Local News | The Daily Chronicle

Adam Turner, with the U.S. Forest Service, posts fire information in Packwood on Wednesday with a map of the Goat Rocks Fire.

Protection Efforts Nearly Complete With Goat Rocks Fire ½ Mile From Timberline

The Goat Rocks Fire northeast of Packwood has seen recent growth along Coal Creek. On Thursday morning, the blaze was reportedly one half mile away from the Upper Timberline neighborhood. … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 9/22/22

WSDOT crews inspect damage on the state Route 506 overpass to Interstate 5 after it was struck by northbound traffic on Thursday.

Northbound Lanes of I-5 Near Vader Reopen

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reopened all northbound lanes of Interstate 5 at milepost 60 around 2:40 p.m. on Thursday. The lanes were closed earlier in the day after … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/22/22

Glen Morgan uses a microphone to address attendees of the Lincoln Day Dinner in Chehalis in this file photo.

Conservative Activist Glen Morgan Reportedly Experienced Repeated Burglaries Prior to Shooting Incident in Tenino

Prior to the shooting that occured on his property early Monday morning, local conservative activist Glen Morgan experienced multiple burglaries on his property, according to a news release from the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/22/22

A logging truck struck the state Route 506 overpass on Interstate 5 on Thursday, leading to a closure of the northbound lanes.

Northbound Lanes of I-5 Near Vader, Toledo Closed After Truck Hits Overpass

The lanes of northbound Interstate 5 near the Vader and Toledo area are closed because a log truck struck the state Route 506 overpass at milepost 60. In a social media post, the Washington State … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/22/22

Director of Lewis County Public Health & Social Services Meja Handlen talks with residents ready to return home after evacuation orders were downgraded from the Goat Rocks Fire.

Lewis County Selects Meja Handlen as Director of Public Health and Social Services

After initially being hired to assist with providing services to local citizens with disabilities and those dealing with chemical dependency, Meja Handlen has worn several hats over the past eight … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Smoke from the Goat Rocks Fire rises in heavy orange plumes above the trees near Coal Creek Drive east of Packwood Sept. 10.

Higher Temperatures, Low Humidity and Winds Continue Fueling Goat Rocks Fire Activity

The Goat Rocks fire near Packwood saw moderate fire activity occur on Tuesday as the area experienced an increase in temperatures combined with lower humidity and terrain driven winds. The fire … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Virtual Hiring Event for Providence Swedish Scheduled for Sept. 28

Providence Swedish will host a virtual hiring event for “experienced therapists and technologists,” according to a news release from the health care provider. The virtual hiring … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

The sun rises Tuesday morning in this photograph captured from a hill west of Chehalis. Mount Rainier is pictured at left with wind turbines from the Skookumchuck Wind Project visible on the ridge

In Focus: Sunrise Casts Orange Glow Over Horizon Tuesday Morning

9/21/22

This photo of the original location of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chehalis was provided by the church.

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chehalis Celebrating 125th Anniversary

Originally founded and constructed in 1898, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chehalis is preparing to celebrate its 125th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 25. The morning service will feature a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Sirens: 'Man in All Camo Clothing' Makes Threats; Disorderly Conduct; Arson; Disorderly Conduct; Assault

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Vehicle Accidents • A non-injury, two-vehicle collision was reported at the intersection of Centralia College Boulevard and South Silver Street just after 11 … more

9/21/22

Mount Rainier and Spirit Lake are seen from the summit of Mount St. Helens in this May 2019 Chronicle file photo.

How to Climb Mount St. Helens During Peak Season

So you want to climb a mountain. Scratch that — a volcano. For many, especially those living in the Pacific Northwest, climbing Mount St. Helens is a great way to dip your toes into … more

By Vickie Connor / The Oregonian (TNS) | 9/21/22

An elk grazes in Packwood near U.S. Highway 12 earlier this month.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Partners Give $1M to Restore State Wildlife Habitat Damaged by Wildfires

As part of an effort to protect wildlife habitat, including the restoration of land burned by wildfires, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and its partners recently allocated $1,064,039 for … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Lewis County Sees Increase in Unemployment Rate, Though It Remains Below June Levels

Lewis County’s unemployment rate rose in August, rising 0.7% from July’s 4.7% to 5.4%, according to new data released by the Washington state Employment Security Department. Despite the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Thurston County Board of Commissioners Encouraging More Public Involvement by Moving Meeting Times

In an effort to encourage more citizen engagement in local government, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners is trying out moving its regularly weekly meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Lights are out as shops remain closed in the Yard Birds Mall on Monday.

Yard Birds Remains Without Power for Second Week

For the second week in a row, the power has been turned off at the Yard Birds Shopping Center in Chehalis. In a Monday morning meeting, Mall Manager Chris Young told The Chronicle that he, along … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 9/21/22

In this 2016 Chronicle file photo, Centralia's Darci Frankovich solders in an Expanding Your Horizons workshop.

Registration Deadline for Expanding Your Horizons STEAM Conference Is Oct. 5

Centralia College will host a half-day science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) conference for young women sixth through ninth grades on Saturday, Oct. 15, the college recently … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

FILE PHOTO — A sign sits on display outside the Lewis County Mall as cars drive up and passengers meet with medical professionals for COVID-19. the site later moved further north on Gold Street. It will be closed within two weeks.

Weekly COVID Update: Reported Hospitalizations, Outbreaks in Lewis County Down From Previous Week

There were six new hospitalizations in Lewis County due to COVID-19 between Sept. 9 and Sept. 15, according to the most recent weekly update by Lewis County Public Health & Social Services. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/21/22

Alice Shinn and Dan Duffy smile and pose for a photo with their art at the Centralia Train Station on Tuesday.

Last Call for ARTrails Studio Tour This Weekend Showcasing Lewis County Artists

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And in the Centralia Train Depot. Not just for its historic architecture, but for the ARTrails of Southwest Washington’s showcase that’s been on … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 9/21/22

Patty and Joe Dolezal talk about fall prevention Tuesday morning at the Twin Cities Senior Center in Chehalis.

Senior Safety: Lewis County Has Highest Fall Rate Leading to Injury or Death in the State

Autumn is around the bend, but local health care providers encourage senior citizens to take whatever safety measures they can to prevent a fall. “As much as possible, you want to avoid … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 9/21/22

Glen Morgan uses a microphone to address attendees of the Lewis County Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner in Chehalis in February.

Conservative Activist Glen Morgan Involved in Shooting Near Tenino, Attorney Says

Conservative political activist Glen Morgan was involved in a shooting early Monday on family property in Tenino, according to Morgan’s attorney. Glen Morgan confirmed the shooting, … more

By Rolf Boone / The Olympian | 9/20/22