Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

The cast of the Evergreen Playhouse production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” is pictured in this photo from Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Talented Cast Showcases Tragic Life of Anne Frank

I laughed. I cried. I knew going into the Evergreen Playhouse how the story ended, but it proved a poignant emotional roller coaster as the cast gave a wonderful performance this month of “The … more

2/27/23

State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, represents the 19th Legislative District in the Legislature.

Rep. Jim Walsh Commentary: A Clear and Present Danger to Constitutional Rights

Washington state is facing a clear and present danger to constitutional rights of free speech and freedom of conscience. Everyone who cares about our foundational values needs to get … more

By Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen | 2/27/23

At left, Mary Dowling, pictured in this 2006 Chronicle file photo, is the widow of the first Lewis County casualty of the Vietnam War, Robert Dowling. Robert received many medals for his service including from left in the foreground, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal. At right is a photo of Robert Dowling courtesy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Good News as Members of Congress Investigate War Widow’s Plight

If you ever wondered whether it was worth keeping old paperwork, a Gold Star wife in Tenino is proof that some receipts are probably good to keep. Mary Dowling, whose story we told in this space … more

2/26/23

Braun: Republicans in State Legislature Work to Cut Property Taxes; Democrats Say No, Set Stage for Increases

For many Washingtonians, the 2023 property tax statements that came in the mail this month produced the same “sticker shock” they’ve felt when buying things like groceries and … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 2/24/23

Commentary: Keep Promise to Students, Maintain Minimum Basic Skills Requirements

High school graduations are meant to be joyous, pride-filled occasions, a culmination of years of hard work and learning. Graduates should feel confident that their diplomas represent at least the … more

By Steve Mullin / Washington Roundtable | 2/24/23

Commentary: We Need Our Lawmakers to Adequately Fund Medicaid

People are waiting too long in emergency rooms statewide and hospital beds are in short supply. Low state Medicaid funding is a big reason why. In our medical system, when people have been … more

By Tammi Elswick | 2/22/23

Bill Moeller smiles for a portrait outside The Chronicle in Centralia on Jan. 24, 2023.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Reviewing an Old Column or an Old Man?

Sometimes, there comes a time in our lives — for us "older folk" — when we feel we just can't go on with anything and we'd just as soon sit in a "lift chair," if we have one, and read … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 2/22/23

Don Brunell Commentary: People Depend More on Local Pharmacies for Medical Information

While the coronavirus clobbered many businesses, pharmacies were not among them. In fact, since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, local pharmacists have become vital … more

By Don Brunell | 2/22/23

Jan Leth is pictured in this photo by Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Legendary WWII Correspondent Influenced Longtime Educator Jan Leth

Bonnie Wiley, a legendary reporter and The Associated Press’ only female war correspondent in the Pacific during World War II, interviewed Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 2/20/23

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride Commentary: A Look Back at Mary Surratt, Abraham Lincoln Assassin's Accomplice

Many people don’t remember Mary Surratt. Her name has been mostly lost to history. Surratt was executed for being a co-conspirator on President Abraham Lincoln's murder by John Wilkes … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 2/20/23

Brian Mittge Commentary: Army Needs to Honor Promise to Hero’s Widow

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you take a few minutes to read a powerful story this week by Craig Sailor of The News Tribune about a Tenino woman, her soldier husband, and a … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 2/17/23

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, takes part in a news conference Nov., 29, 2022.

Sen. John Braun Commentary: Democrats Hand First Round of Legislative Session to Criminals

Six weeks into the 2023 legislative session, the state Senate has reached the end of its first round of work. The calendar we adopted on the session’s opening day set Feb. 17 as the … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 2/17/23

Chad Taylor is the publisher and owner of CT Publishing, parent company of The Chronicle, The Reflector and Nisqually Valley News. He can be reached at ctaylor@chronline.com.

Publisher's Note: Chehalis School District Shines Light on Need for Math Improvement

The Chronicle newsroom has been publishing an ongoing deep dive series on the remarkable Chehalis School District effort called the Student Achievement Initiative (SAI). When 100% of … more

Commentary by Chad Taylor / Chronicle Publisher | 2/15/23

Bill Moeller Commentary: Seasonal Treats Ahead — We Can Hope So, Anyways

As I start writing this column, the sun — while not totally showing itself — has at least been peeking around a cloud or two. And that brings out the hope that spring, while still mostly … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 2/15/23

Don Brunell Commentary: Colville Healthy Forests Project Is Model for Federal Legislation

Who says Congress is so gridlocked that nothing is accomplished? Consider what happened last December when the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation streamlining regulations for projects … more

By Don C. Brunell | 2/14/23

Luana Graves, the great-granddaughter of Jacob and Mattie, is rightly proud of her deep roots in Lewis County.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Lewis County Roots of AAUW’s Luana Graves Date Back to 1883

Nearly 140 years ago, Jacob G. and Martha “Mattie” W. (Hill) Wymore packed up all their belongings and their children into a wagon to travel across the United States from Kansas to … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 2/13/23

Attendees of Anna Martin's royal icing sugar cookie decorating class carefully placed sprinkles on a cookie at the Dandelion Creative Space in this Chronicle file photo.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Stunt Comedy, River Films and More Opportunities to Emerge

I think America is still in a post-Covid wallflower phase, and it’s time to shake it off. We’ve gotten out of the habit of getting together. We’ve lost the momentum of … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 2/10/23

FILE PHOTO — Sen. John Braun, of Centralia, serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.

Sen. Braun Commentary: One Public-Safety Issue Shows Promise, One Takes a Left Turn

Washington’s laws concerning police pursuits and the possession of hard drugs were both changed in 2021. The mistakes made then by the Democrat majority have turned these into the top two … more

By Sen. John Braun / R-Centralia | 2/10/23

Bill Moeller Commentary: Remembering When Chehalis Made Life Magazine

You may have noticed that the world seems to be a bit crazy these days. Some problems are new, others shouldn't surprise us. Take prejudice and hatred for example. It's been … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 2/8/23

Priscilla Tiller is pictured in this photo provided by Chronicle columnist Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald Commentary: AAUW 58-Year Member Priscilla Tiller Recalls Seaside Childhood During WWII

As a little girl growing up in the Oregon Coast town of Seaside, Priscilla Prouty often saw giant blimps floating overhead as they patrolled the coastline searching for enemy submarines. It was a … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 2/6/23