Amtrak racing to unveil the new Airo
Corrosion issues put the brakes on the Cascades route stop in Centralia; new state-of-the-art trains set to arrive next spring
By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Photos provided by Amtrak
The new Amtrak Airo
The future of train travel is coming to Centralia
Spacious seating will be part of the new Amtrak experience starting in spring of 2026
Centralia Amtrak is down to one train stop after inspectors found most of its fleet on the Cascades route suffering from corrosion.
On a normal day, 12 Horizon trains arrive in Centralia, which is one of 12 stops in Washington state.
Amtrak has suspended most Cascades railcars, from Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, B.C, as Amtrak scrambles to find additional rail cars from throughout its national system. In 2024, Amtrak ridership on the Cascades route was at about one million.
During a routine inspection, Amtrak identified corrosion on numerous Horizon railcars nationwide, the company announced Wednesday. Repairs have disrupted service on Downeaster, Hiawatha, Borealis and Cascades routes across the country.
Janet Matkin, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Transportation, confirms Amtrak withdrew 70 passenger cars.
“Amtrak is determining how to replace the grounded Horizon trains by redistributing other trains in its national fleet,” said Matkin via email Wednesday. “Amtrak will notify the states of Washington and Oregon as soon as a plan is in place to move replacement trains to the Pacific Northwest.”
From those 70 railcars, Amtrak removed 26 from the Cascades route, Kelly Just, Amtrak spokesperson, stated.
The stops are now mostly being serviced with buses at least through Sunday.
Here comes the Airo
Fortunately, a long-term solution is in the works, but won’t arrive for another year.
A new fleet of trains being built by manufacturer Siemens in California is scheduled for delivery starting next spring.
And we are in for a treat.
The Amtrak Airo will provide an improved passenger experience, including modern comfortable seating, spacious restrooms and a contemporary food service experience, among other improvements as they replace 40- to 50-year-old passenger railcars with state-of-the-art trainsets.
The first train enters service in 2026 on the Amtrak Cascades route, with the final train being delivered in 2032, at a cost of $3.9 billion.
The total contract order is for 83 trainsets nationwide.
Eight new Airo trainsets and two new diesel locomotives will be delivered for the Amtrak Cascades service. Each trainset will come with eight coaches in a two-class configuration for Coach and Business while maintaining cafe car and baggage service. Trainsets will be able to carry more than 300 passengers each.
“We are thrilled to satisfy the soaring demand for train travel with new state-of-the-art, American-made equipment that ensures the highest standards of comfort, service and amenities,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “As we advance this vision, we’re committed to getting people where they need to go, while reducing road and air congestion, creating jobs and supporting the American economy.”
And it will all be flowing through the Twin Cities, and stopping right here in downtown Centralia.
Details
Bathrooms will have touchless controls for better sanitation.
Seating will be more ergonomic and feature large tray tables, tablet and water bottle holders, and cushioned headrests in addition to personal technology ports.
Coaches will maintain free WiFi and see enhanced lighting systems.
The cafe car will be completely revamped with a sleeker modern design and offer a Northwest-style food and beverage menu.
Trains will have ample capacity for bikes with space in every coach and the baggage car.
Overhead digital screens will be in coach aisleways and doorways providing destination, specific coach information, the next station and arrival times.
For better accessibility, new automated steps will allow for easier access to station platforms. Some platforms on the Amtrak Cascades corridor are fairly low and will need to be raised to a similar level as Seattle’s King Street Station.
Commerce awards Clean Buildings Performance grants to Centralia College, Chehalis School District and Lewis County
By By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Seventy building owners across Washington received $45 million in Clean Buildings Performance Grant funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce, including $68,545 to Centralia College, $99,100 to the Chehalis School District and $545,839 to Lewis County.
The awarded building owners, which include private and public entities, will use the funds to make energy-efficient upgrades that support compliance with the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard.
