Goldendale Sentinel April 8, 2026

Headlines & History since 1879

Flock cameras hitting home

lou MaRzeles

ediToR

A growing number of communities across the country are turning to automated license plate reader systems as a tool in law enforcement investigations, and Goldendale is no exception. But as the technology spreads, so too does a widening debate over privacy, data use, and public trust.

As Goldendale continues its use of the cameras, neighboring Skamania County has shut them down and made a payout in a landmark court case.

The City of Goldendale currently operates three cameras manufactured by Flock Safety, a company whose devices are designed to capture images of passing vehicles and log license plate data. The cameras are typically mounted on poles and operate continuously, creating a searchable database that can assist police in identifying vehicles connected to crimes.

Goldendale Police Chief Mike Smith said the cameras remain in operation as the department evaluates their future under evolving state regulations.

“We currently have three Flock cameras, and they are still in use,” Smith said. “We are working on the new law compliance. We will have them for the rest of the year, and when our contract is up, I plan to reevaluate the need per cost.”

Flock cameras are part of a broader category of tools known as automated license plate readers, or ALPRs. These systems photograph vehicles as they pass, capturing license plate numbers along with details such as vehicle color, make, and distinguishing features. The data is then upload-

ed to a cloud-based system, where it can be searched by law enforcement.

One feature that has drawn both praise and concern is the system’s nationwide network, which allows participating agencies to search for vehicles across city and state lines, potentially tracking movements far beyond a single community.

Police departments say the systems can be particularly useful in solving property crimes, locating stolen vehicles, and identifying suspect vehicles linked to investigations.

Smith emphasized that locally, “Our purpose for the flock has nothing to do with any immigration issues and is all about stopping and solving crimes,” he said.

“It is another tool to help collect evidence.”

State moves to regulate the technology

Until recently, Washington had no statewide law governing the use of automated license plate readers, leaving policies largely up to individual agencies. That is changing. Olympia has advanced legislation that establishes the state’s first comprehensive rules for the technology. Proposals under consideration include limits on how long data can be stored, restrictions on how it can be used, bans on use for civil immigration enforcement, and tighter controls on data sharing. The legislation comes amid growing concern that, without consistent rules, agencies across the state have been using the systems in different ways.

At the same time, courts have influenced the landscape. A 2025 ruling found that license plate reader data can be considered a

public record, prompting some jurisdictions to reconsider or pause their programs.

Skamania County camera data accessed broadly outside county

Privacy advocates say the new legislation is overdue, arguing that the technology can amount to a form of mass surveillance if left unchecked.

Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, warn that license plate readers can create detailed records of where vehicles travel over time, even when drivers are not suspected of any wrongdoing. Researchers have also raised concerns about how widely such data may be shared. In some cases, systems have allowed access by outside agencies, including federal authorities, raising questions about oversight and transparency.

Recent national reporting has added new dimensions to those concerns. Some cities have begun removing Flock cameras altogether or declining to renew contracts, while others are renegotiating agreements to impose stricter limits on how data is used and shared.

Questions have also been raised about company policies, with critics pointing to changes that

sparked concern over whether data could be more broadly accessed, even as the company maintains it does not sell user data.

Security researchers have further highlighted potential vulnerabilities in camera systems, including demonstrations suggesting that improperly configured devices could be susceptible to unauthorized access, though the company disputes that its systems have been broadly compromised.

The debate has already had real consequences in the Columbia River Gorge. In neighboring Skamania County, officials shut down their network of Flock cameras following a court ruling that determined the data they collect is subject to public records requests. More recently, the county has agreed to a payout tied to litigation over the program, underscoring the potential legal and financial risks for agencies using the technology.

Public records released in that case also showed how widely such data can circulate. Information gathered by Skamania County cameras was accessed thousands of times by law enforcement agencies outside the region, in some cases far more frequently than

Lawsuit aims to block new sheriff requirements

Jake goldsTeiN-sTReeT

WashiNgToN sTaTe sTaNdaRd

Four eastern Washington sheriffs filed suit Friday seeking to block a new law that provides a path to remove sheriffs from office.

The sheriffs—John Nowels of Spokane County, Glenn Blakeslee of Pend Oreille County, Brad Manke of Stevens County, and Ray Maycumber of Ferry County—believe the law is undemocratic and should be tossed out. They argue the state constitution doesn’t give the Legislature the power to create a removal process like the one envisioned.

The law, which Gov. Bob Ferguson signed last Wednesday, sets heightened eligibility require -

ments for sheriffs, who are mostly elected in Washington. Sheriffs could be forced from office if they don’t meet the new standards.

The quartet of sheriffs argue Senate Bill 5974 “does not merely regulate how sheriffs perform their duties. Instead, it conditions eligibility to run for, assume, and remain in office on compliance with a statewide administrative certification regime.”

In doing so, it “shifts decisive authority over the office of county sheriff away from voters and elected officials and vests it in an unelected executive agency,” reads the lawsuit filed in Pend Oreille County Superior Court. Ferguson, a Democrat, signed the legislation despite some misgivings and presumed legal chal-

lenges. He and the legislation’s other backers believe it’ll stand up to litigation. It passed the Legislature despite firm opposition from minority Republicans.

The suit names Ferguson, the Legislature and the state of Washington as defendants. The attorney general’s office is responsible for defending the state from lawsuits.

“We’re reviewing it with the other named parties,” said department spokesperson Mike Faulk. Ferguson said he may want to consider changes to the vacancy process in the law come 2027.

“It’s a serious step when someone’s being removed from office, speaking as an elected official,” Ferguson told reporters Wednesday. “I just want to make sure

we’re being as thoughtful as possible on that, and so I just pressed that to the bill sponsors.”

In the weeks before he signed it, sheriffs had urged Ferguson to veto sections of the law. He met with some of them to hear their concerns.

The new criteria for county sheriffs include having five years of full-time law enforcement experience, not having any felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, being at least 25 years old, and not having done anything that would get state certification as a peace officer revoked.

Candidates for sheriff or police chief must sign a sworn statement ensuring they meet these new standards. The suing sheriffs call

loRRie Fox FoR The seNTiNel

After years of operating independently, the Goldendale Farmers Market is now managed by the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Teja Hanna said the shift preserves the market’s familiar operations while bringing a fresh look, expanded resources, small business training, new events, and added growth opportunities for vendors.

“We wanted to maintain what’s working and build from there,” Hanna said. “This is about supporting vendors and strengthening the market for the long term.” The market’s transition was finalized in early March following discussions with the former

RodgeR Nichols

FoR The seNTiNel

Klickitat County Commissioners took a step toward increasing the supply of affordable homes at their March 31 meeting. They did so by approving a Planning Commission recommendation to change the approval process for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from a conditional use permit to an administrative one.

“This is something we see as a win-win for the public and for the county,” said Planning Director Scott Edelman. “We’ll save staff time and save the public a couple months worth of process and around S450 to $500 of fees.” In Washington state, an ADU is defined as is a self-contained, smaller residential unit (attached or detached) located on the same lot as a primary single-family home. They must have permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.

Lou Marzeles

EGGSTRA FUN: The annual Easter egg hunt at the County Fairgrounds was packed Saturday as kids of all ages swept through the grass and cleaned out all the eggs in mere minutes.

CORNFIELD ing defamatory statements lawsuitinUS DistrictCourt

Sportsmen’s Alliance, lawyer asfueling the probe each other on speed dial

and unfounded allegations inwesternWashington againstattorneyClaireDavis Susewind, who has tion, opposed the decision campaigntoquellthevoices betweenthem

an Ohio-based organiza- andthedepartmentleaders’ He hinted at collusion

A federal lawsuit filed and the wildlife advocacy served as Department of Convinced commissioners of SmithandDavis Thursday accuses thelead- groupsheleads,inanalleged Fish and Wildlife director misbehaved throughout Susewind had Thomas is “rife with false, misleaders of theWashingtonState rebukefor her criticalcom- sinceAugust2018, and Win- the process, it sought their KnollJr,a criminal justice ing, inflammatory, and Department of Fish and ments and numerous law- drope are the only named emails,textsandothercom- legal liaison, review public defamatoryallegations” munications tofigureoutif records generatedfrom the It accuses Susewind and “I am unaware of the lit- theyfailedtofollowstatelaw hunters’ group’s request Windropeof directingKnoll

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inappropriateconduct Suse- chill the plaintiffs speech Susewindisa hunter and wind’s move was unusual andmotivatethegovernorto people engaging in pro- astatement an investigation would

Director Kelly Susewind tected speech,” said Fran- Oldwounds,newchapter Thursday’s lawsuit says he as the commissioners over- getinvolved Thesuitalleges and Deputy Director Amy cisco J Santiago-Avila, sci- Thursday’slawsuit is the egged on those angered by see his department and he thattheagencyleadersknew Windrope targeted Fish ence and advocacy director latestflashpoint in a multi- the spring bear hunt deci- answerstothepanel and Wildlife Commissioner for Washington Wildlife year drama involving the sion This resulted in ongo- Knollconcludedthebehav- cause reputational, finanLornaSmith,manufacturing First, at a Thursday news commission, which is often ing verbalattacks at public ior of Smith and Commis- cial, andemotionalharm to allegations about her con- conference Washington a battleground for groups meetingsandonlineofSmith sioner Melanie Rowland theplaintiffs,especiallyif it duct to incite an investiga- Wildlife First wants to see fighting over how far the and other commissioners posed “serious risks” tothe becamepublic tionbythegovernor’soffice Susewind removedfrom his state should go in protect- whovotedfortheban ing wildlife or allowing

In addition to seeking Thegovernorquietlyhired when it comes to avoiding damages,theplaintiffshope Alicia LeDuc Montgom- for hunting or fishing of aninvestigatorin June2025 a conflict of interest and that the lawsuit spurs the full commission to exercise Thereportalsoscrutinizes its authority to investigate department, “especially accordingtothelawsuit The leadershippost complaintcontendsthat the probe has harmed her rep- ery, attorney for Davis and variousspecies utation and could lead to thewildlifegroup,described herremoval “I have been outspo- “state-sanctioned repres- investigation ordered by expected last fall but the Ragen who Fergusonchose ken,” Smith said in a state- sion”Theconductshouldbe Gov Bob Ferguson, looking contract has been extended to replace on the panellast siontoremovehimbasedon ment “The Commission concerningto Washington’s at whetherSmithand other three times It is now due year Washington Wildlife thisbroaderpatternof miscannot operate effectively attorneygeneraland gover- commissioners violated April13 and wisely if commission- norbecausethoseofficesare open meetings and public Ferguson first acknowl- keptonthecommission ers feel bullied or are hes- “beingaskedtogivecoverto recordslawsinthecourseof

edged the investigation in Knollexpressed concerns effort totarget certain comitant or afraid to speak or thedefendants’ unconstitu- a months-longdebateahead AugustafterSusewindasked aboutSmith and Rowland’s missioners based on their tionalretaliation,”shesaid of a November 2021vote to forit Thelawsuit points to “tight relationship” with viewpoints or criticism of ThesuitalsoaccusesSuse- Smith,DavisandWashing- ban huntingof black bears a May 2025memo bya Fish Davis, at one point saying hisadministration, Santiawindand Windropeof mak- ton Wildlife First hied their thefollowingspring

tosortoutifanygovernment favoritism ” It arrives days before the transparency laws were the actions to reporters as expected completion of an breached This report was aformercommissioner,Tim Susewindandact “We’veaskedthecommisFirst wanted to see Ragen management and behavior, including this most recent votefreely” and Wildlife Department they appeared to “have go-Avilatoldreporters

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G oldendale ’ s a ttic

This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture

Four guys who learned how to tuck their thumbs in their front pants pockets, and three girls overlooking them. The mag-

nificent seven, though without Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen. Who are these people? Why were they having their picture

taken? We don’t know. All we know is this picture ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in the annals of yesteryear. If you know

anything about it, please send us an email (info@ goldendalesentinel.com), or give us a call (509-7733777). Or come in and look .

