Life | The Daily Chronicle

Violinist Ranger Sciacca leads an improv workshop during Pickersfest at the Oakview Grange in Centralia on Saturday, Aug. 2.

In focus: Pickersfest brings three days of tunes to Centralia

Pickersfest was held at the Oakview Grange in Centralia on Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3. The three-day festival was hosted by the Washington Acoustic Music Association. Artists … more

8/4/25

Felicity McKitrick of Rainier FFA shows her hog during the Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Thurston County FFA, 4-H students auction off animals during youth market sale at fair

In the heart of the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey, 108 local students auctioned 135 animals during the Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale Saturday on the third day of the four-day fair. … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 8/4/25

Thatcher, Arizona resident Eric Neal, a Society for Human Resource Management senior certified professional, will officially take over as the hospital’s CEO starting on Aug. 25.

New CEO soon to be at the helm of Arbor Health Morton Hospital

Arbor Health Morton Hospital will soon have a new CEO at its helm, according to a news release from the East Lewis County health care provider. Thatcher, Arizona resident Eric Neal, a Society … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/4/25

Buddy Rose, grand marshal for the 19th annual Mossyrock Blueberry Festival parade, waves to parade goers on East State Street in Mossyrock on Saturday, Aug. 2.

In focus: Blueberry Festival brings sweet fun to Mossyrock

8/4/25

Zak Holsey competes in the tree topping event during the Morton Loggers Jubilee Logging Show at Jubilee Arena on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Morton Loggers Jubilee set to return for 82nd time

Whether you’re a fan of obscure motorsports like lawnmower racing or a fan of axe throwing, birling, speed climbing and other logging sports, the Morton Loggers Jubilee — also known as … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/1/25

Gesa President and CEO Don Miller, left, and Mike Alexander, a senior trust officer at Gesa, pose for a photo at Gesa Credit Union in Centralia on Tuesday, July 29.

Gesa Credit Union CEO talks Security State Bank acquisition, plans for future

First incorporated as a bank in downtown Chehalis back in 1903 with startup capital of $15,000, Security State Bank grew into a regionally successful credit union with 12 locations in Lewis, … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 8/1/25

Greenlee Clark poses for a photo while interning with Fox 10 News in Phoenix.

Toledo grad carving out reputation in multimedia journalism

When Greenlee Clark was a sixth grader at Toledo Middle School, she was told repeatedly by leadership teacher Jeff Davis that she needed to pursue a career in broadcasting. In Davis’ eyes … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 8/1/25

Finalists announced for Little Miss Friendly, the ‘living logo’ of the Southwest Washington Fair

The top five Little Miss Friendly candidates have been announced following interviews that took place at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in late July. Little Miss Friendly is considered the … more

By Tyrus VanTuyl / The Chronicle | 8/1/25

Former Bucoda Mayor Rob Gordon and the Bucoda Post Office are pictured in these Chronicle file photos.

Dedication ceremony to rename Bucoda’s post office in honor of late mayor scheduled for Aug. 19

At the beginning of this year, former U.S. President Joe Biden signed U.S. House Resolution 9421 into law, officially renaming the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) office in Bucoda after the late Bucoda … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 8/1/25

Mossyrock’s 2025 Blueberry Festival Parade grand marshal Buddy Rose with his eldest daughter Natalie Gonzalez, younger granddaughter Cecilia and older granddaughter Claudia, photographed in Morton in 2024.

Brian Mittge: Mossyrock honors keeper of stories on water, fire and blueberries

They say “you can’t go home again,” but that’s not just a sentimental saying for Buddy Rose. The longtime chronicler of East Lewis County life and history literally … more

8/1/25

Courtesy photo Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) Executive Director Nicole Kiddoo, left, is seen with 2025 USAging award winners LMTAAA Communications Manager Becca Frisch, center, and LMTAAA Planning Director Kyle Sanchez, right.

Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging wins national recognition for fourth year in a row

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) earned two national awards from USAging during its annual conference on July 20-23 in Chicago, according to a news release from LMTAAA. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/1/25

Power of the Purse attendees pose for a photo at Centralia College on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. The event's theme was "Kentucky Derby."

