Pacific County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is pleased to announce recognition for outstanding achievement of local businesses and individuals. "Congratulations to all the award recipients and the many worthy nominees.," said PCEDC Board President, Jeanne Brooks, "We are pleased to acknowledge the many accomplishments of our business community and local leaders." Recipients were honored at an awards luncheon on May 10 hosted at the World Kite Museum in Long Beach.

The 2022 PCEDC Business of the Year Award celebrates and honors a Pacific County business or organization that has demonstrated a record of commitment to Pacific County communities through leadership, support of a local community-based organization or has demonstrated other recent noteworthy accomplishments that directly or indirectly increases the quality of local life.

SOUTH BEND - South Bend School District has added another asset to its teaching staff with the addition of Tim Bale as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Bale was hired by the South Bend School Board of Directors at the regular meeting last Thursday.

Bale comes to South Bend with extensive experience in a variety of industries and will join CTE teachers Aaron Blevins and Joel Bale, both teaching for South Bend.

Willapa Valley HS ninth grader Rilyn Channell earned an Athlete of the Week Award by the WIAA for Week 34, during the period from April 30 through May 6.

Below is what the WIAA posted on its website about Channell.

"Rilyn Channell of Pe Ell-Willapa Valley, helped the Titans sweep a twinbill from Raymond-South Bend for a share of the Pacific League championship May 2 with the winning hit, a 2-run double. On May 1 versus North Beach, Channell ripped 3 hits, including a home run and triple and drove in 4 runs. Channell, a ninth grader at Willapa Valley HS, is an Honor Roll student."

Last Thursday The Raymond and South Bend Schools had a lock-in as a safety precaution to threatening phone calls to schools throughout SW Washington. The phone calls implied that a person with a rifle was seen on the school grounds. Some schools received reports of shots fired at a neighboring school.

Around 11:00 a.m., Raymond and South Bend schools locked their campuses down as a precautionary measure to protect the students and staff. During the lock-in the students remained indoors for meals and free periods. During this time no one was allowed to enter or exit the campuses.

This act was in response to phone calls that went out through multiple districts.

Willapa Valley did not lockdown their campus but kept a close eye on the situation.

Anyone driving through Raymond can spot the construction going on over by the fire department. On June 24, 2021, the Joint Pacific County Housing Authority broke ground on the Willapa Center project. The building will contain apartments, and a daycare when finished.

"The Willapa Center is tentatively scheduled to finish in late July, early August," Said Chief Executive Officer of the JPCHA Jennifer Westerman. "We had several delays on the project, some due to complications in the soils, Covid delays and Supply Chain delays. The waiting list for this project has not yet opened. We intend to open the waiting list in approximately early July. This opening will be broadcast in local newspapers, on the website for both HOSWWA and JPCHA (www.hoswwa.org and www.pacificcountyhousing.org ). We will also be working with several organizations to assist in outreach."

MENLO - Voters in the Willapa Valley School District passed its replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy by a margin of 54.7% to 45.3%. A total of 925 votes were cast with the final vote count 506 to 419.

Valley student Olivia Nissell, age 9, won the 2023 Tumbling State Championship on April 22.

If you are ready for some local links, nine holes will be open for play at Riverwoods Golf and RV on Thursday, June 1.

"We are delighted to announce that we will be opening our course on June 1 with nine holes available for play," owner Heather Hamilton told the Herald. "Our driving range is currently open to the public free of charge, but donations are always appreciated to help us maintain the facility. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your swings and enhance your game.

"Tee times will be available to be booked online for extra savings and convenience," Hamilton said. "We have also added a fleet of 11 sleek new Yamaha Golf Carts, which will also be available to reserve online."

Norm Olsen and
Hold Card Truth
April 30

Sunday Afternoon Live audiences are in for a real treat: Our very own Norm Olsen--singer, guitarist, and fiddler-- will be onstage at the historic Raymond Theatre on Sunday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. He will be joined by his band Hold Card Truth, an ensemble of buddies and musical soul-mates: Dave Walker (guitar) and Ben Rumbles (drums), both of South Bend, and Evan Sansom (electric bass) of Raymond. Together they will have you wondering how so much talent can be found in our own backyard. Norm's wonderful vocals--true, fluid and soulful--are given excellent support by his band as they deliver audience-pleasing classic country tunes.

MENLO - Pe Ell-Willapa Valley's Connor Keeton pitched a 5-inning no-hitter against Mossyrock Saturday at Trojan Field in Pe Ell. The Titans won 10-0. Keeton, a sophomore at WVHS, struck out 6 and did not walk anybody during the gem.

"He was so good today - mixed it up well and just plain threw outs," PWV Head Baseball Coach Kent Smaciarz told the Herald. "The guys played great behind him and he refused to give in. Even more than no hits, my favorite thing was he didn't walk anyone. His resolve to not give away free bags is what really allowed him to control the game."

Catching the game for the Titans was Connor's older brother, Garrett, a senior.