Downriver Dispatches

SR 4 Finally Open

Back on January 23rd of 2020, most area residents remember when a good sized portion of a hillside slid, carrying rocks, mud and trees had fallen onto the roadway at mile point 25.5 on the KM Mountain. The hillside is now not actively moving and has been stabilized. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has already built a rock buttress at the bottom of the slide.

To get an idea of how bad this landslide was watch the drone video of the slide: https://youtu.be/D3r11Mk-C3w. During the closure traffic had to use Highway 30 in Oregon by crossing at The Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview or the Astoria Bridge into Oregon. Local traffic at that time used the Wahkiakum County Ferry, the Oscar B, which ran on a 24/7 schedule during the highway closure at no charge. I have been in contact with Tamara Greenwell, the Southwest Regional Communications Manager for WSDOT and she informed me that they are still on track to wrap up work on this project before the end of the year. This week’s soggy weather delayed some of their paving work. Their contractor is scheduled to do the final paving work this weekend, as the forecast shows there will likely be some dry weather. Just a few items remain after the paving work, for this project to be completed: Final barrier removal – the large shipping containers have already been moved off of the highway; Landscaping work, seeding, mulching, top soil; pavement markings, which also require dry weather to install; installation of guideposts and signs. Crews will return in the spring when temperatures are warmer to do some hydro seeding (a seed and mulch mix used for erosion control), but the work will not delay the reopening of both lanes of the roadway. Ms. Greenwell also said that the road will be open as of Monday and that the WSDOT appreciates the Wahkiakum County Eagle for sharing information about this project with the readers and they appreciate people’s patience during this construction project. The cleanup is almost complete with the containers removed, but the highway is still down to a single lane with a traffic light to control traffic. Waiting time is just a couple of minutes.

Johnson Park Update

The advisory board of Johnson Park has voted to open two days a week. They will be open Tuesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first day of opening will be December 1. This will be by appointment only. Anyone wanting to use the facility can call 360-465-2310 and leave a message and on Tuesday morning and Saturday morning messages will be checked and answered. Or call on those days; there will be someone at the facility during those hours. After hours events can be scheduled for use and are required to uphold the Washington’s Phased Approach, we are currently in Phase 3; these will be posted at Johnson Park. To schedule an after hour event call Toni Fest 360-465-2393. The rooms that will be open are the exercise room, sewing room, and the gym. Dress-A-Girl will continue to drop off dresses on Thursday while the West End Food Bank is open for now. The rooms open by appointment only and will have sign in sheets. It is required by the person reserving the room to be responsible for signing in their names and who is using the room with them.

The kitchen and dining room are by event only and a board member will open the facility. Before the facility is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays the facility will be wiped down and bathrooms cleaned. A hand sanitizer will be at each entrance for your use and by the gym. Wipes will be available in the exercise room and sewing room; users should wipe down the equipment they use. Tuesdays and Saturdays were chosen so there are three days between openings. Johnson Park advisory board will be glad to answer any questions concerning the opening. They want to see the facility in full use. Masks are required except for those who can’t wear masks due to a medical condition.

Appelo Archives Soup Supper

On December 5 from 4-7 p.m., the Appelo Archive Center will provide To-Go Soup Supper by Donation: Clam Chowder, Turkey Noodle, or Tomato Soup, Hot Cocoa, drive-by pickup $2; also at the Archives: Christmas Trees for Sale and photo op with Santa Lucia Girl indoor or through window. Call the Archives to Order @ 360-484-7101.

Naselle Community Center Wreath Sale

On December 5 from 4-7 p.m. the Naselle Community Center will have wreaths for sale that have been donated/decorated by local businesses and organizations, with proceeds benefitting various non-profits and local groups. Wreaths will have been collected early and given time to quarantine. We encourage this to be a “drive-by” event, where you can view wreaths from your car with one sales-person to assist you.

Naselle Holiday Light Tour

On December 5 from 5-9 p.m., there will be light displays at homes along Knappton Road, Parpala Road, Torppa Road & Naselle Road, South Valley Road, North Valley Road, Upper Naselle Road, Salmon Creek, SR 401 & SR 4. Specific addresses not listed for privacy. Thank you to everyone involved and the entire community for coming together to provide lights and a holiday event for us to safely enjoy. If there are questions about the wreath sale or light tour please contact Haleigh See @ 360-852-3730.