Centralia’s local newspaper, The Chronicle, which has been in publication since 1889, offered a free online version on October 15, 2007. The Chronicle serves all of Lewis County and is published as an afternoon print edition Monday through Friday, and a morning print edition Saturday. It has no Sunday edition.

How is look?

I had a chance to review the new online Chronicle yesterday and today. The layout is easy to navigate around with links to Sports, Local News, Classifieds, Opinions, Blogs, Forums, Obituaries, and Multimedia.
The site is still being developed with a few of the images not loading and a few links not quite working. They are also working on the blog section. Overall though, the site was very informative and a great improvement over the online “subscription only” based site they had before.
Rick Pierce, the IT Administrator with The Chronicle, did a great job balancing advertising while keeping the real focus on the content.

Here’s What Gets An A+

The Multimedia section is a great idea for the Chronicle to step into the age of “YouTube” and expand on how news should be delivered. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and a video can be priceless.I really liked the videos and think that Nick George did a fantastic job.

The Layout of the site was also done very well with navigation being used to easily locate information. No dropdown menus to get in the way of the news. No heavy use of flash and great flow.

Things To Change Or Consider

Overall, The Chronicle did a great job. There are just a few suggestion that I think would help with the usability of the site.

Hats Off!

Great job with the redesign. I was not a big fan of the old design, but will now become a reader of The Chronicle online. Everyone reading this, check out The Chronicle, I am sure you will become a fan also.

Live 95, the Twin Cities local FM radio station, held its annual Wonder Truck Giveaway Saturday at the Fairway Shopping Center in Centralia. It was a great time had by all. There was cake, Pepsi, Hot Rods, and of course Bubbles. This had all the makings for a great time.

The day started off with the Antique Car Show where local participates brought their custom cars and trucks to be oodled at. Our gallery shows photos of the vehicles. There where some gorgeous cars and trucks. Even the Live 95/KITI Wonder Truck from 9 years ago was on display. Thanks to all the guys and gals that brought down their automobiles. I had a chance to talk to alot of the owners, and there was plenty of blood, sweat, and tears that was put into those cars.

There was something for the whole family. Cake and soda was provided so that parents could cruise around and look at the cars while the kids played in the Bubble Pool! The pool and bubbles were provided by All Star Fun. The kids even had there own contest, where they had to dive for balls inside of the bubble pool for prizes.

The main event though was the Live 95KITI Wonder Truck Giveaway. Participants signed up at local Lewis County merchants earlier to enter a chance to win a key. The lucky winners of the keys each had an opportunity to sit in the Wonder Truck, put the key in, and turn. Only one lucky winner would actually have the key to start the vehicle. And that lucky winner was…

…Darcy Holt of Centralia!

Darcy stepped up to the Wonder Truck as the first participate ever not to wear the Live 95/KITI Wonder Truck T-shirt. She sat in the truck, put in her key, and the crowd got to her the roar of the 1977 Chevy Pickup. The crowd cheered as a joyful Darcy came out the truck smiling ear to ear. Immediately, her friends and family came out to congratulate her.

Congratulations Darcy and a big thanks to Live 95 for the event. Check out the gallery to view some great photos of the cars, the Wonder Truck, Darcy, and everyone just having a good time. Feel free to download the images, just provide a link back to centralia:live.

The 2nd Annual Hub City Grand Prix was held in Centralia, WA this weekend. The event was a huge success.
There was a huge turnout this year as cooler and lawn chair toting race fans lined the streets around the Centralia College campus. The smell of gasoline and barbecues filled the air as go-karts and motorcycles whizzed by. Speeds were clocked as high as 84 miles per hour coming down the straight away.
I didn’t get a chance to go to the races last year, so I made it a point to go this year. What a blast. I missed the time-trials that they had on Saturday, but had a chance to see the afternoon races on Sunday before heading off to the Garlic Festival. I will make it a point not to miss the Grand Prix next year. Next year we will be camping out on the streets with food and drink to enjoy the activities.

After talking with several Go-Kart fans, it seems that this year was bigger and better than last year. More racers, faster speeds, more hay bails to line the streets, and more race fans participated in the annual event. Everyone I talked to is planning on making this an annual event and look forward to the 2008 Grand Prix.

I had a chance to get some racing photos of the Go-Karts and motorcycles as well as an awesome video that we posted on YouTube. We hope that everyone had as good of a time as my family and I did. See ya next year!

