Local News
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office mourns passing of retired K9 Jaxx
Retired Thurston County Sheriff's Office K9 Jaxx has passed away, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday, Nov. 13.  K9 Jaxx was born in 2013 and joined the sheriff’s …
Death investigation underway in Chehalis after body found in vehicle 
A death investigation is underway in Chehalis after a dead body was found in a vehicle Friday morning, according to the Chehalis Police Department.  At about 10:40 a.m., Chehalis police …
Sirens: Burglary reported after wires cut under house; juvenile breaks door; bar fight; fraud investigation underway
Centralia Police Department Malicious mischief • A juvenile was referred to the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office for malicious mischief after breaking a door at about 9:58 a.m. Nov. 11 …
Death notices: Nov. 13, 2026
• REBECCA ANN SUTTON, 66, Centralia, died Sept. 30 at home. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • CONNIE LOU ERWIN, 80, Centralia, died Oct. 31 at her …
Brian Mittge: Climbing to new heights with the GOATs of Lewis County
Amidst all the fake but almost believable videos and AI slop floating around cyberspace, I was truly delighted by a few true moments captured and shared online this week.  One was a bighorn …
In Focus: Buck rut action begins at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The one-track mind for Columbian white-tailed bucks is starting to happen at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. For those wanting to watch the intense scenes of the rutting season, the …
Port of Chehalis approves balanced budget and property tax levy
The Port of Chehalis will levy an additional 1% in property taxes next year and will add revenue associated with an administrative refund resulting from a tax settlement for a business within the …
A Look Back in Time: New Deal program feeds Lewis County students; former Centralian earns Bronze Star in Vietnam; donations sought to support Chehalis K-9
In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Saturday, Nov. 14, 1936, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about the expansion of a federal Works Progress Administration meal program for …
Tenino approves long-term police contract with Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Members of the Tenino City Council approved a new two-and-a-half-year contract for police services with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) during the council’s regular meeting on …
"Chehalis: A Watershed Moment" screening and discussion set for Centralia College on Monday
The community is invited to join free community film screening and discussion of "Chehalis: A Watershed Moment" directed by Shane Anderson and Jesse Andrew Clark. The screening and discussion …
Olympia Regional Airport’s neighbors concerned about noise, pollution increase from new Spokane to Olympia route
As the Olympia Regional Airport prepares to welcome direct flights to and from Spokane for the 2027 legislative session, area residents are reiterating concerns about noise and air pollution. …
Chehalis Middle School First Term Honor Roll
The following students have been named to the Chehalis Middle School First Term Honor Roll. To make the list, students must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher. This list was compiled and provided by …
In Focus: A photogenic owl in a Pe Ell pasture
To submit photos to The Chronicle for potential publication, send images and details to news@chronline.com . 
DNR planning pile burns in Capitol State Forest
The Washington state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning prescribed burns on up to 30 locations within Capitol State Forest this fall to remove piles of slash and debris from recent …
Pair who led retail theft conspiracy arraigned for $5.6 million in theft from four retailers
Two men who allegedly led a sophisticated scheme to steal and resell products from four online retailers were arraigned Friday on a three-count indictment that outlined the multi-million-dollar fraud …
Local Sports
W.F. West tops Aberdeen in season opener
The W.F. West bowling team started its season with a win on Thursday, as the Bearcats defeated Aberdeen 1,992-1,373. W.F. West rolled despite a “hectic” start to the season, as they have had …
Tumwater goes 1-1 on Day 1 of 2A State Volleyball Tournament
The Tumwater volleyball team went 1-1 on the first day of the 2A State Tournament in Yakima, losing to No. 9 Orting 25-19, 22-25, 19-25, 22-25 in the first round before beating No. 16 Sequim 25-17, …
Tumwater takes down Black Hills in Round of 16
Just 18 days after their regular season meeting, No. 1 Tumwater and No. 16 Black Hills faced off again in the 2A State Tournament Round of 16, and the Thunderbirds defeated the Wolves 49-6 to advance …
Onalaska finishes third in state tournament
YAKIMA — Onalaska’s final day in Yakima started with a heartbreaker. The Loggers lost a hard-fought, five-set battle against No. 6 Tonasket in a 2B State Semifinal, and they didn’t have …
Tenino’s Mickelson captures first career MVP award
One of the best strikers to play on The Blacktop secured the highest honor in her final season. Callie Mickelson was the unanimous MVP as voted by the Evergreen League coaches in the release of …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • News Dump Ep. 300: Everybody will be hearing from us
  • Sports Dump: Seeding Sunday Bracket Reveal!
  • News Dump Ep. 299: Requiem for an Election
Obituaries

