Downriver Dispatches

SR 4 to Open

As of Sunday afternoon SR 4 was still closed, yet a single lane had been prepared for traffic with the automatic signal light at each side of the slide area. A worker on site informed me that the road may be open this week, but not to quote him. Celeste Dimichina from the WSDOT southwest office in Vancouver informed me on Monday morning that as far as she knew the highway would still be closed indefinitely. By the time readers get this story the road could be open, but with more rain expected, only God really knows. Dimichina sent me this e-mail Monday afternoon: “Making sure you saw our latest update that was sent out on Friday, Jan. 31. We have a conference call scheduled for later this afternoon, with our project office. They will provide us with the most recent updates on the clean-up efforts which helps us in determining when we can reopen a single-lane of the highway.”

Legion Crab / Oyster Feed and Dance

The flooding only postponed the oyster feed and dance. Deep River Post #111 is holding their annual Crab and Oyster Feed at the Rosburg Community Hall this Saturday. Advanced tickets are on sale for $28, but only 200 tickets will be available. The meal will include crab, oysters, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and garlic bread. Price of admission includes the dance. Cost for the dance only is $5. No-one under 21 will be allowed in the bar area. Happy hour is from 6-7 p.m .; dinner is from 7-9 p.m .; drawing is at 8:30 p.m .; and the dance is from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Outside alcoholic beverages not permitted in the Hall. For tickets and information contact Dale Rose at 465-2234, Ken Elliot at 465-2274, or Nick Nikkila at 465-2595. All proceeds are for supporting our veterans, youth, and local charities.

Census 2020 Jobs in Wahkiakum County

Another reminder that there are jobs available in Wahkiakum County. You can earn extra income while helping your community by working for the U.S. Census Bureau. They are recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. They are hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including supervisory staff. Census Field Supervisors can earn $24-$26 per hour; all others earn $16.50 per hour. Supervisors conduct fieldwork to support and conduct on-the-job training for census takers and/or follow-up in situations where census takers have confronted issues, such as not gaining entry to restricted areas. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and must be a U.S. citizen. To apply you must complete an online job application at http://www.2020census.gov/jobs. One application for all jobs! The application includes assessment questions about your education, work, and other experience. You can apply online at http://www.2020census.gov/jobs.

Naselle News

Justin Laine, guidance counselor at the Naselle Middle School informed me of the success of some of the school children. The Naselle Middle School knowledge bowl teams competed in two ESD 113 knowledge bowl meets at Grays Harbor College on January 24 and 31. One team competed in an 8th grade division and consisted of Captain Lewis Hoff, Derek Suomela, Jayden Ding, Alia Lebovitz, Mylinh Schell, and Rachael Paul. The eighth grade competed against 14 other teams from 10 different schools—placing 2nd at last Friday’s meet and only one point behind Elma. This team placed 2nd again today, though they beat first place Elma in a head to head match up. The other team is a mixed team of Kamilla Lozano Bellingham, Emma Christian, Avalon Sullivan, Nicole Steenerson, Aiden and Anthony Brunes and Hunter Blain. This team is competing in the second division against 13 other teams from nine schools. The teams will next compete on February 14 and 21 at GHC with the team with highest cumulative total in each division being crowned champion.

Valentine Day Smorgasbord

The American Legion Auxiliary regrets to inform you that they will not be having their Annual Valentine Smorgasbord at the Naselle School this year because of illness and declining membership.