L ooking Back

April 7, 1887 – 139 Years Ago

Although women were not entitled to vote, twenty-three women voted in the city election last Monday in this city.

April 6,1939 – 87 Years Ago

Auto dealer trades car for sheep: It was just another trade to Elmer Wilson, local implement dealer when he accepted five sheep for a secondhand car here Monday. Two hours later, however, Wilson was practically in the sheep business. The five sheep delivered to the Wilson Implement Company building, had increased to nine. Two of Wilson’s newly purchased ewes were mothers of twins. A little later, while en route to Tad Wedgwood’s farm, one of the five ewes gave birth to another lamb.

April 4, 1946 – 60 Years Ago

The Oasis Café at the east edge of Goldendale, which was destroyed by fire several months ago, will reopen to the public Friday evening of this week. A building, moved to the site following the fire, has been remodeled and redecorated as the “new” Oasis and will be ready for the Friday night opening. The Oasis will feature good food and a friendly atmosphere, and the owners are inviting all their old and new customers to pay them a call. The café will be open 24 hours per day except for the period each week between Sunday midnight and Monday at 8 a.m.

April 8, 1976 – 50 Years Ago

Wishram: An era of railroading in the Northwest ended last week with the retirement of Charles Shanks at Wishram. He was the last dining car steward remaining in employment of the Burlington Northern Railway. After Amtrak took over passenger service, he was no longer needed. BN kept Shanks on to operate the Wishram Beanery, its last railroad lunchroom. His retirement comes at the end of 30 years of railroading and a 41-year work career. And, for a railroad restaurant manager, it comes at the end of a lot of traveling—over three million miles. For the Union Pacific, he made one round trip between the west coast and Chicago every 11 days, totaling 33 per year. Each trip covered between 4,550 and 4,600 miles and required 5 days. The most dramatic occasion Shanks faced in his years of dining car service illustrates the responsibility inherent in his job. It was Christmas week, 1964. Traffic was heavy so the west bound train was running to sections – one following the other by 15 minutes. Shanks’ crew was preparing breakfast on the lead section when it stopped at Roosevelt, Washington. An earth slide had blocked the tracks near John Day Dam. By the time the second section arrived and stopped, another slide had occurred behind them east of Roosevelt. Some 350 passengers and crewmen were marooned at one of the smallest settlements on the line. One with a population of less than 100. The two trains and passengers were stranded for three days in Roosevelt. Shanks became manager of the Beanery in 1968, continuing its tradition of good food and rock-bottom prices.

April 8, 1976 – 50 Years Ago

The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Posse is celebrating its 35th year of continuous organization during 1976.Members of the posse gathered on April 3 to celebrate the founding of the group on April 3, 1941. On that date, a group of interested persons from Goldendale and White Salmon met at the Klickitat County courthouse in Goldendale to discuss the possibilities of such an organization. Sheriff Harold Saxton of The Dalles was present to explain the purpose and benefits to be derived from such an organization. Klickitat County Sheriff C. H. House automatically became the Posse leader. In 1976 the posse is the oldest saddle club in the Mid-Columbia.

April 3,1986 – 40 Years Ago

Congratulations to the parents of the namesake Barchris Motel. George and Bea Nesbitt are celebrating 60 years of marriage. Daughters Barbee and Christine are planning a reception for their folks this Saturday.

— Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society

Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture

Points to ponder: Did you know that half of all people are below average?

I was stopped for doing 53 in a 35 mph zone. I told the police I had dyslexia.

I went to a self-help group for compulsive talkers. It’s called On and On Anon.

I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

This picture has been colorized. Diana Thornton identified these two people as Greg Thornton, then police chief, and Betty Smith, then clerk treasurer. This was in 1991. The occa-

sion was The Washington Finance Officers Association commending Goldendale City Hall for their 1991 budget efforts. These two people were especially recognized.

Rex Maurer Has 11 Head of Feeder Steers As Project February 23, 1956 – Special Section for FFA

Rex Maurer, in his first year of vocational agriculture, has chosen for his project feeder steers. The cattle business is not new to Rex, as he has gained plenty of “knowhow” during his six years in 4-H Livestock Club

work, in which he has won several awards at the annal Klickitat County Fair. The local Chapter of FFA are predicting that Rex will make a name for himself and put the Chapter “on the map” during his next three years of vocational

agriculture training. Rex financed the purchase of 12 head of steers from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Max Maurer, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dooley by “selling” the National Bank of Commerce on a loan of $1,050. The balance of the money Rex acquired by helping his father on their large farm holdings in this area. In need of some ready cash, Rex sold one of his steers in January for $184.66.

His 11 head of feeder steers are fed a balanced ration, eight pounds of rolled wheat and barley, three pounds of molasses and 10 pounds of hay a day for each head. In addition, he mixes approximately two sacks of digestive bone meal to three tons of grain. Rex, in livestock terms, classifies his steers at the time of purchase as short yearlings when he put them on feed November first, 1955. He plans to market them around the middle of March and predicts their average weight will be 1,000 pounds.

Rex says his steers are making an average gain of two and a quarter pounds per day.

OpiniOn

Low-cost smartphone plans for cost-conscious seniors

Dear Savvy Senior,

What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down.

—Looking to Save

Dear Looking,

You’re asking a smart question. Many seniors pay far more for smartphone service than they actually use. If most of your phone activity is calls, texts, email, and light web browsing, there’s usually no need to spend $40 or more a month. The good news: plenty of low-cost carriers now cater to light users who want reliable service without the extra cost.

refill.

Lifeline program

If your budget is especially tight, be sure to check into the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.

You may qualify if you receive benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension. You may also qualify based on income alone if your household income is below 135 percent of the federal poverty level – currently $21,546 for one person or $29,214 for two.

To learn more or apply, visit lifelinesupport.org. If approved, you can choose from participating providers in your area, and in some cases even apply the discount to service you already have, if your provider participates.

Before switching plans, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. A quick compatibility check on the provider’s website can help ensure a smooth transition and keep your savings on track.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

The cheapest plans today mostly come from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – smaller carriers that lease coverage from major networks like T Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Because they don’t run their own towers, MVNOs can offer basic service for a fraction of the cost of major carriers, while still providing nationwide coverage. Here are some of the best options available now.

Cheapest wireless plans

Savvy Senior, Jim Miller

According to Consumer Reports, one of the best overall values among low-cost smartphone plans is Mint Mobile. Mint offers a $15-per-month plan that includes unlimited talk and text plus 5 gigabytes (GB) of high-speed data each month. The catch is that you must pay for a full year upfront, which is $180 plus taxes and fees. For seniors who are comfortable paying annually, this can be an excellent way to lock in long-term savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network and works with most unlocked smartphones. If that’s more service or commitment than you want, the absolute cheapest wireless plan currently available is Ultra Mobile’s PayGo plan. For just $3 per month, plus fees, it provides 100 minutes of talk, 100 text messages, and 100 megabytes (MB) of data. Additional usage costs 3 cents per minute or MB of data and 1 cent per text. This plan is best for very light users or those who primarily want a phone for emergencies. Ultra Mobile also uses T-Mobile’s network.

Another solid budget-friendly choice is Tello, which allows you to customize a plan to fit your specific needs. Plans start at just $6 per month and include unlimited texting, 100 minutes of talk time, and 1 GB of high-speed data. If your usage changes, you can easily add more minutes or data in affordable $1 monthly increments. This flexibility makes Tello especially appealing to seniors who want control over their costs. Tello also operates on T-Mobile’s network.

Other super low-cost plans for digital minimalists include US Mobile, which offers a light plan starting at $8 per month (when paid annually) for unlimited talk and text plus 2 GB of data. Tracfone is another long-standing option, offering very basic 30-minute talk, text and web plan, for $9 per month with auto-

THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL

Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington

Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777 Emails: news@goldendalesentinel.com (News, editorial, Letters)

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Editorial: Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher

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Leslie Geatches, President, Financial management, Special Section production, Ad Design Naomi James, Bookkeeping

Burn-out has got to go

The Festival of Wheels gave it another try this year. It seems the attendance has dwindled to much lower levels than when the event was new, 10 years ago. There are a lot of competing car shows this time of year, so it doesn’t surprise me .

This year Goldendale Motorsports Association and ABATE brought back the burn-out, which was tried several times in the past with questionable benefits to the town. This year someone had the brilliant idea to use the old skateboard park as a place to stage the return of the burnout. It was held on the concrete slab, a tempting medium for anyone inclined to bum rubber. Rednecks of many degrees, punk kids or maybe the little old lady from Pasadena. I personally was left with a bad taste in my mouth and lungs. Even though I made it a point to stay away from the burn-out and was at my home where I thought I would escape the noise and smoke, when the toxic cloud rose from the park and drifted over the Little Klickitat River Park (the swimming pool) on to the kids and families at the pool and on to me while I was sitting on my property. We were contaminated by the toxins in the smoke, and my eyes and throat were imitated, and my lungs filled with carbon monoxide and other cancer causing toxic compounds

for three hours.

I think the city of Goldendale needs to rethink supporting burnouts in our park. Next year don’t issue a permit to any group that wants to burn-out. There are places in the county where it could be held, just not in the city please. I hate toxic smoke, and you should too. On Sept 4 I will be asking the mayor and his administration to make an ordinance forbidding anyone from reckless unsafe burnouts in any ones neighborhood or any street in the Goldendale city limits. I would appreciate some support from like-minded citizens at the council meeting. Let them know how you feel.

Ken McKune Goldendale C

I contacted the bank for an explanation. The answer was essentially that “we wouldn’t do that.” Then why is it in your documents, I asked. The answer was to send me up the chain of command. The second person gave the same answer as the first and then was to have me contacted by some-one higher up. That person has not contacted me after more than a week so I am following through on what I told the bank contacts I was going to do—write a letter to the editor to be sure local folks are aware of how Columbia Bank is choosing to deal with its account holders.

My concern is that a comment as broad as this opens the door for abuse. I have had no difficulties with our local branch and am sorry that the headquarters has decided to take such a hard line. It ap-pears I will need to look for a bank that does not behave in this manner.

Letters from the community

I don’t want the flag

I don’t want a huge flag at the courthouse. It shouldn’t be too difficult to understand why if you’ve been around flag poles in the wind before. You see, my office is directly across from the courthouse lawn, and I can already hear the clang, clang, clang, of the rope hitting the flagpole. But this won’t be the regular clang, clang, clang you hear from those 25-foot poles around town—this will be eight times larger, with a huge, hollow, metal pole to increase the noise we’d all have to get used to. Won’t that be fun during events on the lawn? How far will the sound travel at night as we sleep? I’m not particularly worried about the pole falling on my office, though we’ve seen the courthouse lawn trees come down in storms before.

I recently received an updated “Terms for Business and Deposit Account Agreement” from Columbia Bank. I am not in the habit of reading the fine print but for some reason this time I did. I came across an “added” line that I found very concerning. Again, this line is both for personal and business accounts. It reads: “We may refuse to open and account and may close your account at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.”

just like the lit star, which was such a wonderful gift (and story) from Barbara Ross to all of us.

Ken Margraf Goldendale

“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.

I didn’t have a pressing need to write this letter, nor will it be a huge blow if the flag goes in. But I wanted those who cannot imagine any reason why someone wouldn’t just love this proposal might not love this proposal. A skill we seem to be losing is understanding how anyone could believe something different than we do.

David Telford Goldendale

We need him

I think Ty Ross is trying to do something really wonderful for the community, and it’s truly appreciated. However, I think the flag would look much better up near his house where everyone could enjoy it

We need a representative in Washington, D.C., who will fight to stop the overreach of government on the agricultural community in Washington State. A representative who protects parents’ rights against unconstitutional laws. Who will fight to preserve the Second Amendment and believes when you take an oath to uphold the Constitution,

Guidelines for Letters

that is a contract with the voters who gave their support and all the citizens in the 4th District. A representative who supports American First policies. We have to quit electing the ones who do not have the backbone to stand up for American values and will compromise their moral compass once they are in office. This is why we need Jerrod Sessler in Congress. He has the desire and motivation to return America to a republic guided by constitutional principles and preserve American values. Jerrod wants to see his children and grandchildren, and all future generations, enjoy the freedom, liberty, and prosperity that America has to offer.

