Culvert removal shows some lessons learned

Before Columbia Land Trust came on the scene, life on Kandoll Road was quiet, serene and full of nature sounds for the local human inhabitants. Then, along came big money and ideas that would put fish and their habitat before people and their homes and property. In this case, Columbia Land Trust acquired lots of grant money to install two 13-foot diameter culverts under Kandoll Road which allowed flood waters from the Grays River to flow into Seal Slough. These high water events flooded neighboring properties and eroded private dikes on Seal Slough.

From the beginning, one resident, Raven Webb suffered damages resulting from the high flows after the culvert installation. Though her property had always been prone to minor flooding from the normal freshets, the water kept rising higher and higher, flooding her home every time there was a heavy rain event, after the culverts were put in. She fought a tireless but futile fight at great monetary expense as well as to her health. She eventually gave up and sold her property to CLT.

But in her defense, she had planted the seed, illustrating the negative properties of the culverts. The Grays River Habitat Enhancement District commissioners began monitoring some of the issues regarding the flooding and dike erosion, and after an eight year, hard fought battle, the culverts have been removed. As of September 22, the culverts lie in crumpled heaps next to the road and the gaping hole is being filled in.

This project has been an eye opener for many, as well as a learning experience to those involved in the process. Many thanks to Raven Webb for her perseverance and heartfelt fight. Thank you to the commissioners of the Grays River Habitat Enhancement District for standing their ground and working to right a wrong for the people affected by this project. Thank you to Russ Lawrence (consulting engineer with Stream Fix), for his support and expertise. Thank you to Ian Sinks of the Columbia Land Trust for reaching an understanding that when you are working with local governments, other local entities and the local people, that by giving good information, sharing ideas and plans, a mutual respect can be built, thus we can work together on a much higher level. Finally, to the local people who have supported the removal of the project. Lessons have been learned over the past eight years.

Naselle news

Sports calendar for the Naselle Comet teams this week include: Thursday, middle school football at Quinault at 6 p.m .; Friday, varsity football with Oakville in Naselle at 7 p.m .; Monday, middle school volleyball at Raymond at 5:45 p.m., junior varsity football at South Bend at 6 p.m .; Tuesday, volleyball with Three Rivers in Naselle at 5:45 p.m .; Wednesday, middle school volleyball with Ocosta in Naselle at 5:45 p.m .; Thursday, volleyball with Wishkah in Naselle at 5:45 p.m., middle school football with South Bend in Naselle at 6 p.m. Go Comets!

Laura Ray, of Mochas & More, is continuing her campaign to thank the local EMTs and first responders for their dedication to the Naselle community by giving each of them a gift certificate for dinner for two at a nice restaurant. She has posted flyers and has donation jars up, with every penny donated going to the local emergency responders. Stop by Mochas & More during business hours, and donate to this good cause. She also has a donation jar at Okie’s, and is well on the way to success. Here’s your chance to say thanks to these folks who give so unselfishly of themselves. Remember, you may need to call them someday.

Westend news

Oktoberfest tickets are now on sale for the annual authentic German dinner including sauerbraten, sweet and sour cabbage, spaetzle, salad, beverages and home made strudel. Dinner will be served 5-8 p.m. on October 11 in the Grays River Valley Center cafeteria at Johnson Park. Tickets are $10 each and they can be purchased in the Grays River Valley Library/Community Computer Center, from Steve and Linda Ramsay at 465-2731 or from Trudy Fredrickson at 465-2960.

In addition to a delicious meal, you will be treated to music by our local Skamokawa based group, VIBES with Jerry and Becky Ledtke. Original music by the group and their latest CD will be available.

Proceeds from this dinner will be used for operating costs at the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park.

The annual Columbia River Country Days is coming up in just a week. Get ready for some fun events for the whole family. Come join in the celebration of the bounty of harvest, and the people of Wahkiakum County along the Columbia River. On the schedule for this two day event spanning both ends of the county: Friday, October 3rd, 3-6 p.m., will be live music, vendors and a pie social at the Puget Island Farmer’s Market: October 4, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will be a 4-H Open House at the Wahkiakum Fairgrounds where the 4-H youth will give demonstrations and have their 4-H animals and other projects on display. Snacks will be available.

Culminating the two day event will be the 7th annual Covered Bridge Dinner in Grays River at 4:30 p.m. This sit down dinner is always a successfully delicious meal served inside the Covered Bridge. Tickets are $25 for seniors and veterans, $35 for adults. Music will be provided by Jeffrey Reynolds and cowboy poetry and auction by Joel Fitts. Tickets available at Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet and Naselle and at the WSU Extension office. Bus shuttle will be available from Johnson Park beginning at 3:45 p.m.

All proceeds support Wahkiakum County Extension and local 4-H programs. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets now, and make plans to attend all the events.

The free Friday night movie is a new release documentary with a rating of G, for the whole family. This is an educational and entertaining adventure following the fiercely protective mama bear named Sky and her two young cubs, Amber and Scout, over the period of one year. The family encounters a variety of trials and threats in their trek down the mountain searching for sustenance. This is one for everyone to see, and after the showing will be available to check out at the Grays River Valley Library.

The Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park will be hosting another annual All Hallows Eve party this year on Halloween. Bring the whole family and enjoy inside trick or treating, movies and fun, rain or shine. More info as the event gets closer. Volunteers needed.

Good news for the Westend: With the help of several local folks and the guidance of Susie Whalen, a board has been formed to open the Westend Food Bank in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park. Last weekend a food drive took place and through the generosity of the community it looks like it won’t be long before it is open for use. The food bank is located at the north end of the building across from the cafeteria. For more information please contact Susie Whalen.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets each week at the Rosburg Hall for a home cooked meal prepared and served by Pat Potter and her volunteer crew. Lunch is served at noon.

On Thursdays, senior lunches are also served at the Rosburg Hall and are provided and sponsored by CAP.

Happy Birthday to Crystal Salme, Greg Smith, Eli Gardner, Melissa Lewis, Dawn Footh, Kyle Wirkkala, Yvonne Howell, Abbey Zimmerman, Brianna Olson. Scott Boyle, Courtney Keller, Richard Cary, Rosalie Eaton, Jordan Varila, Melissa Ashe, Pat Pentilla, Dawn Thompson, Ian Leaf, Lois Wakefield, Thelma Miller, Shane Smith, Craig Reitz, Morgan Reitz, Emily Wirkkala and Travis Boggs. Wishing each of you a perfect day.

Happy Anniversary to Philip and Mindy Penttila, Mark and Karen Swanson and David and Debbie Bighill. Wishing you many more celebrations together.

Last Saturday, many said goodbye to a pillar of our community, Norman Anderson, a lifelong resident of Rosburg. He was laid to rest, with full military honors, with many family members and friends attending. He was 98 years old and had been extremely involved in local organizations most of his life including the Grays River Grange for 70 years and also with the American Legion.

I still remember the delicious oyster stew that he and Myrtle always made for one of the Grays River Grange dinners every year. It was delicious. Norman was a kind, gentle soul and will now be reunited with his lovely wife. Rest in peace; you will be missed.