As part of this initiative, Commerce launched the Energy Audit Incentive Program, allocating an additional $14.5 million from the state budget to help public building owners, such as schools, cities and state agencies, pay for energy audits. The audits assess building energy performance and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
“Commerce is eager to help building owners across Washington cut energy costs while advancing our state’s clean energy future,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. “By improving energy efficiency, we’re reducing emissions, creating jobs, and ensuring that communities — especially those in rural and underserved areas — benefit from a healthier, more sustainably built environment and a stronger local economy.”
The grants will support a wide range of energy-saving building retrofits, including:
- Upgrading lighting to efficient LEDs
- Modernizing heating and cooling systems
- Implementing smart building controls to optimize energy use
- Developing compliance documentation, such as energy benchmarking reports, operations and maintenance, and energy management plans
Twenty-one awards were assigned to publicly owned buildings, while 49 awardees are private building owners. More than half of private-sector grant recipients are in rural or heavily impacted areas as designated by the Washington State Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map, ensuring that communities facing high environmental health risks and historic burdens benefit from these improvements.
Lewis County public building awards
- Centralia College: $68,545
- Lewis County: $545,839
Lewis County energy audits for public building awards
- Chehalis School District: $ 99,100
Buildings are the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, accounting for 25% of statewide emissions. These grants will reimburse building owners for energy-saving projects and services, helping to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. Funding is from the Climate Commitment Act.
Eligible buildings received an audit incentive of $0.50 per square foot of gross floor area, with additional funding available for rural buildings and those over 220,000 square feet. Buildings that receive audit funding must be actively working toward compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard.
Member Spotlight
Thorbeckes Athletic Club is more than just a gym
They’re a community dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals in a supportive, uplifting environment
By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Photos provided
Rest and restore yoga focuses on gentle, supported poses held for longer periods, using props to encourage deep relaxation and release
Celebrate birthdays, milestones, or any special occasion with a Pool Party at Thorbeckes Athletic Club
Photos Provided Kettlebell AMPD takes heart-pumping music, your favorite kettlebells moves, and combines them into calorie torching fun, using 5 to 15 pound kettlebells
From state-of-the-art facilities to personalized programs, Thorbeckes Athletic Club offers something for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or aspirations.
Enjoy access to cutting-edge equipment, indoor pools, and spacious workout areas, designed to make every workout comfortable and effective.
Find your rhythm in their wide variety of group classes, including yoga, cycling, and more, tailored for all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for strength training, youth sports programs, or personal coaching, they provide expert guidance to help you succeed. Experience a fitness club where friendships grow, staff know your name, and every visit feels like coming home.
Matt and Andrea Noren are the owners of Thorbeckes. They moved here in 2009 and bought Thorbeckes eight years ago from Dale Pullin.
“It’s grown from something that Dale thought up, always changing, always adapting,” he said.
Always aiming for improvement, they’re currently adding 3,000 square feet via a remodel, adding more weights, more turf area and in general, just more area to move around. They recently revamped their website, making it easier for people to join the club as well as a detailed description of all that they do. They added a phone app.
Last summer they expanded operations to Grand Mound. The gymnastic program is an example of the growth, with more than 400 kids participating.
“Thorbeckes has grown substantially in the last eight years,” he said, adding he would like to thank the community for their support.
The Norens joined the Economic Alliance of Lewis County because, Matt said, you can just pick up the phone, call the Alliance and get professional business advice, as well as find out the latest business developments in Lewis County.
“It’s a go-to resource,” he said. “What they do is wonderful.”
Thorbeckes Athletic Club believes that personalized fitness is the key to achieving your goals, whether it’s striving to build strength, improve endurance, recover from an injury, or simply enhance your overall health. There offerings include:
Personal training
Their Personal Training Program offers the expertise, motivation, and accountability you need to succeed.
The personal training program is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. With the most diverse and qualified team of trainers in Southwest Washington, Thorebecks ensures every member gets a tailored approach to fitness, including custom workout plans and individual trainers.
Recovery services
Thorbeckes Athletic Club understands that effective recovery is essential to achieving fitness goals and maintaining overall well-being. Their Recovery Services are designed to help you rejuvenate, heal, and enhance your performance.
