SOUTH BEND - Governor Jay Inslee visited four high schools in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties last Wednesday to talk about college affordability, the FAFSA, the newly signed Washington College Grant Program (WCGP) opportunities, and to encourage all students to seek out post-secondary opportunities. Gov. Inslee talked to students at South Bend HS, Raymond HS, Aberdeen HS and Hoquiam HS.

SOUTH BEND - The Raymond and South Bend school districts proposed replacement of expiring educational programs and operations levies were easily passed by voters, but Willapa Valley was voted down.

• South Bend said 'Yes' with 463 votes (68.9%) and only 209 'No' votes (31.10%) were cast.

"We are very grateful for the continued support of our community," South Bend Superintendent Dr. Jon Tienhaara told the Herald Friday.

Willapa Valley won a vital seeding post-season playoff game against Northwest Christian to determine which team would be the higher seed in the Pacific League heading into the Southwest Washington District 4 2B Boys Basketball Tournament.

On September 5, 2019, the Teen Advocacy Coalition officially hired Denise Rowlett as TAC Coordinator. In the last two decades, she has spent 19 ½ years working with the Pacific County Sheriff's Office performing administrative tasks including organizing files and managing grants.

MENLO - Four of the Willapa Valley FFA Chapter Officers had the opportunity to visit the Washington State Capitol building in Olympia January 21.

The four students talked to Sen. Dean Takko (D-Longview) and Rep. Brian Blake (D-Longview). The subject they discussed with the legislators dealt with how each year Washington state gives each Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) approximately $12,400 each.

Razor clam diggers can return to ocean beaches for seven days of digging beginning Thursday.

State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved a dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.

From left are Hoquiam Coach Terry Helland, Susie (Weisel) Webber and Aimee (Weisel) Betrozoff shown with the Don Weisel Team Sportsmanship Award Saturday at the Doug Makaiwi Memorial Invitational Saturday at Seagull gym.

During this year's special election, both South Bend and Willapa Valley School Districts are asking voters to approve a replacement levy. The last levy approved for the schools was four years ago in 2016 and it expires at the end of 2020. The vote on a replacement Education Programs and Operations Levy deadlines at 8:00 p.m. on February 11.

These levies for the school run on a four-year cycle, which means this one runs from 2021 until the end of 2024. The levy dollars are funds that are controlled by the local school boards and administrations.

The Education Programs and Operations Levies are meant to support learning, whereas bonds are meant to support building projects. Levies bridge the gap that exists between state funding and the actual cost of the schools.

Last week's storms caused a few issues throughout the Pacific Northwest, but one of the most unique problems was suffered by South Bend Schools. Superintendent Jon Tienhaara ended up closing the schools on Tuesday, January 7 due to excessive storm water in the South Bend sewer systems.

MENLO - Willapa Valley HS senior Hallee Layman is living a dream. Layman recently signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Hawai'i at Manoá on a track and field scholarship.