Local News
Man arrested on three separate felony cases in Lewis County on Wednesday 
A Yelm man was arrested Wednesday near Chehalis on three separate Lewis County Superior Court felony cases dating back to July 2022 — one where he’s accused of ramming into his …
Centralia officer who died in 1910 to be recognized at state Peace Officers Memorial
Over 110 years after his death, fallen Centralia police officer William H. Smith, who was crushed by a train while on duty in December 1910, will be officially recognized at the Washington state …
Man facing felony charges for allegedly spitting on Chehalis police officers
A man is facing three felony assault charges for allegedly spitting on police officers who were arresting him for trespassing at an appliance store in Chehalis on Tuesday.  Officers with …
News Dump Ep. 184: A ‘chaotic’ episode according to the haters
On the 184th episode of The Chronicle News Dump, hosts Aaron VanTuyl, Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Eric Schwartz, photographer Kody Christen and his job shadower Reid discuss Local Politics, show note …
Centralia council thanks police chief for service as he accepts Chehalis city manager position
After beginning the search for a new city manager late last year, the City of Chehalis announced Monday, April 22, it has selected Centralia Police Department Chief Stacy Denham as the next …
Chehalis Middle School Honor Roll
Following are members of the Chehalis Middle School Term 3 Honor Roll. Eighth grade Sophia R. Allen, Madeline B. Bradley, Jayden Dean, Collin D. Elder, Aspen J. Gist, David A. Hernandez, …
Toledo school levy and Fire District 17 measures passing on election night
The Toledo School District’s levy renewal and both Lewis County Fire District 17’s levy lid lifts were passing as of initial counts on election night Tuesday, according to data released …
MGP calls on president to take additional action to secure southern border
Hours after President Joe Biden signed a foreign aid package worth $95 billion, Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, called on the president to take additional …
Sirens: Driver exits vehicle, drinks Twisted Tea; shooting report unfounded; boy, 13, arrested for assault
CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT Malicious mischief • A disorderly juvenile reportedly threw chairs and damaged a desk at W.F. West High School in the 300 block of Southwest 16th Street just …
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 …
Candidate filing week set for May 6-10
Candidate filing week set for May 6-10 By The Chronicle staff The window for candidates in Washington state to run for public office in the November election will open on Monday, May 6. …
Napavine FFA to host plant sale May 3-4
Napavine FFA will host a plant sale fundraiser at the Napavine High School greenhouse on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4. The sale will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 …
Spring Youth Fair set for May 3-5 at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds
Organizers and participants are gearing up for the Spring Youth Fair, set for May 3-5 at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. Visitors can view a wide variety of living and still-life exhibits, …
Local Sports
Adna girls clip Onalaska for league meet triumph
A 4-3 edge in event wins proved to be just enough for the Pirates to squeak by the Loggers 102-101 to claim the girls team title at a league meet held in Raymond on Thursday night. Karsyn …
Bearcats send out seniors with non-league draw
After struggling to put together 80 minutes of shutout defense for the last couple of matches, the W.F. West boys soccer team didn’t allow Seton Catholic to get comfortable and the showdown …
Bearcats battle elements, defeat Tigers at Riverside
The W.F. West girls golf team came away with a win over Centralia on Wednesday, as the Bearcats topped the Tigers 107-75. All five Bearcats that made the final scorecard scored double digits. …
W.F. West takes crown at Sibley Invitational
The W.F. West girls golf team topped several other teams at the Sibley Scramble at Alderbrook on Monday, taking home the team title. The tournament, featuring all of the 2A EvCo teams, Mary M. …
Bearcats hold off Tigers in thrilling Swamp Cup
After a three-hour contest that included 91 plate appearances, 25 walks, 29 runs, and steady showers, W.F. West coach Kevin Zylstra could only laugh. “I should be having dinner right …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 183: Trying to scare off clandestine fornicators
  • News Dump Ep. 182: Hats off for the Director of Fluff
  • News Dump Ep. 181: It was that damn sasquatch
Obituaries

In loving memory of Dale Schueller: 1944-2024

Dale Curtis Schueller, age 80, was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, on Feb. 16, 1944, to Myrtle Marie (Bauerly) Schueller and Donald Joseph Schueller.  Immediately following Sealth High, …

Death Notices: April 19, 2024

• CARISSA L. BREMGARTNER-GARDIPEE, 36, Adna, died on April 8 at her residence. A graveside service was held on Friday, April 19, at St. Urban Cemetery in Winlock followed by a celebration of …

In loving memory of Harriet Rajala: 1937-2024 

Harriet Sinclair Rajala, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on March 8, 2024, peacefully with family by her side.  Harriet was born on Sept. 13, 1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and …

Death Notices: April 17, 2024

• MARSHALL JOHN SCOTT, 82, Centralia, died April 11 at his home at Assured Hospice in Centralia. There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Sticklin Funeral …

In loving memory of Ted D. Kohler: Oct. 10, 1942 - March 23, 2024

Ted Kohler, of Napavine, Washington, passed away at home with his family by his side. Ted was married to Jeanne in 1961 and she survives him at home. He worked for the Napavine School District for 30 …

In loving memory of Alta ‘June’ Wachter-Busse: 1927-2024

Alta “June” Wachter-Busse, Evaline, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Born in Centralia on June 3, 1927, June was a lifetime resident …
State & Regional News

New Multnomah Falls parking fees spark debate, federal review

Multnomah Falls visitors have already had to contend with traffic jams, new timed entry permits and occasional closures. Now some are staring at new parking fees. A small private parking lot …

Schools
Chehalis fourth-grader is one of five national finalists in 2024 Sodexo Future Chefs National Challenge
Orin Smith Elementary School fourth-grader Kason Talanoa has been selected as one of five national finalists for the 2024 Sodexo Future Chefs National Challenge.  Kason and his elote recipe …
Three Centralia College students named to All-Washington Academic Team
Centralia College has named three students to the 2024 All-Washington Academic Team.  “The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state's finest higher …
Evaline School to host 140th anniversary celebration on May 18; Hope Grange’s 120th anniversary celebration to follow
Evaline School is celebrating its 140th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, May 18. The Winlock-based public elementary school serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with …
Lewis County donates $35,000 to project to house homeless Centralia students
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to provide $35,000 to a project to house homeless students in the Centralia School District. The move comes after the Centralia …
Napavine SkillsUSA student to compete in national competition
Napavine High School sophomore Lyla Kirkpatrick will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, in June to compete at the national level after she placed first in the prepared speaking category at the Washington …
Commentary

Bill Serrahn commentary: Living at the bottom of an atmospheric ocean in the Holocene epoch

“We are the first generation to feel the sting of climate change, and we are the last generation that can do something about it.” — Jay Inslee The earth’s climate has …

Julie McDonald: Medical care grew locally from doctor’s offices to large hospitals

Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the French-Canadian Sister of Providence who started nearly 30 schools, orphanages and hospitals in the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century, never started a …

Gluesenkamp Perez: Our veterans served our country. It’s time we served them.

Editor’s note: Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez was offered an opportunity to write an op-ed on a topic of her choosing after the previous publication of a commentary by her Republican …

John Braun: When it comes to dodging constitution, Democrats are habitual offenders

Republicans see absolutely no need for an income tax in Washington. Thanks to unanimous support from Republican legislators, Initiative 2111 was passed on March 4. It outlaws any income tax at any …

Richard Stride commentary: Beginning to understand the meaning of understanding

I love watching documentaries, usually those that are about history or historical figures. My wife likes sitcoms. If you saw us at home sitting on the couch together, you would see that she …
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 …