Lewis County News May 17, 2023

Lewis County News

Murder results in tampered evidence

about the killing of Aron Christenson and his dog Buzzo was fabricated? Dr. Brandy Fay, who first examined Buzzo at the request of the Sheriff’s office, determined that Buzzo did not die of a gunshot wound. Dr. Fay reported to the Sheriff’s Office that Buzzo had been stabbed to death.

shocked that he and his under- age girlfriend left the scene and reported to no one until after the bodies were found.

Tampered Evidence?

What if a critical fact Sheriff Snaza has reported to the public

What Dr. Fay found contradicted the Sheriff’s narrative that a frightened young man had shot at what he thought was a threatening wild animal and then was shocked to find he had killed a man. So

After his office received Dr. Fay’s report, Sheriff Snaza sought a second opinion from a veterinarian not licensed to practice in the State of Washington, allowing her to necropsy the dog in the Lewis County Coroner’s office. That veterinarian reported that the dog had died of a gunshot wound apparently without performing a tissue sample

Chief Morningstar placed on administrative leave

By LynneTTe HOffMAn

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Roger Morningstar was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Morningstar is the Chief of Police for Morton, Mossyrock and PeEll. Morningstar has had his share of controversy since taking over the police department in Morton, usually due to his political views and staff

issues. Morningstar has had a long history of controversy pursuing various extreme right-wing causes including the Washington 3% Militia.

Roger Morningstar became the Chief of Police in Morton in 2015, after being with the Quinalt Tribal Police where he resigned due to allegations of sexual harassment and a stalking complaint. Morningstar was offered a polygraph with the Quinault Tribal Police to clear his name, but he chose to

resign instead.

Even after the issues with the tribe, Morningstar was hired by Dan Mortensen, Mayor of Morton.

Controversy has surrounded Morningstar for the past few years. Mortensen had hired an officer who had an alleged sexual harassment case and a DUI when he was employed with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, his name was Deputy Chris Fulton. Deputy

Obituaries In Loving Memory of David "Dave" A. Sayler

David "Dave" A. Sayler, 73, passed away on April 25, 2023, in Longview, Washington. He was born on January 20, 1950, in Bismark, North Dakota, to Wilbert M. Sayler and Gloria L. Sayler.

Dave was a loyal and kind person who always helped his family, friends, and neighbors. He was known for his outrageously funny and sarcastic sense of humor and his love for pranks. He was also a great storyteller and always had a tale to share.

After graduating from Mt. St. Helens High School in Winlock, Washington, in 1969, Dave was initiated into Local 695 of the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry. He spent 47 years as a member in good-standing.

In his free time, Dave loved fishing, working on hot rods, creating artistic metal fabrications, going on road trips, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Sayler, his son John Sayler, his daughter Bobbi (Kevin) Ralphs, his brother Gary (Dawn) Sayler, his sisters Trish (Bahram) Sheed and Leslie Sayler, and his grandchildren Joshua (Lindsay) Sayler, Nichole (Jake) Cox, and Amber (Jade) Denny, as well as five greatgranddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Wilbert M. Sayler, his mother Gloria L. Sayler, and his granddaughter Samantha Jade Kelley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at The First Baptist Church in Castle Rock, Washington.

Special Yard Waste Recycling Event

Now through May 20 (except for Sunday, May 14), Lewis County Transfer Stations in Centralia and Morton will offer a special yard waste collection event.

CENTRALIA

1411 S. Tower Ave. Mon.-Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Gates close at 5:15 p.m.

In Centralia, yard waste material will need to be separated into two different areas. Grass clippings and leaves will be dropped off in a collection container in the recycling area. Chippable wood debris, such as branches, will be dropped off in a different area. The scale attendant will direct customers to the appropriate drop-off areas.

MORTON

6745 US Hwy 12

Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Gates close at 4:45 p.m.

In Morton, yard waste will be dropped off all in the same container. It doesn’t need to be separated. The scale attendant will direct customers where to drop off the material.

Please stop by the scales and get weighed before dropping off your yard waste material.

Noxious weeds, such as blackberries and Scotch Broom, are not accepted in the yard waste collection programs at the transfer stations. Noxious weeds must be disposed of in the regular garbage. Additional information on noxious weeds can be found at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/weed-control/identification/weed-list/.

Sponsors: Lewis Co. Department of Public Works, and Solid Waste Utility Division. Funding provided in part by Department of Ecology. Have questions? Call 360-740-1451 or email swu@lewiscountywa.gov.

