Klog

If you’re planning to head north of Seattle over the holiday weekend, you’ll need to budget some extra time to deal with the traffic issues caused by last night’s collapse of the I-5 bridge over the Skagit River near Mount Vernon. The Washington Department of Transportation says that the investigation into the collapse is continuing, but it appears that all four lanes of the freeway dropped into the water after a commercial truck with an oversized load hit a portion of the bridge superstructure. A number of cars went into the river, but it appears that all of the occupants were rescued, with only three people needing hospitalization for hypothermia. WashDOT says that they expect to have a signed detour in place by early this morning, but with more than 67,000 vehicles using that bridge each day, the backups are expected to be extensive. To avoid a lengthy delay, you’re advised to use some other alternate route. Inspectors from the National Traffic Safety Board are expected to be on the scene before noon today; removal of debris and repair of the bridge will begin after the NTSB completes its investigation.

The Washington State Patrol is working to find a black Ford F-150 pickup as the suspect vehicle in a hit-and-run crash reported yesterday morning on I-5 near La Center. The three-car crash was reported at milepost 17 southbound at about 7:30 yesterday morning; the suspect was driving in the middle lane, and then made a sudden lane change, hitting 38 year-old Sherry Sparacino of Longview. Her BMW spun across the middle and left lanes of the freeway, while the pickup then hit Frank Rodenburg, 72, of Ripon, California. Rodenburg’s pickup and travel trailer jackknifed, with the trailer rolling up onto the bed of the pickup. The pickup and trailer eventually came to rest in the median. Rodenburg’s wife, Wanda, 72, was injured in the crash; she was treated and released from Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver. The driver of the black Ford pickup failed to remain at the scene, and is now wanted for making an unsafe lane change. Troopers do have some information on the pickup, but they haven’t reported any arrests.

It’s now being reported that Lucas William Brown, 36, of Longview had meth and other drugs in his system at the time of a crash that led to the deaths of him and his son, eight year-old Noah Waite Brown. Today’s Daily News reports on the toxicology test results that were obtained from Oregon State Police. They say that Brown had meth, marijuana and lorazapam in his system when he caused a two-car crash on Highway 30 west of Clatskanie, an incident that took place on April 14th. Troopers also say that witness accounts of Brown’s driving “are consistent” with him being impaired at the time of the collision. Lucas Brown died in the crash, while Noah Waite Brown died a week later.

James Wesley McCullough, 35, of Longview is under arrest, after he was identified as the man who broke out a car window, then stole a bag from inside that vehicle. The incident was reported at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon, next to an insurance company in the 800 block of 11th Avenue. An employee called 911, while the business owner followed the suspect, who took off on a bike. Longview Police spotted the suspect near the lake, and then were involved in an intense foot chase and ground search around the area of 15th and Oregon Way. McCullough was stopped and arrested in the 600 block of Oregon Way, a few minutes before 1 pm. He’s now charged with second-degree car prowling and third-degree malicious mischief, with bail that totals $2,000. He was also served with a no-bail driving while suspended warrant.

Following last night’s Longview City Council approval of a special use permit, Abby Hyde now has the green light to build a new vocational school in some empty store space in the 1200 block of Commerce Avenue. Longview Community Development Director John Brickey says that the Franklin Education Center will offer several certification courses…voccenter…Along with the training for certified nursing assistants, construction contractors and day care providers. Brickey says that three other businesses will also share space in the building at 1209 Commerce Avenue. Credit Medic will offer credit counseling services, Awards Galore and More will sell trophies and awards, and Action Call Center will provide an answering service and call center. Brickey says that the vocational school requires a special use permit under the most recently adopted Downtown Commerce Plan, while the other three businesses are permitted uses. He also says that they expect class sizes to be small, so there’s plenty of parking available, and the facility will not be a detriment to other businesses in the area. There’s no word yet on when the Franklin Education Center would be planning to open its doors.

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is putting on a special event this evening, something that they say will help boost productivity in your workplace. “SynergyLIVE” is touted by organizers as a program that identifies workplace problems, and presents solutions in a format that’s never been used before. The 90-minute performance will feature a group of high-energy singer-dancer-actors, and will be led by former Seattle news and sportscaster Tony Ventrella. He’s now putting his energy into motivational speaking. “SynergyLIVE” will be presented at the Cowlitz County Expo Center, and it’s free to attend. The doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show will start promptly at 7. Call 560-2412 if you have other questions.

