Local News
Thurston County Realtor’s Association leads opposition of countywide Home Energy Score program
The Thurston County Realtors Association is doubling down on its opposition to a countrywide mandated regional Home Energy Score (HES) program by dedicating thousands of dollars to oppose one of the …
Man arrested after allegedly trying to pull stolen gun from jeans during Chehalis traffic stop 
Chehalis police arrested a man Sunday after he allegedly tried to remove a gun from his waistband during a traffic stop.  Alexander W. Vanduren, 36, of Olympia, faces three counts of …
WDFW approves five days of razor clam digs at Copalis and Mocrocks
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Tuesday confirmed the next round of razor clam digging opportunities at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Nov. 7 to 11. "Marine …
Centralia man accused of molesting two girls during hike after giving them alcohol and marijuana 
Prosecutors charged a Centralia man with five felonies Monday after he allegedly gave two teenage girls alcohol and marijuana and then molested them during a hike on Oct. 29.  Carcione C. …
Sirens: Centralia man jailed for child molestation; intoxicated driver found in running vehicle; juvenile steals cash, flees
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Carcione Rabang, 26, Centralia, was arrested in the 1000 block of South Pearl Street at about 1:59 p.m. Oct. 31 for allegedly violating a domestic …
Trinity Rebekah Lodge celebrates the season with Turkey Bingo
The Trinity Rebekah Lodge in Napavine will host a potato dinner and Turkey Bingo on Saturday, Nov. 7. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and bingo begins at 5:30. Three bingo cards are $10, with …
Rochester man, 19, could face DUI after crash on I-5 in Chehalis
A 19-year-old Rochester man is expected to face a DUI charge after crashing his vehicle in Chehalis on Sunday, Nov. 1. Jose F. Ochoa Ambriz was traveling north on Interstate 5 near mile marker …
Lewis County to share plans to construct covered horse arena at fairgrounds
More than a year after concept designs for a covered horse arena at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds were presented to the public, the county is hosting an information session on plans to make …
Winlock church to hold Veterans Day Bluegrass Gospel Concert
A bluegrass gospel concert will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. It will feature Nathan Stanley & Constant Sorrow. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert …
Tumwater City Council tables home energy score ordinance for work session after lengthy discussion
Members of the Tumwater City Council ended up tabling an ordinance that would establish a residential energy performance rating and disclosure ordinance — also known as a Home Energy Score (HES) …
The Tooth Fairy helps Toledo Elementary kids build healthier smiles
The Tooth Fairy presented an interactive lesson on taking care of teeth to about 80 kindergarten, first- and second-grade students at Toledo Elementary School last week. The visit was part of …
Washington State Fallen Heroes Project and Gold Star families honor those lost since 9/11 with Trees of Heroes installations
The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, in partnership with Gold Star Families of Washington, has announced the placement of several “Trees of Heroes” installations throughout Washington. …
Residents asked to keep an eye out for salmon in the Chehalis Watershed
The Chehalis Basin Collaborative for Salmon Habitat and the Coast Salmon Partnership have developed the Salmon Spotting Tool to record information on where and when residents see salmon in the …
Volunteers needed for Lewis County Business Academy
With the annual Lewis County Business Academy on the horizon, event organizers Kiddin’ Around have announced the need for community volunteers. The Business Academy will be held at Centralia …
Local Sports
Rainier’s Ooms earns second straight MVP award
For the second year in a row, Rainier’s Allyson Ooms was named the C2BL’s Most Valuable Player, as announced by the league’s coaches on Monday. Three other Mountaineers earned second-team …
Toledo’s Chase, Norberg, and Lairson earn POY, MVP honors
After an unbeaten run in league play, several Toledo Riverhawks were recognized in the Division 4 Girls Soccer All-League teams, including Onica Chase, Xtyn Norberg, and Kailea Lairson. Chase …
Trio of Loggers sweep top all-league honors
The Onalaska Loggers have been the best team in the C2BL East all season long, and on Monday, three of their best players were recognized as the league’s most valuable players. Ethan Thayer …
Adna’s Salme, Workman earn MVP honors
Adna’s Trevin Salme and Ryker Workman shined all season long for the Pirates, and on Monday the two were announced as the C2BL West’s Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Players. Twelve …
Napavine earns forfeit victory over Raymond/South Bend
The Napavine girls soccer team picked up a forfeit win over Raymond/South Bend in a 1B/2B District 4 Quarterfinal, as the Ravens did not have enough players to field a team. The win puts the …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: The Cornjerker Hath Returned
  • News Dump Ep. 298: A Mossyrocktober Surprise
  • News Dump Ep. 297: Of Forums and Fake News
Obituaries

