Dr. Lindsey Remund Pollock, Winlock veterinarian, confirmed her anticipated candidacy for the Lewis County Commissioner District 2 seat.

During the past week, the Napavine community received some shocking news. Alex Gaona, a recent Napavine graduate, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer. This has been a difficult time for community members, students and staff at Napavine School District.

Donna Wallace of Donna's Place is having a grand re-opening Mardi Gras theme on the 29th of February, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a cajun style dinner. Donna purchased the business and building on the 14th of January, 2019. Now, it's Donna's and Donna is here to stay!

Donna took over the restaurant Harry's Place now known as Donna's Place in June of 2017. Since then Donna has changed the menu, added pizza and milkshakes and remodeled the inside. Donna has opened up the back area that was closed off for years. She has put her heart and soul into the restaurant. But what you see on the inside is nothing compared to what she does for the community.

Richard Smith of Precision Paving in Clark County is seeking a rezoning of agricultural land to mineral for a potential rock pit on the Cowlitz River. A move that nearby residents and the Cowlitz Tribe are against.

After a short break, the Toledo Thursday Market has returned. Last Thursday on the 6th, vendors returned and were open for business in the same place as always at Steamboat Landing and will continue to be open every Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

The Lewis County News would like to take some time to recognize all of our local small businesses throughout our communities. These hard-working folks are huge in keeping our community going. Many of these places are full of friendly, familiar faces who not only consistently put out quality products and services, but in many cases go above and beyond to see that the people of our communities in Lewis County are well taken care of.

There is genuine warmth here that you cannot, and will not find in large box stores. These places are owned and run by people with familial history; or have come here from similar communities and upbringings, or simply wish to become a part of, and thrive in a community such as ours.

Toledo High School recently had its Groundbreaking Ceremony on the last Friday of January. It began at 4:00 p.m. and lasted for about an hour. They featured many special guests, and all were invited to come to witness the event. It was a ceremony held in the commons dedicated to the rebuilding and remodeling of the new school.

Book 'N' Brush on Market Blvd in Chehalis may be one of our area's oldest bookstores. The long-standing store is heading into its 51st year after recently celebrating its 50th year just last holiday season. Owners David and Beverly Hartz bought the store nearly 51 years ago only then it was not a store but a humble little stand. They named it Book 'N' Brush and so it has been ever since.

We all live in an area where our pets are part of our lives, whether they are indoors or outdoors, they are our family. We have a family in Winlock that needs the help of the community, it's a story that is about the love of a family to bring their son's dog home to them.

If you are looking for a cozy place during these long weeks of rain then you may enjoy a visit to the Black Sheep Creamery which is also the Yew and I yarn shop located on Market Blvd in Chehalis next to the theatre. This little shop will especially catch your fancy if you are a knitter, crocheter, felter, spinner, or cheese connoisseur.