Item: The Chronicle in its past two editions published an in-depth report on the firing of Centralia police office Phillip Reynolds and his attempt to get his job back.
Comment: We’ll reserve more comment on the case after a ruling is handed down on whether Phillips rejoins the force and gets up to $150,000 in back pay.
We do, however, remind readers of the value of a local newspaper and its dedication to quality journalism. Police reporter Stephanie Schendel spent considerable time obtaining and then studying hundreds of documents, from legal briefs, police reports and internal police investigations (the documents can be found on chronline.com for those interested in examining the story in more detail).
The examination of Reynolds, and the possibility he might be reinstated, is real cause for concern in this community, and thanks to Stephanie’s work and the support of the entire Chronicle team, this issue has been fully brought before the public.
This is a stellar example of the importance of professional, non-biased journalism that is critical to the workings of a free society. The Fourth Estate is alive and well in Lewis County.
Item: A Department of Licensing investigation into the tragic mixup of two bodies being sent to the wrong funeral homes last October finds Sticklin Funeral Chapel and Brown Mortuary Service in Chehalis innocent of any wrongdoing.
Comment: Both Sticklin Funeral Chapel and Brown Mortuary Service have been respected businesses in Lewis County for many years. We are not surprised the Department of Licensing report concluded, “In our investigation we found they were unaware of the misidentification of the remains and we felt they were not in any violation.”
One funeral home was found at fault: Kelso’s Dahl McVicker Funeral Home, which was fined $12,500 and may lose its license as it now has been charged with unprofessional conduct for making the initial misidentifications of the two bodies.
Item: Centralia picks Josue Lowe as its new high school principal.
Comment: The Chronicle news staff has worked on many projects over the years with Centralia High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Lowe, from day-to-day sports to civic-minded promotions such as the Swamp Cup. We have found him at every turn to be intelligent, friendly, helpful and professional.
Lowe, along with three other candidate finalists, was interviewed for the position by high school staff, students, district officials and members of the community.
A public relations official said it was a “quick deliberation” to hire Lowe for this key position in Lewis County education.
We agree that Lowe is an excellent choice for the post.
