They are the HSR 1023 C and the HSR 1021 C. Another favorite is the Berkeley “Buzz Ramsey” series of rods. I use Shimano Calcutta reels on my salmon rods but any good quality level wind reel will do for fishing with wigglers. I like to use braided line on my reels, usually 30-50 pound test. At the end of this I tie a ball bearing swivel.

To the other end of the swivel I tie on about 4-5 feet of high quality monofilament leader. I use 20-pound test for Chinook and 12 or 15 pond test when fishing for Coho. At the far end of my leader I tie on a kwik-clip, which is what snaps onto the wiggler.

What colors and patterns are good ones for catching salmon/steelhead? It seems that some colors work best on certain rivers. In the Cowlitz, bubble gum pink and solid orange are constant producers.

Other favorites are blue pirate, green pirate, silver/green herringbone, silver/red herringbone, as well as many others. Every year it seems that there is a different “hot” color and soon all the sporting goods stores are sold out of it. One sure way to find out what is currently “hot” is by looking at popular tackle stores like Bob’s or 4 Corners and see what they are out of, then look for these colors at places like Fred Meyers, Wal-Mart, or other places that carry fishing tackle but don’t really specialize in it. This method of finding hard-to-get wigglers has worked for me in the past.

I try to find the “slots” in the river that have water at 5 feet deep or deeper and have enough current to work my wiggler and keep it fishing at the desired depth. Sometimes I drop anchor and just sit back and read a book, converse with my fishing partner, or even take a nap. When napping, always set the “clicker” on your reel. Waking up to the sound of that reel screaming is the greatest way to wake up that there is.

Most of the time I backtroll, which is the procedure of letting my boat downstream while holding pressure against the current by using my small outboard motor. If the water that I want to fish does not have enough current to fish using either of the two afore mentioned methods, I troll against the current, very slowly. The slower you troll, the more successful you will be.

Wigglers can also be fished very successfully from the bank using a medium spinning outfit. Just fish them as you would a spinner or spoon, letting the current pull your wiggler down and causing it to “work”. In slack water, the simple cast and retrieve works just fine.

So phone a friend, take a kid, or go by yourself and enjoy the peaceful solitude, but spend some time on one of our local streams and maybe you will take home some tasty fare. Remember to take a camera and send a picture of you and your catch in to The Bugler to be entered in the Trophy Wall contest.

Melvin Larsen lives with his wife, Tammy, just south of Castle Rock on the banks of the Cowlitz River. Besides fishing and bow hunting, he enjoys spending time with the animals he raises on their hobby farm.

Mountain Mel is offering a TROPHY WALL, to be published with YOUR trophy pictures as they are sent into the Valley Bugler. See opposite page for more info. Trophy Wall submissions will be automatically entered in a chance to win a professionally guided fishing trip with Mountain Mel himself!

I’m asked a lot of questions about Facebook. Here is one I asked myself, “How can we put a Facebook Like button on our web sites?”

I encourage you to ask yourself the same question, and to listen to how I answered myself. ~:-)

Before we get ahead of ourselves on the “how” let’s take a look at the “what” and the “why”. The infamous “like” button is the mechanism that allows you to follow Pages on Facebook. When someone clicks on the like button, your Business page has a new follower. As we work to get more followers, the logical question is how do we get more people that like us to click on the “like” button.

If they are on your Facebook page they can click the button. But, we need to give them more opportunities to click elsewhere. To see what I’m talking about, you can visit ValleyBugler.com and omOriginals.com. Each site has a different button. The Bugler site sports the traditional like button. Click on it, you can always Unlike if change your mind. On omOriginals.com we have what is called a like box, it has the button AND it also shows icons of some of our followers. I double dog dare you to click on the like button.

Pause: You need a few things to add the “like” button on your site.
1) A Facebook Business Page, 2) A web site you can edit

If you don’t have BOTH on you should step away from this article and get a FB Page and/or Web site. Don’t be afraid to hire a geek. It is well worth it and will save you many grey hairs.

Now -  how can we add the like button on our websites?

Logon to your FB Page. You are going to need your FB URL.

This is the address for your facebook page. FYI - Unless you shortened your URL it is likely a big long ugly thing. I can teach you how to shorten it, but that is for another day. ~:-)

So select the whole address and copy it.

Then point your browser to http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like (no hyphens)

Where it says, Enter your “URL to Like”, paste in your address.

