News

As he approaches the last two weeks as Centralia’s police chief before he becomes the new Chehalis city manager, Stacy Denham honored a number of officers and police department staff with awards and commendations during Tuesday’s Centralia City Council meeting.

Not all were present, as some were still on duty or patrol.

Officers Andrew Huerta, Alan Hitchcock, August Shulda and Caleb Parsons received a letter of recognition for their actions on July 8, 2023, when they responded to a call of an elderly woman threatening to commit suicide.

“The officers learned that she was depressed from being alone on her birthday,” Denham said. “A birthday card was made up, and all the officers responded to the woman’s apartment. The officers spent some time with the woman and sang her a happy birthday song. A simple act of kindness and compassion by our officers changed the woman’s mindset and made her day special.”

Detective Michael Barela, Sergeant Chad Withrow and officers Aaron Miller and Mitch King received a certificate of commendation for their actions during March and April 2023 while a string of ATM thefts occurred along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Using the city’s newly purchased Flock Safety cameras, they were able to identify possible suspects and learned they were armed. Investigators got their break in the case on April 8, when a burglary alarm went off at a store on North Tower Avenue.

“Officers recognized the time and location of the alarm matched the MO of the ATM burglaries. Officers responded to the scene at which time officer King located the suspect vehicle in the alley behind the store,” Denham said.

He watched them get into the vehicle and begin to leave the scene. Knowing the suspects were most likely armed, King performed a precision immobilization technique, also known as a PIT maneuver, to disable the vehicle.

The suspects fled and officers pursued, capturing two of them. Inside the suspect’s vehicle they found not only weapons but burglary tools along with evidence linking them to burglaries throughout the I-5 corridor.

“The evidence collected from it allowed Detective Barela to establish probable cause to arrest five additional suspects, which led to solving multiple thefts and burglaries,” Denham said. “… Evidence obtained from the investigation also allowed outside jurisdictions to move forward with their own charges on the identified subjects. Dozens of additional crimes in other jurisdictions were solved.”

Officer Ruben Ramirez and Detective Adam Haggerty both received an award for meritorious service.

Ramirez received his award for his involvement in volunteering for the many events the Lewis County Special Olympics organizes.

“Officer Ramirez has donated countless hours of his personal time to coordinating and participating in the Special Olympics Torch Run, the Polar Plunge fundraiser for the Special Olympics and the Centralia Police Officers Night Out,” Denham said.

He added Ramirez volunteers in other parts of the Centralia community, all while still being an effective officer and K9 handler for the department.

Haggerty received his award for ongoing service with the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), which he has been a part of since 2015.

“Detective Haggerty was instrumental in establishing protocols for controlled substance homicide investigations, which is currently being used by multiple jurisdictions today,” Denham said.

Officer Deter Voetberg received a life saving award for his response on Nov. 14 when two carjacking suspects were detained.

One of the suspects had shot the driver of a vehicle they were attempting to carjack at Exit 88 on I-5.

“Officer Voetberg located the victim, who was bleeding profusely from his left arm,” Denham said. “(He) was able to use his training and experience to apply a tourniquet to the victim’s arm to stop the bleeding.”

He then stayed with the victim until paramedics arrived, comforting him to prevent him from going into shock and dying.

Officers Alan Hitchcock, Julie Jacobo and Huerta, along with Barela, received medals of distinction for their response to a Nov. 29 fire alarm call on West Pine Street, where they responded to find a third floor fire in an apartment complex filled mostly with seniors and those with medical needs.

“The officers chose to risk their own safety to enter the building and evacuate the residents,” Denham said.

They had to assist many to evacuate them and, in some cases, even carried them out of the building despite the fire and smoke inhalation risk. In total, they evacuated 25 residents from their apartments.

Karen St. Clair received the 2023 volunteer of the year award for her service as a staff member and the volunteering she does in the community.

“She spends dozens of hours a week — that’s a week — of volunteering,” Denham said.

From helping with the annual Seattle to Portland Classic bike ride, the Night Out with Santa and many other department events, St. Clair also routinely comes in on nights and weekends to feed and care for the many stray dogs the Centralia Police Department picks up off the streets.

Police records technician Autumn Jorgensen received the 2023 non-commissioned employee of the year award for her work assisting JNET with ancillary duties while still maintaining her regular workload.

