Week of December 4, 2025
Week of December 4, 2025
According to Wahkiakum County Sheriff John Mason, at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, his office "received report of a bomb threat made to the middle school." The call coming from an out-of-state number, the person issuing the threat stated, "A bomb would go off at 1 p.m." When asked for comment on the incident, Mason said, "Sheriff’s deputies and troopers from the Washington State Patrol responded to the scene. Fire and emergency medical responders were mobilized and staged by the emergency management coordinator. A local...
During Monday's session of Town Council, Wahkiakum School District Superintendent Ralph Watkins discussed an upcoming tax levy which renewal will strongly affect the schools and will be on a special election ballot Feb. 11, 2026. Coming from Alaska, Watkins noted this is his first experience with a levy. "In Alaska, our school district had a really strong relationship with our municipality," said Watkins. "One of my goals is to make sure that I foster that same type of relationship with our municipality. In Alaska, municipalities have a...
Prior to Tuesday's Wahkiakum County Commissioners' meeting, a public hearing was held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 to discuss "revenue sources for the current expense budget." Among these was "consideration of a property tax increase." Following public hearing on the issue, the commissioners voted unanimously on a 1 percent property tax increase. During Tuesday's meeting, the commissioners signed a letter of support regarding the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. According to the meeting packet, the tribe "requested a letter of support from the...
By Riley Yuan, the Chinook Observer It's late November, and the flows in the Grays River and its various forks and tributaries are starting to swell. One of these is Mitchell Creek, on the banks of which stand four men in hard hats and rain gear, marveling at the sight before them: a riotous jumble of criss-crossed, piled-up logs, over, under and through which the stream gurgles and courses. It's a game of pick-up sticks for giants. And it's not just the fact that they've managed to pull it off...
The vessels are lingering on the market as Washington State Ferries scrutinizes potential buyers. Past purchases haven't always ended well. If you have ever wanted to own an iconic Washington state ferry, now may be your last chance to buy one until the 2030s. There are two sizes available with no minimum bid - the decommissioned 144-car Hyak and the 87-car Klahowya. But before you get carried away with dreams of a palatial waterfront fixer-upper, or opening a floating restaurant, or making a...
Today is Thursday, Dec. 4, the 338th day of 2025. There are 27 days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held hostage for nearly seven years by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Associated Press correspondent Terry Anderson was freed from captivity. Also on this date: In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York. In 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, dubbed the “Million Dollar Quartet,” gathered for the...
Washington state has ambitious renewable energy goals. But as we transition away from fossil fuels, energy demand will increase as we electrify our lives and as energy-intensive industries proliferate. This complicates our state’s path to decarbonization. As part of the transition, solar energy in Washington could cover tens of thousands — possibly hundreds of thousands — of acres in the coming years. Where all those solar panels go is a serious question. Rooftop solar is great. However, the most ambitious estimates show that, at best,...
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Cathlamet Post Office and the Washington District of the United States Postal Service presented awards to two Cathlamet letter carriers. Rural Carrier Shelly Klecker received a 20 Year Service award and a special all-weather coat embroidered with her name, position and office in recognition of outstanding safe driving performance. During her twenty-year career at the Cathlamet post office, Shelly's commitment to safety has been well documented. In 2008 she was...
Because the dates line up, The Eagle has decided to reprint events from 1975. Thank you to volunteer Julie O’Neil and volunteer curator, genealogist, and board member Kari Kandoll. Have you ever wondered what makes the many “droves” of skiers flock to the mountain areas every winter? What do they see in climbing up a hill, sliding down, while balancing on two long, skinny boards, strapped to their feet? Well I found out last Friday. I had my first skiing lesson and loved it! Naturally I fell down a lot and spent a lot of time trying to...
I recently interviewed Isha Sarah Snow for our 40th installment of Reader's Fave, a casual interview with someone who shares their favorite book. Isha is a resident of Cathlamet, who recently graduated from Lower Columbia College and received the 2025 Community College President's Award, which is awarded to one student each year. She is now currently attending Washington State University at Vancouver. Isha shared how tough it was to pick one book, but she finally settled on "Chaos" by New York...
This Friday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Cathlamet Library will be hosting a youth open house event. All-you-can-eat pizza will be available at our center table, so youth are invited to enjoy as much as they can. We’ll order more. While visiting and enjoying your plate of pizza, go ahead and get your own free laminated library card. It only takes a few minutes. With your library card, you get additional benefits, such as the free Libby app. With this app, you can download ebooks and audio books any time. Your card also provides you...
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the Finnish American Folk Festival is packing the day with Christmas events, and the organizers are eager to share it all with the community. Tour of Homes – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Annual Tour of Homes features four decorated homes in Naselle and Rosburg. This long-running tradition gives residents a chance to show off their holiday décor. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at Hair Villa and FinnWare, or at any home on the tour. Questions can be directed to Haleigh See at TourofHomes@nasellefinnfest.com....
Despite an earlier explanatory column, I sometimes have to be reminded just why I hunt. I have to be reminded - taken back, if you will - of what it was like in 1976 when I was 12 and the troubles of everyday life existed only far into the future. So it was on Saturday, Nov. 29, when I took my 12-year-old grandson, Wyatt, on his first hunting trip. A bright, articulate sixth-grader, Wyatt excels at many things, especially the building of moving and working objects and making art from ordinary...
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre, the Clatskanie Arts Commission’s 36th performing arts series presents Ted Vigil’s “A Rocky Mountain Christmas: A John Denver Tribute.” The Birkenfeld Theatre is part of the Clatskanie Cultural Center, located at 75 S. Nehalem St. Dust off your fancy boots and warm up your vocal cords. You will likely leave the concert singing and spiritually uplifted. Ted’s gift for the music and polished and energetic performing style create a warm, delightful evening for the whole family...
