Skamokawa News

WILD WEATHER. Well, we certainly had a mix of weather the past week, and I have to say, the most impressive part was the very loud and long periods of thunder that roared through the valley along with some wild streaks of lightning! While we had some wind and rain too, we also had sunshine and muggy conditions, so it was quite a mix of weather here. It also depended on where you were, because ten miles one way or the other, could find you in completely different conditions. I hope you were in one of the drier and nicer spots. Lightning is rather fascinating to watch as long as it's not starting any forest fires or causing damage to one’s property or person. However, avid storm lover and former resident Sunny Manary was thrilled to get a scenic lightning and thunder event. I'm glad she finally got her wish!

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from August 22 thru 28 are: Becky Ledtke, Riley Emlen-Petterson, Clarity Schmitz, Kay Walters, Addy Helms, Lori Martin, Brandon Kincaid, Declan Haddix, Cindy Faubion, Linda DeBriae, Gabriella Cothren, Bryce Heiner, Larry Havens, Rene Westbrook, Greg Parker, LouAnn Hedges, Katie Phillips, Devon Mueller, Tyson Bain, Donna Evans, Meredith Cothren, Darrell Trotter, Mike Vincent, Nicholas Keithley, Bobbie Leingang, Patty Kellum, Wayne Bell, Sean Pedersen and 67'er: Anita Blix Kangas. Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are: John and Nichole McKinley, Bryan Bach and Libby Davison, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Cruickshank, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Doumit, Pete and Patti LaBerge, Mike and Sara Brown and Bryce and Lauren Good are celebrating their very first anniversary this week, so that's always extra special so" Happy First Anniversary" to you two! Here's wishing all of you very happy celebrations this week.

FAIR WRAP UP. I hope you were able to attend the annual Wahkiakum County Fair which took place for the one hundred and sixteenth time. The Youth Building was full of entries from talented kids. I know some kids who will really be enjoying their checks when they get them. It is always neat to earn your own money. As usual, I had to try out the food, as fair time is a no cooking time for me. I enjoyed all the usual foods and the treats too. The last day could have been nicer but then again, it could have been worse. Kudos to all those that took part in putting the fair together and of course, to all those that entered items in the various categories, good job. Here's to next year, August 21 thru 23, 2025.

SILVER SENIOR PROM. I was asked to remind all of you "senior" folks about the senior prom this Saturday evening. For the second year the Hope Center will be the place to be for another "Prom Night" this Saturday, August 24. Hours of the event are from 6 to 9 p.m., so get all dolled up and enjoy light refreshments, games and dancing with all your fellow seniors. Please contact Marianne Burkholder to let her know you'll be attending (MarianneBurkholder@gmail.com) or for those who don't have internet or email access, call Human Health Services at 360-795-8630 and they can help you out. This was a real big success last year and they hope it's even better this year. The Hope Center is up by the grade school in Cathlamet.

HOOK THE HAWG. I want to remind you that there is a big fishing derby going on down at the Elochoman Slough Marina beginning today, Thursday Aug. 22 and ending on Aug. 24. I hope you have a whole lot of luck as you ply the waters in hopes of caching that big fish, aka "the hawg". There are always great prizes and the winners will be smiling for sure. Good luck!

SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK. With the school year starting next Tuesday August 27, make sure you're paying extra attention to those big yellow buses out there carrying very precious cargo from our area homes to school in Cathlamet. Also note that they have different hours now, so the kids start school at 8 a.m., and they get out at 3:30 p.m., so the kids will get home later as well. Remember, the school week has been changed and they will only be having four days of school so that might take some getting used to as well. I certainly wish all the kids going back to school a good year and all the sports teams a good season,.Here's to the Warriors and the Mules, the guys and the gals, having a truly wonderful, successful year!

TRAVELERS. I heard from Kerry Brown and he let me know that he and wife, Susan, had traveled across the United States recently, so kudos to them for successfully making that trip, whew, makes me tired just thinking about it. They visited their son and family in Grand Rapids Michigan and then headed back to California for a wedding. All was going well until they got back home and found out they both had contracted Covid along the way.....ugh! We hope they are 100 percent okay by now.

NORSE HALL CELEBRATION. Coming up on September 7, the Norse Hall will be having their 90 year anniversary of the founding of the Helgeland Lodge 2-30 on Puget Island. The lodge is located at 444 SR 409 and they invite you to come and join them at 1 p.m. that Saturday to commemorate that very special day. You'll have to come and see all the new and improved areas of the hall and I hear the floor upstairs is getting redone, so that should be awesome, things are looking good.

BIG DAY CELEBRATED. While this past Sunday was a mix of wild weather, from wind to rain to sun and steam, the "love gods" opted to shine on the Rainey family, as there were no horrendous downpours or wind storms to ruin the big day for Jaylynn Rainey, the only daughter of Jason and Jami Rainey, as she married the love of her life, Michael Collins. In a secluded area of land on their east valley property, surrounded by trees, family, and friends, the bride-to-be showed up to the archway in an oled red Ford pickup with her Dad at the wheel. As Jason helped his "little girl" out of the truck, they were all smiles as they walked to where Jason presented his daughter to her husband-to-be. With the nuptials read, the rings exchanged and a big kiss to seal the deal, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Collins turned to the crowd and beamed with happiness as they walked down the hill to the reception area. We were happy to be among the many guests that got to share in their happiness and we offer our hearty "Congratulations" to them and wish them a happy ever-after!