Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

Pins read, “Naloxone Saves Lives,” at George Washington Park in Centralia during an Overdose Awareness event in 2022.

Guest commentary: Awareness campaigns prevent overdoses and save lives

International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31, is the most extensive annual campaign to end overdoses. The campaign raises awareness of overdoses, which have impacted every community. Too many … more

By Michael Leach | 8/14/24

A guide boat sits on the bank of the Columbia River near Kalama, Washington, in June 2021.

Commentary: Progress on Columbia River Treaty is good news for Washington

The U.S. and Canada reached a preliminary deal last month to modernize the Columbia River Treaty, a 60-year-old agreement that guides how the two countries manage one of North America's largest … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 8/14/24

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare. He can be reached at drstride@icloud.com.

Richard Stride commentary: Like sticks and stones, words can really hurt after all

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We have all heard this. But the truth we all know is that this is just plain false. The fact is words … more

8/14/24

Julie McDonald: Evening with Authors features award-winning writers

An associate professor who earned a six-figure advance for his memoir about life in the Marines will moderate the Lewis County chapter of the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/12/24

Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.

John Braun commentary: Vote Republican, say ‘no’ to Democrats' dream of supermajority

Now that the Aug. 6 primary is behind us, voters across our state know who will be on the general-election ballot. While knowing the names of the finalists is important, knowing what all is at … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 8/9/24

A scene from the Junior Livestock Market at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

Brian Mittge: Enjoying the good life (and livestock) at the fair

Are you ready for the biggest little week of the summer? I’m talking about the Southwest Washington Fair, which begins Tuesday at the fairgrounds in north Chehalis. I’m looking … more

8/9/24

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey commentary: Concerns on assassination attempt and hypocrisy by Democrats

Normally, the silly season that is politics is generally just a bunch of promises made by people who don’t have to pay for them. Instead, we do. And, it usually involves both parties … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 8/7/24

Julie McDonald: Olympic boxing match offers an opportunity to learn

After a hard-fought tie-breaking fastpitch game Sunday morning, the PNW Shamrocks’ winning pitcher worked her way over to the losing team, waiting quietly to catch the eye of the Cowlitz … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/5/24

Sally Sweeney and her grandson, Adam, co-wrote a country song that he is turning into a short film. Adam, who now lives in Portland, grew up next to his grandma on the prairie west of Tenino.

Brian Mittge: Tenino grandma’s co-written country song inspires film

“To look at me you’d think I didn’t have a care / But if tears were gold, I’d be a millionaire...” — Sally Sweeney When Adam Sweeney first heard his … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 8/2/24

Sen. John Braun in Olympia at the Capitol on Friday, Feb. 15, 2024.

John Braun: The more Bob Ferguson says, the more his credibility gap widens

Back in 2007, our state Supreme Court struck down a section of state law regarding false statements made in political advertising. The case stemmed from a complaint about the accuracy of a … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 8/2/24

Julie McDonald: Science fiction innovations populate our world today

Last month, I parked at the Silver Reef Casino near Ferndale, Washington, climbed out from behind the wheel and did a double-take when I saw an R2D2-like robot rolling through the lot with a blue … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/29/24

John Braun: Remember Democrats’ gerrymandering when casting primary ballots

The primary voting period in our state began July 19 and runs through Aug. 6. Tens of thousands of voters across more than a quarter of Washington's legislative districts are being forced to … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 7/26/24

Cooks Hill Community Church leaders, from left, Pastor Emily Faley, Debra Steele and Vicki Judd, are among those guiding the Lewis County Maternity House, which has just opened in Centralia.

Brian Mittge: New home for homeless mothers opens in Centralia

Expectant mothers with no place to turn now have a place they can call home. This month, the new Lewis County Maternity House opened its doors to their first resident, a 20-year-old … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/26/24

Visitors to the Forks Visitors Center use pins to mark their hometowns on this map showcased by a volunteer.

Julie McDonald: Could tourists flock to Lewis County to learn of Washington’s history?

Like more than 2 million tourists each year, my husband and I traveled last weekend northeast to Leavenworth, a once-dying town that reinvented itself in the 1960s as a Bavarian-style village. … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/22/24

Chad Taylor is owner and publisher of The Chronicle. He can be reached at chad@chronline.com.

Publisher's note: Biden should step down now that his candidacy has ended

After President Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race citing the need to focus on his responsibilities, there is increasing worry about his ability to effectively lead the … more

Commentary by Chad Taylor / chad@chronline.com | 7/22/24

Cathedral Falls is pictured in this Chronicle file photo.

Brian Mittge: Berry sweetness and obscure additions to Lewis County’s Top 10 spots

Happy Berryuary! It’s my favorite time of year: the midsummer season when Washington’s woods are at their bountiful best. The native trailing blackberries are delicious, the … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/19/24

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia

John Braun: When Democrats say they want to lower costs, ask them about the cost-saving initiatives

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But Senate Republicans aren’t feeling particularly flattered that state Attorney General Bob Ferguson is claiming to support a majority of … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 7/19/24

Lonnie Goble, friends, family and volunteers pose for a photo outside the Packwood Fire Department before a firework show in July 2022.

Commentary: Packwood Fire Department nears the end of an era

I am writing this commentary to urge Lewis County Fire District 10 voters to approve the levy increase for the Packwood Fire Department (PFD) on their Aug. 6 primary ballot. In preparation for … more

By Bill Serrahn | 7/17/24

Maureen Harkcom is president of the Lewis County Farm Bureau. She can be reached at maureen.harkcom@gmail.com.

Maureen Harkcom: Lewis County agriculture statistics show importance of local farmers

If you hung in there with me on the last commentary about the agricultural landscape of Washington state, let’s now try Lewis County agriculture on for size. Remember, this information … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 7/17/24

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by a bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Julie McDonald: Nation needs people to respect political opponents

I jumped up from an afternoon nap and rushed to the television Saturday upon reading the subject line on an emailed news release on my phone: “Gluesenkamp Perez statement on shooting at Trump … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/15/24