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

Maybe, maybe we will see some sunshine this week. Lake Fred (my pasture) is down and the ducks are gone. We can once again drive out our driveway without worrying about water getting into the vehicle. Oh, the joys of winter in Grays River.

News from Naselle:

Let’s all remember to mark our calendar for the annual Valentine Smorgasbord to be held on February 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Naselle-Grays River School. This event is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, and is a one of a kind lunch. You can’t go wrong by attending this event, and sampling the huge salad bar, as well as main course dishes including chicken, oysters and meatballs, other hot dishes, desserts and beverages. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 for adults, $6 for kids six-12 and $2 for kids five and under.

The American Legion Auxiliary does wonderful things in our community, though they are not often recognized for it. Proceeds from their fund raising are put back into our own community in the form of scholarships such as Girl’s State, veterans hospitals, Ronald McDonald House, and even a helping hand for local families should the need arise. Thank you ladies for all you do, and for putting together such an awesome smorgasbord every year.

Sports coming up this week in Naselle include: today, (Thursday)-high school boys basketball with Raymond in Naselle at 5:45 p.m., middle school boys basketball at Raymond at 5:45 p.m .; Friday-high school girls basketball with Willapa Valley in Naselle at 5:45 p.m .; Saturday-high school boys basketball at Willapa Valley at 5:45 p.m .; Monday-middle school boys basketball at North Beach at 5:45 p.m .; Tuesday-high school boys basketball with North Beach in Naselle at 5:45 p.m .; Wednesday-middle school boys basketball at South Bend at 5:45 p.m. Go Comets!

Naselle Middle School students of the quarter for the first quarter were selected by staff in December and recently announced. In the 6th grade, Ellie Chapman was selected for academic excellence, Shannon Christie for outstanding citizenship, and Cameron Burch for personal achievement. In the 7th grade, Emily Bjornsgard was selected for academic excellence, Kendra Leeland for outstanding citizenship, and Kateland Busse for personal achievement. In the 8th grade, Franco Smith was selected for academic excellence, Emily Gjovik for outstanding citizenship, and Matthew Carter for personal achievement.

The following students were selected in December as students of the quarter in Naselle High School. Students are selected by staff members on the basis of academic excellence, outstanding citizenship, and personal achievement. The students selected for academic excellence were Karianne Condon, Levi Wasmundt, Trevin Leeland, and Taylor Wasmundt. Those selected for outstanding citizenship were Haley Pine, Shae Trost, Cramer Smith, and Kyle Mullins. The students chosen for personal achievement were River Andring, Jordan Badger, Briannan Olson, and Chase Chapman.

Warm up to good books and join in Timberland Regional Library’s 14th annual Adult Winter Reading program, running now through March 15. The program offers the chance to win prizes just for reading and staying snug all winter.

Brochures with complete rules, entry forms and prize lists are available at all Timberland libraries. Basically, for each five books or audio books you finish during the program period, complete a form and turn it in at a Timberland library by March 15. Participants must be 18 or older and have a current Timberland library card.

Prizes, including overnight resort getaways and book bags filled with an assortment of treats, will be drawn on March 22. Local Timberland libraries will award additional prizes that have been donated by businesses and Friends of the Library groups.

The Friends of the Naselle Timberland Library will meet at 6 p.m., February 1, at the library. Monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month excluding July and August. Meetings are open to the public and new members are welcome. For more information call (360) 484-3877.

Other news from the Westend:

Have you purchased your ticket yet for the Valentine Diamond Dinner to be held at the Skamokawa Grange Hall on February 12? Tickets are still available for the dinner and raffle for the diamond necklace as well as other wonderful prizes. They can be purchased at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet or the Rosburg Store in Rosburg. $25 per person gives you one raffle ticket, an awesome steak dinner, great company and music. All the proceeds benefit our Wahkiakum County Fair.

Remember the meeting that was held in April of last year regarding spreading of septic sludge on the Zerr farm in Grays River? Remember also the ordinance that at least one of our county commissioners was trying to get passed that would have restricted the usage of class B and class A biosolids in certain areas of our county? Note: the septic sludge slated for the Zerr farm does not meet the class B classification. If you would like to help out with some research on this issue please contact Cynthia Lahti at 465-2889 or me 465-2960 as soon as possible.

Birthdays being celebrated this week include Paty Rose, Caitlin McGuire, Deanna Gjovik, Bruce Harkness Simukka, Dan Moravec, Jeff Reimann, Ron Stube, Bill Wood, Bill Littlefield, Shellie Badger, Brittany Legler, Clayton Strong, John Didion Jr., Garett Boggs, Joe Dziados, Joyce Otterson, Troy Wasmundt, Erin Saari, Melissa Olson, Hannah Footh, Cassie VanDusen, Chandler Chapman, Jeannine Helvey and James Lovin. Happy birthday on your special day.

Speaking of special days and special people, I want to wish an especially wonderful day to my sister Diane today, on her birthday. I haven’t always been near enough to let her know how wonderful it is to have a sister like her, and to have her close. This past one and a half years have been a wonderful treat for me to get to know my “little sister” and I know she has been happy here as well. I wish you only good things, lots of love, and our best for you always. Happy Birthday, Diane. If you see her working today, be sure and wish her a great day.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to the following couples this week: Alfred and Carolyn Simukka, Craig and Diane Mattson and Jon and Angie Chapman. Wishing you many more.

I do believe that spring will be here this year, as I happened to drive by Georgene Scott’s on Altoona/Pillar Rock Road and she has seven of the cutest little black baby sheep. New life and new beginnings. Isn’t that what spring is all about?