Local News
Fluoride will stay in Centralia water supply after split council vote
The City of Centralia will continue to treat its drinking water with fluoride after an hour-long information session and discussion ended in a five-to-two vote on Tuesday night. The city began …
Longtime budget administrator to fill role as Lewis County manager departs
Partway through the month of December, Lewis County Manager Ryan Barrett will depart from his position as the county executive for a new opportunity in the private sector. He will be replaced in …
An original leader of local broadband development seeks Lewis County PUD Commission seat
Just a few years after leaving a more than 20-year tenure at the Lewis County Public Utility District (PUD), Jeff Baine is looking to “get back involved” with the utility. Baine believes he …
Sirens: Frying pan snaps vehicle axle; man arrested a third time in 10 days; juvenile could be charged for stealing parent's device
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Malicious mischief • Damage to two vehicles in the 2600 block of Cooks Hill Road was reported at approximately 7:55 a.m. on Oct. 14. The damage occurred …
Death notices: Oct. 16, 2026
• JEROLD DEAN JACKA, 90, Napavine, died Oct. 8 in Centralia. A private burial will be held at Napavine Cemetery. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. Arrangements are under the …
Man who unwittingly challenged unmarked WSP vehicle to race faces felony charge
A man who unwittingly challenged a Washington State Patrol trooper to a race and hit speeds upwards of 149 mph in 2025 is facing felony charges in Lewis County Superior Court. Frank J. Farkas, …
Paranormal research team visits Vader to share stories from haunting investigations in the region
With Halloween approaching, the spooky season is in full swing. To help celebrate it, members of the South Sound Paranormal Research (SSPR) Team visited Vader last weekend to share stories from …
Parents raising concerns after two Mossyrock school employees placed on administrative leave
Two employees of the Mossyrock School District have been placed on “standard non-disciplinary paid administrative leave,” according to a Thursday, Oct. 15, post on the school district’s …
Man accused of attempting to steal tools from Chehalis Home Depot faces felony charge
A Kent man is facing a Class C felony charge of second-degree theft and a misdemeanor charge of making a false or misleading statement to a public servant in Lewis County after he was allegedly …
Prohibition agents carry out more raids; Morton police constable’s death determined to be fall-related; WSP trooper opens teen-safe night club
In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Saturday, Oct. 16, 1926, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about federal Prohibition agents carrying out more raids on illegal liquor stills …
Air Force veteran, Morton educator honored with Quilt of Valor
Air Force veteran and Morton Jr./Sr. High School teacher Jordan Nelson received a Quilt of Valor during the Mineral Lake Lions Club’s monthly membership dinner on Oct. 14 at the Mineral Lake …
Lions Clubs provide vision screenings for 400 Morton and White Pass students
Approximately 400 students in the Morton and White Pass school districts received annual vision screenings Oct. 8 through an effort led by the Aberdeen Lions Club and Cosmopolis Lions Club, with …
Lewis County lifts annual outdoor burning restrictions
Effective Thursday, Oct. 15, the Lewis County Board of Commissioners and Lewis County Fire Marshal lifted restrictions on outdoor burning for all unincorporated lands regulated by Lewis County. …
Oakville City Council approves resolution in support of fire district
At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Oakville City Council approved a resolution in support of two levies that are on the ballot this November for Grays Harbor Fire District No. 1 (GHFD). “I’ve lived …
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 …
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 …
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)
Obituaries

In loving memory of Martin Towner: 1942-2026

Martin Paul Towner was born Nov. 7, 1942, in Centralia, Washington. His parents were Clarence E. Towner and Eleanor M. Kulien McMillion. He fought a long, hard battle with cancer and passed away …
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 …

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 …

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 …
State & Regional News

Washington church pastor indicted in $13M fraud scheme

A Kirkland church pastor was arraigned Tuesday on charges of money laundering and wire fraud in connection with a $13 million fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Cristian …

Schools
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 …
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 …
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 …
Commentary

Brian Mittge: When walking off the playing field is the only move left

Something happened in Camas this week that was unsurprisingly bleak and yet also inspiringly hopeful. The story is the now all-too familiar tale of a boy competing in a girls’ sport, taking …

From the mayor: In a challenging budget season in Centralia, we need your help

One of my favorite sayings when I talk to anyone about my service to the City of Centralia is that I’m blessed to be here and honored to serve. That stands true in both the great times and the …

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 …
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. …