Other Headlines

Utility rates for Monte residents rise this month
MONTESANO — Time to break out the checkbooks, Montesanans. In case you haven’t read the purple sheet attached to this month’s bill, utility rates are going up.

The new rates take effect Jan. 15 and will show up on the Feb. 26 bill Water rates: up 2.5 percent. Sewer rates: up $5 to $24.39. Stormwater charge: Up 6 cents to $2.43. Ambulance fee: up $1.20 to $12.12.

Detailed rate lists are available at city hall.

Additionally, the city will no longer be billing for garbage collection. LeMay Enterprises will continue to provide the same mandatory service, but now the company will send the bill directly.
The city council raised the tax on the gross revenue on garbage collection by 1 percent to 6 percent; the increase likely will be passed to residents. Those with every other week garbage collection will see an 18-cent increase. The first garbage bill should arrive Jan. 21.

Economy dominates
ABERDEEN — There are three things on the minds of state legislators this year: budget, budget and budget.

Members of Washington’s Coastal Caucus — representing the state’s coastal communities — spoke in Aberdeen on Tuesday at the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s legislative send-off. The impending budget crisis is foremost on lawmakers’ minds.

“Things have gotten worse in Washington state,” said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.

Months after balancing the biennial budget last spring, another budget gap developed as state revenues again plummeted due to weak consumer spending and state costs that rose from higher demand for unemployment benefits, health care and public education. Today the state is facing a $2.6 billion deficit, Kessler said.

Elma welcomes new members, fire chief
ELMA — Elma’s two new councilmen, Tom Boling and David Blackett, were sworn in just before the Elma City Council meeting Monday, Jan. 4. Both won their council seats in the November general election.

Councilmen Jim Taylor and Jim Sorensen were also present. Harry Henneck was absent.

During the meeting, the council confirmed Wes Jhanson as the city’s new fire chief. Boling resigned as chief after being elected to the city council to avoid possible conflicts of interest. In December, members of the Elma Fire Department elected Jhanson as their new chief. But the choice must be confirmed by the council.


More Sports

Elma girls topple Monte, 67-19
Colard leads the way with 21 points, while Thomas and Meister hit for 16 each
ELMA — It was a tall order for Class 1A Montesano — to face a very formidable 2A squad, and have it be long-time rival Elma on their home court. The Bulldogs fought valiantly in the opening minutes and were within four points heading into the second quarter, however, the Eagles found their rhythm over the next three periods and ran away with a 67-19 non-league girls basketball victory over Monte on Monday, Jan. 4, at Elma’s High School Gymnasium.

Eagle boys rally to nip W. Valley (Yakima)

YAKIMA — A solidly played fourth quarter kept West Valley of Yakima at arm’s length as Elma took advantage of late opportunities to score a 66-61 2A non-league boys basketball victory on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Yakima.

Four titles pace Eagles at home tournament
ELMA — Behind the strength of four individual title winners, Elma earned enough points to take second place at its Best of the Nest wrestling tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Elma’s High School Gymnasium.