Goldendale Sentinel January 22, 2025 by Goldendale Sentinel

HEADLINES & HISTORY SINCE

Goldendale, Washington

Motion ﬁled to dismiss Snyder case

LOU MARZELES EDITOR

Goldendale attorney Justin Leigh has filed a motion to dismiss a complaint against his clients by Michael Snyder, owner of Starcade Pizza.

Leigh is representing Julia Solvej Skillman, Darlene Williamson, Leandra Kessinger, and Amanda Dershon. Leigh’s motion asks the court to dismiss Snyder’s complaint, which seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief.

The key points from the motion include:

1. Grounds for dismissal:

• The defendants argue the plaintiffs’ complaint fails to state a valid legal claim under Washington State Superior Court rules.

• Starcade Pizza, a business entity, cannot appear in court or file lawsuits without a licensed attorney, but it was represented by its owner, Michael Snyder, who is not an attorney.

• The claims in the lawsuit are vague and do not clearly explain the alleged harms or identify who (Snyder or Starcade Pizza) suffered them.

2. History of litigation:

• The motion highlights a pattern of what the defendants describe as frivolous and abusive lawsuits filed by Michael Snyder, including prior sanctions against him for similar behavior.

• Specific past legal actions involving Snyder are mentioned, including a restraining order against his daughter (one of the defendants) and other failed lawsuits.

3. Requests for relief:

• The defendants ask the court to:

• Dismiss the entire case with prejudice (meaning the plaintiffs cannot refile it).

• Impose sanctions on the plaintiffs for filing a baseless lawsuit.

• Award the defendants compensation for their legal costs and attorney fees.

4. Procedural deficiencies:

• The plaintiffs’ request for an injunction is criticized as procedurally improper and lacking supporting evidence.

• The motion emphasizes that

See Suit page A8

Mishandled inmate mail sends case to Skamania County

LOU MARZELES

EDITOR

A matter of mishandled mail to an inmate has led to disqualification of the Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney’s office to prosecute the case. The disqualification is procedural and does not reflect misdoings by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

This case primarily revolves around the improper handling of “legal mail” addressed to Larry Kleven, who is a defendant in a criminal trial. Legal mail refers to confidential correspondence between a lawyer and their client, which is protected under law to ensure the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to legal counsel.

Songer says he’ll help immigration authorities

DOC mail incidents

A letter from Kleven’s attorney, Katie Kauffman, was opened at the Department of Corrections. This letter was marked as “legal mail” and was handled improperly. The court determined this was a violation of Kleven’s rights.

Klickitat County Treasurer incident

A separate piece of legal mail was mistakenly opened by an employee at the Klickitat County

Kleven argued that his rights were violated multiple times when the Department of Corrections (DOC) opened his legal mail without him being present and subsequently when the Klickitat County Treasurer’s Office mistakenly opened another piece of legal mail.

See Mail page A8

BOCC settles in to new schedule

RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL

Klickitat County Commissioners inaugurated their new Tuesday meeting schedule at their January 14 meeting. Under the new format, their workday starts at 9:30 a.m., rather than 9 a.m., and the morning session is a workshop that is available by Zoom to the public. During a workshop, commissioners can receive staff reports, ask questions and discuss issues freely, but there is no public comment, and no votes can be taken. The regular meeting then begins in the afternoon, starting with public comment. The other part of their new schedule began Thursday, January 9, with a workshop meeting that was open to the public but not Zoomed to

the wider audience. The Commission intends to do so every Thursday. When some people in the public comment period said they were concerned that not providing Zoom coverage of the Thursday workshop was restricting public access, commissioners emphasized that the Thursday workshops are open to the public. Commissioner Todd Andrews explained the commissioner’s reasoning: “This is so department heads and employees could come and not be nervous as we’re brainstorming and talking some of those ideas,” he said. “Then Tuesday mornings, you can sit there and listen to us hash out these ideas that we gathered on Thursdays, and then have public

A Washington state law aimed at protecting immigrant rights faces potential challenges with the new presidential administration, according to a story reported on KUOW by Gustavo Sagrero Alvarez.

The state’s sanctuary law, the Keep Washington Working Act, limits the ways local law enforcement can collaborate with federal immigration authorities. However, some counties in the state appear inclined to support federal deportation efforts.

Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer voiced his willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in a video posted to his department’s social media page on Dec. 11. “I don’t care if this is a blue state, a sanctuary state… they have an obligation,”

Songer said, referring to government agencies he believes should align with federal deportation plans under President Donald Trump.

The Keep Washington Working Act, enacted in 2019, prohibits local law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status or detaining individuals for federal immigration agents. Nonetheless, it allows for cooperation in specific cases, such as dismantling human trafficking or drug rings, or addressing individuals in state prisons.

Trump’s administration has signaled plans for mass deportations, prioritizing individuals who have committed crimes. Sheriff Songer, however, expressed openness to targeting people who entered the country

illegally or overstayed their visas—offenses that can escalate to federal crimes if repeated. A Department of Homeland Security report estimates approximately 340,000 Washington residents lack legal immigration status.

“This sheriff is not going to refuse to help ICE—we will be there with ICE to do the job,” Songer declared in his video.

Following Songer’s remarks, Steve Strachan, head of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, pushed back, emphasizing that deportations fall under federal, not local, jurisdiction. “There is no direct federal authority… over local law enforcement. That is the unique and special nature of our system in America,” Strachan told KUOW’s

Solar prompts assessment issues

The subject of solar energy is so intricate that it’s easy to get bogged down in the sheer complexity or be diverted down rabbit trails, especially with the range of controversy over a proposed new solar farm in Klickitat County. So it would be helpful to look at two of the key elements of the project. The first is the method used for initial valuation of the completed wind or solar project. It appears that the possible methods are market (or sales approach), cost and income, or a combination of the three. In the case of wind or solar arrays that cross a state line, assessment is directly by the state.

RCW 84.12.300 allows the state to consider a whole host of factors while making their determination: “In determining the value of the operating property within this state of any company,

the properties of which lie partly within and partly without this state, the department of revenue may, among other things, take into consideration the value of the whole system as a unit, and for such purpose may determine, insofar as the same is reasonably ascertainable, the salvage value, the actual cost new, the cost of reproduction new less depreciation and plus appreciation, the par value, actual value and market value of the company’s outstanding stocks and bonds during one or more preceding years, the past, present and prospective gross and net earnings of the whole system as a unit.”

It appears that when it comes to projects within a county, the state has a suggested method, but the assessor does have the freedom to choose and can change the method as long as it’s uniformly

applied and equitable across the same type of property.

According to an email from Greg Wagner of CEASE (Citizens Educated About Solar Energy), “When the wind turbines arrived 2004 the assessor used the income-base method of appraisal which provided a constant tax revenue. Then in 2011 the assessor changed to the cost-based method appraisal which allows an 8.5% annual depreciation for each wind turbine. As the assessed value decreases the tax revenue collected decreases and that tax burden is also shifted to the citizens, and this will continue in the upcoming years.”

In a phone conversation with Klickitat County Assessor Billi Bare, she said she would not need permission from state or federal authorities to change her method and that she would be willing to work toward a change. That change would have to be uniform and equitable across the same

Ihrig visits Wishram Community Council, holds Q&A session

Zachary Villar For The Sentinel Wishram has started their first community council in five years. The Wishram Community Council (WCC) is open to the public and will meet every second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Wishram School to discuss local issues. They held their first meeting on January 13.

Wishram’s previous community council disbanded in 2019 due to low attendance, but the new council is starting with a packed roster. Rob Johnson is the president of the council, Leonard Sam is Vice-President, Sharon Dillard is Treasurer. Kathy Elliot, Jacob Bamford, and Steve Michaels are all Counsel Persons. County Commissioner Ron Ihrig was in attendance at the meeting on January 13.

The first topic of discussion for the inaugural meeting was new street lights in Wishram. The WCC and the Wishram School is working in conjunction with the KPUD to update street lights in town. The KPUD has created a smartphone app that students from the Wishram School will use to do a survey of street lights in the community showing what kind of lights they currently have (incandescent,

LED, etc) and which ones are not working properly.

