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

Deer have ever so often presented a serious risk to motorist along most of western Washington roadways. Almost daily a deer is struck and results in serious vehicle damage. Just a few months ago a driver along SR 6 was involved in a non-injury accident after crashing by trying to avoid a deer outside Lebam.

Teacher Appreciation Day this year was held on May 7 along with the entire week of May 6-10 being dedicated to honor teachers across the country. Each year teachers take to their work in September sculpting the minds of children for 9 long months before stepping away in June to recoup from all their hard work over the past school year.

The Willapa Brewing Company has built an expansion to the business in South Bend and the public noticed quickly. The new location gives the brewery its own location to market its popular beer brews and pizza. Doors officially opened on Friday, May 3 after an entire day of curious residents knocking at the door trying to get in.

The Pacific County Fair is about to get a major makeover after being awarded a $210,000 grant. The funds will be used to replace the roofing on five buildings at the fairgrounds. It will be the second project undertaken this year with a lighting project slated to start sometime this month.

Pacific County is known for some of the wildest roads in the state and the past week has added to that assumption. Three accidents occured over five days with two of them involving injuries. Both local police and fire departments have kept busy responding to incidents.

An SUV crashed into a school bus on SR 6 just passed Cases Pond on the morning of Friday, April 26. The westbound lane was blocked for around two hours while the Washington State Patrol investigated the scene. Only minor injuries were reported as a result of the accident. The Raymond Fire and Police Departments along with a officer from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources responded to the scene. The Washington State Patrol lead the investigation due to it being on a state route and involving a commercial vehicle.

Growers Outlet in South Bend was busted twice in 2018 for selling to a minor and allowing a minor to frequent a restricted area. Two separate sting operations were conducted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board (WSLCB).

During both stings a minor was able to gain access and complete a purchase. One of the workers who sold to a minor is now facing a felonious charge and possible prison time.

The Raymond School District came under criticism during a school board meeting on Thursday, April 25 when several parents attended to voice their concerns about how the district was handling threats made by a student.

Series of threats

According to Superintendent Dr. Steve Holland, a 6th-grade student had made a series of threats towards a 1st-grade student. The first incident was reported to a staff member but the district never became aware of the threat.

State Route 6 at the Pluvius Bridge was squeezed down to one lane for approximately 5 hours on Monday, April 22 after a fifth-wheel travel trailer tipped over onto its side blocking the westbound lane.