Week of October 9, 2025
Week of October 9, 2025
Columbia County’s first Domestic Violence Awareness March will take place Saturday, Oct. 18. The march starts at 10 a.m. at McCormick Park in St. Helens and ends at St. Helens Library. Speakers and information tables of local resources, such as SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) of Columbia County and Amani Center, will be on site. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the color associated with DV awareness and is sometimes known to represent “courage, survival, and the fight against abuse.” One of the organizers said, “We hope this...
Columbia County Cultural Coalition (CCCC) has received additional $20,000 grant funds through the Rebuilding and Expansion Grant Program of the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). The additional funds will be added to the annual allocation from the Oregon Cultural Trust of $15,262. A total of $35,262 will be available for distribution in 2026. Traditionally, CCCC has offered matching grants of up to $2,000 to art, culture, and history projects within Columbia County. The OCF funds will allow the offer of a few larger grants to more fully fund...
The following is a press release provided by the Columbia County website (columbiacountyor.gov): Columbia County is proud to announce that the recently restored John Gumm Building in downtown St. Helens has received the prestigious DeMuro Award from Restore Oregon, recognizing outstanding achievement in public stewardship, adaptive reuse, and creative problem solving. Built in 1919 to replace a school lost to fire, the John Gumm Building served generations of students as St. Helens Elementary School and was listed in 1984 as a contributing...
For much of the 20th century, a sprawling complex in the desert of southeastern Washington state turned out most of the plutonium used in the nation’s nuclear arsenal, from the first atomic bomb to the arms race that fueled the Cold War. Now, after decades of planning and billions of dollars of investment, the site is turning liquid nuclear and chemical waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation into a much safer substance: glass. State regulators on Wednesday issued the final permit Hanford needed for workers to remove more waste from...
During its session Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Wahkiakum County Commissioners voted unanimously on a proclamation approving October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Prior to the vote, Commissioner Gene Strong read the proclamation in its entirety. The document states, “Domestic violence affects more than just one group of people. It is a crime that harms individuals of all races, genders, sexual identity, ages, and socioeconomic levels. Domestic violence is a cycle of abuse and places a huge burden on its survivors with impacts that can be...
The general elections in Cathlamet and Wahkiakum County will be taking place Tuesday, Nov. 4. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 16, The Wahkiakum County Eagle will be printing a page each week dedicated to the two candidates for Wahkiakum County Sheriff, Wahkiakum County Assessor, and Mayor of Cathlamet. Running for sheriff are candidates John Mason and Josh Grasseth. Running for assessor are candidates Drew Jenkins and Justin Moriarty. Running for Mayor of Cathlamet are candidates Nicholas Sevald and Laurel Waller. These candidates are presented with...
Today is Thursday, Oct. 9, the 282nd day of 2025. There are 83 days left in the year. Today in history: On Oct. 9, 2009, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee called “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” Also on this date: In 1910, a coal dust explosion at the Starkville Mine in Colorado left 56 miners dead. In 1962, Uganda won independence from British rule. In 1963, a mega-tsunami triggered by a landside at Vajont Dam in...
Beginning Oct. 15, the Wahkiakum Amateur Radio Club will again be hosting a free FCC Amateur Radio License class on Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Wahkiakum HS Robot room (500 South 3rd Street). Those interested in attending can just show up or register ahead of time to receive a lesson plan outline by emailing n7wah.club@gmail.com. Those attending our class who live in the county and pass the FCC are eligible to have their test fee paid by the Wahkiakum Amateur Radio Club. The class is expected to last six Wednesdays, with the test taking...
On Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., the Cathlamet Library will kick off the first night of its Author Talk series at the Pioneer Community Center with Dayle Olson. Dayle is a Lower Columbia poet who came to Cathlamet after living most of her life in Tacoma. In 2024, she won first prize for prose poetry in the Oregon Poetry Association annual contest. Dayle was also a recent "Northwest Voices" featured writer at Lower Columbia College, where she led a workshop and read at Longview Public Library....
The public is invited to Stella Lutheran Chapel’s Annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 4–6 p.m. at 124 Sherman Road in Longview. Enjoy a scenic fall drive west of Longview along Ocean Beach Hwy to the historic Stella area. Turn onto Germany Creek Road, continue for two miles, and look for the signs. The evening’s activities will feature a delicious meal prepared by the Stella Lutheran Chapel’s kitchen staff. Enjoy visiting with friends and neighbors while browsing a wide selection of silent auction items created and donated...
The River City Strippers quilting group will display patriotic quilts at the River Mile 38 brewery on Friday, Oct. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. These unique quilts will be presented to veterans as they return from Washington D.C. on the annual honor flight. This year, the strippers decided to support SJFC. All contributions received will be donated to SJFC’s 40 for 40 campaign. Please join us Friday evening to admire fabric art, enjoy a beverage and support a worthy local cause. The River Mile 38 brewery is located at 515 2nd St. in...
Is it just me, or is fall coming fast? I don't know where muzzleloader deer season went, but here we are in the midst of muzzleloader elk season. Waterfowl and rifle deer seasons open on Saturday, Oct. 11. The first run of clam tides opened on Oct. 6 and continue through Sunday, Oct. 12. To top it off, we're three weeks away from the best holiday of the year: Halloween. Not so sure on that ranking? When else can I dress like the March Hare from "Alice in Wonderland," roam the streets of...
I recently interviewed Marilyn Johnson at her home in Rosburg for the 33rd installment of Reader's Fave, a casual interview with someone who shares their favorite book. Marilyn wanted to share her personal fave, the Bible, a book which she has consistently read over the years. "I would say in the past 25 years, I've missed just a handful of days of reading it," she said. For Marilyn, it's one of the first things she does each morning before she gets busy with the day. "I read for about an hour...
