Local News
Suspect accused of stealing debit card from home of hospitalized Centralia man
A Centralia man faces multiple felony charges after he allegedly stole a debit card from the home of a hospitalized man and used it until the card was declined.  James W. Lowther, 49, is …
Centralia man accused of violating no-contact order by trying to open woman’s door
A Chehalis woman was preparing for bed the night of Oct. 1 when her dog began barking. The woman looked out the window and saw a man walking toward her home.  The alleged suspect, Bryant R. …
Winlock man hired to work on property accused of threatening to kill homeowner
A Winlock man has been accused of threatening to kill the person who hired him to complete work on a residential property. Prosecutors said the suspect was living on the property. Justin L. …
WSP to conduct fatigued driving emphasis patrols in Thurston County
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Commercial Vehicle Division will conduct “fatigued driving” emphasis patrols in Thurston County throughout the fall and winter of 2026, with a focus on …
Toledo man on DOC supervision accused of threatening to kill former partner
A man serving community custody in Lewis County has been charged with felony telephone harassment after he allegedly threatened to kill his former partner in multiple voicemails. Austin …
Center explores Mount St. Helens through a creationist lens
Basalt, bones and big explosions fill the walls and screens of the Mount St. Helens Creation Center in Castle Rock. The visitor center was started in 1996 by Lloyd and Doris Anderson, country …
Sirens: Teen arrested for stealing Pokemon cards from Centralia shop; man sentenced for burglary; driver attempts to elude, damages vehicle
LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT The following list is not comprehensive. Superior Court records can be accessed at the Lewis County Clerk’s Office in Chehalis. Sentencings • Jake A. …
Death notices: Oct. 5, 2026
• JOHN “JACK” RUSSELL BRAUN, 84, Chehalis, died Sept. 24 in Olympia. Services will be announced at a later time. Arrangements are under the care of Sticklin-Brown Funeral Chapel. • SUSAN …
Julie McDonald: Kay Odegaard memorial an example of bipartisan love
A packed room at Harrison Square Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening brought together students and teachers, Republicans and Democrats, friends and family to honor Kay (Marit) Odegaard on what …
Westport breaks ground on 1,000-person tsunami evacuation tower
The town of Westport has broken ground on an evacuation tower capable of holding more than 1,000 people in the event of a devastating tsunami. Officials in the small coastal town in Grays Harbor …
Morton city councilors aid in volunteer group efforts in East Lewis County for neighbor assists, park cleanup and more
Residents living in and around Morton who need assistance with everyday projects such as lawn mowing, trash and debris removal, basic landscaping and more now have a new resource to assist them with …
Lacey MakerSpace invites the community to Festival of Sparks
Creativity, innovation and community will come together as Lacey MakerSpace opens its doors for the Festival of Sparks, its annual fundraiser, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event is free …
Completion of major solar installation on Colonial Residence to be celebrated at Stillwater Estates in Centralia
Episcopal Retirement Communities (ERC) is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and solar energy workshop at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event marks the completion of the roof …
Tumwater City Council approves resolution supporting TRL levy lid lift proposition on November election ballot
Following a public hearing, members of the Tumwater City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) District levy lid lift, also known as Proposition …
Local Sports
Prep girls soccer: Efficient Toledo picks up one-sided win over Adna
TOLEDO — A lack of depth and injuries has hampered what the Toledo High School girls soccer team seeks to do offensively. One of their pillars has been shot efficiency and taking high quality …
Sports Dump: Week 5 Roundup (and Centralia finally loses)
The Chronicle sports staff (Dylan and Zach) join Aaron to discuss Centralia vs. Tenino on the black top, a dogfight win by W.F. West, Onalaska knocking off a solid 1A team, Napavine, Adna and Toledo …
"Powerful": Thurston County Youth Football League gives back to community during rivalry week
Week 4 in the Thurston County Youth Football League (TCYFL) season is reserved for rivalry week, which pins teams that, at the high school level, have been longtime enemies. North Thurston Rams …
Loggers cruise past Bulldogs in weekend contest
The Onalaska High School volleyball team capped their non-league schedule with a 25-5, 25-8, 25-9 sweep over North Mason at home on Saturday afternoon. Now at 9-1, they head into C2BL play on Tuesday …
Rainier shuts down Mossyrock
The Mountaineers rebounded from a Week 4 loss to begin C2BL East play on Friday night with a dominant 60-0 victory over the Vikings at home. Rainier signal caller Ryan O’Neal was 4-of-5 …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • News Dump Ep. 295: Introducing the Thurston Chronicle crew
  • Sports Dump: Week 4 Wrap (And A BERTH Announcement)
  • Sports Dump: Week 3 Wrap (and Congratulations to a Kalama Alum)
Obituaries