In loving memory of James Van Ornum: 1940-2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Henry Van Ornum, who departed this life on Oct. 16, 2026, at the age of 85.  Born Dec. 21, 1940, in Rome, New York, James …

In loving memory of Joyce Butkus: 1935-2026

Joyce M. Butkus, age 91, passed away October 8, 2026.She was born Joyce May Rice January 25, 1935 to B.H. and Julia (Capps) Rice in Ft. Collins, Colorado. The family moved to Kelso-Longview, …

In loving memory of Edward Anderson: Husband, father, grandfather, son and friend

Edward Anderson passed away Nov. 1, 2026, at his home in Evaline, where he had lived his entire life. He attended Evaline School, as did his son and also his mother. He graduated from Winlock High …

In loving memory of Manny Estrada: 1941-2026

Manuel Demafelix Estrada, affectionately known as Manny, passed away on Oct. 21, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on Nov. 29, 1941, in the Philippines, Manny moved to the United States in the 1960s, …

In loving memory of Carrie Ames: 1955-2026

Carrie Anne Ames (Bensching) passed away at Providence Centralia Hospital on Oct. 9, 2026. Carrie was born Dec. 14, 1955, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Earl Joseph Bensching and Beverly Jean Bensching …

In loving memory of Randy Dee Coady: 1949-2026

Randy Coady passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was a residence of Pe Ell for his entire life.   Randy was a logger, carpenter, merchant seaman, butcher, meat …
State & Regional News

Starbucks adapting to GLP-1 era with protein drinks, new snacks, CEO says

If you're trying to lose weight, Starbucks isn’t exactly the first place you’d think to eat. But CEO Brian Niccol wants to change that. In an interview on Friday with CNBC, Niccol said the …

Schools
No issues reported after Centralia police, school district announce increased presence for football game
The Centralia Police Department (CPD) and the Centralia School District (CSD) on Friday issued a joint statement to update the community regarding Oct. 30’s Centralia High School varsity football …
Onalaska School District evacuates elementary and middle school after ‘unverified’ bomb threat
The Onalaska School District evacuated its elementary and middle school building Monday morning as the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigated a possible bomb threat. According to …
25 Napavine High School culinary students earn personalized Tiger Chef jackets
Hard work in the kitchen has earned 25 third-semester Napavine Jr./Sr. High School culinary students a special milestone: their own personalized Tiger Chef jackets. Students across four class …
Frustration grows as Centralia teachers union negotiates new contract with district
Twice last week, members of the Centralia Education Association teachers union picketed on school property as they continue to negotiate for a new contract. On Tuesday,   union members …
Commentary

Julie McDonald: Elected county, state officials — do your jobs

For nearly four decades, my husband has grown Christmas trees, both in Centralia and outside Toledo. He works hard all year on planting, fertilizing, shearing, trimming tops, controlling weeds and …

Wayne Fournier: After election season, a question — who would sign up for this?

Well, another election season is behind us, more or less. Thankfully. I'm still getting political text messages from candidates as far away as Maine and Texas, so apparently somebody hasn't …

Brian Mittge: Help for the beautiful, baffling, terrific and tough job of parenting

Among the many blessings of life, perhaps none is greater than being a parent. And perhaps none can feel as challenging at times. As our two eldest children head into adulthood and our youngest …

Richard Stride: The history my mother left me

Sometimes history comes to us in unexpected ways. Not through a textbook, a museum or a documentary, but through an old box of newspapers, yellowed pages and things someone we loved thought important …

Letter: Running for sheriff while focused on what matters

As we approach election day, I want to thank the people of Lewis County for the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote. From the beginning of my campaign, I made a commitment to stay …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Hunting Highlight: A father-son bond and a boy’s first buck
“As a local Onalaska resident, our 8-year-old son Jack committed to putting in all of the work, dedication and hours required to obtain his hunting license this summer. Once he successfully earned …
Fishing closures begin Oct. 24 in many Western Washington rivers, including the Chehalis
Fishing for salmon and all game fish is closing Oct. 24 in many rivers and tributary streams across Washington’s Coastal Region due to low water conditions from the ongoing drought as well as …
Hunting Highlights: Young hunters find success in early deer season
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email …