Local school districts sent into lockouts over threat

Parents at two local school districts were sent into a frenzy after being alerted that the South Bend and Raymond School Districts went into lockouts on Monday, January 14. Social media threats directed at two students were behind cause. Multiple law enforcement agencies and the districts themselves took immediate actions to protect students.

Government shutdown taking a toll

The government shutdown has now become the longest shutdown in United States history and has no signs of ending soon. For Pacific County and many others with higher poverty rates the prolonged closure has raised questions whether or not February SNAP benefits would be delivered among other things. The situation around tax returns has also become a boiling point among citizens as the IRS has yet officially provided how its handling the shutdown.

Raymond Fire has a normal busy week

Tuesday, January 8 the Raymond Fire Department responded to the 500 block of Barnhart Road in Raymond to a report of a chimney fire.

Letter to the City of Winlock from Sheriff Snaza

In a letter dated June 27, 2018, Sheriff Rob Snaza notified the City of Winlock that he has stopped the Winlock Police Department from assisting in the county anywhere.

In the letter, Sheriff Snaza goes on to state that "I am not commissioning/ authorizing the authority of the WPD personnel, exclusive of within the city limits of Winlock, to enforce the traffic or criminal laws of this state throughout the territorial bounds of Lewis County." What this basically means is that Sheriff Snaza will not allow Winlock to assist them in any situation and they have no authority outside of Winlock as other municipalities do.

It is standard in neighboring law enforcement agencies to enter into a mutual aid agreement in order to assist each other when needed. The letter goes on to state that "this decision is based upon the reestablishment of the WPD and being unfamiliar with the training, qualifications and certifications of your personnel. In time, as your department is stabilized and ensuing professional working relationships/partnerships are developed I may readdress this and authorize such authority."

Replacement Levy for Toledo Schools

Voters in the Toledo School District will be asked to replace a $1.1 million levy with $895,000 per year levy. The proposal will provide funds to continue the district's enrichment activities for two years. "Levies are like a subscription service," said Board President Jerad Buswell. "The district asks the community to renew the subscription every few years." Toledo's current levy will end on December 31, 2019. If approved, the replacement collections would begin in 2020.

The current levy is a four-year measure that, in addition to enrichment programming, provided the district with funds needed for capital projects that were not funded by a proposed bond measure in 2014. "We were required to complete a $350,000 water supply project at the high school and replace the roof at the middle school," according to Chris Rust, Superintendent. "Those projects and others have been completed."

The community recently approved a $7 million bond measure to build a new high school. Dale Merten, Chair of Citizens for Great Toledo Schools says, "The bond was critical, but it can only provide for a new building. The levy pays for everything else that the state doesn't fund." Levy dollars and student fundraising pay for all athletic programs in the district. In addition, levies fund lower class sizes, repairs, additional staff for instruction and instructional support, maintenance and grounds as well as extracurricular activities and travel. Levies fund curriculum adoptions, professional development, and shortfalls from the state in Special Education.

Harbor Happenings

Raymond Timberland Library presents Craft-n-Chat on Wednesday, January 16 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your current project. Visit with others for ideas and suggestions!

Raymond Timberland Library presents Family Storytime, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 17 for children. Encourage literacy skills through art, music, and play for children birth to age 6. For more information call (360) 942-2408.

SAIL exercise class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lobby Conference Room at Willapa Harbor Hospital, 800 Alder Street, South Bend. This is a no cost exercise class for participants 65 years and older and held every Thursday. If interested please contact Sam Lund RN, MS Ed. by phone (360) 875-4536.

The North Pacific County Food Bank is open every Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The food bank is closed on holidays. Serving all of North Pacific County. For emergencies call (360) 942-4726.

'Regeneration' a Christ-Centered 12-Step Rcovery program on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. at 1134 Crescent Street, Raymond. Come join us!

The Riverside Gallery invites you to join them at the "Featured Artist Reception on Saturday, January 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to meet Brian Evens and his fabulous photography. The event is at the Gallery, 1015 W. Robert Bush Dr., South Bend. Come meet the incoming 2019 officers and thank the outgoing officers.

Willapa River Beekeeping Club offers beekeeping classes on the third Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at the Menlo Fire Hall. Register by calling Paul or Gail at (360) 942-5515. Classes for 2019 is on January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, and November 17.

All Timberland libraries will be closed Monday, January 21 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. day holiday. Libraries will resume regular schedules Tuesday, January 22. For more information call 1.877.284.6237.

The Board of Pacific County Commissioners is conducting a closed record public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, 1216 W. Robert Bush Drive, South Bend. The meeting is held to consider recommendations of the Urban Growth Area (UGA) to include approximately 22 acres of property located at 801 Crossing Street for potential annexation in the City of Raymond. Call (360) 875-9337 to file requests.

The Willapa Harbor Quilters meet at the First Baptist Church of Raymond each Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., with exceptions in December. Visitors are always welcome. Coffee, tea and friendly conversation are available at all meetings. For more information contact the group's president, Becky Coburn, at 360-934-5567.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets twice a month every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Raymond First Baptist Church, 913 Duryea. All moms with children from birth to 5-years-old are welcome to attend. This year's theme is " Find Your Fire." While moms attend their meeting all MOPS Kids are supervised by the MOPS grandmas and grandpas at the church.