“I think that it’s a great opportunity for the community and the school to work together because the High School students need 24 hours of community service,” said Yvonne Johnson who was in attendance at the meeting. She said she was looking forward to Jared Mooney from the KPUD coming to Wishram to show them how to survey their street lights so the town can have them upgraded within the next three years. “We have outdated lights that cost a lot more than an LED light, so how do we do this to make it so that it’s a win-win situation for everybody?”

WCC president Johnson then invited Ihrig to discuss his vision for the county. Ihrig said that he’d only been in office for about a week, and he and the other commissioners have been able to have one meeting so far, but this was followed by a workshop where they laid out their goals for 2025.

“One of the top priorities that we need to work on is budget,” explained Ihrig. “Understanding it, understanding where the money comes from and where it goes. There’s always a lot of needs and you’re limited on resources.”

Other issues Ihrig said they’re focusing on is the taxation of short-term rentals like AirBnB within the county, code compliance, inventory of natural resources, large scale solar projects, and fire awareness. The floor was opened for questions for the commissioner, and a man asked if there was anything the county could do to help lower the speed limit in Wishram Heights. Highway 14 passes through Wishram Heights, and the speed limit does not change from its standard 65 mph there.

“I believe we can help in discussion with the Department of Transportation [DOT],” said Ihrig who deferred to county Public Works Director Jeff Hunter, who was present at the meeting, to discuss the topic further. Hunter said that he would speak to the DOT again, but someone from the audience mentioned that the DOT had already done a study last year and had made some changes but were not able to lower the speed limit.

“We went from maybe 12 kids living up on Wishram Heights to 40-some kids,” said a man at the meeting.

“To me that’s a huge difference, and from what I can tell we’re the only commu-

nity up and down Highway 14 where the speed limits not necessarily lowered in what to me would be considered a busy area through their town.” Hunter said he would provide this additional population information to the DOT.

The topic of public parks improvement within Wishram was raised, and council Treasurer Dillard mentioned applying for a Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant. Grants such as this could be used to build a public restroom in the park in Wishram where they currently have only a portable toilet. Hunter said that the RCO needs a comprehensive park plan before they would consider giving a grant, but having a comprehensive park plan created costs money too.

“There’s only so much money, and I try to spread it around,” said Hunter. “I call it spreading the peanut butter. We spread it to all the different communities. Each community has a community council, that’s why I’m glad to see that Wishram has one because you’re kind of lagging behind by not having one.”

County Human Resource Director Robb Van Cleave addressed the room next. He applauded the community for their efforts.

“I was part of a city council for 15 years, and this is really where change happens,” said Van Cleave. “They’re not easy discussions, sometimes they’re emotional discussion, but this is where change starts, right here.”

Van Cleave addressed the issue of code compliance. A woman at the meeting asked about the process for making complaints regarding code non-compliance and used the example of someone having large amounts of trash on their property. She said that after making many complaints she sometimes never heard back from the county. Van Cleave has been assisting Code Compliance Officer Jorge Sendejas, who man-

ages all code compliance issues except for Title 12, which deals with roads. Van Cleave encouraged people to visit the County’s code compliance web page where you can find Sendejas’ contact information.

“On any given code, he has to look into it and see if there is a violation,” said Van Cleave regarding Sendejas. “Then he attempts to communicate not only with the people who have filed the complaint but with the people whom the complaint is made about and work through a process. The Commissioners have directed Jorge over the years to focus on voluntary compliance, not just writing tickets. A lot of times we find... folks just don’t have the money to go in there and fix something right away. He works very hard to get voluntary compliance, and I think he’s got a pretty good track record, but it can take a while.”

“I just appreciate you having a community council to say, ‘We have issues here, help us out,’” said Ihrig.

The next Wishram Community Council meeting will be held February 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Wishram School. The Wishram wheel is squeaking, and we’ll see if it’s able to get some grease.

Senate bill targets homelessness in extended foster care program

More than 100 young

in Washington became homeless last year as they transitioned out of the state’s foster care program. Some legislators say state and federal restrictions are standing in the way of the resources they need to keep their housing.

“Stable housing is critical,” said State Sen. Wilson, D-Auburn. “These are our children. These are state-raised children. We would not put our own children into a space where they don’t have a place to live.”

Senate Bill 5082 creates a new housing assistance program for youth enrolled in Extended Fos-

ter Care. “It is a bill that should have been introduced back when the EFC program started in 2007,” said Ésminà James-Secret, an intern at Families of Color Seattle.

Extended Foster Care is for young adults who were dependents of Washington State until their 18th birthday. The voluntary

program assists them for up to three years as they transition out of foster care and into adulthood.

To help in that transition, SB5082 allows youths participating in EFC to receive housing vouchers to cover living expenses. They become eligible if they are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. The housing voucher

would be available for up to 36 months but not beyond their 21st birthday. Wilson said housing vouchers can currently be applied for through the Foster Youth to Independence program. However, youth are forced to exit foster care to be eligible for the housing voucher, leaving behind EFC programs and support systems.

“It is things like this that can give hope to people who feel like they have nothing to live for,” said Lexx Senner, advocate with the Mockingbird Society.

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website operated by the WNPA Foundation. To learn more, go to wastatejournal.com.

Zachary Villar IHRIG VISITS: County Commissioner Ron Ihrig speaks at the Wishram Community Council meeting.

G OLDENDALE ’ S A

This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture

Swim team? Probably not. These are hoopsters if we even saw them. But why did they have this picture taken? When was this? How come the numbers on their jerseys go no lower than 24 or higher than 54? Could you win the lottery playing the six numbers on that back row? Beats us. 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 (509773-3777), 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

January 17, 1905 – 120 Years Ago

Timber Valley and Liberty Bond post offices were both established on this date. It was soon found the two offices were too close together for the small volume of mail in the area. The two offices were combined under the name Liberty Bond. Liberty Bond once had a school, mercantile, livery, post office and various other buildings. The Liberty Bond name was selected as a patriotic gesture during war time when citizens were urged to buy government bonds, called Liberty Bonds. Postmasters oversaw the sale of the bonds in their area.

February 4, 1905 – 120 Years Ago

One of the most attractive stores of its class in this city is Pike’s Pharmacy, Managed by Mr. C. A. Pike. The store is well ﬁtted up and stocked with a varied assortment of pure drugs and chemicals. The most reliable patent medicines, druggist sundries, toilet articles and everything usually found in a ﬁ rst-class apothecary store. The prescription department is the pride of the business, and accuracy of compounding medicines has long been a subject of comment by patrons of the store.

January 21, 1965 – 60 Years Ago

A course in modern mathematics will be offered to teachers and interested adults beginning Friday evening. The purpose of the course is to examine the extensive changes in the methods of teaching mathematics which have developed during the last few years.

January 16, 1975 – 50 Years Ago

Charles (Chuck) Rice of Goldendale announced this week the opening of Klickitat Valley Realty, a complete service real estate ﬁ rm located at 117 E. Main St. The ﬁ rm will offer sales, appraisals, and a rental service for tenants and landlords. Rice has been most recently associated with the Sears Roebuck store in Goldendale. He served as advertising manager for The Sentinel prior to that.

January 19, 1995 – 30 Years Ago

If the state Legislature approves the governor’s budget, the Goldendale Department of Licensing will close. Gov. Mike Lowry’s proposed 1995-97 state budget requires budget cuts of $7,366 million and 58.4% staff reduction from the DOL. The eight ofﬁces slated for closure in the governor’s budget are Goldendale, Ritzville, Othello, Anacortes, Chelan, Coulee Dam, Forks, and Raymond. The Goldendale ofﬁce services an estimated 25 out-of-state license applications and an estimated 300 license renewals per month.

—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society

Points to ponder:

Answer to last week´s Mystery Picture

This picture has been colorized. Mark Doubravsky was the ﬁ rst to ID the gentlemen in last week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture as Neil Van Ault on the left and Jerry Bean on the right. Rex Maurer visited us later last week and thought Neil looked more like Harold Brack but agreed that Jerry Bean looked like Jerry. Rex came back later

and thought perhaps he was wrong about Harold because Harold was related to Mark, and surely Mark would recognize Harold if it was indeed him. After that, Betty Zesiger came in and thought Jerry looked more like Eddy Bean than Jerry Bean. So perhaps knowing these names will spark a memory, and someone will come to set us straight.

A chicken walks up to a duck at the side of a road and says, “Don’t do it. You’ll never hear the end of it.”

