Local News
Timberland Regional Library’s levy lid lift has passed, district declares 
With 56.69% approval one week after election day, the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) declared victory Tuesday, Nov. 10, for its levy lid lift.  The ballot measure approved by voters …
Lewis County man with six previous convictions again accused of failing to register as sex offender 
A 47-year-old man who resides in Chehalis has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender.  Jarett Douglas Mortensen has been convicted of the same charge six times previously, …
Gov. Ferguson chooses Jimi Hendrix for Washington’s U.S. Mint Innovation Coin
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday announced he has chosen Jimi Hendrix as Washington’s submission to the U.S. Mint American Innovation $1 Coin Program. The program, first launched by the …
Foundation gives $10M to Washington arts; $52,500 in Lewis County and $450K in Thurston County 
Washington’s nonprofit arts sector is getting a $10 million cash boost.  That’s how much Allen Family Philanthropies and nonprofit ArtsFund will send out to local organizations in the …
Parents, groups sue over Washington transgender student athletes initiative
One week after Washington voters approved an initiative to bar transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports, parents are suing to block it. The legal challenge, filed Monday, argues …
Chehalis teen accused of burglarizing business, ramming police vehicles 
An 18-year-old Chehalis man is back behind bars about a month after he was released on unsecured bail for allegedly stealing Pokemon cards from a downtown Centralia toy store.  Peyton Perry …
Port of Centralia will avoid property tax hike, instead banking on land sales
The Port of Centralia will not enact an increase in local property taxes this year after leadership declined to take either an administrative refund or the allowed 1% annual property tax revenue …
Thurston County man injured after crashing into tree
A Yelm man crashed his car into a tree while speeding on state Route 510 in Thurston County on Sunday. Andrew Juarez, 34,   was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital for treatment of …
Nisqually Indian Tribe opens Generations Healing Center
Editor's note: The Nisqually Indian Tribe Generations Healing Center was scheduled to open Nov. 9, but staff learned over the weekend that needed software had not been approved, and the opening has …
In Focus: Fernseed Plant & Flower Shop grand opening in Centralia
To read The Chronicle's previous feature article about Fernseed Plant & Flower Shop , visit https://tinyurl.com/yuz6nm83 . 
Sirens: Dog feces argument leads to citations; DUI on a scooter; thrown knife damages windshield
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Theft • Centralia patrol received a report of shoplifting at a local business by a repeat offender at about 8:55 a.m. Nov. 8 in the 100 block of West High …
Whooping cough: What Lewis County families should know
As respiratory illnesses pick up this season ('tis the season), I want to call attention to one that can be easy to mistake for an ordinary viral cold: pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Lewis …
In Focus: Brick in the Wall settles into new downtown Centralia location
Read The Chronicle's previous articles about the recent move by Brick in the Wall here: https://tinyurl.com/3j9w2w9f  
Chief Brian Hurley to retire after 32 years at Tumwater Fire Department
Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley has announced his retirement after 32 years working for the Tumwater Fire Department. “Chief Brian Hurley recently let us know that he intends to retire, and …
JBLM soldier sentenced to 70 years in prison in deadly shooting spree at Gorge Amphitheatre festival in 2023
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier was sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing two women and injuring three other people in a 2023 shooting during a music festival at …
Local Sports
CC’s Guillen, Wenrich nab all-region awards
First-year head coach Garret Wenrich put the Centralia College men’s soccer team a win away from qualifying for the NWAC Tournament. And his top striker Diego Guillen was attached to scoring goals …
State Football Capsules: Another installment of a rivalry and double digit seeds on the upset hunt
The state tournament will officially get underway on Friday night and the seeding committee clearly wanted one more installment of a classic Thurston County rivalry. With three area teams in …
Tenino, Adna eliminated from state tournament
The Beavers and Pirates went one-and-done in their respective Round of 16 games on Tuesday night to see their seasons come to a close. No. 10 Tenino dropped a 4-1 verdict to No. 7 The Bush School in …
State Girls Soccer: Loggers dominate Scotties for first state tourney win in three years
There’s been a thorn in the side of the Onalaska High School girls soccer team during their run of seven consecutive state tournament appearances. It’s a thorn exactly 123 miles away. Its …
Sports Dump: Seeding Sunday Bracket Reveal!
On a special Sunday Zoom edition of Sports Dump, the boys break down Friday and Saturday’s crossover-ish football games and Saturday’s district championship games and matches. Then the fellas …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • News Dump Ep. 299: Requiem for an Election
  • Sports Dump: The Round Of (XXXXX) Is Here
  • Sports Dump: The Cornjerker Hath Returned
Obituaries

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 …

In loving memory of Travis Riley: 1978-2026 

Travis Riley, 48, of Onalaska, Washington, passed away on Nov. 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, following a courageous six-week fight for his life. He leaves behind a …

In loving memory of Terry Slinker

Terry had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. During his working years, he worked for Weyerhaeuser planting trees, as well as operating his own lawn care service.  Terry enjoyed time …

Death Notice: Nov. 6, 2026

• ALBERT OREN HOLCOMB , 73, Centralia, died Nov. 1 in Centralia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington.

Celebration of Life: Leland "Lee" Day, Aug. 24, 1938 - Oct. 22, 2026

A celebration of the life of Leland "Lee" Day will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 5th at the Grace Church, 1965 S Market Blvd Chehalis Washington .  All who loved him are welcome.

In loving memory of Melvin Wilkins: 1928-2026

Melvin Ottis Wilkins completed his earthly journey on Oct. 13, 2026. He was born Feb. 4, 1928, to Carlton and Bessie Wilkins in Pilot Point, Texas. He is preceded in death by brothers James and Glen …
State & Regional News

Gas prices continue downward trend in Washington state

Fuel prices continued their steady decline across Washington this week, marking the third consecutive week of decreases as seasonal factors and increased fuel supplies continue to ease pressure at …

Schools
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 …
No issues reported after Centralia police, school district announce increased presence for football game
The Centralia Police Department (CPD) and the Centralia School District (CSD) on Friday issued a joint statement to update the community regarding Oct. 30’s Centralia High School varsity football …
Letters to the Editor
Letter to the editor: Measuring photos in the general election edition

Silly me.  When I read the Nov 5. edition of The Chronicle, I expected to see a big picture of Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on the front page.  She was, after all, the winner of a race …

Commentary

Julie McDonald: Blue tsunami was propelled by independents

High gas prices. A war in Iran. Tariffs imposed on allies. Grocery costs soaring. Corruption at the highest levels of government. Alienating friends. Cozying up to oligarchs. A proposal to …

Wayne Fournier: Let’s remember that, in politics, winning is only the beginning

One of the most interesting things I've heard throughout my political career is a sentence that usually comes from someone who approaches me a little cautiously. "You're the first Democrat I've …

Opinion: Here’s a plan for growing Washington’s economy

Maybe it’s time to just — take a pause. After several years of tax increases and steep growth in state spending, Washington employers — and taxpayers — could use some time to adjust to …

Opinion: The voters have spoken. What did they say about taxes?

Though ballots are still being counted in several states, enough votes are in to project the outcome for several tax proposals that were considered across the country this election. It appears that …

Opinion: Governor must put politics aside and let Washington’s kids benefit from federal education tax credit program

I talk with parents in Spokane Valley, Greenacres and other Eastern Washington communities regularly. Behind almost every conversation is a story that stays with you. I hear from mothers whose …
Outdoors
Outdoors
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 …
Hunting Highlights: Young hunters find success in early deer 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 …