Local News
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum announces three Mother’s Day train rides 
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum (CCRM) will run three Mother’s Day excursions on Saturday, May 11.  “Enjoy a fun and relaxing day for moms, grandmas, and the whole …
Report: Former owner of dog found with bullet wound in head, taped muzzle had history of abusing the animal
The Castle Rock woman facing animal cruelty charges for allegedly shooting a dog in the head and taping its snout shut has a pattern of hurting the pet, according to court records. Jessica …
Centralia Rotary Club will plant an American flag in your yard four times a year as part of new program
The Centralia Rotary Club has launched a new program that could help residents get in the patriotic spirit four times a year.  For an annual membership fee to join the Centralia Rotary …
Seven WSECU branches close early on Tuesday after Randle man allegedly threatens to kill employees 
Seven Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) branches between Puyallup and Chehalis closed early on Tuesday due to a death threat a customer service representative allegedly received from a …
City of Chehalis bids farewell to Jill Anderson
The City of Chehalis bid farewell to retiring City Manager Jill Anderson on Tuesday, April 16, in the council chambers at Chehalis City Hall. More than two dozen people were in attendance when …
Earth Day work party and wildflower walk events planned at the Seminary Hill Natural Area
Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday, April 20, by getting your hands dirty at the Seminary Hill Natural Area during a public work party, and add a free wildflower walk to your calendar for April 27. …
Centralia man arrested after striking woman who was on electric handicap cart, leaving scene in Chehalis
A 23-year-old Centralia man was arrested Monday after allegedly crashing into a woman who was on an electric handicap cart and then leaving the scene, according to the Chehalis Police Department. …
Sirens: Malnourished dogs rescued from abandoned vehicle; Man seen lying on railroad tracks; burglary reported
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Dispute • A verbal dispute was reported in the 2500 block of Sharon Street at 2 p.m. on April 15. • A dispute was reported in the 900 block of …
WDFW: Latest big game hunting regulations and special hunt applications now available
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released the latest big game hunting season and regulation information, including a decision from the WDFW director about 2024-2026 hunting …
Chehalis Activators Track Classic set for Friday and Saturday
The Chehalis Activators Track Classic is set for Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, at W.F. West High School. The Chehalis Activators raise money to support Chehalis Middle School …
Bail set at $100,000 for Centralia man accused of having drugs in his car
Bail is set at $100,000 for a Centralia man accused of handing fentanyl and meth to the passenger in his car during a traffic stop in March. A sergeant with the Centralia Police Department had …
Northwest Wind Symphony presenting spring concert at Centralia College Saturday
The Northwest Wind Symphony will present its spring concert on Saturday, April 20. Titled “Desserts,” the show will start at 7 p.m. at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre. …
Toledo Track and Field to host breakfast fundraiser
The Toledo School District will host an all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy fundraiser later this month in support of the high school track and field team. The event will run from 8 to 11 a.m. on …
State Rep. Peter Abbarno meets with students of Centralia School District
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, met with students in the Centralia School District throughout the day on Wednesday, April 10, discussing career-readiness, trades careers, apprenticeships and …
Hundreds of lowland lakes around Washington open for fishing on April 27
Anglers can look forward to trout fishing in hundreds of lowland lakes throughout the state beginning April 27— and perhaps winning one of more than 800 trout derby prizes along with their …
Local Sports
Rainier allows double digit walks, falls to Eatonville
Despite snaring an early multi-run lead, the Mountaineers couldn’t make it stick in a 10-6 non-league setback against the Cruisers on Wednesday night on the road. Fifteen walks doomed …
Pitching keeps Tumwater in first place in league race
Ignited by the arms of Sarah Stevens and Ella Ferguson, the Thunderbirds kept their perfect Evergreen Conference record intact with a 2-0 triumph over Black Hills on Wednesday night at home. …
Tobin, top of lineup help W.F. West clip Aberdeen
In a game to set up the biggest game of the softball season to date, the Bearcats set themselves in prime position for a chance at a league title with a 3-2 victory over the Bobcats on Wednesday …
Fluetsch pushes Rochester to vital league victory
Fueled by five runs batted in by catcher Macey Fluetsch, the Warriors picked up a critical Evergreen Conference victory over Centralia by a 10-4 verdict on Wednesday night at home. The win moves …
Titans use late scoring surge to top Vikings
An eight-run seventh was more than enough for the Pe Ell-Willapa Valley baseball team to come away with a 10-4 victory at Mossyrock on Wednesday. After the Titans (11-2, 3-1 P2BL) and Vikings …