Update!

We found another great video by Motostrano. He has a video with of the race from a helmet cam! Good stuff. Thanks Motostrano.

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The 2nd annual Hub City Grand Prix on the streets of Centralia, Washington is August 24th-26th. It is a grand prix-style Go Kart and Super Motard street race around the campus of Centralia College. These are not the Go-Karts you had as a kid. This is serious. These little cars will reach speeds up to 70 mph! Grand prize is $3600. According to Seattle Karting Club, this was recognized by racers as the best single race of last year and 2007 promises to be bigger and better this year. Get your Grand Prix Schedule and arrive early.

Like 2006, the race will be held on a .8 mile temporary course through the city streets around the Centralia College. Spectator grand stands, TV cameras, vendor displays, and the beer garden will line the outside of the circuit. There will be an infield that will provide food and drink. The beer garden will be sponsored by The Shire, barbecued burgers and dogs will be flame grilled and served up by Dr. George Mahoric, and authentic British & American Food will be brought to you by Sowerby’s. We have a list of all the infield vendors for you.

The popularity of the event has caught the attention of national and local broadcast media. The 2007 Hub City Grand Prix will be featured nationally on the Outdoor Network and regionally by KING/KONG TV.

Online registration for racers is now closed, but you can get a registration form and register in person at the event.

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner and you may be asking yourself what to do with dear ol’ dad. Centralia:live has found a couple of special events that are going on to celebrate that special day.

Steam Train Ride

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad will be offering a special gift for dads. Whistles blowing, steam plumes rising, and wheels click clacking along the steel tracks. A classic 1916 Baldwin steam engine pulls a modest 1920s dinner and passenger cars on this one and three quarter-hour excursion. Passengers are served a catered three-course dinner with a main course of either prime rib, chicken or salmon during the 18-mile roundtrip that runs along the Chehalis River and through the tranquil Lewis County countryside. On fine weather days, open-air cars allow for unobstructed views of the scenic landscape. Cost per person is $51.95 (inclusive of tax and gratuity). Call 360-748-9593 for reservations. Info provided by festivals.com.

Hit the Links

Invite dad down to the local golf courses for an enjoyable round of golf. The Newaukum Valley Golf Course has a lunch special between 11am-1pm where Dad can get 18 holes of golf and a free lunch for $30. At the time of this post, Riverside Golf Course was also looking at a Father’s Day Special. We will keep you posted.

A Night of Blackjack

The King Oscar Motel and the Lucky Eagle Casino are offering a Father’s Day Extravaganza during the weekend of June 15 through June 17. This exceptional weekend will consist of one night’s accommodations, dinner for two and a casino fun package for the low price of $85.00 plus tax. For more info and reservations, call the King Oscar Hotel at 360-736-1661.

Contact us to let us know of any other special events that are going on for dad. We would love to share them with everyone.

The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions are coming to the SouthWest Washington Fairgrounds at the border of Centralia and Chehalis. The Tour Lewis County website states:

“The Lipizzan is a rare and unique breed; its history and culture are known worldwide. Harkening back to time when the horse was a symbol of grace and majesty, the Lipizzaner Stallions are truly a great experience to be enjoyed by the entire family. One does not need to be a horse lover to enjoy the spectacular show.”

2007 represents the 37th Anniversary season of The Lipizzaner Stallions. All new music, choreography and routines have been incorporated in this anniversary edition with a major emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed, from its original breeding and use as a horse of war to a horse of nobility and aristocracy to a living form of equestrian art. The show emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, in its presentation of Lipizzans, and maintains a traditional as well as entertaining performance similar in many ways to what you would see at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Tickets

Tickets for the Tuesday night show are on sale now at Fuller’s Market Place in Centralia, or you can charge by phone at 1.800.882.8258. You can also buy tickets online at tickets.com.
More information can be found by calling 360.736.6072 or by visiting lipizzaner.com.
Event Details:
Time: Tuesday June 12th at 7:30pm.
Adult tickets are $22.50 each.
For children 12 and under, seniors 60 and over, tickets are $20.50 each.

So, you think you’ve got what it takes to be an elite member of the Centralia S.W.A.T.? Well here’s your chance to prove it. On Wednesday, July 4th at Fort Borst Park, you will have the opportunity to put your dedication and hard work to the test.

