Middle Valley barn lost to fire Sunday

NICE BEGINNING--I was a bit surprised to see a sunny day last Sunday, as the forecast had looked pretty wet, so after a super soggy Saturday, the blue sky and sunshine was truly welcomed. Considering the cold areas east of us and the earthquakes south of us in California, I was feeling pretty good about our weather. I was happy to hear from a cousin of mine, Karla Kyle, who said they faired the earthquake just fine but that you could sure tell the tourists and the newcomers to the area, as they were all pretty freaked out by the rockin' and rollin' going on, and I can't say that I blame them!

SPECIAL DAYS--Here we go on the fourth month of this year already, as those celebrating birthdays from April 3-9 are Vaal Gribskov, Dana McClain, Janet Bryan, Chris Holland, Kylie Thacker, Patti Phillips, Marissa Longtain, Charlie Buennagel, Janna Doumit, Pat Dennis, Timothy Parker, Wendy Westover, Debbie Cutbirth, Michaela Phillips, Judy Wilde, Keith Lawrence, Mikayla Bell, Patricia Ballard, Jeremy Pedersen and Ralph Pedersen. Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Terry Bonny, Mr. and Mrs. Don Wages, Mike and Ronda Rose, George and Judy Bates and Ralph and Peggy Pedersen.May you all have wonderful celebrations on your special days.

FIRE IN MIDDLE VALLEY--On Sunday evening, I had just opened the front door to let the cat out, when I saw black smoke billowing above the hills from across the valley and I knew right away, that something big had to be burning and at that time of night, it wasn't anything that should have been. It was too late in the day for anybody to be doing any "normal" burning that would be causing that kind of black smoke. I quickly grabbed my phone and camera and jumped in my car to see what was going on and came upon the large barn of Kay Walters on Maki Road, fully engulfed in flames. While fire trucks were already there and more were there in no time, there was no saving that barn or another smaller one, along with some animals that had been inside, so that was really a tragic sight. We are certainly glad that no one was seriously injured in the blaze and that Kay's house was spared but we feel very bad for the loss of her two barns, with feed for her animals in it, as well as the other assorted rabbits, goats and sheep that lost their lives. If you would be willing to help Kay out in any way, you can contact her at 795-3937.

BINGO--If you're looking for some cash, why not try playing Bingo at the Norse Hall on Saturday, April 12? The doors open at 5:30 with games starting at 6 p.m. and winners will get cash prizes, so that's always something everybody wants for sure! There will be some goodies for sale as well, so bring your friends and neighbors and have fun playing a little Bingo.It's held on the second Saturday of each month by the Sons of Norway with cards costing $5 each.

TWO SUNDAYS AWAY--Don't forget the awesome chicken dinner being held at the Rosburg Hall on April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and after eating dinner, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the Hosanna Musicale at the Skamokawa United Methodist Church. Anyone wanting to perform in this event should contact Randi Curtis at 795-0628 right away so she can get your name put in the program, and she can help with anymore information you may need. There will be a good will offering taken that afternoon that will then be donated to the St. James Family Center, which provides a wonderful service for the children in our area.

THIS MONTH--This month is National Grange month and we applaud all those who join us and those who support us. The grange contests that are always held at the first part of May are open to the public and so anyone can submit something to be judged and if you're one of those who win at the first level, your item will then continue on and be judged at the state level and besides a great ribbon, you could win some money for your efforts. With everyone so busy and schedules so tight, the Skamokawa Grange will need your item by the last meeting of this month, which is April 28. If you're interested in entering something, give me a call and I'll arrange to meet up with you and accept it for entry. Our Family Living co-ordinator will then be taking items for entry to Long Beach to be judged during the first week of May. The items you enter are just like those that you would enter into our county fair, but all the rules, etc. are on the WA State Grange site. So, if you make jewelry or cards, or take photos, which do need to be a 5 x 7 size, or sew, knit, crochet or make quilts, this is a great time to enter those items into the State Grange contests. I hope to hear from you!

COMING IN MAY--The Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds will be bursting with cars of all kinds at the end of May, as the Dollars For Scholars annual event will be taking place on May 31 this year. Lee Tischer will be taking applications for your vehicle and once again, we hope you'll enter early to get all the perks from that, as you'll get a ticket for dinner, a goodie bag and a t-shirt if you do. As usual, there will be music, a trout pond for the kids and wonderful items set up for the raffle tables. There will be items donated for prizes for just those that enter cars as, so if you enter a car, you could be a lucky winner there as well. Needless to say, if you're on my list of donators, I'l be in touch with you! If you're a $200 contributor, you'll have your name on the back of the t-shirt and you or your business will have your name on one of the big posters as well, which gives your company some great advertising. Remember, all the money raised goes for scholarships for our high school seniors. If you have a computer, you can check out this event online but to contact Lee about it, call 360-430-4377.

VENDORS WANTED--The Skamokawa Grange will be hosting an inside Vendor's Market on June 28 and we'd sure like all of those who'd like to sell something, to give me a call and get signed up for that. While we've enjoyed being at Vista Park at times, the weather and the wind are always such a huge factor, that we opted to hold it inside the grange hall this year. This way, whether rain or shine or gusty winds, we'll be inside and won't have to deal with any of those things. There is a spot outside if you're one of those who likes to bring a tent and table and brave it outside, but that area is very limited. The cost is just $10 to set up, so we hope you'll bring your wares, or even rummage sale stuff, and set up in the hall that day. We're expanding our hours this year, beings we don't have to worry about tidal wind changes, so we'll be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call me at 795-3425 and I'll get you on the list!