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OLYMPIA - Unless Congress acts to extend or adjust it, the additional $600 per week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program (FPUC) benefits, available under the federal CARES Act, will stop after the week ending Sat., July 25, 2020. FPUC is entirely federally funded and available only at federal discretion. State employment agencies administer the benefits but do not have a say in whether these benefits are extended.

"We are committed to supporting both workers and employers as they navigate the changing workforce landscape," said Employment Security Department Commissioner, Suzi LeVine. "ESD and our partners in the WorkSource system are here to help in the search for a new job or a new career, or maintain benefits if you cannot yet go back to work. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, many employers are still hiring across the state, and with the expiration of the additional $600 in benefits on the horizon it is a good time to look for your next opportunity. WorkSource offices around Washington offer online workshops, training opportunities and virtual one-on-one help with everything from writing resumes and cover letters, to job application assistance and interview preparation. Go to WorkSourceWA.com for information about your local WorkSource office as well as job listings and resources for job seekers and employers."

With the gradual increase in COVID-19 cases in Washington, Governor Jay Inslee has extended the pause for reopening the state. This pause is now in effect until July 28, but may change depending on the trajectory of the virus. For counties in Phase 3 one of the biggest changes is the limit on the number of people at social gatherings fell from 50 back to 10.

"We know that public health matters to everyone and we know that what happens in the next few weeks will determine what happens this fall," said Inslee during a press conference on July 14. During the first pause, live entertainment and bar top service was removed from the current phase of reopening.

When we think of police officers who have given their all, the first person that comes to mind is Officer Randy Pennington. Officer Pennington is a reserve police officer for the City of Toledo. On Thursday, July 16th, 2020, Randy Pennington was recognized as a local hero by Kindness 911. Kindness 911 is a non-profit organization that recognizes those who do outstanding jobs in law enforcement. Mayor Dobosh proclaimed that Thursday, July 16, 2020 was Randy Pennington Day. A day that will be remembered by many.

On Tuesday, a Winlock woman shot and killed her boyfriend in what was described as a domestic violence dispute on Hwy 505 just outside of Winlock.

Tina Ann Pase, also known as Amber Lisa was charged with first and second degree murder charges along with possession of methamphtamines.

There is a rumor floating around on social media that the states are over counting COVID-19 deaths to increase the crisis of the pandemic. The state and Pacific County are working hard to present properly counted coronavirus mortality rates.

During a press conference last week, Washington State Health Officer Katy Lofy explained how the state is approaching the death counts. "We collect lab results on individuals who test positive. If our investigator learns that the individual has passed away, we include that in that [initial report] and we indicate that in their records."

"We also look at the death certificates that are coming in," she said. "Of all the people who have Lab Confirmed COVID, who then go on and die, 90% of them have COVID listed on the death certificate as their cause of death. And then there is a smaller portion, 10%, that died but don't have an indication or doesn't specifically say COVID-19 on their death certificate, but they died of a natural cause like a heart attack or respiratory failure."

SOUTH BEND - There has been a lot of discussion about wearing a mask during the coronavirus pandemic. It is imperative to wear a mask because mask-wearing may protect you from severe COVID-19, and it doesn't just protect others from COVID-19, it protects you from infection, and perhaps serious illness, too. Though there is no direct evidence on the effectiveness for healthy people wearing masks, it can prevent contaminated people from infecting others. Also the act of wearing a mask actually helps the economy, since it helps stop the spread.

Unfortunately, a lot of people still refuse to wear masks - even though in Washington not wearing a mask in public can cost you a $1,000 fine if law enforcement chooses to enforce it. The sad fact of it all is that it has turned into a political item. In a Gallup Poll last week, 98 percent of Democrats said they wore a mask outside the home, compared to 65% Republicans and 85% independents.

Nationally, a lot of businesses are not allowing customers in their establishments unless a mask is worn. Many stores are now requiring masks to enter, some include Kroger, Starbucks, Home Depot, Verizon, Best Buy, Walgreens, Target, Costco, Dollar Tree, Panera Bread, and Walmart to name a few. Businesses in Thurston County are getting fines if caught letting customers inside without a mask being worn.