Bridge to be closed

There’s an exciting opportunity available for Lyle Community Schools students interested in exploring a career in emergency medical services or firefighting. The Lyle Fire & Rescue District No. 4 has created a cadet program that will allow students who participate to earn Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits while gaining in-demand, real-world skills. The program provides a realistic introduction to fire and medical services careers, including wildland firefighting and rescue training. After turning 18, cadets will be invited to apply to Lyle Fire & Rescue District No. 4 as regular volunteer firefighters and finish their training to become state-certified as a NFPA Firefighter I. They can also enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. These skills can translate to part-time or full-time jobs in fire and emergency services.

Anyone interested in learning about the Cadet Program, email liaison@lylefire.com or contact any member of the department or call the Lyle Fire nonemergency line at (541) 365-2500.

This is pretty bad news for many of our residents who have had to rely on this medical center in their hours of need, but CCC NEWS just announced, “Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy at MidColumbia Medical Center will soon be facing an arduous drive to continue their care as The Celilo Center in The Dalles will cease Oncology after February 28, 2023.” It is a sad situation to those who hate traveling the Gorge, especially during winter months.

It’s a little early warning, but it’s better than not getting one at all, right? The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge will be closed to all traffic for four consecutive days, beginning at 12:01 a.m. the morning of Friday, May 19, through 11:59 p.m. the night of

May 22. During this 96-hour period, crews from Hamilton Construction will remove and replace and adjust the tension in the wire ropes that support the counterweights. The work will include adjustment of the counterweight ropes. The work is not weather dependent and will be underway continuously round the clock during the entire closure.

And now the other bridge: a message from Liz Clark, one of our Dallesport neighbors, says, “With the recent questions I have seen regarding [The Dalles] bridge closure, I reached out again to Kacey Davy, Public Spokesperson for ODOT. Here is what she confirmed for me: “We plan to be finished with weekend closures by the end of the month (February). I updated the website as well. We will need two weekends in April with nighttime-only closures. I will put those dates on the web as soon as I know when they are.” Just to reassure everyone, an end is near!

Jennifer Wykstra is a local yoga teacher and has held classes in High Prairie for several years before forced to quit when Covid hit. She would like input about starting a yoga class in Lyle. Her questions are simple: would you be interested in attending a yoga class in Lyle? What day of the week would be best? What time of day would be best for your schedule? Email her at jwykstra@gmail.co or call at (509) 310-3019 with any questions.

I heard that the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow on February 2 and claims there will be six more weeks of winter, but scuttlebutt has it that his ex-wife claims he is a habitual liar. Let’s hope she’s right.

OK, folks, I’m heated up for a rant. Now, I don’t know if I gave one this time last year or if I just used Facebook, but I’m hot under the collar—again. I got my bill for my Post Office box fee—mind you, just a medium sized one—and for the year it is $208.00! I would be ranting about the cost anyway, but when I know that Dallesport and Wishram do not have to pay for theirs, it really ticks me off. as a fundraiser. However, instead of disposing of them at that time, they were piled in anticipation of this fun homecoming bonfire. What a great way to use those old trees.

Oh, I’ve had it out with the postmaster here and heard all the so-called reasons, but it doesn’t make it right. Because most of the intown residents of Lyle are not on a route, we have to come to the post office to pick up our mail and pay the exorbitant prices. I know that as the boxes get larger, the price goes up, and I’m not paying as much as some—blah blah blah—but that still does not justify the reasoning. The Dallesport and Wishram post offices still have to maintain their buildings and pay for postmasters and all the other expenses that I’m hearing about, so is this right? Or just? And the price?

Totally unreasonable on all counts! Now, I’ve been told if I want free delivery that I must purchase a mailbox, and all the lumber and miscellany that goes with it (understandable), and I’ve been given the exact measurements and precise instructions that have to be followed, as well as dig the hole at the location where I’m told it would have to be. Heaven help me if it is an inch too short or too tall, too far back or too far forward. Plus they will not hold packages at the post office. If it is too large for the mailbox, the delivery driver will leave it propped against the mailbox post, out in the open—no matter the weather—for anyone to grab as they drive by. I have no answers for this dilemma unless Lyle residents unite, like Dallesport residents did, to get their fees waived. Submit your news to Mildred E. Lykens, (509) 365-2273 or lykensme41@gmail.com.

I’m sorry to report that Glenwood has lost a beloved friend. We are all saddened to hear of the recent passing of Charlene Gimlin Cortez, who served as Glenwood school cook for many years before her retirement. Charlene raised her family here in Glenwood with her late husband Bob Gimlin. She was known for her kind, gentle nature. Some remember that, as students whose families were struggling, Charlene made sure they had extra food because there might not be any at home. She always had a smile on her face, and just to know her was to love her. After retirement, Charlene married Rudy Cortez, and they created many good memories together in their golden years. A memorial service for Charlene will take place on Saturday, February 11, at 1 p.m. in the Glenwood school gym. Our deepest condolences go out to Rudy and all the Gimlin and Cortez families.

Karen Gravelle Saunders also notified us of the passing of another former Glenwood resident. Jerry King passed away in Grants Pass, Oregon, on December 10. Jerry and his family were a vital part of our community for many years and lived and farmed on the old King Ranch, which is now part of the Wildlife Refuge. All of Jerry’s siblings—Dennis, Jaylin, and Barbara—are still living and will miss him. Jerry was a talented team member of the awardwinning Glenwood Eagles basketball team during all his years in high school. Some might remember that, living so far out of town, Jerry and Dennis would ride their horses to Glenwood during basketball season and keep them in a little barn near the school owned by Antonie Kuhnhausen during the day. After basketball practice each evening, the boys would ride all the way back out to the King Ranch. That was something pretty unique to our little community. Jerry enjoyed spending time at the beach with his large family of four daughters and one son. The Glenwood High School class of 1964 has lost a good friend and will treasure memories of his smile, caring ways, and readiness to help others.

Two local people honored for ag education

On February 1, John Westerman, principal of Goldendale High School, was awarded the District 4 Washington Association of Agricultural Educators Administrator of the Year. District 4 contains 28 school districts from the Tri-Cities to Cle Elum. John was recognized for his support and willingness to grow Goldendale Agriculture Education as well as Career and Technical Education as a whole. John will later be recognized at the state level in June.

Additionally, Jennette Burkhardt and her Yakama Nation Fisheries Program colleagues were nominated for and awarded the District 4 Washington Association of Agricultural Educators Cooperation of the Year. Jeanette has been in partnership with the Goldendale Agricultural Department for over

Contributed

HONORING AG EDUCATORS: eight years. She continues to provide students with opportunities for salmon rearing and releasing, cultural lessons, water quality testing support, and much more. Jeanette will later be recognized at the state level in June.

Last Wednesday John Westerman (not pictured) and Jennette Burkhardt were recognized for their contributions to agricultural education.