Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
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Recently, I interviewed Sheriff John Mason of Wahkiakum county for our fifth installment of Reader’s Fave, a casual talk with someone who shares their favorite book. As we chatted, John shared that as a young boy he enjoyed watching an animated T.V. series which was an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, The Hobbit. However, at the time, he didn’t have any idea about the book upon which the series was built. During these younger years, John also liked going to movies and watching various fantas...
Cathlamet City Council meetings have been available via Zoom and, until recently, on YouTube following the proceedings. During the March 3 session, Mayor David Olson, Cathlamet City Councilmembers and the public discussed the possibility of bringing the sessions back up on YouTube. Citing a prepared address to begin the topic, Mayor Olson said, "The recording and archiving of video recordings at Town Council has never been an official Town's means of communication to which citizens are entitled... No other governing body of Wahkiakum County mai...
Gary Raymond Tischer (GTO Gary), 81 passed away February 28, 2025, at Chaplaincy Hospice Kennewick, WA. With his family by his side. Gary was born October 11th, 1943, in Breckenridge Minnesota to Raymond and Artyce Tischer- Quigley Gary graduated from Naselle High School class of 1962; he then joined the US Air Force Reserves. He married Sharon Bunn June 4th, 1966, in Skamokawa WA. She preceded him in death in 2004. Also preceding were his brother John, sister Janine, nephew Jeff Pummell and...
Hello from your Sheriff! We certainly had a wild and windy day last week. The Sheriff’s Office, including myself, Undersheriff Howell and Deputy Getman, and the Washington State Patrol Naselle detachment were out and about assisting our great PUD with traffic control for the majority of dayshift on Tuesday March 25th. Trees blown down from the storm took out power lines and blocked roadways in multiple locations. The response from the PUD, local Public Works, and DOT was much appreciated as many of them worked tirelessly to restore power and c...
To The Eagle, I am happy to respond to Mr. Keith Johnson’s letter about Town of Cathlamet finances published in the Feb. 27 edition of The Eagle. Regarding Town finances, I am proud to report that the Town of Cathlamet has a balanced budget and more than $3 million in the bank. Any other allegation about Town finances is likely a result of misunderstanding of information presented at Town Council meetings and/or misrepresentation on social media. However, the Town’s current financial health cannot continue and will be severely challenged if...
February 24 9:38 a.m. Eden Valley Road was closed due to high water. 10:54 p.m. A caller requested a welfare check on their elderly relative on Puget Island whom they had not been in contact with for more than four weeks. Deputies made contact with the elderly resident who did not appear to be in any distress. 11:19 a.m. A caller on W SR 4 near Wold Rd. in Skamokawa reported an eight-inch hole they believed highway workers left because they were concerned it could create a sinkhole. Traffic Management arrived on the scene and was taking care...
WILD AND MISERABLE. After I turned in my column last week, the storm that we were expecting definitely showed up and boy did it ever pack a wallop. For many, there was plenty of wind and rain, but you didn't get the brunt of it like most of us did that were west of Cathlamet, as a major power line lead came down and kept a good chunk of us without power for twelve hours. This is one of those times when you get to test out just how prepared you are for a situation like this. We have been warned repeatedly to "be ready" but are we really? Being...
I recently interviewed Ken Johnson of Wahkiakum West for our fourth installment of Reader's Fave. This casual chat allows a community member to talk about their favorite book and share what they like about it. Ken shared that, as a boy, he'd read books such as the Hardy Boys series. However, he had never read a long novel, preferring works that immerse the reader in the book and its mood. Ken remembers that it must have been around eighth grade in Ohio when his older brother introduced him to...
Last fall, The Eagle released "Emergency Preparedness in Wahkiakum County," a four-part series of articles written by local resident Shirley Rheault and DEM (Department of Emergency Management) Coordinator Austin Smith. From preparing a last-minute evacuation list to being "two weeks ready," these articles provided tips for individuals and families in the event of a major emergency. At the request of District 2 County Commissioner Dan Cothren, Rheault and Smith made a presentation during the...
Recently, I interviewed Stephanie Leitz of Puget Island for our third installment of Reader's Fave. This is a casual talk with someone who shares their favorite book. Right at the start, Stephanie said, "Picking a favorite book is really difficult for me as I love whatever I am reading." This quickly became apparent. However, Stephanie did share that her recent favorite book was "The Women" by Kristin Hannah, a book about the women nurses serving during the Vietnam war. Incidentally, this book...
To The Eagle, I recently sent emails to elected officials of the City of Cathlamet and none of them bothered to respond. It was a simple question regarding recents news that the town of Cathlamet is facing serious financial problems. We have elected officials serving in a place of leadership who are unable or unwilling to respond to its constituents, or even tackle problems head on. The question I pose is what are they doing in office? I thinks it’s time we set a new direction for Cathlamet and gets these officials out. Keith Johnson C...
I am excited to be sharing a series of articles over the coming months that will highlight public servants and the wide range of services available in Wahkiakum County. I will start with the Department of Health and Human Services, as they play a crucial role in our community by offering a comprehensive set of services. By showcasing their work, I hope to increase awareness and appreciation for the important contributions they make to our county. Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the office at Johnson Park opens its doors to the public,...
