Local News
Two men who set fire to man at Olympia homeless camp convicted for murder 
Two men who set fire to a man at an Olympia homeless encampment last year have been convicted on murder charges.  Following a three-week trial that ended on Friday, a Thurston County …
Fallen Thurston County soldier Sean Collins honored with mural 15 years after his death
Acta non verba. For some, it translates to “words not deeds,” but for fallen Yelm High School graduate Sean Collins, it was a way of life.  Now, when drivers traverse …
Thurston County deputies and K9 capture DV suspect in Rochester area on Friday
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies, with help from K9 Igo, apprehended a domestic violence suspect who tried to flee in the Rochester area early Friday morning. Deputies reportedly …
Chehalis caregiver accused of stealing $18,000 in cash from 64-year-old patient
A 24-year-old Chehalis woman faces felony charges after she allegedly admitted to stealing $18,000 from a 64-year-old woman under her professional care. Alissa May McDrummond is charged with one …
Centralia man accused of breaking windows next to ex’s partner’s home
Anthony Paich’s alleged act of revenge-fueled property damage was both costly and misplaced. Before last week, Paich had no criminal history. Now, the 31-year-old Centralia man faces one …
Thurston County emphasizes services for veterans
As the community observes the national Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Thurston County, home to one of Washington state's largest veteran populations, is emphasizing its commitment to the …
In Focus: Firehouse Construction celebrates opening in Centralia
Firehouse Construction owner Bryan Porter cut a commemorative ribbon outside the Tiger Stadium concession stand in Centralia on Friday, Nov. 7, to celebrate the opening of his business. …
Sirens: Juvenile accused of providing prescription medications; man arrested for stealing cologne; woman obstructs traffic, resists arrest
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Donald G. Kemrer, 71, San Francisco, California, was transported to the Chehalis Tribal Jail after allegedly stealing cologne from a business in …
Woman held on $10 million bail for allegedly drugging, killing ilani Casino and Resort patron
A 34-year-old Battle Ground woman accused of killing a man by poisoning his drink in his hotel room at ilani Casino and Resort is being held on $10 million bail, according to Clark County Superior …
B Movement Pilates expands in downtown Chehalis
B Movement Pilates is growing and celebrating its new location in downtown Chehalis with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Thursday, Nov. 20, followed by a grand opening event on Saturday, Nov. …
Cosmic Tattoo celebrates expansion in Centralia
Cosmic Tattoo is celebrating its move into a new, expanded location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The studio is now located at 531 N. Tower Ave., Centralia. …
Registrations open for the Washington Fishermen’s Conference
The first-ever Washington Fishermen’s Convention is coming to Westport this winter, according to a news release from Washington Sea Grant (WSG). The convention will take place Dec. 4 to 8. …
State Department of Health suspends license of Thurston County nurse after sexual assault charges
The Washington state Department of Health (DOH) has taken action against — or terminated the probation of — five area health care providers, including three from Thurston County and two …
Retired Department of Veterans Affairs Director receives Outstanding Service to Veterans award
Retired Washington state Department of Veterans Affairs Director Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, of Thurston County, has been named the recipient of the state’s 2025 Superior Service Award. The …
Local Sports
Sports Dump Debates The Brackets
The Chronicle sports staff discusses a big weekend in playoff football, volleyball and soccer and weighs in on each local matchup, and seed, for the state brackets. Zach’s child appears on the …
Tenino’s Burkhardt named Evergreen League MVP
Tenino’s Katen Burkhardt dominated in league play all season long, and on Sunday, she was named the 1A Evergreen League MVP by the league’s coaches. Across eight league games, …
State Boys Cross Country: McAferty takes final race in as leader of T-Birds program
PASCO — Well after Zane McAferty crossed the finish line, he went to a part of the fence overlooking Sun Willows Golf Course. No one was within speaking distance of him. He dropped his …
T-Birds finish second in district tournament
The Tumwater volleyball team earned a trip to its fifth straight state tournament on Saturday, knocking off Ridgefield in four in a district semifinal before falling to Columbia River in the district …
Rainier back in state tournament, knocks off Friday Harbor in crossover
The Rainier High School football team is headed to the state tournament for the first time since 2019 as the Mountaineers defeated Friday Harbor 52-38 in Oak Harbor Saturday. Rainier started the …
Chronicle Podcasts

