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The Chronicle is published in print on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings — and daily at Chronline.com — by CT Publishing LLC. “Serving the Greater Lewis County, Wash. area since 1889.”

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ICYMI: What began as just a coffee shop with a handful of breakfast items in Olympia five years ago has become so succes...
03/25/2023
Hash: Centralia Provides New Breakfast Option and More

ICYMI: What began as just a coffee shop with a handful of breakfast items in Olympia five years ago has become so successful the owners have opened a second location in Centralia.

What began as just a coffee shop with a handful of breakfast items in Olympia five years ago has become so successful the owners have opened a second location in Centralia. Hash: Centralia …

Officers with the Centralia Police Department responded at about 9 a.m. on March 21 to a report that the man, who was fo...
03/25/2023
Two People in Custody After Man Dies of Apparent Overdose in Centralia Apartment

Officers with the Centralia Police Department responded at about 9 a.m. on March 21 to a report that the man, who was found by his friend in an apartment in the 3000 block of Borst Avenue, was unconscious and not breathing, according to a news release from the police department.

According to the friend, the man was visiting from the University of Idaho in Moscow and had attended a party in Seattle the night prior, where he overdosed.

He received care at Harborview Medical Center before he was discharged at about 2 a.m. and picked up by the friend, who lives in Centralia.

Two people were arrested on drug offenses after law enforcement connected them to the overdose-related death of a 22-year-old man in Centralia on Tuesday. Officers with the Centralia Police …

ICYMI: “We still have plenty of harvestable nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some equally great digging during ...
03/25/2023
WDFW Approves Razor Clam Digging at Long Beach; Digs Still on at Other Coastal Beaches

ICYMI: “We still have plenty of harvestable nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some equally great digging during the first daylight low tides opportunities of spring.”

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Wednesday confirmed coastal razor clam digging will reopen at Long Beach on Thursday, March 23, in addition to digs planned at …

Friends Without Homes, a Lewis County nonprofit organization focusing on providing those experiencing homelessness with ...
03/25/2023
Nonprofit Holding Homeless ‘Myths and Facts’ Forum at Centralia Library

Friends Without Homes, a Lewis County nonprofit organization focusing on providing those experiencing homelessness with resources and aid, announced at last week’s Centralia City Council meeting it will host a forum to help clear up “myths and facts” surrounding homelessness.

Friends Without Homes, a Lewis County nonprofit organization focusing on providing those experiencing homelessness with resources and aid, announced at last week’s Centralia City Council …

LEWIS COUNTY JAIL STATISTICS:As of Friday morning, the Lewis County Jail had a total system population of 153 inmates, i...
03/25/2023
Sirens: Indecent Exposure; Disorderly Conduct; Theft; Assault of Elderly Patient

LEWIS COUNTY JAIL STATISTICS:

As of Friday morning, the Lewis County Jail had a total system population of 153 inmates, including 141 in the general population and 12 in the Work Ethic and Restitution Center.

CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT  Indecent Exposure  • A subject was reportedly “flashing people” in the 500 block of Southeast Washington Avenue just after 3:35 p.m. on …

Addisyn Olson, a 13-year-old Chehalis Middle School student, earned a number of notable accolades during the Age Group R...
03/25/2023
Chehalis Middle School Student Earns Accolades at Prestigious Regional Swim Meet

Addisyn Olson, a 13-year-old Chehalis Middle School student, earned a number of notable accolades during the Age Group Regionals Championship swim meet held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way last weekend.

Addisyn Olson, a 13-year-old Chehalis Middle School student, earned a number of notable accolades during the Age Group Regionals Championship swim meet held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic …

Here's an early look at the front page of the weekend edition of The Chronicle, featuring a deep dive into investigative...
03/25/2023

Here's an early look at the front page of the weekend edition of The Chronicle, featuring a deep dive into investigative documents detailing the potentially flawed investigation into the death of Aron Christensen along a remote East Lewis County trail in August 2022. Charges have yet to be filed after Christensen and his dog were killed by gunfire. The story is at chronline.com.

