Life | The Daily Chronicle

Bikers take a break at Centralia College during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic in Centralia on Saturday, July 12. An estimated 6,000 bicyclists rode through Lewis County and the rest of Western Washington on Saturday for the Seattle to Portland Classic, better known as the STP. Centralia College is the official halfway point of the ride, with the college and others partnering to offer food, services and camping space. It was the 46th edition of the ride, which takes participants on the 206-mile journey from Seattle to Portland. “Begun in 1979, STP is sold out for 2025 with the biggest number of registrants since prior to the pandemic,” said Lee Lambert, Cascade Bicycle Club’s executive director. He attributes the increased ridership to new marketing, outreach and community partnership initiatives Cascade has implemented. “We have worked hard to spread the message that STP is an inclusive, welcoming and fully supported ride that is open to everyone no matter their race, background, gender identity, body type, or biking ability,” Lambert said.

In focus: About 6,000 bicyclists ride through Lewis County for 46th STP

7/14/25

Lea Elder, left, and her mother Linda smell their bundles of lavender at the Toledo Lavender Festival on Saturday, July 12, at 161 Templeton Road, Toledo. The event began on Friday and continued through Sunday. “Your favorite local vendors are back, bringing handcrafted goods, art and delicious treats,” organizers stated. “They’ve been working hard to bring you something special!” Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/ycymy3ht

In focus: Lavender Festival held over three days in Toledo

7/14/25

People walk in to buy ice cream during a celebration for the one-year anniversary of The Creamery in Centralia on Friday, July 11. The business, a Lewis County Coffee Co. venture, held a party to mark the occasion, complete with free mini cones, face painting a balloon artist and more.

In focus: The Creamery celebrates one year in Centralia

7/14/25

Dustin Klatush connects on a swing during the Seattle All-Star Classic Home Run Derby at Cheney Stadium on Saturday, July 12.

Chehalis tribal chairman dazzles in celebrity softball game at Cheney Stadium

It was only right that Dustin Klatush, chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, made the game-ending double play several feet from the tribe’s sponsorship sign in center … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/14/25

Members of the Northwest Futures Fastpitch League high five Sis Bates as she is introduced at an Athletes Unlimited Softball League game at Husky Softball Stadium in Seattle on Sunday, July 13.

Northwest Futures Fastpitch League athletes meet AUSL stars at Husky Stadium

Parker and Rylleigh Zbaraschuk, co-owners of The Yard PNW in Lewis County, continue to deliver on their promise to provide opportunities for fastpitch athletes of all ages. Nine members of their … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/14/25

Sarah Williams, a professor at Evergreen State College, packages a harvest box at the Southwest Washington Food Hub warehouse in Chehalis on Wednesday, July 9.

Southwest Washington Food Hub sees success, looks to continue growth

Before industrialized shipping and food production, there was a time when people had to eat food that was grown nearby. Now, eating locally seems like a luxury to many. The Southwest … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/14/25

Casa Grande, Arizona resident Chuck Rucker Jr.'s resto-mod 1935 Ford pick up truck sits parked in the Toledo Middle School field on Saturday, July 12, during the 25th annual Toledo Cheese Days Car Show.

Over 250 vehicles officially enter 25th annual Toledo Cheese Days Car Show

With the sun gleaming off freshly waxed paint and polished chrome, 262 gearheads officially entered their prized rides to the 25th annual Toledo Cheese Days Car Show on Saturday, July 12, at the … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/14/25

Over $200,000 raised by supporters after Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad trestle bridge burns down

Back at the end of April, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad’s wooden trestle bridge located between Mineral and Morton burned down in a fire that was believed to have been deliberately started. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/14/25

"The Yard Birds shopping center has added another big bird to its flock to keep watch over the north parking lot. This unflinching mama fowl has a more dutiful task, however, than her 60-foot colleague who welcomes customers to the south parking lot. Her job is to make a nest for the Yard Bird helicopter. When the little bird lands, the big bird spreads its wings. The little bird is then wheeled into the nest on a steel track and loaded securely inside." — published by The Daily Chronicle on May 20, 1976

History Pub: Museum director to deliver Yard Birds history talk at McMenamins Olympic Club

