Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Sorted by date Results 1126 - 1150 of 2569
To The Eagle: Last week I suggested a high tax on ownership of assault weapons. Today I do not think that this is a very practical idea. With 11,000,000 of these weapons already out there it would be really hard to collect such a tax. Eric Skemp Cathlamet...
To The Eagle: Initiative measure 1639, authored by the Attorney General of Washington and apparently approved by the voters, violates the United States Constitution in that it discriminates against a class of voters (18 but under 21 years of age) by denying them equal protection and due process of law. An attempt is made to mitigate this by permitting ownership of so-called “semi-automatic assault rifles” to those within the class who already own them, provided they keep them locked up at home and do not use them except in “training sessi...
To The Eagle: I feel extremely fortunate to have attended two spectacular Veteran’s Day programs produced by Mike Thomas and the Wahkiakum High School Leadership Class. The November 7, 2018 assembly featured Vietnam Veterans Ron Kimmel, Brian Elliott and Edward Garcia with videos expressing their individual experiences and patriotic views. Last year Mike produced an equivalent Veteran’s Day program featuring Tom Irving, Ralph Keyser and Ralph Kenner expressing their individual experiences and patriotic views. Both programs were amazing and mad...
To The Eagle: There have been 301 mass shootings in just a bit over 300 days. How can America continue to just let these horrific events happen nearly every day? Some say its because our mental health system is broken down. Others say that we just need to arm ourselves against the evil shooters, but more often than not it’s the guards and police that also lose their lives to this insanity. And how many of us want to shop, learn, pray, be entertained in an armed camp? The fact is that there will always be people who need help mentally and t...
To The Eagle: I appreciated your reprint on the “Kitzhaber Plan” or Columbia River Policy C3620, that appeared originally in the Columbia Basin Bulletin. I attended the presentations by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Dept. staff to the Fish and Wildlife Commission on Nov. 1 and 3. What did not appear in the Bulletin article and received scant attention, although commercial fishermen testified at the meetings on the topic, are the economic dislocations that have occurred due to this policy, including here in Wahkiakum County. Until rec...
To The Eagle: I’m a student in twelfth grade, and being 18, I was privileged to vote in the election for the first time. I understand that not everyone will be pleased with the outcome of some of the elections, but I believe it is admirable if we respect those in authority over us, whether we voted for them or not. The Bible tells us, in Romans 13:1-7, to respect our leaders. Ultimately God sets up our rulers for our protection, and if we show disrespect for our leaders, we are actually being disrespectful to God. We may ask ourselves, “What ab...
To The Eagle: Wahkiakum Veterans were recognized at the Wahkiakum High School Veterans Day assembly. We want to thank the students and faculty for an outstanding program that touched our hearts. The students know what patriotism is! We were also honored with a dinner at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The veterans want to thank Pastor Jeff and the parishioners for a wonderful dinner and program. Bob Roche VFW Post 5297...
To The Eagle: I am writing to express my gratitude to the voters of Wahkiakum County for returning me to the position of Wahkiakum County Assessor for the next four years. I am committed to improving the information available on the assessor’s website, making appeals of value less painful, and approaching all interactions in my office with compassion and caring. I am very happy to put this election in the rearview mirror as we move forward together to make our county even better. Bill Coons Wahkiakum County Assessor...
To The Eagle: Volunteers contribute knowledge, experience, energy, and passion every day in our community. Some are highly visible, while others quietly work behind the scenes. Most don’t seek recognition because they find satisfaction in knowing their efforts do indeed make a difference. On Saturday, October 27th more than 30 volunteers turned out for Tidy Up the Town and took on five Fall clean-up projects for National Make A Difference Day. The Pioneer Community Association wants to extend a special thanks to Scott Anderson with Anderson S...
To The Eagle: If you voted, thank you. If you didn’t, please don’t waste our time complaining. Karen Bertroch Grays River...
To The Eagle: This is the start of our fundraising season. We will be holding many events to support the second year of The Challenge of Champions Bull Riding exhibition so please check The Eagle and our Face Book page for more information. The Foundation is holding its annual holiday wreath, swag and centerpiece sale. Following are the dates and locations where they will be available: Nov. 10 Fairgrounds Flea Market; Nov. 16 Fair Board Bingo, Fairgrounds; Nov. 17 St. James Holiday Bazaar; Nov. 24 Cathlamet Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hotel...
To The Eagle: A book sale was held at Cathlamet Public Library on Saturday to raise money for the library. I would like to extend a huge thank you to some very dedicated and hard-working volunteers. On my way to the library, I noticed another dedicated group of volunteers working hard to Tidy up the Town. Thank you! A little kindness goes a long way. Our community is wonderful in so many ways, and I hope we can all keep that in mind as we approach November 6th. Please don't forget to exercise your right to vote! I believe we have a...
