Toledo Is Bomber Search Center in 1962
On March 23, 1962, the Toledo airport was the base of operations for searching for a missing P2V Navy Neptune bomber, which disappeared while flying southwest of St. Helens. The plane had engine trouble at 5,000 feet. Ten personnel were on board.
When weather permitted, Air Force and Navy helicopters searched the area. Approximately 200 men were involved in the search labeled in the newspaper as “gigantic.”
“Search and rescue units represented are from Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Bremerton, Sand Point Naval Station, Castle Rock and Mossyrock,” The Daily Chronicle reported. “Other groups involved are the State Patrol, Lewis and Cowlitz county sheriff’s officers and reserves, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Weyerhaeuser, amateur radio operators and a National Guard unit from Centralia. The Trailbreakers Jeep club from the Longview-Kelso area is also taking part.”
The Cowlitz Prairie Grange housed 50 men during the search effort.
Band Serenades Binkley and Bride
In 1887
When W.T. Binkley, leader of the local band, married Miss Dora Wingard, his band helped in the celebration.
“The Centralia band boys were out in full force to serenade W.T. Binkley and his charming bride, on Sunday evening,” The Lewis County Bee wrote.
“After playing a few pieces they, and many others, were invited in to see the bride, and partake of the excellent supper prepared for the occasion. I make no attempt to describe either as I could not do justice.
Dredge the Chehalis River!
In 1912
The Commercial Club held its weekly luncheon at the Centralia Hotel, with 60 being present. A delegation from the Citizens’ Club of Chehalis was present, which included D.W. Bush, C.O. Gingrich, A.A. Hull, A.E. Judd and D.W. Montfort.
“C.O. Gingrich, former mayor of Chehalis, spoke of the proposition that had been suggested for dredging the Chehalis River from Gate,” The Centralia Weekly Chronicle wrote. “If the river channel is dredged a depth of 30 feet, Mr. Gingrich is of the opinion that all the lowlands between Centralia and Chehalis will be drained, thus opening the land to settlers. He asserted that many thousands of acres in Thurston County also would be drained. The expense of the work can be borne jointly by Centralia, Chehalis and the state.
Toledo Marshal Accidentally Shoots Himself
In 1937
The marshal in Toledo was recovering from a bullet wound from his own gun.
“Willard Hilligoss, city marshall here, is recovering from injuries received last week, when, through a curious accident, he was hit by a bullet from his own gun,” The Centralia Daily Chronicle reported.
“Hilligoss was removing bolts from a car spring when one of the spring leafs flew into the air and struck him in the hip and caused the pistol, which he carried in a holster to go off. Neither Hilligoss, nor a companion, who was helping him, knew for a moment where the shot came from or what had happened until the marshal noticed blood running down his hand.
“A physician removed the bullet and examination revealed it had entered below the elbow of the right arm and had lodged near the shoulder. Luckily the bullet struck no bones and caused only a bad flesh wound. Marshal Hilligoss was able to leave his bed today and will soon be completed recovered.
Garbage and Jail Are Issues, Says Ely
In 1987
Gary Ely, chairman of the board of the Lewis County Commissioners said two issues confronted the county--overcrowded jail and solid waste.
Whirlwinds Touch Down in Chehalis
In 2002
Part of the Fuller Market Basket sign in Chehalis was destroyed when two whirlwinds touched down. “A witness said the Fuller’s whirlwind was as wide as Seventh Street and at least 70 feet tall,” The Chronicle wrote.
Gusts took appliance boxes back and forth across city street an hour and a half later, 15 blocks away.
Trojans Are Champs, Again!
In 2007
The Pe Ell Knowledge Bowl team won the 1B State Knowledge Bowl title in Spokane.
Team members Jacob Baggentos, Kaitlyn Clouse, Nolan Johnson, Kyle Muir, Alex Schulte and Joe Wooster brought home the title, the second in a row for the school.
The year before seniors Derek Khorsand and Lauren Perez were on the team.
“One strength we had is we really do consult,” said coach Alex Rajala.
“On the other teams, the captain looks around, saying ‘Anyone know it?’” he said. “With our team, I tell them to say as many wrong answers as you can, and see if you can stimulate anyone else.”
The team practiced every day at lunch for 30 minutes and then took materials home.
During the ride home from Spokane, the members discussed practicing during the summer months.
