Local News
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visits Thurston County
The U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives canceled a public appearance with Southwest Washington congressional candidate and state Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, earlier this week after an …
Chehalis dog euthanized after biting child at backyard birthday party
A Catahoula leopard dog named Buoy that belonged to a Chehalis family was euthanized last month after it was reported to have attacked a young child and friend of the family who owned the animal …
Sirens: Woman gets prison for stolen handgun; man arrested for drugs; counterfeit bill used to quash bail
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. Sentencing • Hailey A. …
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, …
Western Washington drug trafficker sentenced after federal investigation
A 54-year-old Federal Way man was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Charle Neil Floyd …
Bail set at $100K for Randle man accused of strangling ex
Lewis County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Randle man Wednesday morning after he allegedly strangled his ex-girlfriend and threatened to kill her. Kurt R. Killian Sr., 62, is charged with one …
Lewis County AAUW presents proceeds of Evening With Authors to Hope Alliance of Lewis County
Lewis County branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) representative Jo Martens met with Hope Alliance of Lewis County Executive Director Kris Camenzind on Thursday, Oct. 1, to …
Survey: Public invited to share experiences along state Route 507 in Centralia
People who live, work and travel along state Route 507 in the Centralia area are invited to share their experiences and help identify future transportation needs along the highway, the Washington …
Repair and Sustainability Fair joins Community Garage Sale at SWW Fairgrounds
Residents with ripped clothes or broken appliances should think twice before they toss them, as the Repair and Sustainability Fair is on tap for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the …
Experience Chehalis announces executive director search and interim leadership
Experience Chehalis has announced its search for a new executive director as the organization continues its work to strengthen downtown Chehalis and support a vibrant, welcoming and economically …
Lewis County to hold annual flood meeting at courthouse, test alert system
The Lewis County Department of Emergency Management will hold its annual meeting focused on the coming flood season later this month. The county department announced Friday that it would host …
Mineral Lake fishing season extended through Oct. 31
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the extension of the Mineral Lake game fish season through Oct. 31 annually. This extension comes after WDFW received a …
Grays Harbor communities to hear from experts on the hazardous chemical cleanup at Cosmo Specialty Fibers
Twin Harbors Waterkeeper will hold a panel discussion at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 to update nearby communities about the Cosmo Specialty Fibers hazardous chemicals cleanup along the Chehalis River in Grays …
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Pumpkin Trains preparing to leave the station
In light of the Halloween season, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum has declared the annual Pumpkin Train rides will depart the depot on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. …
Adna Grange holding salmon dinner and game night Oct. 13
Adna Grange No. 417 will host a salmon dinner and game fundraiser night on Tuesday, Oct. 13. For $10, attendees can enjoy a salmon dinner with a side of salad and breadsticks. A snack bar …
Local Sports
Riverhawks destroy Ducks for rivalry win
Ignited by another stout game from tailback Nico Acosta and another shutout, the Toledo High School football team claimed their fourth straight win by cruising by Toutle Lake 56-0 at home on Friday …
Prep football: W.F. West gets out of ‘dogfight’ with three-score win over Washougal
For the W.F. West High School football team, they always have the expectation to win week in and week out. Even when instances like Friday night take place. There were a handful of missed …
Tumwater pulls away to top Mark Morris
Tumwater and Mark Morris traded blows early in Longview on Friday night, but the Thunderbirds pulled away to win 55-14 and remain unbeaten. The T-Birds scored 41 points in the first half before …
Pirates romp Titans to begin league title defense
Spurred by the return of all-league fullback Beau Miller, the Adna High School football team recorded a 46-6 beatdown of Pe Ell/Willapa Valley on Friday night to usher in a new C2BL West slate. …
Black Hills cruises past Hockinson for third straight win
Black Hills picked up its third straight win on Friday night, topping Hockinson at home 39-23. The Wolves scored a touchdown in the first quarter to go up 7-3, and they added three more …
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 …

In loving memory of Reverend Edwin Schimelpfenig: 1924-2026

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.

In loving memory of Frank Paulin: 1946-2026

Frank Randel Paulin, son of Louie and Betty Paulin, was born July 30, 1946, in Centralia, Washington, and passed away Sept. 14, 2026, at the age of 80. An outdoorsman and adventurer, Frank …
State & Regional News

Downtown Astoria business owner: 'I just want my mail'

Over the course of the last few months, people have begun to stop in, send emails and call The Astorian with complaints of not being able to receive mail. In addition to being a nuisance, with …

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 …
Commentary

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 …

Opinion: Support our rural libraries by voting for Timberland levy lid lift

As former trustees for Timberland Regional Library (TRL), we urge voters to approve TRL’s levy lid lift measure that is on this fall’s ballot. The Timberland district covers five counties …

Opinion: Washington’s I-645 — repealing the new 9.9% income tax 

This November, Washington voters will decide whether to enact I-645. This proposal would repeal a new 9.9% income tax , with a current statutory exemption of one million dollars, that is scheduled to …

Julie McDonald: Lewis County Maternity House offers help to young mothers

As a teenager who was strongly pro-life, I always thought communities needed a home for unwed mothers where their baby could grow inside their womb in safety and they could give birth without doing …

John McCroskey: MGP maims the facts in her attack on Braun's company safety record

I spent 28 years in law enforcement, including 10 as Lewis County sheriff. One thing that experience taught me is that serious accusations deserve more than a sound bite. You look at the …
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 …