“Autumn has been instrumental in organizing all of JNET’s files, which were a shipwreck,” Denham said.

Her assistance allowed JNET detectives to focus solely on their investigations. Denham added Jorgensen also recently took on the duties of the department's property and evidence specialist and is essentially doing the work of three people now.

Detective Tim O’Dell received the 2023 commissioned employee of the year award for the “hundreds of hours” he has put in on multiple cases throughout last year including two drive-by shootings.

“In addition to these high profile cases, Detective O’Dell has also managed a case-load of 56 cases, during which he has been able make 12 primary arrests, eight warrant referrals and has written 33 search warrants,” Denham said.

On top of his detective duties, O’Dell also serves as the instructor for various Centralia Police Department training courses.

Officer Stephen Summers, O’Dell and K9 Sampson received a medal of valor for their actions during the Feb. 18 arrest of a suspect in a child sex crime. Summers and Sampson responded to assist with a K9 track of the suspect and were assisted by O’Dell.

Eventually, they cornered the suspect in a garage in Chehalis and Summers moved in to attempt an arrest. The suspect then attacked Summers, and Sampson then began attacking the suspect.

“Detective O’Dell moved forward to assist, but Officer Summers called Detective O’Dell off as he feared he might be inadvertently bitten by his K9, Sampson,” Denham said.

As the struggle continued, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed Summers twice and tried to stab them more while yelling at them to die.

Summers managed to distance himself enough to draw his sidearm, and together with O’Dell both fired one shot at the suspect, who collapsed. O’Dell then began to render aid to Summers and the suspect, though the suspect succumbed to his wounds.

Sergeant Patricia Finch and Ramirez also received a medal of valor for their response to a Nov. 14 carjacking call that originated in Oregon. It was discovered one of the suspects had an outstanding warrant for murder in Oregon.

The suspects’ vehicle was located by the Napavine Police Department, which then attempted to make contact along with the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. The suspects fled and opened fire at pursuing law enforcement officers. A spike strip was successfully deployed on their vehicle, causing them to get off I-5 at Exit 88.

“At this point, officers from the Centralia Police Department joined the pursuit,” Denham said.

The suspects exited their disabled vehicle and attempted to carjack another. After they successfully carjacked a truck, Ramirez approached and the suspects began firing at him and other officers, who returned fire.

Then, the suspects began fleeing down Old Highway 99 where Finch continued pursuing as the lead and was fired upon.

One suspect exited the carjacked truck and surrendered after officers discovered he had been shot through the legs, but the other suspect continued on for a short distance before attempting another carjacking.

Officers then engaged the suspect who would not follow commands, and a firefight ensued. Using a shield, Ramirez was able to get to the first suspect and rendered aid, while Finch used her vehicle as a shield to help get the second suspect under arrest, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

Finally, Detective Sergeant Dave Clary along with O’Dell and Barela received the 2023 chief’s award for their work throughout the year as the department’s detective unit, which is dedicated to investigating homicides, sexual assaults, robberies and other complex crimes.

In 2023, they had 84 new cases assigned to them, which resulted in 56 search warrants, 31 arrests and 15 referrals for charges.

Cascade Community Healthcare continues efforts to bring Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) services to those throughout Lewis County who are struggling with addiction.

The treatment reduces a patient’s craving for a substance and withdrawal symptoms through medication while they receive substance use disorder (SUD) behavioral therapy services, which can create a holistic approach.

On Monday, Cascade Community Healthcare nurse practitioner Ezra Foss updated the Board of Health on these efforts.

“I like to always let people know that there is hope out there. It can be done,” Foss said. “It’s just a slow process of getting everything reset and in order, and helping them get to that point.”

According to Foss, Cascade primarily prescribed Suboxone, Sublocade and Buprenorphine, which he said blocks receptors in the brain.

The medications, he said, also help prevent a user from getting high should they relapse. Suboxone can either be used short-term or long-term and can help with withdrawals, addictions and cravings.

Cascade also prescribes Vivitrol, Naltrexone and Naloxone, which act similarly, but limit the pleasure of a potential substance.