SUNSHINE RETURNS. Well, after a couple of very wet days and some very foggy mornings, we are back to bright sunshine as I write this, and it should be nice for several days... awesome. The bad news is that, by the time you read this, it appears there will be a string of wet days lasting four days, so I hope you got your yard work done at the beginning of the week while it was nice and sunny! Thanks to the rain we had earlier, the burn ban has been lifted, and four of the next five days look to be fairly damp, so that should get our forests...
This past Saturday, the historic Grays River Covered Bridge once again transformed from a quiet landmark into the centerpiece of one of Wahkiakum County's most beloved traditions, the 18th Annual 4-H Covered Bridge Dinner. Long tables stretched the length of the bridge, set with eclectic tableware and jars of homemade pickled beets and cucumbers. The air carried the scent of smoked salmon, slow-cooked brisket, and the faint mustiness of the bridge's old timbers. A string of lights draped along...
This past Saturday, Oct. 4 was the grand opening of The Northwest Connection Trading Post, a new shop just off Hwy 30 in Clatskanie. Over the past few months, Sheila McLain and her four assistants - along with help from family and friends - have been feverishly sorting, tagging and finding just the right place to display the many items set for sale. On opening day, visitors were greeted by Sasquatch and a little street market just out front. The Northwest Connection Trading Post is owned and...
The Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) connects older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers to a full range of community resources designed to offer choice, improve quality of life, and respect independence. The upcoming holiday season is a natural time for reflection, appreciation, and connection. For older adults, the practice of gratitude and the act of giving can go beyond spreading holiday cheer. It can boost mental and emotional well-being, foster a greater sense of purpose, and bring...
INAUGURAL DAY. Last Thursday was our inaugural day of the first-ever Westend-Cathlamet Library Delivery service at the Raistakka/Rosburg Fire Station. We had seven patrons arrive and 18 books and DVDs were delivered. Chocolate-chip cookies were provided as a 'Thank you' for each library member. If you live out on the Westend of Wahkiakum County, this is a convenient way for you to get your books, DVDs, and cultural passes delivered to you every Thursday from 2–3 p.m. To order, all you do is...
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Ralph D. Keyser passed away at OHSU on Sept.27, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born in 1930 at home on Bradley Hill and was the youngest of six siblings. Needless to say, being the baby of the family with four older sisters and a brother, he was spoiled and loved to pieces. Ralph graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1948 and joined the army in 1951 until March of 1953. He served in Korea for a short period of time. Ralph and Helen Loberg were married...
To The Eagle, Wahkiakum county and town of Cathlamet voters have the opportunity to elect a new generation of public servants this year. The race for Cathlamet mayor pits Laurel Waller, who will be 74 next year, against Nick Sevald, who will be 43. In the race for Assessor, Drew Jenkins will be 71 when this election is certified, and Justin Moriarty will be 36. It is my opinion that it is time to pass the torch to the next generation. I will be voting for Justin Moriarty for Assessor, and if I lived in Cathlamet, I’d vote for Nick Sevald...
To The Eagle, Grays River Grange #124 would like to invite Wahkiakum County voters to the 2025 Candidate's Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Grays River Grange Hall (11 Hull Creek Rd.). The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for coffee and refreshments with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. The Following candidates have agreed to attend: Natasha Crater - candidate for Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board Dist #4; Laurel Waller - candidate for Mayor, Town of Cathlamet; Drew Jenkins - candidate for Wahkiakum County Assessor; Justin Moriarity -...
Clatskanie High School's varsity football team is off to a perfect 5-0 start to its season following a 43-19 victory at Gaston last Friday. The Tigers opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown run by senior Daylon Gutierrez. After a 10-yard touchdown run by Gaston brought the score to 7-6 Tigers, the Greyhounds failed on their two-point conversion. A three-yard run by senior Lucas Andreasen extended the lead to 13-6 Tigers, but Engen's extra-point attempt was no good. Gaston would take the lead in the second quarter to bring the score to...
The Clatskanie Tigers girls volleyball streak of 27 straight sets won came to an end with a 25-27 defeat last Tuesday, Sept. 30, against Portland Christian. Fortunately for the girls, the team's win streak would remain intact, as the Tigers, though falling in the second set 19-25, would come back in three straight sets (28-26, 25-21, 15-8) to defeat the Royals at home. "[We] got it the hard way tonight," said Head Coach Amanda Baker, who applauded her players' efforts in the win at home. Junior...
Naselle's girls volleyball team quickly rebounded from its first loss of the season last week at Pe Ell with a trio of wins. Squaring off against Lake Quinault, the Comets swept the Elks in three straight sets (25-8, 25-4, 25-13) last Tuesday, Sept. 30. Jessie Smith led the team with 21 assists and added five kills and five aces. Sophia Colombo led the team in both digs with 11 and aces with six. Haylee Rose and Mylee Dunagan each came away with eight kills to lead the team, while Maddie Dielman managed 12 assists and four digs. Sadie...
Wahkiakum and Naselle have been rumbling through the regular season, piling up blowout win after blowout win, and this week was no different. One thing both programs have in common is a great quarterback helping drive the offense week in and week out. In talking to both coaches, the name of the game is execution and improvement at this point. Even though the two teams have eyes on deep playoff runs, their immediate focus never strays beyond their next opponents. Here's how both squads stacked...
SUNSHINE RETURNS. Well, after a couple of very wet days and some very foggy mornings, we are back to bright sunshine as I write this, and it should be nice for several days... awesome. The bad news is that, by the time you read this, it appears there will be a string of wet days lasting four days, so I hope you got your yard work done at the beginning of the week while it was nice and sunny! Thanks to the rain we had earlier, the burn ban has been lifted, and four of the next five days look to be fairly damp, so that should get our forests...