Thorbeckes Athletic Performance (TAP)
At Thorbeckes, they believe that every athlete deserves the tools, resources, and support to excel in their sport. The Thorbeckes Athletic Performance program is designed to push you beyond your limits, helping you become stronger, faster, and more resilient through coaching, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Gymastics
Thorbeckes Athletic Club believes gymnastics is more than just a sport — it’s a foundation for strength, confidence and lifelong fitness. Our Gymnastics Program offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where children, teens, and adults can explore their potential, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Their beginner classes teach fundamental gymnastics shapes and skills, helping students develop a strong foundation as they progress through the sport.
Pools
Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn to swim, or simply have fun, the aquatics facilities at Thorbeckes Athletic Club are here for you. With two indoor pools and a variety of programs, they provide a safe, welcoming space for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
The main pool, a 25-meter, six-lane recreation pool offers plenty of space for lap swimming, aquatic fitness programs and family fun. With a comfortable water temperature of 82 degrees, this pool is perfect for both fitness enthusiasts and casual swimmers.
The junior pool is designed with the youngest swimmers in mind, the junior pool ranges from 6 inches to 2.5 feet deep and is maintained at a warm 90 degrees. It’s ideal for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a more relaxed swimming experience.
A hot tub and sauna fill out the experience.
Celebrate
Make your next celebration unforgettable with a Thorbeckes Party. Whether it’s a birthday, milestone, or special occasion, they offer a variety of party options to suit every interest and age group, including inflatables and pool adventures to gymnastics fun,
Group fitness
Stay motivated, have fun, and achieve your fitness goals in a supportive group setting. Thorbeckes Athletic Club offers a wide variety of group fitness classes designed for all fitness levels and interests.
Programs include strength training, cardio classes and senior classes.
Yoga
Experience the transformative power of yoga. Their yoga programs are designed to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re seeking flexibility, strength, stress relief, or a way to detoxify your body, they offer a variety of yoga classes to suit all levels and preferences.
All yoga, hot yoga, and virtual yoga classes are included with your Thorbeckes membership.
Explore, play, and compete
Explore exciting court sports at Thorbeckes. From fast-paced racquetball and Wallyball to popular pickleball and basketball, they offer activities for all ages and skill levels.
Tennis
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up a racket, their Tennis Program offers something for everyone. From youth tennis coaching to adult recreational play, their courts and professional instructors will help you improve your game.
Batting cages
Step up to the plate with their batting cages. Perfect for baseball and softball players of all ages, their facility includes cages and pitching machines, hitting and pitching lessons and an open turf area.
TESTIMONIALS
“My family and I have been a part of Thorbeckes for 14 years! Being a part of Thorbeckes has been a great experience and lifestyle for us all. I love attending group fitness classes and my kids really enjoy using the weight rooms.” — Diana Guerra
“Efrain and his team at TAP have been essential in my progression as an athlete. With their experience and knowledge, I’ve become stronger and more durable, enabling me to compete at the highest level through a long baseball season.” — Andrew Pullin
“I began training at TAP from the time it started. Since then, I’ve consistently improved my explosiveness, quickness, and overall athleticism while gaining muscle and reducing body fat. I’m now playing college basketball and wouldn’t be the player I am today without TAP’s support.” — Hodges Bailey
“My husband and I started classes a few years ago and have been attending Chehalis classes for over a year now. With major diet changes we have lost weight and gained a lot of strength. Loving all the different classes the morning instructor provides and the positive pushing. The regulars get pushed to our fullest potential because she knows what we are capable of doing and I love that so much. The kids center is a huge bonus! Without that, I wouldn’t be able to attend classes, so thank you.” — Kelsey L
“My daughter has always been interested in gymnastics. I went for the first time today and the instructor was super amazing with her and she can not stop talking about it.” — Jennifer D
FOUR LOCATIONS
Thorbeckes Athletic Club proudly serves Southwest Washington with four exceptional locations, each offering unique amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Find the location closest to you and join a community dedicated to health, fitness, and wellness.
