The Chronicle

11/14/2025

ONALASKA'S STATE RUN ENDS AFTER REMARKABLE SEASON: YAKIMA — While the 2025 season saw the Onalaska Loggers fall short of their goal of placing at the state tournament, the campaign will be looked back as a launching point for a team returning all of its players minus one next year.

That one is a significant one in hitter and vocal leader Renzy Marshall, but Onalaska will have lots of proven and budding talent, combined with state experience, heading into next season. In 2025, the Loggers clinched their first outright league title since 2007, first state appearance since 2015, and first win in the state tournament since 2007.

The magical season came to a close as the seventh-seeded Loggers lost in four sets to third-seeded Tonasket in the consolation semifinals Thursday morning. Onalaska was just one win away from its first state trophy since 2004.

“The growth that the kids made this year…they played well. They played together. They had ups and they had downs,” Loggers head coach Susan Gordon said of the season. “To always be able to come back together as a team shows their resilience.”

Onalaska looked dominant in the first set, as outside hitter Emalie Jacoby and middle blocker Sommer Hammer punished the Tigers with kills to build a 13-4 lead early. Despite Tonasket catching a rhythm late, the Loggers held strong to win the set 25-19.

Onalaska and Tonasket exchanged jabs throughout the second set, with neither team gaining an edge until the Loggers took a 22-18 lead. Needing just three points to take a commanding 2-0 advantage, Onalaska allowed a 7-1 run to lose the frame and flip the momentum of the match.

In sets three and four, the Loggers never made the necessary push to climb back into the contest, and Tonasket claimed both sets to knock them out of the state tournament and end their season.

Onalaska was led by Jacoby’s 25 kills and 25 digs, while Faith Hammer and Sommer Hammer combined for a dozen blocks. Braelyn Babb handed out 35 assists. The Loggers finish the season with a 15-6 record.

Gordon’s high expectations for her team each game will only continue to grow with next year’s returning haul of talent, a load that includes five All-C2BL selections. The C2BL is poised to once again be a competitive league with multiple state-caliber squads, and Gordon believes her Loggers are in position to earn some hardware this time next fall.

“There’s huge potential for this team. They can go as high as they want,” she said. “The potential is there. I believe the desire is there. They just have to go after it.”

(Photos and reporting by Chronicle Assistant Editor Dylan Reubenking.)

11/14/2025

TOLEDO'S HISTORIC SEASON COMES TO AN END: YAKIMA — Toledo was just one set win away from a second straight sweep in the 2B State Tournament and its first state volleyball trophy in program history.

Instead, River View sent the Riverhawks home without hardware. The Panthers completed a reverse sweep, knocking out Toledo in five sets in the consolation semifinals Thursday morning 28-26, 25-15, 21-25, 19-25, 10-15.

The Riverhawks came into day two of the tournament as the only one of the four Central 2B League teams with momentum, as they won their second game while the other three lost in the quarterfinals.

Against River View, Toledo battled through a nailbiting first set that saw neither team gain a sizable advantage. From the point the Panthers were a point away from an opening set win, Ellie Fallon took over for the Riverhawks. Her four kills in the final stretch led Toledo to a 28-26 win.

Set two was all Riverhawks in a 25-15 trouncing, and it appeared Toledo was all but guaranteed a trophy. But River View had other ideas, and with their season on the line, the Panthers extended the game first by holding off Toledo 25-21 in the third set and rallying from an early deficit in the fourth to win 25-19.

According to Toledo head coach Kelli Larson, the Riverhawks were doomed after the momentum shifted following the third set and due to a crucial mistake in the fourth.

“We turned in the wrong lineup. We transposed two girls, and so we were all screwed up in the fourth set,” she said. “That messup in the lineup just shook us. We had out-of-rotation calls.”

Facing elimination in the fifth set, a typically aggressive Toledo team struggled out of the gate, quickly falling behind 7-2. The Riverhawks kept the set within striking distance until River View separated itself in the end with strong defense at the net.

“In the fifth set, I felt like we just played it too safe and had some errors,” Larson said. “I reminded them that we have a freshman setter and most of everybody else out there is a sophomore. When you get in those pressure situations, they have less experience to fall back on, and the nerves sometimes jump in there.”

