Fourteen years ago, Karen E. Bernal started serving tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at fairs, Community Days, and at fundraisers. After four years of running a food stall set up at events, fans of her scratch-made Mexican food wondered if she’d start a restaurant. Instead, with a loan from a friend, she found a place in Portland that would build and design a food truck for her. Initially, she was nervous about starting a business while she had two young kids at home. Aaron and Eduardo had never been left with a babysitter before. That wasn’t the only thing that worried her. She mentioned that her imperfect English and lack of business experience was also a concern, but she took the leap anyway.
While she waited for the truck to be completed, she began working on getting permits. Taqueria Veracruz’s first location was at the Bible Baptist Church. She parked there for five years.
Bernal had to grapple with unexpected issues, like pipes freezing and breaking in winter. Luckily, she had insurance to help fix the obstacles that came up. Sometimes there were weeks when she had no days off. There were days she’d wake up at 5 a.m. and work until midnight. She mentioned that the sacrifice of family time was also a hardship and that people seem to think it is easy to run a food truck—but it’s not. “Some days I was in tears, almost wanted to quit because of
Melissa Uhles For The senTinel
There has been a lot of chatter in the culture lately about people having relationships with AI companions. Will this technology turn out to be a helpful tool that will make life easier and less lonely, or will it lead to dystopian end times? Right now, the answer is unclear.
In our modern era, perhaps people are beginning to wonder if the messiness of real-life relationships are more trouble than they are worth. As a society, could we be on the verge of giving up on connection altogether?
Covid lockdowns, when we were rewarded for staying far from other humans, may have led some people to relish the reprieve from the energy required to interact all the time.
That said, it might be time to think deeper about the ramifications of choosing not to be in relationship with each other.
In a recent essay, Joan Silk, Arizona State University primatologist wrote, “Humans are wired for social connections because these connections have helped us to survive and reproduce successfully over the course of our evolutionary history. Even in a world in which we can order groceries on the internet and work remotely, we depend on our connections to others for our well-being.”
Longevity research has also posited that in addition to diet and exercise, social connections are what lead to longer, happier lives.
If one is deprived of human
how hard I thought it was, because not every day is a good day or busy day,” she said. Still, she was grateful. “Since day one, the community always supported us.”
For the past eight years, Bernal has had one other employee who helps her and a few more when the truck caters at special events. Despite the challenges she endured, five years later, the family purchased the blue truck that is now The Chuckwagon. They also decided to invest in buying property where both trucks could have a permanent home. After finding a plot of land in a good location,
they submitted plans to the city and waited for a few months for approval. Utilities and permits also had to be arranged.
Bernal emphasized that, “With lots of friends and family help, finally we finished in about two or three months. The property has four spaces for food trucks now. We rent a space for a coffee shop, and we have my taco stand, and there are still two spaces left.”
Currently, she is planning to put a solid roof up over the seating area and add more places for customers to sit. Additionally, she wants to fence the property. Even though it’s been difficult
in some ways, Bernal hopes to continue to do this work for years to come. “I love serving Mexican food. For me it’s not just a job. It’s a place where I’m growing in every aspect of my life, like expanding my vocabulary, embracing the culture, meeting new friends, sharing experiences of life, helping the community, and laughing.” Running her food truck business has made it possible for her to support her two children who are now grown up and help their mother out.
Bernal concluded by saying
For The senTinel
contact and becomes lonely, as is common in some of the elderly population, for example, this could negatively impact their health. And in the 1920s, infants in orphanages were almost all dying before their toddler years until it was discovered they needed to be held, rocked, talked to, and comforted. Workers had been following the doctrine of the day, exemplified by a leaflet by Pediatrics Professor Luther Emmet Holt Sr., that discouraged caregivers from giving these physical comforts.
Stanford Social Innovation Review published an article by Madeline Dangerfield-Cha and Joy Zhang that stated, “Loneliness has significant health con-
sequences for all age groups.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a psychology professor at Brigham Young University, found that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to people’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and contributes to early mortality. Other studies show that those who identify themselves as lonely are 59 percent more likely to lose the ability to perform daily living tasks, and are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, dementia, and depression.”
Former Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy sounded the alarm about what he called the loneliness epidemic. In his book, Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection
project
in a Sometimes Lonely World , Dr. Vivek H. Murthy explained that while people have different requirements for the amount of social connection time they need, both introverts and extroverts benefit from connecting with others.
Murthy outlined a national plan. It included maintaining important spaces like parks, libraries, and public programs, enacting policies for better public transportation and family leave, having healthcare professionals address loneliness, evaluating people’s relationship with technology, conducting further research, and cultivating a culture of connection.
At their August 19 meeting
Klickitat County Commissioners approved a request from Planning Director Scott Edelman to hire someone on a temporary basis to facilitate the creation of a long-term recovery group in the wake of recent local fires. Edelman said that people who had originally volunteered to do so were unable to start immediately, and he believed that no time should be wasted. A further complicating factor was that he was going to be out on medical leave for a month, starting Aug. 27. He said the person would only be hired for three to four months, be paid $13,000 to $17,000, and that the department had funds to cover that amount.
There was good news for Klickitat County drivers at the meeting as well. Public Works Director Jeff Hunter told commissioners that the department had received a $2.6 million public safety grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“We applied for five projects as a group, and we were award-
See County page A8
approves hiring fire recovery facilitator Snyder case granted extension
loU Marzeles ediTor
Michael Snyder has been granted an extension to file a motion for discretionary review by the Court of Appeals in his defamation suit against defendants Darlene Williamson, Leandra Kessinger, Amanda Derchon, and Julia Skillman. The extension was granted despite vehement arguments against it and a call for sanctions against Snyder by the defendants’ attorney, Justin Leigh.
The Court went so far as to refer to some of Leigh’s arguments as “frivolous” and admonished him to comply with relevant procedure and “to submit pleadings that are well-grounded in the RAPs [Rules of Appellate Procedure] and applicable case law.” Leigh is presently associated with the law firm of Phillips Reynier Sumerfield Cline & Smith LLP based in Hood River, Oregon, while he practices law in Washington.
The Court granted Snyder more time to file his motion for discretionary review, moving the deadline to November 3, 2025, instead of Snyder’s requested 90 days. The extension was granted because the underlying case might soon conclude and become subject to a standard appeal, potentially avoiding unnecessary filings and saving costs for both sides. Snyder explained that the judge postponed the hearing on a new motion to dismiss one defendant after the original deadline for review, making an extension reasonable.
The Court found this situation justified a deadline change under RAP 18.8(a), which allows the Court flexibility in setting deadlines.
The defendants, through Leigh, argued that the extension request was excessive and accused Snyder of
rodger nichols
TRUCK: Taqueria Veracruz is a major success story for food trucks.
Teachers are happy with cellphone bans
Conor Wilson Washington state standard
When the Peninsula School District implemented one of Washington’s first bans on cellphones in the classroom two years ago, Keyna Houston said it could not have come soon enough.
“I was like, ‘thank the Lord,’ ” the Gig Harbor High School English teacher, told Gig Harbor Now and the Kitsap Sun last year.
“Finally, I don’t have to fight this battle on my own.”
Unsurprisingly, teachers had by far the most positive reaction to these policies. They reported less stress, better ability to manage their classrooms and social benefits for their students, according to new research out of the University of Washington (UW).
The unpublished study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, offers the
first systematic look at how teachers, parents, and students in Washington feel about these policies.
Put your phones away Districts moved to curtail phone use in recent years after reporting unprecedented levels of disruptive behaviors and worsening mental health among students following their return from the pandemic closures.
Following Peninsula’s lead, all schools in Kitsap County enacted some restrictions over the last year.
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said 53% of districts in the state will have a policy restricting cellphone access in place by the start of the school year; 31% of districts require students to put away devices for the entire school day.
UW researchers surveyed more than 5,000 students, 220 teachers, and 480 par-
ents across six districts, including Peninsula, said lead author and assistant psychology professor Lucía Magis-Weinberg. She studies how adolescence has been altered in the digital era.
Students were less enthusiastic about the bans, with the vast majority saying they did not perceive an impact. According to Magis-Weinberg, 70% of students said the policies had “no impact” on their ability to pay attention, as opposed to 20% who said it had a positive impact. A majority also said it had no impact on their well-being.
Survey results did not seem to indicate that students thought cellphone bans made things worse.
“That was very surprising to me,” Magis-Weinberg said of the findings. “I would have expected them to be against the policies
and to be quite negative about them.”
Open questions about cellphone bans How effective are these bans at achieving their prescribed goals, and what type of restrictions are most effective? Those questions remain open.
Nobody doubts that phones can be a big distraction. So when implemented well, these bans can encourage better habits, Magis-Weinberg said. At the same time, each district needs to tailor them to its needs and ideally create policies with input from students and staff.
Both students and teachers prefer consistent application of these restrictions, with administrators providing rules that are aligned between teachers and classrooms. When schools leave decisions about phones up to teachers, “No one likes
Travelers who use State Route 14 in Klickitat County should expect delays.
As of Monday, August 25, the Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews are removing dangerous trees and branches damaged by the Burdoin Fire alongside westbound SR 14 between Lyle and Bingen.
A danger tree is weakened by disease or fire and could fall onto the roadway. Removal helps prevent crashes and road closures, improving safety for trav-
elers. Monday, August 25, through Thursday, August 28:
• Westbound travelers on SR 14 between milepost 75 near Chamberlain Lake and milepost 68 just east of Bingen will take turns moving through a single lane from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Flaggers will direct traffic. Drivers are advised to slow down, stay focused, and expect delays when traveling through the work zone.
that,” Magis-Weinberg said. It tends to pit teachers against one another.
Removing phones in isolation was not enough to promote social interaction, researchers found. Schools still need to introduce alternative ways for students to connect, through activities or games. Bans also did not appear to produce huge improvements in academics or mental health outcomes. But Magis-Weinberg said they seem to have introduced incremental improvements, particularly for teachers.
Better digital habits
These policies allowed teachers to shift from “referee to coach,” she said. They can now encourage better digital habits rather than taking punitive actions against students.
“Anything that helps teachers be less stressed, feel more effective, and
changes the relationship from policing to actually having time to teach and connect with students, I think that’s important,” she said.
Middle school teachers also reported that students seemed more relaxed and had returned to more “goofy” and “playful” behavior. Students had become too concerned with how they were perceived, teachers reported. Fear that someone would record or take a picture of them changed how they behaved.
“Even if a school is not implementing a ban,” she said, “I think it’s a clear takeaway that (schools) should really be very strict about recording.”
This article was first published by the Kitsap Sun through the Murrow News Fellow program, managed by Washington State University.
G oldendale ’ s a ttic
Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
Wait, is that the high school in the background? Are these guys dropping off their horse for class?
This picture was already in
color, so it has to be more recent. How old do those cars look? Hard to tell. 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 (509-773-3777), or drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.
L ooking Back
August 20, 1915 – 110 Years Ago
The Goldendale Garage has received its fine new Stanley Steamer automobile, a 12-passenger machine, which will be used on the passenger run between this city and Maryhill, meeting all east and west bound trains.
August 20, 1915 – 110 Years Ago
John Naylor, Zola Brooks, F. J. Sleeper, Collin Camplan, and Preston Warwick made a trip to Mt. Adams country last week. They duly climbed the old mountain to the highest pinnacle. One day during their absence, many Goldendale citizens noticed a lot of “blue” vapor rising heavenwards from the mountain, and it was a puzzle to them until the party returned home. Then it was discovered that this blue vapor was caused by the invectives used by John and Zola tearing their trousers as they rapidly slid down the big hill on their return. It took the boys a little over six hours to make the ascent, but less than an hour was consumed in the descent. All had a delightful time, except the Professor! You ought to see his face.
