The Chronicle

10/29/2025

Washington state will give food banks $2.2 million per week as they deal with the potential end of food stamp benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Washington state will give food banks $2.2 million per week as they deal with the potential end of food stamp benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Trump …

10/29/2025

Trent Loyd Stewart, 48, of Woodinville, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 18, 2025.

Born in Olympia in 1977 to Richard Stewart and Carolyn Hojem, Trent graduated from W.F. West High School in Chehalis in 1995 and later attended the University of Washington, where he studied physics. During those years, he discovered a lifelong passion for fermenting, brewing, and distilling.

After more than 20 years in the tech industry, Trent followed his dream and opened Washington Creek Distillery in Woodinville in August 2024. Around that same time, he began driving a school bus—a role he cherished and where “his kids” adored him.

Trent married his beloved wife, Toni, in August 2011. Together they shared many adventures and a deep love for family, friends, and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed watching his daughter, Mackenzie, play soccer and spending time on his property in Chelan, fondly known as “The Mountain,” where he found peace and inspiration.

A proud 4-H alum, Trent showed his horse, TC, at the Thurston County Fair, competed in open shows, and later served as president of the Washington State 4-H Foundation Board.

Trent’s passing is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, coworkers, students, and all who knew him. He lived vibrantly and was taken far too soon.

Trent Loyd Stewart, 48, of Woodinville, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 18, 2025. Born in Olympia in 1977 to Richard Stewart and Carolyn Hojem, Trent graduated from W.F. West High …

10/29/2025

With a heart as big as his sense of humor, Lloyd Elwin Dobyns — or “Mr. Darigold” to those who knew him best — passed away on Oct. 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and dedication. Born on Feb. 5, 1930, in Chehalis, Washington, Lloyd was a living testament to the town’s true spirit — a funny and generous soul who loved deeply and lived fully.

His life was a rich tapestry of accomplishments and experiences. After graduating from Chehalis Senior High School in 1948, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Albany for four years. His dedication was evident when he joined Darigold in Chehalis, rising to the position of regional sales manager in Olympia, and retiring in 1995 after 42 years of service. His work ethic was matched only by his love for his family and hobbies.

Whether he was woodworking, building birdhouses, golfing, coaching baseball, attending his grandkids’ events, or cheering on the Mariners, Seahawks and Cougars, Lloyd poured his heart into everything he did. His love for reading history books was only surpassed by his personal history of service as an active member of the Chehalis Lions Club, 4-H, the Lewis County Dairy Association and the First Christian Church. As Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” and Lloyd embodied this through his dedication to family, work, hobbies and community.

With a heart as big as his sense of humor, Lloyd Elwin Dobyns — or “Mr. Darigold” to those who knew him best — passed away on Oct. 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, …

10/29/2025

Kathy earned a master’s degree in special education from Western Washington University and was a special education preschool teacher in Centralia for more than 40 years. In her work, she built an innovative and inclusive learning environment for young children that included welcoming teenage students from Centralia High School into her vibrant preschool room to gain a unique perspective as student aides. Her work impacted countless lives and cemented her legacy as “Teacher Kathy” to the many families she served.

Upon retirement, Kathy remained active in the community. She was a member of the Lewis County Democratic Party, attending local events and participating in campaigns. She worked with Lewis County’s AAUW branch to help raise tens of thousands of dollars for girls’ scholarships. Kathy also supported AAUW and Centralia College’s Expanding Your Horizons campaign for young girls pursuing STEAM careers.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 50 years, former state Sen. Stuart A. Halsan, and her two children, Nate and Kirsten, who were at her side as she died. She is also survived by her children’s spouses, Brian and Shannon, and three grandchildren, Logan, Oliver and Kathryn, whom she adored with all her heart. Her extended surviving family includes her sister, Janet, along with nieces, nephews and more.

