Local News
In focus: Centralia School District welcomes alumni for homecoming game
All graduates and former attendees of Centralia High School were invited to Friday’s homecoming game and were acknowledged on the field before the game. The event was aimed at reuniting alumni, …
Chehalis-Centralia Airport continues master plan update process with first of three open houses
The Chehalis-Centralia Airport’s master plan update process began earlier this summer with the initial airport analysis. Consultants are now gathering public input with the first of three open …
WDFW lifts most fire restrictions on department land
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has lifted fire restrictions on most department-managed land. In a Friday news release, the department announced that most fire restrictions …
Beak of the Week: Identifying Washington’s ‘blue’ jays
I’ve heard people call Stellar’s jays, The Chronicle’s Oct. 2 Beak of the Week, “blue jays” more often than I’ve heard them called their actual name. That …
Lewallen emerges as Republican alternative to Kent in rematch with Gluesenkamp Perez
After Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled off the most surprising upset win of last year's congressional midterms, her narrowly defeated rival, Donald Trump-backed Republican Joe Kent, wasted no …
Chehalis man dies in crash on state Route 6 
A 57-year-old Chehalis man died in a single-vehicle crash on state Route 6 near Doty Sunday night.  Brandt D. McKenna was traveling east near mile marker 32 in a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta when …
Rape allegation against Morton police officer is under investigation; prosecutor awaits additional information
Possible rape charges against an officer with the Morton Police Department are being considered by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office.   A charging decision had not been made as of …
Arguments for and against Lewis County’s 911 center sales tax initiative
Ahead of the Nov. 7 general election, voters will study up on candidates and measures for local school boards, fire districts, city councils and ports, which vary depending on their address. For …
Farm + Flourish: Downtown Centralia’s new locally sourced grocery store opening soon
Farmers markets are a staple of Lewis County. They provide shoppers an opportunity to buy fresh, quality fruits, vegetables and more directly from local farmers.   There’s just one …
Crimson & Gray: W.F. West High School students learn business skills in school-based coffee shop
It’s not uncommon to see high school students working part-time as baristas, but it’s rare to see those same high schoolers managing the business as well. That’s what you see …
Sirens: Man exposes genitals; Woman punches 'herself in the face'; Gun pointed at motorist; Male tries to stab relative; Someone is living in a crawl space
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT   Assault   • A second-degree assault was reported in the 900 block of East Locust Street just after 4:35 p.m. on Sept. 27. The suspect left the …
Lewis County commissioners look for nominees for advisory boards
Are you civic-minded? Do you want a way to impact the community around you? Nominees are needed to fill seats on two Lewis County advisory boards. The county Planning Commission and the …
Chehalis lodging tax funding recommendations fail to pass, sent back to committee
Among agenda items up for consideration during the Chehalis City Council meeting Monday were the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding recommendations for 2024.   …
Veterans Memorial Museum hosting ‘PAWchella’ in Chehalis Saturday
Pet owners, along with their scaly and furry friends, are invited to the second annual PAWchella event at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis Saturday, Sept. 30, for pet-friendly fun, pet supply …
Centralia volunteer award nomination deadline approaching next month
Know a person or organization that volunteers around Centralia? The deadline to nominate them for a Centralia Volunteer Special Recognition Award is Oct. 31, according to an email from Centralia City …
Local Sports
Bearcats win tight Swamp Cup showdown on games
The W.F. West boys tennis team’s day at Centralia on Friday was too close for even one tiebreaker to decide, but the Bearcats came away with a win on games won, after the two sides tied matches …
MWP wins out west
The Morton-White Pass volleyball team made the most of its trek out to the coast Saturday, beating North Beach 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-16 in a non-league match. “ It was nice to see the …
Local runners compete in John Payne Invitational
Dozens of local runners descended on University Place on Saturday to compete in the 27th annual John Payne Invitational. Athletes from several Lewis County schools ran, including runners from …
Tigers take out Bulldogs in non-league win
The Centralia girls soccer team came home with a statement of a non-league win Saturday, beating 1A semifinalists Montesano 1-0 at Jack Rottle Field. “I was proud of all the players today, …
Tigers get crunched by Lyncs in biggest loss in 11 years
The Napavine football team suffered its first regular-season loss in over 950 days Saturday in Whatcom County, falling to 1A Lynden Christian 47-6. “It’s definitely okay to get …

Chronicle Podcast

  • Sports Dump: The ‘No Smoking’ Sign Has Been Turned Off
  • Chronicle News Dump 158: If you see a tire pile, scream “TIRE PILE!”
  • Sports Dump: Win or lose, but don’t show too much
Obituaries

