Latest news with #LewisCounty
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Controversial I-5 billboard sold to Chehalis Tribe after decades of backlash
The Brief The Chehalis Tribe purchased the property housing the controversial "Uncle Sam" billboard along I-5 in Lewis County, a symbol of free speech and local debate since the 1960s. The billboard, originally erected out of spite by Alfred Hamilton, faced legal challenges and public petitions for removal, but remains unchanged despite recent rumors. The tribe is unsure of future plans for the site, but is pleased to have acquired it, while the billboard continues to stir emotions and controversy. LEWIS COUNTY, Wash. - A decades-old lightning rod along Interstate 5 in Lewis County has officially changed hands. The Chehalis Tribe has purchased the property housing the infamous "Uncle Sam" billboard — a towering and polarizing symbol that's drawn both fierce criticism and staunch defense since it first went up in the mid-60s. What they're saying "I mean you just can't miss it. It's right on I-5," said real estate agent Israel Jimenez, who handled the sale. "Everyone, everywhere who is passing through here seems to know about it." The parcel off Exit 75 had been listed for $2.5 million. According to Jimenez, the Chehalis Tribe reached out within the first week of his posting. "The tribe doesn't even really know what they're going to do with it. They're just excited that they got it back," he said. Jimenez, a Napavine native, said the billboard has long stirred emotions. The backstory "This has been here since 1967, and just shortly after it was put up, it immediately had pushback," said Jimenez. "Within a decade there was a lawsuit to remove it." That lawsuit came in 1971, when then-Attorney General Slade Gorton sued under the Scenic Vistas Act, aiming to have the sign removed. But the Washington State Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of billboard owner Alfred Hamilto on the grounds of free speech. According to local historian Feliks Banel, the now-infamous owner originally erected the sign out of spite. "He had a turkey farm, and they put Interstate 5 through, and he got compensated for the land, but not to the degree that he wanted to because it was a public eminent domain project, and so he puts up this sign and starts making comments," said Banel. "It became literally a lightning rod for controversy." After decades of changing the messaging, Hamilton passed away in 2004. "His family members have sort of kept up the tradition, but nowhere to the degree that Mr. Hamilton did," said Banel. Local perspective In 2020, efforts to remove the billboard intensified. There was a public petition signed by more than 75,000 people and then an arson attempt too. This week, after news broke that the tribe had purchased the property, false rumors spread online that the messaging on the billboard had already been changed. FOX 13 Seattle traveled in-person to the sign location and determined the images and claims were fake. The signage has not changed in years. FOX 13 also contacted the Chehalis Tribe for comment but has not heard back. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. Search for Travis Decker: Authorities identify 'new details, new search areas' in WA Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Woman dies after Seattle house fire; arson investigation underway Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle 11 injured after teen speeds, causes fiery crash in Lacey Man hurt after shooting near University of Washington To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lowville Kraft Plant sees $22 million in funding withdrawn
LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Lowville Kraft plant will be losing out in $22 million funding after cuts made by the federal government. In an announcement from United States Senator Charles Schumer's office, President Donald Trump's administration 'abruptly rescinded a $170 million Department of Energy grant for Kraft-Heinz. Sweet Victory: Kraft Heinz in Lowville reclaims largest cheesecake record The cuts were earmarked for clean energy and decarbonization projects across the nation under former President Joe Biden. Lowville's plant was slated to use the money to transition the Kraft-Heinz plant in Lowville off of fossil fuels. On Friday, the federal government officially withdrew $3.7 billion in funding for 24 projects spanning the nation. This includes $170 million that was supposed to be aside for the Kraft-Heinz company to decarbonize 10 production facilities. Lowville was included on that list of plants. This federal funding was promised to Kraft-Heinz to modernize the Lowville factory and support North Country jobs. Taking away this investment is an unjust blow to Lewis County's biggest employer. United States Senator Charles Schumer Schumer went onto add 'It is a slap in the face by the Trump administration to the North Country to eliminate funding that is critical to the success of this major employer. I urge Congresswoman Stefanik to join me in denouncing the Trump administration's callous cancellation of this grant, knowing that this action directly hurts local jobs, undercuts the success of one of the North Country's most beloved employers, and undermines upgrades meant to help a factory that so many of our Upstate dairy farmers rely on.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
May 25: Paddle Auction in Lowville
Cedar Creek Campgroup is hosting a paddle auction on Sunday, May 25, with the preview starting at 3 p.m. & the auction starts at 4 p.m. Donations to support Lewis County Humane Society will be accepted. Paddles are 1 for $20 2 for $30 3 for $40 4 for $45 There will also be doors prizes, 50/50 and a raffle. There is no food available, you're welcome to bring food and drinks if u like. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Crash that closed highway Sunday was triggered by driver ‘following too close,' WSP says
A 69-year-old man was airlifted to a Tacoma hospital on Sunday after a crash on U.S. Highway 12 that also blocked both directions of the road for several hours, according to the Washington State Patrol. About 10:50 a.m., the 69-year-old Lewis County man was headed east on U.S. 12 near the town of Salkum. Behind him was a 35-year-old woman from Mossyrock with a 61-year-old male passenger. Troopers say the 69-year-old man slowed down to make a left turn and the Mossyrock woman crashed into him. The woman was 'following too close,' according to State Patrol. The woman and her passenger were not hurt, troopers say. The crash closed the highway until about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2-vehicle crash Sunday morning closes U.S. Highway 12 in both directions, WSDOT says
Update: The highway reopened to traffic about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to WSDOT. U.S. Highway 12 has closed in both directions near Salkum in Lewis County after a 2-vehicle crash about 11 a.m. Sunday morning, according to the state Department of Transportation. Emergency crews are at the scene, working to clear the road, according to WSDOT. 'There's no estimated time for reopening. Please use an alternate route until further notice,' WSDOT officials said in an alert.