Moments later you will see a preview of your creation to the right.

You can click on the “Get Code” button and put the code in your page OR you can customize your button. Here is some info about the customization option. “Layout Style” allows you to determine how much social content is showed in your button. You can now have it show faces (like on omOriginals.com) You can also adjust the width to best fit your web site. You can also chose if you wish for it to say like or recommend. Just two more variables to go, choose a font and color scheme. Now click “get code”.

You will be given two code options. You can use and iFrame or XFBML. You can try both or contact your favorite geek to see which one is best for your web site setup.

Now copy that text and paste it into your web site. Click on Save or Publish and check out your site.

Feel a little geeky. Try a Like Box or Live Stream. They are pretty cool. They both require your Facebook Page ID. Here is a trick to find your ID.

Go to your FB Page and right click on your logo - Select Properties. For the address you will see something like. profile=1&id=133685112674. The id is the full number.

I hope to see you on Facebook!

God Bless,
Oscar Myre IV

Oscar Myre IV is the owner and Creative Director of omOriginals Marketing, a Longview based web development and graphic marketing firm. Call them at (360)575-9839 or online @ omOriginals.com, also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Become a ‘Fan’ today!

The August issue “Hidden Bugle” was located on page 29 in the Ocean Beach Self Storage ad.

Call our number with the correct ad and page before September 21st, to be entered in our drawing to win great prizes.

First prize is $50 in CASH, so get searching! I promise that it is easier this month - but you will NOT be entered into the drawing if you call with the wrong page and ad…..so get it right!

Two winners will be chosen with a “random number generator” each month, and there are great new prizes, too!

CALL:  360-414-1246

When you have found the Bugler’s BUGLE, leave your name, number and Bugle location at the beep!! (Will be much smaller in its hidden location.)

GOOD LUCK!

The August Issue winners were:
First Place: Mary Lajoie
$50 cash prize
Second Place: Ben Purvis
$15 Judy’s Gift Certificate

Both winners expressed surprise and elated joy when they were informed they won.

“This is such a wonderful paper”, said Mary, first place winner.

The Bugle Search is becoming an anticipated monthly event for many - happy hunting, and we absolutely love to hear back from you!!  ☺

Good luck, and I promise that I hid it somewhere in one of these ads! I don’t recommend taking your friend’s word for it and calling it in - what if  they are wrong? You can find it.

*Miss Inez Underhill has gone to Montesano, where she will again wield the birch and teach the young ideas how to shoot during the coming year. She has taught there during the past two years, and met with great success.

*Madame Demarest has on display this week the grandest assortment of fall hats, hair ornaments, Persian ties and new patent leather belts every brought to Castle Rock. Don’t fail to see them.

*Charles Huntington left Monday afternoon for Lange’s homestead at Spirit Lake, to bring in some gentlemen who have been looking over the mines in that region.

*For Rent, for One Year—House, two lots and seven acres of land in Castle Rock, Wash. Rent, $20 per month, payable one year in advance. For particular apply to M.L. Alford, Castle Rock.

*T.N. Crane met with a painful accident while at work in the woods near Jess Smith’s mill, Monday. A splinter of steel from a wedge struck him in the right eye, cutting through the lid and injuring the eye proper to such an extent that Tom is laid up for repairs and suffering considerable pain.

*Edmunds building in which the butcher shop is located ha been raised this week and a fine new cement walk made by Mr. Shaffron, who also laid the one for Madame Demarest, and now the whole block, extending from A street to Cowlitz avenue, is fronted by a fine cement walk. Castle Rock has now much more cement walks than nay other town in the county, and in a few years she will have more of everything that is good than any of them. Just watch our smoke.

*John Johnson, who was a popular teacher in our high school during the past two years, will be principal of the Little Falls school during the coming year. He has been in training for the position all summer by working at the Swift & O’Neill sawmill, on the West Side.

*R.L. Towne, who is employed at the depot, received a letter a few days ago from his wife, who is visiting her parents in Pittsburg, Pa., in which she says she is glad she can come back to good old Castle Rock, because she does not want to live in that region any more.

*While out driving not long since we had occasion to cross the ferry over the Cowlitz above Olequa and were shown a large pet beaver which belongs to the ferryman. The animal is very pretty and loves to be caressed. In fact it acts very much like a dog when one pays attention to it. The animal was caught in the river when quite small and is kept in a house near the ferry. It is allowed to go into the water occasionally but shows no inclination to get away. The owner feeds it on bread and milk, on which it thrives.

