Local News | The Daily Chronicle

Chehalis woman stays in the running for international Christian singing competition

Voting for the second round of the international Christian singing competition “You, God’s Music” recently opened. Jessica Parrent, a local singer from Chehalis, is … more

By The Chronicle staff | 5/20/25

After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, deputies found firearms, methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and other drug paraphernalia, according to the post.

Deputies seize firearms and drugs after standoff in Thurston County

A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes Friday afternoon, including a threat to blow up another person, according to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, jail and court … more

Rolf Boone / The Olympian (TNS) | 5/20/25

Tim Carl Saterdal, 57, of Mineral, appears in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, May 19.

Mineral man arrested for allegedly breaking into his brother’s home in incident that resulted in a fractured skull

A man accused of forcing his way into his brother’s house in Mineral and assaulting his brother, who then threw a tow ball hitch at him and fractured his skull, was arrested Saturday on a … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 5/19/25

Zachary James Harris, 45, of Mossyrock, appears in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, May 19.

Bail set at $100,000 for Mossyrock man accused of strangling and assaulting a woman

Bail is set at $100,000 for a Mossyrock man accused of strangling and beating a woman early Saturday morning. Zachary James Harris, 45, was arrested after deputies with the Lewis County … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 5/19/25

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, looks through documents during the legislative session at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

Washington Republicans fought against these bills; two could still be vetoed

With a major budget deficit looming, this year's Washington state legislative session was full of drama, and that's before taking a look at a number of policy changes. Now that the session has … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 5/19/25

Heather Walker-Taylor places a hand on her grandfather Mel Youckton's shoulder as she speaks about him during a celebration at Swede Hall in Rochester on Saturday, May 17.

Former Chehalis Tribe chairman, 90, celebrated 25 years after heart transplant

At 90 years old, former Chehalis Tribal Chairman and beloved Babe Ruth League baseball coach Melvin “Mel” Youckton got to celebrate his 25th birthday again on Saturday, commemorating the … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 5/19/25

The ballot drop box in Chehalis on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Lewis County special filing period opens for elected offices

Lewis County started its special filing period for upcoming local elections at 8 a.m. Monday, May 19. The special filing period lasts for three days and will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 21. … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 5/19/25

Conductor Brandon Pratt, right, leads the Morton Community Orchestra during a recent rehearsal.

New community orchestra, choir spring up in Morton, a town already known for the arts

Vivace, an Italian musical term meaning “full of life,” is often used to designate a mood such as a vivacious approach to performance. East Lewis County’s town of Morton has … more

By Lyn Craig / For The Chronicle | 5/19/25

W.F. West High School students make their way down the relay track during the Lewis County Relay For Life fundraiser at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 17. Organizers had a goal of raising $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. While admission to Saturday’s event was free, donations were encouraged. This year’s theme was “40 years of derailing cancer,” as Relay for Life is celebrating 40 years.

In focus: Lewis County Relay for Life raises funds for American Cancer Society

5/19/25

Sirens: Man arrested for starting fire in vehicle; pedestrian struck by vehicle; woman arrested after walking away from police

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Obstructing • A 50-year-old Lacey woman was arrested for obstructing a law enforcement officer after she reportedly tried to walk away during “a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 5/19/25

Julie McDonald: Mourning the loss of a dedicated volunteer — Jan Sylvester-Jamerson

I read with sadness late last week about the passing of Jan Sylvester-Jamerson, a 70-year-old Lewis County native and a longtime volunteer for the Lewis County Historical Museum who died of cancer on … more

5/19/25

From the left, Aquarium Pro owner Jamie Lanier poses with volunteer Jennalyn Jerry, employee Adriana Wyatt, along with intern The Evergreen State College student Charlie Ford, inside the Centralia fish store on Friday, May 16.

Cats in a fish store? Aquarium Pro partners with Red Rose Animal Rescue to foster cats as business prepares to expand

Aquarium Pro owner Jamie Lanier has steadily become a go-to resource for Lewis County aquarium owners, and the Centralia business has been doing it well. She is now preparing to expand the fresh and … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 5/19/25

South Thurston Fire & EMS Chief Andrew Schaffran, right, gives an update on response calls in Bucoda over the previous month during the Bucoda Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 13.

Bucoda Town Council roundup: appointment of new councilor tabled until next meeting; bicycle survey being circulated around town; street addressing adjusted

Members of the Bucoda Town Council convened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 13, to discuss a number of agenda items, including consideration of appointing a new councilor. … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 5/19/25

Masonry repair work to begin on historic Lewis County Courthouse

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners awarded a bid on Tuesday, May 13, for a masonry repair project on the historic Lewis County Historical Courthouse in Chehalis. The repair work will … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 5/19/25

A Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum train makes its way over a trestle in this photo provided by the railroad.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum plans ‘BBQ and Train Ride With Dad’ Father’s Day excursion on June 14

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum (CCRM) will celebrate Father’s Day at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, with a “BBQ and Train Ride With Dad” excursion. “Arrive at … more

By The Chronicle staff | 5/19/25

Chris and DeeDee Judd hold up their catches of bluegill during a recent fishing outing at Swofford Pond.

Chris Judd: The case for the regionally maligned bluegill

If you’ve got a fishing rod and reel gathering dust in the corner of your garage and you’re getting the itch to spend some time in the great outdoors this spring, I hope this story … more

By Chris Judd / For The Chronicle | 5/19/25

The Centralia Downtown Association stopped by Centralia High School Friday morning to honor and reward students following the CDA's recent Spring Clean-up event downtown. "BIG congrats to the Senior Class of 2025 for winning this year’s Spring Clean-up Class Competition!" the CDA wrote. "Your teamwork, dedication and community pride really showed — and it paid off! You’re walking away with $500 for your class fund and the bragging rights as this year’s clean-up champions of downtown. Huge thanks to every class that participated — you all made a BIG impact in making our downtown shine. Stay rooted, stay involved, and stay awesome." Pictured from left to right are Centralia High School CTE teacher and CDA Board Member Levi Rodriguez, senior and CDA Junior Board Member Brianna Hernandez, CDA Executive Director MacKenzie McGee, CDA Board President Hallie Ralls and Centralia senior class President Trinity Burleson.

In focus: CDA awards check to Centralia High School senior class after spring clean-up event

5/19/25

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders shared two images of injured deputies from an area hospital on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The deputies fought a man suspected of felony harassment, Sanders said.

Prosecutors charge Thurston County man accused of harassing attorney, assaulting deputies

A 26-year-old Thurston County man accused of assaulting deputies is being held in the county jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. Garett Francis Merlino attended his preliminary appearance in Thurston … more

Martín Bilbao / The Olympian (TNS) | 5/19/25

North Fork Survivors owner Joe Bongiovanni poses for a portrait by his museum sign Tuesday, May 6 in Toutle. Bongiovanni says the Washington State Department of Transportation's signage for road closure has impacted his business, not the actual road closure.

Business on the road to Mount St. Helens say closure signs hurting traffic

Sitting in the gravel parking lot of North Fork Survivors in Toutle is a camouflage Humvee. The military doesn’t use it, but rather museum and shop owner Joe Bongiovanni. He bought … more

Andrew Lwowski / The Daily News | 5/19/25

Tumwater School District to hire investigator after students protest alleged sexual harassment

Students at Tumwater Middle School protested Friday morning at the start of school against alleged incidents of student-to-student sexual harassment. As a result, Principal John Neal said the … more

Ty Vinson / The Olympian (TNS) | 5/17/25