August 18, 1955 – 70 Years Ago
A portable conveyor for loading rail cars with shale rock has been erected by Vay Godbey of Goldendale for shipping his expanded red shale to Great Falls, Montana, Vancouver, B. C., and Oregon points. The ramp is located on the east leg of the spur line near the Bonneville Power office and will go into operation next week as soon as power is installed at the site by the PUD. Vay is now shipping shale to Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Brewster, and other points by truck. The shale comes from his pits north of Goldendale in the Pine Forest section. Material for about 4,000 construction blocks per day is being shipped from the local diggings. Godbey excavates the red-colored, naturally crushed and expanded shale from a surface pit which he discovered last year.
August 21, 1975 – 50 Years Ago
One of the oldest cattle brands in Klickitat County may be available soon to an interested cattleman. The flying Circle W brand, which dates to 1915, was discontinued last week by Gladys Uecker of Centerville. Mrs. Uecker is the widow of Wade L. “Tex” Uecker who died recently. The brand was originally recorded by her father, Charles Wiidanen of Centerville, on April 24, 1915. He recorded it with the state on June 7, 1935, when it became law to do so.
August 21, 1975 – 50 Years Ago
Stanley Van Horn is working on the installation of blocks for the new restroom facilities at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds. The new block building is located between the livestock building and the fair office. The restrooms are among a host of fair improvements this year including new bucking chutes in the rodeo arena, new doors between the stock barn and the horse barn, a fresh coat of paint, and a refurbished racetrack fence.
August 17, 1995 – 30 Years Ago
Max and Sadie Maurer will celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary Sunday, August 20. The Maurer’s have lived in Klickitat County for all their married life. The Maurers owned a feed store, Case equipment dealership, did ranching, and had a meat plant. Max was instrumental in starting the Klickitat County Fair over 50 years ago. The Maurer anniversary is being sponsored by the Old-Time Fiddlers, which Maurer helped organize in 1972.
—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society
Lt. David Toomey Escapes Death; Writes Details of Experience
June 8, 1944
The following is a copy of a letter received recently from Lt. David Toomey, somewhere in Italy, by Ruth Magee, of Klickitat, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Magee. Lt. Toomey flies a P-38 in photo reconnaissance and was on his 33rd of 100 missions. The letter follows:
It’s good to be alive. Only now am I fully able to appreciate it, for I am quite aware of how a person hates to give it up. Life is a good thing and very precious.
It’s been nearly four days now, and I feel pretty good so will try to tell you all about it as you should know.
You see, I’ve been wounded… not badly, but I’ll be laid up here in this hospital for a little while and probably not fly again for a while.
Shoulder Is Fractured My left shoulder is fractured. At first it was badly dislocated, but a Polish medic set it for me, and already I’m able to use it. I just have to take care of it because the large bone in my upper arm is splintered, and it will take time to mend. Of course all the muscles and tendons in my shoulder were pulled and still give me a good deal of pain. The shoulder itself is quite swollen and throbs, but with a little massage and
oil of wintergreen, thanks to the nurse, it will be o.k.
My eyes are very badly bloodshot due to concussion and internal hemorrhage, but they only look worse than they are. It will take a couple weeks to absorb the hemorrhage before they become clear again. So you see… I’m not so bad off as you’d think a guy would be who bailed out of a P-38 going 400 miles an hour.
Has To Bail Out
And that’s the story. It all happened last Sunday. The weather was good, and I went out early in the morning for a short mission just over the lines. It was an easy one, and I wasn’t much bothered. I took off and climbed to 27,000 feet where I leveled off and began my first run, but I guess it just wasn’t my day. Just as I got lined up, an enemy fighter, an FW-190, broke through the clouds directly in front of me. I’m not sure if he was firing or not, but I was so surprised that I peeled off and went into a fast dive. It was too fast, though I discovered that too late. I don’t know what became of the FW because it took all my strength to try to get the ship out of the dive. It was too late, and I was going too fast and too vertical. The ship began shuddering and vibrating terribly, and it took all my strength to grip the controls, for they
Rex Maurer, Keith Johnson, Margaret Throop, Barbara Parrish, and Mary Childs all identified the people in last week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture. The people pictured are O.P. Kreps Jr., Harold, Dorothy, and Dottie Sorrensen. A picture very similar to this one was published June 9, 1960, when the
were vibrating terribly, too. I chopped my throttle and did what I could to pull it out, but it was no go. Finally the stabilizer blew off and then the rudder and everything went smooth again, though the controls were loose in my hands. Then an aileron tore off, and the ship began to spin. The noise of the air as it went by outside was terrible, and the plane was shaking in every joint. I looked at the air speed, and it said 400, so I decided it was time to go. I pulled the escape release, and the wind made an awful roaring sound. I faintly remember getting my safety belt released and nothing more. The plane was spinning, and probably the only thing that saved me was that because it threw me clear.
The next thing I remember was spinning around in the air, and I was spinning fast and it was terrible. The blast of air when I went out had torn my shirt completely off and my helmet and tore my pants to shreds. Stick your hand out of the car window sometime, and you will realize what a slap in the face the wind can be when you’re traveling 400 miles per hour.
Can’t Find Parachute
But the worst part of it all was my left arm was paralyzed, and I couldn’t find my chute, so I thought it had been torn off too. What a helpless feeling it is to be spinning around in the air thousands of feet above the earth only to find you haven’t a parachute, and death is only a matter of minutes away. I fully thought my time had come, and it was a terrible feeling. There were rushes of thoughts through my mind. I kept thinking I was too young to die, and I just couldn’t believe it was actually going to happen. It just didn’t seem true; then something made me feel again for my parachute to be sure it was really gone. Can you imagine the relief that was mine when I found it was only part of my pants which had been torn away, and my chute was still there? The next moment I found the rip cord and pulled it, and the beautiful
Sorensens hosted the Cattleman of the Year Field Day at the Rueter Ranch above Dallesport, along Dalles Mountain Road. Fun Fact: the Rueter Ranch is now part of the Columbia Hills Historical State Park. Visit parks.wa.gov/find-parks/ state-parks/columbia-hillshistorical-state-park.
white silk blossomed above me. My foot was caught in the shroud lines, and I was hanging upside down, but as soon as I got untangled, I was o.k., though I must have fallen 10,000 feet before I found I still had my chute. It’s a good thing I had lots of altitude, for I had surely given up.
Is Rescued By Soldiers I landed soon after in a tree on a very steep hillside. I figured out that I was behind my own lines only because the wind was right. If it had been the other way, I’d probably be a prisoner of war now. My left arm was useless and pained me terribly. When I looked at it, I could see it was out of joint. I managed to get out of my chute, and then I fainted. How long I don’t know. I don’t remember much after that because of the pain in my arm. Some Polish soldiers climbed the hill and found me and carried me down to a dressing station where a Polish officer put my arm back in joint. After that I felt much better, and from there I went to a Polish field hospital where I received very good care from some wonderful nurses. Though they couldn’t understand me, they sure were perfect to me, and I stayed there overnight, though I slept little because of the pain in my shoulder. The next day I was driven to this big general hospital, and now everything’s swell, and my shoulder only hurts me when it gets tired. It was a hell of an experience, and I assure you I never want to go through it again, for I might not be so lucky. Everyone says I had about a 1 in 100 chance of getting out, and they can’t figure out why I’m no more injured than I am. But it is all over now, and I’m quite thankful that I was so lucky. The doc was just in and said it may take two weeks for the fracture to heal and maybe another week, and I can get out of here.
When the fellas from my outfit finally found me, they had 7 letters, and yesterday came three more with various pictures. They were perfect, and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed them.
OpiniOn
Why won’t the City talk about the incubator situation?
Diana Adams has a lot to say about the City of Goldendale’s business incubator program. She and her partner have a business in the incubator building. Most of what she says is about how, in her view, the City has grossly bungled the program in its dealings with her company.
Is she right? We can’t say, and that’s not our job. We’re just looking at it from a journalistic perspective. In the process of considering doing a story on the situation, our first step is to vet information. In this case, that means contacting City officials to go over Adams’ assertions to get the City’s perspective and ensure balanced coverage. Adams’ assertions are many and in great detail, necessitating equally detailed response.
Lou Marzeles, Editor
So we did what journalists investigating a story of such complexity do: we requested time with the principals. We’ve talked with Adams. Next step: Goldendale Mayor Dave Jones and City Administrator Sandy Wells.
Their response? A cursory prepared statement from the mayor—clearly prepared for him—basically saying, “They’re wrong, and we’re right.”
Let me share what it stated, and then I’ll talk about what’s wrong with it. Firstly: “The incubator building is a grant funded space designed for giving business start-ups a space to do business. The rent is waived for the first year of occupancy and then adjusted every year after that based on a percentage of the market rate. A rate that was established by a thirdparty appraisal company.” For present purposes let’s disregard the grammatical mistakes here (there are three). More important is the fact that the rent is not waived for the first year; it’s $1. I’ve seen the documentation that proves that’s what Adams’ company was initially charged.
“The claim that the City has caused the problems resulting in any loss of business to Jensen Fabrication [Adams’ company] is not accurate,” the statement continues. “The City has made every reasonable effort to accommodate and work with the tenants of the incubator building while ensuring that all applicable safety and building laws are being adhered to.”
But wait. In my email to Jones and Wells, I said nothing about the company’s claim of financial loss; I just asked to meet. So why are they bringing that up? And as long as they did, how do they know the City’s issues didn’t result in loss of business for Jensen?
Where is their proof of that?
Adams’ assertions are chiefly about the City mishandling, in her opinion, management of the incubator processes. That mismanagement, she says, includes sudden and frequent changes to the lease, attempted fluctuations in rent far above the prescribed $1 even in year one, cutting off power to the company for months with questionable cause while still expecting them to do business, and a multitude of other significant and abundantly detailed concerns. These
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are what I intended to discuss, in equal detail, with the City.
And I still intend to.
Jones’ cursory statement is grossly inadequate. In my decades of journalism, I’ve never seen governmental officials refuse to discuss a matter of similar complexity unless they were involved in active litigation. Typically the response is, “Sure, let’s talk about this and see if we can clear it up.”
It’s easy to speculate on why the prepared statement and refusal to talk. I’ll err on the kind side and not go into such speculation, though one reason certainly feels like an elephant in the room. (No, it’s not deliberate misconduct.) Whatever the reason, it is insufficient.
The City in the form of its administrative representatives needs to step up, enter into a conversation, and deal with this matter in an above-board, conscientious manner. Until such a conversation occurs, this matter will be referenced in this spot more than once.
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 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.”
“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.
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.
