Local News
Candidate filing week for November election begins Monday
Are you interested in serving your community? Now’s your chance. The window to file as a candidate for public office in Washington state officially opens on Monday, May 6, and will run …
Grand reopening set for Sweet Dough Cookie Co. in Chehalis
Sweet Dough Cookie Co. — a business known for its sweet treats, long lines and an owner who has been featured on the Food Network — is preparing to reopen in a new location. Bakery …
Thurston County resident, Chehalis graduate spent six years as POW after being shot down in Vietnam
The stories of Washingtonian war heroes going back to before World War I can now be found in a book released earlier this year. “Beyond Belief: True Stories of Washington State Heroes that …
President Biden approves disaster declaration for Washington counties, including Lewis County
President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for 16 Washington counties, including Lewis County, following a winter storm that saw much of the region plunge into freezing temperatures. …
Sirens: 'Sorry, but I can’t afford to fix it,' writes hit-and-run suspect; two men dressed in camo and carrying rifles; knife-wielding child talked to by officer
CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT Suspicious circumstances • A possible drug deal was reported in the 300 block of Northwest North Street just after 12:50 p.m. on April 29. • A …
Death notices: May 1, 2024
• PATRICIA   A. WILLIAMS, 80, Chehalis, died April 24 at her residence. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Swofford Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care …
Real estate in action: Paula Burrows to share current trends, local news at May chamber forum in Chehalis
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce is bringing its monthly forum to Chehalis for May, June and July. “Traditionally, the forums have been in Centralia and, starting this year, we …
Flower sponsorships bring spring to downtown Chehalis
With the warming weather and the first signs of spring blossoms appearing, Experience Chehalis has announced its annual flower sponsorship program. The program offers individuals and businesses …
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez proposes legislation to prevent tabletop saw technology monopoly
Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, has introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent a potential monopoly on saws with finger-detection technology. On …
Assault, possession of a weapon and prison riot charges filed against Green Hill School inmates last month
The Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against several Green Hill School inmates in late March and April for alleged offenses that took place at the Chehalis juvenile detention …
Centralia College to induct two athletes into Athletics Hall of Fame
Centralia College will induct two athletes, LeAnn Phanakhone and Sean Cassidy, into the Centralia College Athletics Hall of Fame, the college announced Tuesday. The formal induction ceremony …
Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association holding acoustic music jam Friday in Chehalis
Musicians of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Assocation’s acoustic music jam this Friday, May 3, at Faith Baptist Church in Chehalis. Faith …
Lewis County family survey open through June 1
Lewis County Public Health & Social Services has launched a family health survey to gauge the needs of families in Lewis County. The survey is open to Lewis County parents and guardians, …
North Beach PAWS to conduct low-cost dog and cat vaccination clinic in Rochester on May 19
North Beach PAWS is set to conduct its first dog and cat vaccination clinic of 2024 at the Feed Bin in Rochester from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 19. Vaccinations and microchips are $20 each. The core …
Lewis County commissioners look for volunteer for east county development board
The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners is looking for a volunteer to serve on the East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA). Created in 1996, the ELCPDA promotes small …
Local Sports
Tigers top Warriors in final meet of season
The Centralia girls golf team ended its regular season with a victory on Wednesday, as the Tigers topped Rochester 75-53 at Riverside. The 75 points is the best mark of the season for Centralia, …
Errors pile up in critical loss for Mossyrock
The Vikings picked a bad time to play sloppy defense as four errors doomed them in a 10-0, six-inning setback on Wednesday night in a CVL contest. It will put Mossyrock (7-6) as the likely two …
Thunderbirds hit four home runs in win over Warriors
The Tumwater softball team was no stranger to the long ball on Wednesday, as the Thunderbirds hit four home runs in an 8-0 victory at Rochester. Sarah Stevens hit two, while Megan Barrett and …
Prep girls tennis: W.F. West caps emotional year with perfect dual record
As Megan Wellander pondered on whether to take the leap or not, one continuous thought kept coming back. If there was someone to take over for a legend and lead the W.F. West High School girls …
Tigers pile on late to rout Wolves
The Centralia softball team pulled away late on Wednesday against Black Hills, turning a one-run game into a dominant 15-1 victory with 13 runs in the final three innings. Lauren Wasson gave the …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 185: Getting to the chopper with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders
  • News Dump Ep. 184: A ‘chaotic’ episode according to the haters
  • News Dump Ep. 183: Trying to scare off clandestine fornicators
Obituaries

