Super student-athlete Olivia Matlock, a senior at Willapa Valley HS, signed a National Letter of Intent to study education and play softball for St. Martin's University in Lacey next fall. Matlock, who excels in the classroom and on the athletic field at pitcher, in the batter's box, and defensively at first base for the Pe Ell-Willapa Valley Titans, talked with the Herald about her decision to sign with the Saints.

Every child is taught to dial 911 in case of an emergency, but what happens if the county needs to get a hold of you during a natural disaster? This is where the Pacific County Hyper-Reach Reverse 911 System comes into play.

The hyper-reach system was developed and implemented as a way to make contact with people in large groups during an emergency like a tornado, or earthquake. Weather, potential evacuation, and take shelter emergency notification also use this method of communications. The system uses email, phone, text for the notifications.

SOUTH BEND - The Sixth Annual Derik Nissell Toy Drive is in high gear for the 2021 Christmas season offering kids the joyous surprise of receiving a brand new toy. The drive is named in honor of Derik Nissell, who passed away at a young age in 2016. This wonderful drive for new toys is directed by Joyce Kidd and Susie Weisel-Webber.

"Derik hated the idea of any child being without a gift on Christmas morning," said Kidd, his mother. "Derik's co-workers spoke at his memorial service about his dedication to their company toy drive. That planted the seed and his family and friends took it from there."

Kidd complimented all those who help make the drive a successful one. "We could not provide this service without the generosity of our community. We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors who help us in continuing to spread holiday cheer in memory of Derik.

SOUTH BEND - The two local police chiefs, Lucas Stigall of South Bend, and Chuck Spoor of Raymond offered their insights and information about domestic violence in their cities. The Herald asked the gentlemen a few questions in regard to the interview that took place with Crisis Support Network Executive Director Julie Jewell the past two publications concerning domestic violence in the two cities.

"As far as Domestic Violence goes, our numbers in South Bend have stayed about the same," Chief Stigall told the Herald. "We have not really seen a big surge in DV cases since Covid.

Raymond HS completed a wonderfully successful season by finishing fourth at the 2021 2B State Volleyball at the Yakima SunDome Friday afternoon under head coach Bob Swogger.

The Lady Seagulls lost a heartbreaking five-game match versus eventual runner up Walla Walla Academy Friday morning, and then dropped a match in three games against Manson for third place.

The US Third Fleet met with the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency to tour potential landing sites to use in case of a natural disaster.

On Tuesday, November 2, the US Third Fleet visited Pacific County and met with PCEMA Director McDougall and Grays Harbor DEM Deputy Director Hannah Cleverly.

Local photographer Marguerite Garth earns recognition from the 2021 International Photography Awards.

Like all violent crimes, serious crimes of any nature, drug abuse, domestic violence, etcetera, needs to be reduced significantly, and one way to start is with increased awareness and counseling for all parties involved. Domestic Violence Awareness needs to be ongoing.

Girl Scout Troop 41175 would like to thank the Raymond community for donating 741 items and $380 to our October COVID-Relief Food Drive for the North Pacific County Food Bank. Special thanks to local partnerships that made this a success: the Raymond School District for their student outreach and collection sites, Thriftway for allowing us to collect out front, Raymond Elks #1292 who donated over 200 lbs of food, and the Willapa Harbor Herald for helping spread the word. Wow and way to go Raymond community! The NPC Food Bank is open for donations every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is located at 1855 Park Ave. in Raymond. Items they always need are hamburger helper/skillet-in-a-box meals, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, canned milk, tinned meats and fish, and baby food.

Domestic violence is that ugly head that rears itself much too often. Domestic Violence Awareness Month concluded in October, but domestic violence awareness should be every day.

Julie Jewell is the executive director of Crisis Support Network (CSN). Jewell has been with CSN for approximately 2½ years. Prior to that, she worked for almost 25 years in child welfare, working for DSHS and DCYF. She has a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences. Jewell also has a background in mental health and counseling psychology in addition to her work in child welfare. She is a graduate of Willapa Valley HS.

Jewell was kind enough to offer her time to answer several questions by the Herald on educating people about the awareness of domestic violence, and hopefully, helping prevent it. Crisis Support Network provides 24-hour response to those experiencing domestic violence. The phone number is 800-435-7276.