Local News
Teen charged as an adult with assault, robbery and escape in Chehalis; 16-year-old boy booked for new assault, escape charges 
A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with new robbery, assault and escape charges following an escape attempt from the Lewis County Juvenile Detention Center in Chehalis on Wednesday.  …
MGP introduces bill banning congressional stock trading, automatic pay raises 
U.S. Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, and Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, last week introduced the bipartisan No Corruption in Government Act. The proposed legislation would prevent members of …
WDFW announces tentative Cowlitz River smelt fishery dates 
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a new tentative schedule approach for the Cowlitz River recreational smelt fishery.  “This approach is designed to …
White Pass Ski Area freeride team expands limits of young skiers
WHITE PASS — Exceptionally wet and heavy powder combined with low visibility to create difficult conditions for the White Pass Ski Area freeride ski team at its Sunday practice earlier this …
Rep. Jim Walsh challenges gun control narrative, calls for ‘crime control’
Nineteenth Legislative District state Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has reaffirmed his commitment to public safety and constitutional rights during the 2025 legislative session, he stated in a news …
Montesano passes resolution reaffirming support for Chehalis River dam project
The Montesano City Council, a member of the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, passed a resolution at Tuesday evening’s regular City Council meeting pledging continued support for the …
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office searches for missing woman
Authorities are searching for a missing woman who was last seen in Cowlitz County about two months ago. Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office staff received a report on Jan. 3 of the …
Washington state Republicans hope fifth time is the charm for emergency powers reform bill
Republican lawmakers in Washington state are taking another stab at emergency powers reform in the hope that a new governor means legislation to that effect will at least get a hearing. Bob …
Washington state Democrats move to ban open, concealed carry of a firearm at 5,300-plus locations
The list of where possessing a firearm is illegal, even with a concealed pistol license, could soon expand as lawmakers considered a bill Tuesday to ban carrying altogether at more than 5,300 places. …
Washington’s new attorney general pushes back on Ferguson’s plan to drain $35M from agency
Washington’s new governor, Bob Ferguson, has targeted his own former office as ripe for budget savings as he seeks fixes for the state’s multibillion-dollar shortfall.  But his …
Seven takeaways from Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address
Bob Ferguson is officially the governor of Washington.  Ferguson, a Democrat, took the oath of office on Wednesday in front of family, friends and lawmakers in a crowded House of …
Hearing for Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy facing domestic violence charges delayed due to recusal of judge 
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeffrey S. Humphrey had his first appearance in Lewis County District Court on Wednesday, though his arraignment hearing has been delayed one week due to …
Rep. Jim Walsh visits Willapa Harbor Hospital, will seek support for aging facility in state Legislature
State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, met with CEO Matt Kempton at Willapa Harbor Hospital on Jan. 10. Walsh toured the facilities and talked with staff, according to a news release from the …
Original Washington state Constitution document to be displayed at state Capitol
The Washington State Archives will display the Constitution of the State of Washington outside of the House Chambers in the Legislative Building on Sid Snyder Avenue in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 16, …
Toledo Community Library accepting seeds for ninth annual Toledo Seed Swap
The Toledo Community Library will host its ninth annual seed swap on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seed donations can be dropped off at the library, located at 241 Cowlitz St. in …
Local Sports
Humphrey’s big night keeps Adna unbeaten in league
A career game from sophomore Grayson Humphrey was more than enough to allow the Pirates to breeze by Toutle Lake 78-40 on Thursday night in a C2BL contest. Humphrey poured in 27 points on …
Bearcats top Warriors, clinch league title on Senior Night
The W.F. West bowling team celebrated its Senior Night in style on Thursday, clinching its sixth-straight Evergreen Conference Championship by defeating Rochester 2,277-1,967 in front of a standing …
First half flurry allows T-Birds to hold off Bobcats
Putting up 38 points in the first two quarters was enough to fend away upset-minded Aberdeen, allowing Tumwater to pick up a vital 62-50 verdict on Thursday night in Evergreen Conference action. …
Thursday's wrestling report: Black Hills stave off Aberdeen in EvCo dual
Behind six straight weights won, five of them by bonus points, the Wolves secured a 43-31 victory over the Bobcats on Thursday night in an Evergreen Conference dual in Aberdeen. Roberto …
Tigers top 100 in win over Vikings
The Napavine boys basketball team hit triple-digits on Thursday, scoring more than 100 points in a 102-54 win over Mossyrock. The Tigers scored 63 points in the first half, added 26 more in the …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 219: Striving for potential estrangement
  • Sports Dump: Back After a Long Winter’s Nap
  • News Dump Ep. 218: Trying to catch a falling (Morning)Star
Obituaries