How many punk rockers does it take to change a light bulb? Two, one to change it and the other to eat the old one.

How many folk singers does it take to change a light bulb? Two, one to change it and one to write a song about how great the old one was.

Do you know why one side of the V formation of migrating geese is longer than the other? Because there are more geese on that side.

Golfer: “You’ve got to be the worst caddy in the world.” Caddy: “I don’t think so. That would be too much of a coincidence.”

Did you hear about the bailiff who moonlighted as a bartender? He served subpoena coladas.

She’s so old, she has hieroglyphics on her driver’s license.

OpiniOn

January always brings snow and ice unless you live in the most southern part of the United States. Even then, you aren’t guaranteed to escape January without some harsh weather.

This current mess that came from the west has piled about eight inches of snow and ice on us. Keeping us inside for a couple of days. So far, we’ve only been without power for one hour, but many others have not been as fortunate.

The best we can do is prepare and hunker down. We need alternative lighting and heat sources. You can almost count on the power to go out sometime in January. Especially if you aren’t prepared. It’s better to be over prepared and not need it than to be underprepared and in danger of freezing to death.

This seems to be one of the golden rules of life. Be prepared. We spend our lives studying and thinking about being prepared. School and education are about learning, developing and training. We study for knowledge but also to be prepared. We try to save money so that we might be prepared for the time when we aren’t able to make any more. The team that wins the game is the team who works hard to prepare mentally and physically.

Every aspect of life is about preparing. The musician, athlete, actor, politician, butcher, baker, candlestick maker, homemaker, and so forth must have a rigid daily routine to experience success.

One reality of life is that there is much for which we can’t prepare.

We hear about cancer, but we are never prepared for such a diagnosis. We aren’t prepared for breaking a bone, but then we are suddenly faced with months of recuperation. Accidents and hard times can come suddenly and painfully. These are the things in life that come at us suddenly and out of nowhere. Although they are painful, we have no choice but to face the agony of whatever it is and try to work through it one day at a time.

We prepare for life, and we should prepare for death. As long as we live, we have all that comes with life. What about death? We must be prepared for that as well. There are funeral plans we need to make, but most importantly, our eternal plans must be made. Where do you want to spend eternity? Consider, when it comes to the end of our lives and meeting God face to face. Look to him today and prepare your heart and mind. Embrace His gift to us in His son Jesus. January won’t last forever and there is much excitement in January such as college basketball, NFL playoffs, my birthday if I live, the swearing in of our new President, a raise in Social Security, and many occasions to drink hot chocolate. Don’t miss the hot chocolate and don’t miss the opportunity to take some time for a few naps on these snowy days. God surely gave us January to hibernate a little and rest after the hectic holidays.

THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL

Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington

Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777

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Legals @goldendalesentinel.com (Legal and public notices)

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Events @goldendalesentinel.com (Events and activities)

Editorial:

Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher

Business and office staff:

Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.

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

Burn-out has got to go

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

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

for three hours.

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

Ken McKune Goldendale C

I 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

Letters from the community

We need more incentive

Since Duke Energy pleaded guilty to killing 14 eagles at wind farms in Wyoming, at least 61 more eagles have been killed by their Wyoming windmills. In 2022 wind farm operator NextEra Energy pleaded guilty and paid an $8 million fine for killing 150 eagles. This slaughter of eagles and other migratory birds is hap -

pening around the world though. What I have noted here are just a couple of documented examples.

Even though 50 CFR 22.6 makes it illegal to kill eagles, eagle deaths are on the rise while fewer criminal cases are being pursued.

A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. Penalties increase substantially for

Guidelines for Letters

additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony. One policy that might encourage more aggressive pursuit of criminal cases would be to offer citizens large rewards for providing evidence U.S. Fish and Wildlife service could use to pursue these cases in court. Robert Crocker Chehalis

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

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

There is a suggested length limit of about 300 words.

Unsigned letters (including anonymity requests), letters with fictitious signatures, letters with multiple signatures, or letters to public officials are not accepted. Please keep the tone of letters free of rants, wild speculation, unsubstantiated claims, or pointedly personal comments. Letters that go overboard in these directions will be refused publication.

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

We’ll miss you, Ben

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of long-time Glenwood resident, Ben Langfield. Ben had many friends here in Glenwood and in Trout Lake. He was a nearly lifelong friend of mine from the time we were very young and started ﬁ rst grade together at Trout Lake school. He was, and will always will be, “Benny” to me. We remained friends all these many years, as he was with all who knew him throughout his life. Ben was raised by his grandparents, Lottie and K.C. Langfield at their beautiful home in Trout Lake. K.C. was a legendary District Ranger at the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Langfield Falls on the Ranger District is named for him. It was always a very special place for Ben and his family. He married Glenwood girl Leah Crawford and worked for many years for St. Regis and C&H.

Ben was always quick and willing to offer help to any friends who needed it. He was a loving caregiver to Leah during her illness. After her passing, Ben channeled that desire to help others to all who needed it. He will be very much missed here. No service is planned at this time. Our sincere condolences go to his children, Kerri, Kasey, and Brian and their families.

I often use the expression “Glenwood Strong.” Last evening at the Glenwood School it wasn’t just the Glenwood community but residents from all over the county. They all turned out to support an Indian Taco fundraiser dinner for the Avila family. I saw Jayla Avila’s Trout Lake coaches the Andersons, and Mr. Dearden here, plus many members of the Trout Lake Mustangs girls and boys basketball teams and their families. There were also many other caring Trout Lake people and many from Goldendale, including our new County Commissioner Ron Ihrig and his wife Liz, and Luann Whitmire, who was married to Glenwood kid, the late Ron Whitmire. Many others from Klickitat and surrounding areas, and many supporters from Sherman County, Oregon, also came in time to support the dinner and then attend the boys basketball games to cheer for their Sherman County Huskies.

The dinner was planned, prepared, and served by the daughters and

granddaughters of the Olney/Valdez family, with help from many volunteers and tables lined with desserts made by the Glenwood Homemakers. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the school parking lot that full to overflowing as that night. The multipurpose room was constantly fi lled with supporters enjoying the famous Indian Tacos and other family specialties. When some supporters fi nished their dinners, their spots were immediately fi lled by others.

The dear ladies in the kitchen began serving at 4 p.m. and were still serving at the end of the last game. The basketball players from both teams, including Anthony Avila on the Klickwood team, were happy to ﬁ nd that the ladies kept the kitchen open and ready to serve delicious hot food to them. My only regret that night was that I was so caught up in moment, I failed to take photos of the ladies in the kitchen, the full multipurpose room, and gym bleachers full of supporters. Words just don’t adequately express how awesome those ladies are and all the supporters who came out to help the Avilas.

Jose still faces long months ahead in rehab facilities as he works hard to gain abilities lost when he suffered a stroke on December 28. How lucky we are to live among such kind, generous people here and from the surrounding communities.

The Huskies won both the Junior varsity and varsity games last night, but I am proud of the Klickwood boys for playing very hard and never giving up. They gave it their all, but Sherman County is proving to be a tough match for all the other schools in the league this year.

The little peewee basketball players in grades kindergarten and first grade divided into two teams and were very cute and entertaining out there. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the older peewees in second through ﬁ fth grades had to wait until the high school varsity game was completed before they could play their game. A huge thanks goes to Kristi Bisping for devoting her afternoons and evenings to coach these adorable little kids. I did see Dakota Jones out there helping, too. The kids had a blast and I’m hoping they get to play again at the next games coming up.

The annual Alumni game with Klickwood (Klickitat/ Glenwood) vs. Glenwood alumni was played on Tuesday, January 21. This news had to be submitted prior to that night, so I don’t have results to share at this time.

The final home game will be the Glenwood homecoming game with Klickwood vs. Trout Lake Mustangs on Friday, January 31. The homecoming court will be presented that night either between the junior varsity and varsity games or halftime of the varsity game, and the king and queen will be crowned that night. Those on the court are Jayla Avila and Devin Gimlin, Giana Jackson and Blaine Arnold, Jocee Hoctor and Wyatt Patterson, and Ari Berge and Anthony Avila. It will be a very special night for our high school. Let’s hope for a great turnout.

