County holding in Phase III

COLFAX – Gov. Jay Inslee and state Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced June 27 the state is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase IV. Eight counties, of which Whitman County is one, are eligible to move to Phase IV. The state officials cited rising cases across the state as the reason for the pause before entering the final, unrestricted phase of reopening.

“As we’ve watched COVID cases expand in Whitman County, it is not a surprise announcement,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Michael Largent.

Largent was understanding and chose to focus on “bright points” such as a...