News
The Chronicle - Centralia
|
Sal Mungia defeats Dave Larson for open Washington Supreme Court seat
Sal Mungia, a Tacoma trial attorney, has defeated Dave Larson, a Federal Way Municipal Court judge, in a razor-close race for an open state Supreme Court seat. Mungia led with just over 50% of the vote Tuesday afternoon, to 49.4% for Larson, a difference of about 21,000 votes out of more than 3.2 million counted. The Seattle Times is calling the race because, while counting continues, the Secretary of State's office estimates only about 24,000 ballots remain to be counted. Larson led by about 1,000 votes in ballots counted on election night, two weeks ago, but Mungia took a narrow lead the next day as more ballots were counted. He has maintained or grown that lead every day since. Supreme Court races are nonpartisan, but Mungia has the endorsement of a wide array of Democrats, while Larson has the endorsement of the state Republican Party. It's the first time since 2012 that Washington has had a contested race for an open Supreme Court seat. Five of the nine current justices were appointed to fill open seats and subsequently won elections to keep those seats. Three of the nine were appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee. Two justices on the ballot this year, Chief Justice Steven González and Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud, ran unopposed. Mungia will replace Justice Susan Owens, who is stepping down after nearly 25 years on the court because she reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. Mungia was recruited to run by González and was endorsed by eight of the nine current justices. Larson ran for the state Supreme Court in 2000, when he lost in the primary, and in 2016 and 2020, when he advanced to the general election but lost to incumbents. The state Supreme Court, in recent years, has been one of the most aggressive judiciaries in the country in pushing to address issues of institutional racism it sees as long-standing in the courts. Mungia is fully on board with the effort, while Larson is a little uneasy with some of the court's methods. Mungia, a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and Georgetown University Law School, clerked for a state Supreme Court justice and a federal judge immediately after law school, but other than that has worked in private practice his entire 40-year career. A partner at the Tacoma firm Gordon Thomas Honeywell, he focuses on civil lawsuits, largely personal injury work. He is a past president of the Washington State Bar Association, the Western States Bar Conference and Legal Aid of Washington. He has argued cases in both the state Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. Larson is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound and Seattle University Law School, and worked in private practice on civil litigation, largely representing insurance companies, for about 20 years. In 2008, he was appointed a judge in Federal Way Municipal Court, and has served as that court's presiding judge since 2009. |
|
Fern Ridge Floral & Design: Long-time Centralia florist celebrates success after first two years operating brick-and-mortar location
What began as a “side hustle” for educator Rebecca Williams’ own wedding in 1999 has now blossomed into a successful floral bouquet design business. The Centralia resident just celebrated the second year of Fern Ridge Floral & Design operating out of a brick-and-mortar location, and the business accolades are beginning to stack up. On top of winning 2023 and 2024 KMNT Country Listeners’ Choice awards, Fern Ridge Floral & Design just won The Chronicle’s 2024 Best of Lewis County Best Florist award last month. “I was literally shocked. I was not expecting it at all. I was hopeful, because when you’re a business you want to make a name and reputation for yourself, and our No. 1 focus is pushing out quality products and making sure our customers are exceedingly happy,” Williams said. “So when I won that, I was like, ‘Ah! It’s working!’” Accolades aside, Williams has been running Fern Ridge Floral for as long as she has been married, as her own wedding was her first foray into floral design. “I just had my 25th wedding anniversary. We got married in 1999 and that’s actually what started my whole floral journey,” Williams said. “I knew I wanted the flowers at my wedding to be kind of a standout thing, but I had no idea how much they cost. So when I went to get an estimate, I had a little bit of what I would call sticker shock.” Given the popularity of television personality and designer Martha Stewart at the time — who promoted many do-it-yourself design projects — she decided to try her own hand at floral design to save some money. While she was successful, she also learned why wedding flowers typically cost more. “I think it’s a little bit of a misconception. They say that as soon as florists see a bride coming they double the price, but that’s not true. Weddings just take so much more planning and organizing. You have to have extra staff and vehicles, all that stuff goes into it. That’s why it costs more,” Williams said. She also discovered she loved doing it, but only in her spare time at first as she worked full time as the librarian at Grand Mound Elementary School before working as the registrar at Rochester Middle School. It wasn’t until October 2022 that she finally decided to open a brick-and-mortar location for Fern Ridge Floral and work full time at bouquet design. The business was first located next to the original location of the Sweet Dough Cookie Co. on Main Street in Centralia. When Sweet Dough Cookie Co. moved to Chehalis for a larger location