Community raises $20,000 for students

The 8th Annual Derby Dollars for Scholars Sturgeon Derby and Rods and Reels Car Show was held Saturday at the Wahkiakum Fair grounds. Organizers report a good crowd and expect that last year's total of $20,000 was surpassed. The fish and chicken BBQ served 837 lunches.

Trophies were awarded in the fishing category, with Landon Luce, of Cathlamet being the youngest fisherman at age four, and James Sweat, 82, of Longview the oldest.

A trophy for the biggest sturgeon caught, weighing in at 31.8 lbs., was given to Serena Brooks of Columbia City, Ore. The remaining 26 fishermen were put into a drawing for other prizes from hats to gift certificates.

The mini-chopper, donated by the Chevron station in Cathlamet, was won by Amber Silva.

Car show prizes were: Best in show, Tim Harris of Longview and his 1941 Willy's coupe; Rods and Reels favorite, a 1941 Divco milk truck owned by Vern Rohn of Longview; Dollars for Scholars' choice, a 1955 Ford F-1 pick-up owned by Don Marsyla, and club participation, Clatskanie Cruisers.

Coordinator Lee Tischer reported there were 250 cars entered in the car show.

All proceeds from the event benefit scholarship programs at Wahkiakum and Naselle high schools.