Hatchery steelhead fishing on two popular streams in the area is opening a week early. The Department of Fish and Wildlife says that the Green River and the South Fork of the Toutle will open to hatchery steelhead, starting tomorrow. Through May 31st, there will be a daily limit of two hatchery steelhead; wild steelhead and ALL other game fish, including trout, must be released. The regular season opening had been planned to start on June 1st. Get full details on the WDFW website, or by contacting your local outdoor outfitter.

Several Memorial Day ceremonies are planned around the area on Monday, but due to the federal sequester budget cuts, there will be no fly-over of Oregon Air National Guard F-15’s this year. The American Legion is helping to conduct Monday’s ceremonies; the Glen Hoyer Post 175 is conducting a ceremony at 8 am on Monday at the Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens, on Mt. Brynion Road in Kelso. The Glen Hoyer Post 175 is also hosting a ceremony being held at 10 am at the Silver Lake Cemetery. At 11 am on Monday, three separate ceremonies are planned. The Longview American Legion Post will hold its annual event at the Longview Memorial Park, featuring songs by Raeann Phillips. The Glen Hoyer Post 175 will have its annual event at the Whittle-Hubbard Cemetery outside of Castle Rock, with singing from choir members of the Castle Rock Lutheran Church. There’s also a hamburger feed at the Castle Rock American Legion Hall following that event. Also at 11 am on Monday, there’s a ceremony at the Kalama IOOF Cemetery, hosted by the Kalama American Legion and VFW. You’re invited to take part in all of these events.

Friday:
An English satire called “Cloud 9” opens this weekend in the Center Stage Theatre at LCC’s Rose Center for the Arts, continuing each weekend through June 8th. Curtain each night is set for 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the Rose Center Box Office, prior to each performance.

Saturday:
Help raise some money to support Army Sergeant Christopher Anderson at a car show planned for Saturday at the Kelso Burgerville. He lost a leg and suffered other injuries while serving in Afghanistan. The car show will run from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, and will also feature raffles, trophies and T-shirt sales. Call 749-5163 if you need more information.

Ruby Stilson’s son is putting on a Garage Sale Saturday and Sunday, working to raise money for participation in the People to People Ambassador Program. The sale will be located at 356 Michner Road near Castle Rock, open from 8 am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday.

You can play some paintball and help raise money to support the Rainier Schools Friends of Music, in a “Paintball Madness” event that’s set for Saturday at Dibblee Beach. Registration opens at 8 am on Saturday, and rental of all paintball gear will be available. They’ll also be raffling off a number of items, with all proceeds going to the benefit of Rainier Music Students.

From 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, there’s a “Wedding and Fashion Soiree” at the Empress Estate near Woodland. You can spend the day checking out the latest wedding fashions, foods and decorations, while also helping out local food banks. Admission is free, but donations of food and cash will be accepted.

There’s a Community Vegan/Vegetarian Potluck on Saturday, running from 6 to 8 pm at the Youth and Family Link building on Douglas Street in Longview. They’re asking for a donation of $2 to help cover expenses. Get more information by going to www.debkaycooking.blogspot.com.

The Eastern Washington University Faculty Woodwind Trio performs on Saturday night in the Wollenberg Auditorium for the Arts at LCC, highlighting the college’s new University Center partnership with EWU. This concert gets started at 7:30 pm Saturday night; donations are suggested, with the proceeds benefitting LCC Head Start and Early Head Start.

The Cowlitz Community Farmers Market continues on Saturday, open from 9 am until 2 pm in the parking lot on 7th Avenue across from the Fairgrounds. The market runs through October.

Sunday:
The Downtown Farmers Market moves to its new location on Sunday, heading to the parking lot at 15th and Broadway, across from the Longview City Hall. They’ll have fresh asparagus, flowers, hanging baskets, fresh veggies, plant starts and handmade crafts. Hours are 10 am to 4pm on Sunday.

There’s a benefit for Mountain Ministries at Tam O’Shanter Park on Sunday, the “Showers for Flowers-March for the Mountain.” Along with the fun walk, they’ll have a silent auction, games for the kids and other activities. Proceeds will benefit Mountain Ministries and Women of Faith. Hours are 1 to 4 pm on Sunday.