The Daily Chronicle

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

John McCroskey Commentary: Where on Earth Are We Headed?

There were several items in the news that got my attention recently. A couple weeks ago, I read about another result of the poorly thought out language in the “police reform” bills … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 10/6/21 | 11 comments

Bill Moeller Commentary: Connections to Stardust

A recent notice in the Sunday edition of The Seattle Times carried the information that Jane Powell had just died. At this point, I expect 90% or more who just read that will ask, “who in … more

10/6/21

Washington Department of Social and Health Services employees against the vaccine mandate stand and hold signs alongside other rally goers on the steps of the Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia on Sunday.

Editorial: Rally Against Mandates an Exercise in Democracy

The gathering of thousands of opponents of Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 mandates in Olympia Sunday was an exercise in democracy. It comes at a time when many of the pillars of our government … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 10/6/21 | 5 comments

Photo from Salute To Armed Forces at T-Mobile Park.

Other Views: Thank you, Mariners, for an Improbable Season

Baseball is a game of disappointment and hope. Both were on full display last weekend as the Mariners ended their regular season, just shy of making the playoffs and ending a 20-year … more

The Seattle Times Editorial Board | 10/4/21 | 4 comments

Richard Stride Commentary: We Must Confront Our Divisions Now More Than Ever

“There’s something happening here …” The 1960s hits “For What It’s Worth” (1967) by Buffalo Springfield and “Get Together” (1967) by the … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 10/4/21 | 3 comments

A sign outside the Lewis County Courthouse reads, “Gary, we are grateful for your servant leadership and friendship” Friday morning in Chehalis.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Seeking Hope During a Season of Loss

September brought heartache and loss with the deaths of two prominent Southwest Washington politicians — Lewis County Commissioner Gary Stamper last week and state Sen. Dan Swecker Sept. … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 10/4/21

Bill Moeller Commentary: Errors and Omissions — Me?

I’ve found that one of the most embarrassing things about writing columns — such as this friendly psalm — are the occasions when discovering that a little more research could have, … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 9/29/21

Brunell Commentary: Our Economy Works When Consumers Pick Winners

Poland and America are like two trains passing each other in opposite directions. That is becoming increasingly clear as President Joe Biden rolls out his progressive agenda. The key question looking … more

By Don C. Brunell | 9/28/21 | 4 comments

U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler speaks to border enforcement officials in Texas during a recent visit to the state.

Herrera Beutler Commentary: Stop Demonizing Border Patrol, Police While Turning Blind Eye to Rising Crime

Law enforcement personnel across Southwest Washington inform me that a combination of federal and state policies have triggered crime to increase dramatically and pose a threat to our families and … more

By Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground | 9/28/21 | 4 comments

McDonald Commentary: Questions and Comments Prompt Search for COVID-19 Answers

The COVID-19 pandemic is a creation of the media. COVID-19 was created in a lab. Vaccines don’t work. Masks don’t work. They died of comorbidities, not COVID-19. Hospitals earn kickbacks … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 9/27/21 | 10 comments

Talking About Suicide: A Reporter Shares Her Experience

I usually keep my byline to the news section of The Chronicle, but I asked Editor Eric Schwartz permission to make a brief foray into the opinion page for suicide awareness month so I could share my … more

By Emily Fitzgerald | 9/24/21 | 1 comment

Brian Mittge Commentary: Over the Hill ... That Means It Gets Easier, Right?

This week, God willing, I will have the great honor of turning 45 years old. It’s an odd number but feels like a milestone. As one of my children (who shall remain nameless) said the … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/24/21

McCroskey Commentary: Don’t Mock Those Against Mandates While Ignoring Immigration Disaster

The debate continues about mandatory vaccinations and requiring proof to travel or enter a restaurant or take part in other normal activities we used to enjoy. I’ve noticed the … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 9/22/21 | 14 comments

Bill Moeller Commentary: Random Thoughts While Enjoying Last Weekend’s Rain

Last Friday, I was driving east on Harrison Avenue in Centralia. After I passed under Interstate 5, I glanced to my right and noticed a couple of booths being set up for Centralia’s farmers … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 9/22/21

CT Publishing co-owner and Chronicle Publisher Chad Taylor

Publisher's Note: Conservatives’ Fight Is in Olympia, Not Lewis County

Growing up, no one told me I was a Republican. I just knew. Low taxes, responsibility, smaller government, free markets, law and order, that all made sense to me. It also made me feel good … more

By Chad Taylor / For The Chronicle | 9/22/21 | 11 comments

Gov. Jay Inslee see the arrival of wind turbine components earlier this year in Clark County.

Commentary: Ban Inslee’s Ill-Advised Natural Gas Ban

Gov. Jay Inslee’s end run around the Legislature banning natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings is a bad idea. Even though the state Legislature adjourned last spring without passing … more

By Don Brunell | 9/20/21 | 4 comments

Julie McDonald Commentary: Pandemic Poses Sticky Questions of Mandates, Jobs and Public Health

No doubt about it, we’re living through a confusing, uncertain and rancorous time — in large part because of the coronavirus pandemic and attempts to curtail its spread. Take, for … more

By Julie McDonald | 9/20/21

Governor Jay Inslee talks during a press conference at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in 2019.

Jim Camden Commentary: Attempt to Recall Inslee Faces Even Longer Odds Than Recall of Newsom

With the national media's almost unabated attention to the attempted recall of California Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, several alert readers wrote to ask about something closer to home. That is, … more

Jim Camden / The Spokesman-Review | 9/19/21

The sun sets in Chehalis on an August night.

Richard Stride Commentary: This Suicide Prevention Month, Be ‘The One’ to Help Others

The book “I’m OK — You’re OK” by psychiatrist Thomas Harris published in 1969 is a self-help book and guide to using Dr. Eric Berne’s theory of … more

9/17/21

Guest Commentary: Swecker Was a Fish Farming Pioneer and True Statesman

The Washington state aquaculture community is honoring the life of fish farming pioneer and aquaculture advocate Dan Swecker, who passed away Sept. 1 following a brief illness. Swecker, a … more

By the Northwest Aquaculture Alliance | 9/17/21