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Inslee announces reopening guidance

Gov. Jay Inslee last Wednesday announced more details on what COVID mitigation measures will remain in place after the state's economy fully reopens June 30 or earlier.

Industries may return to usual operations at that time - with one caveat: the current applicable masking guidance will still be required. There will be capacity restrictions for large indoor event venues, and there will be certain COVID mitigation measures going on in schools and universities.

Large indoor venues that can accommodate 10,000 or more people will be restricted to 75 percent capacity after the state lifts most COVID restrictions. The guidance will not require physical distancing, but attendees must follow the current masking requirements.

Larger events have a significantly greater risk of spreading disease than smaller events, especially indoors. The governor said the state will reevaluate this restriction at the end of July.

The current travel guidelines, which largely mirror CDC recommendations, will remain in place.

Gov. Inslee said, "I would like to reflect on the progress that we have made as a state. This is an incredible time - vaccinations are widely available and free, more than two-thirds of the people in our state have initiated vaccination; and the public's confidence in this medical miracle grows each day. Soon we will be able to go back to more normal operations. We all should be very proud of what we've accomplished to save lives."

Winlock has a new business opening on Egg Day that many have wondered what it is. First Street Pinball and Arcade located at 312 and 314 NE First street, next to The Club is opening for adults and kids, all ages are welcome. It's not just a pinball arcade, there is arts and crafts as well. John Summers has the arcade and Jera Boettcher is the art and life skills instructor.

John has been enjoying pinball machines for 30 years, it is definitely his passion. Jera has worked in the Portland School District working with students on the spectrum, she is bringing her art talent to Winlock. You will find when you meet both of them, they have a passion to provide something for students and adults alike.

The pinball is for students and adults, many adults have enjoyed pinball machines growing up. John stated, "We started the arcade and art studio to give all ages a fun activity. I have been collecting and repairing pinball machines for 30 years. I would like to see all ages come in and play. Some will learn pinballs for the first time and others will remember the older pinball machines." The machines available to play are Pac Man, Air hockey, Foosball table Friction Fun Game and Daytona USA where you have the ability to race another player.

This year Winlock Egg Day celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The event was originally named Winlock Poultry and Egg Day by Otis Roundtree and continues to this day as a fun weekend. Many of the previous residents and graduates come back for Egg Day. It is the Winlock homecoming for many.

This year's events begin on Friday and continue into Saturday.

If you've been at the far end of South Bend lately, you may have noticed a new business at the edge of town. AR Heating opened its doors at 1300 W Robert Bush Dr in March.

Owners Jeff & Sonja Ping are no strangers to the area. Both grew up here and are happy to have returned home where they hope to contribute to the community they love.

SOUTH BEND - With legislation now passed and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee, South Bend School District must change its Indian mascot. Going into effect July 25 is SHB 1356, a bill prohibiting Washington schools from using Native American names, symbols, and images as school mascots, logos, or team names, and requires all schools to be in compliance by January, 2022. For South Bend HS, Henry Hackadoo will have to go too.

"The district must comply with all Washington state laws," South Bend Superintendent Dr. Jon Tienhaara told the Herald. "There are always multiple opinions and feelings with sensitive issues such as this, we will do our best to comply as required." The district is doing its best to comply with the law. We are mandated to make the change before Jan 1, 2022."