But the young Riverhawks now have deep postseason experience to fall back on heading into next season, where all but senior Emily Feigenbaum will return. Larson wasn’t certain a team this young and inexperienced could punch its ticket to state until the moment they beat Mossyrock in districts, but she knows they’ll be back and better next fall with a roster featuring five All-C2BL selections.

“I hope they know that they deserve to be here and that they can play with any team here,” she said. “If they keep working hard in the offseason, they’re going to do better next year.”

(Photos and reporting by Chronicle Assistant Editor Dylan Reubenking.)

11/14/2025

Today the Mason County Sheriff's Enforcement Team tracked down and arrested a suspect with Felony Arrest Warrants for the crimes of: Identity Theft First Degree, Forgery, Identity Theft Second Degree, Theft First Degree, and a Misdemeanor Warrant for Theft Third Degree.

This suspect has been involved in a prolific string of mail theft, identity theft, fraud, and forgery investigations, targeting victims in Mason County and surrounding communities. SET Deputies conducted a search of the suspect's residence and found her hiding in a small closet inside her mother's bedroom. The suspect complied with commands and was taken into custody on her multitude of Arrest Warrants, before a short ride to the Mason County Jail, where she was booked.

Another successful operation to keep Mason County a safe place to live, work and play.
~S50

11/14/2025

"Centralia is on the cusp of major growth and prosperity. It’s time for everyone to get involved to help steer our future toward something that benefits all of us.

"I also want to give a very special thank you to my husband, Sean, and our son, Theodore. Without their love, support and sacrifice, I would not have been able to run such a strong campaign.

"My husband has been my steady sounding board, my source of encouragement and the one who kept me grounded with his prayers through countless meetings and long days. And to Theodore, thank you for being patient when I missed bedtime stories and goodnight kisses so I could attend those meetings. Being your mom is an honor, and I hope this shows you that with hard work and heart, you can make a difference too."

Editor's note: The following letter was written by Ally Pickard, who defeated Port of Centralia Commissioner Julie Shaffley during the recent general election.  I want to begin by thanking …

11/14/2025

THURSTON COUNTY MAN GUILTY IN BABY'S MURDER: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Shen and Defense Attorney Kevin Griffin on Wednesday gave their closing arguments for murder charges against Eric Richard Boudreau, who was found guilty by jury of brutally assaulting and killing 13-month-old boy Jace Alexander McDonald in 2022.

He was babysitting the child at the time. Jace died of blunt force injuries.

A 12-person jury found Boudreau guilty of second-degree murder, second-degree assault of a child and third-degree assault of a child on Thursday, Nov. 13, after roughly five hours of deliberations.

Full story in the comments.

11/14/2025

Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope came out publicly against the City of Centralia’s warehouse and distribution center moratorium earlier this week.

In a statement, speaking only for himself and not the Lewis County Board of Commissioners as a whole, Swope accused the City of Centralia of holding up economic development that would support development of critical local infrastructure.

Swope provided the statement Monday afternoon after a Lewis County commissioners budget update meeting. In the statement, he aired frustration with the moratorium put in place by the Centralia City Council in early September and said the city wasn't justified in delaying permitting for large-scale warehouses in the area.

“From the county standpoint, we control the zoning and the land use, and so if a company came in and wanted to cite something over (250,000 square feet), they still would be allowed to do that,” Swope said. “I think we have not been vocal about this in hopes of just getting people to the table.”

While the City of Centralia, the Port of Centralia and Lewis County agreed to begin a mediation process for establishing a development agreement back in October, the parties have yet to arrive at the negotiating table.

The local governments have recently failed to agree on terms for the mediation process. The county has advocated for an elected member of each government to represent each party. The city has instead said they would like the city manager, county manager and the executive director of the port to represent the three parties instead.

Most recently, during the Centralia City Council’s meeting on Tuesday Oct. 28, Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston and Deputy Mayor Chris Brewer advocated for a “pre-mediation” meeting with an elected official and head administrator from each of the three parties to iron out the mediation terms.

City staff has cited concerns that proposals from the county for a mediation agreement make too many assumptions or declarations that should be part of the mediation and not established beforehand.

Swope, in his statement, said he believes concerns that the mediation agreement will determine the outcome before negotiations even start have prevented the parties from coming to an agreement.

“We just need to get the right people in the room,” Swope said. “Sit down with a mediator and come to a conclusion that's going to be good for Lewis County and Centralia.”

Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope came out publicly against the City of Centralia’s warehouse and distribution center moratorium earlier this week. In a statement, speaking only for …

11/14/2025

Washington state Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti wants his office to look beyond the numbers — and appreciate the tangible impact they have on local communities.

Take, for instance, the 2023 Rosenbauer Pumper Tender, purchased by Lewis County Fire District 15 through the state’s LOCAL program offering low-interest loans to municipalities.

Pellicciotti stopped by Winlock on Friday, Nov. 7, to see the Rosenbauer and main fire station that has been steadily upgrading since the 70s, back when its crew consisted solely of volunteers.

The Rosenbauer, known as Engine 15-1, features a 2,000-gallon water tank, front bumper mounted nozzle, upper-mounted deck nozzle and a 1250-gpm (gallons per minute) pump.

More noticeable to the average citizen is its customized front grille painted with the American flag, a touch that has become a trademark for Winlock Fire & Rescue. (The fire department has another truck sporting an American flag grille.)

On Engine 15-1, “Winlock” is displayed front and center.

“So if you're driving this truck down the road and the lights and sirens are activated, Winlock will actually flash,” Lieutenant and EMT Jarryd Forler said.

The pumper tender isn’t the only vehicle purchased through the state-offered loan program. District 15 also bought a Ford ambulance manufactured by Braun.

During his visit, Pellicciotti spoke about the program’s ability to bring more money back to local agencies and, ultimately, the citizens who benefit from lower taxes.

“When you can use our state's good credit ratings to be able to finance things — especially in more rural areas — it has a huge impact,” Pellicciotti said.

Washington state Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti wants his office to look beyond the numbers — and appreciate the tangible impact they have on local communities. Take, for instance, the 2023 …

11/14/2025

"He said in 2024 of the current occupant of the White House:"

'There has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.'

Dick Cheney, the Republican former congressman, secretary of defense and vice president, died on Nov. 3.  He said in 2024 of the current occupant of the White House: “There has …

11/14/2025

"They blow billions of our dollars on the dumbest stuff I’ve ever seen, produce nothing but misery and heartache on their constituents, live like kings and don’t work, take our hard-earned money to afford their lifestyles, and ruin everything they touch.

"And that’s their redeeming qualities."

I was just wondering how Democrats are feeling about their party’s bit of socialism on display in Washington, D.C.? You know, the one where the Democrats in the Senate wanted to dirty up …

11/14/2025

✨Let OX Centralia Cook Your Thanksgiving Meal This Year

Enjoy chef-prepared Thanksgiving meals to-go — made with care, quality ingredients, and a genuine local touch. Meals are available for individuals ($45) or families (starting at $165, serves four).

Choose from: 🦃
• Roasted turkey breast with herb butter
• Stuffed pork loin with sauce Robert
• Vegan meatloaf

Sides include: 🍽️
• Mashed potatoes or sweet–jalapeño mashed potatoes
• Green bean casserole
• Seasonal vegetables
• Non-spicy chorizo & apple stuffing
• Cranberry-orange compote
• Artisan bread
• OX’s house-made pumpkin pie (often praised as “the best ever”)

Pickup:📍405 N Tower Ave, Centralia

• Cold pickup: Nov. 26 (8 AM–8 PM)
• Hot pickup: Nov. 27 (11 AM–2 PM)

Preorder by Nov. 24 — limited quantities.
Order here: 👉 www.oxcentralia.com/store

Enjoy Thanksgiving—let OX prepare the meal for you.

11/14/2025

"To turn his tragic passing into a political ping pong match is disappointing to say the least. Tom was a wonderful man, husband, friend and servant to his community.

"Wouldn’t it be nice to have a social environment that would praise the person rather than use the situation as a political statement."

A friend of many people in our community was running for the fire commission of Lewis County Fire District 5 in the Newaukum and Napavine area. Tom Crowson passed away at the end of July, just …

11/14/2025

THURSTON COUNTY MAN FOUND GUILTY IN MURDER OF BABY: Eric Boudreau has been found guilty in the brutal assault and murder of 13-month-old Jace Alexander McDonald.

A jury returned the verdict today after a trial in Thurston County Superior Court.

“The jury’s verdict reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the profound harm inflicted on an extremely vulnerable child,” the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office said in an official statement. “Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving the abuse of children who rely entirely on adults for their safety and care.”

Full story in the comments.