Chinook Fire was "human caused"

CHINOOK - Local firefighters are fighting off an intense "wildfire near Chinook," according to Director of the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency Scott McDougall. As of Monday morning, there were no closures in place and there were no evacuations. The Chinook Fire is approximately 139 acres with potential for growth with Containment at 43 percent. There is also a smaller fire, the Brix Fire, which is 8.5 acres and is "in patrol status."

Man shot in arm by hunter at his residence

BROOKLYN - An 80-year-old man was shot in the arm in the Brooklyn area northeast of Pacific County by a hunter hunting elk in the nearby area. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. At press time (Monday), no charges had been filed.

According to Region 6 Enforcement Captain Dan Chadwick of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program, "WDFW Officers along with Pacific County Deputies were alerted to an incident that involved a man being shot at his residence." The man "was injured in the arm by a bullet while he was working on a vehicle in his yard." He "received medical treatment for his wound and was released from the hospital later that day."

City of Vader Parks Board Christmas event

The City of Vader Parks Board is excited to be hosting its first Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar Event.

"I'm really excited to have all of our communities come down and enjoy a small town holiday celebration with some Christmas lights," said Kelly Schey from the Vader Parks Board. "Buying a cup of hot cocoa helps support the parks program and shopping from a local vendor helps our community members! Plus the kids will get a free stocking surprise as well!"

Traditional Thanksgiving blessings

Many of us understand the meaning of Thanksgiving and where it came from, the original pilgrims eating with the native Americans. The 1612 Harvest Feast shared by English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag People (native Americans) was how Thanksgiving started. The American holiday is rich in legend and symbolism, and the traditional Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries and pumpkin pie.

It is not clearly known if they were eating turkey or other type of fowl, since it was more prevalent to kill what you ate that day so, it could have been ducks or geese. Approximately 90 or some Native Americans arrived and brought venison and other food, which could have also included fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables and beer.

Classifieds 11.23.22

Efficient Electric Heat Pumps the State Standard

New homes and apartment buildings built in Washington state must be equipped with electric heat pumps beginning in July. The state Building Code Council voted in favor of the requirement. The switch will reduce carbon emissions and reliance on nonrenewable heat sources. Natural gas is pollutive, contributing to health issues in gas-burning homes and creating greenhouse gases that accelerate global warming.

Electric heat pumps are efficient, and many units can both heat and cool living spaces. Washington state enjoys some of America's cheapest electricity; Seattle rates are 29 percent below the national average. In addition to low monthly costs, electric heat pumps often require minimal maintenance. Electric heat is also safer than gas heat - gas furnaces in disrepair can produce lethal, odorless carbon monoxide.