In loving memory of Charles Lee Pollock: 1952-2024

Charles Lee Pollock, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 30, 2024. Born in Chehalis, Washington, on May 4, 1952, to Joseph A. Pollock and …

In loving memory of Colleen Atkins: 1939-2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Atkins, age 85, of Chehalis, Washington. She passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2025. She was fondly called Coke by friends and family …

In loving memory of Byron Amburgy: 1933-2024 

Byron Lee Amburgy, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at his family home in Lacey, Washington, after a short battle with liver cancer. He was 91 years …

Death notices: Jan. 15, 2025

• NORMA J. GIFT, 90, Chehalis, died Jan 6. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at Alpha Cemetery, Onalaska. Arrangements are under the care of Newell Hoerling’s …

In loving memory of Charles Sheryl: 1944-2024

Charles William Sheryl, a long-time Raymond resident, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at the Willapa Harbor Rehabilitation Center in Raymond. He was born March 29, 1944, in Ventura, California, to …

Death notices: Jan. 13, 2025

• CAROL A. DOUGLAS, 67, Winlock, died Jan. 6 at her residence. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • KARLENE K. RAINES, 73, Salkum, died Jan. 8 at her …
State & Regional News

Murdered or still missing? Ex-roommate on trial for 1999 killing of Oregon pot dealer

Twenty-five years after a Hillsboro, Oregon, man disappeared while picking up drug money over the Fourth of July weekend, his ex-roommate was brought to trial and accused of killing the small-time …

Schools
Chehalis preschool teacher charged for allegedly assaulting two students in October 
A James W. Lintott Elementary School teacher is facing misdemeanor assault charges in Chehalis Municipal Court for allegedly assaulting two preschool students in October 2024.  The teacher, …
Washington state bill would limit cellphone use in schools
SEATTLE — A group of state lawmakers want to crack down on cellphones in schools. Reps. Stephanie McClintock, Mari Leavitt and Liz Berry introduced a bill requiring school districts to …
Adna High School Robotics Club sets record in regional FIRST Tech Challenge competition
Originally founded in 2017, the Adna High School Robotics Club is now headed to the state competition in its sixth FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), having won the regional semifinal competition on …
In focus: Old-timers ball at Toledo High School alumni games
Toledo Indian Basketball Alumni held the 19th annual alumni games on Saturday at Toledo High School.  The fundraiser included four games, including an “Old Guys” game, a girls …
Centralia Middle School begins transition from Yellow Jackets to Tigers 
Centralia Middle School is getting an orange and black makeover after the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) voted to officially change the school’s mascot from the Yellow Jackets to …
Commentary

Julie McDonald: Laughter abounds as hundreds pay tribute to Bill Brumsickle

As the nation mourned the death of former Democratic President Jimmy Carter last week, closer to home, nearly 300 people gathered inside Corbet Theatre on the Centralia College campus on Friday to …

Commentary: Washington state needs a pro-growth agenda

Washington lawmakers begin the 2025 legislative session facing something many of them have not experienced during their time in office — a sizable budget gap. The last time the state was …
Focus on Agriculture:

Maureen Harkcom: Time to kick back and relax for farmers and ranchers? Hardly

A lot of people think that this time of year farmers are just kicking back and relaxing by the fire feeling all cozy and warm. Some farmers are in their “down time” of the year, but …

Publisher's Note: Washington state’s climate policy is a case study in failure

Washington state’s so-called leadership on climate policy has been a disaster: it has backfired. Although the investments have been made and the words from Olympia have been said, CO2 …

Brian Mittge: News of the weird and wonderful in the new year

As we kick off the new year, here are a few news items from around the nation and world that I hope bring a smile to your face, from an escaped monkey in a tutu to a big honor for a beloved …
Outdoors
Outdoors
New study planned to reveal more about Southwest Washington black-tailed deer populations
Starting this month, biologists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will begin conducting a study in southwest Washington that will help the department develop a new method for …
These 10 days will be fee-free holidays for national parks, forests in 2025
If you want to get out to a national park or federal forest for free this year, circle these 10 dates on your calendar. Federal public lands agencies will once again waive entrance, parking and …
In focus: Walking into a new year at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Chronicle photographer Ridley Hudson captured these photos during a visit to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday afternoon. “Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually …