County holding in Phase III

COLFAX – Gov. Jay Inslee and state Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced June 27 the state is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase IV. Eight counties, of which Whitman County is one, are eligible to move to Phase IV. The state officials cited rising cases across the state as the reason for the pause before entering the final, unrestricted phase of reopening.

“As we’ve watched COVID cases expand in Whitman County, it is not a surprise announcement,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Michael Largent.

Largent was understanding and chose to focus on “bright points” such as a group of community people working to provide a show and sale for 4H and FFA youth.

“The community is not powerless,” he said. Largent is also seeing an increase in people shopping local and supporting local businesmen.

“Our success begins here locally.”

He also suggested people look for “something we can do.” A phone call to a friend, virtual coffee visit, offering kids appropriate activities are all thing “we can do,” he said.