Suzanne Jean Smith (age 72) of Pe Ell, WA, peacefully passed away to be with the Lord on October 30, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born to Harold and Jean Hilton on December 1, 1946, in Wenatchee, WA.

Newly elected council member Brandon Svenson received a letter from the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission on Monday, November 25, 2019.

On November 22, Mayor Don Bradshaw, as a citizen, filed a complaint against Brandon Svenson, a candidate for the city council. Mayor Bradshaw stated in his complaint, "As a citizen of Winlock, I believe I have the right to know where campaign funds were either solicited or donated to an individual running for office, and how the funds were spent. I'm aware that the population of Winlock is less than 5,000, there is still a right to know as a taxpayer. There is a reason to believe that the candidate may have been subsidized by the Lewis County News, formerly known as the Town Crier in order to influence votes..."

When we think of businesses in Winlock, we often think of Cedar Village IGA, one of the longest-running businesses in Winlock. Raleigh Stone started Cedar Village in 1979. With Thanksgiving upon us, it's only fitting to be thanking the family that has been here for 40 years.

If you are looking for that handmade gift for that special someone during the holidays, your shopping needs can be met right here in Winlock. The Winlock Village Gift Shop is made up of local crafters who offer homemade items for your friends and family.

They offer crocheted and knitted items. jewelry, aprons pot holders, kitchen towels, home decor, preserves and pickles, horseshoe yard art, glass home decor, children's clothing, purses, neck pillows, animal planters, birdhouses, woodworking, homemade cards, quilts, and blankets..

Pastor Tracy Durham of Vader Assembly of God church was a part of the 2019 Paradigm World Mission trip which took place in Brazil. Here he met with other church leaders of Assembly of God Church.

While there Pastor Tracy and the other missionaries were able to help out one of the local assemblies substantially with financial assistance. A lot of visiting and fellowship occurred with a small amount of site seeing. Much of their intended plans however, changed rather quickly as they found themselves amidst a citywide revolt.

In Bolivia, election day is a national holiday. Businesses close. Transportation comes to a standstill and everyone becomes a pedestrian. There are vendors on the streets from 7:00 a.m. until the 8:30 p.m. curfew. The mission crew were in the city on this day in meeting at a local restaurant enjoying lunch when they were warned by a local that there was a large demonstration coming down the road of angry citizens.

On Wednesday, November 13 at approximately 9:00 p.m., a house fire engulfed the home located at 108 N.E. Laurel Ave. in Winlock. The call came in as a residential structural fire with smoke and visible flames.

When the firefighters arrived, they found a home engulfed in flames from the side of the structure. All occupants were out of the home. The home threatened a detached garage and travel trailer.

Tucked away in one of the more quiet corners of Lewis County in the town of Toledo, you will find an unobtrusive building with a sign that reads 'The Crowded Kitchen Catering Co.' This would be the kitchen for one of this area's dedicated food caterers; owned and operated by the Birdwell family who all come from a long line of passionate cooks and chefs. Lorinne Birdwell spoke about some of the things they have to offer our community in catering.

On Monday evening, November 5, fewer than 25 people were on hand to see the results of the general election at the Lewis County Courthouse, before they hit the internet. At approximately 8:10 p.m. the results were shown across the big screen in the lobby with several making comments. The last count for the week was on Friday evening, one more count is expected on November 25 with certification on the 26th.

This week Winlock lost a business owner and friend, Suzanne Smith owner of Grinders for the past 22 years. She passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Centralia Washington.

For many, Suzanne was how they started their day. She would fill everyone up with a morning coffee drink, hot or cold. She had a beautiful smile and when you drove up to her window, you were guaranteed to get a smile. She was always happy to see her customers, she made a point of knowing everyone's favorite drink. If you changed it up, she would always ask which drink today.

Suzanne was loved by many in the community, the posting of her passing on Facebook was full of comments.

On Saturday, November 2, the community gathered to plant the Winlock Community orchard to add to the garden at Winlock High School. People from all over town joined together to plant trees for the orchard. Mary Lewin (the "permaculture designer" or garden architect of the project) has big plans for the garden.

The current design depicts pathways, archways, and actual farm crop areas. Saturday was a great step in the right direction. Students led by Lisa Collins started the initial garden planted last school year after idea of providing fresh food for students who may not have enough to meet their needs surfaced. Now it is truly beginning to develop into a beautiful garden and gathering place it was meant to be.