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1366 Rush Rd

Chehalis, WA 98532

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David "Dave" A. Sayler

by Lynnette Hoffman 785-3151 Winlock News

This column sponsored by:

Winlock Hardware

515 NE First, Winlock 360.785-3251

What a gorgeous weekend we had! 90 degrees is not something we are used to but it was needed for most of us to get our lawns in order. It looks like the entire week will be sunshine and blue skies, and comfortable temperatures. It is so fun to watch everyone outside, enjoying the weather and sprucing their places up.

Mr. Scarborough, Music Teacher in the Winlock School District, will be having a retirement party on June 17 at 5:00 p.m. at the Winlock Middle School Gymnasium. Many students have been taught by Mr. Scarborough and he is loved in the community!

The Tracks Bar and Grill is going to be the new hangout in Vader, owned by the same folks who own the Little Crane Restaurant. They are looking for experienced restaurant staff, give them a call if you have experience. You won’t find better people to work with!

IGA Cedar Village Cody’s 72 Hour Meat Sale: 85% extra lean ground beef 3.99lb. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.

The Backpack Program is back and donations can be dropped off for Holly Orbino at the Rowdy Rooster. This is a great program to help our kids. If you haven’t donated, would you please consider as we would like to make sure all our kids get a backpack.

The Winolequa Garden Club is in the process of their Plant and Bake Sale now until June 18 at 1117 NW Mill Street, just one block from Shakertown. These ladies bake some fabulous goods and have plants available for your garden. This money is used to help students with scholarship funds to attend college. Please support your local Winolequa Garden Club and our local students.

The Timberland Library will not have Story Time this Wednesday, May 17 due to the staff being in training. They will be opening at 1:00 p.m.

Public Notice • Public Notice

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Napavine City Council will hold a public hearing jointly with the Planning Commission on May 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., Napavine City Hall, 407 Birch Ave. SW. The City Council and Planning Commission are looking to receive input on the proposed Housing Action Plan.

Comments may be heard in-person at said hearing or may be made in writing to the City Clerk Rachelle Denham at P.O. Box 810, Napavine, WA 98565, or by email rdenham@cityofnapavine.com , no later than May 22, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. A copy of the proposed housing action plan can be provided by request at the city.

“The city of Napavine is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Digital Publish: May 10, 2023

Publish: May 17, 2023 85551

Toledo News

Gee Cee’s Truck Stop Exit 57 & I-5 Toledo, WA (360) 864-4300 www.geeceestruckstop.com

What a great weekend we had, the weather was perfect! South County Park was packed and people were out everywhere. Many were out and about, working their lawns and just enjoying the beautiful weather.

Mayor Dobosh reached out to the Lewis County News to thank the Lions Club for all their hard work down at the park, he stated, “The Lions Club has done a fantastic job cleaning up the park, removing trees and making it better for everyone to enjoy. The Lions Club is an integral part of the community and their recent donation was unbelievable. Thank you to the Toledo Lions Club for doing their part and so much more around the City of Toledo.”

Next Thursday the 18th the Chamber Forum will be held at Gee Cee's with Guest speakers:

•

• Riley Champ - Winlock Vader Food Bank

Amber Buck - Toledo Neighbors Program

• Joy Promise - Eagles Nest Community Kitchen

Don’t forget the 2nd Annual Father Daughter Dance at the Toledo Senior Center, May 20 at 6:00 p.m. Guaranteed everyone will have a great time!

The Lewis County Veteran Museum in Chehalis will be hosting a PNW Vets Coalition meeting on May 17 at 1800 hours (6:00 p.m.). This is your opportunity to meet with other veterans and their families.

Don’t forget to attend your local Toledo Thursday Market at the Boat Launch. It takes place all afternoon, starting around 2:00 p.m. and lasting until 6:00 p.m. This is a great group of local vendors who have done a beautiful job every Thursday for your Farmers Market’s needs.

Also, Toledo School Board has hired Brennan Bailey as its new Superintendent. Congratulations Brendan, I look forward to sitting down and interviewing you for your community.

As a reminder, during Cheese Days there is also the Toledo Lavender Festival at Amy Jerome’s Place. I went last year and can’t wait to attend this year. They have plants, foods and everything Lavender you can imagine, I am a big fan and can’t wait!

Brennan Bailey

The Toledo School District Board of Directors selected Brennan Bailey to be the next Superintendent of Toledo Schools at their meeting on Friday, May 12. Brennan began his career in education as a student teacher in Toledo and has been a teacher and Assistant Principal for the district. During much of that time, he also served on the Chehalis School District Board of Directors.

