Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey: Taxing everything in sight must come to an end

As I have aged — less than gracefully — and retired, I have become acutely aware of a couple things; first, how much it costs me to live in a house I have owned for years, and, second, … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 4/16/25

Maureen Harkcom grew up on a Lewis County dairy and operated a beef and native hay operation and developed an equine competition facility. She is a past president of Lewis County Farm Bureau and a current member of Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She can be reached by email at maureen.harkcom@gmail.com.

Maureen Harkcom: Growing up on a farm with agricultural aspirations of my own

Life throws us some interesting twists sometimes. I grew up outside, working in the barns with my dad, brothers and hired men. Along with that, I was taught my place, my role as a female. I … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 4/16/25

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: Sheriff should retire

These comments are in response to recent public statements by the county's law enforcement background investigator and shared by other connected individuals who are perhaps attempting to begin … more

4/16/25

Had enough Trump? Poll of WA finds we're once again obsessed

Seattle pollster Stuart Elway kept hearing that people had grown weary of it all. After the third election in a row with Donald Trump, the story was that folks had begun tuning out the political … more

Danny Westneat / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 4/16/25

Pastor Mark McHugh of Harrison Square Presbyterian Church is pictured at a bingo fundraiser for Shalom Village at The Juice Box in Centralia.

Julie McDonald: Thoughts churn over senseless deaths, anger and higher taxes

We watched her grow up, a little bit at a time, during our annual treks to Bellingham for the Fourth of July, although we hadn’t seen her for many years. And now we’ll never see her … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/14/25

Sean Swope is a Lewis County commissioner representing District 1.

Sean Swope: When the state pushes parents aside, we all lose

This weekend, I made a mistake. I reposted information about a bill that had just passed out of the Washington state Senate without first verifying whether it was accurate. The post included several … more

Commentary by Sean Swope | 4/14/25

Letter to the editor: The importance of National Vietnam Veterans Day

On Memorial Day, the 31st day of May, many Americans say prayers for those who have died, regardless of color, creed or where they were born. The National Vietnam Veterans Day is also a time … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: U.S. is sliding into a dictatorship

The United States is rapidly heading toward a dictatorship. The massive abuses of power of the Trump/Musk oligarchic regime mount daily. I will list a few examples: • Immigrants … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Washington Dems’ budget gimmick shortchanges state retirees

On Thursday, April 3, hours after the S&P 500 plummeted 5 percent, the Washington state House Appropriations Committee voted to raise the expected investment returns of public employee pension … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: I’ve lived here my entire 76 years — I’m done

Helen Nowlin’s letter concerning the economic problems of this state requires a response. It is the thinking of people like her that has created the situation this state faces right now. … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Is this what you voted for, MAGA voters?

Did the MAGA voters of Lewis County vote in favor of stabbing a knife in the back of Canada, our closest neighbor and friend? That is how Canadians view King Donald and his bellicose demand for … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Please respect the American flag and retire the tattered ones

Recently, Rev. Alta Smith wrote an article on “respecting our national flag.” As a Vietnam Marine veteran, my love for this country is limitless. That being said, I carry new flags … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Defunding of libraries is disturbing

We are deeply disturbed by the removal of federal funds for our libraries and museums. Libraries are the most generous institutions; ours has been called “the heart of the town.” … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Gun violence and the evolution and power of language

Gun violence is unfortunately ingrained in the ethos of the United States. It is a component of life for all Americans, causing us to learn a language we must use to mourn and respond and prevent; … more

4/14/25

Melody, left, and Lilyan Reynolds shovel compost into buckets at Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Brian Mittge: Spring cleaning, Earth Day and a new celebration

I love the winter, but it’s hard not to get excited as warmer days, green growth and the flowers of spring begin to emerge. And despite weather that changes faster than a … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 4/11/25

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia

John Braun: Property tax hike plus rent control could be last straw for affordable housing

Marie, a Mason County resident, ended up with her parents’ home after their passing. To pay the property taxes, she’s already had to take from her retirement and sell her late … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/11/25

Letter to the Editor: Reject trickle down economics

Republicans like U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse browbeat Democrats in and out of Olympia and Washington, D.C., for spending on popular populist agendas. During the pandemic, the Democrats in Washington, … more

4/9/25

Letter to the Editor: Arbor Health honored to serve you in these uncertain times

We understand that recent discussions about federal funding for Medicaid may have left you feeling uncertain about your health care coverage. At Arbor Health, we want to reassure you that no … more

4/9/25

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, April 2.

Guest commentary: Budget savings for Washington cuts health care access for state employees

The Washington state Legislature is poised to make decisions that have serious consequences for access to health care for state employees and everyone living in South Puget Sound. Budget … more

By Darin Goss and Will Callicoat | 4/9/25

Jeff Wilson: State must act to protect salmon from sea lion predation

Last month, it was mealtime on the Lower Columbia. We could hear the excited barking of sea lions across the city of Longview, where I live, as they hauled themselves onto the rocks near … more

Commentary by Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview | 4/7/25