School board discusses handicapped access to new baseball fields

The Wahkiakum School Board heard concerns about handicapped parking at their latest meeting held February 19.

Longtime Cathlamet resident Larry O’Neal asked the board to consider handicapped parking near the new baseball fields as he and his wife enjoy watching their grandson play.

Currently, the handicapped parking is an estimated 100 yards away from the new fields, and O’Neal said that his wife would have a difficult time walking that distance.

O’Neal said he was aware of the idea of a golf cart for transport of handicapped spectators but he didn’t think that would be a viable option.

He proposed that designated parking be made by the field for handicapped people only.

“I don’t see it as a big traffic problem,” he said. “The space is there, the driveway is there. We’d love to be able to park up there where we could get to the grandstand without a lot of problems.”

Board Chair Lee Tischer asked O’Neal if he was referring to the utility road. O’Neal said he believed it was but added that it seemed big enough for cars or pick-up trucks.

“Honestly, I cannot see it as a problem,” he said.

Board member Tina Schubert told O’Neal that the board had discussed that option at last month's meeting, and the fear was that if it is opened up for a select few cars, they would need to open it up for all interested patrons.

O’Neal said he was talking about parking in the grassy area along the third base side by the dugout. He said he thought the area could accommodate 10 cars if necessary.

Schubert said again that her concern is all the other spectators interested in parking close. She said that they would need to provide the same options for all sports, including summer sports and Little League.

The board took no action on the issue.

Superintendent Bob Garrett told O’Neal he felt for him and the situation but he didn’t see a good solution that would benefit everybody. Tischer said at this time it would be probably best to leave everything as is. Schubert told O’Neal that if he ever had any suggestions, the board would always be willing to listen.

Wahkiakum High School Principal Loren Davis told the board he has announced the students of the month. This month’s KLOG/Lions Club Senior is Ashley Moore.

He said that the high school was awarded a $30,000 grant called “Gear Up” for student success. Gear up stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. It was created to assist low-income and disadvantaged students prepare for college.

Part of the grant money, Davis said, would pay for a trip to the University of Washington that has been tentatively planned for April 18 and 19. The trip would be an overnight stay in Seattle that would also include a tour of the Boeing plant.

Davis told the board he would like to purchase a laptop cart with a check out system for those kids who didn’t have a computer at home for homework assistance.

High school counselor Nancy Renner has planned an assembly with guest speaker and Holocaust survivor Albert Wiener on March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Wiener has written a book entitled “From Name to Number.” The public is invited to attend the presentation.

Wahkiakum High School sophomore Erin Turner, competed in and won at the Regional Solo Contest with her French Horn. She now moves on to the state competition.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary/John C. Thomas Middle School Principal Theresa Libby said the recent visit from the Pacific Science Center was really enjoyed by all.

She said the middle school instrumental ensemble festival held on February 9 in Longview brought superior ratings for Haylee Budd, Eva Mari Vik and Brittney Martin. “Way to go girls!” she said.

Libby told the board about a scholarship available for middle school students who wish to attend college. The scholarship was designed for low-income students who fear they won’t have the funds for college.

The scholarship paperwork says that student’s who maintain a 2.0 grade point average or better and stay out of trouble until graduation may be eligible for a four-year scholarship. Foster youth are automatically eligible for application. Interested students and parents should contact Sam Kresge at the middle school.