Lewis County News January 13, 2021
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US. Postage Paid Winlock, WA 98596 Permit No. 5
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Photo from Toledo's Walk in the Park Facebook page Participants enjoyed the sunshine during Toledo's Walk in the Park in September of 2017. This year expect to see face coverings and social distancing during the event.
Esther Borte Walk in the Park is happening in February The 5th Annual Esther Borte Walk In the Park is coming to Toledo in February, this one is a bit different than the rest. The participants will still participate in the 5K walk, run, or roll. They just get to do it at their leisure. The participants choose the date, time, and route of their race. You can track your race using the app of your choice, just take a screenshot and email it to walkintheparktoledo@gmail.com. This year they are giving prizes to everyone who participates in the event. Send a photo of you competing in your best mask to be eligible for the costume prize as well. If you are doing the route
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by yourself, a mask is not required or with someone in your household but no more than what the new guidelines allow. If you sign up by January 31, you are guaranteed a T-shirt. Raffle tickets for the quilt are available at the Toledo City hall or the website eventbrite.com. All money raised from the event will be used to refurbish the campsites. This is an annual event that many in Toledo have enjoyed throughout the years. This may be a different process this year, but the results are the same. All money raised goes back into the community.
The City of Winlock is looking for volunteers who are interested in training in the water and sewer department. This will be the fifth year offering this training, former Mayor Lonnie Dowell started this program the first year and the program has continued under former Mayor Donald Bradshaw and Mayor Brandon Svenson. Over the years, volunteers who have graduated from the program are: Sue Parker who is now a licensed water and sewer operator. Heather Luurs has graduated and passed the program but she has not taken her certification. Jessie Weimer has graduated and has passed his water and wastewater certificate. James Agren will graduate in April of 2021. This training will open up opportunities to work in this field. Wages in this field range from $35,000 per year up to $100,000 per year. You will be getting training in water distribution and wastewater. The training starts on April 16, 2021. Some of the things you will learn
are how to operate the computer system, pump maintenance, process control procedures, lab tech work, infrastructure repair, cross-connections, regulations for DOE and DOH, and much more. There is a study regiment with this program and materials will be checked out to the volunteer. This is a one-year, unpaid volunteer program, and you will work 4 hours per day. Monday through Friday. Must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or a GED. The City will work around your job. If you compare this program to the cost of going to school to learn this field you will see what a great opportunity this is. Rodney Cecil, Superintendent of the Winlock Water
and Sewer Department stated, “This is a great opportunity for someone, this line of work typically pays upwards to $100,000 a year along with benefits.” Mayor Brandon Svenson stated, “This is an excellent opportunity for someone in our community to embark on a new career that offers a good income and benefits. This has been a successful program for many years and we look forward to offering it for years to come.” You can pick up a volunteer application at City Hall. You can also call Rodney Cecil at the water sewer department if you have any questions, his number is 360-520-5589 or 360-785-3811. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2021.
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January 13, 2021
Winlock News by Lynnette Hoffman 785-3151 This column sponsored by:
Winlock Hardware 515 NE First, Winlock
360.785-3251
More rain is in store for us but it’s winter, it’s what we have come to expect. This is the time of year where the creek is overflowing and even changing patterns. Many of us have seen the Olequa for most of our life, the small changes, banks erosion, it’s part of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Many have asked me what is going on with Spiffy’s and the other restaurants that are open. Spiffy’s has been closed but they hope to reopen soon. Stuffy’s and Farm Boy are still open and fighting to stay open. Stuffy’s was just granted a continuance at their hearing where both Spiffy’s and Farm Boy were found in Contempt of Court. Don’t forget to shop at the Winlock Farmers Market. They have moved indoors next to Sahara Pizza for the winter. They are open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They offer homemade items that are crocheted, home-baked items, tie-dye, awesome knitted items such as gloves, scarves, and other wools. They are always doing something new so stop by! Don’t forget to support our local businesses. Yes, a Dollar General is coming to Winlock. This is the first corporate-owned store coming to Winlock. Most say they want Winlock to stay a small community, once one corporate store shows a profit more will come. They have built stores in Vader and Napavine and now they are building one in Winlock, less than 10 minutes away from their stores in each direction. I have done a lot of research about the company and spoke with former employees. Requests for information from the company have gone ignored, finally, one employee said, “no one returns calls.” This is our experience, hopefully they treat customers better if they have any issues!