Kathy Halsan died on Oct. 17, 2025, from an aggressive form of cancer. Born on June 9, 1952, as Kathryn L. Vangen in Ballard, Washington, she was the daughter of C. Douglas “Doug” …

10/29/2025

Statements were issued this week by the Yelm Community Schools district and a levy-supporting organization following reports that Joshua Headley — who according to a court conviction groomed and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl he was mentoring as a pastor at Auburn’s Northwest Family Church — worked on an independent levy campaign in Yelm.

Both Yelm Community Schools and Citizens for Support of Yelm Schools have issued statements on the controversy after recent reporting brought the activity to light.

Citizens for Support of Yelm Schools was among a long list of candidates and causes who paid for the services of Headley, who had been using a different last name — Seeley — to conduct business.

Statements were issued this week by the Yelm Community Schools district and a levy-supporting organization following reports that Joshua Headley — who according to a court conviction groomed …

10/29/2025

The Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County and the Southwest Washington Food Hub have partnered to bring fresh, locally grown produce to families in Centralia and Chehalis.

Thanks to funding from the Washington state Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance Resiliency Grant, the organizations will kick off the 15-week “Harvest Partnership” initiative, distributing weekly produce boxes at no cost to as many as 130 area families.

Through this program, families whose children attend the Boys & Girls Club will receive a box of high-quality fruits and vegetables straight from local farms.

Each box will also include bilingual nutrition materials, simple recipes and tips for healthy eating to support lasting wellness.

In addition, Northwest Pediatrics dietitians are partnering to deliver hands-on nutrition classes for families.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County and the Southwest Washington Food Hub have partnered to bring fresh, locally grown produce to families in Centralia and Chehalis. Thanks to funding from …

10/29/2025

The 70-year-old owner of the residence Centralia police have dubbed the “Circus House” faces three felonies and two gross misdemeanors after his arrest on Thursday, Oct. 23 — one month after detectives with the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) conducted a raid at the home that resulted in 14 arrests.

Robert Glazebrook made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday after posting $25,000 bail. He is charged with one count each of unlawful use of a building for drug purposes, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver ma*****na and manufacture of ma*****na, all Class C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Glazebrook faces two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance, gross misdemeanors punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.

The probable cause affidavit filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office indicates that JNET began investigating the house in April 2024 and documented five overdoses and nine drug-related arrests at the property between September 2024 and September 2025.

Last month, Centralia police received Glazebrook's permission to search his house for a suspect wanted on an outstanding Department of Corrections warrant. During the search, an officer allegedly discovered multiple ma*****na plants about 4 to 5 five tall, along with “low-quality” growing equipment.

Police did not find the suspect, but returned a day later, where they again received permission to search the house. This time, officers allegedly “noted the smell of fresh, non-burnt marjuana,” court documents stated.

Investigators confirmed with the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board that the residence did not have a commercial grow permit. They obtained a search warrant.

On Sept. 23, JNET detectives executed the search warrant with support from Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Thurston County Narcotic Task Force and the Centralia Police Department.

"Located during the search were approximately 10 large potted ma*****na plants, 15 hanging/drying ma*****na plants, 3 pounds of processed ma*****na, ma*****na growing equipment, packaging, scales, user amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and a plethora of drug paraphernalia,” JNET stated in a news release.

The 70-year-old owner of the residence Centralia police have dubbed the “Circus House” faces three felonies and two gross misdemeanors after his arrest on Thursday, Oct. 23 — one …

10/29/2025

HUNTING HIGHLIGHT: "Monica Hammack got her buck at daylight Saturday morning! Out hunting with her little sister Emily and Emily’s boyfriend Dillon. Way to go!"

Thanks for sharing!

Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email photos and details to [email protected].

10/29/2025

Five days after he failed to appear in Lewis County Superior Court, Robert P. Werth made good on his legal obligation — only this time he did it from jail.

Werth, 58, faces 10 counts of first-degree animal cruelty months after investigators discovered a canvas bag containing 10 drowned puppies in Skate Creek.

First-degree animal cruelty is considered a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Fellow Packwood man and co-conspirator Anthony L. Mommer, 57, made his preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Oct. 22. He was released on his own personal recognizance and was prohibited from having pets or being around any pets without supervision while the case was pending.