The annual senior class Crab feed fundraiser is set for Saturday, February 8, in the school multi-purpose room. Contact any senior for tickets or contact Mrs. Troh in the school ofﬁce to make dinner reservations for your family. Dinners consist of one and a half crabs, salad, roll, dessert, and beverage for $35 each. If you prefer something other than crab but want to support the senior class, chef salads are available for $15. Those dinners also come with bread, dessert, and a beverage. The class is seeking donations of silent auction items, which will take place in the school hallways around the multipurpose room. Here is one last important item to share. A young Glenwood student who used to play trombone in a previous school band and loved it was disappointed that our school had to give up our music program a few years ago due to state funding cuts that hit our great classes such as music and art. As our school continues to seek ways to ﬁ nd opportunities for our students, we hope someone can help this young musician. The trombone used belonged to the previous school, and this student longs to have one either to borrow or keep to continue to hone trombone skills. If there is anyone out there who has a trombone that’s no longer needed, please contact Mrs. McLaughlin at the Glenwood school if you have one to donate to the school or the student. Thank you in advance for any help you can give.

Klickitat County Granges hold grand event

CLAUDINE MINCKS FOR THE SENTINEL

The Klickitat County Granges, comprised of Bickleton, Centerville, Glenwood, Goldendale, Lyle, Stevenson, Trout Lake, and White Salmon hosted their county-wide event at Centerville Grange Hall this past Saturday, January 11. The event was originally spearheaded as a surprise retirement for Lucille Bevis, the County’s Grange State deputy of the past 24 years, and recognize her with a pin and award for her 70 years in Grange. But it morphed into a much grander event. Both the Washington State Grange President, Tom Gwin, and the National Grange President, Christine Hamp, joined in along with other Grangers from around the State to surprise Lucille. Amazingly enough, the surprise was kept well across the county, and Lucille was truly surprised!

Claudine Mincks, Klickitat County Grange’s new

President worked with State Director for Quilts of Valor, Cindy Hoover, to present three veterans with a Quilt of Valor, thanking them for their service to our nation, up to giving their lives if circumstances deemed it, to protect and serve fellow Americans.

As Cindy read tribute to each of the three, Michael Hobbs, Cindy Furlong, and Jeff Furlong, Christine and Claudine draped them with their Quilt of Valor made especially for them. The ceremony was a powerful

Teens hold themed youth dance

JORDAN MAYBERRY FOR THE SENTINEL

On January 3, Goldendale Teen SOYO, a local branch of the Orthodox Christian youth organization, hosted its regular themed youth dance at the Goldendale Grange Hall, marking the debut of Susie Phelps as the event’s new host. The event, an extension of Goldendale Teen SOYO’s mission of community outreach, drew a diverse group of participants, with a focus on teenagers, all dressed in piratethemed attire. The evening featured traditional folk dances and opportunities for fellowship. Reﬂecting on the event’s planning process, Phelps shared, “I started thinking about it in the summer. I was talking to [friends] about it, and neither of them really wanted to plan it, so [my sister] told me I should try planning it.”

This iteration of the dance was the ﬁ rst since October 2023, with Teen SOYO’s tradition of rotating leadership for each event continuing. “We tend to have a dance every year,” Phelps noted. The pirate theme was a lastminute decision: “We were originally going to have it Western-themed, so square dancing and things like that, but I ended up changing the theme to pirates in October. It just kind of popped into my head,” she explained.

The event, primarily organized by Teen SOYO, welcomed a broad array of

attendees. “It’s open to the entire homeschool group and even people outside of that. I mean, we have people in the church who go to public school and even some people that a lot of people don’t know come, so it really was just an open invite to whoever felt like coming,” Phelps said. The themed dances have evolved into more than just entertainment, serving as a means to foster community and support charitable causes, as part of community-oriented fellowship

work encouraged by Teen SOYO members. Phelps elaborated, “There are several purposes. First, it’s just a good way to bring the community together. It’s not just dancing we do there. There’s a lot of fellowship and people talking. A lot of people reconnect when they haven’t seen each other in a while because now they have a reason to come and visit Goldendale and see some of their friends.” She added, “We also tend to have big sales to raise money for SOYO or the Pregnancy Resource Center.”

heartfelt one with not many dry eyes in the hall. At the conclusion, both Tom and Christine, along with her husband and fellow Granger Duane Hamp, installed the ofﬁcers of the Klickitat County Grange for their 2025/2026 terms. Sara Wade was appointed the new Klickitat County Grange Deputy by Tom with Lucille’s referral. This was a special treat for local Grangers who often don’t get to spend an afternoon with the state and national presidents of Grange.

This Calendar of Events listing is FREE! Email your event to events@goldendalesentinel.com or call 509773-3777.

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WEEKLY AND MONTHLY

Every Wednesday,Monday, and Friday

• Alcoholics Anonymous, Goldendale United Methodist Church, 7-8 p.m. Monday

• 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 except on holidays.

• 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 Work Session: 2nd Monday of the month at the Primary School Library.

• Goldendale School Board Meeting: 4th Monday of the month at the High School Cafeteria. Tuesday

• EPIC Youth Center Games: 3 - 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All ages welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on file. Youth under the age of 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 on Burgen Street. 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 Pounds off Sensibly 10 a.m. the Nazarene Church on Grant and Allyn. Questions? Sally/ojala@ gmail.com.

• Goldendale Junior Community Chamber 7 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of every month at Umpqua Bank. Call 509-250-0625

• 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

Community Events

youth in our community and worldwide. All welcome. Contact Betty 509-250-3746.

• 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

• Healing Song Circle: 6:30 –7:30 p.m. every 4th Wednesday of the month, Missing Corner in BZ Corner. Song in healing for our hearts, our communities, and our world. Please come join us for this monthly community offering. We will be hosting and inviting many songwriters to share their songs too! Super excited to see you there! By donation $10-20, 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.

month.

• Gorge Farmers Co-op Pickup 4 – 6 p.m. Columbia Grange 87, Lyle

• Trivia at the American Legion every week 6:30 p.m.

• Family Story Time at 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Goldendale Library

• 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

• EPIC Youth Center Games: 6:30 - 8 p.m. every Thursday. All ages welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on file. Youth under the age of 8 must be checked in by a parent. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.

Meeting – 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 228 E Darland in Goldendale

• Parent Support Group – 10 a.m. weekly 166 E Jewett Blvd in White Salmon. Join us for community support at our weekly meeting at! Children are welcome & encouraged. There is a small play area to keep little hands busy. We’d love to see you there!

• 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

7:30

• Knitting and Stitching Circle 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Salmon Community Library

• GamerNoon for teens 3 – 5 p.m. at the Goldendale Library. Come play tabletop and board games.

• Crafternoons at the Library –every 4th Friday 2:30 – 4 p.m. for ages 7-10 (all ages welcome at the Goldendale Library).

Saturday

• Hope Neighborhood 4 - 5:30 p.m. (winter hours) 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.

• Art Club: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Apollonia Book Store in Goldendale

• 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 &

advance/ $30 at the door. ALL TIED TOGETHER Silent Auction, Community, and Fun! We are super excited to host a benefit night to raise funds for the Trout Lake School music program. This will directly benefit an afterschool program for this school year and any additional funds will be saved to contribute towards the potential full-time Music teacher for next school year. Our goal is to raise $10000. Please share the link to donate or buy a ticket for this special evening! https:// troutlakehall.eventcalendarapp. com/u/37601/354776

February 15, 2025, Alder Creek Pioneer Rodeo Queen Coronation: 5 p.m. at the Bickleton School. Social hour starts at 5pm, dinner at 6pm. We will have silent auction items and dinner! Tickets will be available to purchase at the door, $15 per person with 5 & under free. All proceeds will go to help Jaylee the 2025 Alder Creek Pioneer Rodeo Queen through her year! The 2025 Rodeo Queen is Jayleen Phillips. If you’d like to donate items to the silent auction contact Amanda Chamers at 509366-0509

January 22, 2025, and February 6, 2025, Goldendale Chamber of Commerce Acceess Membership: 10:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Greater Goldendale Area Chamber is thrilled to announce a series of Access Membership Events where we will unveil the details of our new membership structure. This initiative is designed to enhance engagement, provide more tailored resources, and foster a stronger sense of community among our members.

