Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
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Nothing says summer in Washington like the vibrant, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. Whether you are plucking them from your backyard garden, visiting a local U-pick farm, or picking up a pint at the farmers market, strawberries are a seasonal highlight that connects Washington families to the land, the sunshine, and each other. Washington may be best known for its apples and cherries, but strawberries hold a proud place in the state’s agricultural story. In the early 20th century, strawberry farming boomed in areas like Puyallup and t...
Wahkiakum FFA students represented their chapter with pride and professionalism Thursday through Saturday, May 8-10 at the 95th Washington State FFA Convention on the Washington State University campus in Pullman. Anna Vik, Ryen Hurley, and Josh Moon each competed in the prestigious State FFA Creed Speaking Contest, showcasing their public speaking skills and deep understanding of the FFA creed. The three students represented not only Wahkiakum but also the district, speaking alongside top...
Excitement and school spirit filled the air on May 8 as John C Thomas middle school students gathered to hear speeches from four student candidates vying for Associated Student Body (ASB) office. Following the presentations, students cast their votes to select the leaders who will represent them during the 2025–2026 school year. This year’s candidates included upcoming eighth graders Ava Mendez and Eloise Plank, and upcoming seventh graders Harper Hurley and Keely Cothran. Each candidate delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing their vision for...
If you have ever spotted those massive leafy greens unfurling like umbrellas over crimson stalks in a backyard garden, you have likely seen rhubarb. In Washington State, rhubarb is not just a springtime staple; it's a legacy crop with roots that stretch back generations, thriving in the cool, moist climate that makes our region one of the nation's top producers. According to the article Farm Facts, Washington State leads the nation in rhubarb production, accounting for nearly 90% of the U.S. commercial rhubarb crop. Most of that is grown in...
The Wahkiakum FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter proudly hosted the second round of the district competition on Friday, March 28, at Wahkiakum High School. FFA not only welcomed competitors from across the region but secured several top placements as well. Among the standout performances, Wahkiakum’s Creed Speaker and Anna Vik clinched first place, while Ryen Hurley secured third, and Josh Moon followed closely in fourth. In the Prepared Public Speaking contest, Colin Odom impressed the judges and earned second place. All four c...
Wahkiakum High School’s Key Club is launching Doernbecher Days this week, a month-long series of events aimed at raising funds for children in need of medical care at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Club President Parker Leitz energized the K-12 student body at an all-school assembly and encouraged participation with the rallying cry, “Helping students make miracles.” Each year, similar fundraising efforts contribute to the $11 million raised for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. According to Key Club member Sam De La Cruz, this year, Wahki...
The Wahkiakum Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a lively Bingo Night on Friday, March 28. Held in the school’s multipurpose room, the event was a resounding success, fostering community spirit while raising funds for educational programs. Excitement filled the room as players hoping to win one of the many raffle prizes marked their bingo cards. Each classroom contributed themed gift baskets filled to the brim with goodies, enticing participants to try their luck. In addition, the school’s art class collaborated with local artist Ruth Dou...
The Wahkiakum Mule Middle School track team kicked off their season with a strong showing at their opening meet at Toutle Lake on Wednesday, March 27. A dedicated team of seven boys and five girls represented the Mules, with nine of the athletes competing in their first-ever track meet. "For a young, inexperienced team, they competed amazingly and made our school proud," shared Coach Brown. The athletes put forth a valiant effort, demonstrating determination and sportsmanship throughout the...
The Wahkiakum School District Board of Education convened on March 18 and approved the Superintendent's contract, Dr. Ralph Watkins, beginning 7/1/2025-6/30/28. The board accepted the resignations of coaches Jarrod Hague and Andrea Miller and approved replacements Brad Moon as baseball coach and Heidi Snyder as assistant softball coach. The last piece of old business was the first reading of Policy 2413 on equivalent credit opportunities. Principal Leitz introduced the first reading of a policy concerning alternative education pathways. This...
Over the past few weeks, John C. Thomas Middle School has showcased its school pride and spirit through a creative new project-a vibrant sign now displayed on the fence line facing Wahkiakum High School. The sign reads "Home of the Mules" and is a powerful statement of school pride and community, made possible by the Wahkiakum PTO. The sign is crafted from plastic put-in cups, a material designed to fit into chain link fence openings. In a school-wide collaborative effort, students carefully...
As Pacific Northwest gardeners eagerly anticipate spring planting, one tried-and-true technique can help ensure a strong potato crop: chitting. Pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting can lead to an earlier harvest and higher yields, especially in our cool, wet climate. Chitting involves placing seed potatoes in a bright, cool, frost-free space for a few weeks before planting. This encourages them to sprout sturdy shoots, giving them a head start once in the ground. Gardeners should choose firm, disease-free seed potatoes and set them in...
Fourth and fifth-grade students from J.A. Wendt Elementary recently embarked on an exciting educational adventure at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Over two days, students engaged in an interactive scavenger hunt and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities while learning about the Columbia River's historical significance. A highlight of the trip was the museum's newest exhibit, This is Our Place, created in collaboration with the Chinook Nation. While...
