School district awaits bleacher repair plans

The news for the Wahkiakum High School grandstand might be a little better than initially believed, if you ask Mike Wright, the new maintenance supervisor for the school district. However, the problem of funding the repairs remains, according to Superintendent Bob Garrett and the the price is still unknown.

“The engineer is drawing plans now,” Wright said on Tuesday. “We could have this ready to go in a month.That’s what I’m shooting for.”

Without numbers, Garrett was more circumspect.

“The grandstand will be fixed,” he said, “but I can’t promise that it will be this year.”

Nearly three quarters of the joists supporting the seating in the grandstand are disintegrating due to aging and dry rot and need to be replaced. The dry rot mostly affects the two front steps of the seating area, but to avoid any possibility for injury, the damaged area has been roped off.

The crow’s nest and the concession stand are secure and will continue to be used. The section damaged by fire in 2009 remains in good shape and will be occupied by the pep band during games. There also may be room for a few spectators.

Everyone else will have to make do with temporary seating out in the open and Wright advises anyone who plans to attend football games this season to dress appropriately for the weather.