Merry Christmas!

Readers, whether you're celebrating the Nativity of the Lord today or just spending some time with your family, please accept our wishes for a very Merry Christmas. Take an opportunity to rest, relax, reflect, and have fun - that's what holidays are for! If you make your home here in the Northwest, chances are you've got at least a foot of snow outside like we do.

The snow has made for an unusually white December 25th, but it's also making travel and transport of goods difficult. Governor Chris Gregoire has just declared a statewide emergency due to the winter storms. Snowfall has already reached record levels in thirty of the Evergreen State's thirty nine counties.

Here's an excerpt from her news release today:

Gregoire's proclamation directs state government to support emergency response activities in the affected jurisdictions, allowing state agencies to make extraordinary expenditures and use of resources. State actions are coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray.

States of emergency have been declared in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties, the cities of Gig Harbor , Spokane, and Spokane Valley and by the Makah Tribe.

If you have to leave home, make sure to stay safe out there. Drive slowly, carry chains, and don't follow other vehicles too closely.

Peace be with you...

The Northwest Progressive Institute Team