Ken Margraf Goldendale
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H ometown
Dale is honorary Glenwood resident
This week’s news has a lot of additions and corrections to the news about the County Fair. I do apologize for leaving some names out of the news or not having all the details straight. I just can’t get around to all the livestock barns to see all the animals and kids anymore, so I wasn’t sure who all from Glenwood was participating. I appreciate those who reached out to provide the information needed. When I saw Austin Garrett in the Parade of Champions, I couldn’t hear the announcer clearly so, while I knew he received a Reserve Champion award for his pig, I didn’t know if it was for market or showmanship. I learned last week that it was the latter. Austin did place third in Market Class, so he had great success his first time showing a pig at the fair. Congratulations, Austin. Younger kids who showed animals and were left out of last week’s news were Branch and Briscoe Monroe and Lavender Yothers. Branch showed his heifer and Briscoe and Lavender showed goats. These are among the very young in
What’s
For the Sentinel
Glenwood, but they are three very delightful little kids and we’re proud of them for getting out there to show animals. There will be many more county fairs ahead for those three cuties. I did get to see Lauren Monroe and Kaci Bartkowski compete very well in the pro/novice ranch sorting, so I was pleased to learn they came in second in that division, behind two other Glenwood community members, Johnny Stevens and Jaecee Hoctor. Way to represent Glenwood! And I like to write about someone who is not a Glenwood resident, but we sort of claim him as partly ours. Dale Thiele of Goldendale competed on a penning team with his daughters Toni Troh and Kristin Thiele. Keep in mind Dale is 85 years old and is a lot of fun to watch out there in the arena. While that team didn’t place in the money, Dale did place second in penning with another team and second in the century branding. That cowboy has still got it, for sure.
Ty Murray, who graduated from Glenwood High School in June, was brave
in the Sky
September is here, a month for seasonal change. The autumnal equinox occurs on September 22, marking the start of fall. The Sun will be straight overhead at the equator, and we’ll have about equal amounts of daylight and night. Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Boy, it is sure getting darker earlier” in late August or in September? That is not your imagination. The rate of change from day to night is greatest around the equinoxes, and less around the solstices.
Around the Autumnal equinox, we lose about three minutes of day length each day, or some 20 minutes in a week. It is noticeable! By contrast, the rate of change around the solstices is only a few seconds per day.
Saturn returns to our evening sky in September.
On the 21st Saturn will be at its closest approach to us, called “opposition” as it will be opposite from the Sun in our sky. How close will it be? How about 794 million miles. That’s about 8 ½ times as far as we are from the Sun, or over 3,000 times as far as the Moon is from us.
Saturn’s rings are hard to see this year, as the rotational axis of both Saturn and Earth are on the same plane, and we see the rings as “edge-on” or very close to it. We’ll have a better view of the rings in the next few years. We’ll have another interesting sight with Saturn, though. On September 3 and 19, the shadow of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, will be visible as it passes over the planet. On the 19th, you can view the shadow transit at the Goldendale Observatory. Be sure to check the Observatory web page (www.goldendaleobservatory.com) for more information. You will need a reservation to visit before normal closing at midnight but can arrive after midnight to see the shadow. The Observatory will be open until 1:30 a.m.
September’s full Moon will be on the 7th, with new Moon following on the 21st. Fall constellations are in the eastern sky in September. Bright Saturn points the way to a couple of them. Look for Saturn low in the east or southeast. It will outshine any nearby stars. The dim constellation, Pisces, is to the left of Saturn, with Aquarius to its right. Above and slightly to the left of Saturn, look for the “great square” of Pegasus, composed of 4 almost equally bright stars that form a square. The “W” shape of Cassiopeia will be above and to the left of the square, and Cygnus the Swan will be above it, high in the eastern sky. If you have binoculars, look just to the left of the square, below and to the right of Cassiopeia. Scan with your binoculars, and look for an elongated, faint, fuzzy patch of light. That is another galaxy, the Andromeda galaxy, in the constellation with the same name. If you have a very dark sky, see if you can spot the galaxy with the naked eye. The Andromeda galaxy is the most distant thing we can see with the naked eye, at over 2 million light years away. It was sad for me to see the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13, the 1970 Moon mission that was short-circuited due to an explosion on the spacecraft. Lovell and astronauts Jack Sweigert & Fred Haise amazingly managed to safely return to Earth, an incredible story documented in a 1995 film by the same name. Lovell flew in space four times, twice during the Gemini program and twice in Apollo. He did not
enough to ride a bull. While he didn’t make it to the 8-second buzzer, it takes real courage to get out there and try something different. Those bulls were huge and feisty this year. Ty deserves the “Cowboy Try” award this year.
And one of our Glenwood cowgirls is just rolling along toward the National Pro Rodeo Association (NPRA) finals. Peyton Sanchey, an outstanding barrel racer, has had a full summer of rodeos, placing well in the money in nearly all of them.
We got to watch her at our county fair rodeo and last week she placed first in barrels at the Sherman County Fair rodeo in Moro. She headed from that Friday night rodeo in Moro to Enumclaw to compete in barrels there last Saturday. The following weekend she will have rodeos in Roy and Monroe, then a final rodeo the week after that in Burns.
As of this writing she is standing in 5th place in the NPRA barrels and will compete at the finals in Prineville in September if
she remains in the top ten ladies in barrels. Peyton is accomplishing all that rodeo success while starting her first year at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, where she will complete on the BMCC rodeo team. Peyton has just continued to amaze us with her great skill and determination and we in Glenwood are very proud of her.
I received this important news from Laurene Eldred of the Glenwood Homemakers. Laurene says, now that fair is over it’s time to focus our attention on the Glenwood Fall bazaar on Saturday, October 4. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Marlis Dewey at (360) 921-2333 or by email at tmdewey@msn. com. The Homemakers will be serving lots of good food, and, remember, Veterans and Military eat for free. This is a great time to find wonderful gifts for family
and friends, and even for yourself. The bazaar brings many very creative people to the Glenwood gym, offering a wide variety of beautiful and useful items.
As this news is published Wednesday, our Glenwood kids are experiencing their first day of the 202526 school year. Most of the kids I’ve talked to are actually eager to get back to school. That’s a good sign.
The Glenwood/Trout Lake (Lakewood) high school volleyball team has been practicing since August 19 under the guidance of head coach Jaecee Hoctor and assistant coach Heidi Crow. They have a very full schedule this fall, and it’s going to be an exciting season for them. They will play their first game on September 4, a non-league game with Open Door Christian Academy. Their first games in the Trout Lake gym will take place September 8 and 9. The first games in Glenwood will take place on September 15 and 16. If you
can’t make
the
wood gym to really show support for our
girls this season. Here’s a reminder to get any news items to me by Sunday afternoon if you would like to have them included in the news for that week. Thanks.
land on the Moon but circled it twice, once with Apollo 8, and also with Apollo 13. The Apollo 8 mission was by design and carried the first humans to leave Earth orbit. The second was by necessity—the crippled Apollo 13 needed to “slingshot” around the Moon in order to gain enough speed to return to Earth quickly before the Astronauts ran out of power and oxygen. Hats off to an American hero.
I remember the entire Mercury-Gemini-Apollo program, culminating in 12 people landing on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. By my count, 34 different astronauts went into space in those programs, and 12 walked on the Moon. Only six are still alive, including four who walked on the Moon.
Enjoy September’s night skies!
it over the hill to Trout Lake for those games, try to come out to
Glen-
Lakewood
Jim White
C A W HE’S ONE OF US: Dale Thiele lives in Goldendale, but he competes in some county events with his Glenwood family.
This Calendar of Events listing is FREE! Email your event to events@goldendalesentinel.com or call 509-773-3777.
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August 29 - September 1, An Tir September Crown 2025: Hosted by the Shire of Hauksgarðr! It is the Crowns wish that the populace would come together to celebrate and bear witness as new heirs are chosen. Noble and chivalrous fighters will come from every corner of the kingdom to meet in combat and vie for the Sable Throne!
This event will feature the Crown Tournament, as well as activities and contests in rapier, archery, thrown weapons, equestrian, Arts, Sciences, Bardic, and more. Please join us to witness the grand tournament to choose
An Tir’s next Heirs!
Reservation information for Camping, RVs, Eric space, Merchants and the tournaments will be coming soon! Check the calendar page for updates: https://antir.org/events/September-crown-6/. Email us with requests or questions: September Crown@antir.org
August 29, Things I Hide From Dad: 7: 30 p.m. at 210 Oak Street in Bingen at The Bingen Theater. Comedy night , a multisensory storytelling show recommended 18+. A One-Man Show by Travis Abels. Award-winning storyteller and comedian Travis Abels brings you an unforgettable solo performance that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt. In Things I Hide From Dad, Travis takes audiences on a deeply personal, and wildly entertaining, journey through his childhood as a preacher’s son in a doomsday church, where even his thoughts about sex felt like they could end the world. Told with wit, warmth, and immersive sound design (all triggered live on stage), this 75-minute rollercoaster of memory dives into growing up in a world where shame was sacred, rebellion was silent, and Kenny
Regular
Happenings
• Free Community Kitchen
To-Go Meals: the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month and every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 5 or 5:30 until the food runs out. Methodist Church on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Goldendale United Methodist Church, 7-8 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday
• Dr. Ogden’s Street Jam every Monday at 7 p.m. in front of the Goldendale Senior Center
• Lyle Lions Meeting 6 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Popup Café – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch and support group at the Masonic Lodge on Columbus. Café is open weekly on Monday and Wednesday.
• The Coalition for Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) 4 p.m. every 2nd Monday via Zoom. 509-773-3776 or CPAKC on Facebook.
• Goldendale City Council meetings 6 p.m. 1103 S Columbus 1st and 3rd Monday of every month (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) https://www. ci.goldendale.wa.us/
• Adult Book Discussion
Group meets every third Monday at 11 a.m. – Goldendale Library
• One on One Tech Help 1st Monday of the month 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Goldendale Library, call to set up an appointment 509-773-4487
• Goldendale School Board
Community Events
G was the soundtrack to everything. Voted a Fringe Festival Favorite and hailed as a “multisensory masterclass,” Things I Hide From Dad combines standup, storytelling, and theater into a uniquely raw, funny, and moving experience. It’s a coming-ofage story for anyone who’s ever felt like the weird kid, the black sheep, or the one who just didn’t quite fit in.
August 30, TREADFEST: Gates open at 7:30, Car show at 9, burnout contest at 10 at Ekone Park in Goldendale. Don’t miss the action! The smoke, the sound, and the showdown are coming! Cars, trucks, motorcycles, quads & SxS all battling it out, plus a car show, great food, and local vendors. Want to show your car? $50 entry fee. For more information call 541-993-5217, email tyghridgeevents@gmail.com. Family passes available at Dad’s Sourdough Bakery, 4 admission tickets for $60.
August 30, Comedy night with Northwest Comedian Phat Kidd: Doors open at 5:30, show starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Goldendale Grange Hall on East Darland. Join us for a family night of comedy with Northwest comedian Phat Kidd! $5 per adult or bring 5 people for $20. $2.50 for our Veterans and Senior Citizens.0-17 are free, with an adult. (PLEASE) (We are a cash only event. Your not going to want to miss out on this laughter!!
August 30 - September 1, Annual RVOD Freeride, and Tour de Maryhill: This year we are both a points race for the NADL championship and a qualifier for the 2026 USA National Downhill Skate and Luge Team. Be sure to check back for format details.
August 30, Bickleton Community Day: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Bickleton. Car show, live music, pie sale, museum tours, flea market, arts and crafts, food vendors. For more information visit Bickletoncommunity.org or call 509-896-2007. Any vendors interested in more information can contact 509-896-2113.
August 30, Forrest VanTuyl/Shadow Basket at the Trout Lake Hall Doors open at 6, show at 7 p.m. Working cowboy, mule packer, and fencepost enthusiast Forrest VanTuyl’s music hews closer to the literature of Annie Proulx and Cor-
Work Session: 2nd Monday of the month at the Primary School Library. goldendaleschools.org/ about/school-board
• Goldendale School Board Meeting: 4th Monday of the month at the High School Cafeteria.