We have an opportunity to elect a representative who is true red, white, and blue. For the challenges we are facing, we need a representative who prays for guidance and wants the best for the 4th District and all of America.

Delmer Eldred Goldendale

Letters to the editor should be original and comment on an issue. Deadline for letters is noon Monday for the same week’s paper.

Requests to keep letters exactly as written when published cannot be honored. All letters are subject to editing for grammar, spelling, clarity, and/or brevity.

There is a suggested length limit of about 300 words.

Unsigned letters (including anonymity requests), letters with fictitious signatures, letters with multiple signatures, or letters to public officials are not accepted.

Please keep the tone of letters free of rants, wild speculation, unsubstantiated claims, or pointedly personal comments. Letters that go overboard in these directions will be refused publication.

Writers must include name, city/town of residence, and phone number for verification purposes. (Street address is not required, only city or town.)

HOMETOWN

Easter EggHunt featured 300 eggs

I’mwritingthisonEaster

Sunday The weather is beautiful,andthetinycalves dottingthepasturesaround Glenwood areloving being able to rompand loungein warmsunshineforachange

On Saturday, April 4, the Women’s Club hosted the annualEaster EggHunt at the county park The club greatly appreciates the group of youngMt Adams Community 4-H members and their leader, Kelsey Griffin forcomingoutearly tohelpstringribbon,putup signs and decorations to preparethethreeagegroup sections for the hunt, then hide 300 eggs throughout thepark

Most of the 4-H kids helpingwereyoungenough to still participate in the hunt, so they were careful to only hide eggs in the smaller age group sections and not peek across theparkdrivewayto their section Only one, Jentry Hoctor,

HIDERS: The Mt Adams Community 4-H club members and theirleaderKelseyGriffin whohelped with theWomensClub Easter Egg Hunt

candy Her mom said later thatsarecordforMarcyto nottalkforthatlong!Great job,Marcy

Mary Pierce

Lawrequiresstatetostudylimiting cellphonesinschools

WASHINGTONSTATESTANDARD

It was wonderful to see how many little kids and their families came out to enjoy the hunt

Thirty eggs were markedwith“Bunny , Bucks” and some hasnowagedoutof theegg had money amounts The hunt age but she helped kidsexcitedlylinedupatthe from start to finish, even Women’sClubtableafterthe helping to load totes and a hunttocashintheireggsfor chairbackintomycar Bunny Bucks coupons and Oneveryfun,outgoing4-H prize money There were member, Marcy Steinbach two Bunny Bucks coupons granddaughter of Dwight remainingfor twoeggs not and Raylene, volunteered found When Jentry and I tobetheEaster Bunnythis stoppedatthestoretoreturn year Shelooked so cutein thosecoupons,Barbarasaid the bunny costume If you many little kids and their know Marcy, you know familieshadalreadystopped she’s quite friendly and in to spend their Bunny chatty I told her thebunny Bucksandcoins didn’t talk, just wandered around greeting the kids Claude at the Glenwood and offering candy, pretty General Store for his pencils,andEasterstickers donation of the Bunny from the basket, so Jentry Bucksand theladiesat the would be her escort to talk GlenwoodStationforfilling to the kids and make sure 100 eggs with candy and they were allowed to have donating them to go with

the ones we had already prepared They were very a welcome addition and I think almost all the eggs were found, so there were plenty to go around And thanks to Women’s Club president Carla Dillenburg and her husband Mike for checking the park the day before the hunt and picking up litter I’m still smiling just thinkingabout the joy on the little kids faces yesterday We’ll keep doing this as longas we’re able becauseitsoneof our very favorite community serviceprojects

During a recent lunch period at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School in Seattle, Principal Zachary Stowell said his walkie talkie was quiet No fights Noincidents It wasn’t like this when hestarted Icouldn’t domy job We were perpetually drowning in conflict,” Stowell said “Weneededareset ” In 2024, Stowell’s school adopted an “away-for-theday” cell phone policy Students havetolock their phonesinmagneticpouches whentheyarriveatschool, and they can’t be unlocked until the end of the day There are exceptions for kids with medical needs, family responsibilities or other legitimate reasons andteacherscanalsounlock the pouches if there is a seriousemergency

worry that as other states adopt more comprehensive restrictions, Washington youtharegettingleftbehind

“The evidence is clear that thesekidsarefacinga mental health crisis” said Danica Noble, a mother of three who advocated for a statewide restriction thisyear

About 75% of school districtsinWashingtonhave somesortof policylimiting phones,accordingtoastate study Butofthose only30% require phones to be put awayfortheentireday

A huge thanks again to

Here’s another reminder of the Camas Prairie Pioneers Association May meeting, potluck, and field triptohistoricsitesof early dayloggingcampsupabove theGlenwoodvalley Contact Jerry Dean if you would like moreinformation The potluck lunch prior to the field tripwillbe heldat the Glenwoodschool

Let me know if you have anything you would like included in next week’snews

Firstquartercountydivorces

2026 Quarter 1Vital Statistics for Washington Dept of Health

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25-3-00070-20 1/14/2026

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25-3-00072-20 1/15/2026

25-3-00081-20 Denise Kerry BowersvsJonBennon Bowers

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25-3-00056-20 3/2/2026

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25-3-00046-20 3/2/2026 Summer AmbrosinivsShaneAmbrosini

25-3-00091-20

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Sincethepolicywentinto effect,Stowellsaidtherehas beenmuchlessfighting;kids are socializing and more engaged inlessons Hesaid theyarealsosmilingmore Advocates for phonefree schools say all-day restrictions are a best practice that carries huge benefitsforstudents social, emotional and academic wellbeing In recent years, they have pushed for Washington to adopt a similarstatewidepolicy

Last week, Washington Gov BobFergusonsigneda new law instructing the state superintendent to study limiting cell phones inschools Butsomeparent advocates think that falls shortof whatisneededand

Instead of implementing a statewide policy, the bill passed by lawmakers this year instructs the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to study the issue and deliver a report with recommendations by theendof 2027 Lawmakers hopethereport willenable schooldistrictstoadoptallday phone policies by 2030 accordingtothelegislation

NoblethinksWashington ismovingtooslowlyAtleast twodozenotherstateshave adopted comprehensive statewidepolicies

“Wedon’t have that kind of time Our kids don’t have that kind of time ” Noblesaid

The issue recently motivated Noble to quit herjobandrunforaHouse seat in Washingtons 32nd district She has heard storiesfrom her son about classmates using their phonesforonlinegambling cheating on tests and lookingatexplicitmaterial

“Even if my kid doesn’t haveaphone,he’sstillgoing togetexposed,”Noblesaid

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3/30/2026 CherylElaineHoover vs StephenMHoover

by the

“I m in the awkward position of like defending a compromise,” Liias said “I wanted to see action, I wantedtoseemovement ” Still, Liias thinks the dataand recommendations produced superintendent’sreportwill create urgency and spur most districts to “do the rightthing”andimplement away-for-the-day policies “Andthenwe’llbeleftwith somefolks that are behind thecurve,andwecanfocus on more accountabilityfor them,”headded Overall, Liias described his bill as a “minimum step” Ferguson, a parent himself seems to agree

During the bill signing, he said he felt strongly about phones in schools and lookedforwardtorevisiting the issue during the next legislativesession

“Other states are doing it, and Washington should not be the last state to get onboard,”hesaid Districtchoice

The idea of a statewide phonerestriction has been floatedfor years, but it has faced pushback from key lawmakers Rep Sharon Tomiko Santos, a Democrat from SouthSeattle,hasbeenchair of the House Education Committeefor morethana decade Shearguedthatthe dataontheeffectivenessof blanket phone restrictions ismorenuanced andthat phone policiesare best left toindividualdistricts

The bill was sponsored by Sen Marko Liias, a Democrat from Edmonds Hewouldhavelikedtoseea statewidephonebanaswell Butthevotesweren’tthere

NATESANFORD

Glenwood News

O BITUA RIES

Donald “Don” Jack Lee

Donald “Don” Jack Lee, born January 28, 1932, at the family ranch house in Goldendale, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, in Moscow, Idaho, surrounded by his family, including his loving wife of 67 years.

Don’s story began on a ranch in the 1930s and ’40s. He rode his horse to school, lived without electricity until he was 14, and learned early that if something needed to be done, you figured it out yourself and did it—a mindset he carried throughout his life.

He graduated from Goldendale High School in 1949, worked briefly as a ranch hand, then enlisted in the Navy, serving in Hawaii during the Korean War. After his service, he attended Washington State University (WSU), earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1958 and an M.S. in animal science in 1960. While at WSU, he rode broncs on the rodeo team and bought his future wife’s engagement

ring with his winnings. Don earned his PhD in biochemical nutrition from the University of Illinois in 1965 and moved his family to Corvallis, Oregon, where he worked in food science at OSU. His research identifying aflatoxin characteristics in peanut molds helped eliminate a major cancer risk and made peanuts and peanut butter safer for consumers.

In 1975, Don returned to WSU as Assistant Director of Agricultural Research. In 1984, he took a two-year leave to serve as director of a USAID program in Lesotho, Africa, advancing agricultural practices in crop production and animal husbandry.

He later served as Chair of the Food Science Department at WSU until retiring in 1996. In retirement, Don lived in Port Townsend, enjoying fishing, crabbing, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula before returning to Moscow,

Idaho, where he remained until his passing. Don was a loving and gentle man with a dry sense of humor and a lot of bad dad jokes. He believed most problems could be solved with thought and effort, often reminding his children that modern conveniences aren’t always necessary.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Quaife) Lee; his brother Robert Lee and sister-in-law Jane; his children, Patricia Lee, Jerry Lee and wife Carrie (Guido), and Deborah Lee; his grandchildren, Alicia Lee and Lindsey Lee; great-grandchildren Isabelle and Adrienne; and, was a surrogate grandpa to Skye Mericle (Gardner) and her children, Maeve and Lance. At Don’s request, no memorial service is scheduled at this time. He will be laid to rest at the family ranch in Goldendale alongside Carolyn when her time comes. A joint celebration of life will be held at that time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and condolences may be left at www. shortsfuneralchapel.com

Sally Ann (Hansen) Hoctor

Sally Ann (Hansen) Hoctor, born September 26, 1935, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026. Sally was born in The Dalles, Oregon, and graduated from Goldendale High School in 1953. She went on to attend Central Washington State College, where she studied nursing. On December 9, 1956, she married Wayne Hoctor, and together they made their home in Goldendale. They were blessed with

three children: Daniel Hoctor, Jill Schaefer, and Erin McLaughlin. Throughout her life, Sally held a variety of jobs and was an active member of her community. She belonged to P.E.O., the Red Hat Club, and the Altar Society. She found great joy in supporting her family and was devoted to attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities. Whether it was

4-H, FFA, or sporting events, Sally was there cheering them on.

Sally is survived by her loving children, Daniel, Jill, and Erin; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents, Elmer and Glenna Hansen; and several aunts and uncles. A rosary will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. Both services will take place at Holy Trinity Church in Goldendale.

Shawn Emory Kelley

In loving memory of Shawn Emory Kelley, born on Labor Day, September 6, 1976. His life was unexpectedly cut short on March 25, 2026, due to sudden cardiac arrest. Shawn was a man remembered for his loving nature, vibrant personality, and infectious laughter. He embraced life with a spirit filled with honesty, sarcasm, and warmth, always making those around him feel cherished. Family and friends were at the heart of Shawn’s world; he consistently put their needs above his own, showing

deep care and devotion to those he loved. Throughout his journey, Shawn traveled across the country, taking every opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. He shared his passion for music and food at large gatherings, creating joyful memories and fostering lasting connections.