Earlier this month, the Wahkiakum County Eagle welcomed author Kirk McKnight on as the newspaper's editor. McKnight has spent the last three years working as staff writer, associate editor and, ultimately, editor for The Wickenburg Sun, a weekly newspaper in southwest Arizona. "It's definitely a climate shift for my family and me," said McKnight. "Back in Arizona, when you see a puddle, you immediately assume something's leaking. The amount of rain I've seen since moving here, I told my family back in Las Vegas I wondered if the Columbia River...
WET ENOUGH. By the time you read this, I am hoping we are still afloat and drying out a bit. Man, oh man, has it been pouring or what? The ole atmospheric river started in on us on Saturday, Feb. 22 but it is supposed to quit long before you read this. I sure hope it does because this is miserable. By the time you get this paper, we are supposed to be dry for a couple of days, and that sure would allow my webbed feet to dry out a spell. At any rate, I hope we didn’t sustain too much damage from flooding, slides or any other bad thing that could...
February 17, 7:34 p.m. The Grays River Ambulance responded to a call for an Elderly Grays River resident who fell. 8:55 p.m. A caller on SR4 near the county line called to report that a fallen tree was blocking both lanes. February 18, 7:38 p.m. There was water reported over the roadway in three different places on Eden Valley Rd. Signs being put in place by authorities. 3:31 p.m. Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of vandalism at the Elochoman Slough Marina; someone had broken into the facilities and damaged the shower door. 4:31 p.m. A...
Welcome to this week’s rendition of The Eagle Outdoors. A lot to cover this week, but first, I want to thank all of you who have commented on the column and how much they enjoy it. The feedback is taken to heart, greatly appreciated and helps on several fronts, the least of which isn’t to make The Eagles Outdoors. I tip my hat to y’all for taking the time to read, reply and, at least to this point, not toilet papering my home in response to something I’ve said. Outdoor News By now, many of you avid anglers will already have heard the news as...
Friday, Feb 28, is Free Cookie Day from 2 to 5 p.m. at the library. Just drop in and grab yourself a cookie or two. Enjoy eating your cookie while working on the jigsaw puzzle or one of our ongoing craft activities. Maybe even chit-chat with a pataron while you enjoy the cookie. We look forward to seeing you this Friday. Wednesday, March 5, from 10:30 – 11 a.m. is Story Time. This is a special 30 minutes where young ones can enjoy someone reading aloud to them. We’ve had strong interest recently, with many enjoying this time in the lib...
A most amazing journey started with a simple question at a regular meeting of the Pioneer Community Associations Board of Directors. Why are those names on that plaque? What's the story? The beautiful wood plaque that hangs on the northwest wall of the lower-level Cochran-Takko Pioneer Room reads, "In appreciation for the early restoration efforts of Eric Feasey, Rex West, Mitch Doumit, Jane Goodfellow." This plaque was presented by Carolyn Feasey Kirkpatrick. During the ensuing discussion,...
A most amazing journey started with a simple question at a regular meeting of the Pioneer Community Associations Board of Directors. Why are those names on that plaque? What’s the story? The beautiful wood plaque that hangs on the northwest wall of the lower-level Cochran-Takko Pioneer Room reads, “In appreciation for the early restoration efforts of Eric Feasey, Rex West, Mitch Doumit, Jane Goodfellow.” This plaque was presented by Carolyn Feasey Kirkpatrick. During the ensuing discussion, Board Member extraordinaire Gwen Gorley said I know...
For nearly five years, a local group has been serving the community, from assisting residents as they move into new homes to installing ramps and making homeowner's decks accessible. Fishers of Men began in 2020 and includes Pastors Dennis Conner (River of Life Assembly), Dave Martin (Heritage Bible), Kenny Evans (The Bridge Church), and Joe Blalock (Lower Columbia Baptist, Skamokawa). These volunteers have been diligently working to fulfill the mission of building compassion not only for the...
The postseason is underway, and Naselle and Wahkiakum are still battling to earn spots in the 2025 1B Washington State Basketball Tournament. Naselle and Wahkiakum met in the first round of the boys and girls district tourneys last week, and the Mules came away victorious in both matchups. Let's look at how those games played out and what the Comets and Mules must do to advance to the big stage. Girls Basketball Wahkiakum came away with the win when they took on Naselle at Wahkiakum High School...
Before becoming CEO of the local communications company Wahkiakum West (WWest), Ken Johnson spent five years in the Las Vegas area working in professional video production "among other things." About three years ago, Johnson brought one of his Vegas "collaborators" to the Pacific Northwest and began finding a way to tell localized stories. Before long, the two "dabbled a little bit more," seeking the interest of a large national cable network. "[We] wanted to see if the network agreed with us...
Since its opening, The Dollhouse (73 Main Street) has almost exclusively sold collectible and antique dolls on consignment; owner Sue Scott opened The Dollhouse in March of 2023 after moving to the area. Scott made a friend with someone while she was staying at the hotel Cathlamet whose mother had a vast collection of dolls. This collection inspired Scott and was the starting point for the shop, but if you were to visit the store now, you might be surprised at what else you would find. Scott’s daughter passed away very suddenly in October, l...
