Skamokawa News

WARMED UP. As this week begins, we’re definitely soaking in the sunshine after experiencing some drizzly weather at the end of last week, particularly in the morning hours around here. Of course, I heard it was dry in Cathlamet, so I guess we’re just special out here in West Valley — when no one else is getting the wet stuff, we often are. With a dry spell coming up, I’m thankful we had the moisture we did. But now, it’s haymaking time, so this dry stretch is very welcome for those trying to get crops cut, let to dry, tedded, raked into windrows, baled, and hauled before the next band of moisture arrives and makes everything damp... whew! Honestly, I don’t miss those days at all.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays from July 3 through 10 are Irene Martin, David Shrum, Jaiden Mahitka, Patty Dursteler, Sandie York, Matt Helms III, Debbie Kuller, George Exum, Jaxton Nicolazzi, Nayte Chandler, Melissa Robbins, Lachlan Lorenzo, Autumn Cochran, Lynsie Harriman, Adin Hoven Quintero, Justin Hoven, Alex Bonds, Chris Wika, Dean Takko, Jordon Fritzie Collins, Mike Swofford, Mike Thomas, Jim Duscha, Kyle Cox, Mary Watkins, Brianna Childers, Theo Barth, Tony Carikker, Lee Wages, Brad Towery, Mallory Bosch, Lindsay Blunk, David West, Blaze Taylor, Bryce Good and Nathan Chamberlain. Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Joe Florek, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Emery, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Howarth, Carol Carver and George Exum, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Weathers, Dave and Sandi Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. Dana McClain, Paul and MaryAnn Ehrensberger and Greg and Cindy Lloyd. May you all have special days this coming week, and may those memories you make be remembered with great fondness forever.

BIG HOLIDAY! Yes indeed, it’s here: July! If you’re reading this on the usual Thursday when it comes out, then you’ll be busy getting all your Fourth of July plans in order, as it’s tomorrow. The fact that it ties in with a weekend means there will be plenty of traffic on the highways and byways, as we all know that Long Beach and Longview are always busy with Fourth of July celebrations, which include a big nighttime display. The one in Long Beach has always been a live show and the beaches are packed, while the one in Longview has been a drone display the last couple of years, so I’m not sure if that’s what’s happening this year, but they also have a big “to-do” around the lake with lots of vendors and fun activities. Anyway, whatever you decide to do, I hope you have fun but also stay considerate of others.

BED! If you are new to the area, you may have heard that the town of Cathlamet does not have a big Fourth of July event. Still, instead, we have Bald Eagle Days, where we have a wonderful parade on Main Street with lots of vendors and things happening down at the marina. That evening, there is a big fireworks display, so we hope you will enjoy the day and the evening activities, of which there are many that I have not listed, but which you can find in the Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce ads and flyers. There should be information available on both Facebook and their website. It’s a full day of fun!

SAYING A FEW PRAYERS. Well, upsetting news for those in the fishing community: one of our locals, Terry Ostling, was picking up a net in Alaska when the net drifted to one side, and a wave caught them, causing the boat to start rolling. Terry was able to make a call out and said that they were going to need a Coast Guard rescue and were in the process of putting on their survival suits. While Terry and crew were rescued, the boat wound up on the beach, and they were sure it could be saved. So, while they were physically okay, you can only imagine the utter panic one felt and the helplessness of those who were hearing about it on the radio. We certainly are happy that everyone is okay, and we hope the boat can be saved, but we will definitely be thinking of all those involved. As family members just listening to the radio and hearing this event unfold it is super scary and really traumatic for them. Here’s hoping they hear some good news about the boat!

TOOK A SPILL. When one is cruising down the road on an electric scooter and a bat suddenly hits you, it’s definitely not a good day! It seems Adam Pedersen was having a great day until that unexpected bat encounter, and unfortunately, it didn’t end well. Adam ended up with a messed-up face, a broken fibula, and a severe ankle sprain, so it looks like summer plans are on hold for a while. We send our quickest healing wishes to Adam, and at this point, we’re just glad the bat encounter wasn’t even worse.

ANOTHER OOPS. I hope this isn’t becoming a trend, but a few days ago I heard that Kari (Good) Martin ended up with a brace on her leg because she apparently sustained a stress fracture, and she says it’s quite painful. For this busy lady, it’s really no fun to be laid up and unable to do anything for a while... we all need our legs to keep us movin’ and groovin’, and it’s no fun at all when you’re stuck like that. We’re sending our warmest get well wishes to her!

SECOND SATURDAY. Just a reminder that the second Saturday of each month means that the monthly Flea Market down here at the county fairgrounds will be taking place here in Skamokawa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you didn’t find what you wanted at the PIGYS sale this past weekend, you might just find it here.

FANTASTIC TIMING. This past Saturday, the Wahkiakum Dollars for Scholars celebrated its 25th anniversary of raising money for scholarships for our graduating seniors at the brewery in Cathlamet on the marina. Considering that the weather had been cool and even misty the day before, the weather cooperated perfectly, making it a great day to be there. Needless to say, there were plenty of fantastic items to bid on and many generous bidders (who always outbid me, doggone it), but overall, kudos to everyone who attended for a great fundraising event and to those who make it all possible. You’re all great! It was also very nice to have the Duck Inn food cart there — always a wonderful addition to any big event! If you didn’t get a chance to attend but would still like to contribute to WDFS, you can send a check or money order to either Wahkiakum Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 498, Cathlamet, WA 98612, or to WDFS in care of Diane Tischer, 223 N Welcome St Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYBODY!