2024 Best of Lewis County Nominations
Local News
Republican candidates gather in Adna ahead of primary
Days ahead of the August primary, Republican candidates for federal, state and local public offices gathered in Adna to make their final pitch to voters. The event, organized by Adna store owner …
Logging games, mower races and more: 81st annual Morton Loggers Jubilee starts Thursday
While the Games of the XXXIII Summer Olympiad may be drawing to a close this Sunday in Paris, France, the logging games of the 81st annual Morton Loggers Jubilee will kick off and be held …
Brush fire caused by baling machine burns 2 acres in Boistfort area
An accidental fire caused by a baling machine burned approximately 2 acres of brush in the Boistfort area on Saturday. No injuries or structural damage were reported. “It's dry out …
Internationally known artists to be featured at Morton’s BCJ Gallery throughout September, will be in Morton for Loggers Jubilee
With their artwork already on display inside Morton’s BCJ Gallery, Kris Ellen Jenott and Kenneth J. Hurley will be in Morton this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 10, to enjoy some of the 81st annual …
Quinault Indian Nation receives $7.5 million state grant for wellness center project
The Quinault Indian Nation has received a $7.5 million grant from the Washington state Department of Commerce for the second phase of the Quinault Wellness Center Expansion Project in Aberdeen. …
Sirens: Vehicle prowler arrested after returning for wallet; medical professional assaulted; counterfeit money found
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Fraud • A business in the 2300 block of North Pearl Street reported receiving two counterfeit $20 bills from an unknown subject just after 8:20 a.m. on Aug. …
Death notices: Aug. 5, 2024
• JERRY D.   PRATT, 71, Toledo, died July 30 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • SHIRLEY M. STILTNER, 95, Morton, died …
Members needed for Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee
The U.S. Forest Service is in need of individuals to serve on the Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Committee members review and …
Southwest Washington Fair deals available for limited time
This year’s Southwest Washington Fair, themed “Red, White & Moo,” promises a variety of activities for the whole family. Deals on carnival wristbands, rodeo and monster …
Centralia Police Department’s annual ‘National Night Out’ scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6
The Centralia Police Department’s annual “National Night Out” celebration is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at George Washington Park in Centralia. …
Results for the August primary election expected around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday
Unofficial results for the Aug. 1 primary election will be available on the Lewis County Auditor’s Office website at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday. All counties in Washington must …
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to host mobile office hours in Chehalis
The office of Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, will host an upcoming mobile office hours event in Chehalis as part of a series of events to assist constituents …
Final defendant in large drug trafficking investigation involving traffic stop in Lewis County has been convicted
The final defendant of 41 arrested in an extensive drug trafficking investigation pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and …
Judds to celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
David and Vicki Judd are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception at the Virgil R. Lee building located at Recreation Park in Chehalis from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. …
Local Sports
Golf: Olympia’s McCaslin secures fourth Lewis County Amateur victory
Fueled by a day one card of 7-under par, Jon McCaslin built a sizable cushion and was able to prevail at the Lewis County Amateur on Sunday at Riverside Golf Course in Chehalis. Battling a rib …
Summer basketball: Black Hills trio garner attention at showcase
It has been a busy summer for three Black Hills High School boys basketball players. Talon and Quinton Morrill plus James Morgan have gone across the nation to various basketball tournaments and …
The Ultimate Underdog: Brock Peterson goes through a rollercoaster before reaching MLB in St. Louis
Picture the following scenario.  Standing in line at a baseball complex in Florida. Watching other 2002 draft picks take some batting practice. Gaze at the ball soaring in the outfield, heck some of them clearing the yard.
W.F. West grad Hawkins called up to Double-A
Dakota Hawkins, a W.F. West High School alum, is one step closer to reaching the Major Leagues. The right-hander in the New York Mets organization was called up to their Double-A affiliate the …
Nyastrong Warriors win youth 3v3 Tournament
The Tenino based Nyastrong Warrior’s Academy took the long road for the third tournament in a row, as the Warriors won five in a row after dropping its opener to win the Capital City 3 on 3 …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 196: A feisty election preview 
  • News Dump Ep. 195: I hope they’re better at finding people 
  • News Dump Ep. 194: Where do you even put 1,000 pills?
Obituaries

Death notices: Aug. 2, 2024

• MILDRED K. HOWELL , 89, Centralia, died July 27 at Prestige Post-Acute and Rehab Center, Centralia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • GORDON …

