Ferry christened, launched

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders christened and launched Wahkiakum County's new ferry, the "Oscar B" last weekend at their Freeland boat yard. The ferry has now moved to Langley where it will undergo sea trials.

Several local officials and residents made the journey to witness the event including county Commissioners Blair Brady and Mike Backman, Public Works Director Pete Ringen, state Representative Dean Takko and ferry skipper Lamar Blix and his family.

"Yes, the christening was a very successful event," Ringen commented Tuesday. "It was very well attended by those from the shipyard who had constructed the ferry, along with their families. I was happy that Rep. Dean Takko made it as well, as he has been of help for both securing funding, and with permits."

"It was extremely impressive," Brady said Tuesday. "It's a beautiful ship. It will serve the county long into the future."

The "Oscar B" is due to be delivered to the Puget Island ferry landing Februrary 27. It replaces the "Wahkiakum" which was constructed in1961 in Hood River, Ore., by George Mark Nichols, grandfather of Matt Nichols, executive vice-president of the Freeland operation.