Cheers: To family fun. It’s not quite the Clark County Fair, but officials are providing an alternative. A Family Fun series is being held at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds through mid-August, filling in some of the gaps caused by cancellation of the annual exposition. A rodeo will be held tonight, and a carnival is open through Aug. 15. That follows a Tuff Trucks competition and a Monster Trucks event last weekend. Details on tickets and pricing can be found at ClarkCoEventCenter.com.
The Clark County Fair typically is the region’s most highly attended event, but the coronavirus pandemic has led to its cancellation the past two summers. “When our promoters approached us with their ideas for stand-alone shows and events, we thought our community would appreciate the opportunities,” fair CEO John Morrison said. For those longing for a return of animals and deep-fried food, the fair’s website offers a countdown to the 2022 event – just 362 days to go.
Jeers: To a COVID surge. Clark County Public Health has identified 604 new coronavirus cases in its weekly report, the highest total since the week of June 22. The number represents a 37 percent increase over the previous week, tracking with a nationwide jump in infection rates. Many of the new cases are attributed to the delta variant, which is highly transmissible.
Masks, vaccines and sensible behavior are necessary for reducing those numbers. Gov. Jay Inslee has recommended wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and everybody who is eligible for a vaccine should receive one. In Clark County, 58 percent of residents 16 and older are fully vaccinated. COVID remains a threat that calls for diligence.
Cheers: To vaccines at PeaceHealth. Vancouver-based medical provider PeaceHealth will now require caregivers to receive coronavirus vaccines. Workers must have proof of vaccination or identify a qualified medical exemption, and the unvaccinated will be subject to regular COVID testing and face potential reassignment to nonpatient care duties.
The move will protect patients and employees, and it is overdue. A recent coronavirus outbreak in a ward at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center sickened 20 patients and nine employees. All employers should work to protect workers and customers, and medical providers should be particularly cautious.
Jeers: To climate change. The impacts of drought and scorching temperatures are being seen in the wheat crop. Washington ranks fourth among the states in wheat production, but climate conditions are being blamed for a low yield of winter wheat, which currently is being harvested. The Washington Grain Commission reports that the per-acre yield, which was about 76 bushels last year, is running closer to 55 bushels this year.
In addition to creating extreme weather events, climate change threatens to have a severe impact on food production in the coming years.
Cheers: To voting. Thanks go to those who played a role this week in choosing city councilors and school board members throughout the region. Voters helped shape the direction of local cities and schools for the coming years by exercising their civic duty.
Unfortunately, the people interested in forging the future of our county amount to a small proportion of the populace; about 25 percent of registered voters took the time to fill out and return ballots. Voters will have another chance at the ballot box in November’s general election. For those who choose not to vote, we offer an axiom: You get the government you deserve.