Evelyn Martin started working at the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. in 1946 at the age of 17. She had just graduated ...
03/25/2023

Evelyn Martin started working at the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. in 1946 at the age of 17. She had just graduated from Winlock High School. This 1953 photo was taken at the new building on the corner of Pine and Pearl streets after Pacific Telephone became Pacific Northwest Bell. The party was for Nettie Helgeson, who had earned a five year service award. Pacific Northwest Bell later became U.S. West and later, Qwest. Evelyn retired from the Longview office after 34 years of service. In 1953, the then young Susie Wickert, Evelyn’s daughter, would sometimes sleep in the “sick” room during her mother's night shifts. Pictured left to right are Treva Armstrong, Nettie Helgeson, Eunice Dufour, Evelyn Martin, Harriet Martin, Thelma Rhyner, Leila Proffitt, Frances Brink, Ella O’Conner, Garnet Hensley, Joyce Skinner, supervisor, and Dallas Pinn, chief operator.

Originally submitted by Sue Wickert for The Chronicle's Our Hometowns books.

03/25/2023

LOOKING FOR PART-TIME SEASONAL SPORTS DEPARTMENT STAFFER: If you’re seeing this post and following this page, chances are you are a fan of local prep sports. If you’re a fan of high school sports, open to writing, have a little extra time in the evenings and are looking to make a little extra money, The Chronicle might have an opportunity for you. We’re looking for someone able to work a few hours each weeknight, generally from around 6 to 9 p.m., to assist our sports department. The chosen applicant will help take calls from coaches of the 16 school districts The Chronicle covers in Lewis County, east Grays Harbor County and south Thurston County. You’ll produce writeups on games based on provided stats and short phone interviews and complete other duties as assigned by the sports editor. The position could be perfect for a student or recent graduate with an interest in writing and high school sports, but we’re open to hearing from all. While The Chronicle is currently looking for someone to work through the spring sports season, it could develop into a longer term arrangement. To apply, simply send a letter of 500 words or less to [email protected] introducing yourself, detailing your qualifications and explaining why you would be a good fit for the job.

"In May 1957, back when gentlemen literally had hats to pass around for money collection, my grandparents, James “Jim” A...
03/25/2023
Isabel Vander Stoep Commentary: A Chehalis Rotary Club Story That Spans Generations

"In May 1957, back when gentlemen literally had hats to pass around for money collection, my grandparents, James “Jim” Andrew and Margaret “Suzi” Sue Vander Stoep, were preparing for the birth of their third child, my father. (Don’t do the math, he doesn’t need to know I told you his age.)"

Some friendships span generations. In tight-knit Lewis County, we’re blessed to find these more frequently.  They are a privilege. I get to enjoy them because my grandparents, parents …

“The Major” Joseph H. Gardner is shown tilling the weeds out of the strawberries grown on the farm known as the “Lazy J....
03/25/2023

“The Major” Joseph H. Gardner is shown tilling the weeds out of the strawberries grown on the farm known as the “Lazy J.”

Originally submitted by Bernadette Gardner-John for Our Hometowns.

“I anticipate a charging decision next week,” Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer told The Chronicle Thursday.Aron Ch...
03/25/2023
Justice Delayed: Documents Shed Light on Tumultuous Investigation Into Death of Aron Christensen, His Dog: Seven Months After Deaths, Prosecutor’s Office Anticipates Charging Decision in Case Next Week

“I anticipate a charging decision next week,” Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer told The Chronicle Thursday.

Aron Christensen's family issued a statement for this story focused on the extended and likely flawed investigation into the August 2022 death of Aron Christensen and his dog: “Last Sunday marked seven months since Aron and Buzz were killed, and with each passing day that our questions remain unanswered, our patience continues to wear thin, and our hearts grow heavier. We haven't received many new updates regarding the status of the case since it was referred to the prosecutor's office for a second time. As far as we know, charges have yet to be filed; arrests have yet to be made."

Aron Christensen’s name first appeared in The Chronicle as part of a 30-word death notice on Aug. 31, 2022. It noted the Portland man had died Aug. 20 on a Walupt Lake hiking trail in East …

This is the 1949 Southwest Washington Fair queen and her court. The story about how this photo came into the hands of Av...
03/25/2023

This is the 1949 Southwest Washington Fair queen and her court. The story about how this photo came into the hands of Avalon Gates Morris is interesting. She was working at a local antiques shop when she came upon a display including this photo. “I glanced in the display case and there were the photos. I asked the shop owner, ‘Look at that girl right there. Do you know who that is?’” “Is that you?” the woman asked. It was Avalon and all the others pictured here. Left to right are Carol Tobin, Boistfort; Helen Bennett, Chehalis; Helen Hansen, Napavine; Barbara Fores, Centralia; Ruth Johnson, Onalaska; Marlene Reynoldson, Morton; Avalon Gates Morris, Pe Ell; Geraldene Lemmel, Winlock; Barbara Fuchs, Randle; Mary Lee Fay, Adna; Darlene Wallace, Toledo; and Barbara Moran, Mossyrock. Avalon Gates Morris, who provided this photo, passed away in 2013.