Lewis County News Staff
Publisher Editor/Sales Managing Editor
Writers Samantha Lovelady
Alisa Myers Lynnette Hoffman Karen Carter Ryderwood News Vader News
Lewis County News is glad to print the views and interests of our readers and will accept letters to the editor, photographs and community announcements received by email or post the Friday before publication. We will decline to print submissions which are inaccurate, misleading, anonymous, or for profit. www.hometowndebate.com lewiscountynews@flannerypubs.com 360-785-3151 202B NE First St. • PO Box 10 • Winlock, WA 98596
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Toledo News This column sponsored by:
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The rain last week was a bit much but I must say the beauty of the creeks and rivers flowing is always something to enjoy. If you drive the westside highway, there are usually a few waterfalls. I love the drive and it always clears your mind. Toledo School District will start in-person learning in February, as of now. They will keep us posted and we will get a program out to the community. They are expecting to begin lessons in the new classrooms on that date. In addition, the gym, locker rooms, shops, and art rooms will be available to students. Six weeks later the new commons, kitchen, office, and restrooms will be available for students on March 15. Students will be served on campus Monday - Thursday with remote only instructions on Friday to allow for enhanced cleaning. If you are out and about on rainy days and it’s flooding don’t forget to slow down on Collins Rd. The water built up on the road between the bus garage and Collins road. The usual reminder for small businesses: please do not forget to shop and get takeout from your small businesses in Toledo. There are ways to support gift cards for birthdays, dinner, groceries, haircare, automotive. Small businesses are the fabric of America, it’s tough on all of them right now. If you can support small businesses in your area, they would appreciate your help. As the rivers flood, please be careful around the Cowlitz and other navigable waterways. They can run swiftly during heavy rains. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area, just don’t forget sometimes Mother Nature has her way with us.
Vader News
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Ryderwood News By Samantha Lovelady
Do you or someone you know need food assistance? Be sure to check out the Winlock-Vader food bank. They are open on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The food bank is located in Winlock on Fir St between 1st and East Front Street. If you are coming from Ryderwood take a right at the World's Largest Egg and you can't miss it on the left-hand side. They are currently observing covid protocols. Please bring your mask and be prepared to get your temperature taken. Please stay home if you are feeling sick. Ryderwood Cafe meals are served on Mondays and Thursdays between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Currently, the Cafe is open for take-out only. Stay tuned for indoor dining updates. Every Monday the meal is your choice of burger: deluxe, chicken, veggie, fish, and fiesta. Served with your choice of soup or salad and a drink. Please note that fish burgers take 30 minutes to prepare. Calling ahead is appreciated. Thursday dinners require reservations to be made. Be sure you call in on Tuesday before to get on the list. 360-749-6472 or 360-295-4007. January 14: Spaghetti served with garlic bread, salad, and a dessert January 21: Chicken fried steak served with mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, and dessert January 28: Pork chops served with mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, and a dessert Wednesday is always breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Be sure to get your biscuits and gravy a full order is just $5. They also sell a half order for $3 but come on folks. You know you want the whole order. Just like dinner, it is take-out only until restrictions change.
By Samantha Lovelady
Does anyone else feel like 2021 was at a party with 2020 and said "They haven't seen anything yet... hold my glass and watch this! " I can't be the only one just gobsmacked by recent events. The last week was certainly one the history books will take notice of. Our country as a whole is so divided and the riots in DC were the perfect example of that. Right now the most important thing we can do as Americans is to unite. It shouldn't matter what political party or skin color. We are all Americans, united we can accomplish anything, but divided, we will fall. That same statement can easily be said for Vader. Our small town has tremendous potential to accomplish great things. If we came together some of the dreams we all have for the city could quickly become a reality. I challenge you, Vader. Do something. Be nice to a neighbor, pick up trash along an alley, volunteer with
the city. Get out and make a difference right here in town. Right now. Let's all come together and see what we can do in 2021. Make sure you save the date and attend the city council meeting this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are held via GoToMeeting. As always check out the city website for agenda and login info the week of the meeting. Don’t forget to support your local businesses. The Little Crane and J and G’s always support the community. They are owned by a local family that contributes so much to Vader. It's not just the jobs the businesses provide. It's all they do for Lions Club, May Day, food drives, council, and other committees. Without them, Vader would be a very different place. Vader Park Board meets on January 20 at City Hall.
