Local News | The Daily Chronicle

Members of the Mossyrock City Council along with city staff listen to concerns raised by locals about proposed ordinance amendments revolving around living in RVs and owning livestock within city limits during an open public workshop on Monday, April 27, inside the Mossyrock Community Center.

Mossyrock residents raise concerns over proposed changes to city code on living in RVs, owning livestock, and more

With over 40 residents in attendance, members of the Mossyrock City Council held an open public workshop at the Mossyrock Community Center on Monday, April 27, to discuss a number of proposed … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 5/1/26

W.F. West High School is pictured from above in Chehalis on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

Knife-wielding student prompted Chehalis school’s modified lockdown, officials report

The Chehalis School District and Chehalis Police Department on Wednesday clarified circumstances that led to W.F. West High School’s modified lockdown earlier that day. The modified lockdown, … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 5/1/26

Mandi McDougall places ribbons on artwork while setting up for the Spring Youth Fair at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Centralia on Friday, May 1.

Spring Youth Fair runs through Sunday at SW Washington Fairgrounds

By The Chronicle staff The Spring Youth Fair returned to the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Friday, May 1, and continues to Sunday, May 3. On Friday, the fair is open from 5 to 8 p.m. … more

5/1/26

‘Audit the votes and open the books’: Former Lewis County GOP leader will run for county auditor job

A race for another Lewis County office is heating up just as candidate filing week arrives. Three candidates have filed financial disclosures and plan to run for Lewis County auditor this fall … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 5/1/26

Body cam footage from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office shows deputies care for a baby who was found inside a stolen vehicle that was being driven by a fleeing suspect on Thursday, April 30. The child has since been picked up by Child Protective Services.

Law enforcement safely stop suspect fleeing with a baby in a stolen vehicle

Law enforcement in the Olympia area stopped a suspect fleeing with a baby in a stolen truck on Thursday, April 30. The baby was unharmed. Olympia Police Department officers and … more

By Thurston Chronicle staff | 5/1/26

Thurston County sheriff’s deputies block off traffic near the intersection of Hoffman Road Southeast and Morse-Merryman Road Southeast in Olympia during a reported officer-involved shooting on Tuesday, April 28.

Coroner identifies man killed by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Tuesday

The Thurston County Coroner’s Office has identified the suspect killed in an officer-involved shooting on Tuesday as Todd Bass, 44, of Lacey. A medical exam will be performed on Friday, … more

By Thurston Chronicle staff | 4/30/26

From the left, Judah MacNeely as Leonard Vole, Emily Fitzgerald as Clerk and Jeff Eisel as Mr. Justice Wainwright perform a scene during a rehearsal of Witness for the Prosecution at the Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia on Tuesday, April 28.

‘Witness for the Prosecution’: Play based on Agatha Christie short story coming to Evergreen Playhouse

Starting this Friday, May 1, the work of the legendary British detective mystery writer Agatha Christie is coming to the stage of the Evergreen Playhouse as its actors prepare to perform Christie’s … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/30/26

Washington state Sen. John Braun smiles after speaking at a fundraiser to kick off his congressional campaign at Jester Auto Museum on Thursday, Sept. 18.

NRCC adds more candidates to MAGA Majority program, including John Braun

WASHINGTON — The National Republican Congressional Committee on Monday added eight candidates to its target list, including several contenders in battleground seats that are key to the party’s … more

Daniela Altimari / CQ-Roll Call (TNS) | 4/30/26

Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad recovers explosive device near Capitol Forest

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Bomb Squad safely recovered a confirmed explosive device on the side of the road in Thurston County on Wednesday. A litter crew found the suspicious … more

By Thurston Chronicle staff | 4/30/26

Lewis County sheriff candidate Tracy Murphy speaks with attendees of a Conservative Coalition of Lewis County meeting on Monday, Nov. 24.

