Week of January 22, 2026
Week of January 22, 2026
Last Thursday, The Wahkiakum County Eagle was sold by the Nelson family to Longview businessman Brian Fleming. Jacob Nelson, whose father, Rick, and grandfather, Bob had been the previous owners of the newspaper, has served as publisher for The Eagle since Rick's passing in 2023. Rick's widow, MaryAnn Nelson, along with children Jacob and Jamie, have served as the paper's owners. "For Rick's father (Bob) and for Rick, the newspaper was one way that they served the community," said MaryAnn....
Because the dates line up, The Eagle has decided to reprint events from 1976. Thank you to volunteer Julie O’Neil and volunteer curator, genealogist, and board member Kari Kandoll. Downriver Dispatches News of Grays River, Rosburg, and Deep River By Marilyn Gunderson Church News Rev. Kurtii of Salem, Ore. held services at the Apostolic Lutheran church in Rosburg last Sunday. He and Mrs. Kurtii and the congregation were guests at the home of Mrs. Lyla Sotka for a potluck luncheon following services. Grange News The new year’s Grays River...
The Eagle is proud to partner with the WCSO to bring you this monthly message from your local Sheriff. Hello from your Sheriff! I’d like to refresh everyone on some traffic laws pertaining to dirt bikes and UTVs, commonly referred to as “side-by-sides.” Side-by-sides/UTVs are allowed on non-highway public roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or lower. Side-by-sides/UTVs may cross public roads exceeding 35 miles per hour to a maximum of 60 miles per hour at ninety-degree intersections for the purpose of continuing on a 35 miles...
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Wahkiakum County Commissioners, the commissioners approved the re-appointment of Lore Twiet to the Noxious Weed Control Board. Twiet’s term recently expired, and the commissioners approved a new four-year term that will expire Dec. 31, 2029. The commissioners then noted there still is a vacancy in Weed District No. 1 / Deep River. More re-appointments followed, as it was noted the Johnson Park Advisory Board had two board members - Denise Blanchard and Jamie Samms - whose terms have expired. The...
Each year, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States selects an emergency medical technician, a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, and 911 dispatcher/telecommunicator to receive public servant awards. Local VFW posts submit a winner from each category to their State VFW department headquarters. The department then selects a single winner for each of the four awards and submits those to VFW National Headquarters. The VFW National Emergency Medical Technician Public Servant Award applies...
If you've driven down Loop Road in Grays River recently you may have noticed something missing at the intersection with Covered Bridge Road. Last week, members of the Grays River Grange discovered the Covered Bridge sign had been damaged and was barely standing, supported by a single rotted post. Working with county commissioners, members of the Grange removed the sign and took it to the Grays River Grange. Due to the extent of the damage, it cannot be reinstalled and will instead be displayed...
With the help of Town Attorney Fred Johnson, Mayor Nicholas Sevald took the Oath of Office Friday, Jan. 16, inside Town Hall. Sevald's speech included expressions of appreciation for his family "for their love and support throughout the campaign" and "for allowing his continued test of that love and support" while he fulfills his duties of office. "Wayn, Theo, Lyla, and Davers, you are the reason I do anything at all," said Sevald. "I am so proud of each of you and am excited to see you grow...
Just some random thoughts Almost weekly, I get feedback from y'all on the content of our Eagle Outdoors column. "That was nice," and "I wish you'd write about this." Once someone said, albeit politely, "How can anyone as dense as yourself find his way out of bed in the morning," finishing with the novel "Do you hide your own Easter eggs" comment. To be honest, Julie helps with the first part of that equation. As for the second, I've not thought of that; however, it might certainly increase the...
The Clatskanie City Council met and was opened by Mayor Bob Brajcich for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The first agenda item was presented by Karen Marx in support of a pickle ball court in the city park. To continue her effort seeking a grant from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation department, Marx was in need of a letter of support from the city. The Council voted in favor of supporting her effort. This proposal was brought before the council in 2024, but was put on hold due to the projected change in FEMA (Federal...
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, The Safeway Foundation presented the Clatskanie Turning Point Service Center with a check for $18,948.42. The money is a community grant sponsored by The Albertsons Companies Foundation, which was represented by Jim BaBianco and staff members of Clatskanie's local Safeway. These grants are given solely to help fund food pantries across the nation. Turning Point Manager Kelly Miller was thrilled to receive the check. "The grant dollars will help fund The Turning...
The release of “Hidden World: A Lower Columbia County Writers Anthology” coincides with the debut of Stories by the River Festival, a month-long celebration of Columbia County writers at St. Helens Public Library. “The library’s enthusiasm has been incredible,” says Anthology Project Coordinator Ellen Jacobson. “The fact they want to build an annual event that celebrates local authors is an unexpected windfall.” Jacobson and fellow anthology organizers Mike Exinger, Sharon Hughson, and Jana Mann have formed the Columbia County...
During the months of November and December, 50 businesses in Clatskanie and Rainier participated in a fundraising campaign to support the Salvation Army’s local voucher program. The program provides emergency financial relief for area residents. Each business hosted a counter kettle and encouraged donations throughout the holiday season. This effort was in addition to annual bell-ringing activities, which has typically been the sole source of donations to fund the program on a yearly basis. The Clatskanie and Rainier Chambers of Commerce...