Tuesday
• White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Meeting every Tuesday at 301 Dewalt Dr, White Salmon.
• Adult Fiber Art Social Circle: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Goldendale Community Library
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 3 - 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All students (1st grade and up) welcome to come meet new friends and play a variety of games. A release of liabilities and a parent agreement of conduct must be on file. Youth under 8 must be checked in by a parent. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Wellness Warriors 3 – 4 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Goldendale Library Join us as our local health department nurses teach us about different wellness topics to keep ourselves safe an healthy. Topics include: Hand Hygiene, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Emotional Health, & Safety/ Injury Prevention. All ages are welcome, topics will be covered at an elementary school level.
• Board of County Commissioners meeting every Tuesday Klickitat County Courthouse, 205 S Columbus Goldendale. Visit www.klickitatcounty. org/643/Board-of-CountyCommissioners for information, agenda, and link for Zoom meeting.
• TOPS Club Inc. – Taking
mac McCarthy than to Marty Robbin’s Gunfighter Ballads. Inspired by his time on horseback in the remote corners of eastern Oregon and Washington, Forrest’s songs are redolent with carefully crafted details of rural life in the West, speaking of the taciturn men and women who work this land of beauty, raising and herding cattle through landscapes that would be inhospitable to most agricultural crops. There’s a kind of deep pride to this work that unites folks who live this far from the mainstream, and Forrest is one of the few songwriters who can truly express it.
Shadow Basket is an indie folk/rock band from San Juan Island, WA. They have toured through the PNW, West Coast, and Mountain West. Their upcoming album is scheduled to be released in August 2025. Their live performance brings an artfully crafted sound, melded harmonies, and droney jams into the room.
August 30, Wa’paas Basket Weaving workshop with Chestina Dominguez: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Maryhill Museum of Art. To honor Indigenous and traditional ways of healing, join us to practice and learn how to make a Wa’paas. You may bring your own materials and projects to work on. We have materials on hand as well. This learning event is led by Chestina Dominguez, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation and descendant of the Warm Springs tribe. Chestina uses contemporary materials to create baskets using the ancient techniques of her ancestors. Cultural and traditional teachings are the threads that tie us to our way of life. They are our link between the past and the present. Cultural and traditional values guide us and protect us. They are our resiliency. — Chestina Dominguez. All ages and all levels are welcome. Light refreshments are served after the class. There is no cost to participate. All participants receive complimentary admission to the museum on the day of the event.
September 5 - 7 Huckleberry Festival in Bingen: Celebrate the taste of summer at Bingen’s beloved Huckleberry Festival, a time-honored tradition since 1962 held every Labor Day weekend at Daubenspeck
Pounds off Sensibly 10 a.m. at he American Legion on Broadway. Questions? Sally/ojala@gmail. com.
• KC Fair Board Meetings 1st Tuesday of the month is a Workshop, 3rd Tuesday of the month is a Board Meeting.
• Soroptimist International of Goldendale, 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Dedicated to helping women and youth in our community and worldwide. All welcome. Contact Betty 509250-3746.
• BINGO night: 3 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the High Prairie Community Center on Struck Rd. Meals and cards for purchase (discounted kids’ meals) Come meet your neighbours and enjoy some family fun!
Wednesday
• PARENTS of Murdered Children group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the American Legion at 6 p.m.
• GAMES! Pinochle, cards, dominoes, and more every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Goldendale Senior Center on East Main. All are welcome!
• Healing Song Circle: 6:30 –7:30 p.m. every 4th Wednesday of the month, Missing Corner in BZ Corner. By donation $1020, no one turned away. RSVP at laurarosedoctor@gmail.com, 509-637-9425.
• Family Storytime: 10:30
- 11:30 a.m. at the Goldendale Community Library.
• Learn and Play! – 2 – 3 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Goldendale Primary School. Fun and learning for you and your little ones up to
Park. This free, three-day community event features live music, huckleberry pies & ice cream, parades, classic cars, family games and a spirited Beer & Wine Garden—fun for all ages. Visit https://huckleberry-fest. com/ for the full schedule
September 6, 2nd Annual 9/11 Heroes Run, Travis Manion Foundation: 9:30 a.m. at Daubenspeck Park, during the Huckleberry Festival. Visit https://huckleberry-fest.com/for details.
September 8, Goldendale Class of 1956 Reunion: 12 p.m. at Ayutlas Restaurant in Goldendale. Come join the class of 1956, all friends an family are invited as well. Questions call Linda Davies at 206-850-1251 or talk to Kay Cameron.
September 12 - 14, 4th annual Kongregation of Balloons: Balloons will be out early and launching near sunrise, possibly as early as 6:45 AM, coming into land between 7:45 – 9 AM. For those who have fields that appear balloon friendly from the air, you may hear an early knock on your door by a balloonist or their crew looking for permission to land. Balloonists are being asked to be respectful and will do their best to stay clear of livestock and out of planted fields wherever possible. Being unable to steer with anything but the wind, some less than ideal landings can happen. Every effort will be made to share information on areas that have expressed an interest for balloons to stay away. You may also hear the familiar ‘whoosh’ of the balloon as it flies over head. Expectations are for approximately 10 balloons and that number could vary due to numerous reasons including gas prices and expected weather. Some pilots will be doubling up and flying together in one balloon instead of both flying separately. Mark Yonker has a long history creating fun competitions for balloonists both in the air (finding targets and trying to fly over to score by dropping a bean bag close to a fabric X on the ground), and on the ground with scavenger hunts to encourage balloonists to visit local hot spots and places of interest during their stay. I am sure Mark will have some fun ideas up his sleeve to add to the spirit of this year’s event.
If you hear the balloons,
5 years!
• Snowden Community Council Meetings – 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 at the Cherry Lane Fire Station
• Kiwanis 7 a.m. Simcoe Café 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
• Popup Café – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. lunch and support group at the Masonic Lodge on Columbus until further notice. Café is open weekly on Monday and Wednesday.
• Lyle Community Council Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30, Lyle Activity Center (308 Klickitat). Meetings also available via Zoom https://lylewa.com/about-us. Thursday
• Dog Obedience and Agility Classes Fundraiser for the 4H Dog Project. Every Thursday at .6 p.m. all summer at Father’s House Fellowship Hall. Proof of vaccinations required Kids and Adults welcome Puppies need 1st series of shots completed 509 -250-1623 for more info
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 6:30 - 8 p.m. every Thursday. 5th grade and older welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on file. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Rosary every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church 307 Schuster in Goldendale.
• Drinking Democratically 6 - 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Food and drink available for purchase. Call Carol for location 971-404-1935
• Learn and Play! 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at the White Salmon Library. Stories, songs, puppets,
please come out and wave – it is always fun to say good morning as we fly over. You will also see them around town in their Kongregation Tshirts all weekend as many of their favorite places to eat and shop will be on the list for mid-day outings. If you would like to crew or have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to reach out to Mark Yonker at 253-670-8575 or Mandy Johnson at 253-709-8889, or email OhanaMaka@yahoo. com . Or look up the Kongregation of Balloons Facebook page. We will continue to Kongregate to commemorate a great spirit who did his part to help keep ballooning floating along for many years. Thank you Goldendale for being such a welcoming community that balloonists are excited to come and visit!
September 13, Free Shredding Event: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 390 NE Tahomish St, White Salmon, 1st Security Bank.
September 13, Goldendale Main Street Clean Up: Volunteers to meet at 9:30 at the LDS church, 10 a.m. volunteers meet on Main street by the Murals. Join the LDS church in our Stakes Day of Service. Come help the LDS church clean up downtown, get ready to replace the barrel planters along Main Street. We need volunteers! Contact the Chamber, WAGAP, the City of Goldendale, or the LDS church directly for more details.
September 19, Red Cross First Aid/CPR/ and AED Course: 5 - 7 p.m. at the Missing Corner, BZ Corner. Train for Moments that Matter - Safely, Effectively & Confidently. Whether you need First Aid, CPR, and AED training that satisfies OSHA-mandated job requirements, workplace, or other regulatory requirements, or you just want to know how to keep your loved ones safe, the American Red Cross is your “go-to” source of emergency and safety training for more than a century. More than 5 million people choose our award-winning courses to learn life-saving skills each year. Instructor: Scott Cascella, cost: $90 Signup Link: https://www.pdxraft.com/CPR September 19 - 21, Class of 1960 - 1970 Class Reunion: 7 p.m. in the old bowling alley parking lot. Join us to “drag the gut” and cruise as a group.
crafts and more for young children (birth through 5 yrs) and their parents or caregivers presented by White Salmon Valley Community Library Staff. Free book for each participant provided by the FVRL Foundation.
• Goldendale Grange #49 Meeting – 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 228 E Darland in Goldendale
• Bingo at the Goldendale American Legion Thursdayscard packets go on sale 6:30 p.m. game starts 7 p.m. Food available
• Bingo - High Prairie Community Center, 2nd Thursday of every month, doors open at 6, starts at 6:30. Questions contact Lori Sweeney 503-260-7129
• WAGAP Mobile Food Bank
– 1st Thursday of the month: 9-10:30 a.m. Wishram school, 10:45 - 11:30 Wishram Heights Housing, 12–2 p.m. Dallesport Community Center, 3-5 p.m. Lyle Lions Club. 3rd Thursday of the month: 9-11 a.m. Trout Lake Baptist Church, 12-2 p.m. BZ Corner Community Building. Call 509-493-2662 ext 208 for more information.
• Narcotics Anonymous, 7 - 8 p.m. weekly at United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway Goldendale.
Friday
• Open sewing, knitting, or whatever you do every Friday from 1 - 4 p.m. at Wild Daffodil and 3C’s Fabric in their new location $10.
• Lyle Community Game Day 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Bingo – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, Mt Adams Elks Lodge 124 NE Church Ave,
Saturday potluck picnic at Maryhill State Park at 11:30. At 5:30 on Saturday meet at the Presby Mansion for a group picture followed by a social hour and dinner at the American Legion. Sunday group breakfast at the TownHouse Cafe at 9 a.m. We are looking forward to seeing all of our classmates and school mates who shaped us into the people we are today! September 20, Goldendale Observatory Solar Program: 2:30 - 5 p.m., We will be busing people from the courthouse law to the observatory for this twohour event. First come first serve, we have 35 spots available. You will be able to look through the telescope and learn about the sun. Sponsored by CPAKC.
September 20, 3D Printer Certification at the Goldendale Community Library: 3 - 5 p.m. 131 W Burgen in Goldendale. Become certified to use the library’s Lulzbot® Mini 3D printer. After certification, you can use the library’s 3D printer to work on your 3D printing projects independently. Get hands on training with the basic mechanics of operating and troubleshooting the machine. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to become certified.
September 26, The Bones of J.R. Jones at the Trout Lake Hall: 7 p.m. show. One of the most compelling voices in modern Americana is headed to Trout Lake Hall — and it’s our 3-year anniversary show. Moody, hypnotic, and raw, @ thebonesofjrjones channels rock, soul, and folk with grit and grace. His songs linger like late summer nights — a little haunted, a little beautiful, a lot unforgettable. October 4, 2025 Concours de Maryhill: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m at the Maryhill Loops. Concours de Maryhill is an open automobile show and anyone with a special car may enter. The day concludes with an awards presentation. This event is organized by Concours de Maryhill and is free on museum grounds for spectators. Enter A Car Want to enter your car? Go to the Concours de Maryhill website for more information. Drive the Maryhill Loops Road The historic Maryhill Loops Road is opened for automobiles only twice a year. This is your chance to take a spin past the beautiful scenery and through the
White Salmon. Doors open at 5:30, Bingo at 6 and the Salmon Run Grill is open from 5:30 –7:30
• Knitting and Stitching Circle 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Salmon Community Library Saturday
• Goldendale Farmers Market May thru October at the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce on Broadway every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• High Prairie Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month. Vendors please call Bea 509637-0584
• Hope Neighborhood 4:306:00 p.m. 115 E Main Street, Goldendale at the Goldendale Senior Center. A time of fellowship, bible reading, and discussion for those seeking to learn and grow in God’s word.