Shawn’s enthusiasm and heartfelt spirit touched people from all corners of the globe, leaving a legacy of warmth and laughter wherever he went. He will be greatly missed by many who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his cousin Sybil (Webster) Kelly; uncle Richard Webster and uncle Clarence Kelley; aunt Twila Kelley; grandparents Mildred and James Casey; and grandparents Sybil and Clarence (Dutch) Kelley. He is survived by his daughter Emalyn Kelley; sister Shannon Kelley; parents Kathleen Kelley and Mike Kelley; stepmother Dixie Kelley; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he enriched.

There will be a Celebration of Life on April 12 at 1 p.m. at Peninsula Park Picnic Area A, 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, Oregon.

State adds safeguards for Flock cameras

Jake Goldstein-street

Washington state standard

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson last Monday signed into law new guardrails for the use of automated license plate readers, amid concerns federal immigration authorities are tapping them to aid in their searches.

Under Senate Bill 6002, police can only use the readers when investigating felonies or gross misdemeanors, looking for stolen vehicles or those registered to people with arrest warrants and searching for missing or endangered people, with some exceptions. The data can’t be shared except in court proceedings, and will need to be deleted after 21 days, unless it’s needed for police evidence.

The law won bipartisan approval in the Legislature, but some advocates say the final version is too watered down.

Ferguson, a Democrat, said the bill he signed “strikes a balance.”

“This is obviously a huge issue in our state,” he said.

Cities across Washington have increasingly started to use the cameras, usually from the company Flock, as an added tool to solve crimes. The readers are mounted everywhere from street poles to police patrol cars. They take pictures of vehicles and use artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Police can use the information, stored in a database, to track vehicles that could be tied to criminal investigations.

The legislation responds to a report out of the University of Washington that local police departments

have authorized U.S. Border Patrol to use their license plate reader databases. In other cases, Border Patrol had backdoor access without express permission. In some instances, police conducted searches on behalf of the federal agency.

There are also concerns about states that have banned abortion combing through data from the license plate readers looking for women who’ve undergone the procedure.

For example, authorities in Texas this year searched thousands of the cameras, as far as Washington state and Illinois, in their search for a woman believed to have had a self-administered abortion.

Under the new law, the cameras can’t be used for immigration enforcement or tracking protected activities like free speech. They also can’t collect data near protected health care or immigration facilities. Their use is also prohibited around schools, courts, food banks and places of worship.

Agencies now also have to keep a record for two years of when their reader data was accessed.

Local governments have had anxiety about the data being considered public records that people could use to harass or stalk. These concerns have led some local leaders to pull back on their deployment of the cameras. The new law exempts reader data from public disclosure except for research purposes.

Numerous other states regulate the readers, but Washington wasn’t one of them, until Monday.

Washington’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union had spearheaded the effort for the regulations. But by the end of the legislative process, the ACLU was disappointed in the final product.

Tee Sannon, the organization’s technology policy program director, has called the 21-day retention period an “unacceptable provision that allows agencies to hold onto drivers’ data for far too long.” The original legislation envisioned a 72-hour window. It also started by only allowing the cameras’ use for investigating felonies, but that was expanded to add gross misdemeanors.

Wildfire protection begins at home

Mike todd For The Sentinel

Spring is upon us, the weather is slowly changing, and warm dry days are right around the corner. This rise in temperature and gradual drop in humidity also increase the likelihood and potential severity of vegetation fires. Limiting the size, intensity, and scope of fires in the natural environment requires a broad, systematic, and community-wide approach. The best wildland fire is the one that never occurs. Fire prevention is by far the most effective means to collectively keep our community safe.

This responsibility starts at home. The name given to domestic exterior fire prevention is called “home hardening.” The primary focus of home hardening is to defend against embers from a nearby fire. Many homes burn down during a wildfire due to the raging torrent of embers carried aloft and forward due to the wind generated by the convective heat of the fire. Embers can travel and land miles ahead of the active burning fire. The ember invasion only intensifies as the fire front approaches. When the ember lands in a dry environment with slightly larger fuels, new fires develop. In all practicality, ember hardening is our goal.

Home hardening starts with the closest perimeter surrounding the home, known as Zone 1, from 0 to

SHERIFF from page A1

this an unconstitutional and vague “loyalty oath,” given the discretion the Criminal Justice Training Commission has to deny or revoke certification.

Sheriffs will also now need to get their certification if they don’t already have it within nine months of taking office. Previously, they had a year. The sheriffs’ lawsuit calls this an “arbitrary or discriminatory certification process.”

Losing or not having certification from the Criminal Justice Training Commission will force sheriffs to vacate office. They’d be replaced by county officials until another election could be held. Previously, the only option for removing a sheriff from office was if voters turned to the rarely used recall process.

The law’s supporters see

MARKET from page A1

Market board and approval by the Chamber Board, Hanna noted. The current market manager will remain in place under contract with the Chamber, and day-today operations will largely stay the same with slight adjustments to market guidelines to align with the Chamber’s systems.

Hanna added that the Chamber has expanded marketing through the Goldendale Farmers Market Facebook page and a newly established Goldendale Farmers Market website, now housed within the Chamber’s website. The new website serves as a central resource, offering licensing guidance, health department information, vendor directories, digital and print applications, and event updates. Coordinated marketing and social media

5 feet. The goal here is to deny the ember a place to land and ignite a larger fire. Bark in flower beds can easily ignite wood and vinyl siding. Consider replacing bark with gravel. Other common ignitable items include overgrown and dry vegetation, fire wood, patio furniture, cardboard boxes, pallets, open trash cans, plastic and wood fencing terminating at the house, and combustible materials underneath a deck. Embers can also penetrate attic spaces, crawl spaces, soffits, eaves, and vent openings that are not protected with a 1/8” wire mesh or screen. These are only a few examples among many. Keeping rain gutters and roofs clean of debris, pine needles and overhanging branches is also critically important.

Zone 2 is the area from 5 feet to 30 feet around your home. In this zone you want to minimize small, close and overgrown combustibles. Thin out plant, bush and tree spacing. Keep your lawn trimmed and watered. Clean up leaves, pine cones, twigs, and branches. Reduce or eliminate overhanging tree branches near your house. Like Zone 1, the more you do to minimize the opportunity for an ember to land and grow larger, the better. Harden your garages, barns and outbuildings, as well, to include where and how you safely store your fuel and animal feed. The third area is Zone 3 and encompasses the region

it as holding sheriffs to the same standards as rank-andfile officers.

The sheriffs are asking a Pend Oreille County Superior Court judge for an initial order blocking the law while litigation proceeds. A hearing is set for April 16.

Walla Walla County Sheriff Mark Crider, who isn’t a plaintiff in this lawsuit, said Thursday he expected to file a separate lawsuit as part of the Washington State Sheriffs’ Association.

“There’s nothing in that law that can be changed to make it palatable,” Crider said. “It’s an unconstitutional law and it should be stricken from the books.”

He believes some counties may also sue. They’re concerned about a provision that forces them to foot the bill for state background investigations into all

promotion will provide additional visibility for vendors.

Vendors can now participate in Market Membership, a “special program membership” within the Chamber, separate from standard membership. “Market members will receive a discount on Chamber membership, and Chamber members will receive a discount on Market membership”, she said. Links to digital and printable Market Membership applications are available on the website www.goldendalechamber.org/goldendale-farmers-market. Workshops include “Market Ready” with sessions scheduled prior to the start of the market season and fall/winter bazaar season. Vendors can attend the May 7 “Smart Marketing” workshop that will explain how

of your property beyond 30 feet. This area is more likely to have taller trees in larger quantities. It is much harder for fire to move from tree to tree via canopies if trees are spaced further apart. The fire should also have no “ladder” by which to climb or burn up into the tree from the ground, hence the name ladder fuels. These fuels are the small combustibles mentioned earlier in addition to bushes directly below a tree and low hanging branches on the tree. The more you eliminate these synergistic combustibles, the less likely it is for the fire on the ground to burn higher. A common guideline is to trim all tree branches to a height of 8 to 10 feet above ground level. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (dnr. wa.gov) provides some financial assistance and further guidance that especially applies to Zone 3 improvements.

Leading in and out of your property is your driveway. You want to harden this too. The most important reason is to have a secure escape route. This driveway also provides emergency responders access for any emergency. Make sure your street address is clearly marked. During a growing wildfire, emergency resources will likely be limited. Every single firefighter wants to save every single home during a fire. We know that this is not always realistic. The first responders who evaluate your home during a

sheriff candidates.

Much of the law takes effect at the end of April, just in time for the electoral candidate filing period in early May. Most county sheriffs, including the four plaintiffs, are up for election this year.

Almost all of Washington’s sheriffs take office via election, while police chiefs are appointed.

The sheriffs in this case are represented by lawyer Mark Lamb, a former Bothell mayor. He specializes in First Amendment litigation and other cases.

The bill’s chief supporters, Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, and Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield contributed to this report.

to use Canva and Meta Business Suite to promote small businesses effectively.

The weekly Farmers Market will continue to be held on the Chamber’s grounds, which were recently upgraded with help from member businesses, providing additional space for vendors.

Hanna emphasized that the essence of the market remains the same. “Most aspects of the market will feel familiar,” she said. “We’re just adding tools and opportunities to help it thrive.”

The Farmers Market will kick off the 2026 season Mother’s Day weekend, May 8–10, at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds, coinciding with the annual Goldendale Home & Garden Show.

wildfire may have mere seconds to decide if your home has the potential to be saved before moving on. A safe, secure route in to your property and a home that has the highest potential for a successful outcome increases the odds that your home will be the place firefighters choose to make a stand. You can visit the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management online (at Klickitatcounty.gov) for information regarding wildfire evacuation including the Ready, Set, Go system, burn ban information, and debris burning safety guidelines. When evacuating from a fire, be it in your kitchen or down the street, be sure to always close the door behind you once you have verified all members have exited the structure. This increases the chance of starving the fire of oxygen if inside, thereby slowing progression, and preventing embers from entering if the fire is outside (fire departments also recommend keeping bedroom doors closed while sleeping and maintaining smoke detectors). It is a privilege and honor for those of us who volunteer as firefighters to serve this community. Think about joining the ranks of the volunteer fire department that serves your area. Most volunteer departments train at least once a week and welcome inquiries. Consider dropping in and don’t let the strange feeling of showing up for the first time stop

FLOCK from page A1 by local officials themselves. A tool for law enforcement Law enforcement agencies, however, maintain that the technology is a valuable investigative tool, particularly in smaller or rural communities with limited resources.

Supporters say the ability to quickly identify suspect vehicles or track stolen cars can significantly improve response times and case outcomes. The emerging Washington legislation reflects that balance, seeking to preserve the tool’s usefulness while placing guardrails on its use.

you. Everyone in that room has been in a similar situation themselves. Many who stop by end up staying for a lifetime after discovering the amazing and rewarding opportunities the fire service offers. You will also be reminded how important it is to support your local fire department financially, as budgets are never sufficient enough to adequately address the growing needs of the community, the increasing training requirements, sky rocketing equipment costs, and insurance industry pressure to maintain and improve response thresholds. The fire chiefs throughout this County do an amazing job providing high levels of service amidst shoestring finances, limited staffing and infrastructure demands.

This article only skims the surface of home hardening and associated topics. There are many excellent and comprehensive videos online that provide more indepth details. A simple keyword search such as “home hardening fire” will result in much high quality and actionable information.

