Local News | The Daily Chronicle

Devil's Ridge firefighters haul in a pump on the Hungry Fire. Firefighters on that fire have an extensive water system set up to utilize Elk Creek. Two miles of hose has been deployed.

Forest Service releases update on Gifford Pinchot lightning fires

On Monday, Sept. 1, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) released an update on the rash of fires started after a “significant” lightning storm set pockets of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 9/5/25

Sirens: Drunken driver hits street light, trees, shrubs; Mineral man arrested for assault; shoplifting, theft and hit-and-run reported

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Roy E. Teem, 54, Chehalis, was arrested for allegedly driving with a suspended driver’s license at about 6:05 p.m. Sept. 2 at the corner of … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Death notices: Sept. 5, 2025

• DUWAYNE G. RADER, 87, Chehalis, died Sept. 1 at South Creek Post Acute Care. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • DARLENE C. ROWLEY, 77, Chehalis, died Sept. … more

9/5/25

“Earlier today, deputies responded to a single-vehicle collision in the 2900 block of Jackson Highway, Chehalis,” the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office wrote while posting this photo on Facebook Thursday. “Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the male driver had fled the scene on foot, leaving an injured female passenger inside the vehicle. A witness reported seeing the male suspect running through a nearby field. K9 Kimbo and his handler responded to search and quickly located the suspect hiding in a brush line, where he was taken into custody. The suspect, 38-year-old Seth T. Lloyd, of Centralia, was booked into the Lewis County Jail for one count of felony hit-and-run. We would like to thank Chehalis PD, Centralia PD and WSP for helping with containment that assisted us with the apprehension.”

Photo: Hit-and-run suspect arrested by Lewis County Sheriff's Office

9/5/25

Thomas Ralls clears out packed dirt from the steps leading into the Seminary Hill Natural Area during an Earth Day work party in Centralia on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Seminary Hill Autumn Work Party set for Saturday; all are invited

The Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area will host their annual Autumn Work Party at Centralia’s hillside forest from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6, rain or shine. All are invited … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Visitors mingle around drinks and food at Longmire Springs Brewing in Packwood on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.

Packwood’s Longmire Springs Brewing to host Oktoberfest

Traditionally held from mid-September to the first Sunday every October in Munich, Germany, communities around the world hold their own Oktoberfest celebrations simultaneously. With Oktoberfest … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Chris Guenther performs during the Independence Valley Chicken Races at Independence Valley Community Hall in Rochester on Sunday, June 29.

The Independence Valley Community Hall in Rochester to host Chris Guenther for benefit concert

The Independence Valley Community Hall in Rochester will host a benefit concert with Chris Guenther and the Honky Tonk Drifters Saturday, Sept. 13, according to a news release from the Independence … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

United Way Lewis County Director Annie Oien speaks during the annual Power of the Purse event at Centralia College on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

United Way’s fourth annual Pints with Purpose Brewfest to be held Oct. 4

United Way of Lewis County’s fourth annual Pints with Purpose Brewfest will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Orchard, 2178 S. Scheuber Road, Chehalis. Lavon Blue will perform live … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Walt Morgan, who grew up west of Napavine and now lives in Centralia, served as a radio operator during the Vietnam War.

Brian Mittge: A local veteran’s trip to Ground Zero at the Pentagon

When Walt Morgan was flown to Washington, D.C., this year on an honor flight for veterans, he visited all the big memorials — from Lincoln to World War II. He made sure he spent time … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/5/25

The outside of Green Hill School is pictured in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Green Hill School receives three safety violations following L&I inspection

Green Hill School was hit with three safety violations Aug. 28 following an inspection from the state Department of Labor and Industries. The investigation began in response to an employee complaint … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 9/5/25

A wildland firefighter truck sits at the Windy Ridge Viewpoint facing Mount St. Helens on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

In focus: Windy Ridge Viewpoint is still a great way to get close to Mount St. Helens

The Windy Ridge Viewpoint remains a viable alternative for viewing the northern side of Mount St. Helens after a debris slide in May 2023 took out Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and drivers’ … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Man’s death near Centralia preceded by crash down embankment, collision with tree stump

Details have emerged regarding the single-vehicle traffic crash that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old Shelton man traveling outside Centralia on Aug. 21. According to the Lewis County … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Seth Sorrow Blackwolf, 49, currently of Chehalis, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Chehalis man arrested after allegedly making threats to kill gas station clerk; bail set at $50,000

Seth Sorrow Blackwolf, 49, currently of Chehalis, was charged with second-degree burglary, felony harassment and third-degree malicious mischief Thursday after he allegedly trespassed into a Chehalis … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 9/5/25

Julian Corrales Silva, 34, Federal Way, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Man falls asleep along I-5 in Lewis County, allegedly speeds away from state trooper

Julian Corrales Silva, 34, of Federal Way, was charged Wednesday in Lewis County Superior Court for driving under the influence and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle. The charge for … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library

Friends of the Chehalis Library to hold meeting Wednesday

The Friends of the Chehalis Library (FOCL) will be holding a meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to a news release from the FOCL. “The Friends are an informal group of library … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

The Chehalis River overflows into Scatter Creek, inundating Independence Road Southwest and nearby properties in Rochester in 2022.

Thurston County seeks community input on Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 16 to receive and consider public testimony on the 2025 Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The proposed update … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Justin D. Bussart, 38, Centralia, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Centralia man arrested for allegedly stealing truck he wanted to buy

Justin D. Bussart, 38, of Centralia, was charged Wednesday with one count of motor vehicle theft and another for third-degree malicious mischief. The motor vehicle theft charge carries the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Jennifer L. Barber, 49, Tacoma, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Woman with warrant arrested after allegedly giving false identity in Centralia

Jennifer L. Barber, 49, of Tacoma, was charged Wednesday in Lewis County Superior Court with one count of first-degree criminal impersonation, a class C felony punishable by up to five years in … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

The graduation ceremony for the Centralia College class of 2024 is pictured from above on Friday, June 21.

Centralia College to celebrate 100 years with Centennial Picnic on Sept. 13

Centralia College is celebrating its 100th birthday with a free family picnic, according to a news release from the college. The Centennial Picnic will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Rick Stumm is airlifted to the hospital following a near-fatal boat collision that occurred on the Columbia River in Washington on Aug. 22.

Centralia man still recovering after near-fatal boat collision on the Columbia River

Centralia resident Rick Stumm, 67, remains in a Vancouver hospital following a boat collision that nearly took his life on Aug 22. Stumm and two friends, local residents Randy LeDuc, the … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 9/5/25