Local News | The Daily Chronicle

A map showing the proposed area for a new, two-runway airport in Thurston County. The area spans six miles in diameter and is bisected by Rainier Road Southeast.

Local Officials Push Back on Unpopular Proposal for a New Airport in Thurston County

Thurston County officials said they oppose a state proposal to create a new two-runway airport at a rural site southeast of Olympia. The potential airport would be within a circular area that … more

Martín Bilbao / The Olympian | 10/2/22

A generator sits outside a structure at a homeless encampment at the end of Eckerson Road in Centralia last month.

County Commissioner Drafts Ordinance Prohibiting Homeless Camps on Lewis County Land

Lewis County is not unique in its rising population of unsheltered residents. But, perhaps unlike larger counties in Western Washington, the county could count on one hand the number of homeless … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 9/30/22

Sheriff Candidates Tracy Murphy and Rob Snaza attend a forum Thursday evening at Packwood Community Hall.

Lewis County Sheriff Candidates Take on Topics at Packwood Forum

Editor’s Note: Look for coverage on the debate between Lewis County commissioner candidates Scott Brummer and Harry Bhagwandin in an upcoming edition of The Chronicle. The Packwood … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 9/30/22

The Feb. 27, 1993, edition of The Chronicle included a picture of Joyce Robertson and the headline ”Police seek clues in woman’s death.”

Man Who Murdered Winlock Woman in 1993 Seeks Release

Jonathan M. Kirkpatrick has now been incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for 26 years after receiving a 60-year sentence for the 1993 murder of Winlock resident Joyce Robertson. He … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 9/30/22

A bald eagle flies over Riffe Lake near the Mossyrock Dam on Thursday.

In Focus: Bald Eagle Soars Over Riffe Lake in East Lewis County

9/30/22

Chehalis Tribe to Benefit From $2 Million In State Funding as Part of Diaper Distribution Pilot Program

Washington state organizations will receive $2 million in funding to provide diapers to families in need, U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced Friday. The funding is administered through the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

Washington state Department of Transportation Chehalis Area Engineer Paul Mason provided these photographs of the state Route 506 Interstate 5 overpass being demolished overnight Thursday. Citing the photo at top, he said “it is neat to get a sense of the scale, with the scissor lift and workers cleaning up the pier cap on the right side, and also being able to see the recently poured concrete pedestal on the center pier, which will increase vertical clearance of the southbound span by more than one foot once complete."

Section of State Route 506 Bridge Over Interstate 5 Demolished Overnight Thursday

Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday declared an emergency in Lewis County due to damage to the state Route 506 bridge over Interstate 5 that occurred on Sept. 22 when it was struck by an oversized logging … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

Pacific County Cannabis Company Enters Settlement With Liquor and Cannabis Control Board

A settlement agreement with Raymond cannabis processor Unicorn Brands LLC was approved by the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) on Tuesday. The settlement ends a year-long investigation for creating … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

Citizens gathered in the Centralia City Council's chambers on Tuesday night to voice concerns about the Pearl Street Pool and the new dispensary's location.

Centralia City Council Roundup: Departments Make Requests at Budget Workshop, Public Comments and the Leaf Bin Program

The Centralia City Council met an hour before their regularly scheduled council meeting to hold a 2023-2024 budget workshop on Tuesday night. While budget talks dominated most of the council’s … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 9/30/22

Bridge work on northbound Interstate 5 at mile marker 77.84 near state Route 6 closes the right lane for emergent bridge repairs over Dillenbaugh Creek. The work began at about 1 p.m. Thursday and took several hours to complete, backing up northbound Interstate 5 traffic all the way to Napavine.

In Focus: Interstate 5 Bridge Work Snarls Northbound Traffic Thursday Afternoon

9/30/22

Sirens: 'Walking Into Oncoming Traffic': Man 'Half-Pulls' a Knife; Beer, Clothing Stolen

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Theft • Clothing was reported stolen from an outlet story in the 1400 block of Lum Road at 5 p.m. on Sept. 28. The suspect fled in a maroon/purple early … more

9/30/22

Centralia Man Dies After Crashing Into Tree on Middle Fork Road Sept. 24

A 30-year-old Centralia man died after crashing into a tree in the 700 block of Middle Fork Road south of Chehalis on Sept. 24, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Chronicle on … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

Chronicle staffer Sarah Burdick captured these colorful photographs of the sky from Napavine at sunset on Thursday. The sky is framed by a grove of white oak trees. To submit photos to The Chronicle for potential publication, send them to news@chronline.com.

In Focus: Clouds Put on a Show at Sunset in Napavine Thursday

9/30/22

Woman Accused of Pouring Gasoline Into Fish Pond and Damaging Property in Chehalis Faces Animal Cruelty Charge

A woman accused of pouring gasoline into a fish pond and damaging property at a Chehalis residence in May is facing felony animal cruelty and malicious mischief charges in Lewis County Superior … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 9/30/22

FILE PHOTO — Crowds watch as a bull runs free in a pen during a Lazy HK Bar Rodeo Winter Series Event in Silver Creek.

Lazy H.K. Rodeo Winter Series to Return in Silver Creek

There are only two rules at the Lazy H.K. Bar Ranch in Silver Creek: no dogs and no underage drinking. Though, the latter is only upheld through an honor system. Otherwise, this lawless Lewis … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

A medical professional removes her gloves after talking to a visitor outside the Lewis County Mall at the former COVID testing in November 2021.

Lewis County: COVID Tests Remain Available as Drive-Thru Testing Site Closes

The drive-thru COVID-19 testing location on South Gold Street in Centralia closed Thursday. An estimated 12,162 people have been tested at the location since the drive-up option, operated by the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22

Craig Alan Kenemore, 55, of Vader, appears virtually in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday.

Bail Set at $250,000 for Vader Man Shot by Wife After Allegedly Threatening to Kill Her With Shotgun

A Vader man accused of threatening to kill his wife with a shotgun — prompting her to shoot him in the cheek with a handgun — in May has been arrested on a $250,000 warrant. Craig … more

By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com | 9/30/22

Hosted at the RV Inn Style Resorts convention center, Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faced off against Republican Joe Kent in a debate featuring topics ranging from the economy to foreign policy.

Third Congressional District Candidates Spar in First Debate

Both candidates seeking to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler for Washington’s Third Congressional District seat had a chance to go head-to-head in a debate in Vancouver … more

By Rick Bannan / For The Chronicle | 9/30/22

Flowers sit on the headstone of Gary Stamper before a private ceremony honoring his life Thursday at the Klickitat Cemetery in Mossyrock.

Lewis County Honors Gary Stamper One Year After His Death

Thursday marked a year since the death of Lewis County District 3 Commissioner Gary Stamper. A longtime public educator and basketball coach, he was elected in 2014. He passed away due to … more

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com | 9/30/22

Kids look to balloon art shapes during a 5 year anniversary event for the Chehalis Boys and Girls Club last August.

Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County to Host ‘Harmonies For Hope’ Piano Show on Nov. 19

The piano show Harmonies For Hope will take place Nov. 19 at City Farm in Chehalis. The highest bid gets a song played and a higher bid can make it stop. New this year will be a drummer … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/22