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Teacher resignation cites 'extreme' health toll
Another Elma High School staff member has resigned, saying the relationship problems among the staff there have taken an "extreme toll" on her health. The resignation, effective Aug. 31, of science teacher Sally Wright, 52, who was also the district's only "Teacher on Special Assignment" - a sort of teaching coach - was accepted without comment by the Elma School Board at its meeting Tuesday evening. The school's principal, Debbie Parriott, and assistant principal, Tyson Vogeler, resigned just before the end of school year, citing the extreme tensions between the staff as detrimental to their health to the degree they could no longer work there.

Police investigating rash of burglaries in Elma and McCleary
A burglar or burglars apparently shinnied up a downspout at the McCleary School and gained entrance to the school through a second-story window sometime last Sunday night. Evidently, little was stolen, though about half the staff has been on vacation and haven't been able to check what might be missing from their rooms, said Superintendent/Principal Dan Bolender. Meantime, Elma Police Chief Jeff Troumbley said Tuesday that his town has been hit with a rash of burglaries since June 15, including at two Elma schools. Whether the incidents in both cities are related wasn't known at that time.

Chief urges residents to be 'safe and sane' this Fourth of July
Fireworks stands open at noon today, June 28, setting off nearly a week of what public safety officials hope is a "safe and sane" Independence Day celebration. "We want people to have fun, but please, please be safe," Montesano Fire Chief Ken Walkington said. There are no special restrictions in Montesano other than what is allowed under state law. It is legal to use fireworks in the city through midnight Wednesday, July 4, but only those "state legal" fireworks that are approved for retail sale . "Be legal. Be safe and use common sense," Walkington said.

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Monte Parks & Rec. has the cure for the summer-time blues
With schools out for summer, many local youth find themselves with some extra time on their hands, and if they are having trouble filling the day ­ the Montesano Parks & Recreation Department has the solution. Over the course of this summer the city is hosting a day camp and several field trips clear through August. For more information on any of the summer programs, contact Mike Bruner at 249-3021 ext. 112.

McCleary's Basler makes World Bowl appearance
FRANKFURT, Germany ­ Former Elma High School football standout and Washington State University punter, Kyle Basler, just wrapped up the 2007 NFL Europa League season with a trip to the league's championship contest ­ the World Bowl XV. Basler, playing for the Frankfurt Galaxy, uncorked a 51-yard punt in the third quarter, and was the holder for four successful extra-point attempts and one missed field goal in the Galaxy's, 37-28, loss to the Hamburg Sea Devils.

'Run From the Bears' races set for July 14
McCLEARY ­ The McCleary Bear Festival "Run From the Bears" races are set for Saturday, July 14. A 10-kilometer run, a 2-mile run and a 2-mile walk are all part of the program.
Registration will be held at the VFW Hall, near the city park and begin at 7:45 a.m. Races are set to begin at 9 a.m. For more info contact Kathy Huber at (360) 482-3497.

Bridge to Bridge' walk planned for River Festival
Did you know that health experts recommend that everyone take 10,000 steps throughout the day? How many do you take? As part of Hoquiam's River Festival, the Grays Harbor Public Health Department is holding the Bridge to Bridge Walk for Health on Saturday, July 14. Sign-ups begin before the walk at the 8th Street Landing. Walking begins at 9 a.m. There is no fee to participate, and the walk is open to all ages. This is not a race, just an opportunity for healthy fun.

Youth golf clinic set at Oaksridge Golf Course
ELMA ­ The Annual Oaksridge Junior Golf Clinic is set to run from 9-11 a.m., on July 9-13 at the Oaksridge Golf Course in Elma. This clinic is open to all junior golfers ages 7-17. There is a $20 cost to participate per player, with a discount available for families. To obtain more information or to register, call the pro shop at 482-3511.

Ken Griffey Jr. back in a Mariner's uniform? I'd bet on it
Opinion by Vidette reporter Jerrad Kellogg: I am usually one to leave well enough alone. But after calling for no more than a warm reception for Ken Griffey Jr. at the June 22, Mariner's game, and then watching the love-fest that ensued ­ a three-and-a-half minute standing ovation reminiscent of a conqueror's welcome that all but disregarded the fact that there was still a game to be played ­ I wondered what could be going through this man's mind?