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(www.HometownDebate.com)
January 13, 2021
Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Dallas Eugene Nichols
Dallas Eugene Nichols, 76, of Winlock, Washington, passed away on December 31, 2020, at 6 pm PST. Dallas was born in Harrison, TN, on January 20, 1944 to Hugh D. Nichols and Maxine M. Schuler. He spent his first 11 years of life in Hastings, NE, before moving to Kenesaw, NE where he attended and graduated from Kenesaw Public School. Dallas entered the U.S. Air Force and spent 4 years on active duty where he married Jane Edwards, to whom a son, Kenneth was born. Upon leaving the Air Force, he became employed by Frontier Airlines and in 1972 moved his family to Anchorage, AK. Dallas worked at several different jobs and became affluent in the moving business, becoming the Sales Manager. Due to his expertise with MAC computers, he became instrumental in networking such computers
for the city of Palmer, AK. During this time, he met and married Judy Nichols. After his retirement, Dallas and Judy moved to Winlock, WA, where he enjoyed woodworking and long talks with anyone that would listen to his point of view. Dallas is survived by his wife, Judy (of the home); his former wife, Jane, son, Kenneth (Anchorage, AK), and grandson, Taylor (Tulsa, OK); sisters Sue & Gary Jones (New Lisbon, WI) and Carol & Arden Byers (Grand Marais, MN); broth-
er, Frank & Becky Nichols (Wichita, KS); step-sons Dean & Cindy Holtman (Wasilla, AK) and Fred Holtman (Vancouver, WA); and step-daughter Marci & George Wright (Vancouver, WA). He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ninabelle, and step-daughter Tammy. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is pending in the spring. Services provided by Cattermole Funeral Home, Winlock, WA.
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Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice • Public Notice Legal Public Notice INVITATION TO BID
City of Winlock Sewer Extension to Industrial Park Project Sealed proposals for furnishing all materials, labor and equipment for the following described work will be received by the City Clerk of the City of Winlock, 323 NE First Street, P.O. Box 777, Winlock, WA 98596, up until 2:00 p.m. February 11, 2021. At this time, the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. A contract will be awarded, or all bids rejected within 45 days after the bid opening. The City reserves the right to extend the period of bid consideration subject to the ability of a bidder to withdraw its bid if such an extension is implemented by the City. Bid proposals must be submitted in a sealed opaque envelope clearly marked with the project title and name and address of the bidder. Proposals received after 2:00 p.m. February 11, 2021 will not be considered. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of the following major work items to extend sewer from the City to near I-5 including sanitary sewer piping and a new sewage pump station. 1. Installation of approximately 3,300 feet of 12-inch gravity sewer pipe approximately 8 feet deep. 2. Installation of (13) 48-inch diameter concrete manholes approximately 8 feet deep. 3. Installation of a duplex sewage pumping station on a new site
including electrical controls, generator, pumps, flow meter, meter vaults, utility vaults, site drainage, cable trays, fencing, etc. 4. Installation of approximately 3,800 feet of 4- and 8-inch HDPE pipe sewer forcemain to be installed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or open cut. 5. Installation of approximately 94 feet of 4- and 8-inch HDPE pipe sewer forcemain to be installed in a bored 24-inch steel casing. Bidding documents may be obtained at no cost in pdf format only, from SolicitBid at https://solicitbid.com/Posts/Projects.aspx. Contact SolicitBid at (206) 219-6481 if unable to access the documents on-line. A Plan Holders list is also available on the SolictBid website. It is the sole responsibility of each Bidder to learn of Addendum, if any. Such information may be obtained from the SolicitBid website. Bidders are encouraged to “Register as Bidder” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and be placed on the “Bidders List”. The City of Winlock accepts no responsibility or liability and will provide no accommodation to Bidders who fail to check for addendums and submit inadequate or incorrect responses. All bidders are required to use the forms furnished by the City and to bid each item in the manner shown on the bid form. Upon award of the contract, a performance and payment bond meeting the requirements of the “Instructions to Bidders” will be required. Progress payments will be made in accordance with the “General Conditions.” The contract is subject to state “Prevailing Wages” and Retainage (5%) will be held until releases are received from the Dept. of Labor & Industries, the Dept. of Revenue, and the Dept. Employment Security
Bids must be sealed with the outside of the envelope boldly marked to indicate that it contains a sealed bid, the bid opening date, and the specific project involved. Any technical questions regarding the contract documents should be directed to the City’s consulting engineer, Gibbs & Olson. Inc., attention Mike Marshall at (360) 352-1120 or mmarshall@gibbs-olson.com. All Proposals must be submitted on the regular form furnished with the specifications, and each must be accompanied by a cashier’s check, postal money order or surety bond, by a bonding company licensed to do business in the State of Washington, made payable to the City of Winlock in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid. No Bidder may withdraw their proposal after the time set for the opening thereof, or before award of contract, unless said award is delayed for a period exceeding 45 days. The City reserves the right to award the bid to the lowest responsible Bidder, waive informalities, or reject any or all bids. The City of Winlock is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Small, Minority-owned, and Women-owned businesses are encouraged to submit bids. DATED at Winlock, Washington, this 11th day of January 2021.
