Winlock received some very sad news last week, Terry Williams, the Chief of Police and officer in Winlock for 36 years, passed away. The community lost someone who looked after the city and the people in it for many years, a loss that will be felt for years to come.

Toledo recently lost their chief of police and they added a chief of police who is familiar with Toledo and the citizens. Sam Patrick is the new Chief of Police in Toledo and he is excited to be in his new role.

Chief Patrick has extensive training and is part of many programs in Toledo. He stated, "I have worked for the Toledo police department since July 1, 2010 under Chief John Brockmueller."

Lewis County Commissioner Gary Stamper passed away last week in a Vancouver Hospital. Gary was a great person with a love for his family, his country, friends and animals. Gary lived life to the fullest, always making everything an adventure. When Gary called you he immediately started with, "How are you?" or "How are you my friend?" I don't think Gary ever met a stranger. Working with Gary these past few years has been fun, the world was a better place by Gary being in it. He will be missed by many of us!

Cities in South Lewis County are starting to stop the mandates by Governor Jay Inslee, Winlock passed a Proclamation and now Napavine has signed Resolution NO.21.09.120. The resolution is stated below:

WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Emergency ProclamationNo. 20-05 declaring a state of emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and

Vader is ushering in October with Punkin Chunkin on October 2 starting at 11:00 a.m. They will have games, treats and other activities for you to enjoy. The event will be held at McMurphy park which recently received grant money that Kelly Schey worked tirelessly for the citizens of Vader.

The annual Weyerhaeuser picnic/potluck is October 2 starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Cowlitz Prairie Grange. Please bring your favorite dish for the potluck at noon.

Vader Assembly of God has been giving away fish to the community for years. Pastor Tracy Durham and others in his family are avid fishermen and are able to give away some of his catches.

Pastor Tracy talked about the program and how it started. He stated, "The Surplus fish program is sponsored by the Washington State Department of fish and Wildlife."

The Toledo Historical Society has been around Toledo for a bit now and it was time to tell you what they have been up to. Sitting down with Don Brenner discussing the events, fundraisers, and historical material was a very educating experience. As Don stated, "This is a good place for history, they have a lot of history around here."

John Brockmueller, Toledo Chief of Police is leaving Toledo, but he is not going far. John is going back to one of the places he has been before, Napavine.

In Toledo Kemp Olson Park there is now a memorial to one of the greatest volunteers in Toledo's history. Esther Kalista Borte memorial is now at the park; it's a beautiful bench made out of granite. It has inscribed on it, Esther Kalista Borte, Memorial Water Park, Community Volunteer, 1926-2016, Something for the kids."

Christine Borte Mershon sat down with us to talk about her mom. If you know the Kalista or Borte families, you know they have a heart as big as one could possibly be. It's the love for the community that kept Esther in the volunteer world for so long.