• Lyle Lions Pancake Breakfast 1st Saturday of every month 7 a.m. -10 a.m. Omelettes and ham and eggs cooked to order. Endless Pancakes. Location: Lyle Lions Community Center 5th & State Street (Hwy 14).
• Columbia Grange meets the 2nd Saturday of every month.
• Goldendale Aglow Lighthouse meets from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Senior Center 3rd Saturday of every month, 115 E. Main St. Goldendale
• Family Storytimes 10:30 –11:30 a.m. 1st Saturday of the month @ the Goldendale Library Sunday
• Trout Lake Farmers Market: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Grange Hall.
O BITUA RY
Charles “Chuck” Amidon
Charles “Chuck” Amidon was born August 3, 1946, to Eugene “Bud” and Alda Amidon in The Dalles, Oregon, and passed away on August 21, 2025, at home in Goldendale. Chuck was raised on the family farm northwest of town. On the farm he learned his love for hard work and family.
Chuck knew the importance of rising early to take on the day. Chuck always said he enjoyed the early mornings because they were peaceful. Chuck graduated from Goldendale High School in 1965. While in high school Chuck met the love of his life, Linda (Hoctor) Amidon, and they celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this summer.
Chuck was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam, attended school in Tacoma at Bates Technical School, worked as a diesel mechanic in the Seattle area and for the Klickitat County Grain Growers, worked at the aluminum plant until it closed, and worked for the Corp of Engineers at The Dalles and John Day Dams until he retired. Though the years and life would take them away from Goldendale, Chuck and Linda returned in the early 1990s. If you needed help, Chuck would drop everything and no matter how far it was or how long it took he would be there to help out. Chuck enjoyed hiking, camping, raising livestock, attending his kids and then his grandchildren’s sporting events, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He especially loved his daily solitaire competitions online with his eld-
est daughter and cribbage games with Linda. Chuck is proceeded in death by his parents, Eugene and Alda Amidon; his brother Howard Amidon; Charles (Bud) Jones, brother-in-law; Steve Jones, nephew; Mike McNeely, brother-in-law; and daughter Jennifer (Amidon) Lawrence. Chuck is survived by his wife, Linda; sister Diane Jones; brother Karl (Deena) Amidon; sister Alda McNeely; daughter Linda Ann (Jens) Borland; sons Charlie (Michelle) Amidon and Luke (Qaiyaana) Amidon; grandchildren Jonah Lawrence, Adele Borland, Jenneeva Lawrence, Jeddrick Lawrence, Joseph (Laural) Prince, Kendra (Dan) Niehaus, Taylor Prince, Isaiah Amidon, Joel Amidon, and Keira Amidon; great-grandchildren Nora, Athena, Eva, and Wyatt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Goldendale. Interment will follow at noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, with reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m. Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck’s name to Washington Trails, Quilts of Valor, or Alaskan Malamute Rescue. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel, 300 W Broadway St. Goldendale, (509) 772-2636. Visit www.gardnerFH.com to share a story or leave a note for family.
Churchgoing in the PNW keeps slipping—and changing
Lou MarzeLes Editor
Church attendance across the Pacific Northwest continues to trail the rest of the country, with Washington and Oregon among the states where adults are most likely to say they seldom or never attend religious services. Fresh national surveys also show a long-running shift away from formal religious affiliation—especially in the West—even as many congregations lean into hybrid worship and new patterns of participation.
In early 2024, an Axios analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey found about 62% of adults in both Washington and Oregon reported they “never” or “rarely” attend services, compared with 49% nationally. That survey captured more than 71,000 households between Feb. 6 and March 4, 2024.
‘Nones’ now rival or outnumber Christians in major Northwest metros
Pew Research Center’s new 2023–24 Religious Landscape Study shows the Portland–Vancouver metro with 44% religiously unaffiliated adults, essentially tied with Seattle at 44%—the highest shares among large U.S. metro areas. Statewide, Pew’s profile puts Oregon’s unaffiliated at 43%, while Washing-
ton’s adds up to roughly 37% (9% atheist, 11% agnostic, 17% “nothing in particular. Nationally, the unaffiliated—often called the “nones”—stood at about 29% in Pew’s 2023–24 study; PRRI’s most recent Census of American Religion puts the figure at 28% for 2024. Both organizations say the multi-decade decline in Americans identifying as Christian has slowed or plateaued in the last couple of years. Attendance is down—but not everywhere and not in the same ways Gallup reports weekly or near-weekly attendance has fallen from 42% two decades ago to 30% today, with the rise of the unaffiliated driving much of the change. Younger adults remain the least likely to attend.
Yet on the ground in the Northwest, the picture is more mixed. Data compiled for the U.S. Religion Census show non-denominational churches now account for the largest single share of adherents in the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metro (about 14%), reflecting a broader shift toward independent congregations and away from older denominational brands.
Catholic leaders have also been reshaping parish footprints in response to fewer priests and lower mass counts; the Archdiocese
of Seattle began a multiyear consolidation process in 2023, citing “low church attendance” among the key pressures. Hybrid worship is now standard—and here to stay.
One lasting legacy of the pandemic in the Northwest mirrors the national trend of hybrid worship. In 2023–24, about three-quarters of congregations offered online services, up from 45% preCOVID, according to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research’s multi-year EPIC study. Congregations that embraced technology— and online giving—report stronger vitality and, in many cases, steadier finances despite lower headcounts.
New behavior: Younger people “double-dose” at multiple churches
A newer twist: many younger churchgoers are sampling more than one congregation. A national survey released this month found 63% of churchgoers ages 18–34 attend multiple churches, often mixing a local home church with a bigcity livestream. It’s another sign that loyalty is shifting from a single institution to a portfolio of communities— digital and physical.
What it means for Northwest congregations
For pastors from the Gorge
to Puget Sound, the data point to a durable reality:
• Fewer people show up weekly, and “never/seldom” attendance is normal for a majority of adults west of the Cascades.
• Affiliation continues to tilt secular in the big metros (Seattle, Portland–Vancouver), with unaffiliated residents matching or exceeding Christians.
• Congregations that adapt— via hybrid options, online giving, and clear community niches—tend to fare better than those that don’t.
Even with fewer people in pews, many churches report engaged cores and targeted growth—especially among non-denominational networks and immigrant congregations in the region’s urban corridors. The question for the coming years is less whether attendance will snap back, and more which congregations can meet people where they actually are: online most weeks, in person some weeks, and often across more than one church.
Note: This story draws on the Household Pulse Survey (Census), Pew Research Center’s 2023–24 Religious Landscape Study, PRRI’s 2024 Census of American Religion, Gallup polling, the U.S. Religion Census, Hartford Institute EPIC reports, and local reporting.
she will always be thankful to God for giving her this opportunity. She also shared her gratitude for the people who helped her family make their dreams come true. The support of what she calls an amazing community has helped keep her afloat.
Did Keren Bernal’s story inspire you to consider opening your own food truck business? If so, I’ve included some basic information below that might help you get the ball rolling.
Currently, food trucks/ trailers for sale in our area cost between $20,000 to $80,000. Keep in mind a trailer would also require a truck to pull it, especially if it needs to be moved for special events and catering. Kiosks, stands, or stall set-ups can sometimes be obtained or created for a more reasonable price.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries requires food trucks be inspected, and their site says that can take
the process, asking for penalties (sanctions) against him.
The Court rejected these arguments, clarifying that the stricter extension rules in RAP 18.8(c) do not apply to this situation and that there was no proof Snyder acted improperly or lied, as the defendants claim he did.
The Court also explained that some of the defendants’ legal arguments about sanctions were based on outdated procedures and clarified the correct rules. The Court declined to impose any financial penalties or dismiss Snyder’s case as a punishment.
several months. The Washington Food Truck Association recommends getting quotes from food truck manufacturers, commissary kitchens, and graphic wrapping companies. Permits, taxes, insurance, propane, vending, and credit card fees should all be factored into the total cost to get started. They also advise getting a truck in Washington state, as the laws in other states vary and inspections could fail with an out-of-state truck, costing a lot to get it to meet specifications here. In addition to the lot space available in Bernal’s food truck lot, there is space available at Columbus and Broadway as well. Jenny Montgomery, owner of the lot where Cowgirl Coffee sits, said that the rent is $500 per spot with water/sewer/bathroom provided. The tenant must pay for their power. Montgomery mentioned there is no public parking on site at the moment. Popup vendors will also be con-
This ruling keeps the appeal process open, giving Snyder more time due to the ongoing proceedings in the trial court. Snyder’s case claims the defendants defamed him with statements that he was a pedophile, most often aggressively through a Facebook page that targeted his business in Goldendale, Starcade Pizza. Snyder was never charged with such crimes in court. Accusations against him originated with Skillman and her mother, Snyder’s ex-wife, who later acknowledged having invented many of them.
sidered at that location.
All in all, the first year of starting a food truck business in Washington state could cost between $50,000 and $160,000 according to Foodtruckprofit.com.
For those who need financial help to get started, the USDA has grants and loans for rural small businesses that bring jobs to the area.
Additionally, the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a network of business advisors will provide free consultations. There is even information on their website about how to apply for a small business loan.
If you want to see what a thriving food truck business in Goldendale looks like, Taqueria Veracruz and The Chuckwagon are located at 213 E. Simcoe Dr. They open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, but check their Facebook page for any occasional changes to hours.
ed all five of them,” said County Engineer Seth Scarola. “One of them is Pine Creek Bridge. It has no rail; this will add a rail to it. We’ll be adding white plastic edge lines to a portion of Bickleton Highway and Centerville Highway.”
One project he said would involve Roosevelt Grade Road, where the traffic is heavy enough that the department has to repaint the lines twice a year instead of annually. Instead of paint, they will inlay plastic markings in the asphalt. The other projects include guardrail upgrades on Alderdale and Trout Lake Highway outside the fire damage and curb warning signs on Bickleton Highway in the Rock Creek Grade area.”
Those are all 100% grants with no match required. The county also got a grant for a sidewalk from the fairgrounds into Goldendale.
Outside of waiting for policies to improve our connectedness, there are things we can do in our own lives right now. Book clubs, coffee dates, walks in the park, a picnic at the river with friends, hosting a party, volunteering, or having one friend over to play a board game are a few ideas.
Additionally, modeling to new generations that connecting and having relationships is important will be valuable. The younger generation will learn that spending face-to-face time with other humans can be challenging at times, but it can also provide fun, love, comfort, support, and ultimately may help them survive.
Even casual interactions with strangers can be valuable. For example, a chat with the store cashier or the postal worker might provide a little mental boost. If someone is super busy, sometimes just doing an activity that needs to be done anyway and folding in a friend
That one came with a 30% county match, but Hunter said the department will apply for additional funding.
In the afternoon session commissioners approved the annexation into the Rural 7 Fire District. Chief Tony Browning noted that the district is one of the largest in the state.
