Bald Eagle Days are approaching quickly

WEEKEND--This past weekend wasn't the best one we've had, but it wasn't too bad either. We saw a few, very light sprinkles on Saturday morning but for the most part, it was dry and kind of humid, so one could still get out there and work in the yard or tackle other outdoor duties. If you were lucky, you just got to enjoy the day and had a play day instead of a work day! Sunday saw some misty moments as well, but its showers were brief and it wasn't too bad. While I woke up to wetness on Monday morning, they say we're heating up this week, so I hope we don't hear of any more people forgetting their children or animals in their cars!

FIRE--It was the kind of excitement we don't need around here and that was a call out for a fire along SR 4 that threatened homes and closed down the highway east of Cathlamet for a bit. This was just west of Flandersville/Little Cape Horn area and east of Nassa Point. While some can't see them, there are actually homes above on that hill, so with the fire running quickly up through the hill, it was extemely important to get that knocked down quickly. A big thank you to all who helped fight this fire, and helped reroute traffic and to mop up too; great job! A lady said that she saw a guy throw a cigarette out the window, just prior to this happening, so if that's true, it just goes to show you how dry the underbrush is and how quickly a potential disaster could occur from one careless action. Burn bans are already in effect in some of our neighboring counties so while we may not be now, it probably won't be long.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 5-11 are Irene Martin, Dave Hjaltalin, Jaiden Mahitka, Patty Dursteler, David Shrum, Mallory Bosch, Debbie Kuller, Becky Webb, Brad Towery, Tyler Heagy, Steve Schwarze, Opal Whitaker, Jim Wilson, Steve Hart, Martha Backman, Sunny Manary, Dean Takko, Lee Wages, Jordon Fritzie Collins, David West and grandson, Bryce Good.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Greg and Cindy Lloyd, Gary and Pam Emery, Lance and Heidi Souvenir, Carol Carver and George Exum, Ken and Bev Peterson, Skip and Vicky Irving, Paul and MaryAnn Ehrensberger and Mr. and Mrs. Dana McClain. Hope you all have stellar birthday and anniversary celebrations this coming week!

THIS FRIDAY--It's Free Movie night at the Community Center in Cathlamet this Friday, July 6, and we hope you'll stop by and check this movie out, as it is one that was filmed here in our area. As a matter of fact, all the movies this month have had some sort of local/SW WA connection, so I think that makes them even more interesting. It's fun to pick out our scenery from the movies, although, sometimes it's a little hard to do with all the Hollywood trickery, but other times, it's pretty obvious, so if you're into films that have been made in our neck of the woods, keep Friday evenings open and show up before 7 p.m., to get a good seat! Remember, there's free popcorn too.

ON WEDNESDAY--Just a reminder that the Sons of Norway will hold their monthly meeting this Wednesday, July 11, at the Norse Hall at 7 p.m. This different date occurred due to the big holiday on the fourth, so this is just a temporary date, as they usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month. Also, their usual bingo game time slot is different too, as they have it on the evening of Bald Eagle Day, so after a full day of running around town, you can sit down and play a few fun games of bingo prior to attending all the firework action at the Elochoman Slough Marina!

COUNTING DOWN--For those of you who are thinking about entering a float in the Bald Eagle Day parade, be sure to contact the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce office (360-795-9996) and get those forms filled out as you plan what to do in the parade because time is running out! Here's to lots of great imaginations and having lots of fun, coming up July 21. I can hardly believe it's going to be the 37th year. Remember, the day starts off with the Kiwanis breakfast at the marina at 7 a.m., then vendors on Main Street, live music uptown and down by the brewery and the fun just continues on until the fireworks that night, so here's to a real good time for all!

LOTS OF PEOPLE--There was a good turn out at the Skamokawa Grange Hall last week when they held the public candidate forum there. It's a good thing when people can come together and discuss their concerns with various candidates and it's always good when everyone can act in a courteous and civil manner.

The Grange hall is a great place to hold these kinds of events, and if you happen to be planning an event of some kind, from birthday and anniversay gatherings to celebration of life gatherings, you might keep the Grange hall in mind as it's roomy but not over-whelmingly huge either. Contact Grange Master, Levi Helms for more info: 360-431-9506. They meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the hall, located at 18 Fairgrounds Road.

GET WELL WISHES--We want to wish one of our former Sheriff office gals, Janelle Gilligan, a speedy recovery as we understand she's having some surgery on her hands, so we hope all goes well and she's feeling much better when she's all healed up. Janelle now lives in Oregon but she was a 1978 WHS graduate, and her Mom, Gaylene Johnson, still lives in Cathlamet, so while Janelle might not be local right now, she has family who still are, and we like to keep up with all of our former local folks and wish them well when they need it.

SYMPATHIES--We want to send our sympathies to the family of Jody Havens, as she passed away on June 22. She grew up in Skamokawa and graduated from Wahkiakum High School, Class of 1970. Her services were held this past week in Woodland. She is survived by her husband Gary Havens and four children, as well as her mother, Danella and many grandchildren, and we send our condolences to all.

HAPPY 4TH?--I trust you all had a very happy Fourth of July yesterday! With a little luck, you weren't too bothered by the fireworks where you were, as many people do not react favorably to the non-stop racket and having to sedate their animals for days at a time. While it may be legal to set them off for days and days, I really appreciate the folks who just shoot them off on the 4th and let it go at that. Some cities and counties are severely restricting their use due to the inconsiderate actions of a few, so let's hope we can just be a little more thoughtful of others before we wind up having to have more rules/laws passed upon us.