The Daily Chronicle

Brian Mittge Commentary: Standing Up to Be Counted

Longtime readers of this column might have noticed that I seem to have a fondness for colorful characters, especially those who run for public office. It’s true. I’m fascinated by … more

3/25/22

A rendering of the United Learning Center lcreated by KMB Architects.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Full Speed Ahead for United Learning Center in Centralia

This week, the Centralia City Council took a big step forward to support a multi-phase facility for the children of our community by pledging $2.1 million for the United Learning Center’s first … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 3/25/22

Bob Mohrbacher is president of Centralia College.

Commentary: In Celebration of the Centralia College Running Start Program

When spring rolls around, it’s time to celebrate Washington’s most successful education program — Running Start. Running Start orientations began this month at Centralia College … more

By Bob Mohbacher | 3/25/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: ‘How Long Has This Been Going On?’

Great old lyrics as inspiration or celebration? Can I brag a little bit today? Or, I should have asked, “MAY I brag a little today?” No, I really should have asked if I could … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 3/23/22

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

Richard Stride Commentary: Looking Back at a History of Heroism in Ukraine

Ukraine officially broke from the United Socialist Soviet Republic (USSR) in 1991 and became an independent nation. The Ukrainian nation has existed independently since that time. Russia, … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 3/23/22

Guest Commentary: The Failures of the Washington Legislative Session

In the normal course of events, Washington lawmakers use a short legislative session to make small mid-term adjustments to the state’s current two-year budget or to tackle any pressing policy … more

By Chris Cargill | 3/22/22

Don Brunell Commentary: Will We Cede Alaska Back to Russia?

Return Alaska to Russia? A month ago, such lunacy wasn’t newsworthy, but after Russia shockingly invaded Ukraine, anything is possible. The assault on Ukraine has been massive and … more

By Don C. Brunell | 3/22/22

Robert Schaefer served in the Legislature from 1959 to 1967.

Julie McDonald Commentary: A State Basketball Tournament and the Death of a Democratic Icon

Like hundreds of parents and grandparents during the past two weeks of March Madness, my husband and I drove across Snoqualmie Pass to Spokane to attend the ninth annual Washington State Championship … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 3/21/22

The inside of a Tesla vehicle is viewed as it sits parked in a new Tesla showroom and service center in Red Hook, Brooklyn on July 5, 2016 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/TNS)

Commentary: Electric Vehicles Are Out of Reach for Most U.S. Consumers

In a recent conversation with a car dealer in the Dallas area, I was asked who will afford all the electric vehicles that are coming to market in the next several years. Despite all the hype for EVs, … more

David Welch / Bloomberg News (TNS) | 3/20/22

MacKenzie McGee and Naomi Snell smile and pose for a photo at the Pine Street Plaza in downtown Centralia last week while talking about upcoming events.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Cheers to the Enterprising Moms of ‘Kiddin’ Around’

As someone who collects news of local family-friendly activities like a child collects pretty rocks on the beach, I was surprised and delighted a few weeks ago to stumble upon a new source of … more

By Brian Mittge | 3/18/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: ‘Bits and Pieces’ Falling Off My Desk

People sometimes ask me how I’ve found something to write about all these years. Regardless of logic, the secret answer is just trying to keep enough room on the desk to hold a cup of … more

3/16/22

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: Frustrated Over Gender Politics, Lack of Action on Inflation

I don’t know about you, but this inflation crap is really taking a bite out of daily expenses. Worse, those responsible don’t seem to have any desire to do anything about it. Either … more

By John McCroskey | 3/16/22

Don Brunell Commentary: American Liquefied Natural Gas Can Replace More Russian Gas

There is an old saying that states “don’t let the ‘perfect’ be the ‘enemy’ of the good.” That is important to remember as we work our way out of the … more

By Don C. Brunell | 3/15/22

Author Jeff Wheeler is pictured with a pair of his books.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Bestselling YA Fantasy Author to Keynote Centralia Writers Conference

Imagine “Vikings,” “The Last Kingdom” and “Game of Thrones” — all thrown into novels but without the sex and swearing. That’s close to the entryway … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 3/14/22

FILE PHOTO —Trees sit just below the snow line in East Lewis County.

Commentary: Washington Needs Inclusive Healthy Forest Policy

Washington’s Board of Natural Resources is considering banning timber harvesting on state lands. That is extremely unwise. Instead, the board must ensure its healthy forest policies incorporate … more

By Don Brunell | 3/11/22

A sign sits under the memorial tree outside Centralia United Methodist Church.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Tallying What We Lost, Asking How We Should Rebuild

Today, Washington’s mask mandate ends. This week will also mark two years since the global COVID-19 pandemic really hit home. It’s a good time to examine what the heck just happened to … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 3/11/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: Hunting Skunk Cabbage

Last week’s column had a hint in it that I might have some strange information to pass along to you. Well, it may not be strange to you — but it sure felt like it to me. In that … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 3/9/22

Don Brunell Commentary: Patriotism of Ukrainian Boxers Brings Hope

It’s not often that we see an athlete at the top of his or her game walk away from a multi-million dollar payday to go home and fight for his or her country. However, that is exactly what world … more

By Don C. Brunell | 3/8/22

On Sunday afternoon, for the second week in a row, dozens of people crowded into a room — this time New Life Assembly of God Church in Toledo — to learn about the dangers of biosludge.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Family’s Experience a Cautionary Tale of Battling Biosolids

When I heard about plans for spreading biosludge on Layton Prairie, I cringed. For more than three decades, I listened to my sister-in-law Linda Zander recount the dangers of human waste spread … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 3/7/22

A house in the Edison District is seen illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian national flag Tuesday night in Centralia.

Other Views: Freedom-Loving People Stand With Ukraine

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has generated a global response and nearly universal outrage at the unprovoked action. It also has illuminated differences between local congressional candidates. Rep. … more

Commentary by The Columbian Editorial Board | 3/6/22