Just five states have accounted for about 43% of new coronavirus cases over the last week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. New York, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey had for more than 196,400 of the country's 453,360 cases reported in the last week, according to data available Wednesday morning.
- PUB DATE: 4/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN

Firefighters in Jefferson County helped rescue a dog that fell down a hole that was about 25 feet deep. The Brinnon Fire Department stated that owners reported their dog Indie missing Sunday night. Brinnon Fire Department responded with Quilcene Fire Rescue, Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to help in the search and rescue.
- PUB DATE: 4/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

Leaders in one of Washington’s largest counties are voicing a disturbing alert about COVID-19 numbers. Case rates in Snohomish County have been climbing over the past few weeks, triggering new concern about a step backwards into Phase 2 of the state’s Roadmap to Recovery plan. Just as businesses like gyms and restaurants started to get back to normal, there are fresh concerns of a surge linked to the holiday weekend.
- PUB DATE: 4/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV Fox 13 Seattle

Medford has begun repairs on six fire stations and is examining long-term solutions for the fire department’s facilities, reports Patch.com.

The mayor’s administration hired a consultant to internally begin the procurement process to address more urgent needs. Those improvements include:

• Roof repairs and preventive roof/leak maintenance at multiple stations
• Window replacement at several stations.
• Structural evaluation at Engine 3.
• Review of longer-term needs
• Electrical needs, hot water heaters, overhead door repairs, lighting, heating, and mold testing.
• Renovation of two kitchens.

A task force designed to evaluate the projects is also considering possible options for relocating the facilities, the report cites each of the current station locations as best suited to meet the needs of the community, noting the department’s response time during emergency calls.

The City of Chubbuck is seeking $9 million in federal funds to add a second fire station, reports Idaho State Journal.

The mayor said that the city intends to start a remodel of its police station in July or August, and adding an additional fire station will be a top priority.

The second fire station is needed after the city’s population has grown to more than 16,000.

According to the Idaho Department of Financial Management, the state is poised to receive $1.188 billion from the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus plan, called the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Furthermore, Idaho counties will receive a combined $347 million, cities with populations of at least 50,000 will receive a combined $125 million and smaller non-entitlement cities will receive a combined $104 million, according to the department.