Summer Reading Recommendations

By BRIANNA FOX

Ever find yourself bored out of your mind with nothing to do during the summer? Looking to pick up a new hobby? Well fear no more, because I have a list of books to keep your mind busy.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey:

Rick Yancey’s, The 5th Wave is for readers that love a story with a paranormal twist. In this book, the Earth is invaded by aliens, known as “the Others.” It’s told from the perspective of sixteen-year-old, Cassie Sullivan. She loses her family due to the waves of alien attacks, all except for her younger brother, Sam. Cassie sets out to find him at Camp Ashpit, the place where every surviving child is sent. This book is a great read for anyone who likes a new twist on stories about aliens invading the Earth.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater:

Maggie Stiefvater's, Shiver is a different take on the supernatural world of werewolves. When Grace was a little girl, she was attacked by wolves. She would have died if one of the wolves hadn’t saved her, and from then on, he became her guardian , always watching over her. As Grace grows older, she realizes that the wolves in the forest behind her house aren’t just ordinary wolves. Now Grace has to convince the people of Mercy Falls not to hunt the wolves after a boy, Jack is killed by the wolves. This book is great for anyone who enjoys reading books about werewolves and is a refreshing new take on that subject.

Chasing Forever Down by Nikki Godwin:

Nikki Godwin’s, Chasing Forever Down is a great for those that enjoy books about romance and chasing your dreams. When seventeen-year-old Haley Sullivan meets a mysterious stranger, she doesn’t know he will end up changing her life forever. They have a fun night together, and then he disappears without a trace. Haley is determined to find him, but comes to find out from a local newspaper, that he’s been dead for years. However, Haley doubts he is  dead and sets out on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, Linz. They find themselves in Crescent Cove, California where the mysterious stranger is professional surfer, Colby Taylor. Don’t miss out on this light-hearted read that with leave you wanting more.

Time for a Change: School District Pushes for a Bond to Upgrade Schools

by BRIANNA FOX

Thursday, April 7th Milton-Freewater held a bond rally at The Gathering Place in front of McLoughlin High School, at which the community could ask questions and find out why they should vote yes for the school bond. There was a huge turnout of teachers, students, and parents from the M-F school district and surrounding school districts to show their support for the bond. It has become so important to the community that seniors of Mac-Hi are urging the community to vote yes for the bond. High school senior and moderator for the rally, Jenny Field stated, “Being a part of the softball team for 4 years, I know how important it is to make sure the athletics programs are supported.”

Milton-Freewater City Manager, Linda Hall urged students to spread the word about the bond. “People moving to a new city look for schools, infrastructure, and recreation. We have the infrastructure and recreation, and this will help make our schools great.” She urged students interested in helping to talk to their families, neighbors,  and people at church. “You are the future. Don’t throw away $19 million. That’s pretty easy math,” Hall said. This is an opportunity that doesn’t just happen every day and to let it go to waste is a shame.

The $12.5 million school bond will help make a huge difference in the Milton-Freewater community. If the community votes yes on passing the bond, it would qualify the district for the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation Grant of $15 million and $4 million from the state of Oregon.

If passed, the district plans to build a new K-3 elementary school to be named Gib Olinger Elementary School, after a former civic stalwart of the Milton-Freewater community. They plan to build the school on the old cannery lot and will be demolishing the old warehouse located on the lot. The building will take energy efficiency into account to keep it environmentally friendly. A gymnasium will be built that will include a full size wood floor, sparse seating, and locker rooms. Outside, there will be playing fields, restrooms, and a concession building.

Both the Freewater and Grove campuses will be vacated. Grove will be developed into a sports complex. It will include two regulation soccer fields, measured walking/jogging path, parking, seating, concessions, and restrooms. It is still unclear what will be done with the Freewater Campus.

Ferndale is set to become a grade 4-5 facility and money will be allocated to upgrade technology and make repairs to the building. Money will also be allocated to Mac-Hi and Central to upgrade the HVAC system.

If you will be 18 by May 17, don’t forget to register to vote before April 26, so you can vote yes on the May 17 ballot for Milton-Freewater schools. Help make a difference in the community before the chance is gone.

It’s a Sadie’s Slumber Party!

by BRIANNA FOX

Ever wanted to party the night away in your pajamas? Well now’s your chance because it’s time for Varsity Club's annual Sadie Hawkins dance, and this years theme is a slumber party. For years, they have been using the dance as a way to raise money for scholarship funds. So pick out your best pajamas to party in and bring that special someone to enjoy the night with. While Sadie’s is usually a girl-asks-boy dance, you shouldn’t be discouraged if you don’t have a date and you shouldn’t let it make you miss out on all the fun. Couples are $5 and singles are $3. Also, don’t miss getting your picture taken to save the memories. You can get a great deal of two 5x7 pictures for $5. Make sure to join the fun on Thursday, March 3rd from 8-11 p.m.!

Make a Difference Today!

by BRIANNA FOX

Is the seemingly never ending paperwork before your blood donation getting you down? Well, fear no more because there is a new option called RapidPass that has made your blood donation experience even easier. RapidPass allows you to enter your information online without having to leave the comfort of your home and reduces the blood donation process by fifteen minutes. RapidPass allows blood drives to collect more blood donations to save even more lives in the same amount of time. Next time you decide to donate blood take a look into RapidPass, because it’s worth it for a quick and easy donation.

If you missed the last blood drive held on January 25th, 2016 in the cafeteria, or you’ve never donated blood before, here are some helpful tips you should know:

• Must be at least 16 years old with your parents consent.

• You must weigh at least 110 pounds or more depending

on your height.

• Be in generally good health.
• Bring your blood donors card or another form of ID.

Keep in mind there are more ways you can make your blood donation even easier:

• Make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids before donating blood.
• Be sure to maintain a healthy level of iron.
• If you are taking any medication make sure to bring a list of them.
• Bring a friend to keep you company throughout the process.
• Wear something comfortable
• And finally, relax!

Now that you have all of the information to prepare you for donating blood you are ready to begin your blood donation journey. Make sure to look out for the next blood drive in April!