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The Centralia TransAlta plant is shown here in an aerial photograph taken on Thursday, Oct. 23.

TransAlta signs agreement to enable coal to natural gas conversion at Centralia plant

TransAlta has announced it will “perform coal-to-gas conversion on its Centralia Unit 2 facility in Washington state, with a planned contracted capacity of 700 MW.” The news comes as … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/9/25

The Chronicle - December 9, 2025

12/9/25

Centralia picks up close win over Eatonville to remain unbeaten

The Centralia girls basketball team came away with a 45-43 victory over Eatonville on Monday, improving to 4-0 to start the season. The game was close throughout, as the Tigers led by just three … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Vikings cruise past Columbians, secure first win of season

Behind four in double figures and unleashing a running clock in the second half, the Mossyrock High School boys basketball picked up their first victory of the season with an 81-40 verdict over … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Toledo drops close matchup with Raymond-South Bend

The Toledo girls basketball team battled back from a double-digit deficit against Raymond-South Bend on Monday, but the Riverhawks eventually ended up losing 33-31. Toledo trailed 15-3 after … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Rainier suffers first loss of season to Montesano

Rainier’s three-game win streak to open the season came to an end on Monday, when the Mountaineers lost to Montesano 57-30. Rainier was within striking distance at halftime, trailing by … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Rochester can’t overcome third-quarter surge in Kalama

Rochester entered the break within striking distance in Kalama on Monday, but a red-hit third quarter from the Chinooks was too much for the Warriors to overcome in a 57-36 loss. Rochester … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Prep boys basketball: Depth, athleticism pushes Wolves past Eagles

TUMWATER — Going 0-2 in the Class 2A District 4 tournament last winter didn’t sit well with Jeff Gallagher and his assistants. It was a quick exit after losing only one Evergreen … more

By Zach Martin / zach@chronline.com | 12/8/25

Tenino loses home matchup against Eatonville

Tenino’s struggles continued on Monday, when the Beavers lost 53-38 at home against Eatonville The Beavers fell behind early, finishing the first quarter down 15, and they entered the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

W.F. West picks up road win over Hockinson

W.F. West’s two-game skid came to an end on Monday, when the Bearcats took down Hockinson 78-56 in a convincing road victory. The Bearcats took a 10-point lead after the first and pushed … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Tim R. Fredericks Jr., 48, Gig Harbor, makes a video appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 8.

Man accused of ‘egregious’ beating outside Centralia Inn

A 48-year-old Gig Harbor man faces criminal criminal charges after he allegedly assaulted a man in what prosecutors called an "egregious” offense. Security cameras reportedly captured the … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 12/8/25

Heavy rainfall, rising rivers and landslide risk prompt concerns for Lewis County, state

With the first heavy rainfall of the flood season in the forecast this week, Lewis County and Centralia emergency management officials are actively monitoring conditions and preparing routine … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Santa waves to local children from the back of a fire engine on North Market Boulevard during the annual Santa Parade in Chehalis on Saturday, Dec. 6.

In Focus: Santa Parade brings crowd to Chehalis

Scenes from the 75th annual Santa Parade in downtown Chehalis on Saturday morning. The theme was “A Country Christmas.” KMNT 104.3 FM … more

12/8/25

Local boy Roman Wagner, 6, chosen to serve as Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade grand marshal

The organizers of the Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade, which is set for this Saturday night, have announced local boy Roman Wagner will serve as grand marshal. Wagner, 6, has been battling … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Vehicles drive through the Fort Borst Park drive-thru lights display on opening night Friday, Dec. 5, in Centralia. The display will run from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening through Dec. 25. The cost is $7 per car and $10 for small buses. Large buses are not permitted. Each night, a different nonprofit will accept admission costs at the gate, generating funds for a number of local causes. “We thank our City Parks team for their rapid response and dedication in ensuring Borst Lights will shine brightly for another Christmas season,” a news release from the city stated. The display’s opening came after recent vandalism caused up to $30,000 in damage. The Centralia Police Department is investigating what it called “an act of malicious vandalism,” it announced last week. The lights had been set up by Centralia City Parks employees over a period of days in advance of the annual Borst Lights event, which goes beyond providing a visual holiday spectacle and helps support local non-profits with fundraising and food donations. Police say the unknown individuals damaged approximately one-third of the displays sometime overnight between Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26. According to police, the city parks employees were “deeply disappointed” to discover the damage, which is estimated to range from $20,000 to $30,000. The department said it is increasing its patrols in and around the park in response. To report information, call the Centralia Police Department during business hours at 360-330-7680 or contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 360-740-1105.

In Focus: Borst Park drive-thru display opens for season despite recent vandalism

12/8/25

Sirens: Man punches, kicks person already on the ground; DUI arrest after crash; items worth $2,600 stolen from business

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Lorenzo A. Mauga, 26, Morton, was arrested in the 1900 block of Cooks Hill Road at about 2:26 p.m. Dec. 5 and booked into the Lewis County Jail … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/8/25

Death notices: Dec. 8, 2025

• KATHRYN LOUISE SMITH, 80, Rochester, died Nov. 30 at Silver Acres Family Home in Centralia. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. • AUDREY RADEMAKER, … more

12/8/25

The Labree Road interchange is pictured in this photo provided by Chronicle columnist Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald commentary: Port announcement fulfills dreams of early industrial park members

I read with interest the announcement from the Port of Chehalis on Wednesday that Amazon wants to buy land to build an operations center that would employ between 500 and 1,000 workers. Although … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 12/8/25

Reader's submission: Beloved rocking horse recovered after plea from local resident

Editor’s note: Last month, Winlock area resident Spencer Hoven shared her story with The Chronicle’s Facebook followers about a beloved rocking horse that had been mistakenly donated to a … more

12/8/25

Commentary: It’s time to break the cycle of never-ending cost increases

All across our state, every day, employers make big, positive differences in their communities. We see that in the people they employ, the products and services they produce, and in more impressive … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 12/8/25