Willapa Harbor Herald & Pacific County Press November 11, 2020

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Big increase in COVID cases in Pacific County

Last week, Pacific County saw a major increase in positive COVID cases. 35 cases were reported to Pacific County Health and Human Services bringing the case count from 120 to 155. There are currently 33 active cases being monitored by public health nurses. All cases are confirmed and isolating at home. Case investigations and contact tracing are on-going. One case is a male, 0-10 years old, linked to a holiday party. Three other cases are males, 0-10 years old, are linked to household positive cases. Another case is male, 10-20 years old, which is linked to a holiday party. Three other cases are males, 10-20 years old, linked to household cases. Two cases are female, 10-20 years old, linked to household cases. Another case is a female, 20-30 years old, linked to a household positive case. Three cases are male, 30-40 years old, linked to household positives cases. Ten cases are females, 30-40 years old, linked to workplace exposure. See COVID Page A2

November 11, 2020

Your Independent Community News Since 1890

Nelia Woods: diary of a traveling service member

By Karen S. Carter Nelia Woods immigrated to the United State from the Philippines in 1976. When she turned 25 in 1978, she went from working for a company that made copy machines in Chicago to joining the U.S. Air Force. “I was watching TV and saw this commercial ‘Join the Air Force and see the world!’ I had to join! On June 6, 2978, I was with the 3707 BMTS (Basic Military Training Squadron).” Basic training was 6 weeks long at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Here she learned to follow the rules, respect rank, handle your finances, and physical training. Woods mentioned that the half-mile run at 0500 every

morning was one of her biggest challenges. “The obstacle course was another beast to battle,” she said. “June in Texas was unbearably hot. One part of the obstacle course was to swing across a shallow pool. I was so glad not to make it across and fall into the water.” After basic training, Woods went to Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado for the foodservice specialist technical school. She moved on to her first assignment at Luke AFB in Arizona. In December of 1980, she moved to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. By this time she was married and had a 14-month old baby. “Okinawa was just like the Philippines where I was

By GEORGE KUNKE, geoakunke@gmail.com SOUTH BEND – Pacific County turned in a whopping 84.73 percent voter turnout in the 2020 General Election last Tuesday (Nov. 3). Statewide, the voter turnout is 81.26 percent. A total of 14,134 ballots were tabulated of the 16,681 registered voters in the 39 precincts. The next ballot count is Nov. 24, which is the certification date. The last ballot results in the county were calculated Friday, 4:00 p.m., and there are only five left to count. The next statewide ballot count was scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9. Takko, Blake Lose The two big disappointments for Democrats were that longtime veteran politicos Dean Takko (D-Longview) and Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen) were defeated. Republicans carried every contest on the ballot in the county except for three, including Legislative District 19 State Senator, where longtime incumbent Takko won the county over Jeff Wilson (R-Longview), 51.59 percent to 48.23 percent, but was defeated statewide (55.25% to 44.64%); Legislative District 19 State Representative Position 2, where another longtime incumbent Blake won the county 52.90-46.93 versus Joel McEntire (RWahkiakum), but McEntire prevailed statewide (52.5547.37); and in the race for Washington State Insurance Commissioner, Mike Kreidler (D-Tumwater) carried 57.23 percent to 42.28 percent for Chirayu Avinash Patel (R-Tacoma) in the county and also won by a landslide statewide. Even outgoing President Donald Trump won Pacific County over President-Elect Joe Biden (D-Delaware) 49.43 to 48.33. Trump got 6,930 votes compared to 6,776 for Biden. Wilson and McEntire carried the remaining four counties to overturn the 19th Legislative District to all-Republican team in Olympia.

