YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 15, No. 49
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Liberty claims historic victory Lions clinch first NCS D1 title
December 8, 2017
Joy To The Season
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The Liberty football team entered the North Coast Section (NCS) Division 1 championship game knowing they could be the first squad in the school’s 115-year history to win a section crown. And the Lions didn’t let the opportunity pass them by. Liberty (11-2) rolled to a 37-0 victory, securing the school its first section championship. “This town is so thick with alumni who care about our school, and this one is for them,” said first-year Liberty head coach Ryan Partridge. The Lions dominated Freedom (9-3) on both sides of the ball, building a 427-39 totalyard advantage by the game’s end and leaving see Victory page 26A
Ring in the holidays with friends, family, great food, shopping and more. Page 1B
Offering A Helping Hand Photo by Tony Kukulich
Liberty head coach Ryan Partridge celebrates after Liberty defeated Freedom 37-0 Saturday night to win the North Coast Section Division 1 championship.
Community icon leaves Knightsen district by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent
Press file photo
Seen at right receiving the 2014 Woman of the Year award for the 11th Assembly District, Lill Pierce is leaving her longtime post at the Knightsen Elementary School District to focus on her work in the community.
Lill Pierce, who has spent her life living and working in East County, will soon leave her job at the Knightsen Elementary School District (KESD) to spend more time on community service. “I loved working in the district office,” Pierce said. “I really enjoyed working at Knightsen school; I always enjoyed working with the people there. I’ll keep helping them out until they hire someone to replace me.” Pierce served as secretary to the current superintendent, Theresa Estrada, and Estrada’s predecessor, Vickey Rinehart, since 2001. It was during Rinehart’s tenure that Pierce was hired. “When I first hired (Pierce), she was hired as a part-time superintendent secretary,” Rhine-
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hart recalled. “She would adjust her schedule to help me out. At the time, I was not only superintendent but also principal of Knightsen School. So she would come to work at 5 and stay till 9 to help me. This allowed me to be with my kids and help my staff. It was really quite amazing.” Rhinehart recalled that Pierce was always a positive presence in the office, working hard and encouraging others. “I don’t think she realized the impact that she had,” Rhinehart said. “She didn’t work directly with children, but all the work she did supported everybody in the district. When you have the support of someone who is highly intelligent and dependable, it makes a world of difference. She is one of those see Icon page 26A
Ag Training
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State Department of Food and Agriculture embarks on new food safety training.
Community members rally around local family struck by tragedy. Page 5A
One For The Record Books
Heritage boys’ basketball team wins McKinleyville tournament for fifth year in a row. Page 19 A Calendar............................. 27A Classifieds.......................... 23A Cop Logs............................. 25A Entertainment.................. 10A Food..................................... 11A Health & Beauty............... 12A Opinion............................... 18A Pets...................................... 16A Sports.................................. 19A
Study Abroad
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Students have opportunity to study abroad with local exchange program.