This year at Centralia Summerfest, the Centralia Police Department Officer Association is giving you the SWAT Challenge. You will be given the chance to show off that physique by taking the same test the SWAT School officers must take on their 1st day.

Are You Tough Enough?

Train hard and train fast because the event is less than a month away. SWAT Teams from around the county demand that you are able to do the following to be considered the best of the best.

Run 3 miles in less than 25 minutes

Followed by 30-50 pushups

Then 60-80 situps

And then end with 5-20 pullups

Wow. I am tired just thinking about it. So, grab that protein shake and hit the gym, its SWAT time.

Registration

You can pick up and entry form at the Centralia Police Department or any Thorbecke’s Fitness locations. Registration begins at 7:30am and the start time of the event is 8:30am at Fort Borst Park. There is a $20 entry fee. Those that pre-register will receive a t-shirt will supplies last. Get a map of Borst Park, the Centralia Police Department, and Thorbecke’s.

Downtown Centralia

Head on down to the Olympic Club in downtown Centralia on Wednesday’s where you can watch a movie, grab a burger and a beer, and relax. Best of all, it’s only $10. Sorry kids, you have to stay at home for this event. The BB&M is for those of us 21 and older.

The Olympic Club Theater is unlike any other movie theater that you have been in. First of all, you can order a glass of Edgefield Wine or Terminator Stout, chow down on a pizza, or just stick with the usual movie snacks: popcorn and candy. Secondly, the theater is arranged for informal movie watching with overstuffed velvet couches and chairs with side tables to hold those adult beverages.

Burger, Beer, and a Movie is an ongoing event for the Olympic Club and will be happening every Wednesday. Subscribe to our Night.Life event calendar to receive the latest movie listings and more.

Listings

Wednesday, June 6
BLADES OF GLORY 6 p.m.

300 8:15 p.m

Wednesday, June 13
YEAR OF THE DOG 6 p.m.

HOT FUZZ 8:15 p.m.

More Info

For more movie listing check out the Olympic Club’s website and subscribe to centralia:live’s Night.Life feed to get all of the upcoming movies, concerts, and performances going on in the greater Centralia area.

Riverside Golf Course

The Riverside Golf Course located in Chehalis WA near the airport has undergone some major changes for this season. New local owners have come in and have helped restore this course as the premier golf course in the area. The 110 acre oasis that borders the Chehalis River was established in 1927 and has been a favorite for local golfers for the last 80 years.
The new owners, Mitch McCullough and Darrel Sorenson are dedicated to improving the golfing experience at Riverside by improving the aesthetics and playability of the course, creating a welcoming clubhouse and providing great customer service. Riverside Golf Course is able to accommodate large groups and are looking to host more tournaments. The course is challenging and beautiful. So, grab the clubs and head on down to the course. Better grab a couple of extra balls for the 13th. Everyone’s been known to sink a ball or two trying to get over the pond!

Newaukum Valley Golf Course

The Newaukum Valley Golf Course, located in South Chehalis, has also undergone some improvements lately. The West 9 has just had a facelift and driving range added to the challenging par 33. Newaukum boast 27 holes thru their West, South, and East links. The course is alittle more open and great for those that can like to drive.
Head down to the course on Tuesdays for their infamous Tightwad Tuesdays. For under $20 bucks you can golf all day! Really, is there anything better. If you don’t have all day, 18 holes is only $15. It doesn’t look like the website has been updated in awhile, so give them a call for information at 360.748.0461.

Map

Feel free to add comments regarding your experience with either Riverside or Newaukum Valley Golf Courses.

A team of 8 and under players from the Centralia Little League ranks has formed a summer team to play against competition from other areas in Southwest Washington. The team has been practicing for the last month to get ready for their first tournament in Castle Rock on the weekend of June 14-17. Coaching the team is Chris Thomas and James Aliff, who both coached for the Centralia Little League this year.

The team is looking for some help from the community. In order to keep costs down for the parents of the handpicked tournament team, the coaches and parents are looking for sponsorship and support. The contributions will go towards tournament fees, uniforms, and team equipment. Centralia:live has created a widget on the side to let you support the team by giving donations via PayPal. You can also add this widget to your site by going to the Summer League Chipin page.

Please consider helping to strengthen baseball in the Centralia area by donating. For your contribution, the team will have your name put on a team banner that will be displayed at all games.

The tournament schedule at this time is:

The team hopes to add two more tournaments to their July schedule. Help support these future MLB players. Contact us if you have any questions or need more information.