Death notices: April 29, 2024

• JACK EDWARD BRENNEMAN, 69, Toledo, died April 27 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • ROBERT EUGENE SCHILT, 78, …

In loving memory of Brian Stenerson: 1963-2024

Brian Stenerson was born in Seattle on Feb. 16, 1963, and passed away on April 19, 2024. Brian married the love of his life, Dianna, on April 26, 1985. Together, they built their life in Napavine, …

In loving memory of Ron Denman: 1951-2024

Ronald (Ron) Raul Denman passed away on March 21, 2024. He was born on Oct. 30, 1951, to Leona and Raymond, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Centralia High School in 1970. He …

Death Notice: April 26, 2024

• JULIE LORRAINE PATTON, 65, Rochester, died April 22 at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington.

In loving memory of Sandy Petrich: 1958-2024

Sandy Petrich was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and daughter.  With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Sandy, a remarkably beautiful woman whose presence illuminated the …

Death notices: April 24, 2024

• HELEN ESTHER FOSTER, 82, of Rochester, died April 19 at Puget Sound Health Care Center in Olympia. There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Sticklin …
State & Regional News

Jury finds man guilty as part of Net Nanny sting in Cowlitz County

A man who was arrested last year as part of the Net Nanny bust to meet a fictitious 13-year-old — not knowing the person was an undercover cop — was found guilty last week by a Cowlitz …

Schools
Winlock High School second semester honors and principal’s lists 
The Winlock High School principal’s list and honors list for the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year has been announced. Students named to the principal’s list received …
Winlock Middle School second semester principal’s and honors lists 
The Winlock Middle School principal’s list and honors list for the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year has been announced.  Students named to the principal’s list …
Onalaska Middle School term three honor roll
Eighth grade Perfect 4.0 Tayla Coyner, Ferra Gust, Janelle Hanson, Misha McCranie, Miranda Quillan Principal's list: 3.50 to 3.99 Huddson Barnes, Noland Brady, Carlos …
Rochester High School presents spring musical ‘Out of Towners’ 
Rochester High School’s spring musical, “Out of Towners,” will run May 17-18 at the high school. Written by local playwright Elizabeth West and directed by drama teacher Doug …
BCJ Gallery in Morton to feature student artwork
The BCJ Gallery in Morton will host an art exhibit featuring local high school students from May 29 to June 2.     “This exciting, first of a kind, free event will feature a …
Commentary

Brian Mittge: Want to buy a cemetery? 

This is a deal that doesn’t come along very often: you can buy your very own pioneer cemetery in the heart of Centralia’s Fords Prairie, and it could cost you as little as $2,000 plus …

Commentary: Unfortunately, it is animal fighting season in our state

Unfortunately, it’s animal fighting season in the Pacific Northwest. The Washington state Gambling Commission encourages reporting of animal fighting to help stop these terrible acts. Our …

Julie McDonald commentary: Herrera Beutler deserved more respect at GOP convention

For a dozen years, Republican Third Congressional District U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler represented Southwest Washington in Congress with a focus on helping her constituents. Before that, she …

John Braun: The hits just keep coming from Democrats’ cap-and-tax law

Anyone who buys gasoline already knows how the price of a gallon of unleaded regular in our state has shot up since majority Democrats’ cap-and-tax law — the so-called Climate Commitment …

Brian Mittge: Laying down a wholesome Twin Cities challenge

Last Saturday was a busy one in our towns. The weather was sparkling like a diamond and a number of communities were hosting work parties in advance of Earth Day. I was working at one of them …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Count shows wolf population increasing in Washington state
The number of wolves is increasing in Washington, although breeding pairs declined by one, according to information released this week by the state agency that tracks their numbers. The …
The digs roll on: WDFW announces seven days of coastal clam digging to round out April 
Razor clam diggers can look forward to more digging opportunities on coastal beaches beginning April 23, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) coastal shellfish managers confirmed …
WDFW: Latest big game hunting regulations and special hunt applications now available
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released the latest big game hunting season and regulation information, including a decision from the WDFW director about 2024-2026 hunting …