(BRANDON HANSEN/Managing Editor) With the “Stay at Home” order and everybody trying to figure out how to grapple with this temporary way of quarantine life, I’ve decided to start putting together a blog, talking about the oddities of coronavirus living. From different fashions, to habits, to the cracked dry hands we all have now from […]
(CAMERON SHEPPARD/WNPA) State officials say they had to be “creative,” to obtain protective equipment in global demand… Millions of N-95 masks and other types of personal protective equipment are being delivered to Washington State as public health and emergency response officials scramble to obtain the equipment needed to respond to the growing COVID-19 outbreak. Jerrod […]
(JACKSON GARDNER/Chronline.com) Washington State Patrol report says suspect intentionally struck trooper, fled scene… Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste announced the agency’s 30th line-of-duty death since its inception — Justin R. Schaffer, 28, badge No. 646 — Tuesday night at a press conference. He is the son of Chehalis Police Chief Glenn Schaffer. He is […]
(PRESS RELEASE/WDFW) Wolf Advisory Group meeting will be online and begins on March 31… The next Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Wednesday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. A meeting agenda has been posted to the Wolf Advisory Group page. Although this will be a […]
(ERIC ROSANE/For The Independent) A new report released Thursday by the Washington State Employment Security Department shows the state is experiencing a dramatic increase in unemployment insurance claims as the fallout over the spread of COVID-19 unfolds. ESD recorded 133,464 new claims statewide during the week of March 15 through March 21, according to a […]
(PRESS RELEASE/WDFW) WDFW closes recreational fisheries statewide in wake of governor’s order to ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ in response to COVID-19… The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced its decision to temporarily close recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide in the wake of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s order directing Washingtonians to stay home […]
(RICK BANNAN/For The Independent) Essential businesses including health care, groceries, gas stations and many others permitted to stay open… Washington state has joined a number of other states across the country with Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order prohibiting many businesses and all gatherings for at least two weeks. Inslee […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Washington State Parks) Day use areas and trails remain open… On March 22, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission(Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) announced the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Campgrounds will remain closed through April […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Hewes Marine Company) Colville factory closed down on Marc 20 and plans to resume production on April 20… Due to the ongoing and increasing risk of infection by the COVID‐19 virus around the state of Washington, the ownership and management of Hewes Marine Company (HMC) has made the decision to temporarily shut down production […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Washington Governor Jay Inslee) Washington Governor Inslee announced new restrictions today on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s order applies to any non-urgent procedure that requires medical professionals […]
(PRESS RELEASE/NEW Health Programs) As a safety net provider, NEW Health serves patients in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties regardless of their ability to pay, including those who are uninsured and underinsured. The Tri-County area has a confirmed case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. NEW Health is prepared to care for our communities during […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Washington Attorney General) Washingtonians should be skeptical of claims about virus… Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a new warning to Washingtonians about scammers looking to capitalize on fears around the COVID-19. “If you get a text or email promising cures, cash, or COVID-19 protection if you’ll just click on a link, be wary,” Ferguson […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Northeast Tri County Health District) Northeast Tri County Health District (NETCHD) was notified today, March 20, 2020, of the first positive COVID- 19 test for a tri-county resident. The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is a Stevens County resident. The individual is in isolation and receiving medical care. NETCHD is notifying potential close […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Providence) Health care provider will determine if you’re a candidate for drive-thru screening… Providence Mount Carmel Hospital is providing a drive-thru screening site for people experiencing symptoms which present like COVID-19 (fever AND cough or shortness of breath), particularly those with underlying medical conditions and those over age 60. The screening site, located at […]
(PRESS RELEASE/Chewelah Valley Lions and Chewelah Chamber of Commerce) The Chewelah Valley Lions Club and the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announced these awesome students are Chewelah’s Citizens of the Month. Two of these awards will be given every month during the school year. This will take the place of the Mayor’s Youth […]
On March 18, Superintendent Ben Ferney provided this extended school closure update: Only essential staff were on campus today making plans for the extended closure. Our District Leadership Team met and continues to make progress on our top three priorities: a food service, childcare for medical professionals, and extended learning opportunities. Updates for today: