Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
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Having recently spent two months in the Pacific Northwest I flew back to Baltimore on October 28. My flight from Albuquerque to Baltimore was slightly delayed and very turbulent, to the extent that everyone clapped when the pilots finally landed us safely on the ground. I live in Edgewater, Md., which is only half an hour from the airport so I made it home just fine. I can’t say that for a majority of my fellow passengers though; in preparation for Hurricane Sandy shortly after my flight landed, every airport on the eastern seaboard closed, s...
Like the candidates, I breathe a sigh of relief when the election is over. But it's not over till it's over. Only 20 votes separated Greg Prestegard and Mike Backman. Another 300 or so votes will be counted today (Thursday) at 12 noon, and they may still not settle the race for the District 1 position on the county board of commissioners. Some of the statewide elections are close. The races for governor, secretary of state, and state auditor were very close when counting ended Tuesday evening. Initiative 1240, concerning charter schools, was...
To The Eagle: It is hard to make an informed decision on voting when we hear about Oregon candidates and issues and rarely about Washington. I found a great tool on the internet that helped me make informed voting decisions: www.tvw.org/2012-video-voters-guide, or you can go to the Washington State website: www.access.wa.gov and search for video voters pamphlet. Each candidate video taped a presentation. Gerry Brennan Cathlamet...
To The Eagle: Several years ago, our economic development gurus attempted to rescue our ailing golf course by slicing off a chunk of it to build golf-oriented condo units. Seemed impractical and our small course certainly didn't need an amputation, but we curmudgeons being neither golf nor economic development experts, the project proceeded. A contractor agreed to build the golf palaces, but only if we provided the sewer line to hook 'em to. This didn't seem kosher but we weren't ethics experts either, so the project rolled on. A local diggin'...
To The Eagle: We read with heavy hearts the letter by the man who calls himself a New Testament Christian pastor and supports gay marriage. He says he looks to Jesus for instruction on this issue. Why doesn't he ask the Holy Spirit to lead him while he reads the book of instruction the Holy Bible and the truth will be found? The New Testament does address homosexuality and condemns it as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies the homosexual act as an abomination and a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires...
To The Eagle: On Friday, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (EMCF) published a request for proposals (RFP) for grant applications to address at-risk youth. These are large grants run through Fidelity Investments. EMCF is looking to round out its portfolio and is particularly interested in supporting youth, ages nine to 24, living in economically-stressed rural areas who are at risk for dropping out of school, for teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues, un- or under-employment, and violence. This may represent a...
To The Eagle: On behalf of the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office and the men and women who volunteer for us, I wish to give a deeply heartfelt thank you to family, friends and community members who have supported us and comforted us in our grief this past week. We know there will still be some difficult times ahead but without your care for the public safety personnel who serve you, we would be in an even bigger world of hurt today. We recognize Jon’s passing is affecting and continues to affect so many in our county and we share your sor...
To The Eagle: No one can build a sound economy using a fraudulent money system. I don't care if you are a Democrat, Republican or any other variety of politician or official trying to do so will not work. The proof is right before your very eyes. The debt will not get smaller, the deficit will not go away, things will not get better. Even if you are the most gifted economist in the world, you will not be able to build a sound economy using unsound money. My message is simply this: it will not matter at all who we elect to any office if we do...
To The Eagle: A major thank you to The Eagle and to the Hanigan Law Office and Wahkiakum Title & Escrow for bringing us a quality weekly crossword and Sudoku puzzle. Now hanging with The Eagle lasts twice as long. Might I add, as a suggestion, do not print the answers to the puzzles on the same page as it makes cheating way too easy! Thanks! Rolly and Ginny Armstrong Cathlamet...
To The Eagle: Prospective voters on Initiative Measure 502 who read the full 17 page text (Voter's Pamphlet, pages 100-117) will notice the deceptively included legalization of hashish as well as marijuana. Hashish is a product of the hemp plant (cannabis), not a "product of marijuana" as implied on page 101 (Part II, Sec. 2, p(2), paragraph beginning '"Marijuana" or "marihuana" means..') Hashish derives from the resin scraped from the flowering tops. It is a more serious hallucinogen, yet in this elaborate proposition it is mentioned only...
To The Eagle: Let me thank the Chamber of Commerce and our county commissioners for hosting last week’s “sewer summit,” and also commend The Eagle for its coverage of that event. One issue that deserves more attention is the role of well-managed public utilities as engines of growth. The Town of Cathlamet operates water and sewer utilities, each with service areas that extend beyond Town limits. These utilities allow development that would otherwise not be possible; homes can be built on lots too small for septic systems, or where drill...
To The Eagle: It is time to vote in Wahkiakum County. This is an extremely important election, both locally and nationwide. I would like to think that our local candidates have the interest of the residents of Wahkiakum County at heart. Not maintaining a residence in another state, as a PUD candidate does. Nor a candidate for county commission whom is an avid supporter of the comprehensive plan (required by law to have one) which if enacted is usually followed by zoning and development laws and ordinances. In today's economy, the comprehensive...
To The Eagle: I am writing this letter to urge support for the Fire District #4 General Obligation Bond to purchase an upgraded fire truck. Before my retirement in 2005, I served in District #4 for 26 years and saw first hand the evolution in fire fighting equipment and safety gear. I can say, with certainty, that the expenditures for these improvements paid off for all the area's firefighters and the people served by them. We purchased the existing truck in 1988 and it has served us well for 24 years. This truck has been well maintained and...
