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Sirens: Driver strikes light pole; neighborhood dispute leads to claims of harassment; DUI arrest; medication stolen

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Accidents • A vehicle collided with a light pole at the corner of Haviland Street and Lum Road at about 3:05 a.m. July 26. No injuries were reported. Police … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

New Winlock Treasurer Michelle Francis thanks the council for confirming her hiring during a Tuesday, July 21, special Winlock City Council meeting, in this screenshot from the meeting recording on the @Videos4archive YouTube account.

Winlock City Council hires new city treasurer

Following their first regular meeting on July 13, members of the Winlock City Council convened twice last week, on July 21 and 23, for a pair of special meetings ahead of their next regular meeting … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/27/26

Motorcyclist injured on I-5 in Thurston County near Rochester

A motorcyclist was injured Saturday in a single-vehicle collision on Interstate 5 just north of Rochester, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Jonathon J. Levesque, … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

Julie McDonald: Former Chehalis Advocate editor Dick Fry dead at 103

Coincidences always leave me wondering, and last month was no exception. I received a call from longtime Centralia resident Robert McInnis offering me a history book about the Fry family who … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/27/26

Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier holds a sheep as he waits to have his photo taken at The Atrium in Olympia on Tuesday, July 21.

Wayne Fournier: The future of agriculture is in the barns at the Thurston County Fair

Every summer, thousands of people pass through the gates of the Thurston County Fair. Some come for the rides; some come for the food; some come for the concerts. Some come because it's simply … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 7/27/26

Greg Rohr is the elected executive chair of the Lewis County Republican Party. He can be reached at info@lcrpwa.org. To learn more about the party, visit https://www.lcrpwa.org.

Greg Rohr: Truth before politics — vote according to the values you want promoted

Over the past several weeks, members of the Lewis County Republican Party have been criticized for asking difficult questions about a Republican candidate’s past. Some have said we should have … more

Commentary by Greg Rohr, Lewis County Republican Party chair | 7/27/26

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: Casting my vote for Murphy

If there is one word that best describes Tracy Murphy, it's consistent. I've known Tracy for more than 20 years, and he is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He and his family have … more

7/27/26

Letter to the editor: Disappointed in Centralia council’s decision on moratorium

I’m a resident of Centralia. I want a good quality of life in this region not just for us but for the watershed and the salmon habitat. On Tuesday, July 21, the Centralia City Council moved to … more

7/27/26

Letter to the editor: Vote Chelsie Niemcziek for Lewis County coroner

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Chelsie Niemcziek as Lewis County coroner. The role of coroner is one that citizens can’t afford to take lightly. Don’t let her … more

7/27/26

Letter to the editor: Why this relentless assault on voting?

I listened carefully to President Trump’s prime time speech about election fraud. Apparently, the 2016 and 2024 elections, when Democrats controlled the White House, were clean, but the 2020 … more

7/27/26

Letter to the editor: New rules for holding public office in Washington

During its last session, the Washington Legislature passed Senate Bill 5974 establishing standardized eligibility rules and professional conduct standards for law enforcement leaders. I … more

7/27/26

Lewis County Commissioner District 3 candidate Mike Hadaller speaks during a candidate forum hosted by The Chronicle at the Bob Lyle Community Center in Morton on Tuesday, July 7.

Our Views: Forum questions, unlike commissioner candidate, were tough but fair

We were delighted to be joined by Michael Hadaller at our most recent election forum , this one held in the heart of Lewis County Commissioner District 3 in Morton. Hadaller hopes to represent … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 7/27/26

Jennifer Colvin, left, and Eric Klein wave to attendees during the Oregon Trail Days parade in Tenino on Saturday, July 25.

In Focus: Scenes from the Oregon Trail Days Parade in Tenino

7/27/26

The Cat Walk Boutique team poses for a photo during the business’s grand opening in Chehalis on Friday, July 24. The new business is located at 383 NW Chehalis Ave. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Learn more by visiting the business’s Facebook page.

In Focus: The Cat Walk Boutique opens in downtown Chehalis

7/27/26

A couple dances during the Music in the Park concert series at Recreation Park in Chehalis on Friday, July 24.

In Focus: Chehalis Music in the Park series reaches home stretch

Attendees listen to a country music performance from Jimmy Ritchey and the Marlow Brothers at Recreation Park in Chehalis on Friday, July 24, in these photos by Chronicle photographer Otto … more

7/27/26

Scout renovates Millett Field basketball court for Eagle Scout Project in Chehalis

Local hoopers now have a newly renovated place to play thanks to an Eagle Scout service project led by Carter Culletto, a Life Scout with Chehalis Troop 373. The project transformed the aging … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

Comcast breaks ground to expand to Napavine

Comcast announced it is expanding its network to Napavine, according to a recent news release. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in 2027. Residents can visit … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

Hope Alliance of Lewis County holds an event at George Washington Park in Centralia in this Chronicle file photo.

Hope Alliance of Lewis County to reduce hours amid budget shortfall

Local domestic violence advocacy group Hope Alliance of Lewis County will switch from 24/7 operations to a more traditional Monday through Friday schedule next month to address a looming budget … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

A helicopter and ambulance respond after a hiker near Mount St. Helens became ill and required assistance. This photo was provided by the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.

Hiker rescued near Mount St. Helens area after becoming ill

The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, with the coordinated efforts of North County EMS (NCEMS), the Volcano Rescue Team (VRT), JL Aviation and Clark County Fire District 13, conducted a mission on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/27/26

From the left, Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff, Tumwater City Councilor Peter Agabi, Purple Heart recipient Jim Peterson, and Tumwater City Councilors Eileen Swarthout, Kelly Von Holtz and Meghan Sullivan pose for a photo following the National Purple Heart Day proclamation made at Tumwater City Hall on Tuesday, July 21. While not present in person, Tumwater City Councilors Brandon Weedon and Angela Jefferson were present virtually on Zoom.

Tumwater council tables Home Energy Score ordinance for city equity commission consideration following 45 minutes of public comment

Nearly two dozen attendees filled the Tumwater City Council chambers on Tuesday, July 21, for the council’s regular meeting. Many turned out to share their thoughts on a proposed ordinance … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/27/26