United Way’s 20th annual Power of the Purse returns Aug. 5

United Way of Lewis County invited the community to celebrate two decades of philanthropy and fashion at its 20th annual Power of the Purse, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 4 p.m. at the TransAlta … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/1/25

Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston speaks about George Washington during a memorial for Founder’s Day at the Washington Lawn Cemetery in Centralia on Saturday, Aug. 10, 3034.

Centralia Founder’s Day celebration set for Aug. 9 at George Washington Park

The Centralia Downtown Association invites the community to come together and honor the legacy of Centralia’s founder George Washington during Founder’s Day on Saturday, Aug. 9, with a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/1/25

Historic High Rock Lookout, shown here in an aerial drone photo taken by Mary Prophit in 2018, is perched on a 5,685-foot peak, offering visitors a spectacular view of Mount Rainier. It is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in the area.

Volunteers rebuild historic High Rock fire lookout near Mount Rainier after vandalism

One of Washington state’s most photogenic hikes, the High Rock Trail — known for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of Mount Rainier — is temporarily closed through … more

By Ian McCluskey / Oregon Public Broadcasting | 8/1/25

Eva Borst McElfresh is seen in this 1937 photograph showing three students the nightcap she wore when she lived at Fort Henness, the stockade on Mound Prairie, during the Indian Wars of 1855-56. She was taken to the fort as a 6-wek-old baby and was old enough to walk by the time her family left the fort. The girls are Donna Tisdale, who wrote the story of the Borst Family, Dorothy Rigg, who wrote an account of local Indian tribes, and Evelyn Walkling, whose history of Fort Henness and the Indian Wars makes up the early part of the history of Centralia. At the time, Eva McElfresh was one of the only living former residents of Fort Henness. This photo was found in a box in The Chronicle's building.

Man stealing gas ‘blown to pieces’ in Morton; drunk Chehalis teen hits deputy with beer bottle; Seven women seek Chehalis City Council seats

In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Friday, Aug. 2, 1935, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about an unidentified man who was “blown to pieces” in a Morton tool shed … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 8/1/25

An outdoor showing of “The Sandlot” is projected on an inflatable screen as the sun sets during the Northwest Futures Fastpitch League movie night at Wheeler Field in Centralia on Tuesday, July 29. The family-friendly event was aimed at supporting opportunities for local girls to grow through sport, competition and community. The NWFFL is a developmental league dedicated to empowering young female athletes and their families, with practices and games held in Lewis County.

In focus: Northwest Futures Fastpitch League movie night at Wheeler Field features ‘The Sandlot’

7/30/25

Kayla Mounts is sworn in as a board member during a Centralia School Board meeting in Centralia on Wednesday, July 30.

Centralia School Board welcomes new member in swearing-in ceremony

Kayla Mounts was sworn in as the newest member of the Centralia School District Board of Directors Wednesday morning at the Centralia School District board room. With nearly 15 years of … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/30/25

Samuel and Irene Cots Trevino talk before greeting guests at the beginning of Ox Centralia's pop-up catering event at the Centralia Square Annex on Saturday, July 26.

Dozens dine and get a taste of Spain at Ox Centralia’s first pop-up catering event

More than 40 guests purchased tickets to Ox Centralia’s first pop-up catering event on Saturday at the Centralia Square Annex. Held by Ox Centralia owners Samuel and Irene Cots Trevino, … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/30/25

Fire crews from Onalaska, Salkum and Napavine responded to a house fire in Onalaska on July 21. Tina Parnell was hospitalized with severe burns.

Community organizes silent auction, spaghetti feed fundraiser for Onalaska family impacted by house fire

Community members are working on a benefit event for Onalaska residents Wes and Tina Parnell, who were impacted by a house fire on July 21, losing their belongings, home, and their beloved dog. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/30/25

The Oakville High School athletic field is undergoing a significant makeover, with upgrades to the track, LED lights and sprinkler system.

Oakville School District upgrading football field and track, will not compete at home stadium this fall

Although the Oakville-North River Acorns will not be able to compete at their home football stadium at Oakville High School this fall, the Oakville School District (OSD) announced that progress on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/30/25