SOUTH BEND - The spirit of giving is alive and well once again with the Derik Nissell Annual Christmas Toy House. It's not too late to donate new toys for Saturday's event taking place at the Raymond Eagles (215 N. 3rd St.) beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The toys are for all kids in north Pacific County up to the age of 18. There is no pre-registration needed to attend. You sign up when you arrive, and it's on a first come, first serve basis.

The Toy House celebration is named in honor of Derik Nissell, who passed away at a young age six years ago. This wonderful event is once again directed by Joyce Kidd, Derik's mother, and Susie Weisel-Webber, who work year-round to help make the event a success. Last year 321 children received toys. Parents can choose two toys per child and stocking stuffers are also available.

Mackenzie Kuiken, a student from South Bend, was crowned Sunday, November 13 as Miss Washington Teen USA.

SOUTH BEND - Pacific County Commissioner Frank Wolfe has been forced to resign his position as commissioner effective December 31 because of Lyme disease. Wolfe, who was re-elected in 2020, has two years remaining on his term.

According to the AMA, Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. The disease causes a rash, often in a bull's-eye pattern, and flu-like symptoms. Joint pain and weakness in the limbs also can occur. Most people with Lyme disease recover completely with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

CHINOOK - Local firefighters are fighting off an intense "wildfire near Chinook," according to Director of the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency Scott McDougall. As of Monday morning, there were no closures in place and there were no evacuations. The Chinook Fire is approximately 139 acres with potential for growth with Containment at 43 percent. There is also a smaller fire, the Brix Fire, which is 8.5 acres and is "in patrol status."

BROOKLYN - An 80-year-old man was shot in the arm in the Brooklyn area northeast of Pacific County by a hunter hunting elk in the nearby area. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. At press time (Monday), no charges had been filed.

According to Region 6 Enforcement Captain Dan Chadwick of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program, "WDFW Officers along with Pacific County Deputies were alerted to an incident that involved a man being shot at his residence." The man "was injured in the arm by a bullet while he was working on a vehicle in his yard." He "received medical treatment for his wound and was released from the hospital later that day."

SOUTH BEND - Raymond multiple murderer Michelle L. Knotek was released from the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCFW) in Gig Harbor early afternoon last Tuesday. The Herald was informed by the Washington Department of Corrections at 1:40 p.m. (Nov. 8) "that there has been a change in the custody status of the offender Michelle Knotek. This offender has been released from custody as of November 8, 2022."

On Monday morning, Department of Communications Director Chris Wright told the Herald by phone, "I can confirm that Ms. Knotek was released on November 8."

SOUTH BEND - At Monday's press time, there were still 2,386 estimated ballots left to count in the November 8 General Election, according to the Pacific County auditor's office. The next county ballot count for the 41 precincts was conducted late afternoon Monday. With 319,925 ballots left to be processed statewide, the next vote count was to be tabulated at noon Monday.

Emily Walker, Pacific County Assessor Bruce Walker's wife, is fighting multiple Myeloma cancer and is getting ready to go in for a stem cell transplant. This means that Emily will have to stay in the hospital and both Bruce and Emily will be living near the hospital for up to 3 months.

A special lunch is being served on November 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Treasurer's Office in the Pacific County Courthouse located at 300 Memorial Drive in South Bend.

Veterans Day is this Friday, November 11 and there are some free meals available to our vets.

Veterans Day is a tribute to military veterans who have served in the US Arms Forces, those still alive and those killed in our country's wars. This observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War 1 and was known at that time as Armistice Day. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia. Arlington Cemetery is a cemetery like none other.