  • Sports Dump: An In-Depth Analysis of Teams You’ve Never Heard Of
  • News Dump Ep. 255: The Pre-Election Hash-it-out Summit
  • Sports Dump: Kissing the Regular Season Goodbye
Obituaries

In loving memory of Carol Hill

Carol Hill, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Centralia, Washington, at the age of 90. She was born and raised …

In loving memory of Ruth McAuley: 1941-2025

Ruth passed away on Oct. 18, 2025, at home in Onalaska. She was born in West Virginia in 1941 to William and Hazel Workman. The family later moved to Riffe, Washington. Ruth attended Mossyrock High …

In loving memory of Sherry Lynn McCalden: 1951-2025

Sherry Lynn (Macomber) McCalden, 74, of Doty, Washington, passed away on Oct. 29, 2025, at the Richard Nau Hospice House in Longview, Washington. Sherry was born June 21, 1951, in Chehalis, …

Death notices: Nov. 7, 2025

• PAUL LEO HURST, 69, formerly of Centralia, died Nov. 4. • CHARLOTTE JUNE MUNN, 92, Olympia, died Oct. 29 at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral …

In loving memory of Maureen Evelyn Curtis: 1942-2025

Maureen Evelyn Curtis, 83, died peacefully Oct. 28, 2025, surrounded by family in Hazel Green, AL. She was the second born child of Jack and Helena Morrison, born Oct. 19, 1942, during WWII in …

Death notices: Nov. 3, 2025

• DAVID KELLY YANT, 61, Centralia, died Oct. 21 at Three Rivers Care. Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel. • CAROL GLADYS MASON, 90, Olympia, died Oct. 29. …
State & Regional News

Fight over counting mail-in ballots after Election Day will go before Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday took up a Republican-backed challenge to counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Depending how the justices rule, the case could be consequential …

Schools
Chehalis PTO to hold meeting with superintendent after district says no to Camp Cispus
The Chehalis Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) representing James W. Lintott and Orin C. Smith Elementary Schools is holding a meeting Monday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the district’s …
Napavine High and Middle School first term honor roll
Following are members of Napavine Middle and High School second semester honor rolls. Students are listed in alphabetical order. The lists were provided by the Napavine School District. …
Rep. Peter Abbarno encourages students to apply for the 2026 Page Program
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, is encouraging students across the 20th Legislative District and the state to apply for the legislative page program during the 2026 session. Each year, …
Student-run Bearcat Thrift reopens at W.F. West High School
Bearcat Thrift, the student-run thrift store at W.F. West High School, celebrated its grand reopening Wednesday morning. Senior Avery Brundage founded and launched the thrift store last April …
Adna School District levy passing; Lewis County districts vote on school board directors
Preliminary election tallies are in for Lewis County. According to the auditor’s office, 14,979 total ballots have been counted in the county. An estimated 1,204 ballots have yet to be …
Commentary

Peter Abbarno commentary: Your voice matters in Olympia the 2026 legislative session

As we prepare to reconvene in Olympia in early January, now is the time for families, small businesses and communities to make their voices heard. The choices made this session will shape your …

Commentary: It’s time to get serious about solving our state’s energy challenges

For residents of the Pacific Northwest, January 2024 might be memorable because of the winter storm that brought ice and severe cold to the region, leading to major power outages. It might be …

John Braun commentary: The continuing insanity of the homelessness ‘emergency’

The line about “insanity” being defined as doing the same things over and over, and expecting a different result, is sometimes attributed to Albert Einstein.  An online search …

Zac Eckstein commentary: When the people who grow our food go hungry

Right now, 42 million Americans are caught in a bureaucratic mess. As a government shutdown drags on, the USDA at first refused to use emergency funds for November SNAP benefits. Only after a court …

Julie McDonald: November brings gratitude mixed with grief

November is considered gratitude month, a time to take stock of blessings in our lives, and I’m always thanking God for mine. Among those blessings are the treasured people I’ve met …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Hunting Highlights: Cougar, deer and elk, oh my!
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 …
WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Nov. 3
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Wednesday confirmed razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Nov. 3 to …
Reader’s Lens: More Hunting Highlights
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, …