PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Fall turns to winter
Here are some photos from around the Chewelah this week, taken by managing editor Brandon Hansen…
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The latest news from around the Chewelah Valley
Stevens County unemployment rate nears pre-COVID-19 levels
(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
After a big spike from the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens County has seen its unemployment rate drop to roughly pre-virus levels, with the Employment Security Department reporting the county’s rate for September at 7.8 percent. This is the lowest the unemployment rate has been since March when it was 7.7 percent.
It is, however, higher than 2019’s September unemployment rate of five percent.
The state’s Employment Security Department (ESD) reported a 24.3 percent drop in new jobless claims in the state, which was 16,890 last week. The nation saw a 6.5 percent drop in initial jobless claims, which were at 787,000 last week. More
Chewelah sees sixth COVID-19 case since pandemic began
(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
The NE Tri-County Health District reported on Friday that they had gotten reports of four new cases of COVID-19 in NE Washington, including one new case in Chewelah.
The second-largest city in NE Washington has been relatively COVID-19 free, as this is just the sixth case reported of the virus since the pandemic began in early spring of 2020. This is also the first case from the Chewelah area in many, many weeks.
Two new cases were also confirmed in Newport, which has the largest number of cases in the area, with 110 positive results since the pandemic began, along with Ferry County seeing one case in the East Ferry County area.
NETCHD is working hard contact tracing these cases. NE Washington has seen 89 new cases of COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
New jobless claims in U.S. dropped to 787,000 last week
(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
New jobless claims in the United States fell by 55,000 to 787,000 which is still at historical levels but shows that employment losses have eased slightly again. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the number of people receiving unemployment benefits dropped last week by 1.02 million to 8.4 million. While heading in the positive direction all these numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began are still historic highs.
The unemployment rate for the United States still remains high – sitting at 7.9 percent – and the job recovery has slowed in numbers the past three months. Still last week numbers show that either people are getting recalled to their old jobs of they are getting new ones. It could also mean some are seeing their state unemployment aid – which typically lasts six months – get used up.
The U.S. economy is 10.7 million jobs short of its pre-pandemic level, and the federal extended benefit program saw an additional 509,000 people apply for it. The program extended state unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks. Another 345,000 people applied for jobless aid from a program that helps self-employed, contractors and gig workers get unemployment relief.
Three to six inches of snow forecasted for Friday
(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
The National Weather Service is reporting that more snow than originally forecasts is expected on Friday. What was originally supposed to be 1-3 inches on Friday, has now been revised to three to six inches in the valleys of NE Washington and five to nine inches in the mountains.
The weather service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 8 a.m. on Friday to 11 p.m. that evening.
Plan on slippery road conditions, along with the heavy wet snow that could break tree limbs and cause power outages. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.
WINTER IS COMING: How to brace for the cold
(BRANDON HANSEN/Chewelah Independent)
With Friday’s snow storm bringing several inches of snow to Northeast Washington and some frigid temperatures, I think we can finally say that winter is here.
It’s being forecasted as a snowy and cold winter, which is something people in Chewelah and Colville have experienced before, but its always nice to be prepared for extraordinaire winter conditions.
Here are some tips to prepare for winter…
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WATER COOLER WEDNESDAYS: Winter, Pumpkin Spice are coming and so is more Daylight Savings Time fun
Here is this week’s “Water Cooler” column by Chewelah Independent Managing Editor Brandon Hansen…
Health district announces six new cases in NE Washington for Oct. 20
(PRESS RELEASE/NE Tri County Health District)
As of October 20, 2020 Northeast Tri County Health District is reporting six new positive COVID-19 cases.
RACE FOR CONGRESS: Cathy McMorris Rodgers gets two pro-business endorsements
(PRESS RELEASE/McMorris Rodgers Campaign)
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced on Wednesday that she has been endorsed by two major business organizations for re-election in 2020. Giving out those endorsements were The National Federation of Independent Businesses and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“I am committed to promoting a business friendly environment both in Eastern Washington and across the country,” McMorris Rodgers said, “Small businesses drive our economy and are essential members of our communities. The freedom to have an idea, take a risk, and start your own business to make a better life for you and your family is the bedrock of the American Dream and the Eastern Washington Dream.”
McMorris Rodgers represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District in Eastern Washington, which includes Chewelah.
Early season snow storm to hit NE Washington on Friday
(STAFF REPORTS/Chewelah Independent)
Frosty the Snowman is coming early, and he is bringing friends.
The National Weather Service issued an early season winter storm watch beginning on Friday morning and going through late Friday night. Heavy snow is possible with an accumulation of one to three inches below 1,500 feet in NE Washington.
Above 1,500 feet – well you can expect three to six inches.
Plan on slippery road conditions, while the heavy wet snow could also lead to broken tree limbs and power outages.