In loving memory of Debra Kay Ward: Jan. 25, 1978 - June 17, 2024 

Debra Kay Ward (née Hawley), also known as Deb or Debbie, passed away of a heart attack on June 17, 2024, in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 46. She is survived by her mother, Terry …

In loving memory of Sherry Darlene Cline: 1948-2024

Sherry Darlene Cline, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024. She was born on Sept. 14, 1948, in Manchester, Tennessee, to Robert and Ernestine …

Death notices: July 31, 2024

• SCOTT   T. JOHNSON, 57, Chehalis, died July 16 at his residence. A graveside service with urn placement will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Greenwood Cemetery with a reception to follow at …

In loving memory of Ryan Gilbert: 1980-2024

Ryan Chase Gilbert, 43, passed away on July 18, 2024, in Rochester, Washington. Born in Houston, Texas, Ryan was a cherished member of his community and a beloved figure in his family.  …

In loving memory of Karl Roderick Rosbach: 1934-2024

He shall not be forgotten...  On March 7, 1934, Karl Roderick was born to Frank and Dora Rosbach of Chehalis, Washington. He was the eighth of nine siblings.  Karl promptly …
State & Regional News

74-year-old injured after crashing into boulder on Lewis River Road

An Oregon man was injured after his truck veered off Lewis River Road in Woodland Friday morning. The driver, William Louis Lain, 74, of Saint Helens fell asleep while driving on the state …

Schools
Longtime teacher and athletic director hired as Pe Ell School interim principal
Longtime Pe Ell School teacher and athletic director Keith Shepherd will serve as the school’s interim principal for the 2024-25 school year, Pe Ell School announced this week. Shepherd, …
Thousands fewer Washington state kids were evaluated for special ed during pandemic
As in-person schooling ground to a halt in 2020, scores of families reported problems with special education services. Kids lost access to the in-person aides who guided them through lessons. IPads …
Lintott Elementary School hosts Kindergarten Carnival to help new kindergarteners prepare for school 
The James W. Lintott Elementary School playground was transformed into a carnival for incoming kindergarteners and their families on Saturday, July 20, in an effort to help them transition to …
Onalaska School District to host ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive
The Onalaska School District will host the “Stuff the Bus” program in the district office parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12 through Aug. 15. The event is an annual community …
Foster parents of missing girl Oakley Carlson to hold school supply drive in August 
The former foster parents of missing 6-year-old Oakville girl Oakley Carlson will hold a school supplies drive through the month of August in Oakley’s honor.  Oakley’s foster …
Commentary

Julie McDonald: Olympic boxing match offers an opportunity to learn

After a hard-fought tie-breaking fastpitch game Sunday morning, the PNW Shamrocks’ winning pitcher worked her way over to the losing team, waiting quietly to catch the eye of the Cowlitz …

Brian Mittge: Tenino grandma’s co-written country song inspires film

“To look at me you’d think I didn’t have a care / But if tears were gold, I’d be a millionaire...” —  Sally Sweeney When Adam Sweeney first heard his …

John Braun: The more Bob Ferguson says, the more his credibility gap widens

Back in 2007, our state Supreme Court struck down a section of state law regarding false statements made in political advertising. The case stemmed from a complaint about the accuracy of a …

Julie McDonald: Science fiction innovations populate our world today

Last month, I parked at the Silver Reef Casino near Ferndale, Washington, climbed out from behind the wheel and did a double-take when I saw an R2D2-like robot rolling through the lot with a blue …

John Braun: Remember Democrats’ gerrymandering when casting primary ballots

The primary voting period in our state began July 19 and runs through Aug. 6. Tens of thousands of voters across more than a quarter of Washington's legislative districts are being forced to …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Five Washington cyclists survived a cougar attack, but life has been challenging since
Six months after the cougar attack that left 61-year-old Keri Bergere's jaw broken and face swollen nearly beyond recognition, the Kenmore cyclist is still on the road to recovery. Bergere's …
Berry harvest permits available for Gifford Pinchot National Forest
As the calendar turns to August, forest managers in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest want to remind those planning to collect huckleberries and wild berries that a permit is required to remove …
Washington state confirms first case of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer
Washington has its first case of chronic wasting disease. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Thursday that it confirmed the state's first case of the always-fatal brain …