Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride: Considering what we carry in our pockets — memories, identity and love

9/29/25

This postcard, postmarked Nov. 30, 1909, with a 1-cent stamp, was provided by the Lewis County Historical Museum.

Julie McDonald: Westminster Presbyterian, which started at Claquato, marks 170th anniversary

More than 170 years ago, Lewis Hawkins Davis, a native of Vermont, and his wife, Susan (Clinger) Davis, settled on a hill 3 miles west of Chehalis known as Claquato in 1853 with their family of five … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 9/29/25

Anni Evans: Legacy of heritage beans from Appalachia continues in East Lewis County

A group of about 60 extended family relations arrived by train to Chehalis in 1893. They were the ﬁrst Appalachian group that traveled from West Virginia and Virginia, and they soon settled … more

By Anni Evans / For The Chronicle | 9/29/25

FILE PHOTO — Embers fly as firefighters work to put out hot spots near the southbound lane of Interstate 5 at milepost 88 in Grand Mound.

Wayne Fournier: From applause to reality — the importance of protecting those who protect us

Applause is nice. But protecting first responders takes policy, investment and respect. I grew up in a fire station. While most kids played ball in the park, I played hide-and-seek in the … more

By Wayne Fournier, Thurston County commissioner | 9/29/25

Letter: Pierce County firefighters saved me from an accident — thank you

I want to sincerely thank the Pierce County Fire Department for the care they gave me during a recent emergency. On Aug. 30, I went hiking on the Carbon River Rim Trail near Tehaleh with my … more

By The Peninsula Gateway (TNS) | 9/29/25

The entrance to the Washington state governor’s office in Olympia. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

Commentary: Known unknowns in Bob Ferguson’s Olympia

There are many closed doors at the state Capitol in Olympia. Sometimes it’s understandable. Confidentiality can be necessary in politics and policymaking. There are also meetings and … more

By Bill Lucia / The Washington State Standard | 9/26/25

Sen. John Braun poses for a photo outside The Chronicle's former office in Centralia on Thursday, July 17.

John Braun: Tax-first Democrats desperate to blame feds for state’s budget trouble

One of the most enduring lines in conservative politics came from President Reagan’s campaign debates — the “there you go again” reply that so effectively called out his … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun | 9/26/25

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

Letter to the editor: On immigration, let's take down the temperature

In 40 years of teaching, not once did I hear parents say they wanted their child to grow up to be a field worker. To own and manage a farm, yes. Neither did I ever hear parents hoping their … more

9/26/25

Letter to the editor: Commentary blurred the lines between private spirituality and public governance

The recent commentary advocating for a spiritual-based solution to our nation’s problems, specifically through the integration of Jesus into our public institutions, raises significant … more

9/26/25

Letter to the editor: Give Victoria Marincin the chance to help Winlock grow in the direction we all envision

We are happy to support Victoria Marincin in her bid to become mayor of Winlock. We first encountered Mrs. Marincin while attending a Winlock City Hall meeting. We were instantly impressed. … more

9/26/25

Letter to the editor: Lewis County commissioners compromise the community’s morals for fiscal reasons

On Sept. 16, I spoke at the Lewis County commissioners meeting. This is what I said: I am here today because I am concerned about recent commissioners’ actions where they have in my … more

9/26/25

Letter to the editor: It is OK for us to disagree, liberals

Dear liberals, It is OK for us to disagree. It is alright to have a difference of opinion. If you don’t like what someone has to say: You don’t have to listen to them. You … more

9/26/25

Lynn Ford of the Tool Bucket Library shows off a few of the garden tools they have available for loan. They also have a variety of power equipment and many other tools.

Brian Mittge: New tool library is a Swiss army knife for us all

A new resource in the Twin Cities offers an exciting opportunity for people to expand their abilities and try out cool new equipment. It’s called the Tool Bucket Library. It’s … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/26/25

From the left, Rep. Jim Walsh, Rep. Peter Abbarno and Sen. Jeff Wilson stand together during a vigil to mourn conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Jim Walsh: Reconciled to the risks, Charlie Kirk spoke real truth with calm resolve

Charlie Kirk. Most of the media coverage of Charlie Kirk in the days after his assassination on the campus of Utah Valley University focused on his political opinions, his political … more

Commentary by state Rep. Jim Walsh | 9/24/25

Sean Swope: What our nation needs isn't just ‘deescalation’ — it's Jesus

After reading the recent letter to the editor calling for "deescalation," I began to reflect on what that really means. If deescalation simply means Republicans and Democrats tolerate each other … more

Commentary by Sean Swope | 9/24/25

Letter to the editor: Show compassion and respect to retail employees this holiday season

As we begin to enter the holiday season, a time of increased foot traffic and heavy workloads for most businesses, I hope customers will be as patient and polite with employees (many of whom are paid … more

9/24/25

Letter to the editor: Hello from Arizona after escaping liberal Washington state

Hello Chehalis, Washington. We recently relocated from Chehalis to Arizona not necessarily for the climate, but because of Washington’s government. Yes, Lewis Country is probably the … more

9/24/25

Letter to the editor: What would Jesus do?

This question has been fluttering around since the late 60s. Most people who use this phrase mean it in a chastening way. In fact, most people who ask this question don’t have the foggiest clue … more

9/24/25

Letter to the editor: Centralia should get creative to repair or replace skate park

Well, here we go again. The City of Centralia is asking for donations for another project that they don’t have the funds for. I’m referring to the Fuller’s Twin City Skate Park at … more

9/24/25

Commentary: Washington state budget is now negative by $421 million

Proving yet again that you can’t tax your way to economic prosperity, Washington state's 2025-27 budget is now negative by $421 million . According to the state’s September Revenue … more

By Jason Mercier / Mountain States Policy Center | 9/23/25