Originally submitted by Avalon Gates Morris for The Chronicles Our Hometowns books.

During a going away party Wednesday, a cake neatly summed up the attitude around Lewis County Manager Erik Martin’s depa...
03/25/2023
Erik Martin Wraps up Time in Lewis County Manager Position

During a going away party Wednesday, a cake neatly summed up the attitude around Lewis County Manager Erik Martin’s departure.

It read: “Fine. Go.”

Similarly, icing on cookies spelled: “Later, traitor.”

Known for his even-handed leadership through tumultuous times in the local government, Martin’s departure, while accepted, is no thrill for county staff and elected officials. The first person to ever take the role in Lewis County, Martin saw his final day Friday, March 24, after four-and-a-half years in the big job and a total of 14 for the county.

During a going away party Wednesday, a cake neatly summed up the attitude around Lewis County Manager Erik Martin’s departure. It read: “Fine. Go.” Similarly, icing on cookies …

03/25/2023

Today we remember Trooper Justin Schaffer.

Justin R. Schaffer was born on January 30, 1992, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Glenn and Sheila Schaffer.

In 2006, Schaffer and his family moved to Chehalis. He graduated from Adna High School in 2010 and went on to earn his associate degree in Criminal Justice from Centralia College in 2012.

Schaffer met his wife, Sandra, when the two worked together at Grocery Outlet in Chehalis. They began dating in January 2012 and married in August 2013.

Schaffer was hired by Washington State Patrol in November 2013 as a Trooper Cadet assigned to the Property Management Division. On January 13, 2014, Trooper Cadet Schaffer started his training with the 27th Arming Class. On February 14, 2014, Trooper Cadet Schaffer continued his training with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on September 16, 2014, assigned to Morton.

On September 1, 2016, Trooper Schaffer was assigned as a certified Drug Recognition Expert. On November 10, 2018, Trooper Schaffer completed K9 training and was a certified K9 handler to his partner “Frankie.” Trooper Schaffer transferred to Chehalis on December 13, 2018.

Trooper Schaffer passed away on March 24, 2020, at the age of 28. Justin was fatally struck by a vehicle when placing spike strips down on Interstate 5 in Chehalis. At the time of his death, Trooper Schaffer had served seven years with the Washington State Patrol.

Trooper Schaffer’s wife, Sandra, their dog, Kadie, and his K9 partner, Frankie, live in Thurston County. Sandra is the owner of the bakery, Sugar Cakes by Sandra.

His parents, Sheila and Glenn, live in Chehalis. Glenn is the retired Police Chief for Chehalis Police Department. Justin’s brother, Brandon is a fireman with the Lewis County Fire Department. His sister-in-law, Samantha, recently graduated from the University of Louisville with her Bachelor of Science degree. She is working towards her degree in Criminal Justice. They reside in Napavine, WA.

Please take a moment to remember Trooper Schaffer and his family.

This photo shows a group of Centralia Girl Scouts on an out- ing to Seminary Hill on April 12, 1945. During the outing, ...
03/25/2023

This photo shows a group of Centralia Girl Scouts on an out- ing to Seminary Hill on April 12, 1945. During the outing, some- one came to the group with the news that President Franklin Roosevelt had died. The girls were immediately dismissed to return home. Rose Baldwin, the photo’s contributor, in the early 2000s said she had never known another president. “We were so young and wondered how the world would go on,” she said. Standing in the back, left to right, are Roberta Terry, Mary Jane Harmon, Susie Begley, JoAnn Olmstead, Rosemary Cluzel and Fern Altman. Seated are an unknown girl, then Forae Herrick, Mary Tunnell and another two unknown girls.

Originally submitted by Rose Baldwin for The Chronicle's Our Hometowns books.

"He married his high school sweetheart “Marsha” in October 1954. After serving in the Army, which included a brief tour ...
03/25/2023
In Loving Memory of Gary Davis: 1935-2023

"He married his high school sweetheart “Marsha” in October 1954. After serving in the Army, which included a brief tour in Iceland, he returned home where he and his wife started their family. They settled in Chehalis, Washington, where Gary was a dairy farmer for many years."

