Local News
Grays Harbor County resident busted for Montana hunting violations
Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife police officers from Grays Harbor County recently assisted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) investigators with a large-scale investigation into …
Neo-Nazis accused of robbing JBLM, possessing military-grade weapons arraigned
Two men accused of robbing Joint Base Lewis-McChord, hoarding weapons at a Lacey home and being white nationalist extremists have pleaded not guilty to several crimes. Charles Ethan Fields, 26, …
News Dump Ep. 239: No Kings, except for the two in the studio 
On the 239th episode of The Chronicle News Dump, hosts Aaron VanTuyl and Eric Schwartz discuss recent protests, recent columnists’ takes on said protests, dream movie cars, the fantasy festival …
Tracy Murphy announces second run for Lewis County sheriff
A former candidate for Lewis County sheriff will take another shot at running for the office in 2026 after registering with the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission last month. Sgt. …
Chehalis DSHS Community Services Office to relocate temporarily on June 30
The Washington state Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Chehalis Community Services Office is relocating from Northeast Hampe Way in Chehalis to 1247 Harrison Ave., Centralia, …
‘Never stop learning’: After 34 years in the Army, local artist finds peace and inspiration on Onalaska farm
After decades of distinguished military service worldwide in special civilian operations and emergency response, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Carlene Salazar has found tranquility in Onalaska …
Sirens: Three jailed in organized retail theft bust; tractor parts stolen in burglary; arrests for assault and theft
Centralia Police Department Arrests • Michael Chown, 45, of Chehalis, was arrested and booked into the Chehalis Tribal Jail for an outstanding arrest warrant for third-degree driving …
Centralia Police Department chooses local boy, 6, to be ‘Chief for a Day’
Roman Wagner, a 6-year-old Adna boy battling leukemia, will be the Centralia Police Department’s 2025 “Chief for a Day,” the department announced Tuesday. Wagner will receive a …
Historic Sacred Heart Church in Winlock to celebrate centennial anniversary
The Historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Winlock has announced several events to be held June 21-22 in celebration of the church’s 100-year anniversary. On Saturday, June 21, the …
Squatchy Summer Solstice and Legends of the Mountains: Paranormal investigators to appear at Chehalis, Packwood events
With the summer solstice approaching — happening exactly at 7:42 p.m. Pacific time on Friday, June 20, according to NASA — paranormal investigators from throughout the Pacific Northwest …
North Beach Paws launches first of three pet vaccination clinics in Grays Harbor County
North Beach PAWS has announced it will start its 2025 series of pet vaccination clinics for dogs and cats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at The Grange, 401 W. Waldrip St., in Elma. …
Woman arrested for assaulting officer and alleged drug use near Chehalis train tracks
A woman was arrested in Chehalis on Friday after being spotted by local law enforcement sitting near a small fire in a patch of grass along John Street. Priscilla Vance, 47, was charged on …
Lewis County Autism Coalition Car and BMX Show postponed to Sunday along with Operation Pet Adoption
The second annual Lewis County Autism Coalition Car and BMX Show — previously scheduled for Saturday, June 21 — has been postponed to Sunday, June 22, according to a Facebook post by the …
Toledo council roundup: Cheese Days Festival permit approved, historical society requests storage space and road construction projects planned
The Toledo City Council convened for a regular meeting on Monday, June 16, to discuss a number of issues in the South Lewis County community. While Councilors Rebecca Duerst and Jamie Scalise …
Local Sports
W.F. West equestrian drill team gearing up for regional competition
See it. Say it. Do it. The six-word motto written in maroon on the grey T-shirts of the 12 members of the W.F. West High School equestrian drill team is a silent reminder of what it takes to be …
Centralia College’s Thomas, W.F. West alum Hoff among NWAC Baden Athletes of the Year
After stellar spring seasons, Centralia College’s Jayda Thomas and Lane Community College’s Lucas Hoff were named as two of the eight NWAC Spring Baden Athletes of the Year at the 2025 …
Centralia’s Blankenship signs with Clackamas College
Centralia’s Braylee Blankenship was one of the best goalkeepers in the EvCo this past season, and on Friday, she took the next step in her athletic career by signing with Clackamas College in …
The Chronicle’s 2025 All-Area Softball Team
For Adna High School’s Danika Hallom, catching runs in the family. Her mother Candace was a backstop in her prep career and at one point, so too was her daughter as a little-leaguer in her …
Rochester trap shooting team places third at state; two shooters finish first
The Rochester High School trap shooting team enjoyed a successful trip to Olympia for the trap shooting state tournament, as the Warriors finished third as a team June 7. Two Warriors took home …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 238: Park drinking and taking a poll on F Street
  • News Dump Ep. 237: Take that axe fight to the courtroom
  • Sports Dump: That About Wraps It Up For Stick and Ball Sports (Congrats Adna)
Obituaries

