The Butte Creek Picnic Area is nearing completion after a lengthy 12 year closure. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has spent the past few months repairing the entire area including fixing up picnic tables, laying new gravel, repairing the bathroom, and clearing the area of debris. The picnic area is set to officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 1.

Washington state is set to implement stricter gun laws beginning on July 1. Gun shops around the state have been overrun for the past month with transactions by firearm enthusiasts looking to complete purchases before the change commences. For some the time has already run out while others are still looking to make a few more purchases before the clock strikes 11:59 p.m. on June 30.

Time has run out for some

Handgun purchasers who currently hold a concealed pistol license (CPL) are still able to make same day purchases for handguns but those who don't are running out of time. Anyone without a CPL has to fill out a form that is sent to their local law enforcement agency who runs a background check to ensure the purchaser is eligible for a firearm on top of the standard NICS background check through the FBI.

Once either cleared by the local agency or a ten day waiting period has passed, the purchaser can pick up their firearm. Time has now run out for the 10 day waiting period for those without CPL's wishing to buy a handgun before July 1. They are now at the mercy of the speed of their local agency. Any purchases not finalized before July 1 will be referred to the new law with the entire process possibly restarted according to firearm dealers.

The Pacific County Fair has chosen Chloe Konigsberger from the Willapa Valley School District to be the inaugural Fair Ambassador. This will be the first time in over 100 years that the fair will not have a king and queen. Residents throughout the county have had a mixed reaction after hearing the news.

SOUTH BEND - There are more significant changes at South Bend School District than some chameleons offering colors in terms of teachers and athletic coming and going, curriculum revamps, building renovations, and yes, even a new track surface for the 2019-20 school year. South Bend Superintendent Dr. Jon Tienhaara caught the Herald up to speed and many of the transformations.

For starters, the athletic department will feature major changes. Tom Sanchez, Steve Lazelle, Gary Wilson, Manuel Rangel and Jim Bleecker are retiring.
Sanchez served as athletic director for several years and also was the head coach of the football team before retiring two years ago, and he also was an assistant coach on the girls' basketball team. Sanchez, who coached the Indians to the Class 2B State Football title in 2010, will stay on in his teaching position.

A brief Pacific County Board of Commissioners meeting was held on Tuesday, June 11, at the commissioner's meeting room in South Bend.

Aside from approving a couple of resignations and subsequent appointments within the county, the first commissioner meeting of June was uneventful.

Memorial Day Ceremony at the Menlo Cementary Fern Hill on Monday. "The sacrifices of many are often forgotten by the privileges of freedom. The mere privileges we indulge upon that came at the cost of blood, sweat, tears, and life itself. Men and women have died for our country so that we may live a life of freedom, a life earned for us, not given. It is our duty to honor them for their selfless sacrifice and it is also our duty to make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten." ~ by Jeff Clemens

Washington State 19th District Representative Jim Walsh (R) gave a media tour on Tuesday, May 14 to news outlets within his district. During the tour, he answered various questions including the tight race he faced with challenger Erin Frasier and what he accomplished at the capital during the recent session. He also spoke about challenges facing Pacific County and how he is working to help improve the economy.

The Raymond Weyerhauser Mill sustained a fire in a chip bin on Tuesday, May 21 at approximately 6:23 a.m. The Raymond Fire Department along with Pacific County Fire District 3 responded to the scene with fire engines and tenders to battle the fire. An outside agency was also requested to assist with the fire.

The 2018 salmon fishery in Pacific County was marred with closures and uncertainty caused by reduced chinook salmon returns.