The South Bend Library has endured a hard year after being closed in August and then Timberland Regional Library proposed the consolidation between South Bend and Raymond Library in their "Capital Facilities Plan." A number of libraries were proposed for closure and consolidation as part of the plan, but residents and their respective cities would have none of it.

As first reported in September, Timberland officials came to a City of South Bend City Council Meeting to update the city and residents regarding the state of the library. They made it clear to everyone in attendance they had no plan to close the library and we're exploring options. Four days later, Timberland released the proposed plan and it contradicted much of the statements officials had previously said.

The hot topic at the December 3 Raymond City Council Meeting ended up being Ordinance 1883 which would changed the rules in the city regarding RV parks and campground use. Currently RV and camp users are allowed to only stay 30 days in a 6-month-period but has been unenforced. The commission has recommended allowing up to 90 days along with stipulations for new parks or campgrounds.

The ordinance was designed to meet the regulations of the Pacific County Health Department Ordinance #5 that provides regulations to safeguard public health for RV parks and campgrounds.

The Derik Nissell Toy Drive is now in its third year and continues not only his devotion to the toy drive, but also brings along his spirit for the holiday. His belief was, "each child should have a new toy to open on Christmas Day." The drive continues his belief thanks to the continuous devotion of many who feel the same and because of that donations continue to pour in.

Monday traffic in Pacific county got off to a slippery start with numerous crashes happening during the morning commute. Temperatures overnight dipped into the high 20's to low 30's that caused roadways to be covered with ice.

The Washington coast for the second time this year was under a tsunami alert after a strong 7.0 earthquake struck near Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, November 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency released their 2018 winter outlook in October. Most of the western United States is expected to see warmer than normal temperatures and a high likelihood of an El Nino phenomenon.

Several controversial initiatives passed by large margins during the November 6 general election. Two are expected to be challenged in lawsuits with lengthy court battles expected to ensue. Initiatives 940 and 1639 passed while 1631 was lone to fall short.

Initiative 940 now requires law enforcement agencies statewide to take specialized training in de-escalation to avoid deadly force encounters. Officers will be required to use "good faith" before they're able to justify using deadly force. The law will also require them to render aid to an injured suspect immediately.

Team Expectations are at a high premium for Willapa Valley boys basketball. The Vikings return experience, good shooting, pretty good speed and even some height. The opener is tonight at Tenoski Gym in Menlo versus rival Raymond. The Vikings then take to the road to Lacey Friday for another Pacific League encounter against Northwest Christian. Valley was 17-6 last season after losing a couple of heartbreaking games at district.

The Weyerhaeuser Raymond Lumber hosted local students for Manufacturing Day at the mill on November 15. The students were provided with detailed tours around the mill to learn about its operation. Enabling them to see from start to finish how lumber is made and the entire process involved. The Herald was invited along for the ride and it sure was an experience.