Representatives behind the Westport Light State Park Westport Golf Links (WGL) project gave a comprehensive presentation to the Grays Harbor County Board of Commissioners at the board’s …

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Sheriff should retire

These comments are in response to recent public statements by the county's law enforcement background investigator and shared by other connected individuals who are perhaps attempting to begin …

Commentary

John McCroskey: Taxing everything in sight must come to an end

As I have aged — less than gracefully — and retired, I have become acutely aware of a couple things; first, how much it costs me to live in a house I have owned for years, and, second, …
Agriculture in Focus

Maureen Harkcom: Growing up on a farm with agricultural aspirations of my own

Life throws us some interesting twists sometimes. I grew up outside, working in the barns with my dad, brothers and hired men. Along with that, I was taught my place, my role as a female. I …

Julie McDonald: Thoughts churn over senseless deaths, anger and higher taxes

We watched her grow up, a little bit at a time, during our annual treks to Bellingham for the Fourth of July, although we hadn’t seen her for many years. And now we’ll never see her …

Sean Swope: When the state pushes parents aside, we all lose

This weekend, I made a mistake. I reposted information about a bill that had just passed out of the Washington state Senate without first verifying whether it was accurate. The post included several …

Brian Mittge: Spring cleaning, Earth Day and a new celebration

I love the winter, but it’s hard not to get excited as warmer days, green growth and the flowers of spring begin to emerge.  And despite weather that changes faster than a …
Outdoors
Outdoors
WDFW opens lowland lakes to fishing statewide April 26
Anglers across Washington can look forward to the start of lowland lakes fishing on April 26, with thousands of anglers expected to visit lakes statewide. This year’s opener also marks the 10th …
WDFW approves seven more days of coastal razor clam digs starting April 12
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers have confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Saturday, April 12. “We’ve had a great …
Proposed fee hike may push hunting, fishing out of reach for some Washington state families
With less than three weeks left to fill a $16 billion shortfall, House Democrats advanced a bill on Saturday to increase the price of hunting and fishing licenses for the first time in over a decade. …