Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey: Taxpayers are an endangered species in Washington state

Earlier this week, The Chronicle published an article online about yet one another reason for us to lose sleep at night. If it's not the end of the world due to global climate change, now we … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 4/23/25

Kevin Carns: Don’t punish victims of graffiti in Chehalis — hold offenders accountable

Graffiti is a growing problem in Chehalis. It’s unsightly, it drives down property values and it sends a message that disorder and crime are tolerated in our community. As a Chehalis … more

Commentary by Kevin Carns, Chehalis city councilor | 4/23/25

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride: The season that smells like hope — and allergies

Spring has arrived — quietly, sneakily, like a cat slipping through a screen door. One minute, you’re scraping frost off your windshield. The next, you’re wondering if your … more

Commentary by Richard Stride | 4/23/25

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

Letter to the editor: Feeding our neighbors is a beautiful science and art

I’m writing to express my gratitude to the incredible collection of farmers in the Southwest Washington region I call home. After years of moving from place to place, the one thing that has … more

4/23/25

Former journalist, historian and author Sig Unander, of Portland, speaks about World War II during a presentation at McMenamins Olympic Theater in Centralia.

Julie McDonald: Speaker focuses on WWII; touring tulip fields and Titanic artifacts

Ever since we honored our local Rosie the Riveters and the Guys in 2005, when I immersed myself in capturing their stories, I’ve been intrigued by the women who worked in defense industries on … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/21/25

Pope Francis smiles and waves in this photo from 2014.

Our Views: Remembering Pope Francis, a shepherd who never walked away

The world feels quieter today. Not because a man has died, but because a voice — steady, grounded and full of grace — has gone silent. Pope Francis is gone, and for those of us who … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 4/21/25

Commentary: Washington state Supreme Court ignores voters, makes homeless challenge worse

The United States Supreme Court ruled. Voters decided. Other states have acted. But all of this wasn't enough for justices on the Washington state Supreme Court. That court on Thursday brazenly … more

By Chris Cargill / Mountain States Policy Center | 4/21/25

Letter: Fraternal Order of Police supports bill to enhance public safety funding

The Washington State Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports ESHB 2015, a bill to enhance public safety funding through local governments and state and local criminal justice agencies. This … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: MGP should apologize to fellow congresswoman

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, was censured by the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 7, 2023, in response to her public statements following the Oct. 7, … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: Law should require pastors and clergy to report abuse of children

First of all, a big thank you to the law enforcement officers, public school teachers, counselors and other helpers in the community who work together to keep our children safe. We love that you all … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: We no longer live in the land of the free and home of the brave

Trump probably wants to change the national anthem himself — because he despises freedom and those brave enough to stand up to him. And honestly, maybe we should — because we no longer … more

4/18/25

Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.

John Braun: ‘Make the wealthy pay,’ Democrats say — while they come for your money

For weeks, the Legislature’s majority Democrats have been keeping the people of Washington in the dark about the new state operating budget. That’s unacceptable, but it would be even … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/18/25

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus chair.

Peter Abbarno: Why transparency matters when everything is on the line in Olympia

Washington families are facing real and growing challenges. The cost of living in Washington is among the highest in the nation. We pay more for groceries, ranking fourth in the country. Fuel prices … more

Commentary by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia | 4/18/25

Richard Stride: The soul behind the words and wisdom that spans generations

As spring becomes more well established in 2025 and gives way to summer, my mind begins to think about two things: worry and wisdom. I think about why we worry and the shared wisdom of the past … more

Commentary by Richard Stride | 4/18/25

Letter to the editor: What does it mean to be a Republican?

Greetings, all. In these difficult times, I thought we all might need a reason to have hope. The Democratic Party and their allies in America are motivated to destroy our history and democratic … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: Mossyrock levy passage ensures survival of valuable programs

I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming Mossyrock School District maintenance and operations levy. This levy is essential to ensuring that our students continue to have … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: Onalaska students deserve the education levy passage would help provide

I do not live in the Onalaska School District, but I enjoy substitute teaching there. I vote for school levies in Chehalis, where I live, and am writing to encourage Onalaska voters to say … more

4/18/25

Letter to the editor: A vote for Mossyrock school levy benefits entire community

I am writing to you to encourage support for the upcoming maintenance and operations levy for the Mossyrock School District. The maintenance and condition of our schools, the quality of staff, … more

4/18/25

John McCroskey: Taxing everything in sight must come to an end

As I have aged — less than gracefully — and retired, I have become acutely aware of a couple things; first, how much it costs me to live in a house I have owned for years, and, second, … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 4/16/25

Maureen Harkcom grew up on a Lewis County dairy and operated a beef and native hay operation and developed an equine competition facility. She is a past president of Lewis County Farm Bureau and a current member of Washington Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She can be reached by email at maureen.harkcom@gmail.com.

Maureen Harkcom: Growing up on a farm with agricultural aspirations of my own

Life throws us some interesting twists sometimes. I grew up outside, working in the barns with my dad, brothers and hired men. Along with that, I was taught my place, my role as a female. I … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 4/16/25