Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

Lynn Ford of the Tool Bucket Library shows off a few of the garden tools they have available for loan. They also have a variety of power equipment and many other tools.

Brian Mittge: New tool library is a Swiss army knife for us all

A new resource in the Twin Cities offers an exciting opportunity for people to expand their abilities and try out cool new equipment. It’s called the Tool Bucket Library. It’s … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/26/25

From the left, Rep. Jim Walsh, Rep. Peter Abbarno and Sen. Jeff Wilson stand together during a vigil to mourn conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Jim Walsh: Reconciled to the risks, Charlie Kirk spoke real truth with calm resolve

Charlie Kirk. Most of the media coverage of Charlie Kirk in the days after his assassination on the campus of Utah Valley University focused on his political opinions, his political … more

Commentary by state Rep. Jim Walsh | 9/24/25

Sean Swope: What our nation needs isn't just ‘deescalation’ — it's Jesus

After reading the recent letter to the editor calling for "deescalation," I began to reflect on what that really means. If deescalation simply means Republicans and Democrats tolerate each other … more

Commentary by Sean Swope | 9/24/25

Commentary: Washington state budget is now negative by $421 million

Proving yet again that you can’t tax your way to economic prosperity, Washington state's 2025-27 budget is now negative by $421 million . According to the state’s September Revenue … more

By Jason Mercier / Mountain States Policy Center | 9/23/25

Julie McDonald: Treasure and preserve living history while you can

Lewis County lost a piece of history this month when John Alexander Jr. died on Sept. 7 after living nearly a century, much of it locally. I’ve always enjoyed running into John through the … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 9/22/25

Zac Eckstein is chair of the Lewis County Democratic Party.

Zac Eckstein: The uprootedness of youth extremism

German-born historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt escaped the Nazis and became one of the most influential political theorists in America before her death in 1975. Her work explored many facets of … more

Commentary by Zac Eckstein | 9/22/25

Commentary: The Legislature is putting Washington teenagers out of work

Now more than ever, our young people need economic opportunities and the life lessons they offer. While we know not all jobs are meant to be careers, each one offers an important experience. Jobs … more

Rep. April Connors / Tri-City Herald (TNS) | 9/22/25

Sen. John Braun poses for a photo outside The Chronicle's former office in Centralia on Thursday, July 17.

John Braun: State school superintendent plays politics while students continue to struggle

The results from this spring’s student assessments recently came out, and they’re not encouraging. Out of the 1.1 million students in Washington’s K-12 schools, the number who … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 9/19/25

Commentary: Tough budget choices ahead for City of Chehalis

Chehalis is entering the 2026 budget cycle with serious financial headwinds. The recent change in the Darigold property valuation will cost the city roughly $390,000 in lost property tax … more

By Kevin Carns, Chehalis city councilor | 9/19/25

Chehalis Tribe Chairman Dustin Klatush smiles while talking with Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier at the Hope and Healing Clinic in Tumwater on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

Wayne Fournier: One community, many nations: Lessons from Tribal neighbors

I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life. The trees, the water, the mountains, they’re my home. My family has been here since the mid-1800s, and I’ve always felt deeply … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 9/17/25

WAGOP Chairman and State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, speaks to supporters during a rally parental rights, organized by Let’s Go Washington, in front of the Capitol in Olympia on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Jim Walsh: West Coast ‘alliance’ raises thoughts of dubious vaccine mandates

Recently, governors of several West Coast states announced the formation of an “alliance” whose purpose is to “ensure residents remain protected by science, not politics. The … more

Commentary by state Rep. Jim Walsh | 9/16/25

Ballot envelopes sit in the Thurston County elections center. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)

Commentary: Vote-at-home is the law in Washington — and it works

As county auditors in Washington state, we serve in the executive branch of local government and are responsible for administering elections in accordance with state and federal law. That includes … more

By Lori Larsen and Marianne Nichols | 9/16/25

Jane Porter speaks about the importance of resiliency during the Southwest Washington Writers Conference at Centralia College on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

Julie McDonald: Inspiring others while raising money for good causes

“You are an excellent speaker,” state Rep. Rob Chase, former Spokane County treasurer, told author Patrick Hutchison on Saturday morning at the Southwest Washington Writers Conference. … more

9/15/25

Margarito Gomez and Patrick Tidwell tell attendees about Set Free NW church during this year's Southwest Washington Fair. (Photo: Brian Mittge)

Brian Mittge: Chehalis ministry works to deliver people from the evils of addiction

Patrick Tidwell felt hopeless. He was living in a park in Sacramento seven years ago, addicted to methamphetamine and other drugs. One day he finally cried out to God. “I feel like I'm … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/12/25

John Braun: To truly address violence, we must be Americans first

Charlie Kirk brought his formidable debating skills, love of country and strong faith in God to the University of Washington’s Seattle campus in May 2024. The popular young conservative leader … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun | 9/12/25

Dr. Henry P. Kirk is president emeritus of Centralia College.

Former CC president: I am so proud of all you have accomplished

Dear students, staff, faculty, administrators, Centralia College alumni and communities served: Hearty congratulations to all as we celebrate Centralia College’s 100th anniversary. … more

Commentary by Dr. Henry P. Kirk | 9/12/25

Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston speaks to the crowd about George Washington in front of his grave during Founder's Day at Washington Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Mayor: What kind of future do we want for City of Centralia?

Centralia is in the midst of making long-term decisions on growth. We’re completing our comprehensive plan, which is a planning document that uses a 20-year horizon and covers the gamut of … more

Commentary by Kelly Smith Johnston | 9/12/25

Peter Abbarno: Financial security is a foundation of health

An often-overlooked factor correlated to the health of an individual or family is their financial security. When families can pay their bills, keep the lights on and put food on the table without … more

Commentary by state Rep. Peter Abbarno | 9/12/25

Commentary: Rekindling America’s promise through Constitution Day

In 1787, as delegates emerged from drafting our Constitution, a citizen famously asked Benjamin Franklin what sort of government have you given us? His reply—“A republic, if you can keep … more

By Cathy McMorris Rodgers / Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute | 9/12/25

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey: The common thread in Olympia is foolish policy

I’ve owned a 1993 Honda Trail 70 for years. Although it is street legal, it has seen very few miles actually on the street. But I have always kept it licensed for those moments when … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 9/10/25