Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
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On Thursday, I attended a meet-and-greet with local author A.S. Martin as part of the Appelo Archives Author Series. It was an informative afternoon discussing his debut book, Chasing Shadows, the first installment in the Whispers of the Forgotten series. The book's back cover synopsis provides a glimpse into the story: "Secrets never die; they wait. When Evelyn Hart inherits her grandmother's bookstore, she expects a quiet life filled with childhood memories. However, a hidden letter changes ev...
In May 1868, the first Decoration Day was established to remember and honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War. After World War I, the day evolved to honor all service members who died in military service. Following World War II, the name Memorial Day became more widely used. It wasn't until 1971 that it was officially designated as a national holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May. During World War II, approximately 16 million Americans served in the United States Armed...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of mental health and reducing the stigmas associated with mental illness. This month also celebrates the importance of mental well-being and encourages individuals to seek help when they need it. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health continues to cause discrimination and social isolation, leading many to feel ashamed and unworthy. In any given year, one in five American adults experiences some form of mental illness, and one in every 20 adults...
On Saturday evening, I attended the final performance of The Drowsy Chaperone, Jr., presented by the Naselle Drama Club. The Naselle School Commons was packed for closing night, with family, friends, students, and faculty coming out to enjoy the show. A total of 32 cast members took to the stage, delivering an engaging and creative production. The Drowsy Chaperone, Jr. is a story within a story. The nameless Man in the Chair, played by Arin Sabey, sits off to the side of the stage, listening to...
On May 7, the Committee to Retain Sheriff Mason hosted a meet and greet event at Rosburg Hall. Sponsored by committee members Nick and Dee Nikkila, the event drew a large crowd of Wahkiakum County residents eager to hear from Sheriff Mason about his bid for retention as sheriff. The evening began with Mark Howie introducing John Mason and sharing his service history with the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office. A key highlight of the introduction was how Mason began his journey in law enforcement. In 2013, he attended Sheriff Howie's first...
After being out of town for a week, we returned to a vibrant spring landscape. Areas we hadn't mowed yet had grass growing two feet tall, blackberry bushes were thriving, and the trees had fully leafed out. We spent Sunday afternoon on the mower and tractor cleaning up our property. While I was writing my column today, temperatures soared into the 80s. If the weather continues like this, we may be in for a long, hot summer. On Sunday, we attended the chicken dinner fundraiser at Rosburg Hall...
My grandpa, Edwin Wirkkala, was one of the most important men in my life. A few years before his death, since I was living in Colorado, I committed to visiting him at least every six months. Thankfully, with the support of my husband, a job that allowed me to travel, and sufficient financial resources, I was able to keep that promise. The last time I saw him in person was in Feb. 2020. I had planned to visit again in March with my brother, sister-in-law, and sister, but due to the pandemic, we...
During a recent visit to the Appelo Archives Center, Anita Raistakka lent me the book Recollections of Deep River by Mildred Evans McLean. Throughout her life, Mildred shared numerous stories with her friends and family about the school year of 1913-1914, when she taught in the Salmon Creek District near Deep River. Encouraged by her grandchildren, she decided to write this book about her experiences. Coming from the wide-open plains of Nebraska, Mildred found the Finnish logging community in so...
Spring has definitely arrived in Grays River Valley. The days are getting longer, and the sun is higher in the sky. I can feel the winter blues fading away, replaced by glorious sunshine and the sweet smell of freshly cut grass. Flowers and trees are blossoming, and wildlife is returning to the lower pastures. Recently, we've enjoyed some clear evenings filled with the chorus of frogs. The early misty mornings have revealed elk grazing in our lower field. I am looking forward to soaking up some...
I am continually impressed by the generosity of our community. I have recently learned about several projects and contributions taking place behind the scenes that deserve recognition. First is the Lenten project at Naselle Lutheran Church. For the second consecutive year, a group of women from the church has been providing food for the Westend Food Pantry at Johnson Park. Held on Tuesdays, the Lenten gatherings feature lunch and Bible study, as well as the assembly of dry soup mixes. These...
Wahkiakum Youth Mentoring Program This week, as part of my ongoing series on the Department of Health and Human Services, I am highlighting the Youth Mentoring Program. The program's mission is to strengthen the connections that young people have with our local community by providing opportunities for adult support and community involvement, and its goal is to help develop healthy-minded, confident, and skilled young leaders. I recently met with program coordinators Terrie Howell and Diana Zimmerman, who shared their enthusiasm for the program...
Introducing Appelo Archive Center's new Director, Angela Metcalf It is a privilege to introduce Angela Metcalf as the new Executive Director of the Appelo Archives Center in Naselle. Angela grew up in Cathlamet and is an alumnus of Wahkiakum High School. She met her husband, Brandon, on a blind date, and after their marriage, she moved to Naselle 18 years ago. They have two daughters; their oldest attends Naselle School, while the youngest is being homeschooled by Angela. Her father was a...
The Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board held its monthly meeting on March 18. During public comment, Luke Gardner read a prepared statement expressing his concerns. Gardner stated, “I have asked this administration if they could inform me of any policy that regulates advertising or promoting opinions about political figures and displaying such on or about the school… As everyone in this room is probably well aware, there became a controversy over the appropriateness of a particular pin-up board in the elementary hall… It would be reall...