earlier this year, Williams also decided to move. “We were kind of down there by ourselves, and there weren’t really a lot of other walkable businesses down there, so we decided to see what was closer to Tower (Avenue),” Williams said. “This ended up coming open the same exact time that Ashlee was moving.” Still located on Main Street just west of Tower Avenue in downtown Centralia, Fern Ridge Floral focuses on working with clients to design custom bouquets and flower arrangements for everything from weddings and other events to providing a custom flower bouquet subscription service — where clients can have fresh flowers delivered on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Williams’ goal is to provide her clients with unique bouquet designs while also sourcing as many flowers as she can locally. “If I can buy from a local grower, I absolutely will buy from a local grower, hands down,” Williams said. While she wishes she could source 100% of her flowers locally, not all the flowers she gets requests for grow in this region or climate, so in some cases she has no choice but to purchase them through a wholesaler importing flowers. Any local flower farmers in the area who haven’t sold to Williams before are invited to contact her to discuss business. With the average wedding ceremony and reception now costing around $35,000, according to a recent survey of newly married couples by theknot.com, Williams likes to try to keep things as affordable as possible for her clients. “I wouldn’t say that I’m cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but I still try to keep in mind 22-year-old Rebecca when I’m going over pricing with brides, because I know that is a big factor for a lot of people,” Williams said. “... I’m really a minimalist when it comes to things. I’m not the type of florist that’s going to push you to get a ton of stuff, because most of my business for brides comes from referrals. I don’t want people to remember me as that lady that pushed them to buy a whole bunch of stuff that they didn’t really think they needed.” She used to be shy about talking about budgets with her clients, but now it’s usually one of the starting points of the conversation as it helps Williams still be able to choose unique flowers to craft bouquets while keeping things affordable. It’s not just flowers that she sells, either, as Williams also sells items including custom made clothing, soaps, lotions and more at Fern Ridge Floral. “The majority of the products that I carry in my shop are either locally made or made by a small business. Women-owned, minority-owned, those businesses I’m really drawn to because I know how hard it is to get started and build yourself from the ground up,” Williams said. Located at 107 W. Main St. in downtown Centralia, Fern Ridge Floral & Design is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., though the business might be closed on Saturdays over the winter months, Williams added. To contact Fern Ridge Floral about floral arrangement estimates or selling flowers wholesale, call the business at 360-669-5979 or message it on its Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/yfeaxm3b. For more information, visit Fern Ridge Floral’s website at https://fernridgefloral.com/.
|
|
Death notices: Nov. 20, 2024
• CARL E. GRIFFITH SR., 78, Randle, died Nov. 15 at his residence. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Reconciled Christian Fellowship in Randle with a graveside to follow at Silver Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • GERALD O. ROSS, 61, Chehalis, died Nov. 15 at Providence Centralia Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home. • GERALD DALE GLAZE, 85, Olympia, died Nov. 14 at Brookdale — Olympia East. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Washington. |
|
White Pass Ski Area set to open this Friday, conditions permitting
The White Pass Ski Area is preparing to open for winter sports enthusiasts this weekend. Conditions permitting, it will be open for skiers and snowboarders on Friday, Nov. 22, for season pass-holders only, before beginning regular lift ticket sales on Saturday and Sunday. Lift ticket sales for Saturday and Sunday are expected to start online on Wednesday, Nov. 20. “Once we are open, be aware that early season conditions exist. That means rocks, stumps and more lay just below the surface. Ride with great care. See you soon!” the White Pass Ski Area website stated. As of Wednesday, the snow’s base depth at White Pass’ summit was 61 inches, while it was 18 inches at the base area near the ski lodge. The mountain had received 18 inches of new snowfall within the past 24 hours as of Wednesday. Skiers and snowboarders are also advised to check the ski area’s website to see which ski lifts are running. Following this opening weekend, White Pass Ski Area will be closed throughout Thanksgiving week before reopening on Friday, Nov. 29. To stay up to date on weather and snow conditions for this possible opening weekend at the White Pass Ski Area, visit its website at https://skiwhitepass.com/the-mountain/snow-report. For lift ticket sales, lessons, equipment rentals and more, visit https://estore.skiwhitepass.com/. The White Pass Ski Area is located at 48935 U.S. Highway 12. |
|
Office of Chehalis Basin to host webinar as flood season arrives
The Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) will host an upcoming webinar to discuss preparation for the upcoming flood season in the Chehalis River Basin. The free webinar will be hosted on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is part of a series of events hosted by the OCB discussing the Chehalis Basin Strategy to reduce flooding and restore habitat for aquatic species. According to the OCB, the webinar will discuss how to use the flood warning system, how to prepare, what to do if a flood occurs and the role of county emergency responders when it floods. Established in 2016 within the Department of Ecology, the OCB directs flood control and aquatic restoration work within the basin. Recently, the agency requested an $80 million biennial budget appropriation from the Washington State Legislature to “aggressively pursue the Chehalis Basin Strategy.” To register for the webinar, visit https://tinyurl.com/ch5c32kn. |
|
Grays Harbor County receives federal grant to treat substance abuse
Grays Harbor County has received a $1 million federal grant to expand treatment for people with substance use disorders, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell announced Wednesday. Additionally, Pierce County received a $1.6 million grant to establish a mobile opioid outreach project while the Washington State Health Care Authority received a $7 million grant. According to Cantwell, the grants come from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program. The grant for Grays Harbor County will expand the substance use disorder treatment available at the Grays Harbor County Jail. “Jails and prisons play an increasingly important role in providing treatment for substance use disorders. This funding will ensure that Grays Harbor County Jail can continue to provide evidence-based care — and that people who receive treatment have enough community support to prevent relapses and reincarceration,” Cantwell said. According to Cantwell, the Grays Harbor County Jail will use the funds to expand medications for opioid use disorder, implement enhanced mental health screening, and aid re-entry peer counselors. Last year, Cantwell helped secure a $928,700 federal grant to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services in Lewis County. MAT services reduce a patient’s craving for a substance and withdrawal symptoms through medication while they receive substance use disorder behavioral therapy services, which can create a holistic approach when combined. The grant helped expand MAT access points into Morton and Packwood four days a week and helped fund services offered in the Lewis County Jail. |
|
Ohanapecosh Campground in Mount Rainier National Park to be closed again for construction next year
The National Park Service (NPS) announced Wednesday that the Ohanapecosh Campground will remain closed through the 2025 visitor season as part of a multipart plan to improve infrastructure in Mount Rainier National Park. In a news release, the NPS said the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project includes improving the park’s 185 campsites and nine bathrooms, replacing an aging wastewater collection system, upgrading electrical and water systems and other infrastructure improvements. During the work, the campground and all associated structures will be closed to the public. The work is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 camping season. Both the White River Campground and Cougar Rock Campground will remain open during the construction project. Between April and October, the NPS will also repair a 2.8-mile section of state Route 123, during which drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes. In September 2025, the NPS will also close state Route 123 between Stevens Canyon Road and Panther Creek, during which there will be no vehicle, pedestrian or bicycling access. The roadway will also be under construction between April and October 2026, when drivers can again expect delays of up to 30 minutes. A complete closure will not be necessary in 2026. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to make much-needed improvements to the Ohanapecosh Campground and state Route 123,” NPS Superintendent Greg Dudgeon said in a statement. “There will be some temporary inconveniences next year, but we know that this critical investment in our facilities will help ensure recreational opportunities for visitors for decades to come.” |
|
Lewis County unemployment rate ticks up slightly in October
The unemployment rate in Lewis County ticked up to 4.8% in October, according to the Washington Employment Security Department. The rate is a slight increase from the 4.7% the county saw in September. On Tuesday, the agency announced that across the state, the economy decreased by 2,000 jobs in October, though the statewide rate remained steady at 4.8%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate nationwide sat at 4.1% in October, with 7 million people unemployed and 1.0 million filing for unemployment. According to the state Employment Security Department, the largest job gains statewide in the past year occurred in health services and social assistance, education and health services and government. Between October 2023 and October 2024, Washington added 30,200 jobs in the private sector and 14,500 jobs in government. Across Southwest Washington, Thurston County reported a 4.2% unemployment rate, Skamania County saw a rate of 4.6%, Pierce County reported a 4.8% rate, Cowlitz County saw a 4.9% rate, Grays Harbor County was at 6.3%, Pacific County was at 5.9% and Wahkiakum County was at 6.5%. |
|
Sirens: Burglar cuts through side of building; unknown male spits on officer; scammers impersonate sheriff's office
CENTRALIA POLICE DEPARTMENT Malicious mischief • Damage to a business in the 300 block of East Summa Street reported at 8:20 a.m. on Nov. 18 is under investigation. “It appears someone attempted to cut through the side of the building to gain entry,” the Centralia Police Department stated in a news release.
Vehicle accidents • A non-injury, two-vehicle collision was reported at the intersection of East Summa Street and Kresky Avenue at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 18. • A minor, non-injury, two-vehicle collision was reported at the intersection of West Fifth and North Pearl streets at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.
Hit-and-run • A hit-and-run reported in the 1100 block of Mellen Street just after 8:25 a.m. on Nov. 19 is under investigation.
Burglary • A burglary of a storage shed in the 1400 block of Kresky Avenue was reported at 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 18. • A burglary of a business in the 1200 block of Harrison Avenue reported just before 9:35 a.m. on Nov. 19 is under investigation.
Assault • An unknown male subject was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail for third-degree assault for allegedly spitting on an officer in the 100 block of South Silver Street just after 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 19. The subject reportedly refused to identify himself.
Theft • A light bar was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 1100 block of Kresky Avenue just after 12:10 p.m. on Nov. 19. • Items were reported stolen from a bedroom in the 900 block of L Street just before 12:25 p.m. on Nov. 19. • A 21-year-old Everett man was arrested just before 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 for allegedly stealing from a business in the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue twice in one day.
CHEHALIS POLICE DEPARTMENT Scams • A phone scam involving scammers posing as Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputies was reported in the 10 block of Southeast Adams Avenue at 1:35 p.m. on Nov. 18. • A phone scam involving scammers telling the victim she had felony warrants out for her arrest was reported in the 10 block of Southwest Fourth Street at approximately 2:05 p.m. on Nov. 18.
Malicious mischief • A second-degree malicious mischief reported in the 1600 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue at 3 p.m. on Nov. 18 is under investigation.
Criminal trespass • A subject who was sleeping by the gates of a facility in the 10 block of Southwest Chehalis Avenue just before 5:10 a.m. on Nov. 19 was moved along. • A subject who was sleeping in the entryway of a business in the 400 block of Northwest Chehalis Avenue at approximately 6:50 a.m. on Nov. 19 was trespassed from the business.
FIRE AND EMS CALLS • Between Monday morning and Wednesday morning, Lewis County 911 Communications logged approximately 42 illness-related calls, 15 injury-related calls, 14 fire-related calls, two non-emergency service calls, four vehicle accidents, two Lifeline medical alerts, one overdose, one hazardous conditions report and two other calls.
JAIL STATISTICS • As of Wednesday morning, the Lewis County Jail had a total system population of 152 inmates, including 139 in the general population and 13 in the Work Ethic and Restitution Center (WERC). Of the general population inmates, 113 were reported male and 26 were reported female. Of the WERC inmates, 11 were reported male and two were reported female. • As of Wednesday morning, the Chehalis Tribal Jail had a total system population of 13 inmates, including six booked by the Centralia Police Department, four booked by the state Department of Corrections, one booked by the Lummi Nation, one booked by the City of Elma and one booked by the Tulalip Tribe. ••• Sirens are compiled by assistant editor Emily Fitzgerald, who can be reached at emily@chronline.com. The Centralia Police Department can be reached at 360-330-7680, the Chehalis Police Department can be reached at 360-748-8605. If you were a victim of physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence or sexual assault, call Hope Alliance at 360-748-6601 or the Youth Advocacy Center of Lewis County at 360-623-1990. |
Columbian Newspaper
|
Pamela Hayden, longtime ‘Simpsons’ voice actor, including Bart’s friend Milhouse, hangs up her mic
NEW YORK — Pamela Hayden, the longtime voice actor behind Milhouse Van Houten — Bart Simpson’s very uncool friend — is stepping away after 35 years of whining. |