Sheriff candidate Tracy Murphy fired after three decades with Centralia police

Tracy Murphy, a current candidate for Lewis County sheriff and a 35-year veteran of the Centralia Police Department, has been fired. Murphy announced his termination in a news release to … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/30/26

Labor unions and other supporters of an income tax on millionaire earners rallied at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia in February. A growing number of liberal states are considering raising taxes on their wealthiest residents. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

In Washington and elsewhere, millionaire taxes gain steam as states face budget crunches

While the idea of a special tax on millionaires is hotly debated across the country, Maine state Rep. Cheryl Golek characterized her state’s new tax as a modest and reasonable step toward fairness. … more

By Kevin Hardy / States Newsroom | 4/29/26

Mark Lamb, the attorney for four eastern Washington sheriffs, speaks in Thurston County Superior Court against a new law setting heightened eligibility standards for sheriffs as several county sheriffs observe on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law

Washington’s new law setting stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs was partially blocked in state court on Wednesday, one day before much of it was set to take effect. The preliminary … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 4/29/26

Centralia Superintendent Dr. Lisa Grant speaks to attendees during the annual Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County Most Important Meal of the Year fundraiser at Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis on Wednesday, April 29. “Our largest fundraising event of the year, the organization wrote in announcing the event. “This special breakfast celebrates our community, highlights our Club’s goals and showcases the impact of our programs on local youth. Club members will take the stage as MCs, sharing their stories and demonstrating firsthand how the Club supports and inspires them.” Grant is a member of the Boys and Girls Club board and served as the main speaker at Wednesday’s event. “A Pacific Northwest native and longtime educator, Dr. Grant began her career in 1988 and holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of South Florida, along with degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga University,” the club wrote. “In addition to her work in public education, Dr. Grant serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, reflecting her commitment to supporting youth and strengthening her community beyond the classroom. Dr. Grant is deeply committed to student success, strong community partnerships, and creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments where every student can thrive.”

In Focus: The Most Important Meal of the Year raises funds for Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County

4/29/26

Lewis County commissioners, from left, Lindsey Pollock, Scott Brummer and Sean Swope listen during a meeting Tuesday, April 28, at the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis.

Pollock delays indemnity for Lewis County officials in Bromm lawsuit

Four Lewis County officials named in a recent lawsuit against the county will not have their legal costs covered by the county for the time being. The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Incumbent Lewis County District 3 Commissioner Scott Brummer shakes hands with challenger Zac Eckstein, the Lewis County Democrats chair, during a candidate forum and meet-and-greet hosted by The Chronicle at Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis on Tuesday, April 28.

Lewis County commissioner, challenger highlight policies at Chronicle election forum

Two candidates for Lewis County commissioner provided members of the public with an early look at their policies and plans during a forum hosted by The Chronicle on Tuesday evening. Incumbent … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 4/29/26

The Nisqually Tribe gives a tour to members of the Washington State Legislature to explain the important of the Tribe's project to replace the Nisqually River Bridges and put I-5 onto piers.

Weekend daytime lane closures on southbound I-5 Nisqually River Bridge May 2-3

Travelers will see weekend daytime lane closures on southbound Interstate 5 approaching the Nisqually River Bridge, the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Monday. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Eight Centralia High School seniors win state academic honors

Eight Centralia High School seniors were recently recognized with a 2026 Washington State Honors Award, according to a news release from the Centralia School District. The award, given by the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Centralia woman suspected of DUI after car rolls approaching I-5

A Centralia woman faces DUI charges following a single-car crash near Harrison Avenue and Interstate 5 on Tuesday, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Lisa M. Johnson, 41, was … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Customers order at the Los Costeños taco truck in Chehalis located at 1570 N National Ave. on Friday, April 24.

Los Costeños: Family-run taco truck in Chehalis celebrating 15 years in business

If you’re in the Twin Cities, among the many Hispanic eateries available is the Los Costeños taco truck, which aside from a wide variety of delicious tacos also serves up burritos, quesadillas, … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Morton City Councilor Jason Knutson, center, explains his proposal for building a community garden to help families struggling with food insecurity as his fellow Councilors Jason Sawyer, left, and Peter Hansen, right, listen inside the Bob Lyle Community Center during the Morton City Council meeting on Monday, April 27.

Morton City Council discusses community garden and easing livestock restrictions as families struggle with continued inflation

Although Morton Mayor Rick Mead was not present, the Morton City Council still convened with a quorum led by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Johnson on Monday, April 27, inside the Bob Lyle Community Center. … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/29/26