|
|
January 1, 2008
Inclement weather begins and ends 2008 |
|
Like most years, 2008 speeds by
By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin
Vidette Reporter
Where did 2008 go? It fled somewhere between significant weather-related events a year ago — including recovery from a devastating storm no one is likely ever to forget — and the recent snowfall that paralyzed much of the area, especially the eastern part of Grays Harbor. |
|
City of Montesano employee Ryan Watkins tries to clear an area of downtown near Fleet Park after a deluge of snow had Monte (and the rest of the East County) slipping and sliding over roads and sidewalks at year’s end. (Vidette file)
|
|
| Willis poised to make Harbor history |
|
Terry Willis will become Grays Harbor County’s first woman commissioner when she takes the oath of office at the commission’s regular meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the county Administration Building in Montesano.
Taking that historic step doesn’t make the 54-year-old Brady farmer nervous, though. “If I’m going to be nervous, it’s not about being the first woman; it’s just about being a commissioner, period,” Willis said at an interview at her home Dec. 17. |
|
(County Commissioner-elect Terry Willis, pictured at her home in Brady, will take the oath of office during the regular commission meeting Monday, Jan. 5. (Photo by Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin)
|
|
| Two Eagles, Bulldog earn championships |
|
|
Montesano Invitational: Watson, Boyer and Campbell nab titles
By Jerrad Kellogg
Vidette Reporter
For the past two weeks waves of snow storms have had the area at their mercy, however a pause in the cold temperatures allowed the winter sports schedule to thaw out a bit and Montesano was able to host its annual Invitational Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Bo Griffith Memorial Gymnasium.
|
|
Montesano’s Ryan Campbell goes for the take-down of LaCenter’s Mike Dempsey en route to the 171-pound title at Saturday’s Montesano Invite. (Photo by Jerrad Kellogg)
Despite the fortnight lay-off, three from East County were able to emerge as champions from the tough multi-classification, 13-school field. In the end two Eagles and a lone Bulldog were awarded gold medals. Elma’s Brad Watson and Luke Boyer, along with Montesano’s Ryan Campbell each garnered a first place spot. Watson in the 122-pound bracket, Boyer in the 119-pound group and Campbell in the 171-pound competition.
|
|
Other
Headlines
Montesano utility rates on the rise
Utility rates in Montesano are rising across the board under the 2009 budget adopted by the City Council. The largest increase is in the water rates, which will more than double from a base rate of $7.50 per month to $17.50 per month for residential users. Residents can use up to 400 cubic feet without incurring additional charges. After that, the fee is $1 per cubic foot up to 800 cubic feet. Over that, the rate is $1.40 per cubic foot. Under the current rate structure, a 77-cent per cubic foot usage charge is applied across the board. The entire water rate structure is being changed to more accurately reflect the cost of doing business. Mayor Ron Schillinger and city council members called the changes “long overdue” and unavoidable during their budget balancing workshops.
Williamsons mark 55th anniversary
Mel and Bonnie Williamson, formerly from Montesano, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on Jan. 11. The couple first met when they were singing together and have been making music since then. Mel proposed to Bonnie at the shipwreck site of the Peter Iredale in Warrenton, Ore. After traveling the world while being a part of the Navy, the couple and their three children, Mark, Bruce and Melanie, settled in Montesano in 1973. The two actively participated in Lions Club International. They are both recipients of the Melvin Jones award for their dedication and commitment. The couple are also active members of the Montesano Methodist Church.
More Sports
2008: Another memorable year for East County sports
A glance back at the year in sports 2008, immediately conjures visions of East County athletes embarking on state title runs, with a handful of those championships realized. In the past year three track & field athletes brought home a combined five state championships in the spring. Jake Vetter, a Montesano senior last spring, brought home his third straight 1A high jump title, and added state triple jump crown to his resume. Elma on the other hand, had a pair of state track champs. Christian Stark repeated as 2A 300-meter hurdle champ and added to that a 110-meter hurdle win at state. The Eagles’ other track champion was all-around athlete, Brandi Thomas, who collected the girls triple jump title in just her sophomore year.
|
If you have any questions or comments about this Web site, please
e-mail us at editor@thevidette.com
All rights reserved, The Vidette, Montesano, Wash.
This content may not be broadcast, archived, retransmitted, distributed,
saved, or used for any commercial purpose without the express
written consent of The Vidette, Stephens Media Group, LLC.
|
These stories and
much more
on newsstands now.
Subscribe!
Just $25 per year
in-county.
Click here or call us at
360-249-3311
Sixteen-page planner
Your Wedding is News
View, print or download
Engagement form
View, print or download
Wedding form
Things to do in
Grays Harbor
Download
and view
40-page
2008 Visitor's Guide
|