While it has been closed since August 2022, renovations to the old Yard Birds shopping mall in Chehalis continue under the direction of its new owners PISTON LLC, a partnership between Douglas LeMay … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/13/25

Nine Thurston County parks and conservation projects get $7.1 million from state

Washington state has awarded more than $7.1 million for park improvements and conservation efforts in Thurston County. The money will go toward nine projects located in Thurston County, the … more

Martín Bilbao / The Olympian (TNS) | 7/13/25

Adna seniors smile for a photo with a check for $29,165 raised by the Adna Car Show for the Adna Scholarship Fund. The check was presented by Jim Smith, far right, and Cindy Smith, in red, at Adna High School on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Adna Car Show has raised more than $100K for students; next rendition is July 18-19

Get ready to rev up your engines and marvel at the sixth annual Adna Car Show, taking place on July 18 and 19. From classic models to muscle cars, there’s something for every car … more

By Tyrus VanTuyl / ty@chronline.com | 7/11/25

Ethan Hernandez rides his dirt bike down the track.

Winlock teen finding joy in dirt bike racing through leukemia recovery

When the Christmas season rolls around, most children create an overwhelming wish list with all the latest toys and gadgets, circling all their desires in the store catalogs. For Ethan … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/11/25

Mount Rainier towers on the horizon behind A Curtis Hill Estate Adult Family Home in rural Chehalis in this photo provided by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.

A Curtis Hill Estate Adult Family Home to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony July 15

A new addition is coming to the Chehalis community. A Curtis Hill Estate Adult Family Home is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new adult family home. The location is described as … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25

Attendees play Celtic jams, led by Steve Buckner, during the 2024 Pickersfest at the Oakview Grange in Centralia on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

Pickersfest Music Festival to be held in Centralia the first weekend in August

The Washington Acoustic Music Association’s (WAMA) annual Pickersfest Music Festival will take place the first weekend in August at the Oakview Grange in Centralia. The festival officially … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25

Onalaska High School Principal Wade Pilloud speaks during the Onalaska High School class of 2025 graduation in the Onalaska High School gym on Friday, June 6.

Onalaska High School Second Semester Honor Roll

Following are members of the Onalaska High School’s second semester honor roll. This list was provided by the Onalaska School District. Honor Roll GPA 3.0-3.49: Seniors: Aidan A. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25

The Funtime Festival royalty waves during the Funtime Festival parade in Napavine on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Napavine Funtime Festival set for July 19

The Napavine Funtime Festival is returning this year on Saturday, July 19. New this year is a 5K run, which will meet up at 8 a.m. at the Newaukum Valley Fire Station, 105 Second Ave. NE, … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25

Patrons browse the shelves at the Centralia Timberland Library on Tuesday, March 25.

Little Free Seed Library to open at Centralia Timberland Library

The Little Free Seed Library, a new community resource designed to inspire local gardening, support food sustainability and honor the agricultural roots of the Centralia community, will celebrate its … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25

Volunteers take an oath during the Riverside Fire Authority’s Badge Pinning Ceremony at Centralia High School on Thursday, July 10.

In focus: Riverside Fire Authority volunteers take oaths at badge-pinning ceremony

7/11/25

Steve Hubbard stands in front of his new mobile business, Beatbox Donuts, in Centralia on Thursday, July 10.

Beatbox Donuts opens in Centralia, offering hot, made-to-order pastries in a fresh donut desert

For Lewis County donut lovers, getting the fluffy, fried pastries hot and fresh used to mean taking a trip up to Seattle’s Donut Factory or Dough Joy, or down to the world-famous Voodoo … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/11/25

July's full moon, also known as the buck moon, glows above the nose of the derelict 1946 Beechcraft "Twin Beech" Model D18S parked just off the South Lewis County Airport's runway in this long exposure photo taken on Thursday, July 10. Beechcraft Model 18s were originally produced in 1937 and used by the U.S. Army Air Force and U.S. Navy as trainer, transport and utility aircraft. Following World War II, production of Model 18s continued until 1969 and over 9,000 were built in nearly 100 different model variations — including the D18S — and used for everything from cargo and passenger transports to planes for business executives.

In focus: July’s full moon shines over South Lewis County

Although overcast skies dominated the forecast for most of the week, the clouds cleared up just in time for the full moon late in the evening on Thursday, July 10. According to The Old … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/11/25