We had a wonderful time attending two amazing community events this past Saturday. The lasagna dinner fundraiser hosted by the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation at Rosburg Hall was absolutely delicious. That was the best lasagna I’ve ever had! It was a delight to meet all the fantastic volunteers who pour their hearts into planning and organizing events at the fairgrounds. Their dedication keeps the fairground facilities filled with activities all year round. About 40 people came out to the Grays R...
My column is brief this week because we returned from a 7-day cruise to Mexico on Saturday to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was a fantastic week spent lounging in the sun and enjoying much-needed downtime. Unfortunately, on the day we traveled home, I came down with a bad cold and was laid up in bed. In the coming weeks, I will continue my series on the Department of Health and Human Services. I will also feature a spotlight on the Appelo Archives Center, introducing its new director, Angela Metcalf. I wanted to highlight two events happening...
I am excited to be sharing a series of articles over the coming months that will highlight public servants and the wide range of services available in Wahkiakum County. I will start with the Department of Health and Human Services, as they play a crucial role in our community by offering a comprehensive set of services. By showcasing their work, I hope to increase awareness and appreciation for the important contributions they make to our county. Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the office at Johnson Park opens its doors to the public,...
Spotlight on Sierra Williams I am excited to introduce you to Sierra Williams, a talented resident of Grays River and a freshman at Naselle School. At only 14 years old, Sierra demonstrates remarkable maturity and dedication. She has excelled in school as a straight-A student, is an active member of the robotics team and Knowledge Bowl and is taking on a leading role in the spring drama production. She has a passion for English and enjoys writing short stories and creative narrative essays. The...
Last week, the winter weather had a significant impact on the area. Icy roads made it difficult for commuters, leading to slow drives. Many events and meetings were canceled, and several businesses closed their doors to ensure the safety of patrons and employees. People stayed home, only venturing out when absolutely necessary. Naselle School was closed for four days, giving students and staff an unexpected winter break. Yards were filled with snowmen, snow forts, and snow angels, while...
The Dress a Girl Around the World program is proudly entering its seventh year in Wahkiakum County, bringing joy and hope to countless girls in need. Leading this impactful mission is Rosburg resident Pearl Blackburn, who serves as the Ambassador for Oregon and Washington. In 2024, an inspiring total of 1,628 dresses, along with 117 pairs of boy shorts and an abundance of T-shirts, fabric bags, underwear, pocket toys, and stuffed animals were joyfully distributed across the globe. Through the...
I dropped in briefly at Rosburg Hall on Saturday evening to take some pictures at the American Legion’s annual Crab and Oyster Feed dinner at Rosburg Hall. The hall was packed with hungry patrons. Nick Nikkila reported to me there were 199 paid attendees. Fifty items were raffled off, including a Benjamin Marauder high pressure .22 caliber air rifle, the booze wagon, and a cord of firewood exclusively for seniors, won by Sonja Kruse for the second time. There was also an auction that featured it...
The Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board met for their monthly meeting on Jan. 21. During Public Comment, Luke Gardner expressed his desires regarding the selection of a new superintendent stating, “Please choose wisely with a new administrator lead. Please look for someone with good communication skills. Please find one who will be truthful and transparent, and can communicate.” Roman Garcia, an eighth grader, bravely addressed the school board with his request. He said, “Today I am coming before the school board to ask that myself and a...
Charlie the Champion Naselle residents Nate and Holly Engleson have been integral in our community for a long time. Nate is a key volunteer in the Naselle Fire Department, and Holly has spent countless hours putting on events like the Halloween Bash at the Naselle Community Center and the Easter egg hunts for the kids. They are also very involved at Naselle School, where their four kids attend. I chose to write a spotlight on them after the heartwarming homecoming they received this past week fr...
I am writing my column this week from Littleton Colorado. I’m spending the week visiting my family and enjoying time with my 9-month-old grandson. The temperatures here are frigid, with highs in the 30’s and lows in the teens. There is a layer of snow and ice on the ground. If you haven’t flown in and out of PDX recently, be prepared for some changes. The terminal is now a wide-open space and getting to your gate can be a long walk, depending on what airline you are flying with. A South...
After six years of owning and operating the Naselle Community Center, the Finnish American Folk Festival decided to sell the building. The decision to sell was voted on and unanimously approved at their November meeting. “This was not a decision we took lightly,” FAFF Chair Jennifer Boggs stated. “The difficult decision to sell is in the best interest of our organization to remain true to our mission and focus on our biennial festival. We were grateful for this opportunity given to us by the UCC...
Impromptu New Year’s Day parade in Rosburg Towards the end of December Susan Burkhalter posted a picture of the Grinch hanging out on Altoona Pillar Rock Road on Facebook and made a silly comment about him waiting for the New Year's Day parade. Several folks inquired about it in their comments and seemed interested. She had to add that she was only joking in her post. Fast forward to January 1 at 11:15 a.m. and Karl Smith called Susan and said, "I saw a weird post that there was going to be a p...