Celebration of life: Larry Robert Sprague

There will be a Celebration of Life for Larry Robert Sprague on Saturday, the 21st of June, at Morton Community Bible Church, 150 Division Ave., Morton, Washington, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In loving memory of Albert Anderson: 1924-2025

Albert Lester Anderson passed away peacefully at Chehalis West Assisted Living Center in Chehalis, Washington, on June 4, 2025, at the age of 100, just short of his 101st birthday. Albert was …

In loving memory of Robert Denney: 1938-2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Robert “Rob” D. Denney, 86, of Elma. Rob unexpectedly passed June 4, …

Death notices: June 18, 2025

• DIANE A. FULLER, 81, Chehalis, died June 13 at Chehalis West. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • FRANCIS ANDERSON JR. “DUKE,” 69, Chehalis, …

In loving memory of Manley Niemcziek: 1934-2025

Manley Joseph Niemcziek, 91, of Centralia, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025. He was born on May 4, 1934, to Stanley and Sophia Niemcziek and spent the majority of his life in the …

Death notices: June 16, 2025

• CHRISTOPHER C. BROWN, 58, Rochester, died June 7 at his residence. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • JERALD K. ELLIOTT SR., 89, Chehalis, died June 10 at …
State & Regional News

Cantwell presses energy secretary on hydrogen tax credit

During a Wednesday hearing of the Senate Energy Committee, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., aggressively questioned Energy Secretary Chris Wright about Republican efforts to eliminate the clean …

Schools
Winlock class of 1965 to hold dinner to celebrate 60 years since graduation
The Winlock class of 1965 will meet at 5 p.m. Friday, June 20, for a social hour at Pyramid on Front Street in Winlock. After that, there will be a celebration dinner at 6 p.m. to commemorate 60 …
Mossyrock Jr./Sr. High School Second Semester Honor Roll
Following are members of the Mossyrock Jr./Sr. High School second semester honor roll. Students are listed in alphabetical order. The list was provided by the Mossyrock School District. …
Chehalis Middle School Term Four Honor Roll
The Chehalis School District has released its Term Four Honor Roll for Chehalis Middle School. Students listed here achieved a GPA of 3.25 or higher. They are listed in alphabetical order. …
Chehalis School District looks to manage budget woes through adjustments and staffing changes, not layoffs
The Chehalis School District Board of Directors is looking at ways to restore the district’s general fund balance to its required minimum. The Chehalis School District Board of Directors …
W.F. West High School seniors attend first school board meeting as student reps
Two soon-to-be W.F. West High School seniors took their new seats at the Chehalis School District Board of Directors table Tuesday. Aubrey Prigmore and Kyan Porter were attending their first …
Commentary

Commentary: The problems facing our higher education institutions go beyond the headlines about Harvard

Although President Donald Trump and Harvard's recent spats make headlines, key issues in question affect all higher education. Harvard, our nation's first college (1636), is a center of current …

Julie McDonald: More thoughts on the Uncle Sam billboard and how demonization of people with different opinions can go too far

Last week, after I wrote about the $2.5 million sale of the Hamilton Uncle Sam sign to the Chehalis Tribe, I received a call from Penny (Hamilton) Mauel of Chehalis, a member of the Hamilton family. …

Wayne Fournier: The quarry pool mysteries and what they teach us about local lore

If you grew up in Tenino, you know the Quarry Pool isn’t just a swimming hole. It’s a place where local legends are born — whispered by teens sneaking up to the top of the …

John McCroskey: The good guys don’t burn cars, harm cops, block streets and wave foreign flags

Honestly, sometimes I just have to shake my head at the politics of all levels of government.  In the June 5 edition of The Chronicle was the front page headline “Lewis County …

Richard Stride: To uncover the sadness within, we must be brave enough to remove the masks

When I was younger, I thought the greatest task in life was to figure out what I wanted to do. Now, I think the greater task is to figure out who I really am. It is a journey we all take, …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Columbia River salmon fishing extended to Father’s Day
Columbia River spring Chinook salmon anglers will have another few days to fish with an extended season, increased bag limits and expanded fishing areas. Oregon and Washington managers met …
Summer views, reopening of Mount St. Helens Visitor Center make a day trip worthwhile as Johnston Ridge remains closed
Although the Johnston Ridge Observatory remains closed, great views and recreation is still possible all summer long on the north side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. As road …
New report shows signs of progress for Washington state salmon, but many are still on the brink of extinction
A new report released by the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office shows that several populations of salmon in Washington state have improved, but most still face extinction. Of the 14 species …