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From left, organizer Peyton Smith a senior, Chloe-Marie Bonomi, a sophomore, Gracee Cline, a senior, Elizabeth Orellana Gutierrez, a junior, Payton Baumel, a sophomore, Makenzie Erickson, a freshman, and Madison Buchanan, a senior, pose for a photo at Centralia High School after discussing the levy and programs within the Centralia School District on Thursday, April 13.

Commentary: A Student's Perspective on the Centralia School Levy

On April 13, seven Centralia High School (CHS) students gathered in their school to present their reasoning as to why voters should vote “yes” on the school district’s levy in the … more

By Rebecca Thayer / Centralia High School student | 4/19/23

Bill Moeller smiles for a portrait outside The Chronicle in Centralia on Jan. 24, 2023.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Remembering How a Community Worked Together for Young Girl

It has been decades since Shannon Lewis died after a community bound itself together as it had never done before. And the community really hasn’t really done so since, certainly not … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 4/19/23

Crew members pose for a photo at Dawn’s Delectables Dessert & Sandwich Shoppe in Centralia during a 10-year anniversary celebration on Tuesday, April 18. Dawn Merchant, the owner, is pictured second from right

In Focus: Dawn’s Delectables Celebrates 10 Years of Business in Downtown Centralia

For Dawn's Delectables anniversary event in downtown Centralia, free cupcakes were provided and diners got a 10 percent discount on Tuesday. There was live music in the afternoon. Owner Dawn … more

Photos by Jared Wenzelburger / jared@chronline.com | 4/19/23

FILE PHOTO — Washington State Sen. John Braun

Braun Criticizes Police Vehicular Pursuit Bill Following State Senate Passage

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, released a statement on Monday following the state Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 5352, calling it a “half-step” toward … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/19/23

'Wilde Soul': W.F. West Graduate Opens Clothing Boutique in Downtown Chehalis

Looking for a new outfit or accessory for a night out on the town? This Friday, shoppers will have a new boutique to browse through in downtown Chehalis as they look for that perfect … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/19/23

Drug Take-Back Events in Morton, Centralia This Saturday

Lewis County Public Health & Social Services is hosting a drug take-back day in Morton and Centralia this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Centralia’s event will be held in the Centralia … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 4/19/23

AAUW to Host Seventh Annual ‘LUNAFEST’ Film Festival Later This Month In Centralia

The American Association of University Women of Lewis County (AAUW) is preparing to host its seventh annual LUNAFEST film festival at Centralia College’s Corbet Theater on April 29, according … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/19/23

A sign hangs at the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park in Ashford in March 2022.

National, State Parks Offering Free Entry Saturday, April 22

If you’re looking to go to Mount Rainier National Park or one of the many state parks in the region, Saturday might be a good day to do so. Saturday is a fee-free day for all national and … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/19/23

FILE PHOTO — A young girl smiles after catching two rainbow trout during the Borst Park Fishing Derby in Arpil 2022.

Community Calendar: Business After Hours; Peter Pan Ballet; Fishing Derby; The Shed Spring Market

To add upcoming events to the Community Calendar, email reporter Matthew Zylstra at matthew@chronline.com. Business After Hours April 20 at the Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. … more

4/19/23

From left, sophomores Bryce Kuykendall, Ellie Clinton and Henry Etue are pictured. They helped organize a blood drive with the American Red Cross at W.F. West High School in Chehalis on Tuesday, April 18.

W.F. West Hosts First Blood Drive in Four Years Thanks to Work of Three Sophomores

W.F. West High School held its first blood drive in four years on Tuesday in the high school’s wrestling room, thanks to the work of three sophomores. Henry Etue, Bryce Kuykendall and … more

By Matthew Zylstra / matthew@chronline.com | 4/19/23

Man Escapes Southwest Washington Jail After Impersonating Cellmate

A man facing a drug possession charge in Cowlitz County escaped from a Southwest Washington jail Monday after impersonating another inmate scheduled for release, according to the county … more

Austin De Dios / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/19/23

The ilani Casino Resort in Ridgefield WA, on Wed., Nov. 30, 2022.

Cowlitz Tribe Drops ilani Casino Manager, Will Self-Manage

For the last six years, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe has depended on the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority to build and manage their ilani Casino Resort. It proved a good bet. Estimates of the … more

Jeff Manning / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/19/23

A map shows the scale of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a large area of ocean polluted with plastic debris.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Now So Big It Has Its Own Ecosystem

The garbage patch off the Pacific coast of the United States is so large that it’s become its own thriving ecosystem. A team of researchers has discovered that coastal species, in addition … more

Julie Evensen / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 4/19/23

FILE PHOTO — A motion-triggered camera captures members of the Profanity Peak Pack in northeastern Washington in June 2017.

First Pack in South Cascades Moves Washington Wolf Recovery Forward

Wolf recovery in Washington took a crucial step forward last year thanks to the first documented pack in the southern Cascades. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf specialist Ben … more

Luke Thompson / Yakima Herald-Republic | 4/19/23

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal talks about concerns during a legislative meeting inside the John A. Cherberg building in Olympia in February.

La Center Gender Policy Focus of Probe by State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has opened an investigation into the La Center School District and Superintendent Peter Rosenkranz regarding complaints from district … more

Griffin Reilly / The Columbian (TNS) | 4/19/23

A stack of newspapers is pictured in Centralia last year.

Newspaper Tax Break Passes Washington House and Senate

OLYMPIA — Senate Bill 5199, a measure that gives a tax break for newspaper publishers, passed the Washington House of Representatives 89-7 Monday. It now awaits the signature of Gov. Jay … more

Rebecca Pettingill / Columbia Basin Herald | 4/19/23

Trial Begins for Washington State Penitentiary Inmate Accused of Killing Former Death Row Inmate

A murder trial began Tuesday, April 18, in Walla Walla County Superior Court with an unusual set of facts — both the defendant and the victim already are convicted killers. A Washington … more

Jeremy Burnham / Walla Walla Union-Bulletin (TNS) | 4/19/23

Family Wins Appeal for Full $98.5M From State on Behalf of Susan Cox Powell's Sons

The parents of Susan Cox Powell won an appeal to reinstate a $98.5 million jury verdict against the state of Washington on behalf of her sons, Braden and Charlie Powell. Judith and Charles Cox … more

Alexis Krell / The News Tribune | 4/19/23

Two Washington Men Charged With 'Straw Purchasing' More Than 100 Guns

Two King County men were charged Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle for buying more than 100 firearms as part of a "straw purchasing" scheme. A "straw purchaser" is someone who purchases … more

Lauren Girgis / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 4/19/23

La Center Residents Concerned Over Home With Swastikas

LA CENTER — As La Center nears ever closer to the same kind of population growth seen in the neighboring communities of Ridgefield and Battle Ground, residents of the tiny town say there is one … more

Shari Phiel / The Columbian | 4/19/23