Cheers: To outdoor graduations. Local school districts are planning for relatively traditional commencement ceremonies, one year after the coronavirus pandemic prevented mass gatherings. In 2020, schools opted for drive-thru ceremonies, car parades or virtual commencements — anything to honor graduates while maintaining social distancing.
This year’s plans reflect the easing of restrictions that comes with progress in tamping down the virus. Several Clark County high schools will hold graduation at the grandstands of the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, while others will hold outdoor celebrations on campus. Some distancing still is required, but the occasions will be an appropriate conclusion the seniors’ highly unusual high school careers. Regardless of the manner in which they are honored, all graduates warrant cheers and best wishes for their future endeavors.
Jeers: To offensive crowd behavior. Incidents at two high school girls basketball games on opposite sides of the state have resulted in investigations. In both recent games — Mariner at Lakewood, and Zillah at Connell — the visiting team has alleged that some fans made racist remarks and gestures toward players.
In a statement, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association said: “There is no place for racist actions or words at these events. The WIAA implores our member schools to create a safe and healthy environment where all students can enjoy the benefits of participation.” Schools throughout the state should heed those words; any fans engaging in racist behavior should face severe consequences.
Cheers: To a cow rescue. Despite blackberry bushes, mud and the fact that cows are rather heavy, Clark-Cowlitz Fire and Rescue managed to extract an animal from a mud hole this week near Ridgefield. But even they needed help from a towing company equipped with a crane for hoisting cars. In this case, the crane hoisted a hefty heifer.
As The Columbian reported: “After about an hour, the crane hefted the cow into the air, where it slowly rotated. The wrecker operator set the cow on the solid ground, firefighters removed the straps and the animal walked away.”
Jeers: To drought conditions. While unseasonably warm, dry weather throughout April was enjoyable, it came at a price. The state Department of Ecology this week issued drought advisories for 29 of Washington’s 39 counties, including Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties, plus all of Eastern Washington.
Drought advisories are simply informational and do not carry an emergency declaration, but the advisory can be taken as a warning. Droughts hamper fish runs and irrigation while leading to dry forests that are more susceptible to wildfires. They also can limit recreational activities and are dangerous to wildlife. Abundant water is essential to the state’s economy and way of life; a lack of it causes myriad problems.
Cheers: To a burst of color. Volunteers and city employees pitched in last week to bring a little spring fever to Propstra Square in downtown Vancouver. About 75 people helped plant 1,200 flowers around the gathering place at the southeast corner of Esther Short Park, making the area come alive.
“Suddenly we have instant color. Isn’t it wonderful?” Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said. “It just feels like spring.” Workers also spruced up the square and a broad swath of the downtown area — a bit of spring cleaning for the city center.
