Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, Jan. 19, in memory of Washington State Department of Transportation employee Billy Rhynalds of North Bend, who died Sunday after being struck by a wind toppled tree while directing traffic around water flooding a roadway.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Wednesday, or first thing Thursday morning, Jan. 20.