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

SOGGY--As this week begins, we are certainly in a wet and soggy weather pattern which they say will last all week, with possibly a dry break on Saturday. Last week the forecast for snow on Thursday did indeed show up but thankfully did not last as long as the batch before that. As we march into March, we are hopefully heading into warmer weather, but then again, I’ve seen it snow in April at Easter time!

TURNING IN EARLY--As I begin this column, I’m told that we have a high wind advisory being posted and a scheduled PUD outage for my particular area during the hours in which I would usually be writing my column, so because of these two events, I will turn my column in extra early this week.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 3-9 are Deb Holland, Audrey Petterson, Sarah Fletcher, Kennedy Moonen, Gladys Mace, Karlie Helms-Lampit, Jessica Hoven, Curtis Lindsey, Tyler Hoven, Micaela Sause, Sandy Wirkkala, Taylor Swanson, Ray Brooks, Rebecca Brennen, Adam Phelps, Kara Pierson, Joanne Brockway, Ian Turner, Linda Stiltz, Jean Wallen, Tony Parker, Karalin Reynolds and Jonas Owen.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Adam and Sara Fletcher, Frank and Cynda Webb, Ron and Annette Miller and Brandon and Debbie Chamberlain. May all of you have memorable days as you celebrate your special occasions!

GOOD NEWS--According to the Chamber of Commerce office, there will be a Salmon Derby at the Elochoman Slough Marina on March 24, 25 and 26 so get those poles dusted off and be ready to fish! For all you new folks, this event is called “Hook the Hawg” and there will be cash prizes awarded in both the youth and adult categories. The registration fee is $10 for those under 17 and $25 over that. For all the rules and regulations, contact the Chamber at 360-795-9996 by phone or email: mbudd@wahkiakum.us or you can probably stop by the marina and ask them. There are specific times for weigh-ins (2 to 5 p.m.) and fish should be gilled but not gutted. If you want to register online, you can check out their QR code and do it that way or you can register at http://www.wahkiakum.us/hawg.

SYMPATHIES--I was sorry to learn of the passing of a couple former Islanders recently, as Betty Gregory was a long time Islander who passed away just short of her 95th birthday. She had lived in Ellensburg but for all my years on the Island, she had lived there and was always known as a kind and loving person. I want to express my sympathies to her surviving four children, Paula, Pamela, Deborah and Mark and all of their families. She will truly be missed by her family and dear friends.

Also, my condolences to the family of Bruce Moore, who had lived along Welcome Slough back in the mid-70s when my family lived right down the street from them. My kids and their kids played together. As stated in last week's paper, a private service was held and in lieu of flowers, you could donate to the VFW at 80 North Welcome Slough Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

REDMEN HALL OPENS--According to Lori Cagle, spokesperson for the Friends of Skamokawa, the River Life Interpretive Center inside the historic landmark here in Skamokawa, will open March 4. We hope you’ll stop by and take a look at what the Book and Gift Shop have to offer, as well as go upstairs and check out the RLIC and the views from there. If you’re new here, this historic building is located at milepost 29 right across from the Skamokawa Store Resort at 1394 W SR 4. You can call the hall at 360-795-3007.

DON’T FORGET EVENTS--March 12 will be a busy day with our monthly Flea Market at the Fairgrounds from 9 to 3, then there’s bingo at the Norse Hall beginning at 6 p.m .; lower door opens at 5:30.

CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS--After a busy day on Saturday the 12th, make sure you set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed as Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday March 13. You will now lose that extra hour of sleep that you got in the fall, so now you’ll be making that up. Don’t be late for church or work; set those clocks ahead before you go to bed and be sure to share this info with others.

GREAT CAUSE--Former resident Tyna Zink played in a broomstick tournament with a team which took fourth place out of 23 teams, so “congrats” to them! The fact that they were in this tournament to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital was even better news. Players not only had fun but they raised a nice chunk of change to benefit the children and families who have such critical care needs and who pay nothing if sent there; awesome!

DOING BETTER--We are happy to report that a couple of the “coffee club guys” have managed to make it in and back out of the hospital recently, so here’s hoping Maury Mooers and John Gustafson stay out of there. Take care guys; glad you’re doing OK!

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST--A couple of groups have gotten together to make the “Community Breakfast” on Thursdays at the Skamokawa Grange Hall the place to be from 10 to 12. You can stop by and chat and maybe meet some new folks in the area, and you just might want to grab a cup of coffee and have a bite to eat while you’re there. You’re welcome to bring your own mug and even a goodie to share. With this group teaming up with others, it means you can donate to this breakfast and get a tax deductible receipt for any donation that you’d like to make towards this weekly event. Make checks out to “SBOJ-Wahkiakum” with “community breakfast” marked on the memo line and mail to: P.O. Box 646, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Your donations would be truly appreciated, and now, tax deductible.

GOOD LUCK AND SAFE TRAVELS--I know this column comes out after the Lady Mules have played in Spokane on Wednesday, so I can only hope they won their game and they get to continue to playing. Whatever happens, I hope they know we are all proud of them and I wish the team and all those that make the trip to Spokane safe travels as they make their way there and back. Go Mules!

REMINDER--Please contact me by telephone with any news; my former email address is no longer valid.