As a member of The Chamber, your success is our priority. That’s why we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our membership offerings to ensure they align with your needs and aspirations. Our new structure is aimed at delivering greater value, enabling you to connect more effectively, access critical resources, and drive your business forward. Visit https://www. goldendalechamber.org/benefits/ for more information.

January 25, 2025, Klickitat County A.R.E.S. Winter 2025 Field Day: 9 a.m. - p.m. at the County Fairgrounds in Goldendale. Are you a current Amateur (HAM) radio operator? Are you interested in learning about Aamateur Radio operations? Join us!Radios and antennas will be set up for participatns, guests, and visot use. Or bring your own gear. Contact KCARES@groups. io for more information.

January 25, 2025, Family Movie Night: 6 - 8 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 219 S Columbis in Goldendale. Join us for another family movie night with popcorn and drinks. Sponsored by CPAKC, WAGAP and Umpqua Bank. Call 509-281-2330 for more information.

every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Goldendale Primary School. Fun and learning for you and your little ones up to 5 years!

• Family Fun Night at the Goldendale American Legion on Broadway St. 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:30

• Free Youth Cooking Classes: 4-6 p.m. every other Wednesday, beginning Sept. 20th, 2023 – June 2024 at The Harbour 125 W. Main St. Goldendale. Children 13+, come join us at the Youth Drop-In Center for free cooking classes. 509-281-0288 or email cassidy@wagap.org

• 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

• Rosary every Thursday evening at 6p.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

• Al Anon Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Nazarene Church 124 W Allyn in Goldendale. Call 509-310-3377 with questions.

• Learn and Play! 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at the White Salmon Library. Stories, songs, puppets, crafts and more for young children (birth through 5yrs) 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

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 the 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, White Salmon. Doors open at 5:30, Bingo at 6 and the Salmon Run Grill is open from 5:30 –

State Street (Hwy 14).

• Columbia Grange meets the 2nd Saturday of every month.

• Goldendale Aglow Lighthouse meets from 2 - 4 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 COMMUNITY EVENTS

February 15, 2025, An Intimate Evening with Margo Cilker: A Benefit for the Trough Lake School Music Program: 6 p.m. at the Trough Lake Hall, 15 Guller Rd, Trout Lake. 6 - 8 p.m. Silent Auciton andother fun, 8 p.m. Marg Cilker performance. All ages welcome! $25

February 27, 2025, Goldendale Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours: 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the County Services Office, 115 W Court in Goldendale. Join us for an engaging evening at our Business After Hours event on February 27th at 5:30 PM! Hosted by Klickitat County’s Small Business Development Advisor, Tessa Bowdish, this is a fantastic opportunity for local business owners and entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and support one another in our vibrant community. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle with fellow professionals, gain valuable insights from Tessa, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this event is designed to foster relationships and facilitate growth.Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your network and learn from one another. We look forward to seeing you there! Register for this event by calling the Chamber at 509-773-3400.

O BITUA RY

Richard Espey

Richard “Dick” Earl Espey of Goldendale passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on January 14, 1933, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Eugene and Letha Espey.

He enjoyed his time in the Navy and as a Marine Corpman, 1951-1953, before a career as a maintenance mechanic and plant engineer.

Dick loved living in the Goldendale area where he did woodworking, fishing, and endless “honey-do” list items for wife Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Shirley Espey; stepdaughter

Jennifer McIsaac and her son Grayson McIsaac; daughters Cheryl Espey and Laura Foley; son David Espey; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand kids, and great-grand kids. Dick enjoyed wood working creating various pieces of furniture and fishing in his early years with his dad and later with Shirley. He was devoted to Cheri, Jennifer, and Grayson and appreciated the time he had with them. He absolutely loved the dogs he had over the years, especially Levi, the last one.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Mobile Food Bank adjusts routes

Tamara Kaufman For The SenTinel

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is adjusting routes for its Mobile Food Bank to work within its budget for 2025. As a result, stops in Mill A and Lyle will be ending soon.

The last scheduled visit to Evergreen Community Church in Mill A will be Thursday, February 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. The final visit to the Lyle Lions Club in Lyle will be Thursday, March 6, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Clients utilizing the stops are encouraged to go to the WAGAP’s Bingen Food Bank as an alternative. The Bingen Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“WAGAP knows these services have provided an essential resource, and we are committed to keeping the Mobile Food Bank going as part of our nutrition services,” Pauletto said.

Janeal Booren, WAGAP’s nutrition programs director, focused on the proximity of brick-andmortar locations and utilization data while evaluating the routes.

“Both Mill A and Lyle are within about 20 minutes drive to the Bingen Food Bank and do not have high levels of use compared to other mobile

stops,” Booren said. “Our Mobile Food Bank staff are working collaboratively with clients and partners at these stops to ensure the least disruption possible for these community members in need.”

Pauletto explained that WAGAP is the Community Action Agency for Skamania and Klickitat counties and adjusts programs over time to fit changes in demographics and economy. She said pandemic-related funding sources, like what was used to develop the Mobile Food Bank, helped the organization understand the breadth and depth of need within its service area.

“As we continue to listen and adapt to the needs of communities, we learn which rural areas have the most need,” Pauletto said. “We do our best to provide quality services to our clients with the available information and resources. Our staff will work hard to help affected community members navigate the transition.”

For more information on Food Banks and Nutrition programs, visit www. wagap.org/food-banksnutrition. For specific questions, contact Janeal Booren at (509) 493-2662 extension 208, call toll-free at (800) 755-1192, or email janeal@wagap.org.

Parents and

Jordan mayberry For The SenTinel

MCCC meet over medications found in classroom

On January 13, the Mid-Columbia Children’s Council (MCCC) held a meeting to address concerns surrounding the temporary closure of its Goldendale site. The closure followed two incidents involving prescription medication found in the classroom, including a December 20 incident where a 16-monthold child bit into a capsule and was hospitalized. A second incident on January 9, where additional medication was found in the classroom, prompted the site’s suspension of operations.

The meeting aimed to provide clarity and dispel misinformation. A letter released prior to the meeting outlined the steps MCCC had taken, stating: “MCCC implemented measures to address the situation immediately after the December 20 incident and again after the January 9 incident, including taking the initiative to close the site temporarily.” The letter also noted the scope of the investigation: “MCCC initiated immediate investigations following both incidents. These investigations are ongoing as situations develop, and the scope of those investigations are not limited to just employees.”

The meeting opened with a parent reading the medical report of the hospitalized child. The report described the situation as “high risk” and noted that greater ingestion of the medication could have been fatal. The parent also presented a

photograph of the capsule, showing visible bite marks. Questions arose about how the medication entered the classroom, with skepticism regarding the explanation that it may have been carried in on a child’s shoe. “To say the child brought in the medication from their shoe is simply a theory,” the parent said.

Another parent voiced concerns about the handling of the December 20 emergency, citing a delay in notification. “No one notified me of the incident until over two hours later,” the parent stated. “The incident happened at 11 a.m.; I was notified at 1:13 p.m., and I picked up my child at 1:30.”

The parent stressed that any form of medication should not have been in the classroom: “Whether it was prescription, illegal, over the counter, it shouldn’t matter what kind of pill.”

Responding to questions, MCCC Executive Director Freddy Gonzalez addressed misinformation that had circulated. “We’ve seen people say that it was fentanyl, and we’ve had people say that the two pills were the exact same,” he said. Gonzalez’s remarks led to further scrutiny of MCCC’s protocol for handling such incidents.

A parent with healthcare experience questioned the council’s response, stating, “Protocol, when I was a CAN [Certified Nursing Assistant], was that when we found a pill on the floor, we locked down that room, we locked down that facility, and nobody left that facility until law enforcement was called.”

The same parent criticized the explanation that the medication entered via

a child’s shoe, adding, “I have a problem with you making the child, who is a victim, out to be a liar.”

Other attendees expressed frustration over perceived negligence. “I work in a facility. People bring their medications in. Pills don’t get dropped, pills don’t get broken— that’s negligence,” one parent said.

Gonzalez provided details about the response to the December 20 incident. “There were two halves of a capsule found in a child’s hand, the parent was notified, we did have staff go through the classroom, and we started an investigation. We reported the incident ourselves to CPS [Child Protective Services], state licensing, state and federal funders, and our board of directors, and we had an investigation launched,” he explained. “At that time, we had never had any situation like it.” He denied claims that similar incidents had occurred prior to December 2024, citing a lack of documentation.

