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Local News
 News Dump Ep. 297: Of Forums and Fake News
On the 297th episode, local man Aaron VanTuyl and Chronicle editor Eric Schwartz discuss The Chronicle’s 2026 candidate debate forum from Monday night in Chehalis, with clips of a few spicy …
Centralia man held on $100K bail for allegedly assaulting child, age 6 
A Lewis County Superior Court judge set bail at $100,000 on Thursday for a Centralia man accused of assaulting a 6-year-old child.  Jared Steve Armitage, 22, is charged with a felony count …
The WET Science Center’s fall lineup brings the outdoors inside
With rain in the forecast and cooler temperatures, it’s time to find affordable ways to have fun inside.  The WET Science Center is ready to help!  Most middle schoolers in …
Candidates for Congress address issue of biological males participating in girls’ sports
During Tuesday’s live televised debate between Third Congressional District candidates Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun, the issue of biological males participating in girls’ and women’s …
Sirens: Felony retail theft under investigation; DUI arrest in Chehalis; sexual assault reported; several arrested for shoplifting
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Stolen license plate found • A stolen license plate was recovered at about 10:14 a.m. Oct. 12 in the 100 block of West Maple Street. There is no information on …
Minimum-security inmate in custody after escape from work crew
The Washington state Department of Corrections (DOC) and local law enforcement apprehended minimum-security inmate Zaquai McCray at roughly 2:30 p.m. in Auburn on Oct. 13. He had walked away …
Overnight ramp closures on U.S. 101 and I-5 in Tumwater Oct. 15
Nighttime and early morning travelers who use the U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 5 ramps in Tumwater will want to plan additional travel time, a news release from the Washington State Department of …
UNFI Centralia announces Trunk-or-Treat event this Halloween
Get ready for an afternoon of costumes, candy and community fun as UNFI Centralia hosts a Trunk-or-Treat event from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, in the parking lot at 4002 Galvin Road, …
Chehalis Farmers Market to host Harvest Dinner Fundraiser
Tickets are officially on sale for the Harvest Dinner Fundraiser, an annual event supporting the Chehalis Farmers Market. The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 7 at The Juice Box in …
Cider Press and Tree Sale to raise money for Tool Bucket Library and other programs
A Community Cider Press and Tree Sale will raise funds to support the WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter (MRC) Volunteers’ MRC Tool Bucket Library and other community outreach programs from …
Death notices: Oct. 14, 2026
• JANICE KAY MILLER, 74, Centralia, died Oct. 11 at her residence. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • GEORGE A. MINKS, 84, Olympia, died Oct. 8 at South …
Indigenous Peoples' Day at Squaxin Park brings together music, storytelling and community unity
Beneath towering Douglas firs and along the saltwater shorelines of Squaxin Park, members of the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Olympia community gathered Monday, Oct. 12, to celebrate Indigenous …
Winlock council approves deal with Vader for city clerk assistance, resolution for city employee overpayment policy and CPA assistance contract
Members of the Winlock City Council convened for a regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, and approved their side of an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of Vader for assistance with city clerk …
Centralia College to dedicate diversity plaque to Helen Sanders
Centralia College will unveil a new plaque in its Diversity Plaza on Oct. 22. It will honor Helen Sanders of the Chehalis Tribe, the college announced. A dedication ceremony will be held at …
Emergency Closure Orders Reduced for Skyo and Backbone Fires in East Lewis County
The Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has downsized the emergency closure orders for the Skyo and Backbone Fires. The closures, which previously encompassed …

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Local Sports
Watson, Sweet make history in Tenino’s shutout over Hoquiam
TENINO — It didn’t feel like much of a historic night for Tenino senior goalkeeper Gracelyn Sweet against Hoquiam on Thursday, Oct. 15. In an 11-on-8 matchup against short-handed Hoquiam, …
W.F. West, Tumwater play to a scoreless draw
The W.F. West girls soccer team had their chances against Tumwater on Thursday, but the Bearcats were never able to break through, and the two sides played to a 0-0 draw under the lights at Tumwater …
Rochester drops road matchup in Montesano
The Rochester girls soccer team lost its second straight league matchup on Thursday, losing in Montesano 4-1 in a matchup that will go a long way in determining home-field advantage in the first …
Huskies beat Panthers for 11th straight win
The Morton volleyball team won its 11th game in a row on Thursday, sweeping White Pass 25-11, 25-21, 25-16 on Senior Night. “Senior night is always an emotional evening, and tonight was no …
Pe Ell outlasts Columbia Adventist in five sets
The Pe Ell volleyball team held off a feisty Columbia Adventist in five sets (25-21, 25-12, 17-25, 13-25, 15-12) Thursday night at home. The Trojans were led by Karli Phelps’ 12 kills and 20 …

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Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: Ain’t No Internet in Iowa
  • News Dump Ep. 296: THAT IS AN ORG CHART
  • Sports Dump: Week 5 Roundup (and Centralia finally loses)

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E-Edition

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The Chronicle - October 15, 2026

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Obituaries
Ray Landes: 1935-2026

In loving memory of Ray Landes: 1935-2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ray Allen Landes, who left us on Oct. 8, 2026, at the age of 90. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, …

In loving memory of Jack Braun: 1942-2026

John (Jack) Russell Braun, 84, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on Sept. 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, hard work, entrepreneurship and service to his community. Jack was …

In loving memory of Robert Harper: Jan. 31, 1938-Oct. 8, 2026

Bob was the third of five children born to Clara Moore Stidham. He was placed in foster care at age four when Clara and her husband, Roy Stidham, divorced.  Bob was eventually adopted by J. …

