Local News
Blue wave carries Democrats to supermajority in Washington state House
Democrats in the Washington state House of Representatives are eyeing a supermajority as Thursday vote tallies put them on course to unseat a half-dozen incumbent Republicans and flip a GOP-held seat …
Trans sports bans get voter approval in 4 states
Voters in four states — Arizona , Colorado , Nebraska and Washington — are on track to pass or have passed measures to restrict transgender athletes’ participation in sports, a key policy focus …
Bail set at $10,000 for Chehalis man accused of burglary, property theft
A Chehalis man faces up to 10 years in prison after he allegedly broke into the victim’s trailer and stole mountain climbing gear and a sweatshirt.  Brian D. Hughes, 50, is charged with …
Centralia man charged with child molestation faces up to life in prison
Prosecutors have charged a Centralia man with four counts of child molestation following an investigation by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).  Thane D. West, 42, was arrested and …
Ferguson lays out wishlist for Congress after ‘breathtaking’ midterms
With Democrats now poised to retake both chambers of Congress, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson wants action in the other Washington.  Speaking to reporters Wednesday, the first-term Democratic …
Washington Democrats move closer to supermajority after bad night for GOP
“Bad, but not disastrous.” That’s how Washington State Republican Party Chairman Jim Walsh described Tuesday’s election results that showed Democrats widening their majorities in the …
Sirens: Order violation results in burglary charge; man booked for assault, stolen handgun; two jailed for stealing from Centralia Outlets
LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Preliminary appearances • Angelique J. Timmons, 33, Centralia, made a preliminary appearance Nov. 3 for one count of residential burglary and one count of …
Death notices: Nov. 4, 2026
• JOYCE EDITH BROWN, 95, Centralia, died Nov. 2 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • DOROTHY MARIE NEILSON, 69, …
Chehalis voters approve 10 years of funding for transportation improvements through sales tax
Voters in Chehalis overwhelmingly approved the renewal of an existing 0.2% sales tax that will benefit transportation projects in the city. Preliminary results from the 2026 general election …
$500,000 bail for Centralia man accused of creating, possessing child sexual abuse material
A 26-year-old Chehalis man has been charged with eight felonies after allegedly creating at least one image depicting the sexual abuse of a child and possessing others. One of the images was of …
Dodging the blue wave: Republicans in 19th, 20th districts victorious on otherwise dark day for the GOP
Incumbent Washington state representatives across the 19th and 20th legislative districts held the line against the blue wave after the first round of ballot counts as Republicans in other parts of …
Macbeth performances now running at Centralia College through Nov. 15
Having debuted this past Halloween weekend, members of the Centralia College theatre program will perform William Shakespeare’s Macbeth over the next two weekends in collaborative performances with …
Democrat-backed candidates lead in Washington Supreme Court races
Voters appeared content with the status quo on Tuesday, after the initial results had three incumbents and one aligned candidate leading in four of the five Washington Supreme Court races. …
Grega likely to take seat on Lewis County PUD Board of Commissioners
Former longtime Lewis County Public Utility District (PUD) employee and retired local tree farmer Steve Grega appears poised to take the PUD’s commission’s District 1 seat over fellow former PUD …
Rep. Joel McEntire on path to new term despite recent backlash for online conduct
Incumbent Washington state Rep Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, is leading Democrat challenger Terry Carlson in the tightest state lawmaker race in Southwest Washington’s 19th and 20th Legislative …
Local Sports
Sports Dump: The Round Of (XXXXX) Is Here
The Chronicle sports staff (Dylan and Zach) join Aaron to discuss the proliferation of round designations with an excess of teams. Zach has lead pipe locks for cross country. The district title games …
Tumwater moves into district semis; Wolves, Trojans bow out
Make it a dozen wins in a row for the T-Birds and they’re one away from a return trip to the Class 2A state tournament after sweeping Washougal on Thursday in the District 4 quarterfinals in …
Prep volleyball: Tigers’ stunning playoff run continues with dismantling of Vikings
ADNA — The clock hasn’t struck midnight on the Napavine High School volleyball team quite yet. Their Cinderella run through the Class 2B District 4 tournament reached a fever pitch on …
Prep volleyball: Rainier throws block party, celebrates fourth consecutive state bid
ADNA — Defense wins championships. The old moniker can be applied to football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, water polo, etc. Truly whatever sport the heart desires. Ask the Rainier High …
Prep volleyball: ‘Selfless’ Loggers sweep Ducks to clinch second straight state berth
ADNA — There were two celebrations for the Onalaska High School volleyball team Wednesday night. One had just as much meaning as the other. As soon as the top-seeded Loggers finished off …
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

Celebration of Life: Leland "Lee" Day, Aug. 24, 1938 - Oct. 22, 2026

A celebration of the life of Leland "Lee" Day will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 5th at the Grace Church, 1965 S Market Blvd Chehalis Washington .  All who loved him are welcome.

In loving memory of Melvin Wilkins: 1928-2026

Melvin Ottis Wilkins completed his earthly journey on Oct. 13, 2026. He was born Feb. 4, 1928, to Carlton and Bessie Wilkins in Pilot Point, Texas. He is preceded in death by brothers James and Glen …

In loving memory of Kathy Good: 1949-2026

Kathleen (Kathy) Marie Good, of Curtis, Washington, passed away on Oct. 26, 2026. She lived a life devoted to her love of horses, her family and the many people whose lives she touched along the way. …

In loving memory of Gene Hofferber: 1932-2026

Gene Edward Hofferber, 94, born June 10, 1932, in Nebraska, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Gene will be remembered for his generous and loving heart, his kindness to …

In loving memory of Tony Karniss: 1951-2026

Tony Michael Karniss, 74, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on Oct. 6, 2026, in Chehalis. Tony was born on Nov. 24, 1951, in Chehalis (Lewis County) to Theodore and Clara Karniss. He grew up …

In loving memory of Janice Hadaller: 1949-2026

Janice Louise Collette was born on March 31, 1949, in Chehalis, Washington, to Jess and Lenora (Hughes) Collette. She passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at the age of 77 at the family home in …
State & Regional News

The Nature Conservancy opens new community forest in Cle Elum

The Nature Conservancy, an international environmental nonprofit, just acquired 2,600 acres of timberland in central Washington. Historically owned by industrial timber companies, the lands …

Schools
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 …
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 …
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 …