THE CITY OF WINLOCK Penny Jo Hanley Deputy Clerk
Publish: January 13 & 27, 2021 86704
4 - Local News
January 13, 2021
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By Lynnette Hoffman Governor Jay Inslee unveiled his new plan this past week for reopening of the state’s businesses. The Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan is based on a regional approach with 8 different regions grouped together. The new plan went into effect on January 11. Lewis County is in the West Region which is grouped with Thurston, Pacific, and Grays Harbor counties. The new plan consists of two phases based on four different metrics. This is where it gets confusing on how to jump to the next phase. All four metric targets must be met, not just one. The targets are as follows: • A 10% decline in case rates per 100,000 population over the last 14 days. • A 10% decline in two Covid 19 hospitalizations. • A total intensive care unit occupancy rate below 90% • A test positivity rate below 10%. The first scorecard came out for the west region and the aforementioned metrics were not met. At Only a 1% decline in cases we are a long way away from the required 10%. A 3% increase in hospitalizations, while ICU beds are at 87% and a 10% positivity rate. Only one out of four of the metric criteria were met. With many of the counties in this group being a hotbed of cases, it will be a while before the region will meet these metrics. The first phase, which everyone is currently in, is similar to what we had before the new program was announced. Restaurants remain closed and some very limited fitness activities will be allowed. The restrictions for fitness is one person per 500 square feet for a maximum of 45 minutes. Outdoor activities such as zoos and outdoor concert venues have been closed but will have timed ticketing along with masks and social distancing requirements. Indoor social gatherings in phase 1 are still prohibited but the maximum outdoor social gathering is now at a maximum of 10 people from outside a household. The limit though is only two households can make up the minimum of 10 people, one household is maximum at 5 people. Outdoor dining is allowed with a maximum of six people and two households per table. Retail stores remain limited to 25% in phase 1. In phase 2 restrictions are a little more relaxed. Indoor social gatherings of 5 or fewer people from outside the household and two household minimums. Restaurants can operate at 25% of capacity as can indoor fitness facilities. Outdoor sports can go to competitions and training, but no tournaments. Indoor entertainment will go to 25% of capacity. There is currently no county that met all four metrics on this scorecard to advance to phase 2. The state will run a statistical analysis each week, based on numbers through the Washington State Department of Health. Even though Washington has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the nation, Washington State continues to be most reduced or shut down. Many states who have more cases have fewer
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Letters to the Editor
School Board measured approach to Appreciation decisions based on recommendations from public Month To the Editor, Each January, we pause to recognize and express our gratitude for our school board. School board leadership is a voluntary, elected position that requires a commitment to the children, families, and taxpayers of a school district. Difficult decisions about operations, facilities, instruction, materials, employment, and budgeting make up the world of the board member. Board members engage with their communities to provide leadership that improves the education provided to children as well as developing capacities for the future of the community. This is particularly true in Toledo and especially true during the past year. In a time where there has been a significant division in our communities about how to best serve children and families, our board has taken a calm,
health officials, educational professionals, parents, students, and community members. In addition to the five elected members of the board, two student representatives serve as non-voting members of the body. They serve for two years and provide the voice of the student in all deliberations. On behalf of the faculty and staff of Toledo School District, I wish to express our gratitude for the leadership and dedication of Lance Maier, Board President, Monique Norberg, Board Vice President, and Directors Heidi Buswell, Jerad Buswell and Brad Dykstra, Nicholas Marty, Senior Representative, and Macy Ball, Junior Representative. Their tireless work on behalf of our children and community is worthy of note, especially during this difficult season. Sincerely, Chris Rust Toledo Schools Superintendent
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