Other Headlines

Visitor center tiff in Elma
ELMA — In a contentious 22-minute special meeting Monday to consider again the purchase of a former gas station on West Main Street for a visitor center staffed by the Elma Chamber of Commerce, the Elma City Council covered a lot of ground.

Actually, it was sort of like plowing ground, with some tight jaws and a motion passing for the city to withdraw from the earnest money agreement it had with the owner.

The city entered into the 60-day agreement May 15 with Lee Yang “Kay” Soon, but at a heated meeting May 17, the council voted 3-2 against a motion Councilman Tom Boling put forth, twice, to purchase the property. Besides Boling, Councilman David Blackett favored the purchase; Councilmen Jim Sorensen, Harry Henneck and Jim Taylor voted no.

Elma schools consider new bond
ELMA — The Elma School District is considering a bond, which would replace its current bond, set to be retired in December. The new bond would not be a tax increase, as it would be either the same rate or lower than the current bond, according to Superintendent Howard King.

Through the past year a facilities committee examined needs in the district based on a comprehensive facilities report completed last September, and three major items were identified as topping a list of immediate needs, King said.

Elma FFA hands out yearly awards
ELMA — Elma FFA advisors Christi Kershaw, Dave Rutherford, Kendra Meek and Kari Toms announced this year’s recipients at the annual FFA Awards Banquet May 27 at Elma High School.

More Sports
East Grays Harbor 13s miss cut at district tourney
MORTON — Posting a 2-3 record in pool play, the East Grays Harbor 13-year-old Babe Ruth All-Star team missed out on a chance to enter the single elimination portion of the District III Tournament held last weekend at Morton. Mount St. Helens went on to claim the district title by topping Centralia 10-0 in the single elimination final. Mount St. Helens, Centralia and third-place South Thurston will all compete in the Southern Washington State Tournament next week at North Thurston High School.

Monte’s Muller nabs win at Mid-Season Championships
ELMA — As the Mid-Season Championships unfolded, it turned out that the pole position was the best ticket to victory at Grays Harbor Raceway on Saturday, July 10.

Four of the five main events were won from the top spot, including the Modified feature, won by Montesano’s Josh Muller.
Joining Muller in victory lane was Hobby Stock winner Zack Simpson of Hoquiam, who was the only driver to win after not earning the pole position — Simpson started in second.

Filling out the night’s winners was 360 Sprint winner Seth Bergman of Snohomish, Ford Focus Midget winner Reece Goetz, also of Snohomish and Olympia’s Rory Clevenger, who won the Hornet class feature.