The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

In an effort to reduce underage drinking and build awareness of the penalties of supplying alcohol to minors, Wahkiakum Community Network volunteers partnered two weeks ago with Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office, Health and Human Services, local students from Wahkiakum and Naselle high schools and local retailers to distribute bottle tags throughout Wahkiakum County.

Local surveys in Wahkiakum County report that three out of every four high school students surveyed report that alcohol is easy or very easy to get.

When students drink, they are more likely to engage in risky behavior, violence and driving while drinking or riding in the car with someone that has been drinking.

The person who provided them alcohol is also at risk of a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail. Network volunteers hope people will "protect our youth" and not supply alcohol to minors.

Participating retailers included the Rosburg Store, Skamokawa General Store, Cathlamet Liquor Store and Cathlamet Market.

This Bottle Tagging event was also used to advertise Wahkiakum County’s Anonymous Tip Line, which is managed by the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office. This tip line can be accessed by sending an email to notinwahkiakum@gmail.com. For information about the Anonymous Tip Line, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (360)795-3242 or (360)465-2202.