🌱 How the Longview mill disaster claimed Kelso lives and spurred probes
Kelso, Washington Patch AM: a 3 min readHey hey Kelso! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How the Longview mill disaster claimed Kelso lives and spurred probes
- Kelso widow shares how community is carrying her after Nippon tragedy
- Why Kelso is ranked among Washington’s most affordable, lovable towns
Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 71 and low of 53 degrees.
- Thursday: Sunny spells, temps: high: 69, low: 49.
- Friday: Cooler with showers around, with a high of 62 and low of 49 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Investigation ongoing into Nippon Dynawave chemical spill that killed 11 (portlandtribune.com) — Kelso residents are directly affected by the deadly Nippon Dynawave chemical spill in nearby Longview, which killed 11 people, including two Kelso residents, and injured several others. Officials say local drinking water remains safe, but thousands of fish died as agencies flushed contaminated ditches, and a major state investigation is now underway to determine what went wrong and whether safety violations occurred. 
• ‘Remember him as he was': Wife of Nippon employee remembers late husband (koin.com) — A young Kelso husband who worked at Nippon Dynawave was the youngest victim of the recent chemical tank rupture, and his wife is sharing memories of his life and faith. She describes his safety concerns, the agonizing wait for confirmation of his death, and how Kelso’s church and wider community are supporting her through meal trains and fundraising.
• 12 Towns In Washington That Are Quiet, Affordable, And Easy To Love (everafterinthewoods.com) — Kelso gets a prominent spotlight here as a quiet, affordable river town with strong working-class roots and easy access to outdoor recreation along the Cowlitz and near Mount St. Helens. The piece frames Kelso and similar Washington communities as attractive options for families, retirees, and anyone looking to escape big-city prices without giving up small-town charm and basic amenities.
📸 Around Kelso
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Heads up neighbors, my nextdoor neighbor had a cougar in his driveway last night and saw a bear on the clear cut hill behind our house!
We're on the 600's block of Ostrander road in Kelso (Nextdoor Ostrander) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Fluffy was LOST on May 26, 2026 in Kelso, WA 98626 near Country Run apmts Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor S Kelso)
- Regal Cinemas Corporation posted a job opening for Team Member - $17.13/hr in Kelso. Apply here.
- Target posted a job opening for Specialty Sales (Style, Tech, Beauty) (T0628) in Kelso. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kelso here.
🗞 Nearby News
Longview
- Washington Guard Responds to Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company Longview Paper Mill Implosion (nipimpressions.com)
- Mill disaster investigation Horizon Air negotiations (thestand.org)
- WA investigates deadly Nippon Dynawave plant tank implosion (fox13seattle.com)
Kalama
- SW WA, Lower Columbia, Lower Willamette Fishing Report (6-1-26) - (nwsportsmanmag.com)
Ok Kelso! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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