During this week in September 1998, Darrell Blevins, 25, Toledo, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for vehicular homicide. He pleaded guilty to killing James Sizemore, 51, of Toledo.
Im very sorry, Blevins said. I didnt think I was drunk at the time, but when I see what I did, I know I was impaired. His pickup truck collided with Sizemores Plymouth minivan on Jackson Highway. Sizemore died two weeks after the crash at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Develin is Honorable
120 years ago, in 1888
Thieves were active in the community.
There were forty-five yards of calico, one side of bacon and one can of tomatoes (out of a case) taken from the wagon of Hugh Develin, of Lincoln creek, The Centralia News said. Mr. Develin was hauling these home for some other parties, and he, gentleman that he is, made good their loss. This petty thieving is becoming numerous, and an eye is on the miscreants.
New Picture Show Company Coming
100 years ago, in 1908
A new picture show company rented the building next to Hamakers Drug Store on Market Street.
The new theater is a branch of the Vaudette circuit, operating in Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Centralia, The Chehalis Bee-Nugget wrote. In this city, the company will put in a raised floor, opera chairs and have a modern show place. There will be two entrances, one on Pacific avenue and the other on Market street. For the present the attraction will be moving pictures and illustrated song.
Auto Hits Trees
75 years ago, in 1933
Slippery pavement caused the auto driven by Mrs. O.W. Ball, 1013 South Gold St., Centralia, to skid into the front yard of C.L. Sticklins home, south of town on the Pacific Highway.
The car suffered $300 damage and two silver birch trees were uprooted. Robert Cox, 15, a passenger in the car, had cuts on his forehead which needed six stitches.
Chevron Station Opens at Yard Birds
50 years ago, in 1958
Dave Vandal opened his new Chevron Station next to Yard Birds Shopping Center. Shoppers could drop off their autos to be serviced while shopping on the Miracle Mile. The shopping center was open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Parking was available for 400 cars.
Kings, Nobles, Knights and Ladies Meet in Packwood
25 years ago, in 1983
Mike McGrath, owner of the Packwood Hotel, also known as DArtios, brought the Society of Creative Anachronisms, which reenacted the middle ages, to East Lewis County.
Everyone will be suited in real armor and outfitted just as they would have been in the middle ages, McGrath said.
Generally what will happen is someone will say to you something like your mother was a Norman and youll go and fight about it. This isnt acting. Imagine taking a baseball bat and hitting somebody. Thats about how hard the blows are, but because of the armor and padding there are rarely injuries. Most combats dont have any. Usually the injury will be something like a broken arm from someone tripping in a gopher hole.
Peterson Plays Ball with Pros
Five years ago, in 2003
Brock Peterson, former W.F. West High School standout, did well in his first season in pro baseball with the Minnesota Twins organization.
He had a very good season with the bat, said Minnesota scout, and Centralias own, Bill Lohr. Its no secret that in pro ball, for a position player, its your bat that carries you, and Brocks off to a great start. I know our people are pleased. Theyre all asking me what rock I found him under.