Centralia
Nestled in the heart of historic Fort Borst Park, their Centralia location is connected to the publicly owned Centralia Community Pool. With nearby playgrounds and athletic complexes, including the NW Sports Hub, Centralia Thorbeckes is a hub for fitness and recreation.
Hours of Operation
Weekdays:
Open 24 hours (Scan card access: 9 PM – 5 AM)
Weekends:
Open 24 hours (Scan card access: 9 PM – 7 AM)
Aquatic Center Hours:
Monday – Friday: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM
2020 Borst Ave., Unit 2, Centralia
360-736-1683
Chehalis
Conveniently located off Interstate 5 (Exit 77), their Chehalis facility offers a comprehensive fitness experience. This location features expansive amenities and serves as a central hub for various programs and community activities.
Hours of Operation
Weekdays:
5 AM – 11 PM (Scan card access: 9 PM – 11 PM, early access from 3 AM)
Weekends:
7 AM – 9 PM (Early access from 3 AM)
91 SW Chehalis Ave., Chehalis
360-748-3744
Grand Mound
Located just off Interstate 5 (Exit 88), their Grand Mound facility offers 24- hour access and proximity to local businesses such as Great Wolf Lodge and Ground Mound Physical Therapy. This modern facility is perfect for residents and visitors in Thurston County.
Hours of Operation
24-Hour Access
Staffed Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM – 12 PM
19548 Vision Drive SW, Grand Mound
360-858-7531
South Bend
Situated on Highway 101 with stunning waterfront views, their South Bend location serves Pacific County. Sharing a building with Washington State DSHS, this gym offers a peaceful yet robust fitness experience.
Hours of Operation
24-Hour Access
Staffed Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM – 12 PM
307 Robert Bush Drive East, South Bend
360-875-8102
Pins, grins, and big wins:
Discover Lewis County’s 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament scores a strike
By Lenee Langdon
Project Coordinator – Tourism Alliance
Discover Lewis County’s 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament knocked it out of the park with another unforgettable night of fun, community spirit and friendly competition.
Held on March 7 at Mill Town Lanes in Morton, the event once again proved to be a spectacular success, drawing enthusiastic bowlers and spirited supporters from all corners of Lewis County.
Thanks to our fantastic Kingpin Sponsors Hampton Lumber and Arbor Health, the lanes were buzzing with excitement, energy and good-natured rivalry from start to finish.
A big round of applause goes to all of our wonderful sponsors who made this event possible, including Onalaska Alliance (“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Gutter”), Shelton Structures (“The Bowl- Nana Splits”), Centralia College (“Blazer Bowlers”), County Commissioner Scott Brummer and his county crew (“Government Gutterballs”), Lewis County Public Health and Social Services (“E-Bowl-A”), Lewis County Veterans (“Combat Crushers”), Riverside Golf Course and the East Lewis County Chamber. Each team came ready to bowl, decked out in creative outfits and brimming with enthusiasm.
Defending champions Shelton Structures rolled their way to another impressive victory, securing the top honors for the second consecutive year. The East Lewis County Chamber brought their signature spirit and energy, taking home the well-deserved “Most Spirited Team” award yet again. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie they showed was infectious.
One of the night’s memorable highlights was the charismatic Danny Breece, who won the award for “Best Swagger.”
Adding to the good-spirited rivalry were other fantastic teams such as Lewis County Veterans (“Combat Crushers”).
The evening at Milltown Lanes in Morton was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and just a touch of friendly trash talk as teams cheered each other on, shared high-fives, and celebrated each strike — and every spectacular gutterball.
Already anticipating next year’s event, organizers and participants have marked their calendars for March 6, 2026. Until then — keep practicing, keep smiling and we’ll see you on the lanes.
Celebrating Women In Business
Expect words of wisdom from five women business leaders
By Richard DeBolt
Executive Director — Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Richard DeBolt
Executive Director — Economic Alliance of Lewis County
May means spring flowers, time for some color, specifically, the color pink.
The Economic Alliance of Lewis County, with the sponsorship of Providence Swedish, The Silver Agency, Puget Sound Energy and The Chronicle, is hosting the third annual Women In Business Seminar from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 14, at The Loft at 547 NW Pacific Ave. in Chehalis.