When you consider what supplies you would need for three days after a natural disaster, first consider what emergencies are most likely to occur in your area. Prepare accordingly.

A “supply kit” sounds like something you could carry, but it isn’t. When you consider a three-day supply of water and food per person (and pet), plus clothes, shoes, a sleeping bag or blanket for each one, plastic sheeting and duct tape, it’s hardly moveable. You need space and a convenient location.

If the emergency could be a flood, the attic or second floor could be a good storage area. If you are more likely to be trapped by a blizzard, tornado, or earthquake, a part of the garage or basement would be better.
That’s especially true since the government recommends including garbage bags and closers, toilet paper, hand tools, a bottle of bleach, moist towelettes, a first aid kit, disposable plates, cups and dinnerware, and a fire extinguisher.

They say copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records should be kept in a separate waterproof container.

Some emergency items don’t take as much room. They include:

• A flashlight, battery-operated radio and cell phone with extra batteries, and matches in a waterproof container.
• A three-day supply of medications, plus traveler’s checks, cash and change, pencil and paper, and a dust mask.
• Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies should be included.
• If you have a baby, don’t forget the disposable diapers. If you have children, include books, games and puzzles.

Getting ready for an emergency or disaster sounds like a lot of work. But if one occurs, you’ll be glad you put your time and money into the project.

By the way, if a forest fire heads your way, all you’ll need is a little cash, the ID container, your medicine and some gas in your car. Get going.

Are you ready?

This is a nationwide coordinated effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management encourages you and your family to be prepared for disasters that may occur locally, nationally or globally.  The following is a tip sheet to help families take the necessary steps to become more disaster resilient.

Get a Kit—Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least 3 days following a major disaster.  The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlights and a first aid kit.  For suggestions on making a kit, contact the Department of Emergency Management at (360) 577-3130 or go to www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DEM.

Make a Plan—Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency.  Your plan should include a communications plan, a meeting point, and instructions on sheltering-in-place or evacuating.  Go to www.ready.gov for more information and templates to get you started.

Be Informed—Learn more about the hazards that could affect your community and the appropriate responses to take.  For more information on local hazards and emergency plans that have been established in the area, contact the Department of Emergency Management. To get the latest information, you can also subscribe to our Emergency Management blog at www.cowlitzcountydem.blogspot.com.

Get Involved—After preparing yourself and your family, take the next step: get training in first aid, CPR and emergency response.  Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information.

With all of the natural disasters that have been happening across the world, even those close to our own area here in the glorious Northwest, it makes me want to make sure that my family is prepared.

I want to be able to survive without power for months on end if necessary. Do you know how to make water safely? Do you have enough stockpiled to keep your family fed? If you are single, make sure you have enough for yourself and possibly another guest. You never know who may simply not have been prepared.

Gates open at 10:00 am and there is Free parking & admission

>$5 entry fee is required for the Wiener Dog Races and the Costume Contest<

Fund-raiser for The Humane Society of Cowlitz Count (any monetary or food donations will be appreciated)

All dogs must be properly vaccinated!

DOGAPALOOZA is all about having fun with dogs. Bring yours and participate. Bring the family and watch the fun. Nothing serious will be going on—just fun!

Here’s some of the other activities at Dogapalooza (info: (360-425-7297)

Sled Dog Demo: See authentic racing dogs in action.

Ice Cream Eating Contest: Who’s faster, you or your dog?

Silly Dog Contests (like longest tail, shortest ears, grayest muzzle, best kisser)

Police Dog Demo: See the skills of a bona fide police dog.

Howlin’ Wolf Contest: Is your dog the next Miley Cyrus or Pavarotti?

Peanut Butter Eating Contest: Which dog can empty the spoon the fastest?

Ball Fiend: Laugh at a group of dogs chasing a group of balls.

Costume Contest: How cute & clever can you be? You can be in costume too.

Low Rider Races (bulldogs & bassets): Who’s the fastest low rider?

Tiny Titans Races: Who’s the champion of the under 20# weight class?

Wiener Dog Races: It’s crazy! It’s chaotic! It’s a barrel of laughs!

You can also try your dog at agility, talk to rescue groups, shop the Mutt Mall (vendor booths with lots of cool doggie stuff), and eat at the Chow Time Food Court (for humans).

