The Toledo City Council has overwritten the veto of Mayor Steve Dobosh in the recent Interlocal agreement between the City of Toledo and the City of Winlock for temporary police services. On Monday, August 15, 2022, Toledo City Council met to approve the Interlocal agreement. In a 5-0 vote, the council voted to have the Winlock Police Department interlocal agreement approved.

The reason for the veto is due to Mayor Dobosh not feeling comfortable with the current costs of the entire police budget. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to the costs and amount of coverage by Winlock, including response times. Toledo City Council wants their own chief, so they have a position for a new chief, but the costs and coverage are what concerns Mayor Dobosh.

South Lewis County is made up of a few small towns that make it a great area of Lewis County to live in. South County, as a few call it, is home to Winlock, Toledo, Evaline and Vader. Ryderwood is in Cowlitz County but we think of them as part of South County. These small communities are made of people who enjoy country life; it's a way of life for everyone who lives here.

Winlock City Council will have a hearing on Monday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m. to hear from the citizens on the annexation of the Winlock Urban Growth Area into the Winlock city limits. The meeting will be held at Winlock City Hall, 323 NE 1st St.

For many years now there has been a lady who has been selling tamales in Winlock, not just a few either. Lorena Lamas, also known as the Tamale Lady, is known for selling Tamales at the Winlock Farmers Market. Lorena has a loyal customer base who are looking for authentic tamales, which is what she offers. The best part, she is just as kind as her tamales are great!

The 37th Annual Mt. St. Helens Bluegrass Festival is this weekend at Kemp Olson Park in Toledo. The Bluegrass Festival has been a part of Toledo for many years, bringing people from all over the country.

General Cothren, who has been organizing this event stated, "We have a great variety of bands who will entertain you throughout the weekend. It is a great time for all who attend." If you are a senior citizen and would like to purchase discounted tickets before the event, please contact General at 360-520-4524. Discounted tickets must be purchased before the event.

Toledo Fire Department, aka Lewis County Fire District #2, has hired three new firefighters/EMTs to help the city. With each community growing, it is important to have the services available to the residents who live there. Being a part of a community is a unique feeling, but being a part of a community with pride is a gift. Toledo is just that community, one with pride and a sense that we all need to work together. The citizens of Toledo voted for the new firefighters/EMTs. Now service is available around the clock; another show of Toledo coming together.

The 22th Annual Winlock Pickersfest is this weekend and we are so glad to see its return. The event takes place from Friday to Sunday with many different varieties of acoustic music. If you are new or have not been to Pickerfest, you will find a lot of very good pickin' going on.

WAMA, which is the group for acoustic musicians, has been strong in Washington State for many years.

Winlock School District has changed its district calendar beginning this school year. Many in the area have concerns that it will impact their children, but the biggest impact should be on test scores and improvement. The Winlock School District has made the choice to change the calendar so there is less time off in the summer. This will help students who struggle when they return to school as not as much time has lapsed since their last class.

Toledo Police Department Reserve Officer Randy Pennington retired a few weeks ago.

On Friday, July 29, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., Heidi St. John, 3rd Congressional District Republican Candidate will be at the Kemp Olsen Park in Toledo for Politics in the Park.