Gary Arnold Davis was born on Dec. 8, 1935, to Clyde and Beuala (Bee) Davis in Carnation, Washington. He passed away at age 87 on March 12, 2023, in Centralia, Washington. He was preceded in death by …

"John graduated from Onalaska High School in 1971 and went on to lead a fulfilling life. He was a dedicated and hardwork...
03/24/2023
In Loving Memory of John Dee Sill

"John graduated from Onalaska High School in 1971 and went on to lead a fulfilling life. He was a dedicated and hardworking individual who found and maintained a perfect balance between work and family. He was a loving father to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

John Dee Sill, a beloved father, grandfather and friend, went to heaven on March 14, 2023, at the age of 69. He was born in Centralia, Washington, to Rezin and Gloria Sill. He was the third child of …

IN FOCUS: Straight run hatchery choice ducklings are for sale at Tractor Supply in Chehalis with a minimum purchase of t...
03/24/2023

IN FOCUS: Straight run hatchery choice ducklings are for sale at Tractor Supply in Chehalis with a minimum purchase of two birds and a poultry expert will be present at the store on Saturday morning for bird owners seeking advice.

Photos by Isabel Vander Stoep.

Rochester High School student Hunter Morgan has been named a President’s Scholar at Pacific Lutheran University, accordi...
03/24/2023
Rochester High School Student Earns Prestigious PLU Scholarship

Rochester High School student Hunter Morgan has been named a President’s Scholar at Pacific Lutheran University, according to a news release from the university.

Morgan was one of 120 applicants selected out of a pool of over 400. By being named a President’s Scholar, he earned a PLU scholarship worth $34,000 per year.

Rochester High School student Hunter Morgan has been named a President’s Scholar at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), according to a news release from the university.  Morgan was one …

U.S. Air Force veteran Dawn Merchant opened Dawn’s Delectables in 2013 at 204 N. Tower Ave. in downtown Centralia.
03/24/2023
Dawn’s Delectables Prepares for 10-Year Anniversary Next Month

U.S. Air Force veteran Dawn Merchant opened Dawn’s Delectables in 2013 at 204 N. Tower Ave. in downtown Centralia.

Now a staple of downtown Centralia, Dawn’s Delectables is preparing to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Tuesday, April 18, according to a news release from the coffee, dessert and sandwich …

To honor the three-year anniversary of the day Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer was fatally struck by ...
03/24/2023

To honor the three-year anniversary of the day Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin R. Schaffer was fatally struck by a vehicle while placing spike strips on Interstate 5 in Chehalis, Adna coffee stand Skull & Crossbones Coffee Co. is offering two drink specials today.

One dollar from every one of those specials sold on Friday will go to the Adna High School Justin Schaffer Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Skull & Crossbones Coffee Co., owned by Adna High School Booster Club president and retired Centralia police officer Angie Krause, is located at 109 Bunker Creek Road across from Adna Grocery. The coffee stand is open from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Photos by Jared Wenzelburger.

The school's current plan for surviving a tsunami, which is to climb onto the roofspace of certain classrooms in the ele...
03/24/2023
Coastal Town, State Work to Move Forward on Tsunami Tower

The school's current plan for surviving a tsunami, which is to climb onto the roofspace of certain classrooms in the elementary school, is wildly insufficient, Samson said, in terms of both practicality and even in space for students or accessibility for physically limited students.

"This plan is ridiculous and not anywhere near adequate to protect our students and our staff," Samson said.

"Standing where we are, right now, the tsunami will arrive in 35 minutes and will be 35 feet tall," said Corina Allen, the Chief Hazards Geologist for the Washington Geological Survey before a school …

After a one-win season in 2021, the Beavers came a game away from making the state tournament last season, and return ju...
03/24/2023
1A Baseball Preview: Just About Everyone Coming Back in 1A Evergreen League

After a one-win season in 2021, the Beavers came a game away from making the state tournament last season, and return just about every piece to try to get over the hump this time around.

Austin Gonia will lead the Beavers from behind the dish, and at it as well.

