Latest News in Long Beach, WA

Your trusted source for local Long Beach, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.

Sheriff's move to Google Cloud still stormy

A dispute is ongoing regarding the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office's choice to transfer its data to Google Cloud, discussed in a recent meeting with the Pacific County Commission. The sheriff's office has been testing a Google Suite storage plan tailored for public agencies, raising concerns about data management and security.

Flu activity surging locally, nationally

Flu activity in Pacific County has surged alarmingly, mirroring a nationwide increase, according to local health officials. Experts are calling this the worst flu season in recent memory, highlighting the critical need for vigilance in public health measures.

Alleged bird killer plea disclosed, includes possible 30 days in jail

James S. Travis is expected to plead guilty to charges of deliberately killing 21 seabirds at Klipsan Beach last summer, sparking outrage among local residents. The incident has raised questions about wildlife protection laws and the adequacy of penalties for such actions, with community members calling for stricter punishments.

OBH addresses ICE operation concerns

President Trump's executive order allowing ICE to operate in medical facilities has sparked concerns among healthcare providers and undocumented immigrants regarding access to medical care. The statement from a local hospital reflects the broader implications of this policy, which may deter individuals from seeking necessary emergency medical attention.

Sheriff vs County Agency severs records from county server

The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office is transferring all its files to a privately controlled Google Cloud service amidst escalating tensions with the Pacific County General Administration regarding “information leaks.” This move raises questions about the sheriff's ability to handle public records requests effectively, especially after the county commissioners removed jail management from the sheriff's office due to insurance concerns.

Attorneys Commission did not violate public meetings act South County News chinookobserver.com

Attorneys concluded that the Pacific County Commission did not violate the Washington Open Public Meetings Act, stating there was "no wrongdoing" in their proceedings. This determination comes amidst allegations from a local group raising concerns about transparency and adherence to public meeting regulations. The findings are significant for local governance and public trust in the region.

Time runs out on fatality reviews

A man died in the Pacific County Jail Services on October 7, 2024, yet an independent fatality review panel has not been convened within the mandated 120 days, raising concerns about accountability in in-custody deaths. Washington state law requires such investigations to ensure impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest, emphasizing the need for timely oversight. Another case from December 2022 also remains unresolved, highlighting systemic issues in the review process.

North county org wins state grant for down payment aid

The Willapa Community Development Association (WCDA) in Raymond, Washington, has successfully secured a $700,000 grant from the state's Housing Trust Fund Homeownership program to enhance affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families. This funding is part of a broader initiative where 17 projects across the state collectively received $17.95 million, benefiting 168 households.

Deadlines near for 2025's new laws

Washington State's 2025 legislative session is underway, with crucial deadlines approaching for bills proposed by the 19th District legislators. State Sen. Jeff Wilson and Reps. Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire have introduced 33 bills, with one already passed, highlighting the ongoing legislative activity that could significantly impact local governance.

Weather summary

Pacific County experienced a notably dry January, with Long Beach receiving only 5.31 inches of precipitation and Naselle recording 5.74 inches. The lack of rainfall on 16 days in Long Beach and 18 days in Naselle highlights potential concerns for local water resources and agriculture. This weather summary is crucial for residents and businesses in the region as they plan for upcoming months.

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