In loving memory of Kyle Seymour: Aug. 17, 1971-Oct. 7, 2026

Funeral services for Kyle Seymour will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Summit Wesleyan Church in Buffalo, Wyoming. Donations in Kyle’s memory may be made to The Path Behavioral Health …

Death notices: Oct. 9, 2026

• TONYA DARLENE ALEXANDER, 46, Toledo, died Oct. 7 at Centralia Providence Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel in Toledo. • SUE E. NELSON, 83, Onalaska, died …

In loving memory of Maureen Nolen: 1944-2026

Maureen Florence Nolen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, went home to Heaven on Oct. 3, 2026. Maureen was born on Oct. 11, 1944, in Leigh-on-Sea, …

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State & Regional News

Washington cross-country meet moved amid national attention on trans athlete, report says

SEATTLE — A Washington Class 4A district cross-country meet has been moved to a different location amid safety concerns, The Columbian reported Wednesday. The relocation comes as Camas High …

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Schools
 In Focus: Donors celebrate new statue dedicated to students of James Lintott, Orin Smith elementary schools
A dedication ceremony was held for a newly-donated statue in Chehalis on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The donors of the statue were Mike and Susan Austin, Ben and Kristy LaCrosse, and Steve and Carol …
In Focus: Toledo High School Homecoming Court celebrated
In Focus: Napavine Homecoming Court
Tenino High School unveils new sign made by its students
Five years ago, Tenino High School took down its historic wooden sign for refurbishment, and discovered it was damaged beyond repair. Instead of simply ordering a replacement, the school decided …
Centralia College to host World Dyslexia Day community discussion
Centralia College is inviting the community to participate in a dyslexia awareness event on Oct. 8, World Dyslexia Day. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and celebrate the strengths …
Life

Meet Gus: Thurston County Sheriff’s Office introduces newest K9 member

Business Stories
Community invited to comment on proposed rezone of 4.9-acre parcel in Grand Mound

The Thurston County Planning Commission will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 to accept comments on the applicant-initiated proposal to rezone a 4.9-acre parcel on 193rd Avenue in Grand …

Economic Alliance of Lewis County announces two upcoming events focused on forestry
‘Opportunity Zones’: Port of Centralia chosen to participate for second time in federal tax incentive program
Food inspection scores: From the Lewis County Public Health Department

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Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Vote Tracy Murphy for sheriff to create a safer Lewis County

I’m endorsing Tracy Murphy for sheriff because of his many accomplishments as a law enforcement officer. Tracy shows he goes above and beyond for the people in the community whether he’s in …

Letter to the editor: Timberland Regional Library services make our region stronger and a better place to call home
Letter to the editor: Frase has honesty, integrity and the desire to always do the right thing
Letter to the editor: Braun is against abortion

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Commentary

Opinion: Olympia must help schools live within their means

Last year, during difficult contract talks, Mead had to make a fair offer to staff without making promises our schools could not afford. That meant weighing costs, holding our ground, and saying no …

Opinion: Hey Ken Jennings, I'll take misinformation for $1,000

Perhaps the host of Jeopardy! should stick to game shows. Ken Jennings, who became famous after winning 74 consecutive episodes of Jeopardy and then took over show hosting duties for the beloved …

Sean Swope commentary: Lewis County, let’s send John Braun to Congress

I’ve called John Braun when something was stuck and he answered. When we needed to get the shelter out of a barn that had problems and into a place where people could actually sleep safely, the …

Opinion: Yes, the ‘millionaires tax’ is a ‘Trojan horse’ — except it’s no secret

The big debate raging about our state’s new millionaires income tax is whether it’s a “Trojan horse” for something else. The answer is pretty simple: Yes. It is. The caveat to this …

Julie McDonald: Expanding Your Horizons on indefinite hiatus

For the first fall in more than three decades, middle school girls won’t be traveling to Centralia College on a Saturday for an introduction to careers in science, technology, engineering, art and …

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Outdoors
Outdoors
 Public comment period open about proposed changes to WDFW’s listing and recovery planning processes for at-risk species
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting public comments on proposed rule changes to update or clarify the department’s process for listing and developing recovery …
Hunting Highlights: Bull elk, buck harvested during muzzleloader 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 …
PNW's tiny pygmy owls are adorable little murder machines
A northern pygmy owl weighs about as much as a chicken egg. They’re adorable, with big yellow eyes. They’re also ruthless predators known to kill chickens far heavier than themselves. …
History
A Look Back in Time: Mercury mining continues in Morton; Convicted killer tries to claim self defense; Centralia City Council bills U.S. president for visit
A Look Back in Time: Sheriff denies running liquor ring during Prohibition; bull on the loose charges car; McMenamins purchases Olympic Club in Centralia
This 1927 photograph was found pasted in a Lewis County tax roll. It shows an impromptu "pouring party" of 71 gallons of liquor out behind the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis. On Dec. 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, ending the increasingly unpopular nationwide prohibition of alcohol.
A Look Back in Time: Man arrested as “157 bottles of home brew” found in his house; Teenage bride files for divorce from Centralia man; Chronicle debuts new website
A Look Back in Time: Lewis County sheriff arrested on Prohibition violation charges; Onalaska resident survives 80-foot fall from cliff; President Clinton visits Centralia
In the Thursday, Sept. 5, 1986, edition of The Chronicle, it was reported that Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies were carrying out a manhunt for Monty A. Richardson, who was wanted as a suspect in the rape and murder of 14-year-old Toni Antonelli.
Developer buys lot for Morton Roxy Theater; ‘Lucky little boy’ survives 50-foot fall down well; Manhunt for Tenino girl’s killer
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