“We’re currently at 601 square miles,” he said. “We have 11 fire stations, and we run about 100 volunteers. The timber companies have been selling the ground north of us into the Simcoe Mountains. A lot of people have been buying that up, and our boundary lines do not cover those folks. It’s fair to our taxpayers to not have to cover people that aren’t paying, so we figure it’s officially time to annex that boundary.”
Those 601 miles equal more than 384,000 acres, and the proposal would add just over 50,000 additional acres.
helps. Meeting for a quick walk after work, grocery shopping together, grabbing a quick coffee from the cart across from the school after drop off are a few ideas. Limiting screen time to certain times/days may also help. Even if a person already has an AI partner they enjoy chatting with, they could still go out and try to find a human partner too. Perhaps a person’s soul mate is playing pickleball after work, buying nails at the hardware store, or volunteering at the soup kitchen.
In her book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends , Dr. Marisa Franco said that after a difficult break-up, she gathered her friends together for weekly wellness meetups.
Sometimes they would do an activity like yoga together.
The good news is that in our county, opportunities for real-life connections are abundant. Parades, Community Days, Harvest Festival,
Nearly two-thirds of the property owners petitioned to join the district in order to lower insurance costs.
Browning added that Rural 7 has what he called “a great working relationship” with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Leah Becknell, a public health consultant working with Klickitat County Public Health Director Erinn Quinn, had praise for a successful campaign in May to raise awareness of the national suicide hotline 988. She said the free call was set up in 2022, but only about 13 calls a month were coming from Klickitat County.
The service can provide a vital resource because there are no outpatient mental health services available in the county. The campaign, which was scheduled for May to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month, involved ads and sto-
the County Fair, Demolition Derby, Library events, Ekone park, the community pool, farmer’s market, churches, and local restaurants provide third spaces where everyone can gather. And they do. Even a bronze eagle that appeared next to the post office brought people together in conversation.
How things work in our little corner of the world might even inspire people in bigger cities, where there are more people but sometimes less eye contact and acknowledgement of each other’s humanness.
If you are looking for further inspiration, Priya Parker’s book, The Art of Gathering and Why it Matters, has specific ideas for how to make getting together fun and meaningful. The Sentinel also always has an event section full of interesting things to do.
In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
ries in local media and on social media.
“I really want to emphasize the community engagement and partnerships that we had,” she said. “We had ads in the Mount Adams transport buses, and posters around Klickitat County, including a number of bulletin boards and in post offices. The mayor of White Salmon and Vision provided street space for the banners. Our two hospitals donated billboard space to us for several months that they had already procured from the supplier. We engaged with schools, libraries, the faithbased communities, and senior services to integrate 988 awareness into newsletters and other programs and flyers.
“Bingen and White Salmon Police Departments displayed 988 magnets on their vehicles and distributed cards, which they continue to do,” she continued.
E xtra
KVH Lab tests new virtual reality technology
Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) Laboratory is testing new virtual reality (VR) headset technology that could change how lab staff are trained and evaluated. The project is being done in partnership with Lab Connections LLC, based in Joplin, Missouri. The team includes CEO April German, MLS (ASCP); CIO Aaron Mayfield; and software developer Jay Ward, who visited KVH to see how the technology could work in a real lab setting.
This project follows new rules released in June 2025. The CLIA Interpretive Guidelines (QSO-2510-CLIA) now state that labs do not have to conduct training and competency observations faceto-face. Instead, video and remote tools can be used as long as all other
requirements are met.
“These changes make it easier for labs to keep up with today’s technology and workforce,” said Leitha Boutwell, KVH lab manager. “Using VR headsets gives us new ways to complete training and keep up with staff needs.”
The VR system will also help with remote work and management at a time when labs across the country are struggling to find and keep workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of laboratory jobs is expected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033, with about 24,200 openings each year, mostly due to retirements and turnover. Yet, training programs only graduate about 4,900 students per year, while there are more than 9,000 job openings
annually, leaving nearly half of those jobs unfilled, according to Biomedical Research & Therapy.
In addition, retirements are expected to take away about 12% of the workforce within five years, and current vacancy rates range from 7% to 11% nationwide, with some labs reporting as high as 25% unfilled positions, according to the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
For rural labs like KVH, the shortage is even more serious. Recruiting staff is difficult because of distance from major cities, limited housing and fewer amenities. Stricter education requirements have also made it harder for people to enter the field.
“This kind of technol -
ogy could really help small and rural labs,” Boutwell said. “We’ll be able to meet requirements and support our team, even when it’s tough to find new staff.”
School board meeting notes
Alex Gorrod attends meetings of the Goldendale School board and shares his notes. These are not official minutes of the meeting.
I was able to attend the Goldendale School District Board Meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025. Here are some of the highlights, check out the full agenda online at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/780?meeting =701995.
1. The meeting started with a presentation from Ms. Swanson (GHS Vice Principal/AD) about the Goldendale Sportsmanship Plan for 20252026. GHS had 6 ejections in the previous school year so they are implementing new standards for students, coaches, and spectators in hopes of bringing this number to zero.
2. Debra Rhoades (GHS Building Cook), Christina Torres (Bilingual Para), Jose Arguelles (Family Engagement Coordinator), Joseph Davitt (GMS Head Football Coach), Trina Visser (GMS Head Volleyball Coach), Kristin Lummio (.3 GMS AD), and Jennifer Telford (.7 GMS AD) were hired.
3. Resignations were accepted from John Rolfe (GHS C Team Boys Basketball Coach), James Barnes (GMS Head Boys Wrestling Coach), Julia Lund (GMS Head Volleyball Coach), Jessica Baze (GPS SpEd Para), and Lacey Barrett (GHS LAP Para)
4. Mr. Schlenker reported that the general fund was at $2,728,529 in July (up from $1,982,738 in June and up from July 2024, $2,233,428).
5. Mr. Schlenker also gave an update on the new stadium. The construction is currently 3 weeks ahead of schedule. The field and track should be done in November or December. The stands and bathrooms will be installed around February. They had to remove the old press box and concessions stand due to needing a retaining wall. They hired a construction company to make some structural fixes and to install some safety rails. They will utilize the area previously used as a filming area for the announcers and stations during the fall season.
6. The Board was told that the All-Staff
welcome back was to happen on Tuesday, August 26th starting at 8am. They will introduce new staff and both Ms. Richards and Dr. Perconti would be making presentations. This is scheduled as a special meeting so that board members will all be allowed to attend if they have the time to be there.
7. During the WSSDA (Washington state school directors association) Legislative Representative Report Ms. Heart shared that student discipline changes from OSPI (office of the superintendent of public instruction) that took effect in July. These policies and procedures are 3241 and 3241P.
8. Dr. Perconti gave an overview of the professional learning plan for the District. She also gave an overview and update about the new communication app being used by the school called ParentSquare which is taking the place of the Remind app.
9. The Board passed a petition to OSPI for a budget extension involving online special education and enrollment increases. The general fund for 2024-
2025 appropriation amount would go from $41,864,114 to $43,364,114 if approved by OSPI
10. The ASB asked the Board to allow them to raise the season pass prices. Family passes from $100 to $150, individual passes from $50 to $75, and Senior/GMS Student passes from $20 to $30. Ms. Heart and Ms. Richards (who both voted not to increase the prices) commented that the median income of Goldendale was a concern as it might be prohibitive to families being able to go watch their children play in sports. Mr. Siebert shared that at $7 as an entry price, that going to all 10 basketball home games as a couple would make up nearly all the money of the increased prices, thus it was still a bargain. Mr. Twohy made comment that it needed to be clarified that this was not being done because of the new track and field but instead helped purchase supplies and uniforms for teams. He stated that he would like it to be a 4 person household pass instead of an unlimited amount of people to be allowed to
KVH Laboratory will
enter on the pass. Mr. Hoctor, Mr. Siebert, and Mr. Twohy all voted to pass the increase to season passes, making it a 3-2 vote.
11. The Board passed the first reading of policy and procedures: 1111, 1310, 1815, 2020/2020P, 2161P, 2420, 3205P, 3210, 3226/3226P, 3421P, 4060P, 4260, 5010, 5011/5011P, 5012/5012P, and 5260/5260P. The proposed changes of these can be found online in the meeting notes using the link at the top of this report.
12. The Board discussed whether to allow for 8th grade girls to play on the High School soccer team this year. The GHS team currently has 12 players and 2 more possible but still needing to get all their clearances in. It was not believe that this was a safe amount of girls to field a team. Small schools are allowed to have 8th graders play up if not enough from a high school turn out. But 8th graders have to wait until school starts to start practicing, they cannot be cut, and they cannot start over high schoolers. After discussion the Board voted to allow for 8th grade girls to play on the GHS team
if there were not enough high school students that turn out. The amount of “enough” and when they can start practice was left at the discretion of the Activities Director. Check out the previous minutes for meetings on the district website. I encourage anyone interested in what is going on at the school district to make it to an upcoming meeting. The next Board work session will be on Monday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the GPS library. The next regular meeting will be Monday, September 22, at 7 p.m. in the GHS cafeteria.
continue testing the VR headsets with Lab Connections LLC through the fall of 2025.
TESTING: Richelle Mack, MLT (ASCP), full-time laboratory scientist at KVH.
Travel charts make Labor Day weekend planning easier
Labor Day weekend is a busy travel time across Washington. Expect more cars, bikes, buses, boats, and planes. What to expect Most highway construction will pause to help ease congestion, but delays are still likely – especially in popular areas or due to collisions or wildfire activity. Plan ahead, stay alert, and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.
• Get to know online tools, including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras, and email alerts.
• Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather, ferry schedules, and a realtime travel map.
• Follow on all social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X.
• Identify safety rest areas before heading out to ensure enough breaks to avoid drowsy driving.
• Have a backup outdoor destination as parks and other recreation sites tend to fill up quickly on holiday weekends. If a site’s parking lot is full, never park along road shoulders. Shoulder parking is unsafe for everyone on the roadway, including emergency response vehicles.
• Never go beyond road closure signs.
• Allow extra time for travel as many people are out and about during the weekend.
Washington State Ferries Travelers driving onto ferries should plan for long waits:
• Westbound or islandbound: Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 29–31
• Eastbound or off-island: Sunday through Monday, Sept. 1-2
• Customers can bypass vehicle lines – and usually board much faster – by traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Follow posted speed limits and work zone signs, including possible reduced speeds in work zones.
• All riders should double check the sailing schedules and sign up to receive rider alerts as lastminute delays or canceled sailings are possible based on vessel and crew availability.
• Visit the Washington State Ferries website for more details on making a vehicle reservation for some routes, track the vessels on a real-time map and terminal status. Tolling
On Monday, September 1, holiday toll rates will be in effect on:
• State Route 520 bridge
• SR 99 tunnel The SR 167 and I-405
express toll lanes will be free and open to all. Visitors and car rental users can find toll info at Good To Go! visitors page. Trains, airports, and transit Travelers making a trip by train, personal aircraft, or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:
• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and arrive at the station one hour before departure. Trains are running between Vancouver, British Columbia and Eugene, Oregon, stopping at 18 stations along the way. Buses also are available for travel
between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia and between Seattle and Bellingham. Visit www. AmtrakCascades.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for tickets and schedules.
• For information about traveling via state-sponsored airports, visit wsdot. wa.gov/travel/aviation/ airports-list or call (360) 618-2477.
• Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixedroute service that may not run on holidays.
Court overturns decision denying protections to wolves
Drew Washington state standard
A federal judge in Missoula, Montana last Tuesday vacated the federal government’s determination that gray wolves in the Western United States do not need increased federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Several coalitions of conservation groups, including several from Montana, filed lawsuits in federal district court last year against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in an attempt to force the agency to reapply ESA protections to the species.
