Archives

As of Sunday, 5 pm, there were Another 1,654 coronavirus cases confirmed in Washington, bringing the total number of diagnoses to 177,447, including 2,925 deaths, according to the state Department of Health. At least 11,544 people have been hospitalized in the state due to the virus. There were 1,503 confirmed cases on Saturday and 1,853 Friday. People under the age of 40 accounts for nearly 60 percent of new cases. Health officials are trying new tactics to reach younger people, including working with musicians, activists, and others. Coronavirus hospitalizations in Washington state have hit their highest level ever as the number of Washington patients admitted daily with COVID-19 has exceeded levels from the spring when cases first surged.

In the USA through 11 am (PT), there were 282,797 deaths from COVID-19 and 14,827,950 confirmed cases.

Inslee Updates Guidance

for Religious Organizations

Last Tuesday (Dec. 2), Gov. Jay Inslee updated restrictions for religious and faith based organizations. The update clarifies that religious and faith-based organizations can hold outdoor services with up to 200 individuals, regardless of location, so long as physical distancing is followed and face coverings are worn. This modification expands where outdoor services can be held, services are no longer limited to the organization's property or immediately adjacent property.

College Bound Scholarship

Signature Requirement

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation on Dec. 2 waiving the signature requirement for students enrolling in the College Bound scholarship.

Governor Inslee's new shutdown order for restaurants and businesses has caused quite a stir in Lewis County. Many Lewis County restaurants are now defying his order, opening their doors to inside dining.

On Monday, Spiffy's Restaurant in South Lewis County made the decision to open their doors. Rod Samuelson, owner of Spiffy's opened the restaurant because his employees were struggling financially with unemployment. What happened after he opened the restaurant is what has surprised many.

On Wednesday afternoon, Labor and Industries showed up at Spiffy's Restaurant. They informed the manager Rob, they had two hours to close down. It is said that a customer in the restaurant informed Labor and Industry that they were to "get the $#%& out." At which time they did leave. What Labor and Industries did not expect was that District 19 newly elected legislator Joel McEntire would be in the dining room eating.

The City of Winlock has seen many changes since March of 2020. It has seen businesses open that were unable to under the previous city government, city employees have been terminated, new city employees hired, and new roads have been built. Under the leadership of a new mayor and council, the City of Winlock is finally on track for success.

So far two companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have created COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA is fast-tracking approval on both of these vaccines with dates set for this month.

After approval, batches of vaccines will be sent out to the states who will then send it out to their counties. From there the vaccines will be given to the most vulnerable first.

"Looks like the first round may be out by the end of this month," said Pacific County Health Department Director Katie Lindstrom. "The first round is going to be prioritized for high-risk workers and health care settings and first responders. After that, the second tier will be people with underlying health conditions and are significantly high risk for severe illness from COVID and people who live in congregate settings or who work in congregate settings. And then tier 3 is going to be critical workers at high risk of exposure. Food processing is in tier three."

A violent two-car accident took place when one car crossed the center line and collided with another car at milepost 62 on Highway 101 near Butte Creek Road at approximately 6 pm Friday. The roadway was fully blocked for 3 hours and 45 minutes, and traffic was delayed for at least an hour, to allow Airlift Northwest to safely operate at the scene with two helicopters. Traffic had to be rerouted through Smith Creek Road and Butte Creek Road.

Vehicle one, driven by Aaron S. Larsen, 20, of Cosmopolis, was northbound when it crossed the center line and struck vehicle two, driven by Lorri K. Johnstone, 59, of Tumwater, who was driving southbound. Colin J. Johnstone, 26, of Tumwater, was a passenger in vehicle two.