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Last Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee conducted his first regular in-person media availability with the Olympia press corps since March 2020, when the pandemic forced press conferences to go virtual. The event was held outside the governor's residence, where Inslee warned of rising cases and encouraged Washingtonians to spend time where the virus struggles to transmit: Outdoors.

"The virus spreads far more easily indoors," Inslee said. "We're asking everyone to think about their actions for the next few weeks especially so we can get through this together. Let's be vested with a can-do spirit here to halt a creeping fourth wave of COVID. Take it outside, mask up, keep your distance."

The latest trends show COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase. The state is averaging more than 1,000 new cases a day, up from 700 cases a day in February. Daily hospitalizations in March were in the 30s, but this month have crept into daily averages in the 40s.

Steve Dobosh has been Mayor of Toledo for 6 years, he has kept Toledo on an excellent path forward. Steve is known to look out for his citizens, he listens and he acts. He has been working diligently for Toledo, always available for the staff, citizens and anyone else who calls with questions about Toledo.

In the past few months, Toledo has had five new home permits. There isn't a lot of room for growth in the city limits, but they were able to find room for five new homes. The sewer is also in the design stage to Plomondon, in the city's urban growth area.

Last year Bradon Svenson took over as Mayor of Winlock with promises of making positive changes for the city. Within his first year, he has accomplished a great deal that is a step towards making Winlock into a city that people want to live in.

When Svenson first became mayor, the city attorneys resigned before the new council could even vote to get rid of them. During the attorney's tenure with Winlock, the city was involved in several lawsuits that were brought on by poor advice to the city staff. Buzzard and O'Rourke were hired to take the old attorneys' place. They have given reliable legal advice and pulled Winlock out of difficult situations.

On Thursday, April 15, the quiet of the area was broken by sirens racing north on HWY 101. Just passed Smith Creek Road, multiple structures were on fire which burned hot and spread quickly.

Pacific County Fire District 3 and Raymond Fire Department were the first on the scene. Additional units from South Bend and Artic were toned for water supply and manpower. WSDOT was used to shut down a lane of traffic during the emergency. Other departments that assisted were Montesano FD, Pacific County Sheriff's Office, South Bend Police Department, Raymond PD, PACCOM, and Pacific County Emergency Management.

Within Washington, there are only 12 official Creative Districts. Tokeland North Cove Chamber is checking into the state-run program to see if it is something that will help promote the Tokeland area.

During the last chamber meeting in Tokeland on April 13, Washington State Program Manager for Creative Districts Annette Roth presented the program to the chamber. The Creative District Program is categorized as an economic development program for communities and run by the Washington State Arts Commission.