Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Getting Chehalis’ fiscal house in order: a call to freeze new spending

In these challenging times of rampant inflation, it’s imperative the Chehalis City Council take a hard look at our city’s finances. The responsible management of taxpayer dollars has … more

By Kevin Carns and Daryl Lund | 1/29/24

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez speaks during an interview with Chronicle columnist Julie McDonald.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on world conflicts and hopelessness at home

Editor’s Note: Columnist Julie McDonald previously wrote a three-part series based on an interview with Republican congressional candidate Joe Kent. That series, and the first two parts of her … more

Julie McDonald | 1/29/24

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, talks about his focuses in the upcoming legislative session during a visit to The Chronicle in Centralia on Thursday, Dec 14.

Property-tax push is more proof Democrats can’t ‘read the room’

Many Washington families statewide continue to struggle with the high prices of fuel, food, utilities, housing and more. No one reading the “room” that is our state would say property … more

By Sen. John Braun | 1/26/24

Bob Russell, standing atop the levee south of the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in August 2023, points to the area where Coal Creek empties into Salzer Creek after running through property owned by the city of Chehalis.

Giving much-deserved love to long-neglected Coal Creek

If you know of Coal Creek at all, you probably think of its namesake road running up a beautiful narrow valley east of Chehalis. The creek itself is a silent partner, little known as it slips shyly … more

By Brian Mittge | 1/26/24

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

Radioactivity cannot be escaped

The monster movie “On The Beach,” released in 1959 with an HBO TV remake released in 2000, featured the most fearsome “non planet-sized asteroid” monster ever fantasized by … more

1/24/24

A sign reads, “Vote Yes! For Napavine Schools,” at a Napavine residence in 2023.

Editorial: Lawmakers should make it easier for school levies to pass

Year after year, school districts go to voters to request funding for capital improvements, and year after year, many are rejected. It’s difficult to persuade 60% of voters to increase their … more

By The Seattle Times (TNS) | 1/24/24

Those pesky initiatives are back

After a brief hiatus, those pesky citizen initiatives are back, much to the chagrin of three-term Gov. Jay Inslee and Democrats who have an ironclad grip on our state Legislature. Lawmakers, … more

By Don C. Brunell | 1/24/24

Highlighting Lewis County: Criticism Hits Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from right and left

Editor’s Note: Columnist Julie McDonald previously wrote a three-part series based on an interview with Republican congressional candidate Joe Kent. That series, and the first part of her … more

By Julie McDonald | 1/22/24

Dean Darnell welcomes visitors to the Blueberry Blues Fest Car Show in Mossyrock in 2022 with signage.

Brian Mittge: Join the rockin’ good work in Mossyrock or your town

I’m going to share a dream with you. It’s so outrageously hopeful and idealistic that I’ve generally kept it under my hat, but at this point I don’t know if I can hide it any … more

By Brian Mittge | 1/19/24

Other Views: Bill requiring fentanyl education in Washington schools deserves bipartisan support

Lawmakers may be in an abbreviated legislative session, but there's still enough time for them to pass important legislation that will ultimately save lives. House Bill 1956, and its companion bill, … more

By The Seattle Times Editorial Board (TNS) | 1/18/24

Letter to the editor: With Legislature in session, a look at leadership pay

As the Washington state Legislature currently is in session in Olympia, the following information may be of interest. Like 48 of the other 49 states, Washington has a bicameral legislature. It … more

1/15/24

Julie McDonald: Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez says Congress needs down-to-earth members

Editor’s note: Columnist Julie McDonald previously wrote a three-part series based on an interview with Republican congressional candidate Joe Kent. The series can be found at … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/15/24

Sen. John Braun: As initiatives put target on taxes, Democrats pursue massive tax hike

While every legislative session makes history to some degree, the 2024 session is on track to be in a class of its own. Credit for that goes not to lawmakers but to 800,000-plus people in our state … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 1/12/24

Jack State points to courts outside W.F. West High School in June 2023.

Brian Mittge: Remembering tennis coach Jack State, a true ace

This week, our community has seen an outpouring of mourning for longtime W.F. West tennis coach Jack State, who died Saturday after suffering a serious medical event. He turned 80 during his week in … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 1/12/24

Sean Swope commentary: Levy passage an investment in future leaders, thinkers and citizens

As a parent of children who receive their education through homeschooling and private schooling, my vocal support for the upcoming Centralia School District replacement levy might come as a surprise … more

By Sean Swope, Lewis County commissioner | 1/10/24

Jim Walsh smiles while attending a ceremony along the Willapa Hills State Park Trail last year.

Jim Walsh commentary: State’s program to replace barriers for salmon spirals out of control

In the annals of Olympia’s failure and mismanagement, few disasters can match the one happening right now. The state’s program to replace barriers for salmon and steelhead migration to … more

By state Rep. Jim Walsh / R-Aberdeen | 1/10/24

Letter to the editor: Why sacrifice a wildlife corridor for a KFC?

Developers in Lewis County have a thirst for flooding and an appetite for destruction. After a smartly implemented moratorium on development around the Newaukum River where it flows under … more

1/10/24

Letter to the editor: Support students and pass Centralia school levy

Education is the bedrock of a strong community. On Feb. 13, voters should approve the Centralia School District’s replacement levy because our students deserve better schools. When we … more

1/10/24

Author Sandy Crowell, left, is pictured with Helen Sanders in this photo from columnist Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald: Helen Sanders tells of reservation life and Supreme Court battle

As the youngest of seven children growing up near the Black River on the Chehalis Indian Reservation, Helen Sanders often darted through their house in her father’s wake, ignoring her … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/8/24

Washington Senate Minority Leaders John Braun, R-Centralia, and Andy Billig, D-Spokane, sent a joint letter urging Gov. Jay Inslee to fly an Israeli flag at the state Capitol and to lower state flags to half-mast last year.

Our Views: Israel, Hamas and the next chapter of racism in America

The "woke" movement is different than many Americans thought. Woke has evolved from a notion of heightened awareness about societal biases into something more divisive. Woke has turned 180 degrees … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 1/8/24