Coming Soon to Your Chronicle ... Mark Twain!

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Edison District home of a true Lewis County original -- Bill Moeller, who will make his debut on The Chronicle's editorial page Wednesday as our new columnist. Moeller's resume is as unexpectedly diverse as it is impressive.

The 79-year-old is a youngster of the Depression era. He was a paratrooper during the Korean War era, a radio station owner in Wenatchee, a Curtis Hill farm owner outside Adna, a Mark Twain impersonator, a longtime Twin Cities radio newsman, a Centralia mayor and city councilman, a bookstore owner, a pilot and boatbuilder, and now a newspaper columnist.

Moeller has bright eyes and a deep affection for our local community. He's a writer, actor, director, book lover (his e-mail moniker is "bookmaven"), wedding officiant and musician. Today, at my request, he performed "Ain't She Sweet" for me on his ukulele and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" on his chromatic harmonica.

In short, Moeller has a lot to say after a full life that has included some of Centralia and Lewis County's more memorable moments. He's excited to begin his time as a columnist, but not nearly as excited as we are to have him. After all, what newspaper editor wouldn't want Mark Twain writing for him?

Got thoughts on columnist Bill Moeller? Drop me an e-mail at bmittge@chronline.com.