Brennan will begin as superintendent on July 1 and will spend the next few weeks afterwards transitioning into that role.

Congratulations Brennan!

murder

Continued from page 1

And then there was the opinion of Dr. Quinn, the pathologist who concluded that the one bullet theory did not make scientific sense. Now there were two respected doctors with one having determined Buzzo was stabbed, not shot, and the other finding no scientific proof of one bullet killing both Buzzo and Aron. Both professionals challenge the Sheriff’s one bullet theory.

When Dr. Fay was informed of the gunshot findings by the second veterinarian, she was shocked. How could she have gotten this so wrong? So, as a responsible professional, she examined Buzzo a second time. And what did she find? A new wound which was not present when she first examined Buzzo. There was no bleeding at the new wound site which she determined was only consistent with the wound having been inflicted after the dog was dead.

this was good news for the Sheriff. One shot, nice kid, no local family, just an unfortunate accident. Maybe it would all just go away.

That was just what happened until Aron’s family took up the cause of seeking justice for Aron. With the election out of the way and a growing drumbeat of questions about why the confessed killer was not being prosecuted, the Sheriff forwarded the case to the Lewis County Prosecutor for charges. Unfortunately, the Prosecutor found that the investigation of the case had been so botched that even after returning the case to the Sheriff for further investigation and clarification, he did not feel he could prove a felony claim.

analysis to determine if what she had identified as the gunshot wound was post mortem or ante mortem. Her report fit with the narrative that both Aron and his dog were the victims of a tragic single shot.

But nagging doubts remained. Why did the investigating deputy call off the deputies who were on their way? Why did he think a dead man and a dead dog found in the woods at night were victims of an accident? Why did he conclude the bloody hole in the man’s side resulted from being poked by a stick?

Dr. Fay sent the tissue from the new wound to a lab for examination. The lab determined the wound was made after the dog died. With the lab’s confirmation of her examinations. Dr. Fay concluded that the second wound was the result of someone intentionally tampering with the evidence, apparently to fit the evidence to the one bullet theory. Dr. Fay also found that the second wound caused a broken rib. There was no fracture of the rib shown on the X-rays made during Dr. Fay’s first examination. Dr. Fay is adamant that the second wound was not there when she first examined Buzzo and that the lab results prove her to be correct.

Despite the odd handling and conflicting reports in the case, the case seemed ready to be buried with no unfortunate blowback on Sheriff Snaza or his office. In what had become a hotly contested November election,

Engineer’s Estimate: $247,000

Questions: Questions about this project should be directed to: Jackson Civil Engineering Devin Jackson, P.E. 360-723-0381 devin@jacksoncivil.com

If Dr. Fay is correct, we now know that someone tampered with the evidence, evidently to create support for the one bullet theory. If this is correct, the obvious question is “who” and “how”? Dr. Fay has suggested that the second wound could have been accomplished by use of a rod with enough force to break the rib which was not damaged when she did her initial examination.

Among the questions which remain to be answered are: Did the deputy on the scene contact anyone before calling off the investigators who were one their way? Are there friendship or other relationships that affected the investigation beyond the political risks the Sheriff was facing? Why did the Sheriff tell another elected official that the shooter was a “good kid” within a week of the murder? Was the Sheriff concerned that Dr. Fay’s finding that Buzzo was stabbed seriously undermined the shooter’s explanation of what occurred that night?

Two things seem clear; Aron’s family is not going away, and there is reason to doubt that any fair investigation of Aron’s death will occur until an independent investigation is conducted. The obvious choice for independence is the Criminal Justice Training Commission which routinely handles law enforcement issues.

Date of Bid Opening:

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS:

Bid Submittal: Sealed bids will be received by the City of Napavine in person at Napavine City Hall 407 SW Birch Ave, Napavine, WA 98565 or by mail at PO Box 810. Napavine Washington, 98565 mailed bids must be received prior to bid opening.

The Bid Form will be received up to 10:00 a.m. on June 1, 2023 Bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after the date and hour above stated will not receive consideration.

Project Description: The project includes the following work:

This Contract provides for the grind and inlay of Rush Road. Work includes, but is not limited to, the grind and inlay of specified sections of existing roadway, and shaping. Starting at the intersection of Rush Rd and Hamilton Rd South. Other construction activities include temporary erosion control measures, permanent pavement markings, traffic control, and other work, all in accordance with the attached Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and Standard Specifications.

Pre-Bid Site Meeting: The project site is available for inspection by prospective bidders at the pre-bid site meeting and walk-through beginning at 10:00 am on May 17, 2023 at Napavine CitycHall, 407 Birch Ave. SW, Napavine, WA 98565. This will be the only opportunity for bidders to visit the Project site with City and/or Consultant staff.