To The Eagle: As a Christian pastor employed by a tax-exempt church, I am not allowed to endorse candidates or political parties from the pulpit. But I can support issues that are related to my faith and ministry, so I am urging support of Referendum 74. In my 44 years as a pastor, I have officiated at hundreds of marriages. It seems clear to me that the success or failure of these marriages has depended more on the love, respect, and caring of two people for each other, than on sexual orientation. As a New Testament Christian, I look to Jesus...
To The Eagle: I am writing to encourage voters to support Joan Harvey Chester for District #2 County Commissioner. Joan has many life experiences which make her a very qualified candidate. In addition to those skills and attributes, Joan is a bright and positive face, just what we need to move forward in the "tough economic times" her opponent likes to talk about. Lastly, it is my opinion that new faces and ideas are what make communities thrive. Let's fill our elected positions with folks who will work to better our county. Diane Stockhouse...
To The Eagle: I would like to urge the voters of Wahkiakum County to cast their vote for Lisa Marsyla as Wahkiakum PUD commissioner. Lisa is currently your county commissioner and she has also served as the auditor of the Wahkiakum PUD. In both positions, Lisa has proved to be a leader. She is willing to ask the tough questions and fully understands the economic situation and what it takes to get the job done within our county. Lisa has a commitment to the residents of the PUD to be financially responsible. She has a degree in accounting and ha...
To The Eagle: The ratepayers of Wahkiakum County PUD are fortunate to have three excellent commissioners. Each one has their own unique experience that complements the whole board. Gene Healy's background in the utility industry is a definite asset. I have become acquainted with Gene through our mutual attendance at the monthly Pacific Power Council meetings. With Gene's utility background and his experience on the PUD board, I recommend that the ratepayers of Wahkiakum PUD retain Gene Healy as commissioner. Mike Swanson Commissioner Pacific...
To The Eagle: Just for the record, in the nine years I have lived here and been involved with Chamber and Economic Development Council, there have been inquiries every year by employers seeking manufacturing space. They are looking for 2,000 or more square feet, with concrete floors, power and sewer, and easy access for trucks. I certainly realize that filling the Main Street store fronts is a major objective, but manufacturing is as well. Last week, the Chamber received such an inquiry for 5,000 square feet from someone with a home on Puget...
To The Eagle: These are sad brutal times when the newspaper has a policy against printing poetry. I read your editorial guidelines with dismay, but wondered, what is poetry really? Modern poetry is defined by both it’s profound irrelevance and it’s focus on vernacular and visual presentation. I think it’s not a stretch to read many of these folksy political diatribes as some of the best poetry ever written, and therefore ineligible for publication. I hope The Eagle considers relaxing its policy on publishing poetry. As is, I find craft...
To The Eagle: While my letter is intended for Ms. Petralia (Eagle, Oct 18, 2012) all residents of Wahkiakum County should have an interest in my candidacy for Superior Court Judge. Any speaker should be happy to provide some comic relief to any program. All I can ask is to be invited back to address the voters and I will work to balance my convictions and keep you in stitches. And I feel honored that Ms. Petralia praises me as a comedian and encouraged me to run for county commissioner (by e-mail and phone, February 23, 2012). While Ms. Petrali...
To The Eagle: Re: marriage equality. We have two married daughters. One was married in Iowa and lives in Texas where her marriage is considered valid. The other was married in Massachusetts and lives in Washington where her marriage is not considered valid. This is not fair and I want justice for both girls and their marriages. Therefore I support Proposition 74 that provides marital equality. Carol A. Kriesel Cathlamet...
To The Eagle: Wahkiakum County Auditor Diane Tischer and I enthusiastically support Kim Wyman for Secretary of State. As your Secretary of State for the past 12 years, I fully understand the qualities needed to serve successfully in that position. It’s not a matter of political party preference. Instead, it’s the ability to rise above party and oversee elections and the other office functions in a fair, non-partisan way. Kim Wyman has demonstrated that quality for twelve years as the Thurston County Auditor. She is endorsed by 66 present and...
To The Eagle: As your ballots are mailed out this week, I take the liberty of reminding all that every vote counts and what a privilege we have in our country to do so. There are many problems with our system as we all know, but I know of none better. On our local election, I point out a problem in our county commissioner elections. The current terms are four years rather than three or six years. That means that two commissioners come up for election at the same time. This creates the possibility of losing two experience commissioners at the...
To The Eagle: I am writing to encourage your readers to join me in voting for Gene Healy as Wahkiakum PUD Commissioner, District #1. We need to retain Gene in this leadership position because of his experience, his ability and his decency. I served with Gene on the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Council. Gene would always provide leadership by asking meaningful questions that brought our focus to the big picture and prompted insightful discussions. I was very pleased when Gene sought to serve our community by offering to complete Larry R...
To The Eagle: First I want to thank the Grays River Grange for hosting the candidate forum and the generous grangers for providing delectable snacks - the fresh bread was spectacular! Not surprisingly, the principal local issues addressed by the candidates were the faltering economy and the concomitant loss of jobs, the education of our children, and taxes/budgets. Sadly, none of the candidates offered fresh insights or new solutions. Political party preferences were easily detectable as specific candidates short-sightedly blamed the demise of...
