Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891
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In honor of Veterans Day, members of American Legion Post 111 were up at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, whipping up pancake batter, cooking eggs to order, and brewing buckets of coffee for the crowd. Rosburg Hall was filled with community members enjoying breakfast served by local youth who kept our cups full and the tables cleared with cheerful efficiency. I had the pleasure of sitting across from Sheriff John Mason and his wife, Jodie, and congratulated him on retaining his position for...
When the unexpected happens - such as a winter storm knocking out power, floodwaters blocking rural roads, or a wildfire getting too close - there's one person whose phone never stops ringing: Wahkiakum County's Emergency Management Coordinator Austin Smith. It's a title that sounds bureaucratic, but the job is far from it. Smith's responsibilities include planning, prevention, response, and recovery from disasters that could overwhelm the county's typical resources. In a small county like...
Last Saturday's Rosburg Hall Holiday Bazaar was a big win for the Rosburg Community Club. The hall was alive with conversation, the scent of baked goods, and the unmistakable energy of friends and neighbors gathering. Vendors lined the room, their tables overflowing with handmade quilts, pottery, jewelry, knives, and an impressive array of baked goods. Everything from cinnamon rolls and cookies to delicious loaves of sourdough bread was on display. Many familiar faces from the West Wahkiakum...
This past week was both informative and educational, as I attended the Candidate Forum at the Grays River Grange and the Town Hall meeting at Johnson Park. Hearing directly from local candidates, not just their speeches and prepared statements, but also how they interacted with residents, offered a valuable perspective. Whether the questions were constructive or confrontational, it was refreshing to see candidates respond face to face. Local elections often see low voter turnout, but these...
The Fall Barter Night at the Grays River Grange was another successful evening full of good food, good company, and that warm, practical hospitality our community does so well. Folks who didn't bring anything still came to look, chat, and see what their neighbors had hauled in. Those who did bring items were generous with them. Trades often started as conversations and ended with someone walking away with something they actually needed. One of the evening's highlights was the squash walk....
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 o...
Today, my son can send a video of my grandson in Colorado climbing a playground slide and, within seconds, my whole family has seen it. A few taps on my phone keep me connected to people across the country or even across the world. It's so easy that I sometimes forget how remarkable it is. Not that long ago, things were very different. Even as part of Generation X, I grew up when long-distance phone calls were expensive, and letter writing was still the primary way to stay in touch. Go back...
Over the past couple of months, I’ve found myself looking forward to Fridays in a way I haven’t before. Writing about the vendors at the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market has been such a joy. I’ve not only gotten to know the people behind the booths, but I’ve also been able to share their stories with all of you. Judging by the responses I’ve received, many of you have enjoyed it too. Someone has told me more than once, “I’ve known that person for years but I never knew that about them.” That’s precisely why I love this kind of writing. We pass...
On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Cathlamet Public Library will launch the first-ever Westend–Cathlamet Library Delivery & Pick-up service. The process is straightforward: place a book, DVD, or Cultural Pass on hold using the library website, then pick up the requested materials on Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. at the Raistakka Fire Hall Station in Rosburg. Returns can be made at the same time and location. Please note that you may also call, email, or make in-person requests; however, the website is recommend...
When Wallie Garvey invited me to his home for an interview, I was glad he had warned me to bring a four-wheel drive vehicle. His house sits far from the main road and getting there is not for the faint of heart. Several miles down Altoona-Pillar Rock Road on a sunny afternoon I reached the steep, rocky climb that snakes up through the trees toward his property. I'm no stranger to tricky roads, so I shifted our Dodge Ram into four-wheel drive and forged ahead. It's not a road I'd want to tackle...
When Lyle Haataja sits down at his scroll saw, patience is just as important as precision. What began years ago as a curiosity, after a friend gave him a magazine full of scroll saw patterns, has grown into a craft that blends artistry, humor, and a touch of stubborn determination. Initially, it was just a hobby, but Lyle enjoyed the challenge of guiding the fine blade through delicate patterns. Over time, as his skill improved, so did his reputation. He started selling his pieces at local bazaa...
One of the things I enjoy most about writing my column each week is getting to know incredible people. This past week, I sat down with a few members of the Zimmerman family to learn about their journey to the farmer's market. Bekalyn, the mom, shared, "We read in The Eagle that there was going to be a farmers market the following Friday, and vendors were invited to participate. It was the perfect fit for us. It's low-key; you can move around as much or as little as you want. You can bring what...
If you’ve lived in the Grays River Valley for any length of time, you have probably met Mark Latham in some capacity. He serves as the chair commissioner for Wahkiakum County Fire District 3 and is seeking re-election in November. In his capacity as a volunteer firefighter, he consistently responds to calls that come in over the radio. Just this past Friday, while overseeing his honey table at the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market, a call came in. He didn’t hesitate to rush out the door to att...
This week, I am continuing my series of spotlights on the vendors at the West Wahkiakum Farmers Market. Since moving here just over four years ago, I have come to know many people in the community. One of the things that impresses me most is the energy possessed by individuals from the generation above mine. One couple who stands out is Robbie and Marilyn Johnson. They have been a part of this community their entire lives and have made numerous contributions to the area. I recently had the...
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...