In loving memory of Edward Farrier: 1939-2023

Edward Farrier, 83, passed away at home in Onalaska surrounded by family on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Ed loved his family and the wonderful community of friends that often gathered. He was an engineer …

Death Notices: Sept. 29, 2023

• TIG A. HOLMES, 44, Napavine, died Sept. 26 in Chehalis. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • SHARON R. HEGGENES, 80, Winlock, died Sept. 26 at her residence. …

In loving memory of Mildred Goodwyn: 1928-2023

Mildred Edra Goodwyn was born on Feb. 4, 1928, in Powell, Oklahoma, to Hugh John Muchmore (of Indian Territory, Tahlequah, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains) and …

In loving memory of Sharon Blair: 1942-2023

Sharon Louise (Stancil) Blair was born on Jan. 12, 1942. She was adopted by Wilma and Bill Graaf and grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington.  Sharon graduated from Bainbridge High School …

In loving memory of James Roberts

James “Jim” W. Roberts 81, passed away Aug. 19 at Banner Hospital in Sun City, Arizona.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anna (Wichert); two sons, Chris Roberts (Tammy …

In loving memory of Tracy Reddick: 1969-2023 

Tracy Reddick, 54, of Tenino, Washington, passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.  fiTracy took his first breath on January 4, 1969. He was born to James Reddick and Oleta Jones of Olympia, …
State & Regional News

4.7-magnitude earthquake strikes off Oregon Coast; no damage reported

A 4.7-magnitude earthquake roiled ocean waters off the coast of Oregon Sunday. The temblor struck at 5:49 p.m. about 196 miles from Bandon at a depth of just over 6 miles, according to the …

Schools
‘It’s a K-14, K-16 Effort’: The Chehalis School District’s Unique Effort to Support Its Alumni After Graduation
Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in a series focused on the Chehalis School District and the success of its Student Achievement Initiative, which was launched in 2013. The full …
The Math Problem Part 2: Chehalis School District Aims to Conquer Its Biggest Hurdle With Innovative Teaching
Editor’s Note: This is the latest installment in an ongoing series focused on the Chehalis School District and the success of its Student Achievement Initiative, which was launched in 2013. The …
Achieving Success: The Math Problem: Chehalis — And America’s — Biggest Academic Hurdle
Editor’s Note: This is the latest installment in an ongoing series focused on the Chehalis School District and the success of its Student Achievement Initiative, which was launched in 2013. The …
‘The New Buzzword’: How the Chehalis School District Prioritized STEM and Technical Education to Give Students a Brighter Future
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an ongoing series focused on the Chehalis School District and the success of its Student Achievement Initiative, which was launched in 2013. The …
Chehalis School District Awarded $1.05M Grant for Student Achievement Initiative
The Chehalis School District will receive $1,050,000 from the Washington Student Achievement Council over the next 18 months to benefit the district’s Student Achievement Initiative. …
Business Stories
Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce hosting candidate debates Oct. 12

On Thursday, Oct. 12, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce will host candidate debates from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of O’Blarney’s at the Gibson House, located …

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Lewis County News claims don’t resemble journalism 

This is addressed to Chronicle Publisher Chad Taylor. You recently wrote a commentary about some claims being made by Mike Hadaller and his attempt to paint a picture of corruption when it comes to …

Commentary

Commentary: Good news at Centralia College — Enrollment is up, $524,000 in scholarships awarded

As the weather makes a sudden turn from summer to fall, I’m thinking about all of the activities taking place at Centralia College as we start into the new academic year. It’s shaping up …

Commentary: The freedom to read, the First Amendment, and libraries as a cornerstone of democracy

“The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack.” – Freedom to Read   If you have never read the American Library Association’s …

Richard Stride commentary: Politics, humor and why our politicians should lighten up

I am an optimist. I know this about myself. I always try to look at a situation from a “glass half full” perspective. I try to find the middle ground in most issues I write about.   …

Publisher’s note: An imaginary windfall and a PUD commissioner’s grift 

Tuesday was a big day for me and my family.  We were notified of a lucrative new deal providing “more than $100,000 a year” to the Silver Agency, a Chehalis-based business my …

Julie McDonald commentary: Morton native pens books of psalms from the heart

When a former critique group partner reconnected with me, seeking help with a friend’s manuscript, little did I know the contents would bless me in such profound warmth. “Heart …
Outdoors
Outdoors
The digs are on: WDFW approves four days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Tuesday confirmed the first round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis will begin …
Duo summits Washington's 100 highest peaks with ‘human power’
Ellensburg's cross country runners can rest assured their coach understands the mental challenges involved with pushing the human body to its limits. Jeff Hashimoto has found success in …