COVID cases down

DAYTON–Locally, there are 16 COVID-19 cases, down from a high of 27 in recent weeks. Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman reported to the Board of County Commissioners at the regular meeting on August 16 that the department administered an additional 50 vaccine doses at clinics held last week. More clinics are scheduled for this week and will continue to be offered. Public Health is taking appointments for third doses for the immunocompromised, which is now being recommended by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). They are also recommending third doses after eight months for those already vaccinated.

Columbia County Engineer Charles Eaton reported the department will be finishing up flood repair work by the end of the month when the permitted work window closes. They will then move into more normal work operations. They completed the road work on the Wolf Fork and Robinson Fork, which are now fully open and operational. Currently, they are working on Tucannon Road and move to work on South Patit next week. Discussion surrounding the complications resulting from the absence of FEMA permitting which is being held up for removal of debris. There is concern about not being able to do the work which could contribute to flooding early next year.

Prosecutor Dale Slack updated the Commission on the "fall-out" from Blake vs. State in April of this year making it unlawful to charge for drug possession because it was deemed as unconstitutional. In the wake of that change, there has been no added State law making known drug possession illegal leaving municipalities and counties left with passing local ordinances outlawing known possession as Columbia County has.

Also, as a result, those previously convicted for possession since are filing a class action lawsuit against all 37 counties for financial impact such as the cost of paying for fines, fees, assessments, lost wages and various lost opportunities. This could cost the counties millions of dollars in damages. "This lawsuit is going to set a precedent that any time a law is held unconstitutional, we're going 'back in time' be responsible for enforcing it," said Slack. "Revolutions happen. This is our 'show trial.'"