“Pacific County was a target,” Pacific County Republican Chairperson Nansen Malin told the Herald late Sunday night. “So much money and time poured into little old Pacific County. We were glad to hold our own against the barrage of PAC and DC money, untold glossy mailers and countless ads, calls and door knocks. Our volunteer base was small but mighty and we held our finger in the dike enough to help the wave sweep the district.” Wilson and McEntire offered comments to the Herald about the election early Saturday afternoon. “I am humbled by the outpouring of support I received all along this journey,” Wilson said. “Together we succeeded in bringing change to the 19th District and it will be my great honor to represent you as Senator. “Running a campaign in the time of Covid-19 really meant throwing the traditional rule book out the window,” Wilson continued. “Meeting people at the grassroots level, listening to them, and seeing their shared challenges and experiences led me to voice those concerns – whether it was Aberdeen’s unaccountable syringe program, out of control taxation, or the majority party’s complete disregard for the voter’s will. “I am proud of the campaign we ran and the people who made it possible,” Wilson added. “Our success today symbolizes that traditional politics are on the way out the door and the public will no longer tolerate dishonesty in campaign elections. The voters demand transparency and accountability from their Legislators. “I want to thank Senator Takko for his work representing the district, and his commitment to public service,” Wilson said. “I hope together we can strive for a more prosperous, healthier life, in the 19th District.” McEntire told the Herald, “I am thrilled to have the op-

Student tests positive for COVID-19 at SBHS Republicans carry all but three races in county

By the HERALD and Staff Reports SOUTH BEND – A South Bend student in the Junior/Senior High School has tested positive for COVID19. This student is in the Monday/Tuesday A Cohort. The student last attended school Monday, Nov. 2. “Our team is working closely with the Pacific County Health Department and we have begun to identify and inform those at school who might have had close contact with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19,” South Bend Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Tienhaara posted on the school's website Friday afternoon. “Anyone identified as a close contact will receive notification with information on required actions and support resources,” Tienhaara continued. “If you do not receive this additional notification, then your child was not identified as a close contact and their risk of infection is low.” The Pacific County Health Department conducted a Zoom meeting Friday night to answer questions and detail further protocol. Dr. Tienhaara informed that his school district is closing off areas visited by the ill person(s); allowing for ventilation in these areas; cleaning and disinfecting all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment (like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls) used by the ill person(s), focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces. “The health and safety of our students, staff and entire school community is our top priority,” Tienhaara continued. “We will continue to keep you informed about any actions required by you or measures we are implementing to protect students, staff and families. “We commend the Pacific County Health Department for their efforts and assistance during this time,” Dr. Tienhaara added. If you have additional questions about COVID-19, consult your healthcare provider or contact the Washington State Department of Health by visiting https:// www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19, calling the Washington State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline, 1-800-525-0127, or by calling the Pacific County Health Department at 875-9343. Note: To read Dr. Tienhaara's complete post, go to the South Bend School District site.

COVID-19 fall surge expected

On October 30, Washington state reported 1,047 new COVID cases in a single day. This number is a new daily high since mid-July. In light of a potential fall surge, the Department of Health recently encouraged Washingtonians to flatten the curve once again. In recent numbers, there is more evidence that the surge isn’t coming - it’s here. These upward trends threaten the progress we’ve made toward containment and could impede other important statewide progress in the future. “We are also concerned about the risk of overwhelming our hospital systems when we see cases spike like this,” Says Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer. “Our hospitals do not have unlimited capacity.” DOH would like to underscore the importance of: • Wearing a mask, even with people you see regularly and in your smallest social circles, and anytime you are using shared transportation, including while in your own vehicle with other people. • Keeping gatherings small and holding them outside whenever possible. • Avoiding any social gatherings indoors, but if you must participate, wearing a mask and ensuring windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation. • Washing or sanitizing hands often and not touching your face. • Staying home if you’re sick or if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. Winter weather will challenge us to move gatherings indoors where COVID-19 spreads more easily,” said Lofy, “so we have to stay vigilant and find safer alternatives.”