Addressing the delay in notifying the broader community, Gonzalez explained MCCC’s policy: “Our policies and procedures regarding notifying families are in safety concerns or incidents, the direct family is notified. Contagious disease, lice, pink eye, are notified to classrooms as a whole. That is why on December 20, the direct family was notified.” He reiterated that medications, except for rescue items like EpiPens, are not allowed in classrooms.

Asked whether MCCC considered the possibility that an employee brought

the medication into the classroom, Gonzalez confirmed that this was under investigation. “We can’t speak much regarding ongoing investigations, but one thing that I can tell you is, in general, if there is any proof of any employees regarding policy violations or neglect, they are immediately put on administrative leave,” Gonzalez said. He confirmed that the employee under suspicion had been placed on administrative leave but stated, “With no definitive evidence of guilt at the present moment, the employee would not face immediate termination.”

During the meeting, a parent emphasized the importance of trust in childcare providers. “These are the future, these are our children. If we don’t have people in there that we can trust with their lives during these hours we have to work, then what is your point in being here?” Gonzalez acknowledged the concern, saying, “It’s our job to set systems for me and my team to be able to inform and train all of our employees to keep all of your children safe. I’m not trying to minimize your opinions during all of this meeting process; I’m here to listen to all your concerns.”

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing investigations and improvements in safety protocols. While response from the attendees was negative, MCCC stated their goal to continue the investigation process until a resolution has been settled.

Church Directory

GRACE BRETHREN

BAPTIST

Columbus Avenue Baptist, S.B.C. 815 N Columbus, Goldendale,

FaceBook. ColumbusABC@embarqmail.com

CATHOLIC - Holy Trinity Catholic 307 Schuster, Goldendale; Father William Byron, 509.773.4516. Sat Eve Mass 5:30pm; Sun Mass 9am & 10:30am. Eve of Holy Days 7pm; Holy Days 9am. Daily Mass Mon-Fri 9am CCD Classes Wed 2:15-3:30pm, K thru grade 6; Wed 7-8:30pm grades 7-12. Confessions every other Saturday noon -1pm

EASTERN ORTHODOX

Ss. Joachim & Anna Orthodox Mission

301 NW 2nd St, Goldendale, 907-317-3828; Rev John Phelps; Sat: 5:30pm Vespers; Sun: 8:15am Orthros, 9:30am Liturgy; Wed: 7pm Youth Group; Fri: 9pm Compline.

Community Grace Brethren 1180 S Roosevelt, Goldendale. Pastor Aaron Wirick. 509.773.3388. Sun Service 10:30am in person. Wed: AWANA 2pm. Youth Group 6pm8pm GoldendaleGrace.com. Watch us on Facebook Live: Facebook.com/GoldendaleGrace "Learning - Living - Loving JESUS."

LUTHERAN

Christ the King Lutheran S Columbus & Simcoe Dr, Goldendale; Vicar Ann Adams. 509.773.5750. Worship services 10am

Everyone welcome.

METHODIST - United Methodist Columbus & Broadway, Goldendale; Pastors Rob Blevins and Larry Gourley; 509.773.4461. Service times: Worship 9:30 ; Adult classes 10:45am; Fall & Winter All are welcome. Call the church for regularly scheduled events.

NAZARENE - Church of the Nazarene

124 W Allyn, Goldendale; Pastor Earnie Winn and Pastor Greta Sines. 509.773.4216; Sunday

worship 10:45 ; Sunday School all ages 9:30 goldendalenaz@gmail.com

NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY of GOD 1602 S Columbus, Goldendale; Pastor Kevin Gerchak, 509.773.4650; Sun. School 9:30 ; Morning Worship Service 10:30am; Family Night on Wed. 7pm with programs for ages 3 years through adult. NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Father’s House Fellowship

207 S Klickitat Ave, 509.773.4719. Basic Bible Fellowship 9:30am; Worship 10:30am

E

Rent stabilization met with push back by property owners

JUAN JOCOM WASHINGTON STATE JOURNAL

Landlords and property

owners gathered under the Capitol dome in Olympia

January 13 to protest a bill that would cap increases on rents.

Corey Hjalseth, who is getting ready for retirement with his wife, said the bill will ultimately force them to sell their properties.

“When somebody artiﬁcially comes in and tells me how much I can raise the rent or how much I can charge a tenant for a late fee, or that I have to help them with relocation expenses if I raise their rent more than 5%, that’s a problem for me.” Hjalseth said. “It just doesn’t seem fair.”

After getting shut down in the Senate last year, primary sponsor Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, said she hopes the bill will

pass in 2025.

“I think in the last year we’ve seen the impacts of this bill not passing,” Alvarado said. “People have received tremendous rent increases that have destabilized their families, that have forced them to choose between buying medication and keeping the heat on and paying their rent.”

The bill puts a 7% cap increase on annual rent increases.

Additionally, if a landlord intends to increase rent or fees by more than 3%, the landlord is required to give a written notice to all tenants within 180 days.

Buildings operated by nonproﬁts and residential construction that are 10 years old or less are exempt.

“We’ve seen an increase in homelessness,” Alvarado said. “More people are being pushed out of their homes, so inaction

is not an option. We have to make sure that people have some protections on the single greatest cost in their household budget, which is housing.”

Duana Ricks-Johnson, a Colville tribal member, said she was forced to move again for the fifth time in four years due to a rent increase.

“The discrimination in housing stability like ours will continue without rent stabilization to keep landlords and property management from raising rents to evict people of color, like my already victimized family,” RicksJohnson said. “Please help stop taking my ability as a parent to provide a basic need–housing stability.”

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website operated by the WNPA Foundation. To learn more, go to wastatejournal.com.

WA’s new Hope Cards alternative to carrying protection orders

JACQUELYN JIMENEZ ROMERO WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD

Jamie Sullivan became the first person to receive a Hope Card from Washington state on Thursday.

In 2016, a former dating partner began stalking her using GPS trackers, surveillance video, disguises, and home breakins. This ended after a physical confrontation with her stalker in the middle of the night when she found him tampering with her car. Sullivan says she only survived because she was underestimated and armed.

Since then, Sullivan was issued a protection order that expires in 2099 and was told to keep it with her at all times. These bulky documents can have anywhere from 10 to 20 pages, with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking often carrying multiple copies.

Sullivan found this impractical, degrading, indiscrete and outdated.

Scott Ahlf, chief legal counsel at the Administrative Office of the Courts said that when he first started issuing protection orders, they typically ﬁt onto one sheet of paper. “You can’t do that any longer. Through legislation and case law, orders are now more than 10 pages long,” he said.

In 2023, Sullivan reached out to Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, who sponsored House Bill 1766, to create a Hope Card program to offer wallet-sized cards with information about a protection order. These cards contain the restrained person’s name and description along with the protected individual’s name, birth date, and some basic information about their case.

Protection orders are a safety tool for law enforcement and survivors. But when survivors don’t carry them, it prevents police from effectively using them. Hope cards are intended as a ﬁ x.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said passage of House Bill 1310 in 2021 restricted police from using force unless they had probable cause. Sanders said it also limited law enforcement’s ability to deal with protection order violations because they had to call dispatch to conﬁ rm the orders to gain probable cause.

“I do think that this provides a lot more context and better information, a lot quicker for law enforcement ofﬁcers who are needing to make really quick decisions on the go,” Sanders said.

Survivors pushed for the bill in 2023 and it won unanimous approval from lawmakers. It became effective on Jan. 1 of this

year. In the two weeks since the program launched, its website has received more than 1,800 visits and 60 Hope Card requests.

This legislation was inspired by the Crow Tribe in Montana, which started the Purple Feather Campaign and Hope Card initiative to address domestic violence.

Washington now joins 10 other states with Hope Card programs.

Hope Cards are available free of charge to anyone, including minors, who have a full civil protection order. They can be used until the protection order expires, is dismissed, or is modiﬁed.

“I’m a teacher, and I see kids’ backpacks and they are incapable of carrying paperwork for any length of time,” Sullivan said.

“So having a card they can keep in a pocket, backpack, or wallet makes a lot more sense when we’re talking about minors having to carry an order as well.”

Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, became the second person in Washington state to be issued a Hope Card, following her domestic violence protection order against her former partner in 2022.

