Local News | The Daily Chronicle

From the left, Nick Henrikson, Jack Wight, Richard and John Henrikson pose for a photo at Wild Thyme Farm in Oakville on Tuesday, July 15. Wild Thyme Farm won the Lewis County 2025 Tree Farm of the Year.

Oakville resident named Lewis County Tree Farmer of the Year

The Lewis County Tree Farm of the Year is a beautiful site to behold. It's soaked in sun and covered in trees, it's historical and it's — in Grays Harbor County? Washington tree farmer … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Johnson Peak is seen beyond Packwood Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Fire restrictions take effect in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Due to increased risk of wildfires, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking and other activities within the forest. The restrictions went … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Poppy Moseley smiles as fake snow flurries at the Centralia Downtown Association’s Christmas In July Block Party on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Christmas comes early to downtown Centralia July 23

Christmas in July is coming to downtown Centralia from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, according to a news release from the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA). Hosted by the CDA, this … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Apiary and garden tour offered at Bee Inspired Garden in Onalaska

Bee Inspired Garden, a local nonprofit demonstration pollinator sanctuary in the Onalaska area, will hold tours on Saturday, Aug. 2, to promote the understanding of how individuals and communities … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Sirens: Physical control of vehicle while intoxicated arrest; hit-and-run reported; items missing after burglary; scam reported

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Arrests • Kevin M. Olney, 41, of Lacey, was arrested and booked into the Chehalis Tribal Jail at about 11:54 a.m. July 17 on the charge of physical control … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

‘Fallen Animals’: Winlock artist honors creatures killed on the road

The photographs of a Winlock artist stand as testament to the beauty of life around us — and of the inherent value of life itself. The framed photos taken by Linda Shepherd, a … more

By Lyn Craig / For The Chronicle | 7/18/25

FILE PHOTO — A cast of characters poses for a photo on stage during dress rehearsals for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” presented by Tenino Young-At-Heart Theatre.

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre to perform Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre invites audiences of all ages to dive under the sea this summer with its production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” running July 24 through Aug. 2 at … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Claquato Cemetery Board Member Angie Vlach reads a poem hanging on the wall of the historic Claquato Church on Thursday, July 17. Behind her are Claquato Cemetery Board President Brett Mitchell, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Board Member Edna Fund, and Claquato Cemetery Manager Lacie Jendryka. (Photo: Brian Mittge)

Brian Mittge: New life in our oldest church

Walking through the doors of the Claquato Church really is like stepping back in time. The room is empty save for a dozen white wooden pews, a pair of organs and a modest platform at the front … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/18/25

Former Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen watches attendees at a “Blue Lives Matter” rally wave guns and flags in downtown Morton in 2020.

Morton, former mayor face new lawsuit over firing of officer after claims against former chief

A former Morton Police Department officer has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its former mayor for his termination in 2023, alleging that he was fired for bringing up concerns related to … more

By Eric Schwartz / eschwartz@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Washington state gubernatorial candidate Ethan Brunton gives a speech during his rally at the Chehalis Timberland Library on Wednesday, July 16.

Chehalis teen officially announces candidacy for governor

In American politics, being older and more experienced is often an advantage, with older politicians often edging out the younger competition. One young man from Chehalis sees things differently. … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Lewis County court fees see significant jump as new law goes into effect

By the end of the month, a small change in state law passed during this year's legislative session will mean a higher fee to file a case with Lewis County Superior Court. In May, Gov. Bob … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Free sports physicals offered Aug. 6 by Providence Chehalis Family Medicine

Middle and high school students who need sports physicals for the upcoming school year are encouraged to register for free sports physicals, a news release from Providence Medical Group — … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

The Centralia Tigers hoist trophies after winning the 2015 2A state baseball championship on May 30, 2015.

Centralia Youth Sports announces addition of Tiger Baseball Club for spring 2026 launch

Centralia Youth Sports (CYS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the students and families of Centralia, has announced the launch of its newest program, the Tiger Baseball Club, which will … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

On Friday, July 19, 1935, Chehalis Chamber of Commerce members were getting ready to attempt to cook the “world’s largest cheese omelet” using a “frying pan nine feet across“ at the upcoming 20th annual Farmers’ and Merchants’ Picnic, The Chronicle reported. The picnic was scheduled for Aug. 8 at Chehalis’ Alexander Park. “Negotiations are under way now to secure two chefs to supervise construction work on the big dish. How many eggs and how much cheese will be needed to fill the great pan has not been determined, but it is known that thousands of eggs and tens of pounds of cheese will be needed.” The City of Chehalis already held the record for making the world’s largest cheese omelet at the 1931 annual picnic (pictured above) at Alexander Park, where 7,200 eggs were used to cook a massive omelet. While still producing breakfast for thousands of attendees in 1935, the second giant omelet maxed out at 6,000 eggs. Chehalis’ record stood until 1941, when the City of Long Beach commissioned a giant frying pan larger than Chehalis’ after borrowing Chehalis’ pan to cook the “world’s largest clam fritter” for Long Beach’s inaugural Razor Clam Festival in 1940. Currently, the largest omelet on record today was made in Portugal in 2012, using 145,000 eggs.

‘World’s largest cheese omelet’ in Chehalis; Randle man gored by bull; Morton woman protests police who arrested husband

In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Friday, July 19, 1935, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about Chehalis Chamber of Commerce members getting ready to attempt to break their own … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/18/25

CEO Roger McIntosh, right, and Business Director and General Manager Gulnur Tuyenbayeva pose for a photo in front of the new location of Northwest Control Systems, LLC, in Chehalis on Friday, July 18. The company’s new address is 582 S. Market Blvd.

Biotech company prepares to begin operating from new Chehalis location

Northwest Control Systems, LLC, is nearly set to open up shop from its new location in Chehalis at 582 S. Market Blvd. The company, which currently operates in Rochester, purchased the building … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Good Health owner Julie Shaffley poses for a photo in her store celebrating its 35-year anniversary in Centralia on Friday, July 18. The store is located at 503 Harrison Ave.

Owner of Good Health Nutrition Center in Centralia celebrates 35 years

Julie Shaffley and her late husband, Curt Shaffley, took a leap of faith in 1990 when they assumed ownership of Good Health Nutrition Center in Centralia. Shaffley had been in the health food … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/18/25

A photo of grassland habitat on the Stonewall Prairie farm in Thurston County before the project begins. The farm is one of five in Thurston County that will participate in education and restoration under the multi-county grant from the Diversity and Resilience Initiative.

Chehalis River Basin will benefit from more than $4 million for habitat restoration

The Washington state Office of Recreation and Conservation announced $9.3 million in grant funding on Thursday to contribute to coastal habitat restoration across the Western Washington coast. … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Lewis County commissioners seek volunteer to serve on Water District 1 in Randle

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is looking for a volunteer to serve on Water District 1, which covers portions of Randle, a news release from the BOCC stated. Water … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/18/25

Thurston County commissioners inquire about ‘flow-through’ dam during Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority presentation

Members of the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority visited the Thurston County Board of Commissioners to explain the proposed water retention system on the Chehalis River outside Pe Ell during a … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 7/18/25

Winlock City Hall, located at 323 NE First St. in downtown Winlock, is pictured on Monday, June 9.

Winlock City Council: WSDOT delays Nevil Road repairs; Olequa Creek diesel fuel spill; Toledo council thank you letter

The Winlock City Council convened on Monday, July 14, to discuss a number of issues, including a delay on repairing the Nevil Road sink hole caused by the Washington state Department of … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 7/18/25