The Senior Center is hosting a Valentine’s Day bake sale fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are asking for donated baked goods to sell. Suggested items include cookies, cakes, pies, bread, and brownies. All proceeds go to supporting Senior Center operations. The center has requested baked goods be dropped off either the day before or delivered by 10 a.m. on Feb. 9 for pricing. The bake sale is open to the public and cash or checks are accepted. “We are always looking for new and fun ways to raise money, connect with...
Columbia River PUD has two open opportunities to support local non-profits: Vehicle Wash and Economic Development Grant programs. The Vehicle Wash program invites local non-profit groups to apply to wash approximately 10 Columbia River PUD vehicles that include bucket trucks, service trucks, passenger cars, and sport-utility vehicles in exchange for a $500 check made out to the non-profit. Non-profits submit through the CRPUD website under the “Our Community” section and can select preferred dates. If there are more groups interested than...
According to online case information, former Rainier Junior and Senior High School Principal Jeremy Williams will have a judgement and sentencing hearing on Monday, Feb. 23. Online records show on Monday, Jan. 12, a guilty-plea-only hearing was held. A statement of defendant on “plea of guilty” was entered into record, along with a presentence investigation order. According to definitions supplied by the Federal Courts of the United States, “The pre-sentence report summarizes information gathered during the pre-sentence investigation,...
I recently interviewed Naselle resident David Rangila for the 47th installment of Reader's Fave, our casual feature highlighting community members and the books that have shaped them. David opened the conversation with one of his longtime favorites, "The Good Earth," a Pulitzer Prize–winning novel by Pearl S. Buck. The book, he said, resonates because of its enduring themes of land, struggle, and family. "It doesn't matter if you're talking about two thousand years ago or today," David said....
Hansel Everett York Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 at his home in Cathlamet WA. He was born on March 26,1947 in Munich Germany to Hansel and Margaret (Sheeran) York. Hansel was in the US Marine Corps Reserve and later graduated from the University of Washington. In 1980 he and his wife, Katherine, moved to Cathlamet. He worked for the Wahington State Liquor Control Board and Wahkiakum Mental Health until Graduating from the police academy in 1989. He worked as a law...
St. James Episcopal Church will have a memorial service in honor of Hannah Booth, on Sunday Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at the church, 1134 Columbia St. Cathlamet. All are welcome to attend and share memories and gratitude for this beloved member of our...
Robert Leroy Gawith passed away on Jan. 2, 2026, in Longview, Wash. Surrounded by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Amy; and grandson, Oakley, Bob was peacefully in the presence of the Lord. His family will strive to carry on his love of Jesus, his generosity, and sense of humor. Bob was born Nov. 2, 1954, in Salina Kan., to Phyllis and Oakley Gawith. His older sister was Beverly, and his younger brother was Barry. They were all in heaven, along with his parents, to greet Bob when he arrived last...
To The Eagle, I am writing this letter in support of the upcoming Levy for the Wahkiakum School District. This Levy is not a new revenue source but a Replacement Levy which this community has supported for many years. Your taxes will not increase by passing this Levy. Instead, this four-year tax cycle will actually see your Levy taxes reduced significantly. The estimated tax rate from 2022 was $1.78 per thousand. This year’s estimated renewal tax rate for this cycle will be reduced to $1.27 per thousand. They are contingent on the amount of...
Just two days after nearly doubling up on Vernonia, the Clatskanie High School girls basketball team fell just short on the road against Nestucca. Jumping out to a 10-4 lead to enter the second quarter, the Tigers held a 16-12 lead at halftime. The Bobcats regained the lead to end the third quarter and outscored the Tigers 15-14 in the final frame to secure that 43-41 victory. Clatskanie was led in scoring by junior Olivia George, who had 23 points on 8 for 18 shooting from the field. Senior...
The Clatskanie Tigers varsity boys basketball team rebounded from last Tuesday's 60-50 loss to Nestucca with two straight victories over Faith Bible Christian and Gaston. Trailing by three points entering the second quarter last Tuesday, the Tigers found themselves in a 14-point hole going into halftime. Though outscoring Nestucca 34-30 in the second half, Clatskanie still had to settle for the 10-point loss. Senior Zach Mollenhour led all scorers with 16 points, Junior Gunner Engen,...
The KM Trophy was back up for grabs for the Comets and Mules on Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Wednesday, Jan. 14. Afterwards, both schools will have something to celebrate. Wahkiakum's boys varsity team managed a 29-point victory against the Comets, while Naselle's girls won their rivalry matchup by 21. Rivalry games always have some nerves, and this season's KM Trophy games were no different. Both games were tight in the first quarter, as both squads needed to feel each other out. Comets come out on...
January 12 1:42 p.m. The Grays River Ambulance transported a Rosburg resident to the hospital for flu-like symptoms. 2:14 p.m. A concerned citizen called to report a vehicle with no handicap sign was parked in the handicap parking spot on Main Street. 4:27 p.m. A Puget Island resident called to report a burglary at their home while they were away. 9:21 p.m. A Cathlamet resident called for an ambulance to transport them to the hospital after becoming heavily intoxicated and dizzy. 11:23 p.m. Deputies arrested one person after a physical...