See woods Page B2

Nelia Woods

portunity to serve the people of Southwest Washington for the next two years. The campaign was hard fought and I am definitely pleased with the results. I am thankful for all those who donated their time and means to make this a possibility. I won’t let you down.” Olsen, Wolfe Reelected In the Pacific County Commissioner's No. 1 race, incumbent Republican Lisa Olsen of South Bend won significantly over Darrell Moudry (D-South Bend) by more than nine percent. Olsen garnered 7,370 votes (54.59%) compared to 6,104 (45.21%) for Moudry. “I would like to thank the residents of Pacific County for entrusting me with another four years as your county commissioner,” Olsen told the Herald late Sunday night. “I have been working on a number of important issues to our county and it's economy during my first term and intend to continue doing so. “Timber, fishing and farming are the natural resource industries our county was built on and there is no reason they cannot continue to be viable and vibrant family wage job options for our residents, but there are still challenges facing all these industries,” Olsen said. “There are other important issues I intend to continue addressing such as septage disposal management and the fact that our cemeteries are failing and need help. “As always, my door is always open, even if sometimes it is virtually these days,” Olsen said. “Stop by, call or email me, and I will do my best to answer your questions and be as responsive as I can to your concerns.” Incumbent Democrat Frank Wolfe was reelected as Pacific County Commissioner No. 2 over Dan Driscoll. (Please see separate story in today's Herald). Hererra Beutler Victorious Statewide, Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-Ridgefield) retained her seat in the U.S.

House of Representatives Congressional District 3 race over Carolyn Long (DVancouver), 56.32 percent to 43.45. At 5:00 p.m., Friday, Herrera Beutler garnered 231,291 votes to 178,427 for Long. Herrera Beutler carried Pacific County 54.27 percent to 45.56 percent. Herrera Beutler won all eight counties in the Southwest Washington contest. Long's office released the following statement (in part) to the Herald Saturday afternoon: “I am so incredibly proud of the strength of this grassroots campaign. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible effort and those who have supported us with their vote. I’m proud we ran a campaign based on facts, policy, and the truth. I am someone who believes in running on the issues and leading a campaign based on integrity and trust. It’s why I didn’t take a dime of corporate PAC money. At the end of each day, I reminded myself that how one runs a campaign is a reflection of who they are as a person." Walsh Wins Easily Incumbent State Representative Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) blew out Marianna Everson (D-Montesano) 59.33 percent to 40.56 percent in the Position 1 race in Legislative District 19. Walsh also had a doubledigit win in the county. Hickey Defeats Swanson Pam Hickey unseated incumbent PUD Commissioner Mike Swanson in the District 2 contest. Hickey received 52.12 percent (6,155 votes) compared to 46.69 percent for Swanson, who had 5,514 votes. “I am honored that the voters of Pacific County have elected me to be the next PUD Number 2 Commissioner 1,” Hickey told the Herald Saturday afternoon. “I would like to thank everyone that helped me in this endeavor. I look forward to representing all See races Page A2

Marine toxins cause cancellation of razor clam digs The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has determined that Washington's ocean beaches will remain closed to razor clam harvest until at least December after test results on razor clams dug at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch and Copalis indicate levels of domoic acid that exceed the threshold (20 parts per million (ppm)) set by state public health officials for safe consumption. “Concentrations of domoic acid have increased rapidly beyond safe consumption thresholds set by the Washington Department of Health (DOH),” WDFW Coastal Region Director Larry Phillips said. “It is entirely possible that we will see higher than safe levels, even into December. We understand how important razor clam digging opportunities are to coastal communities and citizens of Washington, and we will continue to work with our partners to reopen as soon as possible.” Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in

sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage. WDFW managers will await additional test results from DOH prior to announcing additional digging opportunities. WDFW has seen near record participation on recent digs. To avoid concentrating clam diggers and disproportionately increasing the risk of COVID-19, all razor clam beaches are closed for harvest statewide — including on Mocrocks Beach, where domoic acid levels have risen to at least 11 ppm and may have risen to unsafe levels since the latest test by DOH. Razor clam diggers have enjoyed more than 80,000 trips and harvested nearly 1.2 million clams in 2020, but the department won’t be able to announce if tentatively scheduled digs in December can move forward until marine toxin test results are conducted by DOH in mid-November.


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