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Acting incident commander Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Sid Wiggs addresses flight crews on their mission overview Saturday morning at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport as the crews prepared to participate in a search and rescue exercise.

Civil Air Patrol Conducts Search and Rescue Exercise in Lewis County

While backpackers and campers prepare to head into the wilderness in the coming weeks as summer nears, volunteer flight crews and cadets from seven Washington state Civil Air Patrol squadrons — … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 5/1/23

J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, talks about ongoing issues in his area of the state while answering questions from reporters Friday, Jan. 20.

Dreams of Bipartisanship Dashed, House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox Steps Down

Growing up on a multi-generation, large-scale chicken farm near Yelm, state Rep. J.T. Wilcox is no stranger to manure. But, it’s his time spent as Minority Leader of Washington’s House of … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 5/1/23

A makeshift shrine in honor of Jesse Baxter is pictured in Centralia on Monday.

Man Dead, Woman Critically Injured After Motorcycle Crash in Centralia

A man is dead and a woman is in critical condition following a collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck at the intersection of West Pear and South Pearl streets in Centralia on Friday, April … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 5/1/23

Death Notices: May 2, 2023

• ANN M. BORCHARDT, 59, Chehalis, died April 26 at Swedish Medical Center. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • LORNA M. GOLDSBY, 97, Castle Rock, died April … more

5/1/23

Sirens: Aggressively Panhandling; Vehicle Thefts; Race Ends in Crash; Fentanyl Overdose; Dog in Hot Car

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Disorderly Conduct • Officers responded to a report of a disorderly subject yelling while sitting on a park bench at the intersection of … more

5/1/23

Brigham Buswell is pictured in a Union uniform while holding a rifle in this photo provided by his grandson, Toledo resident Don Buswell.

Highlighting Lewis County: Toledo Centenarian’s Grandfather Chronicled Civil War Battles

Few people alive today can say their grandfather fought in the Civil War, but a Toledo man can. Don Buswell, who still lives in the house where he was born more than a century ago, is proud of his … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 5/1/23

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the Editor: Biden Is Precisely the Right Man for the Moment

In a recent letter, Mitchel Townsend enumerates (without evidence) what he views as the many inadequacies of President Joe Biden and the Democrats. Regarding the Chinese spy balloon episode, … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Washington Needs to Improve Foster Care System

Foster care reform is a huge deal for me. At the moment I am writing this email, I'm now 29 years old. I spent nine years growing up in Washington state’s foster care system. I can say … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Winlock Mayor’s Hiring as Reserve Further Called Into Question

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) provides training for all Washington state certified peace officers. The Chronicle has previously reported on concerns regarding Winlock … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Why I Voted Against Centralia School Levy

I would like to respond to a comment that Centralia school board member Vicki Jackson made in an article in The Chronicle several days ago. She said, “I understand you can vote no. I’d … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Contemplating Failure of Centralia School Levy

In regard to the most recent article on the Centralia school levy’s probable failure, some people asked the question, why? My thoughts are, do they really want to know, or was it … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Port of Centralia Reporting Appalling

During my weekly review of the news from the town I grew up in, I came across an article that caused me to say enough is enough. I have to say something. The article I am referring to reported … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Pope’s Position Might Be Filled, But He Can’t Be Replaced

I was not surprised to hear that Dr. Isaac Pope would not run for reelection on the Chehalis City Council. I was, however, sad. This man is one of a kind. His dedication and impact in the … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Braun’s Response to Gun Ban Hollow

Come on, Sen. John Braun, it’s you and other politicians who are supposed to serve us who must do better. In your recent commentary “State Democrats’ Ban on Certain Firearms … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Kudos to Lawmakers on Gun Control Laws

In his recent commentary, Chronicle publisher Chad Taylor decries the Washington legislators’ ban of assault weapons as a “knee-jerk reaction” to the problem and proceeds to … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Fox News Sells Lies to Willing Viewers

Letter writer Mitchel Townsend asks, at what point do you admit to yourself that America is in trouble? I would say it would be the point you realize that Fox News has been lying to you for years. … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Trump Should Be Tried for Treason

I would like to know why Donald J. Trump, being commander in chief, was not charged for treason by military court martial? Have things changed that much? I arrived at basic training ten days … more

5/1/23

Letter to the Editor: Apology to Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer

Recently, I submitted a letter to the editor regarding charges not being filed in the Aron Christensen case. I unjustly accused Mr. Meyer of being weak and spineless. That statement was … more

5/1/23

In a news release, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez said one of her “personal wins” was shipping an 8-foot chain saw across the country to “remind everyone who visits our Washington, D.C. office of the power of hard work and the domestic jobs that keep our country running.”

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Reflects on First 100 Days in Congress

On Monday, May 1, U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, celebrated her first 100 days in Congress. In a news release, her office highlighted milestones from her work in Southwest Washington … more

By The Chronicle staff | 5/1/23

FILE PHOTO — Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez talks to attendees during a Women in Business Seminar inside the Vintage Grand Room at the Washington Hotel in Chehalis.

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to Hold Town Hall at Centralia College on Wednesday

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania County, will hold a town hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the TransAlta Commons on the Centralia College campus. The commons is located at … more

By The Chronicle staff | 5/1/23