The Willapa Festival "was an awesome success," according to co-chairperson Kaley Hanson of the three-day Raymond event, which took place last Friday through Sunday primarily at Third Street Park. Michelle Layman was also a co-chair for the event.

The Raymond Elks Lodge #1292 will be hosting a benefit for Chris Heintz on Saturday, August 11 at 5:00 p.m.

The Raymond Police Department welcomes back Officer Rikki Coma who recently completed the Washington State Police Academy and has returned to active duty with the police department. Officer Jacob Haas left last month to attend the academy and is expected to return later this year.

Two wildfires erupted between Menlo and Frances over the weekend. One started on Weyerhaeuser land and the other on land controlled by Washington State DNR.

According to Pacific County Fire District 3 Fire Chief Gary Schwiesow they were asked to assist DNR on the fires with equipment and manpower. They worked well into the night on Sunday, July 29 to suppress and contain the fires that were estimated to be around 3 acres each.

SOUTH BEND - For the first time, South Bend and Raymond high schools will have a combined girls soccer team this fall.

There are three Wednesday practices remaining, including today, August 8 and August 15. The practices are behind Bud's Lumber from 5-7 pm.

Smith Creek Blueberries has been the talk of the town for the last several weeks and it's no wonder as their blueberry season is at its prime. The berries are plentiful and so are the weekend pickers who stopped by on Saturday, July 28 for the u-pick day.

Friends of the Pacific County Fair held their Annual Cattle Sorting event on Saturday, July 21. The event is held to give amateur riders the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of cattle sorting and the fun that can be had. "It was our biggest weekend yet," Val Rowe stated. "We raised some needed funds for the fair and we had at least 30-40 people over the weekend. It was a great success!"

People who travel through the intersection of US 101 and State Route 6 in Raymond should plan for possible delays beginning Wednesday, July 25.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will flag traffic through the area around-the-clock, while they remove the traffic light at the intersection and construct a new roundabout.

MENLO/LEBAM - Rob Friese is an icon when you're discussing Willapa Valley tradition - especially when it comes to sports. Better add education to the topic, too.

The Willapa Bay needs an art studio where community members can see the art created by others in the area and take art classes themselves. A group of people have come together to try and make that happen. The Willapa Bay Fine Arts Association is bringing the benefits of art to several communities including Raymond.