“This card represents the day that I was believed, and I want to thank the state of Washington for afﬁ rming that belief today,” Davis said.

Ferguson vows to reform government

JUAN JOCOM

WASHINGTON STATE JOURNAL

Gov. Bob Ferguson was sworn in and legislative members, state employees and the public celebrated the event with an inaugural ball.

Dressed in black tie attire, inaugural ball attendees swarmed on the steps of the Legislative Building Jan. 15 and ﬁ lled the rotunda inside, where Squaxin Island tribal members performed ceremonial songs.

The first day in office wasn’t all pomp and ceremony, however. Shortly after being sworn in, the new governor signed three executive orders. The ﬁ rst directed the Department of Health to convene with healthcare providers and reproductive health experts to identify strategies to protect reproductive health in Washington.

“My administration will work with President Trump where we can,” Ferguson said. “We will stand up to him when we must, and that most certainly includes protecting Washingtonians’ reproductive freedom.”

Ferguson also signed two other executive orders: one directing state housing

agencies to streamline their processes, and another requiring all state agencies to cut down on processing times for permits and licenses. If they fail to deliver on their promised timelines, the order requires them to provide the service for free.

At his swearing in, Ferguson also outlined previously shared goals, such as a $100 million over the next two years to put more police ofﬁcers on the street. He added that any budget he signs must include this funding. He also emphasized improving affordability for Washingtonians, ﬁ xing the ferry system, enhancing K-12 education and creating more housing.

As for the looming budget crisis, he said he would not sign a budget with unrealistic revenue growth projections and would veto bills that defer major spending obligations more than four years after their adoption.

“I’m not here to defend the government,” Ferguson said. “I’m here to reform it.”

Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, said she’s conﬁdent in Ferguson’s ability and knowledge of state government.

“What he talked about [during the speech], how he talked about it, and really the specifics that he went into—a lot of times you don’t hear that in a traditional inaugural speech,” Berg said.

After the inauguration, Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, said he was pleasantly surprised by Ferguson’s speech, saying that Ferguson shares a lot of the values that the Republican Party deems important.

“We’re going to hold him accountable to his promises to the people in Washington. I expect him to deliver,” Braun said.

Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, compared former Gov. Jay Inslee’s inauguration speech to Ferguson’s, commending his “honesty” in addressing issues important to the Republican Party and expressing support for Ferguson’s efforts in areas of agreement.

“It’s the ﬁ rst time we’ve had a governor, since I’ve been here, that seems to live on this planet,” Stokesbary said.

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website operated by the WNPA Foundation. To learn more, go to wastatejournal.com.

INAUGURATION SONGS: The Squaxin Island tribe performs ceremonial songs in the middle of the Leg-

islative Building while guests watched by the stairs right before Gov. Bob Ferguson’s inauguration speech.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT

Estate of, DENNIS G. MESECHER, Deceased. Case No.: 24-4-00073-20

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The above Court has appointed Cary D. Mesecher as Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and; (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim.

The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b)

Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

First Publication of this Notice:

January 8, 2025

Justin D. Leigh THE LAW OFFICE OF JUSTIN D. LEIGH P.O. Box 855 Goldendale, WA 98620 (509) 426-4415

WSBA No. 55307 (0206, 0303, 0401) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT Estate of, SHERRY R. MANSFIELD, Deceased. Case No.: 24-4-00075-20

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The above Court has appointed Kenneth H. Davis as Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and; (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

First Publication of this Notice: January 8, 2025

Justin D. Leigh

The Law Office of Justin D. Leigh P.O. Box 855 Goldendale, WA 98620 (509) 426-4415

WSBA No. 55307 (0207, 0304, 0402) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT.

SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY.

L&M RECREATION, an Oregon limited liability company, Plaintiff v. HOODSTOCK RANCH LLC, a Washington limited liability company; MARK G. HERON; MARY

KATHLEEN HERON, individuals; TOOTH ACRES, LLC, a Washington limited liability company; and OCCUPANTS OR PARTIES IN POSSESSION, Defendants, No. 22-200139-20.

TO: Hoodstock Ranch, LLC

c/o Mark G. Heron, Registered Agent, PO Box 2290, White Salmon, WA 98672. The Superior Court of Klickitat County has directed the undersigned

N otices

Sheriff of Klickitat County to sell the properties legally described as follows to satisfy a judgment in the above entitled action: Property Description: Street address: 267 86 Road, Trout Lake, Washington, 98650. Legal Description: In the County of Klickitat, State of Washington. Parcels A and Bas set forth on a Survey recorded December 5, 1989, as Auditor No. 216409 and described of record as the South Half of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, Section 6, Township 5 North, Range 10 East, of the Willamette Meridian, County of Klickitat, State of Washington. Assessor’s Property Tax Parcel/ Account Number: 05-10-0600-0002/00. The sale of the above described properties is to take place: TIME: I 0:00 A.M.

DATE: January 31, 2025

PLACE: Klickitat County Courthouse. The Judgment Debtor can avoid the sale by paying the judgment amount of $2,741,743.58, together with interest, costs and fees, before the sale date. For the exact amount, contact the Sheriffs office at the address stated below. KLICKITAT COUNTY SHERIFF, 205 S Columbus, Room 108, Goldendale, WA 98620, 509-773-4455. (0209, 0306, 0403, 0501)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the CGRA Business Park Phase 2, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on February 11, 2025 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. February 11, 2025 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material. Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. February 11, 2025 CGRA Business Park Phase 2”.

This contract provides for the development of 6 lots within 18 acres including clearing and grubbing, site excavation, installation of storm sewer, sanitary waste, water lines, stormwater retention pond, base course, top course, hot mix asphalt, and other work, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications.

Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County. Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $2,200,000 and $3,700,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http:// bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects

This Just In....

Notice of State’s Intent to Negotiate Lease: 10-E55391

- Washington Department of Natural Resources

Public Notice: 2025 Call for Salmon Habitat Project Applications - Klickitat County Natural Resources Department

• Request for Proposals: Architectural Services 20252026 - Klickitat County Public Works

• Request for Proposals: On-Call Surveying ServicesKlickitat County Public Works

• Request for Proposals: On-Call Archaeological/ Historical Investigation Services - Klickitat County

Public Works Request for Proposals: On-Call Environmental Services - Klickitat County Public Works

Invitation to Bid: Diagnostic Imaging X-Ray Replacement - Klickitat Valley Health

Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-258-1303 should you require assistance. Dated this 14th Day of January, 2025.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig

Chairman Todd Andrews Commissioner Lori Zoller

Commissioner ATTEST: Alisa Grumbles Clerk of the Board Klickitat County, Washington (0307, 0404, 0502)

NOTICE OF STATE’S INTENT TO NEGOTIATE

LEASE Department of Natural Resources will begin negotiation of an expiring lease with existing lessees on the following parcels. All leases are subject to third party bids by interested parties. Lease terms and bidding information is available by calling the Southeast Region at 1-800-527-3305 or by appointment at the Region Office at 713 Bowers Road, Ellensburg, Washington 98926. The lease expires June 30, 2025. Grazing Lease-All/Part-SecTwp-Rge

10-E55391-All-36-5.0-22.0E

Written request to lease must be received by February 24, 2025, at the Department of Natural Resources, 713 Bowers Road, Ellensburg, Washington 98926. Each request to lease must contain a certified check or money order payable to the Department of Natural Resources for the amount of any bonus bid, plus a $100 deposit. The envelope must be marked “Sealed Bid” and give the lease number, expiration date of lease applied for, and give the applicant’s name. The applicant must be prepared to purchase any improvements that belong to the current lessee. For details and qualifications to submit a request, contact the Ellensburg office or call 509-925-8510.

DAVE UPTHEGROVE, Commissioner of Public Lands (0405)

PUBLIC NOTICE 2025 CALL FOR SALMON HABITAT PROJECT

APPLICATIONS

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board awards grant funds to protect and restore salmon habitat in Washington State. Applicants must submit proposals to their local Lead Entity for evaluation before the Salmon Recovery Funding Board considers a project for funding.

Eligible Applicants: Cities, Counties, State Agencies, Private Landowners, Native American Tribes, Noon-Profit Organizations, Conservation Districts, Special Purpose Districts, and Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups.