Every Monday (Except Labor Day): Our infamous Cinnamon Rolls and coffee will be served to the public from 10am to NOON. Suggested donation is only $1.50!

Wii Fit Game excercises will be played (FUN!) every Monday at 1:30pm. Come and play, have some fun and in the process, improve your balance and keep that heart healthy! Open to all people.

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Get that heart rate up and get healthy with the exercise classes from 9:30am to 10:30am!

Every Wednesday: CAP offers Nutrition Meals for Seniors at the Center at NOON. Suggested donation is $2.50, but PLEASE call #274-7502 or #274-8145 (by Monday) for reservations.

Every Thursday: Fun Quilting projects will take place from 12pm to 3pm and Pinochle games are played in the Center later at 7pm and is open to all who are interested, so bring your game!

Every Friday: Another CAP Nutrition meal! CAP offers Nutrition Meals for Seniors at the Center at NOON. Suggested donation is $2.50, but PLEASE call #274-7502 or #274-8145 (by Wednesday) for reservations.

Wii Bowling for Fun starts at 1pm, walkins come on by!

SPECIAL DATES: Hurrah!

Tuesday, September 14th: Program and potluck lunch. Ken Young will speak on Waste Management at11am, followed by the lunch at noon.

Saturday, September 11th: BINGO Games will run from 1pm - 3pm. Come and join in the fun!

Thursday, September 16th: Commodities will be distributed from 10am - 1pm. You must have a valid punch card, please!

Special Notices: The pool table in the Center is open for play during the week from 10am - 4pm and its FREE! Also, A “Christmas in October” sale will be held next month. Watch for the date and more information.

While the goal is probably not achievable, a new coalition of safety advocates, transportation officials and police is urging Congress to set a national goal of reducing annual traffic deaths by half over the next 20 years.

The approach, called Toward Zero Deaths, hopes to alter behaviors that cause fatalities. Speeding is involved in more than 31 percent of road deaths, drunken driving in 32 percent and distracted driving in16 percent. About 55 percent of those killed in passenger cars were not wearing seat belts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Zero-deaths proponents say technological safety advances in vehicles will be a major factor in moving toward their goal. They include cameras that detect when a driver is drowsy, technology that causes a car to vibrate when the driver leaves the lane, electronic stability controls that reduce fatalities in rollovers, and alcohol ignition interlocks that prevent inebriated drivers from starting vehicles.

Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and West Virginia have adopted statewide versions of the zero-deaths program.

The zero-traffic deaths concept called Vision Zero was developed in Sweden in 1997. Other European countries that implemented it include Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal.

One of the main contributors to crashes and traffic accidents, is of course, cell phones and handheld devices. Talking on your cell, texting on your cell, or looking at your FaceBook on your cell while you are driving can be catastrophic. Not just for you, but perhaps for someone else outside of your vehicle.

Here are some stats for you if you are one of those who are choosing to break the law:

• The main finding of a fourfold increase in injury crash risk was consistent across groups of drivers.
• Male and female drivers experienced about the same increase in risk from using a phone.
• Older and younger than 30 drivers experienced the same increase in risk.
• There was no difference in accident statistics between drivers using hand-held cell phones compared to those using a hands-free cell phone device.
• Weather played no factor in the accidents with 75 percent of them occurring during clear weather conditions.
• Eighty-nine percent of the crashes involved additional vehicles.
• Over half of the injured drivers reported that their crashes occurred within 10 minutes of the start of their trip.

Dan Whyms will be performing on stage with original members of the Johnny Cash Show Band

W.S. “Fluke” Holland (original member of The Tennessee Three and Cash’s drummer from 1960 to 1997)

Earl Poole Ball (20 year veteran pianist of the Johnny Cash Show)

Dave Roe (Johnny Cash Show bassist)

This is the first time original Johnny Cash Show members Fluke, Earl and Dave, will be reuniting together, to perform and take listeners on a history-making journey back in time and relive the legendary Johnny Cash Show, starring Johnny Cash tribute artist and historian Dan Wyms.

Also performing is Whyms’ own band, Rock Island Line, along with vocalist Patti Connolly, joining along to perform several Carter family classics and Cash/Carter duets.

Music fans are in for a history-making performance at the Columbia Theatre on Sept. 11th at 8pm.
Call (360) 575-8499 for tix.