The U.S. Coast Guard anticipates an increased number of recreational boaters throughout Puget Sound, the Columbia River and along the coasts of Oregon and Washington during Labor Day weekend, and is urging boaters to take proper safety precautions.

To promote a safe and enjoyable weekend for members of the boating community, U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and local marine law enforcement boatcrews will be on patrol conducting safety checks on the water; focusing on boaters who are operating their vessel in an unsafe manner or appear to be operating their vessels while intoxicated.

Boaters, personal watercraft operators, paddlers and surfers need to be aware of their surroundings, and are reminded to continuously monitor weather forecasts. Weather conditions can change instantaneously throughout Puget Sound and the lower Columbia River region, where rapidly forming fog, strong currents, wind and tide changes can create hazardous conditions for boaters.

A reminder to everyone that school is starting again. Rochester School District began classes this week and the districts in the rest of the county begin after Labor Day. Keep a close eye out for kids walking and riding bikes to school.
Pay particular attention in school zones, and remember that traffic fines double in posted school zones. Many school zones are marked by signs that limit speed to 20 mph "when flashing" while others limit that same speed "when children are present". Make sure you abide by these limits and help ensure that our children remain safe.
Crossing guards are also present at many school zones and it is imperative, and required by law, that motorists follow the directions of these crossing guards.
The bottom line, be aware and safe as you drive throughout the county and particularly in and around schools and school zones.
Drive safe!

The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you to be especially cautious in and around our neighboring schools and as a part of our effort to educate the public, motorists are reminded:

•To be aware of the posted school zone speed limits in and around our schools.

•Pedestrians must use the designated crosswalks when crossing the street and bicyclists must obey the rules of the road which include; using designated bicycle lanes, traveling the same direction as traffic, and obeying all posted stop signs and signals. In addition, all bicyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

•Motorists must obey the direction of school crossing guards.

•Motorists are required to stop for flashing red lights on school buses unless traveling the opposite direction on a divided or multilane highway.

Parents and students are encouraged to allow extra time dropping off or picking up students. The increase in traffic and those persons unfamiliar with pick up and drop off procedures are likely to cause unsafe issues.

The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office takes a proactive approach to keeping county residents and visitors safe by enforcement and education of traffic laws, pedestrian laws, and bicycle laws. We wish each and every student and faculty member returning to the Willapa Valley, Raymond, South Bend, North River, Ocean Beach and Naselle Grays River school districts good fortune and a fun filled school year.

Seashore Ceramic’s Café is proud to host “Paint for Tyson Day” on Sunday September 2nd from 10am to 6pm. Half of all proceeds from “Paint for Tyson Day” will go to Angel Service Dogs Inc to help raise money for a special peanut detection service dog for a local boy who suffers from a life threatening allergy to peanuts & peanut products. Seashore Ceramics Café is located at 698 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, in the same building as Subway & The Barron’s Wine Shop. You can follow the journey to raise the $20,000 it costs to get this special service dog on facebook at www.facebook.com/tysonsallergyalertdogfund . If you can’t make it to “Paint for Tyson Day”, but wish to make a donation please visit www.angelservicedogs.com/donate and click on the Cassie for Tyson campaign, where you will find this young mans story. Please designate your donation as Cassie for Tyson.

Hey parents! Ready to drop a TON OF FUN right into your child’s summer?
Then MEGA Sports Camp is right for you!
The free, week-long day camp is set for the mornings of July 30-Aug. 3 at Grays Harbor Foursquare Church in Central Park for children who have finished first through sixth grade.
“We want to give kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun,” says Pastor Jeremy Grove.
At MEGA Sports Camp, kids can choose between fast pitch, soccer, baseball, basketball or cheerleading.
“It doesn’t matter if they’ve played all their life or just started yesterday, MEGA Sports Camp will help kids improve their skills. All sorts of drills and practice games will get kids focused on the fundamentals that make athletes great. Plus, it will be a positive and encouraging environment that pumps up their confidence and self-esteem,” Grove said.
Between Sports Sessions, coaches lead in songs, tell stories, and teach object lessons that help character-building themes take hold in kids’ hearts. And most importantly, kids will discover God’s great love for them.
So come on over, everyone is welcome! You can register now or find out more by calling the church office @ 360-538-0111, by visiting our Facebook page @ facebook.com/graysharbor or by visiting our website: www.ghfoursquare.com The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 30-Aug. 3.