The groups praised the decision from the federal district court in Montana as a step providing greater protection for the iconic species.
“The Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service consider the best available science, and that requirement is what won the day for wolves in this case,” Matthew Bishop, senior attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center, which represented some of the plaintiffs, said in a statement. “Wolves have yet to recover across the West, and allowing a few states to undertake aggressive wolf-killing regimes is inconsistent with the law. We hope this decision will encourage the Service to undertake a holistic approach to wolf recovery in the West.”
In 2021, more than 70 organizations, led by the Western Watersheds Project, submitted a petition asking FWS to relist gray wolves as a threatened species in the Northern Rockies where they are managed by state governments, or to create a
larger Western Distinct Population Segment for the species with added protections.
But in a February 2024 determination, the agency declined to make any changes to gray wolves’ protected status, but said it would develop a National Recovery Plan for wolves in the lower 48 states.
“We concluded that the gray wolf in the Western United States is not in danger of extinction, or likely to become in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future, throughout all of its range or in any significant portion of its range,” the federal finding stated. “Therefore, we find that listing the gray wolf in the Western United States as an endangered species or a threatened species under the Act is not warranted.”
In the subsequent lawsuits, combined into a single suit before U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy, the conservation groups argued that FWS erred in its decision by failing to consider the “best available science” on wolf populations and the impacts of hunting and trapping; the full extent of the species’ historical range; and the threat posed by inadequate state and federal regulations that often bow to political headwinds.
In his Aug. 5 ruling, Molloy wrote that “for the most part, plaintiffs are correct.”
His ruling vacated most of the FWS finding, and sent the decision back to the agency for further consideration.
The agency “made numerous unfounded assumptions regarding the future condition of the gray wolf despite recognizing either limitation on those conditions
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or bias in the population estimates utilized,” Molloy wrote. “Because these deficiencies are serious and pervasive, they weigh in favor of vacating the portion of the 2024 Finding that determined that the gray wolf in the Western United States does not meet the definition of an endangered or threatened species.”
Officials in Montana— which joined the lawsuit with the federal government—decried the ruling as yet another ruling by an “activist” judge.
“Montana has a healthy, sustainable population of wolves. While we are reviewing the decision, it will not implicate our state’s management efforts or our wolf season,” said Kaitlin Price, a spokesperson for Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office. “Unfortunately, we’re not surprised to see another activist decision in favor of environmental extremists. If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appeals the decision, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will be there to support them.”
Bad science Gray wolves were almost entirely eliminated from the lower-48 states by the 1970s, leading to their listing under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2009, the species was delisted, leading to litigation, and in 2011 congressional action officially turned management of the species over to the states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and the eastern thirds of Oregon and Washington. Currently, gray wolves are listed as a threatened species in Minnesota and endangered in the remaining 44 states. According to a 2022 report by FWS, which formed the
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basis for its later determination, there were approximately 2,797 wolves in the western U.S. — including roughly 1,000 wolves in both Montana and Idaho, fewer than 400 in Wyoming, and around 200 in Oregon and Washington. The federal agency estimated an additional 20 wolves are estimated in California and Utah and two in Colorado.
In 2023, Colorado began relocating wolves to the state, with four established packs reported as of this month.
In the lawsuit, the conservation groups claimed FWS was not using adequate scientific research in estimating population data and cast doubts on the methods utilized by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Idaho’s wildlife agency.
Montana uses an integrated patch occupancy model, or iPOM, to estimate wolf populations using hunter surveys and three different models that estimate wolf distribution, wolf pack mean territory, and average pack size.
iPOM has been criticized by researchers in the past for not using direct data or population counts, and thus, overestimating the state’s population of wolves.
Idaho Fish and Game, meanwhile, uses a model that utilizes trail cameras to estimate population density, which has also been criticized for overcounting the species.
Molloy wrote in his order that FWS is required to “meaningfully account for uncertainty and address substantive criticism,” in data used for Endangered Species assessments, and that the “failure to do so was
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arbitrary and capricious.”
“Ultimately, the Service failed to use the best available science in violation of the ESA when it relied on Montana’s and Idaho’s population estimates without addressing the criticisms,” Molloy wrote.
State mandated reduction
Montana’s Legislature has long sought to reduce the state’s wolf population closer to a “sustainable level” mentioned in the federal government’s delisting rule — roughly 450 wolves.
The state’s population of roughly 1,100 wolves has remained steady for the last several years, despite decreased limitations on hunting and trapping in Montana.
In 2025, the Legislature considered several laws to dramatically curtail the wolf population, including enacting an unlimited quota until roughly half the state’s wolves were eradicated, but only one major bill became law.
House Bill 259, brought by Montana state Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, requires the Fish and Wildlife Commission to apply different management techniques based on the population conditions in each region—with additional emphasis put on those with the highest populations. The bill also clarified that on private lands, hunters may use infrared and thermal imagery scopes outside of daylight hours.
Those changes to state law are reflected in a recently released proposal from Montana FWP outlining changes to the upcoming hunting and trapping season.
Under the proposal, FWP’s new regulations would cre -
ate a statewide hunting and trapping quota, rather than stricter regional quotas. Up to 500 wolves could be killed during the next season, up from a quota of 334 during the 2023-2024 season.
During the 2024-25 wolf season, which ended on March 15, the take totaled 297 wolves, including 178 by hunters and 119 by trappers. The number was the highest since 2020, when 326 wolves were killed.
Changes in state management were cited as another reason for FWS to reconsider putting wolves under federal protections, according to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
FWS failed to consider “politically motivated, legislative interference with agency discretion and management authority,” according to the plaintiffs, which creates a “manmade factor affecting [the gray wolf’s] continued existence.”
Molloy wrote that negative public attitudes are “undisputedly expressed in the legislative bodies governing Montana and Idaho,” and said FWS did not consider how those attitudes would impact state commitments to maintaining minimum populations of wolves needed to prevent relisting.
“Management of Canis lupus must not be by a political yo-yo process,” Molloy wrote. According to court filings by the state of Montana and FWP, the Legislature’s “liberalized methods of take with an overall intent to reduce the wolf population,” did not remove the ability of the wildlife agency to set its own rules based on scientific data.
•“SimonSortofSays”byErinBow(2023) -After a trauma Simonand hisfamily moveto a small town wherecellphones andinternetarebanned
•NatEnough series by Maria Scriven (2020- ) -This graphic novel seriesfocuseson Natasshegoesinto middleschool andlearnstofocuson whoshe is instead of whosheisnt
There are many moreIhaventlistedthatcover new friends newsituations andnew feelings Feelfreeto look foryour own atthelibrary!
BethWoodisa senior collection developmentlibrarian forFortVancouverRegionalLibraries Emailher at readingforfun@fvrlorg
NONFICTION
Personal Finance inYour
your cookout to the next level
what take delicious dishes that bring people together To complete your cookout and please potluck crowds with more deliciousrecipes,visitbushbeans com
Since no meal is complete without Bush’s Baked Beans, chef James Briscione turns to these hearty Hamburger Baked Beans which provide a twist on a cookout favorite with seasoned groundbeef combined withbaked beans Simply cook ground beef with onions then add ketchup, mustard and baked beans stirring everything together until heatedthrough
With their sweet and savory flavor, Bushs Baked Beans perfectly complement whatever is on the table whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or heading to a neighborhood potluck They make it easy to bring big flavor and a dish that everyone will enjoy - no extra prep required
Varieties like Original and Brown Sugar Hickory are musts for your next cookout and the Vegetarian Brisciones go-to Grilled Chile Rellenos a new grilling favorite
• 28 ounces Bushs Original Baked Beans In skillet over medium heat, cook groundbeef with onion Drain fat Add ketchup mustard and baked beans Stir together until heatedthrough
Grilled Chile Rellenos
Prep time:20 minutes
Cook time:40 minutes
Servings:6
• 1 can (28 ounces) Bushs Vegetarian Baked Beans, drained
• 11/2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 12 ounces pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated divided
• salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cut poblano chiles in half lengthwise to create boats for filling; scrape out seeds In nonstick skillet,heat olive oil
Add onion garlic jalapenos red bell pepper cilantro and cumin; cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 4 minutes
Remove pan from heat and stir in vegetarian baked beans hot
Memories of Horseradish
Yesterday Isaw abunch of cousins
I have a lot of cousins A few have died by now butIstartedoutwith36cousins andonly two were on my fathersside
My mother came from a large farm family and her brothers and sisters had a lot of children and so I got to have a lot of cousins whileIwasgrowingup Ithoughtitwasnormal havingthissecondlayer of siblingsthatIwould see up at the farm We ate sitting on the stairs because there were many more people than chairs We picked eggs and played in the haymowtogether
Classon *
My cousins remind me of all the things I have forgotten andtell methingsInever knew “I remember horseradish at the farm” I told my cousin,Tim “ButIdon’t remember what we ate it with “Grandma grew it” Tim confirmed ‘And Grandpaateitonhis eggs” “On his eggs!”This was news to me I love horseradish, and now I’m going to try it on my eggs
6 large poblano chiles makes oil salt andpepper totaste Spoon mixture into hollowed chiles andsprinkle with remaining version 1 medium onion, finely chopped
It’s an easy vegetarian recipe with some zing as poblano chiles are stuffed with baked beans peppers and onions then covered with cheese and grilled “Bush’s Baked Beans bring a depth of flavor and texture
1/2 red bell pepper, finely from heat Cook until chiles are tender and cheese is browned chopped 1/2 cup choppedfresh cilantro and bubbling,
Because there were so many cousins we groupedtogetherbyage,hangingoutonlywith those cousins a year older or younger Most of my cousins were older than me They were cool and listened to rock music behind closed bedroom doors and brought boyfriends to the farm and paid no attention to me whatsoever The cousins younger than me were small and annoying and not able to keep up You can afford to be selective when you have so many cousinsto choose from After I got older, I didn’t see my cousins as often Whilethey wereraisingfamiliesandbusy with their jobs and moving to different parts of thecountry Ionlykeptintouchwithoneortwo cousins, and eventually I didnt even hear from them toooften
But now everyone is getting older and, particularly since a few cousins have died and so many of our parents have passed it seems likethecousinsaremakingmoreof aneffortto stay connected Ilovethis
Becausecomingfromalargefamily,Ifeelas if Ionly holdonetinypiece of myfamilyhistory
Wedon’tspendallourtimereminiscingabout horseradish The years between the older, cool cousins and the younger annoying ones have disappeared, and we talk about leaving jobs and downsizing homes and watching the nieces and nephews do interesting things These cousins all look a lot like me Many of them havethe sameblue eyes of our Swedish grandparents,andwegrewupeatingthesame vegetables grown in an oversized garden and lots of eggs (withor without horseradish) Now I see us all growing older in the same ways and feel as if I’m part of a sample group selected at birth, chosen to go through life together Weconveneatirregularintervalsfrom birth until death to compare our experiences and our shared memories of horseradish The whole thing seems tenuous And a little magical Andevery year,more important
We said our goodbyes and promised to get together again soon Next year, we’re planning to have a cousin reunion in Colorado, and I think that will be alot of fun
Idont know how longtheties of cousins will hold Every gatheringfeels as if it might bethe last But my mother just saw her 90-year-old cousin last week, andthey had a nice visit Im surethey stillhave a lot to talk about Toseephotos,checkoutCarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson com
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Have you ever seen a rainbow after a storm and wondered if the sky was showing off its favorite outfit? Some people even joke that rainbows are the sky’s way of smiling after crying. Rainbows may look magical but they are really a mix of science and a little bit of weather fun. There was a time, not so long ago, where people didn’t understand the science behind the colorful event so they made up stories to explain rainbows. In Irish folk tales, leprechauns hid their gold at the end of the rainbow. In some Native American legends rainbows were seen as bridges between the earth and the spirit world. The real explanation behind rainbows is found in science and it may not be as fun as the ancient beliefs, but it is still rather amazing.
