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The Chronicle - Centralia
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Centralia officer honored 114 years after his death
In the presence of Gov. Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and a packed church of law enforcement personnel from across Washington state, fallen Centralia Police Officer William Smith and two other fallen officers were recognized Friday, May 3 for their service. Smith, who was fatally struck by a train on Dec. 23, 1910, was one of three fallen officers whose names were added to the Washington state Peace Officers Memorial in Olympia following the Behind the Badge Foundation’s annual Peace Officers Memorial and Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Olympia on Friday. The other two officers were William M. Williams Sr., of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, who went missing while patrolling on July 15, 1965, and was later found drowned; and Raymond J. Gutierrez, of Hanford Patrol, who contracted COVID-19 while performing his duties and died Oct. 3, 2021. “It is imperative we recognize the significance of remembering those who have given everything, even if it’s not until years, decades or even a century later,” Centralia Police Department Volunteer Coordinator Naomi Hursh said at the ceremony, which was held at Evergreen Christian Community in Olympia this year due to ongoing construction at the memorial site on the Capitol grounds. During Friday’s ceremony, Inslee read aloud a proclamation he signed earlier that day declaring the week of May 12 to May 18 as Law Enforcement Recognition Week. “I urge all people in our state to join me in the special observance,” Inslee said. According to the Behind the Badge Foundation, Smith was crossing multiple railroad tracks at a poorly lit crossing in the dead of night when he was struck by a train car that was backing up along the tracks. “Reports state that Smith was the oldest officer in the department and one of the oldest in the state at the time of his death,” the Behind the Badge Foundation stated, adding that The Tacoma Daily Register reported, “Smith was a veteran of the Civil War and was regarded as one of the nerviest men among officers of Lewis County. He was small in stature but of great physical strength and courage." His age was inconsistently reported in various online sources. He was survived by his wife and 20-year-old daughter. Smith’s name was not submitted for inclusion on the Washington state Peace Officers Memorial when the Behind the Badge Foundation erected it about 30 years ago, “which is not uncommon for historical death,” Behind the Badge Foundation Director of Programs and Services Meg DiBucci said in an email to The Chronicle. “As historical deaths become known, they can be submitted for consideration for inclusion. In the case of Officer Smith, an individual noted he was not included and brought it to the attention of the agency, and subsequently to (Behind the Badge Foundation),” DiBucci said. No officer deaths from 2023 were submitted for inclusion on the memorial this year, Puyallup Chief of Police Scott Engel said during Friday’s ceremony. “We are thankful for our officers and their actions. We are thankful for no new names from 2023, and we remember, we honor and never forget each and every name inscribed on our memorial wall here in Olympia,” Engel said. The Behind the Badge Foundation began as a small group of people who, about 30 years ago, “Decided that it was time that Washington state had a fitting monument to its fallen officers,” said Behind the Badge Foundation Executive Director Brian Johnston. “We’ve moved to many, many, many attributes that we are able to support our fallen officers, their families and our officers that are currently serving, but core to our mission has always been the Washington state Law Enforcement Memorial. The names on it, inscribed, ensures that their stories and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” The memorial wall is located on Washington state Capitol campus in the shadow of the Temple of Justice and facing north to Heritage Park and Puget Sound.