Bid Documents: Bidders may obtain or access plans, specifications, and addenda for this project at: kwilliams@cityofnapavine.com

Rejection of Bids: The City of Napavine will have the right to reject any and all bids and in particular to reject a bid received after the deadline for bids due or bids that are not accompanied by the required Bid Security or Non-Collusion Affidavit or a bid in any way incomplete or nonresponsive to the bid package.

Date of First Publication: Thursday, May 11, 2023

Publish: May 17, 2023

85552

If it turns out that evidence was fabricated and that Sheriff Snaza knew of the fabrication, should he remain the Sheriff of Lewis County?

We reached out for comments to Sheriff Snaza several times for answers to our questions, but he did not respond.

Sheriff Snaza

BY LYnneTTe HOFFmAn

The City of Winlock is not done suing the residents in the UGA, who signed a petition to invoke the Lewis County Boundary Review Board. Kathy Chastain who has been the leading force in asking for the Boundary Review Board updated the Lewis County News on the hearing that took place on Friday, May 5.

“On or about April 21, 2023, the 64 residents of the UGA that signed my petition back in January, received a letter from Buzzard O’Rourke. It states: Please find enclosed a Docket Notice for a hearing to be held on May 5, 2023.

On April 14, 2023, the court ruled on the Winlock Annexation Petition. At that time, a written order was not entered by the Court. It is required to enter a written Order of the Court’s ruling to conclude the matter. This hearing is being set for the purpose of entering the Court’s written ruling.

The date and time, May 5, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. was set for the Presentation of Orders. About ten of us went

Winlock UGA residents still being sued by city leave

Continued from page 1

Chris Fulton, then joined Morton Police Department where he continued with his same pattern of a DUI and sexual harassment. Fulton was placed on leave for his sexual harassment issues and was promoted within a week of returning from leave. Fulton, then received another DUI and he was removed from duty. Roger Morningstar promoted an individual who had known sexual harassment issues and let him loose on the citizens of Morton.

Morningstar was also known to encourage his friends to become reserve officers, both Brandon Svenson and Greg Peterson are friends of Morningstar and both went through the reserve training program and were employed by Morton Police Department. Svenson quit after receiving a speeding ticket and Greg Peterson recently resigned. Svenson and Morningstar serve together on the Lewis County Republican Party Executive Board.

Morningstar was also in the spotlight for erecting a miniature Trump Tower in

his front yard during the 2020 election. Morningstar has been under scrutiny for his political views as well, even meeting with the Washington State 3% President on the City of Morton property, per a witness. Morningstar also flew the 3% flag as well. The 3% group is a part of a militia movement, which is illegal for any member of law enforcement to be a member of. The witness to this event has not filed a complaint with CJTC but they did reach out to the Lewis County News.

Roger Morningstar has had a very close relationship with Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza. Morningstar has been recommended by Sheriff Snaza to take over the police departments for Mossyrock and recently PeEll. During the re-election campaign for Sheriff Snaza, Morningstar was responsible for obtaining signatures to support Snaza by local police chiefs.

Roger Morningstar is under investigation for several issues, they range

from sexual harassment of staff, harassment of employees, favoritism in the department, defamation of employees, failure to investigate, integrity issues, failure to report and a few more. CJTC completed their portion of the investigation and has fast tracked it to the Washington State Attorney General's Office where they are reviewing the information. CJTC does not refer files to the AG’s office unless there is a criminal element to the investigation.

The Mayor for the City of Morton confirmed Morningstar is on paid administrative leave, the final outcome of the Chief of Police’s employment should be determined within the next week. Roger Morningstar has also had personal financial issues while with the Morton Police Department. He has filed for bankruptcy 3 times, 2 have been discharged with the last one being in 2022.

In the meantime, Cole Cournyer is the Officer in Charge for the Morton, Mossyrock and PeEll Po-

Public Notice • Public Notice

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 6:00 pm, during the City of Vader’s Regular Council Meeting, the Council will conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving comments and testimony on the proposed 2024-2029 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

This meeting will be held at Vader City Hall located at 317 8th St, Vader, WA 98593.

Documents can be found at www.vaderwa.org

Those who wish to attend virtually may do so via GoToMeeting: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 502-972-813 OR https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/502972813

Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@ vaderwa.org. Comments may also be mailed to City of Vader, PO Box 189, Vader, WA 98593 or phone calls will be received at 360-295-3222 during office hours.