Chronicle Podcast

  • News Dump Ep. 183: Trying to scare off clandestine fornicators
  • News Dump Ep. 182: Hats off for the Director of Fluff
  • News Dump Ep. 181: It was that damn sasquatch
Obituaries

Death Notices: April 17, 2024

• MARSHALL JOHN SCOTT, 82, Centralia, died April 11 at his home at Assured Hospice in Centralia. There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Sticklin Funeral …

In loving memory of Ted D. Kohler: Oct. 10, 1942 - March 23, 2024

Ted Kohler, of Napavine, Washington, passed away at home with his family by his side. Ted was married to Jeanne in 1961 and she survives him at home. He worked for the Napavine School District for 30 …

In loving memory of Alta ‘June’ Wachter-Busse: 1927-2024

Alta “June” Wachter-Busse, Evaline, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Born in Centralia on June 3, 1927, June was a lifetime resident …

In loving memory of Johnnie Lee Workman: 1944-2024 

John Workman, 79, passed away Easter Sunday peacefully at his home in Mossyrock, Washington, surrounded by his wife Penny; daughter Cassie; and grandson Colby Johnson.  John was born in …

In loving memory of Thomas Fisher: 1973-2024

Thomas (Tom) Harrison Fisher was born Dec. 20, 1973, to Harrison (Horty) and Nancy Fisher in Chehalis, Washington. Tom unexpectedly left this life and received his angel wings on March 2, 2024, at …

In loving memory of Donald Wray Aylsworth: 1936-2024

Donald Wray Aylsworth, 87, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at home. He was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Cambridge, Nebraska, to William and Ruby (Balcom) Aylsworth. He …
State & Regional News

Antisemitism in Washington state rose dramatically in 2023, audit finds

An annual audit by the Anti-Defamation League of antisemitic incidents, including vandalism, harassment and assaults expressing Jewish hate, found the number nearly tripled in Washington in 2023 …

Schools
Lewis County donates $35,000 to project to house homeless Centralia students
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to provide $35,000 to a project to house homeless students in the Centralia School District. The move comes after the Centralia …
Napavine SkillsUSA student to compete in national competition
Napavine High School sophomore Lyla Kirkpatrick will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, in June to compete at the national level after she placed first in the prepared speaking category at the Washington …
Centralia and Chehalis Catholic parishes bring back Stations of the Cross enactment
With the early spring showers clearing up just in time for this past weekend, close to 200 local Catholics began their Easter weekend by watching as Centralia’s St. Mary’s and …
Napavine High School third quarter honor roll
Following are members of Napavine High School’s third quarter honor roll, as provided by the school district. Students are listed in alphabetical order.   12th grade …
Napavine Middle School third quarter honor roll
Following are members of Napavine Middle School’s third quarter honor roll. Students are listed in alphabetical order.   Eighth grade Superintendent’s list: 3.5 to 4.0 …
Commentary

Richard Stride commentary: Beginning to understand the meaning of understanding

I love watching documentaries, usually those that are about history or historical figures. My wife likes sitcoms. If you saw us at home sitting on the couch together, you would see that she …

Julie McDonald: Mother Joseph and Sisters of Providence opened schools, hospitals, orphanages

Today marks the 201st birthday of a Canadian woman whose loving selfless acts of service saved many lives throughout the Pacific Northwest. Esther Pariseau was born April 16, 1823, on a farm …

Commentary: Local descendant finds big surprise at American Revolution exhibit in Thurston County 

How would you feel if you walked into a national exhibition and saw your own direct relative’s image and life narrative as part of the story?  That is exactly what happened to Stuart …

Brian Mittge: Family ties are as sweet as the spring sunshine

My oldest son just got back from a visit to his cousins in Texas. Offhand, he mentioned how similar my brother and I are.  It made me smile. I’m honored to be associated with my …

Our Views: Beacons of hope — Scholars Haven and Centralia Community Foundation

In a world filled with uncertainties and obstacles, it is truly inspiring to see the rise of organizations that bring hope dedicated to supporting those in need and nurturing the aspirations of our …
Outdoors
Outdoors
Nonprofit brings tracked mobility chairs to Grays Harbor County 
“Living life on one’s own terms” is the foundation of David’s Chair, a nonprofit organization founded in 2017 that’s bringing beach trips to those whose physical …
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor sandhill cranes with drones
RIDGEFIELD — Researchers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct drone surveys over known locations of sandhill cranes in Klickitat County to assess the technology's …
WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs; additional tentative digs planned for April and May
Razor clam diggers can look forward to more digging opportunities on coastal beaches as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) coastal shellfish managers last week confirmed digs that …