In loving memory of James Hofmann: 1935-2026

James (Jim) Hofmann was born in Chehalis, Washington, on June 7, 1935, to Rudolph Hofmann and Elvira Albrecht. He grew up on the family farm in Winlock and graduated from Winlock High School in 1953. …

In loving memory of Lavina Quarnstrom: 1935-2026

Lavina passed away at home on Oct. 10, 2026. She was born Jan. 2, 1935, in Rainier, Washington, to Arthur and Carrie LaFleur. She was married to Richard Quarnstrom, who preceded her in death in 2024, …

In loving memory of Charmalee Sprague: 1933-2026

Our beautiful Charmie Sprague, 93 years old, passed away Nov. 6, 2026, surrounded by her precious children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was born in Westport, Oregon, June 22, …

In loving memory of Naomi Dow: 1926-2026

Naomi Dow, 100, of Onalaska passed away November 7, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born April 15, 1926 in Denova, Colorado to Frank and Alice Davis. Naomi graduated from Onalaska High …

Death notices: Nov. 11, 2026

• JACKIE HELEN SILVA, 91, Olympia, died Nov. 7 at home. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • BARRY L. BLAIR, 81, Winlock, died Nov. 4 at Three Rivers Care …

In loving memory of Barbara Foote: 1940-2026

Barbara Ann Foote (Burris) was born March 2, 1940, in Berea, Ohio to Franklin and Olive Burris. She attended school in Fairview, Ohio. Barbara moved to Washington in 1960 at the age of 20, where …
State & Regional News

Feds launch probe into Washington state school district over transgender athlete

The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation Thursday into Camas School District, the latest effort by the Trump administration to curtail the civil rights of transgender people in the …

Schools
Jefferson Lincoln Elementary School honors local veterans with Veterans Day musical program
Students at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary School in Centralia celebrated Veterans Day a day early on Tuesday by performing a program of patriotic musical numbers in front of a group of local military …
Tumwater Middle School receives state award for inclusion of student voices
Tumwater Middle School has been named a 2026 Washington Schools on the Rise Award recipient. The award, presented by the Association of Washington Student Leaders and the Association of …
Rochester teen who has persevered through heart defect hopes winning crown will lead to a career helping others
Rochester resident Myrranda Doelman had her first heart surgery at just 6 months old. In 2014, at the age of 4, she underwent her second open heart procedure, which was detailed in an article by …
Napavine Jr./Sr. High School Honor Roll
The following are members of Napavine Jr./Sr. High School second semester honor rolls. Students are listed in alphabetical order. The lists were provided by Napavine Schools. Honorable …
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 …
Business Stories
Lewis County Transit board meeting set for Nov. 17

The Lewis Public Transportation Benefit Area, which does business as Lewis County Transit, will hold its next board meeting at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17. A previously planned Nov. 24 meeting has been …

Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Our country cannot survive unless good, moral people stand up

In order to allow "others" to have freedom, we must be able to trust those "others."  We cannot have freedom unless most other people are trustworthy. John Adams, the second president …

Commentary

Opinion: Fishermen protect salmon habitat — the BPA should too

I’ve worked in the fishing industry for 30 years and have fished my own salmon troller for the past 15 years. I’ve been fishing now for half my life and have seen how devastating the decline in …

Opinion: Here we go again — Washington's education establishment wants more cash

This is not a reprint of a story 10 or even 20 years ago — although it sure could be. Washington state's education establishment is getting ready to file yet another lawsuit demanding …

Peter Abbarno: The Turkey Trot: More than a race — a Thanksgiving tradition

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It's a time for family, gratitude, traditions and, of course, a little too much turkey and pumpkin pie. But long before sitting down for …

Opinion: Our local veterans deserve comprehensive behavioral health support

Veterans Month is our opportunity to thank those who have served our nation. But appreciation is not enough. We also have to think about how we help veterans when they return home. …

Opinion: Washington state needs to reform judicial election process

Yes, I have run multiple times for the Washington Supreme Court. I have no regrets. Anyone paying attention to reality knows that my campaigns were always run from the right place for the right …
Outdoors
Outdoors
WDFW: Get outdoors on Black Friday with trout fishing opportunities
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is stocking more than 82,000 jumbo rainbow trout in 30 lakes statewide ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, offering anglers a chance …
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 …