Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

John Sweeny, left, founded the Napavine Ace Hardware store in 1997. Last year he sold it to a former employee James Cook, center. Greg Moore, right, has built up the live-goods greenhouses with flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses and floral baskets. The new management of the store will have a grand opening on March 21. (Photo: Brian Mittge)

Brian Mittge: Napavine Ace Hardware flowering under new ownership

James Cook was 16 years old when his shop teacher at Napavine High School told him that the local hardware store was looking for help. Cook applied, was hired by owner John Sweeny, and … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 3/13/26

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, works on his computer during the last day of the legislative session on Thursday, March 12, in Olympia.

John Braun: There’s no overstating what Democrats just did to our state

Sadly, we’ve now seen just how much damage 90 people can do to our state in 60 days. The 90 people are Democrats: 59 state representatives, 30 state senators and Gov. Bob Ferguson. The 60 days … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 3/13/26

John Braun, right, represents the 20th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate and serves as the Senate Republican Leader. Michael Baumgartner, left, represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously chaired the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, and served as Spokane County Treasure

Commentary: How progressives wrecked Washington in under a decade

The Seattle Seahawks just won the Super Bowl. But fans across Washington have returned to a state in trouble. Over the past eight years, Washington has dropped from No. 1 in the nation for … more

By State Sen. John Braun and Congressman Michael Baumgartner | 3/11/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner and former mayor who has spent more than three decades working in public safety.

Wayne Fournier: When certification meets democracy — who should decide who can be your sheriff?

Who should decide who can serve as your county sheriff: voters or a state board? That question sits at the center of Senate Bill 5974, legislation now awaiting a decision from Gov. Bob Ferguson. … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 3/11/26

The House is pictured from the gallery during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.

Commentary: A democracy worthy of its people

This legislative session has been difficult. I have submitted written testimony, signed in support or opposition to numerous bills, and tried in every way available to make my voice heard. Yet, as we … more

By Jeffrey A. Slotnick | 3/11/26

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: Action in Iran now prevents far greater violence and destruction in the future

Matthew 5:9 in the New International Version of the Bible states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Another translation, the New Living Translation, renders … more

3/11/26

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.

Peter Abbarno: A state income tax — making history for all the wrong reasons

After more than 24 hours of debate on the House floor, Democrats in the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6346, moving Washington another step toward something voters have rejected again and again: a … more

Commentary by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis | 3/11/26

Gust Anderson's home at Klaber Hop Yard where he was manager. The horses were tied up to show them off as their retirement approached when the hop yards were cleared out. c. 1934.

Julie McDonald: Janice Erickson recalls an earthquake, making ice cream and meeting icons

After their marriage in March 1933, Pearley Davis, a descendant of Claquato pioneers, and Mabel (Carlson) Duncan moved to Klaber in West Lewis County. They later lived in the former John Roundtree … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 3/9/26

Thurston County commissioner Wayne Fournier speaks about Edward Jones and growth in Tenino during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hallett, Conklin, Whitworth, Horning Team of Edward Jones at their new location in Tenino on Tuesday, Oct, 14.

Wayne Fournier: In the tunnels beneath the nation's capital

Last week, I spent several days in Washington, D.C., attending the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference. Each year, leaders from counties across the country gather there to discuss … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 3/9/26

The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Commentary: Will businesses really leave? That’s the wrong question

Our recent survey of Washington employers hit a nerve. The results showing that 44% of business leaders are considering moving their personal residence to another state — and the number who are … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 3/9/26

Letter to the editor: Brent Hennrich rising as good alternative to MGP

I was so pleased and excited when I had my first conversation with Marie Gluesenkamp Perez early in her first campaign. I believed her when she said she was running to help her constituents, all her … more

3/9/26

Letter to the editor: Legal immigration has a system; illegal immigration does not

A recent letter to the editor implies Melania Trump may have sidestepped immigration law while also claiming her husband ignores it, yet the public record shows her visa path followed the statutory … more

3/9/26

Letter to the editor: Coincidence or distraction?

Political science has a term for starting an armed conflict to distract voters: “Diversionary War Theory.” It says that leaders facing domestic political crises are more likely to initiate … more

3/9/26

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks during a Legislative Media Day at the Washington state Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Olympia.

John Braun commentary: Another session, another failure by majority to protect children

With a handful of days left in the 2026 legislative session, we still don’t know what will happen with some very controversial bills, such as the proposed income tax. Unfortunately, it’s … more

By Sen. John Braun / R-Centralia | 3/6/26

Sean Swope commentary: If Olympia has money for this, why not help kids live and thrive instead?

I’ve been reading about the proposal in Olympia, Senate Bill 6182, called the “Abortion Savings Program,” and the more I think about it, the more questions it raises. Not just about … more

By Sean Swope | 3/6/26

Letter to the editor: Thoughts on Winlock and the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce

This letter to the editor is regarding recent reporting of Winlock’s discussion of membership in the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) published March 2, 2026. As expressed … more

3/6/26

Letter to the editor: An immigration story

She was pretty. Beautiful, some said. Already a model at 16, she was catching eyes. But options in her native country were limited. Like many before her, she looked across the ocean toward a … more

3/6/26

Commentary: Economic reports show Washington state failing the test

Washington state received troubling news from a recently published economic report. The 2026 Competitiveness Redbook , a study conducted by the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, found … more

By Sam Cardwell / Mountain States Policy Center | 3/6/26

Letter to the editor: Our Washington state government must change

Washington state has been my home since 1942. I have traveled extensively. I believe Washington is the most beautiful state in the union and was once the best place to live. I believe Washington … more

3/4/26

Letter to the editor: Reparations quietly instituted amid controversy over rising taxation

Pernicious legislation is nothing new to our super-majority Washington House and Senate and governor. Last year’s horn of plenty taxes was an insult to all voters. This year’s “income … more

3/4/26