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Centralia man charged for allegedly assaulting woman who declined to go on a hike with him
A Centralia man was arrested Thursday for allegedly grabbing a woman by the throat when she declined to go on a hike with him on April 30. The victim reported the incident to the Centralia Police Department at about noon on May 2, according to police call logs. The defendant, Cedric Howlitz, 27, is accused of running down a hallway toward the woman and grabbing her by the throat when she declined to go on a morning hike with him and two children in their care, according to court documents. Howlitz then allegedly threw her down twice, causing a bruise on her shin when her leg hit a dish on a bed. She reported she “walked away from the home on May 2 ... and headed to the hospital to get her leg looked at.” She reportedly agreed to report the incident after talking to hospital staff, according to court documents. The responding Centralia officer noted the woman had a 10-inch bruise on her leg and a “finger-sized bruise” on her neck, according to court documents. During the investigation, officers learned that Howlitz controls the woman’s cellphone account and allegedly “shuts off her cellphone when he gets upset.” When questioned, Howlitz reportedly told officers he and the woman did go on a hike on April 30 and “denied any argument before leaving.” He additionally “denied knowing anything about a mark on (the woman’s) neck and denied throwing her onto the bed.” He later provided other possible sources for the bruising, according to court documents. When asked about the woman’s phone, Howlitz reportedly “stated it was a technical issue” through the phone company. He later allegedly admitted to shutting her phone off about once a month. Howlitz was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail just after 3:45 p.m. on May 2, according to court documents. He was charged May 3 with one count of second-degree assault, domestic violence. Bail is set at $20,000 and arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, May 9. A no-contact order protecting the victim is in place. The court has also issued an order for Howlitz to surrender all weapons. |
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Tony Karniss honored by Back Country Horsemen with Lifetime Achievement Award
Tony Karniss, a lifetime Lewis County man, was recognized for his volunteer work for Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Onalaska Fire Hall on May 2. “Currently, Tony is president of the Lewis County BCHW,” wrote Carolyn Stella, of Chehalis. “Leading Lewis County’s 165-member organization, he is known for his collaborative work with other outdoor recreation organizations in this county and the Pacific Northwest to clear and maintain trails, such as Packwood Lake for Memorial Day weekend, horse camps and the Keenes and Cody area trails as soon as the snow level rises.” Back Country Horsemen of Washington is a nonprofit dedicated to keeping trails open for all users, educating horse users in leave-no-trace practices, and providing volunteer service to resource agencies. He was awarded the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by BCHW President Dana Chamber. Below is the message she read while making the presentation to Karniss: “The recipient of this Lifetime Achievement Award joined BCHW in 2006 and is a member of the Lewis County Chapter, where he has held positions of leadership up to chapter president. He is also a past BCHW Lopper and President’s Diamond Award recipient. This person has spent a lifetime working in the wilderness as a professional logger, timberman and trail maintenance volunteer. During his 18 years of volunteering for BCHW, he has logged more than 7,500 hours of volunteer time. He works closely with federal and state land managers as well as groups such as PNTA, WTA and numerous other user groups. As BCHW’s lead instructor, coordinator and manager, he has personally coordinated, conducted and certified more than 2,000 students in BCHW’s benchmark program. He is the driving force behind the BCHW/USFS Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Certification Program. He continues to encourage volunteerism at all levels and embodies safety first, which has led to an outstanding safety record. For this volunteer, the mission statement rings loud and clear. Whenever we get to work alongside this person, we all know it’s all about the trail. His gentle soul, kind heart, warm personality and willingness to get involved are the model for us all.” To submit community news items to The Chronicle, email photos and details to news@chronline.com. |
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In focus: Volunteers spruce up downtown Centralia at CDA spring cleanup
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In focus: Vader May Day signals start of festival season in Lewis County
The Vader May Day Parade and festival was held in Lewis County's southernmost town on Saturday. These photos were captured by Chronicle photographer Ridley Hudson. Vader May Day represents the unofficial start to festival season in Lewis County. Next Up • Packwood Memorial Day Flea Market: May 24 to 27; https://packwoodfleamarket.com/ • Rochester’s Mid-Sommer Swede Day Festival: June 14-15; swedehall.org • Winlock Egg Days: June 14-16; https://www.winlockeggdays.com/ • Ride the Willapa: June 22-23; https://ridethewillapa.com/ |
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In focus: New police patch unveiled during missing or murdered Indigenous persons solidarity event at Toledo Middle School
A missing or murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) solidarity event was held at Toledo Middle School on Sunday, May 5. T he Toledo Police Department unveiled a custom patch to recognize missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) across the country, with officials hoping the first-in-the-country patch will inspire other departments to take a similar step. The event coincided with MMIP National Awareness Day, held annually on May 5, and included testimonials and tributes to the disproportionate rate that Indigenous tribes face abuse, and the challenges families often face when seeking justice. A descendent of the Colville Tribe and Fort Peck Assiniboine, Toledo Police Chief Duane Garvais Lawrence praised former Mayor Steve Dobosh, current Mayor Cheri Devore and former city council member Kelly Thomas for their work in securing the patch. The Chronicle will have additional coverage of the ceremony in the Thursday’s edition. |
