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T-Birds ride quick start to win over Tigers

Tumwater’s offense found its groove early at home against Centralia on Friday, and the Thunderbirds rolled to a 69-40 victory, their eighth in a row. Tumwater scored 23 points in the first … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/9/26

Black Hills’ Talon Morrill (23) shoots a layup during a game against W.F. West at Black Hills High School in Tumwater on Friday, Jan. 9.

Wolves pull away late to top W.F. West, extend winning streak

TUMWATER— Eleven months ago, W.F. West eliminated Black Hills from the 2A District 4 Tournament, ending the Wolves’ season. Shortly after that game, Black Hills coach Jeff Gallagher placed … more

By Dylan Wilhelm / dylan@chronline.com | 1/9/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters during the annual legislative session preview in Olympia, Wash., on Jan. 9, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

Gov. Bob Ferguson may have broken Washington ethics laws allowing ex-adviser to fly on state plane

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson likely violated state laws by allowing his former top adviser, Mike Webb, to travel with him on a state plane to the Tri-Cities last summer, the state Executive Ethics … more

By Jerry Cornfield / The Washington State Standard | 1/9/26

Portland Police Chief Bob Day speaks at a press conference on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Photo by Shaanth Nanguneri/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Pair shot by federal officers in Portland had unspecified Tren de Aragua ties, police say

Two people shot by federal agents in Portland on Thursday “have some nexus” to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said Friday afternoon. Both people, … more

By Julia Shumway, Alex Baumhardt, Mia Maldonado and Shaanth Nanguneri / States Newsroom | 1/9/26

Port Commissioner Ally Pickard is sworn in during a business meeting at the Port of Centralia on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Commissioner Ally Pickard sworn into office at the Port of Centralia

The next chapter of the Port of Centralia Commission kicked off Wednesday as Ally Pickard was sworn in as the District 2 commissioner during its first business meeting of the year. Her first … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 1/9/26

Water surrounds a home near the Cowlitz River in Randle on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Lewis County residents now eligible for state disaster relief funds following flooding across the region in December

Lewis County residents can now reach out to the state for help with overcoming the costs of repairs and damages due to recent flooding in Western Washington. Washington state Gov. Bob … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/9/26

Austin Hamilton helps deputy city manager Amy Buckler label the skater’s favorite features for the Fuller’s Twin City Skate Park during a skaters open house at a Fort Borst Park kitchen rental on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Skaters brainstorm thoughts on possible Fuller’s Twin City Skate Park renovation in Centralia

Flyers were posted at the Fuller’s Twin City Skate Park in Centralia this week calling on skateboarders and others who use the complex at Rotary Riverside Park to come to a Wednesday evening open … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 1/9/26

From the left, Vader City Councilor Mike Parsons, Vader Mayor Joe Schey, and Vader City Councilors John Hurt, Nicole Hansen and Jason Dailey listen as Schey details a zoning change request during the council's regular meeting inside Vader City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Vader City Council begins new year approving rezone request from residents looking to subdivide land for housing development

Plans are in the works for a new housing development in the small South Lewis County community of Vader, after the Vader City Council approved a rezoning request from Vader residents Anthony and … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 1/9/26

Baumgartner calls for federal review to safeguard taxpayer dollars in Washington’s benefit programs

With federal investigations in Minnesota exposing large-scale fraud in child nutrition and Medicaid-related programs, Washington Congressman Michael Baumgartner, a Republican, on Thursday sent a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/9/26

Sirens: Fraudster steals $900 in internet scam; downtown Centralia business vandalized; disorderly conduct reported in Chehalis

Centralia Police Department Crashes • A collision occurred during the early morning hours of Jan. 7 at the intersection of South Yew Street and West Cherry Street. The crash was reported … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/9/26

A rider competes in barrel racing during the Lewis County Rodeo at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Thursday, Aug. 14.

‘Ride into History’: Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Board seeks applicants

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is looking to fill vacancies on the Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Board, the group that helps shape decisions about the Southwest Washington … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/9/26

Death notices: Jan. 9, 2026

• CHERRIE ANN STONE, 76, Toledo, died at home Jan. 6. Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel. • SUSAN JUNE SCOTT, 86, Olympia, died Jan. 4 at Fieldstone Memory Care. … more

1/9/26

Sen. John Braun commentary: Refusing to take fraud concerns seriously will add to public’s distrust

Allegations of fraud involving childcare funding and other government-subsidized programs elsewhere have people here concerned that something similar could be happening in Washington. I know … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 1/9/26

Brian Mittge talks to Chris Thomas during a Business After Hours at The Chronicle in Centralia on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Brian Mittge: As we enter the new year, be it so resolved ...

OK, a week into the new year, how are your resolutions doing? The habit changes that I’m starting with in 2026 aren’t exactly strict new rules that started with the ball dropping on Jan. 1, but … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 1/9/26

Letter to the editor: As simple as to free or not to free? A Seattleite’s take on the Skookumchuck

I’ve always found academic conversations surrounding dam removal to be rather cut-and-dry. Wrapping up my environmental studies degree at the University of Washington, I can comfortably make the … more

1/9/26

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

Letter to the editor: Let’s learn to respect the profound and valuable differences among our citizens

As I watch and listen to our country in chaos and frustration from elected officials to local citizens, I sometimes fear for our future. So, after too many years as rhetorician, I am reminded of … more

1/9/26

Letter to the editor: Don't reduce Venezuela to a talking point in America’s culture wars

Much of the public discussion surrounding Venezuela — particularly in progressive political circles — treats the country’s collapse as either a distant humanitarian tragedy or, worse, as a … more

1/9/26

Letter to the editor: No mega-dam — let’s do what works instead

The waters were rising around my Rochester home back in the flood of 2007. When NOAA’s forecasting graph suddenly updated the level that the Chehalis River would crest at two additional feet, … more

1/9/26

Letter to the editor: Tribes are central contributors to Washington’s economy, workforce and public wellbeing

Your recently published article, “Washington’s tribes boost state economic activity with casinos, businesses,” highlights a reality that deserves broader recognition across the state and … more

1/9/26

Letter to the editor: A warning about a dangerous dog after attack in Centralia

Please be aware that there is a very aggressive black pitbull that is able to slip under the fence into Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia. On Jan. 5, I was walking my two dogs through the … more

1/9/26