“There’s this perception that with Medicated Assisted Treatment, you’re trading one thing for another,” Foss said. “And when you’re actually there providing and working with a client, it’s totally, totally different.”

During the treatment, Foss said, patients are often able to maintain steady employment and begin to earn the trust of their families.

“It’s rewarding, it’s totally life-changing,” Foss said.

After receiving a nearly million-dollar federal grant, the organization expanded its MAT access points into both Morton and Packwood four days a week and helped fund services offered in the Lewis County Jail. The MAT clinics in Morton and Packwood operate through a partnership with Arbor Health.

“It’s a good thing to be aware of as an option that’s out there for individuals who are struggling with alcohol or opioid use disorders,” Foss said. “There’s a lot of opportunity, so just feel free to get in touch with us.”

Lewis County Commissioner Scott Brummer, who invited Foss, said he organized the discussion following the March 28 Opioid Summit at Centralia College. The summit, he said, lacked the perspective of those who sought to move away from prescriptions completely and continue treatment for SUDs.

“The goal being to not be taking prescriptions forever,” Brummer said. “Because we know that the health concerns over taking any type of — whether it be an antagonist opioid or any of these long term — is detrimental to internal organs, memory. There are many side effects.”

According to Foss, while it’s rewarding to see individuals who no longer need treatment, the decision to stop MAT services must be made on a case-by-case basis.

“I just have to be careful, because I know the relapse rate is really high. You really have to know the individual,” Foss said. “It’s all about risk.”

In addition to their new facilities in Morton and Packwood, and the existing service in the Lewis County Jail, Cascade offers MAT services from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 135 W. Main St., Chehalis.

“I understand that this is a new partnership and grant-funded, but I really appreciate the holistic approach of this whole thing between Cascade and Arbor Health,” Brummer said.

From improvements on Southwest Chehalis and Northwest Pacific avenues to annual re-striping and roadway repairs, the City of Chehalis completed six transportation projects costing a total of $1,253,286 thanks to the city’s transportation benefit district.

Chehalis Street and Stormwater Superintendent Fritz Beierle provided the Chehalis City Council with the 2023 annual report on the district during the city council meeting on Monday, May 13.

It’s an independent taxing district that generates revenue for the sole purpose of transportation improvements.

An annual report is required by state law.

After the district was formed in 2014, voters ratified a 10-year 0.2% sales tax increase to fund projects in 2017.

In 2023, the district had a starting budget of $1,673,226.72, Beierle told the council. Total revenues brought in last year amounted to $2,252,572.07.

Beierle broke down where different revenue came from, with $1,539,368.56 coming directly from the district’s sales tax, $142,923.34 coming from interest earnings and an additional $570,280.17 in Washington state Transportation Improvement Board grants.

Starting budget and revenues combined in 2023 totalled $3,925,753.79. The six transportation projects completed last year costing $1,253,285.94 weren’t the only use of the district’s funds. Beierle said supplies and professional services were also paid for.

In total, the city spent $1,259,559.23 in transportation benefit district funds last year, according to the council’s agenda report. This left the district with a starting budget of $2,666,239.56 for 2024.

The six transportation projects funds went toward included:

• $544,240.40 for improvements on Southwest Chehalis Avenue

• $10,486.65 for reconstruction on Northwest Pacific Avenue

• $656,925.28 for the second phase of the Main Street improvement project

• $10,387.20 for roundabout repairs

• $12,037.65 for roadway re-striping

• $19,208.76 for the annual transportation benefit district safety program

As for what projects the city will spend the funds on in 2024, Chehalis Interim City Manager Lance Bunker told the council it depends on needs that arise.

“We take a look at roads. We see a neighborhood that’s in need of repair, and then we bring that to the council (for approval),” Bunker said.

Some areas currently under consideration include South Market Boulevard, 13th Street and more improvements on Southwest Chehalis Avenue.

To learn more about the transportation benefit district, visit https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us/publicworks/transportation-benefit-district. 

An Elma man was transported to Summit Pacific Medical Center on Tuesday after a medical emergency at the wheel caused him to crash into two unoccupied vehicles parked in a driveway along U.S. Highway 12 in Porter.

The 59-year-old was driving westbound in a silver 2013 Ford F-150 on U.S. Highway 12 when he veered off the roadway to the right at Porter Creek Road and struck the two parked cars, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The crash was reported just after 5:15 p.m. on May 14.

