Local News | The Daily Chronicle

Craig D. Ballard, 39, Centralia, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 1.

Bail set at $100,000 for man accused of attacking Winlock resident with metal pole

A Lewis County man was charged with three felonies after he allegedly attacked a Winlock resident with a metal pole on Nov. 29. Craig D. Ballard, 39, reportedly believed the Winlock man had … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 12/2/25

Rhonda K. Harper, 54, Packwood, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 1.

Packwood woman accused of shooting at man inside van after he slashed her tires

A 54-year-old Packwood woman could face up to life in prison after she was accused of shooting at a man inside his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van off U.S. Highway 12 on Nov. 28. Just before the … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 12/2/25

Red Lantern Asian Fusion's second location sits in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Red Lantern Asian Fusion celebrates Olympia location with soft opening

One of Yelm’s most popular restaurants, Red Lantern Asian Fusion, celebrated a milestone accomplishment on Monday, Dec. 1, as the business hosted a soft opening at its second official location. … more

Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com | 12/2/25

Remigio Corona Quintero, 55, Centralia, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 1.

$1M bail: Centralia man charged with vehicular homicide after fatal Thanksgiving Day crash

The Centralia man accused of causing the crash that led to the death of 95-year-old Chehalis resident Dorothy J. Van Diest on Thanksgiving Day was charged with multiple felonies. Remigio … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 12/1/25

A car drives through a tunnel of lights at the Fort Borst Park drive-thru light display in Centralia on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Fort Borst Park drive-thru light display to open on Friday after vandalism causes up to $30K in damage

The Fort Borst Park drive-thru light display will open to the public on Friday, Dec. 5. People of all ages are invited to enjoy holiday displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

The sun begins to dip behind the hills surrounding the White Pass Ski Area along U.S. Highway 12 on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Snow hits White Pass Ski Area as resort prepares for opening day

Snowcat drivers, snow gun operators and the ski patrol are finishing preparations to open the White Pass Ski Area with an early morning storm having put down over half a foot of fresh powder on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell presents to the Centralia City Council defending the importance of the city's Flock Safety camera system during a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Centralia police chief defends use of Flock cameras

The Centralia Police Department plans to continue using Flock Safety cameras installed around the city despite privacy concerns and other jurisdictions shutting Flock Safety cameras off over concerns … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 12/1/25

A bull elk walks through a field in Packwood along U.S. Highway 12 on Thursday, Nov. 20, which is the proposed location of the proposed Enclave at Packwood housing development.

In Focus: Elk make themselves at home at Packwood housing development site

To submit photos to The Chronicle for possible publication, email news@chronline.com . more

12/1/25

Attendees look up at the newly lit Christmas Tree during the annual tree lighting ceremony at George Washington Park in Centralia on Friday, Nov. 28.

In Focus: Tree lighting starts march to Christmas in Centralia

12/1/25

The All-American Boys Chorus to perform at the historic Raymond Theater

The All-American Boys Chorus (TAABC) is set to appear for Sunday Afternoon Live at the Raymond Theater once again for a free concert. TAABC will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

Classical guitarist Curtis Johnson follows his lifelong passion in Lewis County

A classical guitarist living in rural Lewis County follows a lifelong passion in the formal music in which he was trained, while also adapting his performances to today’s interests in the types … more

By Lyn Craig / For The Chronicle | 12/1/25

• Steven Ray Largent, 31, Mossyrock, was sentenced Nov. 19 to roughly two and a half years in prison and two and a half years of community custody as part of a prison-based drug offender sentencing alternative (DOSA) after pleading guilty to four counts of second-degree burglary. Four additional burglary counts were dismissed. Largent was previously accused of unlawfully entering White Pass Junior Senior High School in Randle to steal gasoline. For more Chronicle coverage on the case, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdh72szj.

Sirens: Defendants sentenced for theft of gas, assault with deadly weapon, assault of child and more; money stolen via ATM, spent at casino; DUI arrests

LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Sentencings • Wellington M. Waggener, 36, Tacoma, was sentenced Nov. 12 to 364 days in jail with 350 days suspended for two years and 14 days of credit for … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

$2,500: Centralia College Foundation’s funds are funneled toward textbook scholarships for students in need. Communities First Program lifetime donations to date total $7,500.

Fibre Federal Credit Union supports Centralia, Morton hospitals and Centralia College with multi-year commitment

Fibre Federal Credit Union is continuing its Communities First Program, a multi-year sponsorship for hospitals and community colleges within the 11 Washington and Oregon counties it serves, a news … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

Audrey (Doelman) Rademaker, a Dutch native and longtime Chehalis resident.

Julie McDonald: Dutch native learned resilience at a young age

Thanksgiving always gives us the opportunity to count our blessings, and this year was no exception. However, a tinge of sadness colored the celebrations as I prayed for the family of U.S. Army … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 12/1/25

Brian Mittge: At 90, ‘Messiah’ enthusiast still rejoicing in the music

This Saturday, a longstanding Twin Cities tradition will ring grandly when the “Sing-along Messiah” at the Chehalis Seventh-day Adventist Church tells the Old Testament prophesies of … more

12/1/25

Volunteers come together to sell baked goods and tools to raise funds for the MRC Tool Bucket Library in Centralia on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Lewis County Tool Bucket Library memberships available as gifts this holiday season

This year, the WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter Volunteers are asking community members to reduce waste and consider replacing their normal gifts with a year-long membership to the local … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

R.E. Bennett and Cascade Elementary Schools are seen from above in July 2021.

Christ the King Academy plans to preserve R.E. Bennett School

Christ the King Academy will present its third annual Talent Show and Dessert Auction Fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 5, at the historic R.E. Bennett School as part of its ongoing effort to purchase and … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

Pedestrian struck by car, dies after attempting to cross highway

A 79-year-old Puyallup woman who was hit by a car after attempting to cross state Route 162 in McMillin on Nov. 29 died at the scene, according to a news release from the Washington State Patrol. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/1/25

Snow covers Mount Rainier's peak as seen from U.S. Highway 12 on Sunday, Nov. 30, following fresh weekend snowfall.

In Focus: Mount Rainier ready for its closeup after recent snow

To submit photos to The Chronicle for possible publication, email images and details to news@chronline.com . more

12/1/25

"Silver Lake was so stunning today that I wanted to share a few photos with your readers." — Alan Kahn, Silver Lake Resort, Cowlitz County. Mount St. Helens is reflected in Silver Lake Sunday in these photos submitted by Kahn. To submit photos to The Chronicle, just email news@chronline.com.

Reader’s Lens: Mount St. Helens steals the show at Silver Lake Sunday

12/1/25