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Man injured after car crashes into ditch off of state Route 6
A 34-year-old man was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital for medical care after he crashed his car into a ditch off of eastbound state Route 6 just east of Doty on Monday. The man, identified by the Washington State Patrol as Stephen M. Sussee, of Ocean Shores, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the state patrol. The state patrol has determined drugs or alcohol were not involved in the crash. The vehicle, a red 2003 Hyundai Accent, reportedly left the roadway and crashed at approximately 7:30 a.m. on May 6. The cause of the crash was wheels off the roadway, according to the state patrol. |
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MGP proposes grants for pre-kindergarten education in rural and low income communities
Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, has introduced bipartisan legislation to expand state-led pre-kindergarten programs in low-income and rural communities. On Wednesday, Gluesenkamp Perez joined Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, in introducing the Pre-K for Kids Act. If passed, the legislation would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education for state-led pre-kindergarten programs in low-income communities. The grant funding would support pre-kindergarten programs that serve families with a household income of $30,000 or less. “Your bank account shouldn’t dictate the quality of early education services your kids are able to access,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. “As a mom, I’m excited to work with Rep. Nunn to invest in the future of all our kids.” According to the lawmakers, 31% of low-income children were in preschool programs in the fall of 2021. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, 300,000 fewer children attended preschool in the 2020-2021 school year, the largest enrollment drop in 20 years. “As a dad of six, I’m committed to investing in Iowa’s future. Pre-kindergarten education is critical to laying a strong foundation for our kids,” Nunn said in a statement. “Every Iowan, regardless of zip code or income, deserves access to affordable education opportunities. We have an obligation to ensure that public education is meeting the needs of every single child.” According to the lawmakers, early childhood education can reduce educational gaps and benefit a child’s development and speech. |
Washington Governor's Office
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On the road: Air quality, community development, and financial aid
Publish Date
May 01, 2024
Story Body
Air quality monitoring At Mountain View High School, Inslee toured an air quality monitoring site operated by the Department of Ecology in partnership with the school and Southwest Clean Air Agency. "We have this epidemic of asthma in our state, and the closer your kid lives to a freeway breathing that diesel smoke, the more likely they are to have asthma," Inslee said. The site tracks pollution levels in Vancouver, an area identified as heavily impacted by industrial and transportation emissions due to heavy roadways, trains, and port activity. Under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), the state is allocating $2.85 million every two years to expand air monitoring across 16 such communities in Washington, ensuring residents have more representative air quality data. In addition to expanding air monitoring sites, the CCA empowers communities to take action to reduce air pollution by allocating $10 million in grants to organizations and communities working on air quality initiatives. Community development Inslee listens as community members, leaders, and residents of the Fourth Plain Community Commons share their stories of achievement and progress within their neighborhood.Inslee's next stop was the Fourth Plain Community Commons, a mixed-use development combining affordable housing and a flexible community space. This space offers residents a place to gather, host events, and access essential services. While the Fourth Plain Corridor is known for its racial diversity, it also faces challenges from heavy traffic volumes contributing to air pollution. During his tour, Inslee received an update from Fourth Plain Forward, a non-profit championing the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. This development is an example of successful collaboration between local and state entities, with Washington state contributing $6.5 million to support its development. Financial aid Inslee with Fort Vancouver High School students after a panel discussion.The governor made his final stop at Fort Vancouver High School, where he participated in a student panel focused on Washington's nationally recognized financial aid programs for college and career training. Despite holding the top spot for financial aid offerings, a concerning trend emerged. The Vancouver School District, reflecting a statewide decline, saw a concerning 27% drop in students completing financial aid applications this year. The discussion delved into the reasons behind the lower application rates and explored strategies to boost student participation. While the federal government has made efforts to create a simpler and quicker form, the rollout has been frustrating for students and administrators due to various technical issues. Unfortunately, these technical problems have discouraged some students from applying and completing the application. After hearing about the challenges, the governor urged them to be patient and persistent in their college application process. He encouraged them to work closely with their school counselors to ensure a successful application. He also highlighted the availability of the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), which allows all Washington students access to state financial aid regardless of immigration status. Read more:
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Washington State News
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Yankees on a roll entering series with struggling Astros
(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Yankees have reached 10 games above .500 for the first time just 36 games into the season, one indicator of how strongly they've started 2024.
Now the Yankees attempt to win their fourth straight game when they host the Houston Astros on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series.
The Yankees are 23-13 after finishing a three-game home sweep of the Detro
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