The Washington State Patrol has determined no drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

The Washington state Department of Health’s Unlicensed Practice Program last month notified Betty Jo Kitchen, who operated the in-home services agency Caregivers 4 Mom & Dad in Lewis County, of its intent to issue a cease-and-desist order.

According to a news release issued May 14, Kitchen, who the state confirmed “has never held a registered nurse license in Washington state,” was operating “an in-home services agency where she conducted health care for patients and described herself as a home care nurse.”

Kitchen’s LinkedIn profile states that she is an administrator for the agency Caregivers 4 Mom & Dad, which advertises itself as a home health care service based out of Winlock.

The agency’s Facebook page has been active since February 2018.

High school students are invited to participate in Lewis County’s first Southwest Washington Energy/STEM Academy supported by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE) June 25-27.

The academy, which will start at Centralia College, includes exploring the inside of a power-generating dam and powerhouse, learning how a fish hatchery works and touring a substation and a hydrogen and battery fueled business.

Activities include donning lineworker tools and climbing a power pole, learning about fiber optics and building a hydropower station and a hydrogen-fueled cell car.

“Students will dive into the world of energy to discover emerging technologies and leading-edge science that’s happening in their backyard,” Centralia College said in a news release. “They will learn directly from engineers, operators, skilled trades workers, conservationists and others, who will share their stories and experiences.”

Students will also explore career pathways by identifying apprenticeships, internships and college opportunities, according to the news release.

Centralia College’s Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy is partnering with Centralia City Light, Chelan PUD, Cowlitz PUD, First Mode, FWEE, Lewis County PUD, National Renewable Energy Lab, SEI and TransAlta.

The academy is available for up to 24 students ages 14 to 18 entering grades nine to 12.

Cost is $50 and includes materials, food and field trip transportation. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the academy, visit https://tinyurl.com/muhh4a4r. 

After 40 years, continued improvements are needed to support operations and maintenance of the Spirit Lake infrastructure that controls water levels in Spirit Lake, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.

The replacement of the Spirit Lake Tunnel Intake Gate and Geotechnical Drilling project is needed to support safe operations and maintenance of the Spirit Lake infrastructure, downstream communities and users accessing the area during construction, the Forest Service stated.

The replacement of the gate and the drilling will require weekday recreation trail closures within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument during the multi-year construction effort.

“Closures are needed to mobilize appropriate equipment, materials and supplies for the Spirit Lake Intake Gate Replacement and Geotechnical Drilling Project scheduled to begin in May,” the release stated. “This project will replace one single cast iron tunnel inlet flow gate with redundant tunnel inlet flow gates, dredge 1980s spoils piles where logs get hung up and prevent lake drawdown and conduct geotechnical investigations and core sampling within the debris blockage to determine, and predict safe conditions to control water levels in Spirit Lake more accurately.

For more background information, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/project/giffordpinchot/?project=57259. 

The trails listed will be closed Monday through Friday and open on Saturdays, Sundays and all federal holidays from May 15 through Oct. 31. The Windy Ridge Contractor Staging Area will be closed seven days per week from May 15 through Oct. 31. Both closures will apply from 2024 through 2027. The closure order and maps can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/bd4hr7d. 

• The southern portion of the Windy Ridge Parking area for contractor staging

• Forest Road 99 extension road from Windy Ridge to the Truman Trail

• TR 207 – Truman Trail from TR 216E – Windy to TR 1 – Boundary

• TR 216D – Plains of Abraham from TR216 – Loowit to FR 99 extension Road

• TR 216E – Windy from TR 207 – Truman to TR 216 Loowit

• TR 207A – Truman from TR 216 – Loowit to TR 207 – Truman

• TR 1E – Harry’s Ridge

Access for search and rescue, special use permittees, researchers and tribes will be coordinated through the Mount St. Helen’s District ranger.

Visitors are asked to respect closures and to recreate in other areas of the monument during closure periods.

Visitors can expect to see large construction equipment and materials. Dust may be seen from various locations on the monument. Visitors will encounter large vehicles on Forest Road 99 and are advised to use caution when traveling to the area.

Visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for updates: www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot.