The Herald reached out to Willapa Harbor Hospital Chief Executive Officer/Administrator Matthew Kempton, MHA, about the Coronavirus Pandemic that is surrounding the world. As of Friday, 24 of 39 Washington counties had reported cases of the virus; however, Pacific County was not one of them.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, we've all seen pictures of long lines at grocery stores and carts overloaded with toilet paper. Is your store experiencing "panic" buying? What items have been selling out?

Rick responded emphatically that "yes" Pioneer Grocery is definitely experiencing panic buying. People are buying large quantities of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, disinfection wipes and other paper products. Staple food items such as rice, beans, potatoes and canned goods have been hard to keep in stock. Bakeries aren't able to keep up with the demand for bread.

SOUTH BEND - Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed a State of Emergency for all counties throughout the state as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All schools in Washington were closed effective yesterday until April 27. Sunday night, Gov. Inslee added more protections against COVID-19. (See story page 1). As of Monday morning in the USA, 30 million students are staying home because 33 states have been forced to close schools.

Washington was touched by a brief artic front over last weekend. On Saturday snow actually accumulated in higher elevations. Hopefully it is the last gasp of winter weather.

Every third Thursday, the Adventist Community Services host a free meal at their Soup Kitchen at 1134 Crescent Street in Raymond. The next meal will be on Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They invite anyone who needs a hot meal to come and enjoy.

Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and the best care is to stay at home and rest. ~ Deputy Health Officer Dr. Steven Krager

COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, began in China and has now spread throughout the world, including to several counties in Washington.

Valley students Ella Petit, Aaron Wilson, Aubree Triplet, Merisa Frasier, Alyssa Brock, Emily Wilson, and Aubriella Burk serve Teachers Appreciation Breakfast during FFA Week. Valley also had a state officer visit, milk chugging contest, lasso roping contest and an ice cream social during FFA Week.

"We can't incarcerate our way to a safer community. Our best investment is in early childhood education."
~ Chuck Spoor

Given the number of Spoors in the community, I assume that you grew up here. Who are you related to? Where did you go to high school? And who is in your immediate family?

I grew up in South Bend and graduated from South Bend High School in 1988.

A Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation provided $250 to purchase all of the food pictured here for the Legacy Food Bank in South Bend. Sherry Aust and Barbara Bennett did the shopping, packing cases of soup, canned corn, creamed corn, green beans and beets into their vehicle, along with boxes of cereal, macaroni and cheese and packages of hot dogs.

SOUTH BEND - The Willapa Harbor Hospital has purchased Willapa Family Medicine from Dr. Steven F. Hill, DO.

"Things will be the same as always except we've added a nurse practitioner and we will be open five days a week now," Dr. Hill told the Herald Friday morning. "There are now two providers in the office."

Added to the staff is Barbara Ann Alford, ARNP, who received her training from Indiana Wesleyan University and Wichita State University.