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Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, left, and Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke, react following the judge's ruling to temporarily block parts of SB 5974, the new sheriff decertification law from taking effect.

Thurston County judge blocks key parts of Washington sheriff decertification law

A Thurston County Superior Court judge has granted a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent SB 5974, the new sheriff decertification law from taking effect on Thursday, April 30. Judge … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 4/29/26

Labor unions and other supporters of an income tax on millionaire earners rallied at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia in February. A growing number of liberal states are considering raising taxes on their wealthiest residents. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

In Washington and elsewhere, millionaire taxes gain steam as states face budget crunches

While the idea of a special tax on millionaires is hotly debated across the country, Maine state Rep. Cheryl Golek characterized her state’s new tax as a modest and reasonable step toward fairness. … more

By Kevin Hardy / States Newsroom | 4/29/26

Mark Lamb, the attorney for four eastern Washington sheriffs, speaks in Thurston County Superior Court against a new law setting heightened eligibility standards for sheriffs as several county sheriffs observe on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law

Washington’s new law setting stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs was partially blocked in state court on Wednesday, one day before much of it was set to take effect. The preliminary … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 4/29/26

Centralia Superintendent Dr. Lisa Grant speaks to attendees during the annual Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County Most Important Meal of the Year fundraiser at Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis on Wednesday, April 29. “Our largest fundraising event of the year, the organization wrote in announcing the event. “This special breakfast celebrates our community, highlights our Club’s goals and showcases the impact of our programs on local youth. Club members will take the stage as MCs, sharing their stories and demonstrating firsthand how the Club supports and inspires them.” Grant is a member of the Boys and Girls Club board and served as the main speaker at Wednesday’s event. “A Pacific Northwest native and longtime educator, Dr. Grant began her career in 1988 and holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of South Florida, along with degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga University,” the club wrote. “In addition to her work in public education, Dr. Grant serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, reflecting her commitment to supporting youth and strengthening her community beyond the classroom. Dr. Grant is deeply committed to student success, strong community partnerships, and creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments where every student can thrive.”

In Focus: The Most Important Meal of the Year raises funds for Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County

4/29/26

Lewis County commissioners, from left, Lindsey Pollock, Scott Brummer and Sean Swope listen during a meeting Tuesday, April 28, at the Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis.

Pollock delays indemnity for Lewis County officials in Bromm lawsuit

Four Lewis County officials named in a recent lawsuit against the county will not have their legal costs covered by the county for the time being. The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Incumbent Lewis County District 3 Commissioner Scott Brummer shakes hands with challenger Zac Eckstein, the Lewis County Democrats chair, during a candidate forum and meet-and-greet hosted by The Chronicle at Jester Auto Museum in Chehalis on Tuesday, April 28.

Lewis County commissioner, challenger highlight policies at Chronicle election forum

Two candidates for Lewis County commissioner provided members of the public with an early look at their policies and plans during a forum hosted by The Chronicle on Tuesday evening. Incumbent … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 4/29/26

The Nisqually Tribe gives a tour to members of the Washington State Legislature to explain the important of the Tribe's project to replace the Nisqually River Bridges and put I-5 onto piers.

Weekend daytime lane closures on southbound I-5 Nisqually River Bridge May 2-3

Travelers will see weekend daytime lane closures on southbound Interstate 5 approaching the Nisqually River Bridge, the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Monday. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Eight Centralia High School seniors win state academic honors

Eight Centralia High School seniors were recently recognized with a 2026 Washington State Honors Award, according to a news release from the Centralia School District. The award, given by the … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Centralia woman suspected of DUI after car rolls approaching I-5

A Centralia woman faces DUI charges following a single-car crash near Harrison Avenue and Interstate 5 on Tuesday, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Lisa M. Johnson, 41, was … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Customers order at the Los Costeños taco truck in Chehalis located at 1570 N National Ave. on Friday, April 24.

Los Costeños: Family-run taco truck in Chehalis celebrating 15 years in business

If you’re in the Twin Cities, among the many Hispanic eateries available is the Los Costeños taco truck, which aside from a wide variety of delicious tacos also serves up burritos, quesadillas, … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Morton City Councilor Jason Knutson, center, explains his proposal for building a community garden to help families struggling with food insecurity as his fellow Councilors Jason Sawyer, left, and Peter Hansen, right, listen inside the Bob Lyle Community Center during the Morton City Council meeting on Monday, April 27.

Morton City Council discusses community garden and easing livestock restrictions as families struggle with continued inflation

Although Morton Mayor Rick Mead was not present, the Morton City Council still convened with a quorum led by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Johnson on Monday, April 27, inside the Bob Lyle Community Center. … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Death notices: April 29, 2026

• AUDREY LEAH WOLFE, 87, Yelm, died April 14 at home. Arrangements are under the care of eCare Mortuary in Olympia. • EDWARD “NED” A. KUNZ, 51, Winlock, died April 23 at his residence. … more

4/29/26

Lewis County commissioners celebrate employees

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday recognized employees for their years of dedicated service and for going above and beyond in their roles. “We celebrate the following … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Sirens: Woman charged with 'offering a false instrument for filing or record'; man found passed out in vehicle; inmate caught with narcotics

LEWIS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT Preliminary appearance • Lisa M. Cornell-Weston, 55, Centralia, made a preliminary appearance April 27 for two counts of forgery and one count of offering a … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Centralia superintendent says rumor about resigning teacher is ‘not accurate’

Centralia School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Grant on Wednesday declined to comment on rumors surrounding a resigning teacher at Centralia High School. “I’m not going to comment on that … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 4/29/26

26-year-old died from crash on Bunker Creek Road, sheriff’s office confirms

A 26-year-old Centralia man died last week following a two-vehicle collision on Bunker Creek Road, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has confirmed. According to LCSO, Jakob Kendall was … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

Lewis County Law and Justice Center in Chehalis shown here on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Suspected dealer arrested after he was found ‘slumped over’ inside running vehicle in Centralia

A Chehalis man faces felony drug charges after police allegedly found him “slumped over” inside a running vehicle, according to court documents from the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office. … more

By Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@chronline.com | 4/29/26

Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright presents a resolution to the Chehalis City Council to approve a legal settlement with Lewis County Fire Districts 5 and 6 during a council meeting on Monday, April 27.

Chehalis City Council approves settlement with Lewis County Fire Districts 5, 6 concerning annexation effort

The ongoing Chehalis annexation appears to have a green light moving forward after the city and two neighboring fire districts came to a legal settlement in a lawsuit that threatened to sink the … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 4/29/26

After shellfish restrictions, Washington reports progress in harvest areas

After significant shellfish harvest restrictions were implemented in 2025, Washington’s shellfish waters are seeing encouraging signs of recovery, according to a news release from the Washington … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26

The sun sets behind the Baw Faw Grange in this file photo.

17th annual Boistfort Valley Spring Festival to be held May 9

The 17th annual Boistfort Valley Spring Festival, hosted by the Baw Faw Grange, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9. The grange is located at 995 Boistfort Road, Curtis. The event … more

By The Chronicle staff | 4/29/26