Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 52
In the coming weeks, I will be highlighting some of the fantastic vendors who make the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market a vibrant part of our community. From fresh produce and honey to original artwork and flowers, our area is home to an inspiring group of individuals who pour their hearts into their crafts. One of those individuals is Jamie VanBuhler, a market organizer, grower, photographer, and off-grid homesteader. The farmers market is run through the nonprofit charitable organization Altoona...
Last week, I shared about our first summer cleaning up our property in Grays River. When we were planning our move, the question we heard most often was, "You know it rains a lot there, right?" Of course, we were aware of that. It's the Pacific Northwest; everyone knows it. However, knowing about it in theory and experiencing it firsthand are two entirely different things. In Sept. 2021, the rain began, and for months, it felt as though it would never stop. Locals even mentioned that this...
In September 2020, Mark and I took a trip from Colorado to the Grays River Valley to find property to build an RV park. This was our dream, and we were dedicated to making it a reality. With the help of Mike Swanson, we were able to purchase the property on Hull Creek Road, where the Schmand dairy farm once held a prominent status in the community. It had been at least 50 years since the dairy closed, and as often happens in the Pacific Northwest, nature had reclaimed the landscape. After...
On June 30, Naselle School Superintendent Lisa Nelson shared a video on her personal Facebook page that marked her final walk through the halls of the school holding the office. In the video, she reflected on her long history at the school. "Here we go," Nelson said in the video. "I'm making my final exit from the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District. I started in this district in kindergarten, went through K-12, worked here for another 17 years, and now I say, 'over and out.'" As she...
This past weekend, the Knappton Cove Heritage Center was alive with the vibrant spirit of history during its annual Lewis & Clark Encampment, skillfully presented by the Pacific Northwest Living Historians (PNLH). This immersive living history event gave visitors a unique chance to interact with authentic character portrayals of members of the legendary Lewis and Clark expedition. Set against the backdrop of the center's beautiful front lawn, the encampment featured authentic, white, pitched...
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of being one of several descendants of Carl and Amanda Hansen to visit what remains of the town site of Frankfort, on the Lower Columbia River. On our way to the town site we caught views of the river, the Astoria Megler Bridge, the surrounding valleys, filled with blooming foxglove. At the end of the road, we hiked along a well-kept path to reach the lush spot by the river where we spent the afternoon. I did some research with Angela Metcalf from the...
On July 4, 1944, World War II was at a pivotal time in Europe, marked by the fierce Battle of Normandy and the intense fighting in the Cotentin Peninsula and around Caen. Just shy of a month after D-Day, the millionth Allied soldier landed in Normandy. Amidst this backdrop, my grandfather, Eddie Wirkkala, took a few precious moments to write a letter to his mother, sharing his thoughts and experiences. "July 1, 1944 Dear Ma, Hi! Here it is, July already. What are you going to do on the 4th?...
The Grays River Grange Barter Night was a notable success, attracting over 40 participants who joined the private bartering group to present and exchange their distinctive farm, kitchen, and agricultural products. The evening began with a potluck-style meal, where a variety of homemade dishes created a welcoming atmosphere for those who attended. After the meal, participants received instructions from one of the event's organizers, Kelly Shumar, who outlined the evening's agenda and explained...
Before moving to the area, I would often visit and make several trips to see family while attending the Finnish American Folk Festival (FAFF) in late July. When we finally decided to relocate here, one of the things I looked forward to the most was getting involved in the festival. Now, four years later, I have completed a festival in 2022 as the chair of the Tori (the marketplace). In January 2023, I also took on the role of treasurer. Since 1982, the festival has been held every other year...
Wahkiakum County Fire District 3 serves the West End of the county, operating stations in Grays River on N. Hull Creek Road, Rosburg on Raistakka Road, and a small station on Salmon Creek Road. Their coverage area extends from KM Hill in the east to the Pacific County line in the west, including the portions of Salmon Creek that fall within Wahkiakum County. The department consists of approximately 25 volunteers, with eight to ten of them regularly responding to calls and attending training...
There have been several recent posts on one of the Grays River Valley history pages that serve as a great reminder of the constant changes in our community. Change is inevitable. Even if we long for the "good old days," time marches on, technology advances, and new ideas lead to more efficient ways of doing things. Over 100 years ago, access to the valley was mainly limited to boats navigating various waterways. Steamships traveled up Grays River to W.N. Meserve General Store, located along the...
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...
