Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

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: Want to live in the country? Don’t complain about country living

“Good morning, ma’am. I am here to investigate a complaint filed against you by your neighbor.” That’s not what you want to hear out of the mouth of someone standing at … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 5/12/25

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

John McCroskey: It’s not hateful to not go along with someone’s delusions

I recently happened upon a story in the Oregon news which, in my view, perfectly illustrates what we as a society are facing: the failure to use the word “no.” First though, as … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 5/12/25

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

Letter to the editor: Republican Party obstructing efforts to promote fairness, equity and due process

In recent times, the Republican Party, traditionally known for its emphasis on limited government and individual freedoms, appears to have abdicated its responsibility to safeguard the democratic … more

5/12/25

Letter to the editor: Don’t abandon public education — force it to evolve

I am not against education. I am against what it has become. In Centralia, we are feeding a system that no longer promotes individuals, growth or real preparation for life. We keep approving … more

5/12/25

Commentary: We’re feeding our communities. Why are we being punished?

As the owners of an independent grocery store serving rural Skamania County, we’ve seen a lot – supply chain disruptions, rising fuel costs, labor shortages. Through it all, we’ve … more

By Andra and John Mobley | 5/12/25

Sean Swope is a Lewis County commissioner representing District 1.

Commentary: Safe parking shouldn't come at cost of neighborhood safety or real solutions

A few nights ago, I attended a public meeting held at St. Timothy Episcopal Church to discuss the newly proposed safe parking program in Chehalis. I came into the meeting with an open mind and a … more

Commentary by Sean Swope | 5/9/25

Commentary: Main Street businesses will pay more because of what Washington lawmakers just approved

The Washington Legislature recently adjourned after passing the largest tax increase in state history, and small businesses are going to bear the brunt of it. One of the bills includes an … more

By Kris Johnson, Association of Washington Business | 5/9/25

FILE PHOTO — Rotarians and staff from United Way stand with a cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton to celebrate the three-year anniversary of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library being kicked off in Lewis County in 2022. The program provides books for young kids at no cost to the families.

Commentary: Lewis County Imagination Library safe because community never let up

With a $16 million state budget shortfall expected for the 2025–2027 biennium, agencies across Washington prepared for tough decisions. When the final budget passed on April 26, it … more

Commentary by Chris Judd | 5/9/25

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

John Braun: Words aren’t enough — governor needs to take action against tax hikes

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has set some clear expectations when it comes to raising taxes. Now that he is the final line of defense against the largest tax increase in state history, … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 5/9/25

Letter to the editor: If Democrats want to bridge their internal divides, they should listen to MGP

Ezra Klein’s recent interview with U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez gave national listeners a chance to hear what many in Southwest Washington already know: Gluesenkamp Perez is one of the few … more

5/7/25

Letter to the editor: Anger over state taxes doesn’t jive with support for federal cuts

During the recent budget discussions in Olympia, attack ads were ongoing on YouTube to discredit the tough decisions forced on this and every state because of the mess called Project 2025 in … more

5/7/25

Jaime Herrera Beutler is a former U.S. Congresswoman and state representative from Southwest Washington.

Jaime Herrera Beutler: Washington’s rent cap will backfire — Here’s what we should do instead

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and as bad as Washington’s housing market presently is, interventions by elected leaders in Olympia — including the rent control measure … more

Commentary by Jaime Herrera Beutler | 5/7/25

Katy Belles prepares her cow for showing during the Spring Youth Fair at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 3.

Our Views: The heart of Lewis County — a salute to the 2025 Spring Youth Fair

As the vibrant colors of spring bloom across Lewis County, the 2025 Spring Youth Fair stands as a testament to the dedication, passion and community spirit that define our region. Held last Friday … more

By The Chronicle Editorial Board | 5/7/25

Ray Egan, of Steilacoom, performs as pioneer Ezra Meeker during a recent presentation in Toledo.

Julie McDonald: Ezra Meeker visits Toledo to set the record straight

The 1923 silent movie called “The Covered Wagon” committed grave errors in depicting the journey of thousands of emigrants who crossed the Oregon Trail to settle the Pacific Northwest in … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 5/5/25

Letter to the editor: Swope should stop using his office to push his partisan opinion

Sean Swope’s tenure on the Lewis County Board of Commissioners has been defined more by advancing a right-leaning agenda — through social media, his official role and The Chronicle … more

5/5/25

Wayne Fournier: Why I ran (and why I still get up every day to do this work)

You don’t grow up in a place like Tenino without getting a little grit under your nails. I’m Wayne Fournier — Thurston County commissioner, professional firefighter, former … more

5/5/25

Peter Abbarno: Washington’s 2025 Legislature missed the mark for small businesses

As we celebrate Small Business Month this May, it’s with a heavy heart and growing frustration that we must also confront the legislative decisions made earlier this year in Olympia. The … more

Commentary by state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia | 5/5/25

Letter to the editor: We can protect children and also protect faith

As a Catholic and a Washington resident, I am not just concerned about the recent law that would force priests to break the seal of confession. I am seeing a pattern. One that shows our state … more

5/5/25

Letter to the editor: Introducing a new tax on letters to the editor

Upon reading Mr. Riplinger’s complaints about taxes, taxes, taxes , I found myself almost sympathetic. Almost. However, given the multi-billion dollar hole the former Gov. Jay Inslee left … more

5/5/25

Letter to the editor: Is Major League Baseball running the government?

Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Alta Vista Stadium in Spokane, Gesa Stadium in Pasco and Funko Field in Everett all get State of Washington money to live up to Major League Baseball standards. Major … more

5/5/25