At approximately 1:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, an unspecified bomb threat was received at Clatskanie Elementary School (CES). According to Superintendent Danielle Hudson, “both CES and CMHS (Clatskanie Middle High School) were immediately cleared to ensure the safety of all students and staff.” Law enforcement was contacted immediately following the threat and “responded promptly to the scene.” According to Hudson, the school communicated with the students’ families through ParentSquare, as well as Facebook “to ensure timely...
Clatskanie area kids and their parents are invited to free holiday season events on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, located at 75 S. Nehalem Street. Sponsored by the Clatskanie Foundation and Wauna Credit Union, the fun will begin at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the Center’s Birkenfeld Theatre with a live performance by Mz. Pearl. Watch as Mz. Pearl weaves physical comedy, juggling and magic with audience participation and a host of rubber chickens operated by volunteers. Following the show, Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at...
Starting next Thursday, Dec. 11, more than 30 Clatskanie Middle High School students will be presenting "Matilda the Musical Jr." inside the Donavon Wooley Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Inspired by the Roald Dahl classic, "Matilda the Musical Jr." brings the familiar cast, including Miss Honey, Trunchbull, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and, of course, Matilda. "Every other year, I try to do a big show incorporating as many age groups as possible," said Performing Arts Director Jaime Erwin. "We...
Hudson Park Elementary (HPE) is in the process of raising $300,000 in funds to overhaul the onsite playground. The playground has not been updated in decades. In a letter to the public, Principal Megan Keplinger wrote, “While our equipment continues to meet safety standards, it is aging and lacks the accessibility, protection, and innovation our students deserve. Without a covered area, children can only use the playground when the weather is ideal, limiting opportunities for outdoor play, movement, and social connection during much of the...
The Rainier City Council met on Monday, Dec. 1 and swore in officer Michael Hernandez to the Rainier Police Department. City administrator Scott Jorgensen read a statement into record by the executive director of the Columbia 911 Communications District, expressing intent to undertake the repair and restoration of the radio communications network currently in need of service. The scope of intended work includes, but is not limited to, identifying and replacing faulty components, including transmitters, receivers, antenna and cabling;...
Clear your schedule for Sunday, Dec. 7, because Rainier Winterfest and Santa are officially kicking off the holiday season. Starting at 10 a.m. and running until 12:30 p.m. is the annual “Brunch with Santa.” Benefiting the Amani Center, this event takes place at the Rainier Riverfront and Senior Center at 48 W. 7th Street. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door and includes breakfast, a visit with Santa, and table stations for kids to decorate cookies, write letters to Santa, and create custom hot cocoas. The event also offers...
Keep It Local Columbia County’s (KILCC) annual Wonderland holiday campaign is back and in full swing with more than 100 businesses participating. The seasonal effort, which runs until Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, is designed to encourage county residents to shop local and support small business during the holiday season. As in prior years, the “Wonderland Card” is a fun way to try to turn dollars into rewards. Every $10 spent at participating locations equals one card stamp and, once filled and turned in, is eligible via a drawing to win...
Thank you to the planners, decorators, who deemed it a crime to be lonely and bereft on Thanksgiving. You provided the perfect way to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and celebrate the end of the fall season. The members of the Friendship group graciously welcomed each one of us even though we were a motley bunch. There was turkey, gravy, dressing, salads and ham, beans, green and brown, mashed potatoes, punch with lemon slices and candy. Plus cake, cookies, chips crackers, olives, and delicious pecan, apple and pumpkin pie. Wow-oh my!!...
Thanks so much to the crowd of people who helped make our 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner happen! Monetary donations came from Phyllis Hake, Nancy Nelson, Darcy McBride and Marianne Burkholder; turkeys were donated by the Cathlamet Market, Jayney Roskamp and The Spar, who also donated a large pan of green bean casserole, and the use of electric roasters and a chafing dish. The Food Bank located on Elochman donated baked beans, and we had several other donations from the Cathlamet Senior Friendship Group members who brought food items for the...
To The Eagle, The Cathlmaet Public library wishes to thank the Tsuga Gallery, and president Dan Westlind, for your reaching out to the Library with suggesting our participation with the children’s gingerbread house kits and decoration activity. It was wonderful and children loved the kits and decorating! We look forward to any future opportunities of partnership with the Tsuga Gallery. Thank you! Cathlamet Public...
To The Eagle, On December 6 and 13 from 5-8 p.m., the fairgrounds is hosting a Christmas light display. There will be a live Santa, hayride, cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee. Free to the public! Bring the whole family to enjoy a night of holiday fun with a petting zoo where you can feed the goats and see an interactive light display. This event is being held in conjunction with the light display at the Skamokawa Vista Park. Donations are gladly accepted and will go to support the Wahkiakum County Fair. The event will be at the Wahkiakum County...
The Mules had their sights set high this season, and their efforts returned the best campaign for a Wahkiakum football team in two decades. The semifinal run was the furthest a Mules team has gone since Head Coach Ryan Lorenzo's senior year in 2004, when he was a player. The Mules put up an 11-1 record this fall, a credit to their drive and consistency. Entering the semifinal against Liberty Christian, the Mules were unbeaten but came in as underdogs. The Patriots were the #2 team in the...
November 23 4:46 p.m. A Cathlamet resident called to request medical assistance for her boyfriend who had been choking but was now just coughing. The patient was transported to the hospital by Cowlitz Emergency Medical Services. 4:51 p.m. A driver struck a building in Skamokawa and was transported to the hospital. 4:55 p.m. The Grays River Ambulance transported an elderly Rosburg resident to the hospital for chest pain. 7:19 p.m. A Puget Island resident called to complain that dogs were barking on E Little Island. 8:01 p.m. A Naselle resident...
