Last week the data for positive COVID-19 cases reported in Pacific County took a huge leap. By Wednesday, November 18, 81 new cases were reported for a total of 246 cases. On Friday, 94 additional positive cases were reported for a total of 340 cases.

This puts Pacific County into the high-risk category with 859 cases per 100k for a rolling 14-day average. Six of the new cases were hospitalized with all other individuals being isolated at home.

On Wednesday, November 18, the ribbon cutting ceremony was held to dedicate the new Riverview Playground at the Grays Harbor College Riverview Center. Right to left: Kathryn Staats, Jewel Hardy, and Mike Geer-Wagenblast cutting the ribbon.

Sunday Afternoon Live sponsored a surprise outdoor performance in Raymond's downtown riverfront amphitheater on November 1. The audience assembled carrying their chairs to enjoy local musician Alfred Beattie playing classical and folk music on his viola during the hour-long concert.

As the flu surges so does the pandemic. If you have flu-like symptoms, you need to be tested to see if you may have been infected with COVID-19. On Tuesday, November 10, the Pacific County Public Health and Human Services received notice of four positive cases of COVID-19 in Pacific County.

The individuals are:
A male between 30-40 years old, linked to a workplace exposure
A female between 50-60 years old, linked to a workplace exposure
A male between 60-70 years old, linked to a medical screening
A female between 70-80 years old, linked to out of county travel

On Wednesday, November 11, six additional positive cases were reported.

The individuals are:
A female between 20-30 years old, linked to a workplace exposure
A female between 20-30 years old, linked to social interaction
A male between 30-40 years old, linked to social interaction
A male between 60-70 years old, linked to social interaction
A male between 70-80 years old, linked to social interaction
A Female between 40-50 years old, unknown exposure

All cases are isolating at home.

Nelia Woods immigrated to the United State from the Philippines in 1976. When she turned 25 in 1978, she went from working for a company that made copy machines in Chicago to joining the U.S. Air Force.

"I was watching TV and saw this commercial 'Join the Air Force and see the world!' I had to join! On June 6, 2978, I was with the 3707 BMTS (Basic Military Training Squadron)."

Basic training was 6 weeks long at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Last week, Pacific County saw a major increase in positive COVID cases. 35 cases were reported to Pacific County Health and Human Services bringing the case count from 120 to 155. There are currently 33 active cases being monitored by public health nurses. All cases are confirmed and isolating at home. Case investigations and contact tracing are on-going.

One case is a male, 0-10 years old, linked to a holiday party. Three other cases are males, 0-10 years old, are linked to household positive cases.

Another case is male, 10-20 years old, which is linked to a holiday party. Three other cases are males, 10-20 years old, linked to household cases. Two cases are female, 10-20 years old, linked to household cases.

Another case is a female, 20-30 years old, linked to a household positive case.

The weather stayed sunny for Halloween which kept little ghouls and goblins out and about. The Willapa Harbor Care Center in Raymond on October 31 hosted a socially-distanced, masked costume parade for the children of the care center staff members' children.

Accompanied by their parents, who are also care center staff members, costumed youngsters entertained care center residents. The children strolled around the outside of the facility so the care center residents could watch from their windows

SOUTH BEND - South Bend HS Athletic Director Jon Schray has taken over as head boys basketball coach for the Indians. Schray had successful seasons as the head coach of the Raymond HS girls basketball team. Schray informed the Herald of the decision to take the position Friday afternoon during a phone interview.

"My decision to take over the Boy's program was not an easy one," Schray said. "The reason I stepped down as head coach of the Raymond girl's program was all about my family at home.

HAVA was tipped off to an animal hoarding situation in Raymond on October 13. This case involved over a hundred animals. Rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese and more all trying to survive in cages while not receiving enough care to stay healthy.

"HAVA received an anonymous email reporting a hoarding/neglect situation," said HAVA Director Dee Roberts. "I reported it to the sheriff's office. Not long after I reported, I received a call back from Pacific County Dispatch asking for HAVA to respond as soon as possible.

The Willapa Harbor community once again responded with solid support for cancer victim Shannen Walker, who is undergoing chemotherapy. The Shannen Walker Fundraiser was conducted Saturday from 5-7 pm at New Life Fellowship in Raymond. The event was put on together by Heath Layman and Michelle Layman, and Shannen's family and friends, according to Michelle Layman.