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The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
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In Our View: Cheers & Jeers: Libraries; election attacks

The Columbian
Published: January 20, 2025, 6:03am

Cheers: To libraries. The local library district is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a series of events. Now known as FVRLibraries, the district has served generations of Clark County residents and now includes two bookmobiles and 15 branches.

“The world has shifted a lot in our 75 years, but the library has really kept up and adapted in order to continue to provide vital resources for the community,” Executive Director Jennifer Giltrop said.

Those efforts have extended a rich American tradition. The modern library was conceived by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700s, guided by the principle that “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In 1950, the Vancouver Public Library and Clark County Libraries merged to form the current district.

“FVRLibraries will remain this hub of innovation, creativity and lifelong learning,” Giltrop said. “It is a place for all.”

Jeers: To election interference. FBI agents have renewed calls for information about attacks on ballot boxes in Vancouver and Portland. The attacks took place in October, days before the November election, and officials are seeking somebody who is knowledgeable about explosives or thermite.

“Given the time that’s passed between the incidents and now … the suspect may have inadvertently exposed details that can help us,” an FBI agent said. The bureau is offering a reward of up to $25,000. The attacks on a free and fair election were appallingly anti-democratic and demand vigilance on the part of law enforcement and the public. We hope the crimes are solved and prosecuted soon.

Cheers: To music education. Ethan Chessin, a teacher at Camas High School, has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of music educator. “What I do that’s special here at Camas High School is innovate and create new ideas and come up with projects for my students that people are not trying,” Chessin said. “To see that being recognized by the Grammy Foundation is just really exciting.”

Chessin is one of 10 finalists for the national award out of more than 2,400 nominations. The winner will be announced Feb. 2 during the 67th Grammy Awards ceremony.

Jeers: To avian flu. Officials report that there have been 14 recorded cases of avian influenza among humans in Washington. None of those have been confirmed in Clark County, and the risk of transmission to humans remains low, but the virus presents a threat.

People with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or cattle are most susceptible to avian flu. Experts also report that the virus can be carried in unpasteurized milk. Widespread bird flu among chickens has contributed to an increase in the price of eggs, demonstrating the risk of the virus. A sharp increase in human exposure would add to the problems posed by the disease.

Cheers: To tree fruit crops. Last year marked a return to relative normal for cherry and apple growers throughout Washington. B.J. Thurlby, Northwest Cherry Growers president, said, “Our early fruit was of excellent quality and helped drive promotions that led to regular purchases (through July and early August).”

Washington is the nation’s No. 1 producer of apples and sweet cherries, making tree fruit an important part of the state’s economy. But extreme weather in 2022 and 2023 led to reduced crops and reduced sales. The 2024 rebound is expected to continue as long as the United States pursues policies that promote international trade.

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