July 4 is the day we celebrate the United States independence from the British. This day has been celebrated for nearly 250 years, but we live with independence every day. Men and women have given their lives for our freedom. Let's look at what their lives have given us.

Even though there are times we felt the government overreached during COVID, we for the majority of our lives have not been forced to live as the government tells us. We are free to go out, start your car and go anywhere you want. You are free to choose what you do on Independence Day.

Independence Day is a day we live everyday. We don't see it this way, but we really are free to live how we want. You can own a home in America and pass it to your heirs.

Saturday, June 25 was a day to remember a man who served the City of Napavine for many years, both as a business owner and a city council member, Jim Haslett. The family had a wonderful memorial service at Napavine Assembly of God. Speakers were Duane Johnson, Tim Johnson, his Grandson JT Haslett, and a former pastor Don Ross. A letter, written by former Pastor Don Ross, was read by Pastor Jim Smith. He was remembered as a man of faith first and foremost.

The Otis Roundtree Award has been given to Winlock High School football players since 1928. It's an award given by the Winlock Lions Club and voted on by the players. This year the award goes to Neal Patching, his parents are Brandon and Nelia Patching.

The first Otis Roundtree Award was started in 1928 by Otis Roundtree. He was a businessman in Winlock and also a graduate of the University of Washington.

Egg Day was a great day for the community, it seems a lot of new people came out, but there were residents and classmates alike in the town. These events start with the Queen's Coronation on Friday and then on Saturday, the town is lit up for the rest of the day.

Dean Hendrickson has given his resignation as co-chair of the Winlock Egg Day, he will be sorely missed. He has given so much of his time to run egg day with Misty Mayo, we appreciate all you two have done for the community!

Hard to believe the big weekend is here, this Saturday. Winlock Egg Days kick's off on Friday night with the coronation of the Egg Day Queen. Then on Saturday, the town stays open until the last bar closes. Winlock residents and former residents have always looked forward to Egg Day.

For many who reside here and classmates who graduated from Winlock, almost consider this a mini reunion.

Friday night begins with the Queen's Coronation, which takes place at the Winlock Community Building. This has been a tradition for decades. There will be an Egg Day Queen crowned, unfortunately at press time, we have not received the names.

Winlock has a flower shop once again, the new Oopsy Daisy Flower Shop has opened in downtown Winlock. Many remember the old Winlock flower shop and then another one popped up later, but that too closed. Now, we have one that is here for you! Danielle Miller is the new owner and she is happy to serve you.

Danielle wanted a flower shop in Winlock, because "Growing up, there was always a flower shop here. So, I decided to open up a flower shop in Winlock." The flower shop will offer flowers for all occasions, weddings, funerals, congratulations, corporate, get well, a new baby and anything else you can think of. Danielle also offers a variety of plants, silks and gifts.

Toledo Boys won the Washington State Championship for the 4x400 relay. Winlock athlete Cali Schofield won 3rd place in the Long Jump. What a successful week for the athletes in our area.

The weekend started for Winlock athletes on Friday, May 27 at 1:25 p.m. the Winlock High School and Middle School students created a tunnel that the Winlock state track members ran through. Then after, they went to Winlock Miller Elementary where they were escorted by the Winlock Police and a couple of vehicles from the Winlock Fire Department. There is something special about seeing the students and coaches escorted by emergency personnel.

After Memorial Day, I realized I had not included one of our young men in the Vietnam story, Gary Booth.

Gary was a Winlock man, loved living here. Growing up, we all knew the story, Keith and Ann Booth had lost a son in Vietnam.

Something fun for kids and adults to partake on Egg Day is the Pinewood Derby Race.

The Winlock-Vader Food Bank and The Club will be sponsoring a Pinewood Derby Race on Egg Day afternoon. The races will be held at the lot just north of the old Firehouse Restaurant. Car weigh-ins will begin at 2:00 p.m. and racing will commence at 4:00 p.m.

Toledo Citizens against Bio-sludge is having a meeting on June 5th, 2022 at Toledo High School Commons at 2:00 p.m. We encourage everyone to come, it's time more people learn about the effects it has on a farmer's land along with how it might affect you.

The smaller group of individuals have met with Senator Jeff Wilson and Ecology's Peter Lyon. While Senator Wilson has been very responsive to the requests from the citizens, the same can not be said for Mr. Lyon. In speaking with Senator Wilson, he indicated he may draw up legislation since the Department of Ecology is not responding to his questions. Senator Wilson will be attending the meeting.