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Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday signed House Bill 1368, which appropriates $2.2 billion in federal funding that has been allocated to states in response to the ongoing COVID emergency. The legislation takes effect immediately.

"Our focus this year is relief, recovery and resilience, and this legislation will help us make tremendous progress in all of those areas. Washingtonians have been exemplary in helping limit the spread of COVID-19, but it has not come without its economic and emotional costs," Inslee said. "The process of getting to a post-pandemic era has already begun, and we will come out of this stronger because of legislation like what I am signing today."

In December, Inslee asked the Legislature to act early on COVID relief legislation, and the Legislature responded with HB 1368, which addresses a host of needs facing Washingtonians right now.

• The bill provides:
• $714 million in assistance for K-12 schools
• $618 million for public health's response to COVID, including testing, investigation and contact tracing; and funding for vaccination efforts
• $365 million for emergency eviction, rental and utility assistance
• $240 million for business assistance grants
• $50 million for child care
• $26 million for food banks and other food programs
• $91 million for income assistance, including $65 million for relief for the state's immigrant population

The House legislation was sponsored by Rep. Timm Ormsby. Sen. Christine Rolfes sponsored companion legislation in the Senate.

"Local communities have done their part to keep us all safe during this pandemic. This bill is just one step the Legislature will take this year to support those who are struggling most in our state," said Ormsby, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "As we approach the budgeting process, we are keeping our focus on investments that equitably address the needs in struggling communities and help families and small businesses get through this current stage of the pandemic."

Gee Cee's Truck Stop has been a staple in the area for 35 years. Gail Wallace built Gee Cee's 35 years ago this year. Gee Cee's was recently voted the #1 Truck Stop in Washington State and 5th in the entire country, a well-deserved award. Gail has put his heart and soul into Gee Cee's throughout the years and now they have hired a new restaurant and deli manager, Christy Greenwood after their previous manager retired.

Christy grew up in the Rochester area and has been in the restaurant business all of her adult life. She started as a server at VIP's restaurant (aka Denny's) in Chehalis.

Earlier in February, it was announced that Bird's Eye Medical, Twin Transit, United Way of Lewis County, and Lewis County Public Health & Social Services (LCPHSS) began working together to plan for mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Phase 1B, tier 1 eligible residents. Beginning next week, a telephone hotline to register for these mobile clinics will be available.

Mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics are designed for residents who are unable to secure an appointment online because they do not have access to or knowledge of how to use the internet appointment system, are homebound, or have other barriers to traveling to mass vaccination sites such as lack of transportation.

SOUTH BEND - It was befitting that the Raymond-South Bend Ravens combined football team played their inaugural game on President's Day as history was made last Monday (Feb. 15) before a small crowd on a rainy day on a mud-filled Millam Field in South Bend. The Ravens did not disappoint their fans while winning on a late touchdown. Raymond-South Bend splashed and splattered its way past Ilwaco's Fishermen 24-13.

"The biggest key to our win was just not giving up and battling to the final whistle," Raven Assistant Football Coach Mike Tully told the Herald. "We made some mistakes in key situations early, but we were able to wear them down as the game went on and were finally able to get some breaks to go our way in the fourth quarter."

With the exception of a few plays, Raymond's defense shut down Ilwaco's offense.

Each year the Willapa Harbor Chamber of Commerce gathers nominations for businesses and individuals that people feel should have recognition for their accomplishments in trying to make our community a better place.

Even though the annual banquet had to be canceled due to the lockdown for the COVID pandemic, the awards were still distributed. Each of these businesses and individuals worked hard last year and have earned high praise for their dedication and service.