Cost is $15, and all attending are encouraged to wear pink. There will be light refreshments and a beverage station. If you want to go, call Dolly at the Alliance to pre-register at 360-748-0114.
We have a delightful and diverse panel of speakers:
- Jenny Collins with The Chehalis Foundation
- Stephanie VonMoos with Country Financial
- Paula Burrows with EXP Realty
- Jennifer Brown with Evexia NW
And this is all topped off with keynote speaker Kelly Smith-Johnston, the mayor of Centralia.
She is a pleasure to listen to, spinning her wisdom and well-rounded experience.
Kelly, along with keeping the city of Centralia humming along, owns a business consulting practice, with clients including state and local government entities, and both for-profit and non-profit groups. She worked for Thurston County, Pierce Transit, the Cispus Learning Center and has more than two decades of experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, change management and staff development.
She’s a learned citizen, with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Central Washington University.
And it is high time if you haven’t already, to grasp the business leadership we receive from the better half.
Today there are more women-owned businesses than ever, making up 41% of U.S. businesses, generating more than $1.9 trillion in revenues.
Yet, it can be a tough road, juggling family life where much is expected with the pressures of running a business. And there are other factors. A recent poll found out that 91% of women business owners experience gender bias and inequality all too often.
Expect some sage words of how to do it all from these five women in business leaders.
Sen. John Braun gets it
The Chronicle recently published an opinion piece by Sen. John Braun of Centralia, who became the Senate Republican leader in 2020.
Titled “Senate Democrats’ ongoing effort to raise property taxes goes from bad to worse,” he opines that the record-breaking $20 billion tax package released by the state Democrats is obscene, including “new legislation that would allow dramatic and unpredictable increases in state and local property-tax rates.
“If passed, Senate Bill 5798 would affect nearly every property owner in the state — not just wealthy Washingtonians. … (With) Olympia and Republican senators openly preparing for a fight on the floor of the Senate chamber, its Democrat supporters gave up.”
Don’t trust the politicians in power in Washington to give up the fight, as Braun reports they have all sorts of other tax proposals cooking as the session begins to wind down.
The Senate Republicans first floated a bill this session to keep taxes where they are. As Braun pointedly states, Democrat leadership went $20 billion in the other way.
Braun ends his column, “I suspect Sen. Nikki Torres, our assistant leader on the operating budget, got it right when she suggested the Democrats have wanted tax increases like these for years, and are using the budget shortfall as a convenient new excuse to try for them again.
“Whatever the reason, $20 billion in additional taxes is the wrong direction for our state.”
Our newly elected Gov. Bob Ferguson is under the gun as he is trying to keep a lid on spending, quite a departure from the last governor. He has the right direction.
I hope he holds on to the message that in these trying times, we are spending enough in Washington state.
Commercial
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
121 E High Street, Centralia • $1.2 million
Prime location at Interstate 5, Exit 82, at the gateway to Centralia. Large commercial building, always rented, with 20-plus parking spaces and a 2,721-square-foot home in fair condition with three bedrooms, one and one-third bath, huge stone fireplace, two office rooms and a double garage. Property is 41,828 square feet on three separate parcels, with building, house and parking lot. Commercial building has four rented spaces and an empty space for more rent. Current rents are very low. You could buy this property and sell off the house, making this commercial listing very affordable. Property is also contiguous to two other parcels with an additional five acres.
FEATURES:
- Additional Property Type: Commercial
- Subdivision: Centralia
- County/Parish: Lewis
- Cooling: Heat Pump
- Heating: Heat Pump, Forced Air
- Year Built: 1990
- Type: Industrial
For information on this property and others available throughout Lewis County (or to list your industrial/ commercial property for sale or lease), contact Economic Alliance of Lewis County External Relations Manager Eric Sonnenberg at 208.206.5407 or [email protected], or go to lewisedc.com.
Eric Sonnenberg
Economic Alliance of Lewis County External Relations Manager