A rainbow forms when sunlight shines through raindrops. Each raindrop acts like a tiny prism bending or refracting the light. A prism is a clear glass or plastic shape usually with flat sides that can split white light into its many colors. You may be thinking, if light is white, how can it turn into colors? But the white light you see is not really white, but a mix of all the colors of a rainbow. A prism bends light because light slows down when it moves from air into glass or water. When sunlight enters a raindrop, the part of the light that hits first slows down while the rest keeps moving, so the whole beam bends. Because each color of light slows down a different amount, the prism spreads the colors apart, showing the rainbow hidden inside the sunlight.
and
helper. The name Roy G. Biv works like a rainbow superhero who carries all the colors in his cape. If you can remember his name you will always know the rainbow’s secret order.
So, the next time you see a rainbow you will know the science behind it but you can also smile at the magical stories people once believed. Rainbows are proof that nature can be both beautiful and scientific at the same time.
Every rainbow always shows the same seven colors in the same order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo
violet. That can be a lot to remember so scientists came up with a fun
Peter “the traveler” For The SenTinel
Hot Wok Road House, Restaurant & Lounge
600 State Street, Lyle, WA 98635 (509) 365-2489
Days: Open Tuesday - Sunday, closed Monday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Website: hotwoktx.com
I’ve been hearing about Hot Wok in Lyle for some time and have wanted to go, but it’s an out-of-the-way trip I hadn’t gotten around to until just recently. Being nearly a 40-minute drive from Goldendale and about 20 minutes from The Dalles in a direction I don’t generally go means it wasn’t easily accessible. Curiosity finally got the best of me, and I made a special trip to find out if the hype I had been hearing is true. I’m sure glad I did!
The first thing I have to say about Hot Wok is also the first thing you are likely to read as you approach the building. “Watch your step!” They aren’t joking. The floor slants sharply down as you enter, so watch your step! Once I recovered from almost making a dramatic entrance, I was struck by the atmosphere. I felt like I was just
Commerce Corner – Fostering growth, building pride Restaurant Review: Hot Wok Road House
When people hear “economic development,” they often think of large-scale projects, new industries, or government investments. While those are deeply important, the truth is that economic development in communities like the Greater Goldendale Area is built step by step — through local business support, tourism promotion, revitalization initiatives, and events that serve as catalysts for both economic activity and community pride. At the Chamber we see economic development as the thread that ties together everything we do, from helping businesses grow to making Goldendale and Klickitat County a more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Growth you can see
One way we put economic development into action is by investing in and pioneering projects that build community pride, create new opportunities, and revitalize the spaces we all share. Our Broadway Welcome Sign revitalization, in partnership with ABATE of Washington’s Columbia Gorge Chapter, is one example. Another is the upcoming Main Street cleanup and planter replacement project happening this fall. And just a few months ago, we celebrated the completion of the Welcome to Goldendale Main Street Archway—a project made possible by the generosity of a local citizen who has been an incredible asset to our community.
But it’s not just large-scale projects that make a difference. Every day, businesses and property owners are investing in their buildings and giving our community a much-needed facelift. Take Crossroads Coffee, for example—their recent improvements have made a noticeable impact on Broadway St. These updates, big and small, all add up to a stronger, more welcoming Goldendale and Klickitat County.
As you notice businesses making these investments, take a moment to acknowledge them. A simple “thank you” or word of encouragement goes a long way. In today’s world it’s not always easy to find the motivation (or funds) to take on improvement projects — but community support makes it easier. Sometimes just letting someone know you appreciate their efforts is enough to make the world a little brighter.
Celebrating local pride Economic development also happens when we find creative ways to share and celebrate our local identity. Just this week the Chamber
transported back in time to a lunch counter somewhere between the 1930s and 1950s. I was sure some of the decor and equipment had been there long before most of us were born. The entire place is a hodge-podge of bar, lunch counter, Chinese restaurant, and whatever decor was chosen over the years by a series of previous owners. This is not a bad thing in my opinion. It also features a couple pool tables. Hot Wok has a smalltown, old-time charm; and places like this are among my favorite to visit. For that reason alone, I want to go back. Lunch specials start at $10.99, and you get one entree, pork fried rice, a spring roll, a crab puff, and a small bowl of their daily soup. That’s a pretty good deal! Other items generally range from $12 to $17, with some well below that and only a few slightly higher if they have special items. All in all, the prices are competitive with other similar establishments or on the slightly cheaper side. Chinese food is among my favorite dishes, and I love trying new places to see what they do well, always looking for something special. Hot Wok features a wide range of soups, but the two main soups they offer for combos are hot and sour and egg flower. Neither of these soups were particularly good. The
launched new souvenir shirts and stickers featuring Goldendale and Klickitat County landmarks — from Mount Adams and the Observatory to Stonehenge and our agricultural heritage. These items give visitors a way to carry a piece of Goldendale and Klickitat County home while generating revenue that supports Chamber programming.
Something as simple as a sticker or t-shirt creates a ripple effect: it spreads our story, strengthens community pride, and brings resources back into programs that support local businesses.
Events that drive dollars
Another powerful driver of growth is tourism, and summer and fall are packed with opportunities. While it’s important to note that you cannot—or at best it’s extremely unreliable to— build an economy solely on events, they remain a powerful tool for sparking economic activity, showcasing our community, and opening the door for repeat visits and future growth.
Some of these upcoming events include Goldendale TreadFest this Saturday, which highlights our community’s love of classic cars and motorsports while encouraging residents and visitors alike to get out and enjoy downtown. Then comes Kongregation in September, filling our skies with hot air balloons—the kind of unforgettable experience that brings visitors from across the region.
Events like these don’t just provide entertainment; they generate overnight stays,
hot and sour was light on the toppings and had an overly strong vinegar flavor, which I normally would like, but I didn’t care for this one much. The egg flower was surprisingly weak on flavor. Neither of these particularly impressed me, and I would not order them again. Next, was an appetizer combo, which gave me a chance to try their crab puffs, egg roll (chicken and pork), BBQ pork, and fried shrimp. I’m glad to say the previously mentioned soups were the least enjoyable part of the meal, and it was all an improvement going forward. The fried shrimp were sublime. It may be that this was the best version of this shrimp I’ve had anywhere in my life. The crust was perfect—it was not too oily and not dry, and the shrimp meat was somehow super tender and moist. Put all that together, and you get a fantastic appetizer you really
meals at local restaurants, and sales for local businesses. Every ticket or vendor product sold means more dollars flowing into our community. And as fall approaches, we’re also helping support the Klickitat County Harvest Festival and the wonderful community members that make it happen. With its carnival, trunk-or-treat, vendor market, and parade, the festival will be a highlight of the season and another reminder of how cultural events strengthen both our economy and our sense of place.
Recognizing excellence:
The Goldys
Of course, growth also comes from celebrating the businesses and individuals already leading the way. That’s why we launched the Goldys Awards, our first annual membership gala that will recognize excellence, innovation, and community impact.
Now that nominations have closed, we’re preparing to open community voting. Voting will be open to the general public, and everyone will have a chance to help decide this year’s winners. The awards will be announced at our first annual Goldys Gala, where tickets are just $25 and available now on our website. Guests will enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared by D’Avanzo’s Italian Deli, take part in a silent auction, and even have the chance to win a grand prize by solving the evening’s interactive murder mystery game.
Recognition isn’t just about handing out trophies. It’s about building pride, encouraging excellence, and setting
have to try for yourself to understand. This blew me away! Next, were the crab puffs. OMG, they knocked this one out of the park, too! Ten out of 10 for the crab puffs! I may have had a better version once or twice in my life, but it’s really close. The taste was spectacular, and the crispiness was expert-level. They are slightly on the welldone side, and that is not a bad thing. The crunch was absolutely perfect! I highly recommend including some of these in your order if you visit.
The BBQ pork came sliced, and while only slightly on the dry side, it had a flavor I recognize very well from more authentic Chinese restaurants in some of the various Chinatowns across the country. I’m not sure if they make this in-house or get it shipped in, but the flavor is excellent, and I enjoyed it very much. The final item in my appetizer was the egg roll. This is a type of egg roll that
the tone for what growth looks like in Goldendale.
Why it matters
Whether we’re planting flowers, selling t-shirts, hosting festivals, or recognizing outstanding businesses, it all comes back to economic development. Every project, program, and event is part of a bigger picture: keeping Goldendale and Klickitat County vibrant, competitive, and welcoming.
Looking forward
The Chamber will con -
tinue to push forward with projects that grow opportunities for local businesses while strengthening the foundation of our community. Economic development isn’t something that happens overnight, and it isn’t something the Chamber can do alone. It’s the result of partnerships, collaboration, and people choosing to invest their time, talent, and dollars right here at home.
So whether you’re nominating someone for a Goldys
The final item I ordered to get a sense of their style was the beef & broccoli entree (they did not offer it in a lunch combo) with a small side of pork fried rice. At $16.95, you get quite a large plate that can easily feed four people and maybe more. They give you a significant amount of broccoli, and the beef was very tender. They went heavy on the garlic, but the flavor was solid. I also enjoyed the fried rice. It was a very good value for the price, and I ended up taking quite a lot home.
The atmosphere was pleasant, with nice, calming music playing, and I enjoyed my experience very much. I am excited to return and sample other items on their large menu. Overall, the food was excellent and a good value. I would strongly encourage everyone to give it a try when you have the opportunity to make the drive out there. Their claims of having really good food are legit!
seems to be somewhat exclusive to the Pacific Northwest, which I am generally not fond of. It’s very large and often filled with chicken rather than BBQ pork. This one had both. After one bite just to be sure, I figured I was done. But the flavor was quite unique. While I waited for additional food to arrive, I picked at it little by little and realized it had a fairly unique, though strong, flavor—not one I have ever had with an egg roll but tastes far more like the filling of a samosa (Indian dish), which I like very much. By the time the meal ended, I had eaten all of the filling out of the crust and wished I had more. I can’t say this is an authentic Chinese egg roll in any way, perhaps the farthest thing from it. But it was enjoyable and grew on me. So if you like Indian samosas, you should definitely give their egg roll a try. To my surprise, they had a wide variety of items on the menu that were not traditionally Chinese, like Chicken katsu (Japanese) and pho (Vietnamese Soup). I love a really good pho, and I couldn’t resist trying this one that seemed out of place in Lyle, Washington. My expectation was low, since good pho is not a given, even in much bigger cities. I was pleasantly surprised to find this pho to be above average and very well done. Their meatballs and brisket were as good as what I’d find in a larger city, and their beef bone broth was on par with my expectations for a good pho. It also came with all the traditional pho fixin’s. I would definitely order this again and was thrilled to find an option for good pho closer than Portland.
Award, refreshing your storefront with new paint or flowers, buying crystals or oils from Field of Stars Boutique, or bringing your family downtown for an event or even lunch at D’avanzo’s or Dad’s Sourdough Bakery, you’re part of the story of growth in Klickitat County. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Teja Hanna is executive director of the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce.