The undertaking of home hardening can feel daunting. The cost, time, and effort may seem over -

Courts have also weighed in. In a recent decision, the Washington Court of Appeals upheld the use of fixed-location license plate readers, ruling that capturing images of license plates on public roads does not constitute an unconstitutional search. Nationally, the technology has also become part of the debate over immigration enforcement. Some reports have indicated that license plate reader data has been used in support of federal investigations, though Flock Safety has stated it does not provide data directly for immigration enforcement purposes.

whelming. Don’t let these obstacles deter you from setting a course for constant improvement. Work within your means and abilities. Endeavor to do more, even if it is a little bit at a time. The more progress we make the safer our community becomes. Follow and respect all local burning guidelines and regulations. Fire can and does spread much faster than you think and happens hundreds of times a year in this county. When a fire does occur, call 911 early. Most and possibly all of the initial fire department responders are volunteer and are likely at home or at work and must report to the station prior to responding. Time is of the essence in limiting the size of a fire and in preventing it from reaching uncontrollable proportions. If you are among the many citizens who have already invested much time, effort and resources into making this county safer, a collective “thank you!” is in order. Please live, work, act, and drive responsibly yearround. May we all contribute what we can towards building the best community possible. Mike Todd is with the Goldendale Fire Department/ Rural 7 Fire and Rescue.

Local debate continues Smith said the Goldendale Police Department is working to comply with the new requirements as they take shape. He also expressed frustration with what he sees as inconsistencies in how surveillance systems are regulated. Still, in Goldendale, the future of the cameras remains uncertain. Smith said the department will continue using the current system through the end of its contract period, after which officials will weigh both the cost and effectiveness of the technology.

ICE data shows surge in state immigration arrests

Jake Goldstein-street Washington State Standard Federal immigration authorities arrested over 2,100 people in Washington between October and early March, according to newly released data.

This marks an intensification in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the state. The total arrests equate to about 13 a day during the five month period. They also account for over half of the more than 3,800 immigration arrests in Washington since Trump took office. Not everyone who is arrested ends up being deported.

As a comparison, during 14 months when Joe Biden was president, from mid-January 2023 to early March 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested about 2,200 in Washington, the data shows.

And in the period from October 2024 to early March 2025, under both Biden and Trump, ICE

arrested fewer than 400 people here.

The surge has been fueled in part by increasing arrests of immigrants without criminal records, despite Trump’s stated focus on criminals.

Between Oct. 1 and March 10, about a quarter of those arrested had a criminal conviction, while about 26% faced pending charges. The proportion with convictions or pending charges is a slight drop from the rest of Trump’s term.

“This administration is detaining people indiscriminately—and in too many cases, unlawfully,” U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a statement Friday. “Moms and dads without any criminal records are being torn away from their kids. This administration isn’t going after the worst of the worst—they’re rounding up parents and farmworkers who haven’t committed crimes.”

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project hasn’t necessarily seen this

increase reflected in its work representing immigrants in court, said Malou Chávez, the group’s executive director. Still, the group for months has been filing 10-20 petitions in court per week challenging detentions, which Chávez called an “unprecedented” caseload. And reported conditions at the long-embattled immigrant detention center in Tacoma “continue to be dire,” she said. Latest glimpse at enforcement trends

The statistics were released this week by the Deportation Data Project out of the University of California, Berkeley, where researchers received nationwide information on immigration arrests via lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act.

The figures are the first data the researchers have released since the beginning of December, giving an indication of how immigration enforcement has developed here in 2026.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

In the superior court of the State of Washington for the county of Klickitat, Plaintiff, Nathan Bell vs. Simon Yugler and Paige Brummett, No. 2025-113, Defendant.

The State of Washington to the said Simon Yugler and Paige Brummett: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 4th day of March, 2026, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Nathan Bell, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff Nathan Bell, at his (or their) office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. Plaintiff seeks reimbursement for damages caused to real property in violation of the terms of a lease agreement.

First Date of Publication: March 4, 2026 Nathan Bell 8 Tomahawk Rd. White Salmon, WA 98672 County of Klickitat, Washington (0910, 1006, 1104, 1201, 1301, 1401)

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT

CONNIE J. HOLCOMB (AKA CONNIE JEANNE HOLCOMB AND FKA CONNIE J. WILSON), SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE (OR ANY OTHER SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE) OF THE MARY M. HOLCOMB TRUST UNDER AGREEMENT DATED AUGUST 18, 1982, AS AMENDED & CONNIE J. HOLCOMB (FKA CONNIE J. WILSON), SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE (OR ANY OTHER SUCESSOR TRUSTEE) OF THE REXFORD D. HOLCOMB CREDIT SHELTER BY-PASS TRUST UNDER AGREEMENT DATED AUGUST 18, 1982, AS AMENDED (PLAINTIFFS), vs. THE ESTATE OF HOMER GOULET AND THE ESTATE OF ADELE S. GOULET, AS HUSBAND AND WIFE; ET AL. AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THE ESTATE OF RAY KERR AND THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE C. KERR, AS HUSBAND AND WIFE; THE ESTATE OF ROGER KERR; AND THE ESTATE OF CHARLENE KERR WEATHERS; ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED COMPLAINT (DEFENDANTS) Case No.: 25-2-00127-20 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

The State of Washington to the said: OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF HOMER GOULET, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ADELE S. GOULET, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF GARRET GOULET, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF PHILLIP GOULET, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID GOULET, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF RAY KERR, aka, SAMUEL RAYMOND KERR, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF CATHERINE C. KERR, aka CATHERINE CONSTANCE VAN DE WIELE KERR; DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ROGER KERR, DECEASED; OTHER HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF CHARLENE KERR WEATHERS, DECEASED; OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED COMPLAINT FILED OF RECORD.

N otices

HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED COMPLAINT FILED OF RECORD. You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons to wit, within sixty days after the 18th day of March 2026, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the Amended and Restated Complaint of Connie J. Holcomb (aka Connie Jeanne Holcomb and fka Connie J. Wilson), Successor Trustee (or any other Successor Trustee) of the Mary M. Holcomb Trust, under Agreement dated August 18, 1982, as amended, and Connie J. Holcomb (fka Connie J. Wilson) Successor Trustee (or any other successor Trustee) of the Rexford D. Holcomb Credit Shelter By-Pass Trust under Agreement dated August 18, 1982, as amended (“Plaintiffs”) and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for Plaintiffs at their offices below stated; and in case of your failure to so do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the Amended and Restated Complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court.

Plaintiff is seeking (1) a judgment declaring that a Sale Agreement dated December 10, 1975, recorded in Klickitat County, Washington under Auditor File Number 155081, and Volume 173 Page 32, collectively from the sellers Homer Goulet, Adele S. Goulet, Ray Kerr, and Catherine C. Kerr, to, Plaintiffs’ predecessors, the buyers Edward L. Uecker, Pearl D. Uecker, Delvin C. Woody, and Laura Woody is fully satisfied and said Sale Agreement as invalid to encumber the subject real property, (2) a decree quieting title to the subject real property free from any claim of Homer Goulet, Adele S. Goulet, Ray Kerr, Catherine C. Kerr, and their known and unknown heirs, successors, and assigns in Plaintiffs, as the successor in interest to the buyers of the Sale Agreement pursuant to a fulfillment deed from Edward L. Uecker, Pearl D. Uecker, Delvin C. Woody, and Laura Woody to Plaintiffs’ predecessor, Rexford Dale and Mary Marie Holcomb, recorded in Klickitat County Washington under Auditor File Number 214071 and in Volume 254, Page 877-878; and (3) any other relief as deemed proper by the Court. Plaintiffs’ attorneys: Paine Hamblen, P.S. Attn: Tricia D. Usab# 38547 717 W. Sprague Avenue, Suite 1200 Spokane, WA 99201

DATED this 11th day of March 2026.

PAINE HAMBLEN, P.S. /s/ Tricia D. Usab

Tricia D. Usab, WSBA # 38547

Attorneys for Plaintiff 717 W. Sprague Avenue, Suite 1200 Spokane, WA 99201 4927-5264-4758, v. 2 (1117, 1205, 1302, 1402, 1501, 1601)

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF KLICKITAT JUVENILE COURT

In re the Welfare of: SMITH, BROOKLYNROSE RENEA

DOB: 06/01/15 No: 26-7-00009-20 Notice and Summons by Publication (Termination) (SMPB) (Optional Use)

To: John Doe / Anyone Claiming a Paternal Interest, Alleged Parent A Petition to Terminate Parental Rights was filed on March 11, 2026; A Fact Finding hearing will be held on this matter on: May 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Klickitat County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620. You should be present at this hearing.

The hearing will determine if your parental rights to your child are terminated. If you do not appear at the hearing, the court may enter an order, in your absence, terminating your parental rights.

To request a copy of the Notice, Summons, and Termination Petition, call DCYF at

This Just In....

• Probate Notice to Creditors: Eileen Kay BrashersDavies Myers Sandri, PC

• Notice of Election: April 28, 2026 Hospital District #2 in Klickitat County - Klickitat County Auditor

Notice to Contractors: Guardrail Upgrades, CRP 390Klickitat County Public Works

Notice to Contractors: Klickitat County Courthouse

Exterior Painting - Klickitat County Public Works

Notice to Contractors: Klickitat County Courthouse

Stucco Repair - Klickitat County Public Works

Public Notice: Klickitat Lead Entity Citizens Review Committee Meeting April 16, 2026 - Klickitat County

Natural Resources Department

• Klickitat County Mitigated Determination of NonSignificance: SEPA 2026-02 Nathan & Janice BellKlickitat County Planning Department

(509) 773-7475. To view information about your rights, including right to a lawyer, go to www.atg.wa.gov/TRM.

Dated: March 12, 2026, by Renea Campbell, Klickitat County Clerk. (1210, 1304, 1403)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Klickitat County Lead Entity Technical Committee Meeting, April 9, 2026

The role of the Klickitat County Lead Entity Technical Committee (TC) is to provide technical advice to the Klickitat County Lead Entity Citizens Review Committee on the identification, sequencing, and prioritization of projects for salmonid recovery and the evaluation of the technical merits of candidate projects submitted to the Citizens Review Committee. This meeting will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 9am-11am at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon. The Pioneer Center is located at is located at 501 NE Washington St, White Salmon, WA 98672. This open public meeting will also be accessible online using Google Meet via the link provided below. Other meeting dates will be announced in future notices. Meeting Links: Google Meets meet.google.com/zze-edaodiy

Join by Phone (US) +1 612-361-3854 PIN: 276 629 159# SIP Address 2653198834625@video.klickitatcounty.org

If there are any questions, please contact: Klickitat County Natural Resources Department Email: alisa.grumbles@klickitatcounty.org Phone: 509-773-2410

Office: 115 W Court St, Room 204, Goldendale, WA 98620 (1307, 1404)

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF KLICKITAT In re the Estate of, EILEEN KAY BRASHERS, Deceased. No. 26-4-00015-20

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

RCW 11.40.030

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

Date of First Publication: April 8, 2026

Personal Representative: Patrick J. Reilly

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Christopher R. Greene

Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 417 Hood River, OR 97031 Court of Probate Proceedings

login information, visit our website at: http://www.klickitatcounty.gov/1136/ElectionsVoter-Registration and select the Current Election tab. Additional information may be obtained by phone (509) 773-4001 or (800) 583-8050 and by visiting www.klickitatcounty.gov/1136/ElectionsVoter-Registration. Dated this 2nd day of April, 2026. Heather Jobe, Klickitat County Auditor and Ex Officio Supervisor of Elections (1406)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

and Cause Number: 26-4-00015-20 /s/ Christopher R. Greene_ Christopher R. Greene, WSBA #43283

Attorney for Personal Representative 430 Industrial Street / PO Box 417 Hood River, OR 97031 (1405, 1502, 1602)

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that a Special Election will be held in Klickitat County, Washington, April 28, 2026, in all precincts within Hospital District #2 in Klickitat County. The election will be conducted by mail ballot.

Voter registration forms are available at post offices, libraries, or at the Auditor’s Office. Registrations and updates may also be submitted online at votewa.gov.

The last day to register to vote, transfer or update an existing registration by mail or online is April 20, 2026. The last day to register to vote or update your voter registration in person is April 28, 2026 in the Klickitat County Auditor’s Office, 205 S. Columbus Ave. Room 203.

