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

Wahkiakum County Prosecuting Attorney/Coroner Dan Bigelow on Monday announced he would seek re-election to the office again this year for a fifth term.

"Being elected to this position is the greatest honor I have ever had or ever hope to have," he said in a written announcement. "And certainly, during the last four turbulent years, I have worked harder than I have ever worked or ever hope to work!

"I believe that work has paid off. Thanks to the efforts of a lot of people in our local government and a whole bunch of people outside it, I think Wahkiakum County has stayed more livable than pretty much anywhere else in the state these last four years.

"I am proud to have been a part of that. And I am proud that I was able to give my best efforts to my duties as prosecutor and coroner while maintaining my status as one of the top three EMT responders for the Cathlamet volunteer ambulance service every year of my last term!

"The coming years will contain many challenges. We in the law enforcement community will continue to adapt to washington's changes in criminal law. And here in Wahkiakum County, our community continues to experience its largest period of population growth since the Great Depression. I am committed to continuing to help the people of this county stay safe and secure through all the challenges to come."

The period for filing declarations of candidacy opens May 16.

Local positions on the ballot in both Wahkiakum and Pacific counties include assessor, auditor, county clerk, sheriff, prosecuting attorney, treasurer, third district county commissioner, third district PUD commissioner, and district court judge(s).