News | The Daily Chronicle

Kayaker dies after water rescue at Ballard Locks

A man died Friday afternoon after kayaking near the Ballard Locks, according to Seattle medics. Medics responded to a call about a kayaker in distress around 2:30 p.m. Rescue swimmers entered … more

Lauren Girgis / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/13/25

Washington state flu and COVID vaccinations are down. Doctors’ worries are up

Fewer Washingtonians have been vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 so far this season than at this point in the last three years, according to state health data. As of this week, providers … more

Elise Takahama / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/13/25

Another atmospheric river is headed to Western Washington, but it won’t be as bad

As Western Washington reels from catastrophic flooding that swept the areas along major river valleys, another plume of moisture will arrive on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. … more

Caitlyn Freeman / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/13/25

The Cowlitz River runs against the bank of a home off of Slalom Way in Packwood on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Officials tracking impacts of historic flooding; residents urged to report damage

Evacuation orders have lifted across parts of Pierce County, but crews are still hard at work assessing the damage. David Kennedy, a spokesperson for the Pierce County Emergency Management … more

Isabela Lund / The Peninsula Gateway (TNS) | 12/13/25

Meteor shower with bright ‘fireballs’ to peak over Washington soon. Here’s when

Washington stargazers can soon spot a major meteor shower complete with colorful “fireballs.” The Geminid meteor shower will blaze across the night sky, resulting in hundreds of … more

Karlee Van De Venter Hannah Poukish / The Peninsula Gateway (TNS) | 12/13/25

Wilson bill would permit voluntary contributions for sea lion control

A proposal from Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, would expand Washington state’s efforts to control sea lions by asking boaters for voluntary contributions when they renew vessel licenses. … more

By The Daily World | 12/12/25

The Chehalis River flows past Cosmopolis and to the harbor.

Judge rules feds cut FEMA’s BRIC program unlawfully

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns in Boston ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient … more

By Jerry Knaak / The Daily World | 12/12/25

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, looks through documents during the legislative session at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Friday, April 25.

Washington state GOP leaders say Dems' income tax proposal would devastate businesses

Democratic senators are considering an income tax on millionaires to help close Washington state’s persistent multi-billion-dollar budget gap heading into 2026. Republican leaders strongly … more

Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 12/12/25

Stalemate on ObamaCare subsidies threatens to raise Washington state’s uninsured rate

With the future of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, uncertain as Congress remains deadlocked on extending enhanced premium subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, some 80,000 … more

Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 12/12/25

Supporters hold signs advocating for parental rights during a rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Feb. 5, 2025.

FBI, Tumwater police warn of possible antifa attack at weekend Let's Go WA event

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has notified Let’s Go Washington that antifa-affiliated individuals and groups are calling for acts of violence and intimidation against volunteers and … more

By Carleen Johnson / The Center Square | 12/12/25

The Skagit River in Mount Vernon hits a record high at 9 p.m. on Thursday night. One Mount Vernon police officer said the water level had climbed almost a foot in an hour. (Photo by Eli Voorhies for Washington State Standard)

Trump administration OKs Washington state emergency declaration for record flooding

As rivers began to recede, the federal government on Friday approved Washington’s request for aid to respond to ongoing record flooding. Gov. Bob Ferguson said he received a call from U.S. … more

By Jake Goldstein-Street / The Washington State Standard | 12/12/25

A Swift Water Rescue Team rescues Barbara Bennett from an inundated fifth wheel near the Cowlitz River in Randle on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest activates Disaster Recovery Fund

As rivers begin to recede, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on Friday the federal government approved the state’s request for aid to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency … more

Submitted by United Way | 12/12/25

An Elk runs across Cannon Road in Packwood on Thursday, Dec. 11.

In Focus: Elk unbothered by flooding in Packwood

12/12/25

The Cowlitz River runs under a washed out area of the foundation of a home in Packwood on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Limited damage, no deaths reported as East Lewis County flooding subsides

Some Packwood residents returned to their homes Thursday afternoon, Dec. 11, to find them soaked, their yards littered with debris and two neighboring houses close to slipping into the river. … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 12/12/25

Liam Gilmore, left, and Elijah McHenery kayak through flood water over Peters Road to bring supplies to McHenery’s mom in Randle on Thursday, Dec. 11.

In Focus: Supplies delivered via kayak amid Cowlitz River flooding in Randle

12/12/25

Sirens: Two arrested for lewd conduct in public; eight pairs of shoes stolen from store; Nintendo Switch taken by porch pirate

CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Harassment • A case of harassment, occurring via cell phone, was reported in the 100 block of North Gold Street just before 11:50 a.m. on Dec. 10. This case … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/12/25

Nicholas Denham was originally convicted by a jury in 2022 for the aggravated first-degree murder of his former girlfriend, Charlene Van Auken, and her 4-year-old daughter, Zoey Peetz. His conviction was overturned on appeal. He has now been found guilty once again.

Thurston County man convicted again for 2020 murder of woman and child

Nicholas Denham has again been found guilty for the aggravated first-degree murder of his former girlfriend, Charlene Van Auken, and her 4-year-old daughter, Zoey Peetz, in 2020. A sentencing … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/12/25

This block of wood was 12 feet 9 inches the narrow way and 14 feet the big way (at its widest). The log was felled by Davis & Maras of Packwood in late 1945. Shown in the parking area, the block of wood was sent out for display to the Northwest Door Co. of Tacoma. Because of the shortages of the war, all the cars shown in the background were made prior to 1942. On top of the log is A.A. Spike Maras. Looking up at the log are Maras; partners in the Davis & Maras Co. of Packwood — Fred Davis and P.J. Maras. Photo and information originally submitted by A.A. Spike Maras for The Chronicle's Our Hometowns books.

A Look Back in Time: National Guard captain clashes with Centralia officials; East County residents convicted on moonshining charges; Cowlitz River hatcheries damaged by flood

In this installment of A Look Back in Time, the Friday, Dec. 13, 1935, edition of The Chronicle featured a story about Washington National Guard 41st Tank Company commander Captain A.S. Kresky … more

By Owen Sexton / owen@chronline.com | 12/12/25

Metal debris is pictured wrapped around a metal post after the Cowlitz River flooded into the area off of Slalom Way in Packwood on Thursday, Dec. 11.

After flooding subsides, Lewis County officials work to waive fees for water testing, address waste disposal

Lewis County staff and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are transitioning their focus toward the recovery phase of this month’s flooding as the atmospheric river begins to die down. … more

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com | 12/12/25

Todd O’Mealy carries debris in the front yard of a home off of Slalom Way that was affected in Packwood on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Lewis County opens flood damage hotline as attention begins to focus on recovery

Lewis County has established a dedicated damage assessment hotline for residents whose homes or properties were affected by recent flooding. Flood-impacted community members are asked to call … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/12/25