In loving memory of Neva C. Thomas (Alton) Ormiston: 1937-2026

Born Dec. 17, 1937, in Longview, Washington, to Woody and Virginia Thomas, Neva peacefully passed away on July 11, 2026, in Olympia, Washington. A lifelong lover of animals, Neva especially …

In loving memory of Ronald Walker

Ronald Anthony Walker, age 70, officially put the wrenches away on Sept. 25, 2026, in Centralia, Washington. A Lewis County man through and through, Ron lived his entire life right where he wanted to …

Death notices: Oct. 2, 2026

• THEANNE EILEEN RANCICH, 64, Centralia, died Sept. 16 at Three Rivers Care Center. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • SYLVIA FREUND, 81, Centralia, …

In loving memory of Reverend Edwin Schimelpfenig: 1954-2026

Reverend Edwin Schimelpfenig, 72, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Sept. 11, after a long battle with cancer. Edwin was born to Alfred and Harriett Schimelpfenig in Cottage Grove, Oregon, but …

In loving memory of Nancy Bay: 1944-2026

Nancy Bay, a longtime resident of Rochester, Washington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Nancy was born in Oakland, California, in 1944. She lived a full and meaningful life …

Death notice: Sept. 30, 2026

• TRACY TORGERSON, 67, Winlock, died Sept. 27 at home. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington.
State & Regional News

Altercation at bonfire gathering in Estacada leads to car crash, juvenile arrest

A violent physical altercation at an outdoor Estacada gathering on Friday night set off a chain reaction of events that ended in a car crash, an arrest and at least one hospitalization, Clackamas …

Schools
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 …
In Focus: Drew North Foundation 5K raises support for local youths in Chehalis
The annual Drew North Foundation Mental Health & Suicide Awareness 5K was held in Chehalis on Saturday, Sept. 26. Proceeds from the event will go to providing resources for the youth of the …
Business Stories
sámn brings Cowlitz heritage to the table at ilani

The grand opening of sámn at ilani on Thursday, Oct 1, marked another step in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s ongoing development of its Ridgefield destination, with tribal leaders emphasizing …

Commentary

Our Views: Sean O’Donnell is the right nonpartisan choice for Washington Supreme Court

The Seattle Times and The Chronicle editorial boards aren’t always on the same page, but we are in at least one recent case.  The Seattle Times has endorsed Sean O’Donnell for …

Fact check: Washington's income tax initiative doesn't “cut” government programs

Washington voters will decide this November whether to keep the state's new 9.9% income tax . Politicians and the media are claiming approval of Initiative 645 will "cut funding" for public …

Richard Stride: For over a decade, Braun has shown up, listened and worked with us

In politics, particularly during an election season, it is easy for people to be reduced to party labels. Republican. Democrat. Conservative. Liberal. Those labels may tell us something, …

Opinion: Washington State Supreme Court tramples on citizens’ initiative power

“All political power is inherent in the people …” That’s how Washington’s Constitution begins. Apparently, however, the state supreme court disagrees. Washington voters decided …

Our Views: The Chronicle Editorial Board endorses John Braun for Congress

A member of Congress is elected to represent the people, values and interests of a district. By that standard, the choice in the race to represent Washington’s Third Congressional District is …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Summer turns to fall at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Before you know it, orange leaves and rainy days will be encompassing everyday life in Southwest Washington. The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge’s River "S" Unit is one of the best places …
WDFW launches new kindergarten curriculum to introduce students to wildlife
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this week announced a new kindergarten curriculum centered around “Many Places, Many Lives,” an illustrated poetry collection that …
‘Tis the season: 2026 Washington state hunting prospects now available
September marks the beginning of new hunting seasons across Washington, including early archery opening for deer and elk. As hunters across the state gear up for big game, waterfowl, and upland bird …