On or before April 10, 2026, the Auditor’s Office will mail, or cause to be mailed, to each qualified voter, within the county, a ballot. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by April 28, 2026. No postage is required if mailed within the United States. Ballots returned in-person to our office or dropped into a designated drop box must be returned by 8:00 P.M. on April 28, 2026. Replacement ballots may be obtained from the Auditor’s Office or by visiting votewa.gov.

The Auditor’s Office shall provide the availability of registration and voting aids, assistance to elderly and disabled persons, and procedures for voting by mail. Contact the Auditor’s Office if you need assistance with a mail ballot.

The Accessible Voting Unit is equipped with audio and visual technology which allows voters with limited vision, hearing, or physical disabilities to vote more independently. This unit is available in the Auditor’s Office beginning April 10, 2026, through April 27, 2026, during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to noon. and 1:00 P.M.to 5:00 P.M. On Election Day, April 28, 2026, the Accessible Voting Unit is available from 8:30 A.M. to noon and 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. If you need an accessibility accommodation, please contact the Auditor’s Office at (509) 773-4001, (800) 583-8050 or by emailing voting@klickitatcounty. gov, no later than five working days prior to the date service is needed.

The Logic and Accuracy Test of the programming to be used for the accessible voting units will be held April 9, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. The Logic and Accuracy Test of the programming to be used for ballot tabulation will be held April 9, 2026 at 11:00 P.M. The public is invited to observe these tests in the Auditor’s Office located at 205 S. Columbus Ave. Room 203, Goldendale, WA 98620.

The canvassing board will hold a public meeting at 8:30 A.M., pursuant to RCW 29A.60, May 5, 2026, to examine returns and at 8:30 A.M., May 8, 2026, to certify the cumulative results, precinct results and a reconciliation report of the votes cast. These meetings will be held in the Klickitat County Services Building located at 115 W. Court St., Goldendale, WA 98620 in the Mt. St. Helens Conference Room on the third floor. For google meets

Todd Andrews Commissioner Lori Zoller

Commissioner ATTEST: LeeAnn Burgin Clerk of the Board Klickitat County, Washington (1407, 1503)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Guardrail Upgrades, CRP 390, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on April 21, 2026 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. April 21, 2026 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material. Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. April 21, 2026, Guardrail Upgrades, CRP 390”. This contract provides for the improvement of guardrail on Snowden Road and Canyon Road by removing guardrail, raising guardrail, installing guardrail blocks, installing new aes. treated beam guardrail, terminals and other work, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County.

Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $140,000 and $230,000.

The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / takeoff tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425258-1303 should you require assistance.

Dated this 7th Day of April, 2026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig Chairman

Sealed bids for the Klickitat County Courthouse Exterior Painting, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on April 21, 2026 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. April 21, 2026 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material. Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. April 21, 2026 Klickitat County Courthouse Exterior Wall Painting”. This contract provides for the for the preparation, painting, and caulking of exterior walls, multi-colored panels, friezes and other work, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County. Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $250,000 and $320,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / takeoff tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425258-1303 should you require assistance.

Dated this 7th April, 2026. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig, Chairman Todd Andrews, Commissioner Lori Zoller, Commissioner ATTEST: Clerk of the Board LeeAnn Burgin In and for the County of Klickitat, State of Washington (1408, 1504)

County Courthouse Stucco Repair, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on April 21, 2026 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. April 21, 2026 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material.

Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. April 21, 2026 Klickitat County Courthouse Exterior Wall & Stucco Replacement”.

This contract provides for the for the demolition, preparation, repair, and installation of exterior cement-based stucco including wainscot panels,

structure walls, frieze panels, landing walls, detailed reveals and other work, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications.

Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County. Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $50,000 and $75,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation

c lassifieds

LATERAL DEPUTY

Klickitat County Civil Service will be conducting Oral Board Reviews to establish an eligibility list for Lateral Deputy to work for the Klickitat County Sheriff. Applications and job description can be obtained online at the Klickitat County website: https://klickitatcounty. org/and clicking on the job listing. Any questions or requests can be sent to Klickitat County Civil Service at email civilsc@klickitatcounty.org Closing date is 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2026. Oral Board reviews will be scheduled the following week.

ENTRY LEVEL DEPUTY

Klickitat County Civil Service will be testing for the position of Entry Level Deputy to work for the Klickitat County Sheriff. Applications and job description can be obtained online at the Klickitat County website: https://klickitatcounty.org/ and clicking on the job listing. Any questions or requests can be sent to Klickitat County Civil Service at email civilsc@klickitatcounty.org .The closing date is 5:00 p.m. on April 10, 2026. Exams will be held on April 11, 2026, in Goldendale, WA. A $20 exam fee is required.

TRUCK AND TRAILER

MECHANIC Bishop Truck Repair in Biggs Junction, OR, has an IMMEDIATE OPENING for a truck and trailer mechanic. Must have some experience. High wages depending on experience, 401(k), company paid medical. Monday - Friday 8 am – 5 pm. Please send resume to bishoptowing@ yahoo.com or call our office at 509-773-9151.

KITCHEN TABLE great condition, seats 4 with charis. Has leaf extension $125 509-250-2389 call M-F 2 – 4 pm

RECLINER, new in box. Yaheetech black recliner, comfortable and sturdy. $130 509-773-3245

6 DRAWER DESK used, blue pine desk, 58” long. Needs refinished. Free 541490-4787

ROCK AND ROCK EQUIP-

MENT: 2 saws (18” & 24”) several tons of northwest rock. Call for pricing 509426-1100

REWARD $500 1997 Jeep Cherokee, emerald green. STOLEN from Wishram plate #199YHP. Any information contact 509-2811953 and leave a message.

RE-HOMING Lhasa-Apso spayed 7 years old, Loving and protective. Moving and can’t keep 360-702-8124

FREE Electric Wheelchair, needs a battery 360-7028124

FIREWOOD – FREE – you cut and haul, Goldendale, Jim 541-980-4082

GENERATOR Coleman Powermate ProGen 5000 $500 used 509-250-6154

TOOLS Benchtop drill press

$250, 16” delta scrollsaw $175. More – mechanic tools, hand tools, portable saws, etc 509-365-5203

METAL ROOFING, used, Brown 21’ legnths x 18” wide.

$1.00 per foot 509-773-3636

BIKE EQUIP Stationary bike trainer, Deuter MT-04, use your won bike $40 503-5155665

FRESHLY CUT and limbed pine logs, FREE, on Box Canyon Rd 509-773-4497

RECLINER in good shape

$50 509-773-4497

RC CARS, 1 electric 1 fuel powered, + extras $100 each

OBO 509-773-5494

FISHING REELS 3 unused, make an offer 509-773-5494

CHROME RIMS. Ford 6 lug. $100 or B/O. 509-773-5227. SLIDE-IN STOVE. Samsung double oven, propane/gas. $250 or B/O. 509-773-5227.

2 SOAPSTONE rocks for carving $25 each 509-2612115

HARLEY DAVIDSON vest and chaps, LIKE NEW $125 for the set 509-261-2115

MOTOR HOIST – 2 ton FREE 509-393-6230

PINT CANNING JARS – 2 dozen @ $12/dozen 509773-5666

PROPANE TORCHES, 4, 2 with hoses, & 1 oxy-propane torch with many accouterments $75

STIHL 18” MS290 chainsaw with Oregon skiptooth chain $300 907-252-1593

Announcements & Notices

Classified Deadlines: MONDAY 9AM Mid-Week Editions: ATTENTION READERS: Readers respond

@

4320 before investing any money. This publication assumes no liability over advertisers.

and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-2581303 should you require assistance.

Dated this 7th Day of April, 2026.

Loans IT’S ILLEGAL for companies doing business by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver. A public service message from the Federal Trade Commission and Columbia Gorge News. Support Groups MAC Lung Disease Support Group: for details, please call 541-483-2253 or 541805-5068.

24 HOUR AA HOTLINE and meeting information: District 14. 1-833-423-3683

DEMENTIA Support Group every 2nd Monday of the month at the Oregon Veterans Home, 10:30am - 11:30am 541-296-7190 for info.

TOPS OR #443 meets Thursday mornings, 8:30- 10 am. @ Zion Lutheran Church, use elevator entrance only. 10th and Union St., The Dalles, OR.

Alcoholicos Anonimos Reuniones Jueves 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Paul Episcopal Church 1805 Minnesota St. The Dalles, OR 97058

DO YOU HAVE HURTS, HABITS, HANG-UPS? Attend CELEBRATE RECOVERY, a faith-based 12 step program, every Thursday night at Hood River Alliance Church 2650 W. Montello (Off Rand Road) Dinner provided at 5:45pm and large group meeting at 6:30pm For more info. call 541-386-2812 RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS Meets 2nd & 4th Sundays at 10am. 216 Cascade St., Suite 26 Hood River

YOUNG Parents Support Group: ages 15-21, Tuesdays @ 7pm, call Tess @ 541-298-5104.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meetings please go to gorgeaa.org.

AA in MAUPIN (open), Maupin Community Church, 490 5th St., Thursdays @ 7pm.

PARKINSON’S Support Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 10:45am11:45am in the Deschutes Room at Waters Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd., 2nd Floor. For more information, please contact Chad @ 541340-0142.

STROKE SURVIVORS

SUPPORT GROUP

Mid Columbia Senior Center 1112 W 9th Street The Dalles 3rd Thursday of the month 1:30pm-3pm Questions, 541-980-8633

GRIEF SUPPORT Establishing a Grief Support Group. Please call Natasha 702-755-0778

HAVEN: Weekly counseling groups for victims of domestic/teen dating violence or sexual assault. Biweekly educational classes given in Spanish and English for domestic violence. Call Haven, 541-296-1662.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig, Chairman Todd Andrews, Commissioner Lori Zoller, Commissioner ATTEST: Clerk of the Board LeeAnn Burgin In and for the County of Klickitat, State of Washington (1409, 1505)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Klickitat Lead Entity Citizens Review Committee Meeting, April 16, 2026

The role of the Klickitat Lead Entity Citizens Review Committee (CRC) is to support salmonid recovery by identifying credible and fundable habitat protection and enhancement projects. This process will support related programs and activities that produce sustainable and measurable benefits for fish and fish habitat. This meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 from 6-8pm, at the Klickitat County Administrative Services Building. The Klickitat County Administrative Services Building is located at

NA MEETINGS Every Wednesday. 6:30 - 7:30 at the Casa Guadalupe House, 1603 Belmont, Hood River, Oregon.

NAMI|Oregon National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is the largest education, support and advocacy organization on mental health in the nation. The Mission of NAMI Oregon is to improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness and of their famillies through support, education and advocacy.

Under NAMI Oregon sponsorship, NAMI-Gorge providees a monthly support group meeting for caregivers, friends, and family members of persons with mental illness.

Monthly NAMI Gorge inperson meetings are being conducted the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30pm at the Gloria Center at 2505 W. 7th Street, The Dalles. For information on local NAMI Resources, please contact Barbara Telfer: at 541-980-7264 or by email: booklovinbarbarian@ gmail.com.

For other NAMI information or resources: NAMI Oregon Support Line 1-800-3436264.

TOPS OR #942 meets at Gateway Presbyterian Church, The Dalles, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm.

AA in WAMIC (open): Tuesdays @ 7pm, NEW LOCATION! Molly B’s @ 57740 Main St., Tygh Valley, Oregon.

NARCOTICS Anonymous: Goldendale United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway, Thursdays @ 7pm.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group

Meets in person at Columbia Gorge Community College, Hood River campus, across from Rosauers, on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm. Support group participants have all lost someone to suicide and strive to help each other with their grief journeys and advocate for suicide prevention. Contact Brent and Shawnee at bsemmons@ hrecn.net or 541-806-2790.

RIVERVIEW Al-Anon Family Group in The Dalles: Episcopal Church of St. Paul, 1805 Minnesota, Taylor Hall. Meets every Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm. This meeting is free and open to anyone in the community who is interested in attending.

TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets upstairs at Columbia Bank in White Salmon at 10am on Tuesdays. Join us at 90 NE Tohomish St., White Salmon, WA 98672. No meetings during severe weather. 541980-0251.

AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS

(Support for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Mondays at noon Pathways to Recovery Riverside Community Church 317 State St. Ruth Wells Room Tuesdays at 7pm St. Mark’s 11th & Eugene Hood River

AL-ANON in The Dalles: The Dalles Serenity meeting every Monday at 7pm @ Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry

115 W Court St, Goldendale, WA 98620. This open public meeting will also be accessible online using Google Meet via the link provided below. Other meeting dates will be announced in future notices. Meeting Links: Google Meets Meet.google.com/wcr-tptc-rwi

Join by Phone (US) +1 929-220-3849 PIN: 466 564 767# SIP Address 3851787917843@video. klickitatcounty.org

If there are any questions, please contact: Klickitat County Natural Resources Department Email: alisa.grumbles@klickitatcounty.org Phone: 509-773-2410 Office: 115 W Court St, Room 204, Goldendale, WA 98620 (1410, 1506)

KLICKITAT COUNTY MITIGATED DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE

Notice is hereby given that Klickitat County issued a Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) on April 2, 2026 under SEPA Rules (Chapter 197-11 WAC) and the Klickitat County Environmental Ordinance Number

121084, as amended, for the following proposals: SEPA 2026-02. Applicant: Nathan & Janice Bell. A Short Plat application requesting to subdivide 1.25 acres into two lots. The proposed short plat is located in a portion of the NENW of Section 31, T4N, R11E, W.M. Klickitat County, WA (Husum vicinity) on tax parcel 04-11-3114-0203/00.

After review of the completed environmental checklist and other information on file the Klickitat County Responsible Official has determined that this proposal will not have probable significant adverse impacts on the environment. Copies of the MDNS are available at the Klickitat County Planning Department during normal business hours. Comments on the above projects are due by 5:00 pm April 23, 2026. Appeals on the above environmental review will be accepted until 5:00 pm April 30, 2026. Appeals must be made to the Board and filed with the Klickitat County Auditor’s office. Appeals shall not be deemed complete without payment of the applicable appeal fees payable to Klickitat County Planning Department. (1411)

Hollow. For more info, call 541-296-2677. Volunteers Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.) a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 12-year-old girl in The Dalles, who enjoys arts and crafts, animals, and going for walks. She has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could get her out of the house and expose her to more outdoor activities. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.

MENTORS WANTED

Would you enjoy building a meaningful friendship with a child or teen? If so, become a mentor! Gorge Youth Mentoring, a program of The Next Door, provides children and teens with community based, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. Right now, 18 youth ages 6 to 21 are waiting to make a new friend. Mentors and youth plan their own activities based on their own schedules, meeting at least twice a month, for one year or more. For more information, visit www.nextdoorinc.org/gym or email gym@nextdoorinc.org

Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.)

a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 7-year-old boy in The Dalles, who is outgoing, talkative, and fun. He enjoys playing basketball, riding bikes, and building things with Legos. He has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could expose him to more outdoor activities and help expand his reading skills. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.

$500 or Less WANT to sell something in the Budget Classifieds section? If you’re selling ONE item for $500 for less, we’ll place your five-line ad for free for one week! See the $500 or Less Box for exclusions. Call our newspaper to place your ad: Columbia Gorge News 541-386-1234

COUCH. Medium-sized couch with hide-a-bed. Brown and tan fabric. $45. 541-354-1748.

JACOB Doll Antique Upright Piano. Needs to be cleaned and tuned. Free. You Haul. 541-806-0859.

BOAT Anchors (7). Very good condition. Your choice $25 each or take all for $100. OBO. 541-296-1289.

1949 ENGINE. 4 cylinder, 134L. $475. 541-354-1748.

ENGINE Stand. Sturdy. Bolts on at rear with (4) arms. Has swivel for rotating. Good for small block V8. $25. 541-354-1680. Odell.

CLEAR Glass Dinner Plates, set of 15. 10 inch diameter. $45. 541-490-7254. WOOD Shelving Unit. 36 1\2” Wide x 30 1\2” Tall x 14” Deep. $15. To purchase, 541-387-4752. No text.

LENNOX

Bingen/White Salmon Community Yard Sales: Clean out your closets, sell unwanted items, and earn extra cash while shoppers hunt for their next great find. Participation is free, no city permit required, and we’ll promote the event and create the community sales map. Register by April 7 (by 1 PM) to be included on the map—just email info.mtadamschamber@ gmail.com and share whether you’re a person or business, your days/times, address, free pile (yes/no), and four words to describe your stuff.

April 11 Little League Opening Ceremonies: 10 a.m. at Ekone Park in Goldendale

April 11 Growing Through

The Seasons: Goat Education 101: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Goldendale Community Library. Join us to learn practical goat care for the homestead. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this class is designed to teach you the fundamentals of goat care and the many ways goats can become valuable members of your homestead. We will

Community Events

cover a range of topics from how to choose the right breed for your goals to basic care and shelter considerations. Bring your curiosity and love for goats to this engaging workshop!

April 16, Tourism at the Table: 12 p.m. at 115 W Court. Tourism at the Table is a collaborative roundtable designed to gather input from tourism event coordinators, venue owners, lodging partners, attractions, and hospitality businesses throughout Goldendale and Klickitat County. As we plan for the 2026 tourism season, the Chamber is seeking direct feedback on how we can best support and amplify the work already happening across our community. While this event is not a funding opportunity, it is an opportunity to shape how we provide inhouse marketing support, event promotion, website visibility, visitor center coordination, and shared information efforts in the year ahead. This facilitated working lunch will focus on identifying

c lassifieds

purchase, 541-387-4752. Not textable.

Furniture WOOD Shelving Unit. 36 1\2” Wide x 30 1\2” Tall x 14” Deep. $15. To purchase, 541-387-4752. No text.

TABLE. Two tier round mahogany claw foot table. Top 26 “ diameter, lower shelf 20” diameter and 13 “ above floor level. $195. 541-4907254.

CD Rack. Black plastic CD rack. Holds 60 CDs. $5. To purchase, 541-387-4752. Not textable.

COUCH. Medium-sized couch with hide-a-bed. Brown and tan fabric. $45. 541-354-1748. Household Merchandise

LENNOX China Service for 12. 68-piece service for 12 Lenox China. Belvidere pattern. $400. 541-490-7254. CLEAR Glass Dinner Plates, set of 15. 10 inch diameter. $45. 541-490-7254. MYSTIC Mud 12” serving platter and matching 9” bowl. Pear pattern on red background. $30. 541-4907254. Miscellaneous

REDWOOD and Slabs. Various thickness and widths, around 8’ length. $400 for all of them. I paid far more. In Hood River. You pick up. Text 402-639-0190. Sporting Goods NOTICE Certain laws and restric-

Columbia Stowaway Units: #37 Amanda Kuhnhausen, #40 Damien Walton, #434 Steve Smith, #592 & #1629 Jason Smith.

Garage/Yard

Sales

Advertise Your Garage Sale Up to 10 lines Print and Online $25 Prepaid To place your ad contact us. Columbia Gorge News 541-386-1234 ColumbiaGorgeNews.com Click Classifieds Estate Sales BIG SALE April 11 8:30am-4pm 1003 5th Street Hood River May be our last. Includes antiques, furniture, tools, musical instruments, clothes, office stuff, rugs, bookshelves, outdoor gear, loom & more.

Auto Parts & Accessories ENGINE Stand. Sturdy. Bolts on at rear with (4) arms. Has swivel for rotating. Good for small block V8. $25. 541-354-1680. Odell. 1949 ENGINE. 4 cylinder, 134L. $475. 541-354-1748. Cars SELL your automobile quickly in our Gorge Classifieds. Place your ad through one of our websites or call one of our newspapers: hoodrivernews.com 541-386-1234 thedalleschronicle.com 541-296-2141 whitesalmonenterprise. com 509-493-2112

Wheels Deal

Advertise Your

needs, aligning messaging, and strengthening collaboration within our tourism industry so that together we can enhance the visitor experience across Klickitat County.

If you play a role in attracting or welcoming visitors, we invite you to have a seat at the table and help shape the strategy for 2026

April 17, Paint Night: 6:30 - 8:30 p/.m. at the Field of Stars Boutique, 4 Bickleton Hwy in Goldendale. Step into a cozy, creative evening at Field of Stars Boutique and let your imagination come to life Join us for a magical Paint Night where we’ll be creating a whimsical mushroom under a starry night sky—a dreamy piece perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike. Whether you’re coming solo for some peaceful self-care or bringing friends for a fun night out, this experience is all about relaxing, creating, and connecting.

We’ll provide everything you need, including all painting supplies, along with delicious

of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777, TTY/TDD: 1-800927-9275.

Help Wanted COLUMBIA GORGE NEW IS HIRING AN OUTSIDE

Outside Marketing Representative: Columbia Gorge News is hiring a marketing advisor to service businesses in the area. This position is outside sales for the weekly newspaper in print and online plus niche publications. You must live in the Columbia River Gorge to perform this job. If you are outgoing and like to talk through ideas, this position is for you. The candidate will work from both home and the office. They will need reliable internet, computer, and a smart phone. A vehicle and valid driver’s license with insurance is a must. The candidate will work one on one with small businesses in our community to help them find ways to effectively market their business. The sales position will allow the person hired to work their own schedule to fit the needs of the customers. Weekly sales meetings and trainings required. Must have the ability to multi-task and be selfmotivated. The ability to handle basic excel or word documents, perform math calculations and the willingness to communicate well with customers in person and over the phone are needed. Sales experience a plus but will train the right candidate. This position is mainly MonFri but is somewhat flexible with part-time or full-time hours. Hourly, mileage, plus commissions. Email resume and references to: ChelseaM@GorgeNews. com Columbia Gorge News P.O. Box 390, Hood River, OR 97031. If you have questions, leave a message: 541386-1234 Ext. 100.

snacks and drinks to enjoy as you create. You’ll be guided step-bystep, so no prior painting experience is needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart. All supplies included. Snacks & drinks provided Beginner-friendly instruction. A magical, cozy atmosphere. Tickets: $40. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours early! www.fieldofstarsboutique.com/events

April 24 - 26: The Maryhill Ratz 2026 Spring Freeride: Registration opens Saturday, January 31st at 10am PST online at www.maryhillratz.com

3 day tickets are $300. 1 and 2 day tix will be available at the hill paid in cash - $125 per day. The Spring Free-4-All at the Historic Maryhill Loops Road is a gathering of friends and world class athletes for a weekend of fun riding and racing down the legendary Maryhill Loops Road. Do you like riding in large packs? Then the Free-4-All’s are for you! The pack riding is legendary so come and be a part of some of the largest packs anywhere in the world. There will

CASE MANAGER

AAA CASE MANAGER – Full Time Services for Independence The Dalles, OR. Starting at $4,017/month Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K, Paid Leave Provide care coordination and support for older adults and people with disabilities. Assess needs, develop service plans, and connect clients to essential community and long-term care resources. Apply today at capecoworks.org

DRIVER

DELIVERY

SALES

Hattenhauer Energy Co. LLC in The Dalles is hiring for two positions: 1) Sales and Packaged Delivery 2) Fuel Truck Delivery Driver Apply at hattenhauerdistributing.com -or- 201 West First Street, The Dalles.

RIVERVIEW

LODGE IS HIRING!

Looking for part time Front Desk-Housekeeping-Maintenance help at Riverview Lodge. Must be available to work weekends. Experience preferred but not required. Must clear background check and drug test. Apply in person at 1505 Oak Street, Hood River, Oregon. Call 541-386-8719.

LOOKING for a new job? Browse employment ads from throughout the Gorge on our classified website: ColumbiaGorgeNews.com

THE TICKET to a dream job might be a scam. Please be cautious! High-Paying Postal Jobs! No Experience Required! Don’t pay for information about jobs with the Postal Service or Federal Government. Call the Federal Trade Commission toll free @ 1-877-FTC-HELP, or visit www.ftc.gov to learn more. A public service message from Teh Dalles Chronicle and the FTC.

