The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

PLENTY OF WATER. Well, while we had plenty of water around the area, I was happy that we didn't have any major flooding here in West Valley over the roads and such, so that was a big plus. This week’s forecast shows some dry days and it would sure be nice to dry out for a little bit. The only down side I see about drying out is that it's supposed to get down to freezing again and I could do without that, so be watchful if you have to be out and about in the early morning or late evening hours, as it might just be a little slick out. Here's hoping it's not another pipe bursting freeze, as that's definitely not any fun.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays during this first week of February from Feb. 1 thru 7 are: Kyle Gribskov, Varsha Martin, Ed Stornetta, Bob Montgomery, KC Garrison, Nicle Emery, Courtney Zurick, Grant Johnson, Alyssa Montgomery, Alecia Mosteller Montgomery, Becca Johnson, Pam Moore, Terry Ostling, Jessica Vik, Kenneth Zacher, Christina Zacher, Bret Hart, Kennedy Rusk, Madilyn Freeman, Alexyss Baldwin, Troy Kyle, David, A Pedersen and Aunika Taylor. Celebrating their anniversary this week are: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Montgomery, enjoy your special days everybody. If you'd like to add or subtract anybody from the Lions Club calendar, please let me know, as well as a member of the WLC so we can make the necessary changes to next years calendar. You can contact Renee at 360-849-4003 or Carol at 360-795-3337.

BREAKFAST IN SKAMOKAWA. Just another quick reminder that the Skamokawa Grange Hall is the place to be on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, where they serve up a bit of breakfast and some coffee and you're welcome to attend and sit a spell. It's also a place where a group of you could meet up, chat with others you've never met before and maybe even discuss some local issues or ask about upcoming events. I'd also like to thank those who responded to my request for Christmas wrapping paper for the "Shoeboxes of Joy" event that will take place again at the end of this year. The earlier that coordinator Season Long is able to get supplies, the sooner she and her crew can work on wrapping all those shoe boxes, which they will still need more of as well. Anyhoo, thanks for the support and we hope more of you can donate either some paper, boxes or even items for the boxes.It's never too early to start purchasing those little items that are needed for each box. You can call me and I can arrange to have things picked up or just show up with your supplies at the grange hall between 10 and 12 on Thursdays and have a cup of coffee while you're at it. Cash donations are always welcome to help keep this Community Breakfast going as there's always rent to pay.

VALENTINE BINGO. It seems like we just got over Christmas but by golly, here we are starting a new month, which means that Valentine's Day is coming real soon and you know what that means don't you? Yep, it's Valentines Bingo down here in the Youth building at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds this Saturday, Feb. 3. Doors open at 5 pm with games beginning at 6 pm. Cards are three for fifteen dollars and they are good for all twenty games that they play. This is always fun and they have a great array of prizes to win and there is also a table for some bigger items that you can buy raffle tickets for. All proceeds go to the fair to help with costs.

FLEA MARKET & T-BUILDING SALE. Also on Saturday the 10th you can head down to the fairgrounds and enjoy their monthly Flea Market from 9 to 3. If you're looking for a good deal on household items, they have lots to choose from. If you're just starting out on your own and need to set up your kitchen or your new apartment, this is the place to do that as you'll save a bundle and they have some really nice things there.

TERRIFIC TIME. Once again the Rosburg Hall was full of happy campers as the American Legion Post 111 held their annual Crab and Oyster Feed, and they did not disappoint! Many of us oyster eaters were so full of oysters that we took our crab home as we just couldn't eat another bite. The raffle items were plentiful as well, as there were fifty-two items on the list so there were a whole lot of happy folks who came away with more than they went there with. It's always great to have a lot of raffle donations as folks buy more tickets and the Legion is able to secure more funds to keep up the Rosburg Hall, so it's a win-win for everybody! We also got quite lucky that the heavy rains and flooding that was initially a concern, did not materialize and mess up the whole thing and we all got to enjoy this wonderful meal and fun time without any issues.Great job to one and all that did all the work, as this is a big event that we look forward to every year and couldn't be done without their dedication. If you'd like to join the legion or just help them out, you can give Ken Elliott or Richard Nikkila a call and they'll gladly put you to work.

SAD TIMES. We have heard of so many people passing away lately. We want to send our sincere condolences to Russ Durrah on the loss of his wife, Kathy "Kat" Watkins Durrah this past weekend. I can still see the two of them featured as the King and Queen of the Senior Prom in my 1965 yearbook, such a great picture, and a great couple who have been together ever since those WA-KI-HI school days. The Celebration of Life service for Kathy Durrah will be held this Friday, Feb. 2 at Noon at the Dowling Funeral Home in Cathlamet. We also learned of the passing of Linda Wendell Clark and our hearts go out to Robert and their family members. This was a couple who had been together for years, having married in June of 1966. We also learned of the sudden passing of Jason Montgomery, who succumbed to a heart attack in January. Jason was born in Sept. of 1976, so he was only forty-seven years old. My sympathies go out to his family and all his close friends and extended family members. While I was working down at the museum this past summer, I had a nice chat with Rusty Hampton, who also passed away recently. He was one of my brothers' school pals and we shared some fun stories of the old days. I certainly want to express my sincere sympathies to his family and all those affected by the loss of a loved one, my sincerest condolences to you. May your loved one rest in peace.