Senior leaders weren’t in surplus in the 1A Evergreen last season. Including league co-MVPs Isaac and Isaiah Pierce out of Montesano only six 12th graders made first-team all league, and three …

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rolled out FishWA. The free mobile app is designed to convey up-to-the-mi...
03/24/2023
WDFW App Keeps Anglers Up to Date

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rolled out FishWA. The free mobile app is designed to convey up-to-the-minute fishing regulations for every lake, river, stream and marine area in the state.

OLYMPIA — Fishing limits, regulations and more are just a phone signal away. In 2021, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rolled out its FishWA for Apple and Android devices. The …

For all of the Columbia River, the recommended limit from eating lamprey, a culturally important food for tribes, is now...
03/24/2023
Don't Eat Too Many of These Columbia River Fish: Contamination Found, Washington Officials Say

For all of the Columbia River, the recommended limit from eating lamprey, a culturally important food for tribes, is now no more than four meals per month for adults.

New warnings on eating some catches from the Columbia River have been issued by the Washington state Department of Health. For all of the Columbia River, the recommended limit from eating lamprey, …

Aparicio Mendoza Matias died at the scene of the collision, according to a Washington State Patrol Press memo. He report...
03/24/2023
Shelton Driver Dies, Two Others Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash

Aparicio Mendoza Matias died at the scene of the collision, according to a Washington State Patrol Press memo. He reportedly did not wear a seat belt.

A 27-year-old Shelton man died Wednesday in a three-vehicle collision on U.S. 101 in Mason County. Aparicio Mendoza Matias died at the scene of the collision, according to a Washington State …

Three dead dogs still locked in their kennels and two dead birds were discovered this week inside a trailer in West Rich...
03/24/2023
Police Investigating After Five Dead Pets Found Inside Eastern Washington Trailer

Three dead dogs still locked in their kennels and two dead birds were discovered this week inside a trailer in West Richland.

Three dead dogs still locked in their kennels and two dead birds were discovered this week inside a trailer in West Richland. Officers made the grisly discovery Tuesday morning after neighbors …

The Napavine track and field team went north to Eatonville on Thursday, taking second out of five schools in the girls m...
03/24/2023
Track Roundup: Napavine Girls 2nd in Eatonville

The Napavine track and field team went north to Eatonville on Thursday, taking second out of five schools in the girls meet and third out of four on the boys’ side.

The Napavine track and field team went north to Eatonville on Thursday, taking second out of five schools in the girls meet and third out of four on the boys’ side. The Tigers cleaned up in …

Six residences, he said, house full-time employees and their families at no rental cost. Rauch was proud of the farm’s c...
03/24/2023
Boistfort Blueberry Farm Explains Setup After County Scrutiny on Housing

Six residences, he said, house full-time employees and their families at no rental cost. Rauch was proud of the farm’s culture, saying he and other owners and managers helped bring one full-time employee through substance abuse struggles.

After a February Lewis County Board of Health meeting cast doubt over the adequacy of housing and water hookups at a blueberry farm on Wildwood Road in Boistfort, the farm’s owner, Jeff Rauch, …

In phone calls made from Clark County Jail earlier this month, the boyfriend of Meshay Melendez repeatedly blamed her fo...
03/24/2023
Boyfriend Blamed Woman for Domestic Violence Charges Two Weeks Before She and Daughter Were Found Dead

In phone calls made from Clark County Jail earlier this month, the boyfriend of Meshay Melendez repeatedly blamed her for the domestic violence charges against him and insisted she needed to “figure out” how to get them dropped, court records say.

Police believe two bodies found Wednesday off a rural roadside embankment in Washougal are those of Melendez and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart. They had been missing since March 12.

In phone calls made from Clark County Jail earlier this month, the boyfriend of Meshay Melendez repeatedly blamed her for the domestic violence charges against him and insisted she needed to …

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the elusive animals were thought to be eradicated from Oregon i...
03/24/2023
Wolverine Spotted Near Portland for First Time in More Than 30 Years

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the elusive animals were thought to be eradicated from Oregon in 1936, but scattered sightings that started in the 1960s proved their perseverance.

Is that a bear? A badger? Or maybe a wild dog? It’s easy to mistake all of the above for a wolverine – but wildlife officials confirmed that two people spotted a wolverine on the …

Police believe the man they arrested lived in the residence with the boy, but they were not related."This was a senseles...
03/24/2023
Thurston County Police Arrest Man in Connection With 'Tragic' 2022 Child Homicide

Police believe the man they arrested lived in the residence with the boy, but they were not related.