Eligible Project Types: Acquisition, Restoration, Planning, and Combination Projects (i.e. Acquisition and Restoration) of high priority within the Klickitat Lead Entity Area, with all project types have their own specificities and allowable sub-project types, such as Riparian, Design, etc. Additionally, Riparian projects funded by the Climate Commitment

Act that fit the qualities of the above projects will also be eligible for funding. For more information, visit the Klickitat Lead Entity webpage: https://www.klickitatcounty. org/243/Salmon-Habitat-Recovery

Complete Applications are due to the Klickitat Lead Entity April 11th, 2025. Additional requirements also apply.

To apply, or for additional information, please contact: Klickitat County Natural Resources Department 115 W Court St, Goldendale, WA 98620

Phone: 541-980-1687

Email: keatonc@klickitatcounty.org (0406, 0503)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Architectural Services 2025-2026

Klickitat County Public Works Department is requesting proposals from Architectural & Engineering (A&E) firms interested in providing professional services for three (3) projects at various County owned facilities. Required services will include preliminary design, preparation of construction documents, and feasibility analysis. Public Works intends to engage with an A&E firm that has electrical, mechanical, and cost estimating capabilities in one firm, as needed, or is a lead firm with sub-consultants.

Proposals will be received by Rick Milliren until 2:00 p.m. on February 12, 2025 at which time proposals will be opened and evaluated by the County. Rick Milliren Klickitat County Public Works Department 115 West Court, MS-CH 303 Goldendale, WA 98620

Email: rickm@klickitatcounty. org

Phone: (509) 773-2375

Fax: (509) 773-5713

Proposal documents may be obtained from the Klickitat County Public Works Department at 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale, Washington for a fee, or free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors, Venders and Consultants by going to http://bxwa. com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Good & Services; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-2581303 should you require assistance.

Aviso a personas con dominio limitado del idioma inglés: Si usted tiene alguna dificultad en entender el idioma inglés, puede, sin costo alguno, solicitar asistencia lingüística con respecto a esta información llamando al (509) 773-4616, o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org Title VI Statement

It is Klickitat County’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with Klickitat County’s Human Resources Department. For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact Klickitat County’s Title VI Coordinator at (509) 773-7171 or by email at: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org. (0407, 0504, 0601)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ON-CALL SURVEYING SERVICES

Klickitat County intends to set up one on-call, negotiated hourly rate agreement for survey services with companies that specialize in performing surveys, setting or re-setting property corners, section corners or monuments. Projects are located throughout Klickitat County and consist of proposed roadway, bridge reconstruction projects, and rock quarry sites. Sealed proposals will be received by: Kristina Duncan Klickitat County Public Works Department

Mailing Address: 115 West Court Street, Box 303 Goldendale, WA 98620

Physical Address: 115 West Court Street, Room 302 Goldendale, WA 98620 Email: kristinad@klickitatcounty.org Fax: (509) 773-5713 until 2:00 p.m. on February 12, 2025 at which time proposals will be opened and evaluated by the County. Proposal documents may be found on the Klickitat County Public Works Department’s website at http://www.klickitatcounty.org/1230/Goods-Services-Bidding-and-Bid-Results or by going to http://bxwa. com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Goods & Services; Klickitat County Goods & Services; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-258-1303 should you require assistance. The Klickitat County Public Works Dept. in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing Klickitat County Public Works Dept. at titlevi@klickitatcounty. org or by calling (509) 7734616. Aviso a personas con dominio limitado del idioma inglés: Si usted tiene alguna dificultad en entender el idioma inglés, puede, sin costo alguno, solicitar asistencia lingüística con respecto a esta información llamando al (509) 773-4616, o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org

Title VI Statement It is Klickitat County’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with Klickitat County’s Human Resources Department. For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact Klickitat County’s Title VI Coordinator at (509) 773-7171 or by email at: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org. (0408, 0505)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ON-CALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL/HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION SERVICES

Klickitat County intends to set up one on-call, negotiated hourly rate agreements for Archaeological Services with companies that specialize in performing on-site reconnaissance surveys, consultations with local tribes, and preparing in depth technical survey reports, all in accordance with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). Projects are located throughout Klickitat County and consist of proposed roadway, bridge reconstruction projects, and rock quarry sites. Sealed proposals will be received by: Kristina Duncan Klickitat County Public Works Department Mailing Address: 115 West Court Street, MS-303 Goldendale, WA 98620 Physical Address: 115 West Court Street, Room 302 Goldendale, WA 98620 Email: kristinad@klickitatcounty.org Fax: (509) 773-5713 until 2:00 p.m. on February 12, 2025 at which time proposals will be opened and evaluated by the County. Proposal documents may be found on the Klickitat County Public Works Department’s website at http://www.klickitatcounty.org/1230/GoodsServices-Bidding-and-BidResults or by going to http:// bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Goods & Services; Klickitat County Goods & Services; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / takeoff tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425258-1303 should you require assistance.

The Klickitat County Public Works Dept. in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing Klickitat County Public Works Dept. at titlevi@klickitatcounty.org or by calling (509) 773 - 4616. Aviso a personas con dominio limitado del idioma inglés: Si usted tiene alguna dificultad en entender el idioma inglés, puede, sin costo alguno, solicitar asistencia lingüística con respecto a esta información llamando al (509) 773-4616, o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org Title VI Statement It is Klickitat County’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with Klickitat County’s Human Resources Department. For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact Klickitat County’s Title VI Coordinator at (509) 773-7171 or by email at: titlevi@klickitatcounty.org. (0409, 0506)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ON-CALL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Klickitat County intends to set up one on-call, negotiated hourly rate, agreement for environmental services with companies that specialize in environmental permitting, performing on-site surveys and studies, wetland identification and mitigation, completing reports or biological assessments and peer review of transportation project designs in regards to environmental engineering and permitting.

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The Icons of Goldendale

Agriculture

Headlines & History for Klickitat County since 1879

Photos by local photographers Neil Thompson (top & center) and Steve Nygaard (bottom)

There is an incredible world of animals, insects and plants that live in or near rivers and lakes. Some of these animals are semi-aquatic. That means they can live in the water part-time and on the land the rest of the time. Two animals that you will find along the waterways are the nutria and the beaver, both are rodents. But other than that, they are very different. One is aggressive and harmful to the environment and the other one is an engineer building constantly. Nutria have long skinny tails, long yellow teeth and have been given the nickname, water rat.

The two rodents have glands which make oil that coats their two layers of fur, making them waterproof. It’s like having their very own wetsuit. The natives of North America liked this fur and used the pelts of the beaver to make clothes, trade them with other tribes, and they were a good source of food. People in South America used the nutria in the same way. The explorers of the new world learned about these animals and began trapping them to sell. Beavers have fewer babies or kits than nutria do every year. This meant beavers soon became an endangered animal. From the late 1800s to the 1940s people began looking for a way to make money. They knew about the nutria in South America so they brought some to the United States and began farming them. The farms didn’t work out and a lot of the nutria were released into the wild.

Alright, imagine you’re a beaver. You’re kind of like nature’s engineer. You use your long teeth to cut down trees. The dam you build creates a pond. In the midle of the pond you build your den, but more than that, you change the environment in a positive way. The dam causes water to build up creating wetlands. You have created new habitats for animals to move into. The frogs, fish and birds all love you, but then, a new kid moves into the neighborhood.

It’s always a good idea to avoid touching or getting too close to wild animals like nutria or beavers. Both nutria and beavers can carry diseases that might make people or other animals sick. Most of the diseases are caused by parasites like Giardia and Toxoplasmosis. Both of these animals have also been known to carry rabies. Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. This causes animals to become aggressive and they may attack humans. This doesn’t happen often, but if you are in a place that has wild animals, no matter how cute they look, it’s best to leave them alone.

this and find

Here’s the problem: nutria are really good at eating plants but they are not good neighbors! When they munch on plants, they don’t just eat the leaves but they also eat the roots. The roots help hold the soil together. Nutria might look cute, but they can really mess up the environment. Nutria have spread to many places in the U.S. and started taking over. They don’t have any natural predators (like big cats or wolves) to keep the population controlled, so they grow in huge groups, eating a lot of plants. This makes a mess of the environment. Nutria are not part of the local ecosystem. They eat plants that other animals need to survive. So, when an animal like this shows up, they “invade” and make things hard for the plants, animals, and even people living there. Animals like this are called invasive species.

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