Last week's issue carried a letter to the editor by Karen Cressa taking Assessor Bill Coons to task for a floral bouquet delivered to her. She called the inscription on the accompanying card ("Love you too, Karen) "an offensive, condescending jibe." The Eagle contacted Coons for a response, which didn't make it into last week's edition. Here it is: "On October 11, I ordered six bouquets delivered. Two went to supporters, one to a letter writer, one to The Eagle, and one to my wife. The last one went to Karen Cressa. I wanted to try a nice...
The general election campaigning continues to boil and bubble. Among last Friday's bulk mail was an ad urging District 19 voters to write in Teresa Purcell's name instead of voting for either Republican Jim Walsh or Erin Frasier for district representative. Rose Lundy and The Daily News of Longview did a good job of following up on the mailer. Briefly, it come from either Walsh, Fraiser or Purcell. In fact, Purcell told The Daily News she is campaigning for Fraiser and is not a write-in candidate. Instead, the mailer came from a Republican...
To The Eagle: It’s election time and once again we have a slate of candidates on the ballot for us to choose from. Rose and I support all our current county office holders for re-election. They have served us, the citizens of Wahkiakum County, well and will continue to do so upon returning them to their respective offices. They are experienced, knowledgeable, qualified for their offices, and dedicated to serving our community. Let’s keep our county great! Re-elect: Assessor Bill Coons, Auditor Nicci Bergseng, Court Clerk Kay Holland, Cou...
To The Eagle: Has Bill Coons come unhinged? Politicians have to acquire thicker skins than the rest of us when they run for office. However, Mr. Coons has stooped to singling me out for the letters that I have written to this paper criticizing his performance as assessor. I have written my share of letters to newspapers when I thought the public deserved to know what I had experienced or researched concerning public officials. Over the years, my husband and I have taken on corporations and government agencies in order to expose their...
To The Eagle: As the campaign season comes to end, I am told this will be the last week the paper will accept letters to the editor. Therefore, I want to take a few minutes to ensure that the record is set straight. Despite all of the mud slinging and smear tactics on my opponent’s part, I ensured that I ran a clean campaign based on facts. I have stated many times before and I will say it again “I have not asked anyone to write any derogatory letters about my opponent.” Any letters you see of that type are the result of how the writers felt...
To The Eagle: We, Wahkiakum County residents, are very lucky to have a county government that works so well. Our current elected officials are all highly qualified and have proven track records. This is not something that you see at all levels of government. We are very fortunate to have people in these elected positions who run their offices well and keep the county services working smoothly. During this election it is important to look at the facts and think critically. We are choosing those who will be running the business of Wahkiakum...
To The Eagle: Last week’s Eagle’s Letters page suggests an elegant solution to a thorny political problem: We elect Mr. McClain as assessor, Mr. Dahle resigns in righteous anger, Mr. McClain hires Mr. Coons with his vast expertise as appraiser, and we all live happily ever after. Howard Brawn Puget Island...
To The Eagle: I am writing this letter to encourage all voters to seriously consider retaining Nicci Bergseng as county auditor. She has a proven record as a forward thinking professional with excellent analytical, organizational and critical thinking skills. Nicci not only brings her extensive work experience to the position but she also is a very active member of the community and is always willing to take the time to listen to citizens’ questions and concerns while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality and integrity. The county a...
To The Eagle: If you need some help with providing Christmas gifts for your children up through the age of 17, please fill out an application or contact our Star Program phone at 360-431-5232. All calls will be handled discreetly. This is a need-based program. You may pick up applications at either the sheriff’s office or Health and Human Services on Elochoman Valley Rd. They must be returned no later than November 20. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and needed to provide for the stars that are not taken. You may leave donations a...
To The Eagle: With the General Election just weeks away, I would like to thank this community for the incredible support. No one said that being in an elected official position would be easy, however, if you love what you do, all the hard work is something that comes second nature. Throughout my campaign, I have so enjoyed talking with both new community members and those I’ve known for years alike. From previous schoolteachers to parents I used to coach with, it has been fulfilling to share my professional career and accomplishments. The o...
To The Eagle: I’m voting for Bill Coons for assessor in November. Why? It’s simple. He has years of experience assessing real property values. His opponent has none. I just don’t think there’s time to learn on the job. I don’t understand why someone with experience didn’t run against Bill Coons. That could have provided two viable choices. But, it’s clear to me there’s really only one qualified choice. Kim Christianson Puget Island...
To The Eagle: Because of my association with Stewart Feil and my experiences with him as I enlisted his professional services as an attorney, I will cast my vote for Stewart for Wahkiakum County Prosecutor and the attending responsibilities of coroner. There is much to be said for those who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities for years and sometimes with family members holding political offices. Those who have served for extended periods of time remain viable candidates and continue to immerse themselves in training for...
To The Eagle: In at least three races across Washington state, last minute flyers have been mailed out that are designed to trick voters into voting for a write-in candidate that is not running, does not want to run, and is supporting the Democratic candidate that is on the ballot. All three of the candidates that these flyers are attacking are women. One of them, Erin Frasier, is running against incumbent Jim Walsh for State Representative, Legislative District 19-Position 1. These flyers are designed to split the Democratic vote by offering u...
