The Derik Nissell Toy Drive is now in its third year and continues not only his devotion to the toy drive, but also brings along his spirit for the holiday. His belief was, "each child should have a new toy to open on Christmas Day." The drive continues his belief thanks to the continuous devotion of many who feel the same and because of that donations continue to pour in.

Monday traffic in Pacific county got off to a slippery start with numerous crashes happening during the morning commute. Temperatures overnight dipped into the high 20's to low 30's that caused roadways to be covered with ice.

The Washington coast for the second time this year was under a tsunami alert after a strong 7.0 earthquake struck near Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, November 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency released their 2018 winter outlook in October. Most of the western United States is expected to see warmer than normal temperatures and a high likelihood of an El Nino phenomenon.

Several controversial initiatives passed by large margins during the November 6 general election. Two are expected to be challenged in lawsuits with lengthy court battles expected to ensue. Initiatives 940 and 1639 passed while 1631 was lone to fall short.

Initiative 940 now requires law enforcement agencies statewide to take specialized training in de-escalation to avoid deadly force encounters. Officers will be required to use "good faith" before they're able to justify using deadly force. The law will also require them to render aid to an injured suspect immediately.

Team Expectations are at a high premium for Willapa Valley boys basketball. The Vikings return experience, good shooting, pretty good speed and even some height. The opener is tonight at Tenoski Gym in Menlo versus rival Raymond. The Vikings then take to the road to Lacey Friday for another Pacific League encounter against Northwest Christian. Valley was 17-6 last season after losing a couple of heartbreaking games at district.

The Weyerhaeuser Raymond Lumber hosted local students for Manufacturing Day at the mill on November 15. The students were provided with detailed tours around the mill to learn about its operation. Enabling them to see from start to finish how lumber is made and the entire process involved. The Herald was invited along for the ride and it sure was an experience.

The Willapa Valley School District and teachers reached terms on teacher salaries. The contract was approved at the Willapa Valley School Board meeting on November 13. Signifying an end to a long and tense back and forth between the district and teachers.

Background

The school district and teachers began talks just before the end of the 2017-2018 school year with both sides unable to compromise. The tension carried over to the 2018-2019 school year with teachers returning to work without a contract. Early talks were often met with a stalemate and both sides at a disagreement. Instead of making students suffer and teachers taking to the picket line teachers decided to return to work without a contract in a good faith move that let the situation calm down and then resumed talks.

Willapa Harbor Business Week is reportedly all set after negotiations with the Raymond Theatre concluded. Last week the Herald published an article regarding a surge in the rental fee for the theatre and new details have since emerged with a retraction requested.

New Information and a backstep

Previous information has been accused of being incorrect and non-factual regarding the rental fee for theatre use during Business Week. During the November 5 Raymond City Council meeting Council members grilled Mayor Tony Nordin about the fee for the week being raised to $2000 by new Theatre Manager Diane Ziel. Days after the meeting several council members informed the media that a deal had been reached: $1200 for the week.

South Bend HS senior Jessica Sanchez and Ocosta HS senior Kaylee Barnum were named co-Most Valuable Players for the Pacfic League by a vote of the league's coaches. Ocosta head coach Barb Rasmus was awarded as the Coach of the Year after directing the Wildcats to an undefeated league championship.