Werth, on the other hand, was a no-show in court, prompting Judge Paul Strophy to issue a $50,000 bench warrant for his arrest. Werth was arrested two days later and made a virtual appearance in court from the Lewis County Jail on Monday.

The Chronicle previously reported that Mommer and Werth were accused of conspiring to drown 10 puppies owned by Mommer. Werth was allegedly the one who carried out the task.

Five days after he failed to appear in Lewis County Superior Court, Robert P. Werth made good on his legal obligation — only this time he did it from jail. Werth, 58, faces 10 counts of …

10/29/2025

HUNTING HIGHLIGHT: Here's Re*****on Ziegelmann, age 10, with his recently harvested buck.

Thanks for sharing!

The Chronicle features photos and details of local outdoor adventures, including fishing, hunting, hiking, clamming, foraging and more.

To be included, just send images and details to [email protected].

10/29/2025

FIREHOUSE CONSTRUCTION TO CELEBRATE AT TIGER STADIUM: Firehouse Construction is celebrating its new business launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Friday, Nov. 7. Owner Bryan Porter selected a meaningful location for the event — the Centralia Tigers Stadium concession stand, where his company recently donated repair services. The stadium is located at 2526 Mt. Vista Road, Centralia, and the ceremony will take place at the concession stand.

Firehouse Construction provides a full range of residential and commercial services, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, decks, home additions, electrical, plumbing and other home improvement projects. Porter’s extensive experience includes work as a residential and commercial framer, electrical supervisor and maintenance specialist for the Washington state Department of Transportation, and lead technician for Lewis County Maintenance. A lifelong Lewis County resident and Centralia High School graduate, Porter said, “I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Circumstances aligned allowing me to finally pursue this dream.”

He is the proud father of four children — two grown and two still at home.

Giving back to the community has long been one of Porter’s core values.

“This is something I’ve always done — giving back is just part of what I do,” he said.

In addition to running his business, Porter volunteers as a firefighter for Fire District 8 in Salkum, which serves the Onalaska area. His passion for firefighting inspired the company’s name, Firehouse Construction, and even the logo’s mascot — modeled after his Great Dane, Fish.

The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce celebrates local business milestones such as grand openings, expansions and new ownership. Chamber membership is not required to participate, and the public is invited to join in celebrating these community events.

— Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce news release

10/28/2025

A TRACTOR, A TOWN AND THE HEART OF ROCHESTER: The following is a reader submission by Victoria Stocking in Rochester:

There’s something special about driving down Highway 12 and catching sight of that old tractor sitting proud in the middle of the Sargent Road roundabout. It’s not flashy or new — just a piece of the past, dusted with rust and history. But for many of us who call Rochester home, that tractor feels like more than metal and paint. It feels like us.

A few days ago, someone in the community placed the antique tractor and plow in the center of the roundabout — a simple gesture that sparked joy all over town.

The comments online came flooding in:
“It looks so cute!”
“I love that stuff!”
“It looks so good there!”

It didn’t take long for people to start smiling a little wider as they drove through, proud of the nod to our agricultural roots. Because that’s what Rochester is — a community built on land, on work, on families who rise with the sun to feed animals or cut hay before the rain hits. You don’t have to go far from that roundabout to find a dairy, a field of horses or cows grazing by the fence line.

The sound of a tractor isn’t just familiar here — it’s part of the rhythm of life. But now, signs have appeared around the roundabout from WSDOT, announcing that the tractor will be removed. For many, the decision feels confusing, even disappointing.

Other roundabouts nearby feature art and displays that reflect their communities — so why not here? Why not something that truly represents Rochester? The tractor didn’t block traffic. It didn’t hurt anyone. What it did was make people smile, reminding them of where we came from. And maybe that’s what makes this small act of community art so powerful — it wasn’t just decoration. It was identity.

In a world that moves too fast, sometimes it takes an old tractor sitting in a roundabout to remind us what home really looks like.

To submit community news tips and photos to The Chronicle, email [email protected].