"This was a senseless and tragic loss of a young life," Detective Sgt. Jeremy Knight said in the release. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of this young child."

Lacey police arrested a 32-year-old man Wednesday who is accused of killing a toddler in late 2022. Detectives booked the man into Thurston County jail on suspicion of second-degree murder, …

03/24/2023
SUBMITTED PHOTOS: "My name is Rachel Hudson, and I am a photographer who lives in Chehalis. I knew that there was going ...
03/24/2023

SUBMITTED PHOTOS: "My name is Rachel Hudson, and I am a photographer who lives in Chehalis. I knew that there was going to be a major aurora tonight, but I also knew that it was going to be very stormy everywhere, so I was reluctant to drive far to see the aurora. I kept watch for a break in the clouds, and when there was a gap, I drove to Airport Road in Chehalis, where I pulled over and got these pictures of STEVE (Strong Thermal Emissions Velocity Enhancement, a phenomenon similar to the aurora but not formed in the same way) directly overhead. I was stunned and shaking so hard. I couldn't use my tripod very well at all! It was amazing, getting to watch the bands of light move so gracefully across the sky, right in my own town. The pink was only visible with my camera, but the white was clearly visible and very bright, despite all the light pollution!"

To submit a photo for potential publication, just email it to [email protected].

Photos from Scatter Creek Aerials's post
03/24/2023

Photos from Scatter Creek Aerials's post

The event continues Friday and Saturday. Proceeds from the book sale support the mission of AAUW, education for women. T...
03/24/2023
In Focus: AAUW Used Book Sale Launches on Thursday

The event continues Friday and Saturday. Proceeds from the book sale support the mission of AAUW, education for women. The money raised from the book sale finances numerous scholarships for college and science, technology, engineering and math-focused summer camps for girls in middle and high school.

In the first photo in this set, from left, Jo Martinez, Cathy Cavness, Laura Hewett, Betty Garrett, Kristi Nelson, Donna Loucks and Renae Seegmiller pose for a photo while setting up the Lewis County …

ICYMI: A Rottweiler named “Johnny Cash” was unanimously deemed “not dangerous” by the Lewis County Dangerous Animal Desi...
03/24/2023
Johnny Cash the Onalaska Rottweiler Deemed ‘Not Dangerous’ by Lewis County Board

ICYMI: A Rottweiler named “Johnny Cash” was unanimously deemed “not dangerous” by the Lewis County Dangerous Animal Designation board during a hearing early this month.

A Rottweiler named “Johnny Cash” was unanimously deemed “not dangerous” by the Lewis County Dangerous Animal Designation (DAD) board during a hearing early this month. In …

The latest efforts to restore grizzly bears in the North Cascades appear to be on track to take another big step forward...
03/24/2023
Plans to Bring Grizzly Bears Back to Cascades Moving Forward Again

The latest efforts to restore grizzly bears in the North Cascades appear to be on track to take another big step forward in June.

The latest efforts to restore grizzly bears in the North Cascades appear to be on track to take another big step forward in June. U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Andrew LaValle recently …

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ICYMI: What began as just a coffee shop with a handful of breakfast items in Olympia five years ago has become so successful the owners have opened a second location in Centralia.
Officers with the Centralia Police Department responded at about 9 a.m. on March 21 to a report that the man, who was found by his friend in an apartment in the 3000 block of Borst Avenue, was unconscious and not breathing, according to a news release from the police department.

According to the friend, the man was visiting from the University of Idaho in Moscow and had attended a party in Seattle the night prior, where he overdosed.

He received care at Harborview Medical Center before he was discharged at about 2 a.m. and picked up by the friend, who lives in Centralia.
ICYMI: “We still have plenty of harvestable nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some equally great digging during the first daylight low tides opportunities of spring.”
Friends Without Homes, a Lewis County nonprofit organization focusing on providing those experiencing homelessness with resources and aid, announced at last week’s Centralia City Council meeting it will host a forum to help clear up “myths and facts” surrounding homelessness.
LEWIS COUNTY JAIL STATISTICS:

As of Friday morning, the Lewis County Jail had a total system population of 153 inmates, including 141 in the general population and 12 in the Work Ethic and Restitution Center.
Addisyn Olson, a 13-year-old Chehalis Middle School student, earned a number of notable accolades during the Age Group Regionals Championship swim meet held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way last weekend.
Here's an early look at the front page of the weekend edition of The Chronicle, featuring a deep dive into investigative documents detailing the potentially flawed investigation into the death of Aron Christensen along a remote East Lewis County trail in August 2022. Charges have yet to be filed after Christensen and his dog were killed by gunfire. The story is at chronline.com.
Evelyn Martin started working at the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. in 1946 at the age of 17. She had just graduated from Winlock High School. This 1953 photo was taken at the new building on the corner of Pine and Pearl streets after Pacific Telephone became Pacific Northwest Bell. The party was for Nettie Helgeson, who had earned a five year service award. Pacific Northwest Bell later became U.S. West and later, Qwest. Evelyn retired from the Longview office after 34 years of service. In 1953, the then young Susie Wickert, Evelyn’s daughter, would sometimes sleep in the “sick” room during her mother's night shifts. Pictured left to right are Treva Armstrong, Nettie Helgeson, Eunice Dufour, Evelyn Martin, Harriet Martin, Thelma Rhyner, Leila Proffitt, Frances Brink, Ella O’Conner, Garnet Hensley, Joyce Skinner, supervisor, and Dallas Pinn, chief operator.

Originally submitted by Sue Wickert for The Chronicle's Our Hometowns books.
"In May 1957, back when gentlemen literally had hats to pass around for money collection, my grandparents, James “Jim” Andrew and Margaret “Suzi” Sue Vander Stoep, were preparing for the birth of their third child, my father. (Don’t do the math, he doesn’t need to know I told you his age.)"
“The Major” Joseph H. Gardner is shown tilling the weeds out of the strawberries grown on the farm known as the “Lazy J.”

Originally submitted by Bernadette Gardner-John for Our Hometowns.
“I anticipate a charging decision next week,” Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer told The Chronicle Thursday.

Aron Christensen's family issued a statement for this story focused on the extended and likely flawed investigation into the August 2022 death of Aron Christensen and his dog: “Last Sunday marked seven months since Aron and Buzz were killed, and with each passing day that our questions remain unanswered, our patience continues to wear thin, and our hearts grow heavier. We haven't received many new updates regarding the status of the case since it was referred to the prosecutor's office for a second time. As far as we know, charges have yet to be filed; arrests have yet to be made."
This is the 1949 Southwest Washington Fair queen and her court. The story about how this photo came into the hands of Avalon Gates Morris is interesting. She was working at a local antiques shop when she came upon a display including this photo. “I glanced in the display case and there were the photos. I asked the shop owner, ‘Look at that girl right there. Do you know who that is?’” “Is that you?” the woman asked. It was Avalon and all the others pictured here. Left to right are Carol Tobin, Boistfort; Helen Bennett, Chehalis; Helen Hansen, Napavine; Barbara Fores, Centralia; Ruth Johnson, Onalaska; Marlene Reynoldson, Morton; Avalon Gates Morris, Pe Ell; Geraldene Lemmel, Winlock; Barbara Fuchs, Randle; Mary Lee Fay, Adna; Darlene Wallace, Toledo; and Barbara Moran, Mossyrock. Avalon Gates Morris, who provided this photo, passed away in 2013.

Originally submitted by Avalon Gates Morris for The Chronicles Our Hometowns books.
During a going away party Wednesday, a cake neatly summed up the attitude around Lewis County Manager Erik Martin’s departure.

It read: “Fine. Go.”

Similarly, icing on cookies spelled: “Later, traitor.”

Known for his even-handed leadership through tumultuous times in the local government, Martin’s departure, while accepted, is no thrill for county staff and elected officials. The first person to ever take the role in Lewis County, Martin saw his final day Friday, March 24, after four-and-a-half years in the big job and a total of 14 for the county.
This photo shows a group of Centralia Girl Scouts on an out- ing to Seminary Hill on April 12, 1945. During the outing, some- one came to the group with the news that President Franklin Roosevelt had died. The girls were immediately dismissed to return home. Rose Baldwin, the photo’s contributor, in the early 2000s said she had never known another president. “We were so young and wondered how the world would go on,” she said. Standing in the back, left to right, are Roberta Terry, Mary Jane Harmon, Susie Begley, JoAnn Olmstead, Rosemary Cluzel and Fern Altman. Seated are an unknown girl, then Forae Herrick, Mary Tunnell and another two unknown girls.

Originally submitted by Rose Baldwin for The Chronicle's Our Hometowns books.
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