Cheers: To Kara Winger. The Skyview High School graduate was the American flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo Games, capping her fourth Olympics as a javelin thrower. “I can’t even describe it. I have been in tears for days, but this is just joy,” she told the NBC hosts while walking on the floor of the stadium. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, no spectators were allowed, but the moment remained profound. “It feels special that it is just the athletes, too,” she said. “This is about us and this is about the world coming together.”
Winger has competed in Olympics in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, where she finished in 17th place. Upon being selected by Team USA members to bear the flag, she quoted Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the Modern Olympics: “The important thing in the Olympics is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” Winger has done that for years while representing Vancouver with pride.
Jeers: To bureaucracy. A dispute over water rights is threatening the future of Bi-Zi Farms near Orchards. The 105-acre farm has been in the Zimmerman family since 1872 and has used an onsite well for irrigation since about 1900.
Now, the state Department of Ecology says the Zimmermans do not have a permit for the well and that a watershed study must be conducted before a permit can be issued. Bill Zimmerman says, “It’s a game-ender for the business.” There are good reasons for regulation of water rights, but state officials should be able to reach an agreement that protects the legacy farm and allows it to continue serving the community.
Cheers: To athletic guidelines. The state Department of Health has issued COVID rules for high school athletes and spectators during the upcoming season. Masks will not be required for competitors in outdoor sports or for low- and moderate-contact indoor sports. Other guidelines include mask requirements for athletes when sitting on the bench, and for spectators at indoor events.
An increase in COVID-19 infections has led to changing guidelines for public settings, and those guidelines likely will change again at some point. But for now it is helpful that athletes and coaches have some firm expectations as they begin practices this month.
Jeers: To a license snafu. The state Department of Licensing inadvertently sent letters dated Aug. 4 to thousands of vehicle owners, warning that their personalized plates will be canceled. Officials say letters with that date should be ignored by recipients.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said: “We recognize the distress this is causing vehicle owners. Department of Licensing is working to understand how the error occurred.” Personalized license plates cost $42 on top of the regular registration fees. Corrected letters are being sent out, and drivers can check their registration status online at dol.wa.gov.
Cheers: To Vancouver eateries. It is disappointing that Oriental Fast Bowl, a fixture of downtown, has closed. But the good news is that a new restaurant already is preparing to move in. An Eastern European eatery is expected to fill the spot at 905 Main St.
The quick turnaround is indicative of the vibrancy of the downtown core. Vancouver has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, and downtown storefronts are desirable. Whether in the waterfront development or in the city center, Vancouver is attractive to businesses large and small.
