Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Rayanna Wisner smiles as she and her steer, Chase, enter the arena during the Thurston County Youth Livestock Auction at the Thurston County Fair on Aug. 3.

Wayne Fournier: ‘Not just a tradition’ — What the county fair taught me about community

There’s a special kind of buzz in the air when July melts into August here in Thurston County. You can hear it in the rumble of livestock trailers on country roads. You can see it in kids … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier / For The Chronicle | 7/28/25

The Chehalis River flows through Rainbow Falls at Rainbow Falls State Park on Wednesday, July 2.

Brian Mittge: Over the river and into the woods

OK folks, we’re getting on halfway through the summer. It’s time to do an outdoors check. How are we all doing at getting into the glory that is wooded Washington? Many of you have … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/25/25

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

John Braun: Something else we didn’t need — higher fees for fishing, hunting and parks

Republican legislators have rightfully focused on how majority Democrats just approved the largest tax package in Washington history, which will raise state and local taxes by a combined $12.2 … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 7/25/25

The entrance of Green Hill School is pictured in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Commentary: Green Hill has become a burden Chehalis should no longer bear

For decades, the City of Chehalis has hosted the Green Hill School, a juvenile detention facility run by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families. What was once envisioned as … more

By Kevin Carns / Chehalis City Council | 7/23/25

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

Letter to the editor: Play your games of grift and graft, but not with my money

Soon, your car will be tracked. Not your phone, but your state-required Breathalyzer. That’s bad government. Shouldn’t we be allowed to vote on this tax? We the people cannot be … more

7/23/25

Letter to the editor: What is freedom?

I recently returned from a trip overseas, and there are many questions I have on what is American freedom. The people I met were honest and friendly. They were welcoming and trusting and lots of … more

7/23/25

Letter to the editor: Trolls lurk on The Chronicle’s Facebook page

Trolls do exist. They don’t live under bridges, like many of us with Scandinavian roots were led to believe as kids. Instead, they live in the comment section of The Daily Chronicle’s … more

7/23/25

Letter to the editor: We must stop letting the loudest, most emotionally charged voices dictate the narrative

It is sad that something so deeply human, wanting a better life, so often becomes a tool for division. Instead of working toward solutions, the conversation is too often hijacked by political … more

7/23/25

Commentary: Enough is enough — Washington’s independent restaurants deserve breathing room

Across Washington state, family-run restaurants aren’t just places to eat — they’re places of memory, culture and community. From the teriyaki shops anchoring Seattle neighborhoods … more

By Jared Nieuwenhuis / Bellevue City Council | 7/22/25

Letter to the editor: Future of Hope Alliance of Lewis County in doubt, director says

I am writing to inform the community of an urgent and heartbreaking reality. Due to the recent decision by Lewis County commissioners to withhold Consolidated Housing Grant (CHG) funds, … more

7/21/25

Julie McDonald: Nonagenarian recalls life in Toledo schools after World War II

Although her history is rich in Lewis County, Frances Grove spent the early years of her life in Oregon and California because her father traveled from one job to another as a carpenter, welder and … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/21/25

Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope speaks during the Tuesday, July 8, business meeting at the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis.

Sean Swope: Lewis County doesn’t need a 50% increase for homeless services — we need accountability

Lewis County just reduced its homeless population by 15% — one of only two counties in Washington to show real progress. So why are unelected state agencies demanding a 50% increase in our … more

Commentary by Sean Swope, Lewis County commissioner | 7/21/25

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

John McCroskey: It’s not hateful to want the U.S. to have secure borders

Immigration is not a thorny issue, but Illegal immigration is. If we’re honest, it's not because of Trump, but because of Joe Biden. He made this mess allowing millions in who were … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 7/21/25

Belmore accepts members year-round. You can get information at their website, BelmoreEquestrian.com, or you can email connie@belmoreequestrian.com or donate to support the program through timewithtails.org.

Maureen Harkcom: Local equestrian nonprofit succeeds despite strife from neighbor

You may have read my commentary in June about issues Connie and Cassie Riker and their Belmore Equestrian and Time with Tails nonprofit have had to deal with thanks to a nuisance neighbor. It … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 7/21/25

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, stands in the wings of the Senate floor at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

John Braun: A big step toward restoring public safety: Auto thefts fall to historic low

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs has kept a record of the auto thefts reported across our state for each month since 2002. In those 23-plus years, the statewide number never … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun | 7/18/25

Letter to the editor: How much more of this will the Republicans in Congress permit?

Judging by some recent commentary in The Chronicle, there appears to be some confusion about the military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14. This date was, in fact, the 250th anniversary of … more

7/18/25

Letter to the editor: City of Toledo thanks City of Winlock

Dear Mayor Brandon Svenson, council and staff, On behalf of the City of Toledo, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for the ongoing support and partnership you and your team have … more

7/18/25

Letter to the editor: MGP warned us, the party ignored her, and we’re all paying the price

Now that Donald Trump is deep into his second term, it’s time for the Democratic Party to face some uncomfortable truth. One of the only people who tried to stop this disaster before it … more

7/18/25

Claquato Cemetery Board Member Angie Vlach reads a poem hanging on the wall of the historic Claquato Church on Thursday, July 17. Behind her are Claquato Cemetery Board President Brett Mitchell, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Board Member Edna Fund, and Claquato Cemetery Manager Lacie Jendryka. (Photo: Brian Mittge)

Brian Mittge: New life in our oldest church

Walking through the doors of the Claquato Church really is like stepping back in time. The room is empty save for a dozen white wooden pews, a pair of organs and a modest platform at the front … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/18/25

Lewis County Democrats Chairman Zachary Eckstein smiles for a portrait at The Chronicle’s Centralia office on Thursday, Dec. 26.

Commentary: Lewis County families deserve better than budget rhetoric

Lewis County families are facing real challenges, and we need our representatives fighting for us, not providing cover for policies that make our lives harder. Sen. John Braun's recent editorial … more

Commentary by Zac Eckstein | 7/17/25