Monte grad dies while house-sitting

By Leif Nesheim
Vidette Editor

MONTESANO — Christmas had barely ended when tragedy erupted in Montesano. A man and two dogs died in a fire that raged in the home of Ronald and Carol Davidson, 218 S. Satsop St.
Everett “Bugs” Davidson, 58, was pronounced dead early Saturday at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

He was house-sitting for his brother, who had gone to the Little Creek Casino in Shelton for an annual Christmas getaway with his wife in their RV.

Emergency workers perform CPR on Everett “Bugs” Davidson, 58, in the yard of his brother’s Montesano house, which caught fire early Saturday, Dec. 26. Davidson died of smoke inhalation. Glare from a flashlight on the ground obscures Davidson in the photo. (Photo by Leif Nesheim)

Everett Davidson apparently died trying to rescue one of the dogs, which was in the room where the fire started, Montesano Fire Chief Ken Walkington said.

An autopsy determined Davidson died of smoke inhalation, Deputy Coroner Lane Youmans said.

Six articles remember the year

By The Vidette Staff

Budget shortfalls,
“no confidence” vote, climate survey, state audit findings and more plague the Montesano School District.

Financially strapped Fire District 5 signs an agreement to continue providing East County ambulance service.

Lindsey Baum, 10,
vanishes in McCleary on her way home in late June, days before her 11th birthday.

Montesano graduate Tim Davis is killed in Afghanistan when his vehicle is hit by a
roadside explosive.

“It’s the economy, stupid.” James Carville’s 1992 Clinton campaign theme was particularly apt in 2009 Grays Harbor. The county’s unemployment rate led the state, and local governments grappled with reduced revenue. Four of our top six stories developed directly from economic woes. (Photo collage by Debi Meredith)

The economic downturn is felt harshly in county government. Services and staff are slashed to save money.

When Lake Sylvia and Schafer state parks
get put on the chopping block, area residents save them.

Another year filled with success and championships

By Jerrad Kellogg
Vidette Reporter

In 2009, East County athletes turned in another fine year with a handful of state titles — the highest prep accomplishments — highlighting a look back at the year in sports.
As the number of days in 2009 dwindles below a week, a recap of the year begins 365 days earlier, with the 2008-2009 winter sports campaign in full swing.