NOW HIRING FOSTER PARENTS!

The Next Door, Inc. (TNDI) is hiring full-time foster parents to work with youth, ages 6-18. Applicants must live in Hood River or Wasco Counties. TNDI provides 24-hour support, free training, paid days-off and up to $1800 tax-free/month, for each youth. Bonus also offered for completion of certification! Contact 541308-2207 or visit www.nextdoorinc.org/fosterparent to apply.

Air Conditioning & Heating Business & Service Directory 4 Weeks Up to 10 Lines Print and Online Only $45

also be some racing, including the Zealous outlaw race on Saturday. A Free-4-All is just as it sounds, anything goes downhill!

This event is open to all skill levels and any gravity powered vehicle is welcome.

April 26, Mommy & Me

Magical Tea: 1 p.m. at Field of Stars Boutique in Goldendale. Join us for a storybook-inspired high tea designed for mothers and their little loves. Our boutique will transform into a whimsical wonderland filled with florals, fairy magic, and beautifully set tea tables.

Each table will enjoy: Traditional tea service with herbal and classic blends Tiered trays of delicate pastries, fresh fruit, and finger sandwiches m Warm scones with clotted cream and jam, Sparkling fairy desserts. A special visit from a magical fairy guest. A sweet take-home keepsake

This 90-minute experience is designed to slow down time, create beautiful memories, and celebrate the magic between mother and child.

Dress in your finest tea party attire — florals, lace, fairy wings, crowns, or Wonderland whimsy encouraged.Spots are limited to keep the experience intimate and magical.Tickets: $65 per Mommy & Me pair

Additional child: $25 May 2, Opening Day for the Goldendale Farmers Market: 9 a.m - 2 p.m. every Saturday May 8 - 10, 2026 Home and Garden Show: Visit their website for times. Free admission, everyone is welcome! Join us Mother’s Day weekend for the 15th Annual Goldendale Home & Garden Show, a beloved community tradition celebrating spring, home, gardens, and local businesses in the heart of Goldendale.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, planning spring projects, or simply wanting to enjoy a weekend out supporting local businesses, the Goldendale Home & Garden Show is the perfect place to gather, explore, and celebrate the season.

$5 per additional line. Contact your local newspaper or place your ad online using our fact and easy online entry system. hoodrivernews.com

541-386-1234 thedallechronicle.com

541-296-2141 whitesalmonenterprise. com

509-493-2112

NOTICE

Oregon Construction Contractors Law (ORS 701) requires that all businesses that advertise remodeling, repair, home improvements or new construction be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have a bond and insurance. Home inspection businesses also must be certified which means the inspector has passed a test and must comply with standard of practice and behavior. For your protection, call 503-378-4621, ext. 4900 to check an inspector’s certification.

Notice to Contractors

Washington State Law (RCW 18.27.100) requires that all advertisements for construction-related services include the contractor’s current Department of Labor and Industries registration number in the advertisement. Failure to obtain a certificate of registration from L & I or show the registration number in all advertising will result in a fine up to $5000 against the unregistered contractor.

For more information, call Labor & Industries Specialty Compliance Services at 1-800-647-0982 or check L & I’s Internet site at www. wa.gov

Construction

OREGON Construction Contractors Law requires that all those who advertise

remodeling, repair, or construction services be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have bonds and insurance on the job site. For your protection, be sure any contractors you hire are registered. Contact the Construction Contractors Board in Salem at 503-378-4621. To verify a contractor’s CCB license through the CCB Consumer Website, visit: hirealicensedcontractor.com

Excavating I & A SEPTICS & EXCAVATIONS, LLC Installation of New Septic Systems and Repairs 509-281-0040 iasepticsllc@gmail.com

WA. License only: ISEPSE787PS Landscaping

CORTES Yard Service & Construction, LLC Yard Maintenance, Excavation, Drainage Work, Retaining Walls, Blocks, Pavers, Stonework, Fencing, Delivery of Gravel, Bark Dust and Topsoil & SNOW REMOVAL FREE ESTIMATES AFFORDABLE PRICES 25 Years Experience Licensed & Bonded WA: CORTEYS876BP OR CCB: 199393 Alfredo Cortes 509-493-8814 cortesland@yahoo.com

BONI’S LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION, LLC

SNOW REMOVAL Service Maintenance Commercial/Residential

STATEWIDE Classifieds:

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Check It Out

Beth Wood, Collection Librarian

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District

Contact Beth Wood with questions about this column: 360-906-4996 or bwood@fvrl.org

An Abundance of Baked Goodness to Celebrate Spring

The spring equinox has passed, signaling the end of winter. Many cultures and religions observe spring rituals and festivals, and as with most things, food is part of the celebrations. When we were hunter-gatherers, spring meant that food became more plentiful; supermarkets mean that we don’t have to pick our own berries, but there is still something about spring that inspires baking and sharing sweets and treats.

I pondered over how to divide up baking cookbooksproduct? Region? Newest? I decided to go with a “best of” approach - so for your flour-dusted pleasure, here are some cookbooks to try out:

Best Cookies

• “Dorie’s Cookies” by Dorie Greenspan (2016)

• “The Perfect Cookie” by America’s Test Kitchen (2017)

• “Cookies: The New Classics” by Jesse Szewczyk (2021)

Best Pies and Cakes

• “The Pie and Pastry Bible” (1998) and

• “The Cake Bible” (2024) by Rose Levy Beranbaum

• “All About Cake” by Christina Tosi (2018)

Best Gluten-Free

• “Baked to Perfection” by Katarina Cermeli (2021)

• “The Art of Gluten-Free Bread” by Aran Goyoaga (2025)

Best Breads

• “Flour Water Salt Yeast” by Ken Forkish (2012)

• “The Bread Baker’s Apprentice” by Peter Reinhart (2016)

• “Artisan Sourdough Made Simple” by Emilie Raffa (2017)

Best Desserts

• “Ready for Dessert” by David Lebovitz (2010)

• “Sally’s Baking Addiction” by Sally McKenney (2016)

• “Dessert Person” by Claire Saffitz (2020)

Go green with a fresh spring salad

Cultural Classics

• “Mooncakes & Milk Bread” by Kristina Cho (2021) - inspired by Chinese bakeries

• “The Great Scandinavian Baking Book” by Beatrice Ojakangas (1999)

• “Pan y Dulce: The Latin American Baking Book” by Bryan Ford (2024)

Specialty

• “Macaron School” by Camila Hurst (2022)for step-by-step photos

• “Pastry Love” by Joanne Chang (2019)for laminated doughs

However you categorize baking books, some authors come up repeatedly as experts such as Sally McKenney, Dorie Greenspan, Rose Levy Beranbaum, and Peter Reinhart. Look for other titles by these bakers!

Beth Wood is a senior collection development librarian for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.

New at the Library

FICTION

“The Beheading Game” by Rebecca Lehmann

“Casually Yours” by Vivian Jia Loc

“The Luminous Fairies and Mothra” by Shin’ichiro Nakamura

NONFICTION

“William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story” by Russell Myers

“A Suit or a Suitcase” by Maggie Smith

“The Beginning Comes After the End” by Rebecca Solnit

CHILDREN

“Captain Stinkbottom” by Alicia Acosta

“Chopsticks Are” by Chloe Ito Ward

“Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp” by Rachel M. Marsh This is just a small sampling of the many new titles added each week to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District collection. Visit the district’s 15 locations, our website at www.fvrl.org, or call (360) 906-5000 to reserve titles or find additional listings.

Three years ago, I was in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, walking through what had once been a large fabric mill. It has since been turned into an art gallery called, appropriately, La Fabrica, where artists of all kinds lease space to show their work. There are always people and art and dogs, and flowers blooming and banners flying, making this former mill one of the liveliest places in town. One day, while passing a shop, I saw the most outrageous couch. It was an old camelback couch—a loveseat, really, but with wide, rolled arms. It appeared to be an older piece of furniture that had been restored. The fabric was crazy. It was a patchwork of burned velvet fabric in brilliant hues. It was the brightest, craziest couch I’d ever seen, and it was being sold alongside art and sculpture, which made sense, because it really was a work of art.

considering moving from our tiny and muchbeloved apartment at Casa de los Soles. We decided not to move. We realized we could not stand to be away from this place that has become our home away from home. Since we are not spending money on a larger apartment, I was walking through La Fabrica, wondering how we could make our place a little nicer. Just as I was thinking this, I saw a couch very similar to the one that had inspired “The Turnip House,” the book that had just sold. I went into the shop. “You had another couch,” I began, “but it was in brighter colors.”

The young woman did not look perplexed in the least. She headed off to the back of the store and indicated that I should follow her.

“No way,” I thought.

We climbed a flight of stairs. And there, sitting like it was waiting for me, was my couch. Except now, it was 40% off.

“Oh my gosh,” I said in English. I came home and told Peter.

(Feature Impact) While most people think of dirty kitchens, cramped closets and grimy garages when they hear “spring cleaning,” the popular phrase can apply to your menu, too. Refresh your family’s regular dining routines with fresh ingredients that call to mind the flavors of the season. When it’s time to put the slow cooker away, consider this Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella. Paired with an easy homemade lemon vinaigrette, it’s a delicious way to swap out heavier meals for a lighter lunch.

To find more springtime solutions, visit Culinary.net. Spring Greens Salad with Mozzarella Recipe adapted from Organic Authority Servings: 4

• 4 cups baby arugula or spring mix

• 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• sea salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

In large mixing bowl, combine arugula or spring mix, mozzarella and lemon zest; set aside.

In small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice vigorously with fork until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour vinaigrette over greens; toss gently to coat. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, if desired.

I don’t know how stories come into being, but that brilliant couch, three years ago, left an impression on me. I started writing a new book. The book was about a house that had lived in a small town by the river for 150 years and had, over the course of time, developed a fondness for the women who lived in it, especially its current tenant, Max. “What did Max do?” I wondered. And then I saw her making a couch very much like that one I’d seen, using crazy fabrics, and selling it to her art dealer, Bobby. The story became “The Turnip House.” When it was finished, I sent it to my agent and, after editing it, we submitted it to my publisher. And we have just learned that they want to publish it. Last week, my husband, Peter, and I were

“If you like it, that’s all that matters,” Peter said. (Peter is wonderful that way.)

Then I asked Jorge, our landlord, if he’d mind if I replaced his couch with a new one. At first, he thought I was asking him to buy it.

“No! No,” I told him. “It’s a gift—to me.” And I told him the story.

Jorge smiled. “No problem!”

So today I am waiting. I should be getting the final contract for “The Turnip House,” which will make it all official. And I should be getting delivery of the brightly colored couch that inspired it. I’m not sure which will arrive first, and I guess it doesn’t matter. I know they belong together and are part of the same story.

To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.

Crazy Couch

April is packed with fun, but one celebration lasts the whole month. April is kite month! When the spring winds start to blow, the sky becomes a giant playground. Above parks, beaches and open fields, you can spot bright kites dancing in the air. Some look like diamonds, some like animals, and some are so big they look like they could carry you away! Both kids and grown-ups grab their strings and send their kites soaring.

Kites!

Kites aren’t just pretty—they have a story to tell. Long ago, people believed kites could carry messages up into the sky. In some places, tiny flags were tied to the tail, and people would write wishes or prayers on them. Imagine your thoughts and messages floating way up high, riding the wind.

The first kites were invented thousands of years ago in China. Back then, they weren’t just toys, they were tools. Soldiers used kites made of silk and wood to scare their enemies. Some even carried fireworks that exploded in the sky with loud booms and bright flashes to scare enemy troops

What did one kite say to the other?

Today, kites are all about fun. People fly them for games, races, and even to do tricks. There are competitions where kites zoom, spin, and dance in the air like performers in a show. Some people even use kites to skim across the water in a sport called kitesurfing. It’s like flying and surfing at the same time!