The Wahkiakum School District Board of Education is pleased to announce Dr. Ralph Watkins’s appointment as the new superintendent. Dr. Watkins brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a passion for student success to the district. Dr. Watkins comes from Angoon School District in Angoon, Alaska, a rural fishing community similar to Wahkiakum. Before Angoon, he served as the superintendent at Hoonah City Schools and as a principal at Bering Strait School District. He has managed a $5 million budget and has experience leading ru...
Students at Julis A. Wendt Elementary were in for a delightful surprise during their monthly character assembly. Teachers took center stage in an unforgettable "Masked Reader" event for Read Across America Week. Dressed in inflatable costumes, including a zebra, axolotl, alien, unicorn, and polar bear, the staff entertained students while reading excerpts from their favorite books. The lively assembly was filled with laughter and excitement as students tried to guess which teachers were behind...
ustling with activity as it hosted the District FFA Career Development Event (CDE) contest. With 10 FFA chapters and 75 students in attendance, the event showcased the talent and dedication of young agricultural leaders from across the region. The competition featured multiple CDE categories, including Agricultural Issues, Co-op, Rituals, Greenhand, Parliamentary Procedure, Agricultural Communications, and Extemporaneous Speaking. Students competed in teams and as individuals, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in various aspects of...
Few flowers are as nostalgic and charming as ornamental sweet peas, Lathyrus odoratus. Their delicate petals, ruffled blooms, and intoxicating fragrance evoke memories of cottage gardens, grandmother’s bouquets, and trellises dripping with color. Whether grown for cut flowers or to add vertical interest to the garden, sweet peas are a must-have for any gardener who loves beauty and scent. Their vegetable counterparts are as delicious as the flower varieties are beautiful, but be cautious not to confuse the two uses. Sweet peas have been c...
Kale is one of the hardiest and most rewarding crops to grow in the Pacific Northwest, and February is the perfect time to appreciate its resilience and nutritional value. Originating in Asia, kale became popular in cool climates of Scandinavia, Germany, Holland and Scotland. The crop is historical in Scotland, as in to “come to kale” when being invited as a dinner guest. As one of the few greens that thrives in winter, kale offers fresh harvests even in the coldest months, making it an essential staple for gardeners looking to maintain a pro...
Wahkiakum School District is moving forward in its search for a new superintendent, with a full day of interviews and public engagement scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28. The process will involve multiple stakeholders, ensuring the community has a voice in this critical leadership decision. Candidates have been selected by the Board of Education to go through the interview process for the superintendent position. Potential district leaders will go through a series of interviews with the school board, staff members, student leaders, and department...
As the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter, gardeners eagerly await spring but can use this time wisely to plan and prepare for a pollinator-friendly landscape. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects play a crucial role in the health of our gardens and food systems. Thoughtful planning now ensures a vibrant, pollinator-rich garden when the weather warms. Selecting the right plants begins now to integrate into plans and sketches the dedicated gardener is inevitably scratching out on these cold...
The black-eyed pea is infamous in traditional American lore as representing luck and prosperity if consumed first on New Year's Day. Dating back to the American Civil War, one story shares that it is the substance that aided in the survival of Confederate troops during the bitter frigid winter of 1864. Other tales share that it was used to celebrate freedom as the emancipation proclamation gave liberty to those enslaved on New Year's Day. The South traditionally will serve “Hoppin’ John,” a dish of pork, black-eyed peas, and cornbread, to comme...
Students from John C Thomas Middle School had a career exploration opportunity on Friday Dec. 5. at the Clatsop Community College campus in Astoria. Tina Merz, teacher of the Career Exploration class, took fourteen students to learn about the potential of maritime career training. Students were given a tour of the campus as they learned about careers related to seafarers, vessel operations, and other maritime opportunities. Students gained an understanding of what it takes to get certified and how they can take higher education courses close to...
The proud winners of the annual Veterans Day Essay Contest were awarded a monetary gift and recognized by Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives Bill Tawater and Doug Schoppelrey. The winners from Julius A. Wendt Elementary and John C. Thomas Middle School had a special visit to their classrooms, and they were recognized with a check and certificate that recognized students for their impressive work and insightful essays. Elementary students wrote to the prompt “How Should Our Veterans Be Trea...
In this column we showcase the special education teachers who work tirelessly to encourage students to suceed. Each student has a different gift and special circumstance that impacts their learning. We offer kudos to our special education teaching team and the talents they offer our students. Shannon Smith Shannon Smith is a special education teacher at Julius A. Wendt Elementary and joins our team for the second year. She has sixteen years of experience in education, with eight years certified...
There is a gemstone growing in winter gardens, ready to harvest about Christmas time. The brussels sprout loves the cool weather the PNW offers and is growing happily while everything else is laying in dormancy or harvested, the brussels sprout continues to plump and develop as it soaks up the ideal climate. Brussels sprouts resemble a tiny cabbage and enjoy the same lineage, with leafy green edible buds. The were first cultivated in in the 13th century in Brussels, Belgium giving them their...
Speeches and candlelight celebrated the induction of six new members of the Wahkiakum High School chapter of the National Honor Society (WNHS) on Monday, December 6th, in the high school library. Each year, Wahkiakum sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 3.25 accumulative GPA are invited to apply for admission in our local chapter. Applications reflect not only scholastic achievement, but the four pillars of the National Honor society: scholarship, service, leadership, and character....