Written comments are due by June 7, 2023, at 3:00pm.

Publish: May 17, 2023

lice Departments. The Cournyer family is a well known and respected East Lewis County family who have lived and served there for decades.

Mayor Brandon Svenson and Mayor Pro Tem Jeramy Allman, both who have worked together with council to include the residents in UGA as respondents in the annexation lawsuit.

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Continued from page 5 to this, and of course the plan changed. A motion to continue was entered. This means Winlock does not wish for the Lewis County Boundary Review Board to review whether the infrastructure is in place for us and that Winlock is or is not ready to receive more than double their land mass,” said Chastain.

“Some may ask me why I am so persistent in fighting the city,” she continued. “I say although growth is inevitable, let the county do their job for the safety and security of all Winlock. Let the growth come in a responsible way. Right now the waste of money on this frivolous lawsuit should concern everyone.“

The use of the word “conclude” in the letter was misleading, this was not being concluded but continued. Sending a letter to the respondents stating this is being concluded and not continued was deceptive, they did not go in to conclude the City went for a continuance. Judge Toynbee asked City Attorney Jim Buzzard if he was

arguing the decision and instead he stated the court did not have all the information. A continuance was granted and a date has not been set as of print time.

The Boundary Review Board will be adding the Winlock Annexation to their meeting on June 1st, which takes place at 4:00 pm. Kathy Chastain has asked that all residents in the UGA who signed the petition appear at the June 1st meeting, for public comment. The Boundary Review Board has also scheduled a hearing for the Winlock Annexation where all residents are encouraged to speak. With Winlock out of water for any developers, it is a question whether they can handle the growth.

The City has hired several new employees for their annexation process, including police and office staff. Every resident in the city should be asking themselves, why is the city spending such a large amount in legal fees to not have the Boundary Review Board do their due diligence?

Women who weld in Napavine

Women Who Weld was the topic on a Tuesday night with a group of Napavine students and their moms learning the basics of welding and welding careers.

The evening started out with pizza and drinks while Patricia McMahon from Pacific Welding Supply talked about career opportunities in welding and other jobs in the field. Students learned the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and how to weld a wire feed bead.

A past Napavine female student was on hand to show proper technique then off to the welding booths to try it out.

One of the students is currently in the Ag Mechanics class and was able to teach her mom how to weld. The students used their artistic abilities to

build a dragonfly yard art project. When Dave Rutherford, the Napavine Ag Mechanics teacher, asked if everyone had a good time and would like to do classes like this in the future. An excited YES was echoed by

all the participants. This class was made possible by a Non-traditional grant through OSPI in the hopes of encouraging more females to take Ag Mechanics classes at the school.

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Place

Courtesy Photo

The group of students and moms in Napavine getting some hands-on welding experience.

Egg Days Royalty Court member

Grace Tover

My name is Grace Tover, and I am 14, born August 15, 2008. My parents are Angela Patching and Kenneth Tover. I am a 9th grader at Winlock High School. I enjoy playing softball and participating in other sports. I participated in wrestling for 10 years. I am the vice president of the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) school chapter. I have been a part of the Egg Days royalty program for 9 years. I love the joy we bring to the faces of small children when they see a real life princess or prince. I love to help my community any way I can. My hobbies include painting, reading, and singing, which I may not be very good at. My favorite book is Lady Bird. My favorite

movie would probably be Princess and the Frog. My favorite place is the beach, running in the water or just laying in the sand. I love animals and pigs are my favorite.

Your ad in the Lewis County News is seen by more local shoppers than all social media sites combined.

Mrs Beesleys Burgers

I-5 at Exit 59 (Look for the big “EAT” sign)

Grace Tover

Egg Days Royalty Court member Kailie Lang

Hello my name is Kailie Lang and I am 14 years old, born January 31, 2009. My mom’s name is Cyndi Lang. I am an 8th grader at Adna Middle school where I participate in cheer, volleyball, wrestling, and FFA. My hobbies and talents include make-up, painting, volleyball, and taking care of animals. My favorite book is The Summer I Turned Pretty and my favorite movie is Stitch. Outside is my favorite place to be as I am a country girl with a huge blended family.

I am running for Egg Day Queen because I love doing community service and want to represent this small community in a big way. I don’t like calling it service, I feel like service sounds like I have to do it. I call it community help. I help with feeding the homeless specifically in Seattle. I help by picking

up garbage on the side of roads and in parks. I want to be Egg Day Queen to show and help my community be great; and show them that if we all pick up just a little we can make our community great and clean.

Kailie Lang