Other Headlines

Cuts at bus garage fuel speculation
Nearly two weeks after announcing it was not renewing the contract of its transportation supervisor, the Montesano School District has begun exploring ways to "co-op" with neighboring school districts for transportation and bus mechanic services. On Tuesday, Montesano Superintendent Marti Harruff met with Elma officials. Afterward, she said both sides had committed to developing a cooperative transportation system and negotiations are now officially under way. She said the cuts she's putting into place now total about $200,000 of the $290,000 goal. Montesano has lost 83 students since this time last year. The cuts at the bus garage are only the latest in a series. In May, six reduction in force letters were sent to teachers. Administrators are foregoing pay raises. The Montesano School Board meets at 7 tonight, May 24, and it's expected the cuts will be outlined.

Elma School Board nixes boundary change
The Elma School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to "disapprove" a boundary change with the McCleary School District in an area mostly north of McCleary that is currently part of the Elma School District. The two districts, including superintendents and some school board members, have tried to negotiate but were not successful in coming to an agreement. The primary concern for Elma in the discussions was "our taxpayers," Elma's superintendent, Howard King, said. McCleary's superintendent, Dan Bolender, says his district is considering what the parents of students in that area want to see happen. A petition dated Jan. 26, 2007, and signed by 147 people who said they are registered voters living in the "boundary area" requests that Educational Service District 113 approve a boundary change so the area will become part of the McCleary School District.

Elma City Council gives go-ahead on annexation
The Elma City Council voted 4-1 to approve the annexation of 38 acres north of town, off Garden Hill Road at the end of Edgewood Ave., after a public hearing Monday night.
A 93-home development on Strawberry Hill - Valley View Heights - has been planned by developer Terry Graham of Elma and the estate of Phillip Roderick, though the number of lots now depends on the city. Roderick died in December as the result of a vehicle collision.

More Sports

Monte fastpitch earns trip to state
CENTRALIA ­ After opening with a first-round, 4-0, shut-out of Rochester, Montesano fell to the reigning Class 1A state champions Onalaska, 4-1, on Wednesday, May 16, the first day of the Southwest Washington District IV 1A Fastpitch Tournament at Centralia's Fort Borst Park.

Hoquiam's Simpson notches back-to-back victories at Raceway
ELMA ­ Rainy conditions could not dampen the spirits at Grays Harbor Raceway last weekend. Following a 30-minute rain-delay, Hoquiam's Zack Simpson collected his second feature win in as many weeks, while Yakima's Blair Shoemaker, Raymond's Glenn Borden Jr. and the driving team of Zeb and Tom Conrad each notched their first main event victories of the young season on Saturday, May 19, in Elma.

Montesano baseball knocked out of state
CASTLE ROCK ­ Chimacum came out on top of a shootout with Montesano, 10-6, in the first round of the Region II Class 1A Baseball Tournament on Saturday, May 19, at Castle Rock. The fireworks began early in this one as Chimacum's Eli Geraldi launched a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Cowboy hitters followed that up with three straight base hits to make it 4-0 heading into the second inning.