Local court case has national focus
LOU MARZELES EDITOR
A court case in Goldendale has been ping-ponging between a plaintiff representing himself and a defending attorney for weeks now, and the case seems poised to be a battle between First Amendment rights (free speech) and defamation. Its ramifications could resonate on a national scale.
Michael Snyder, proprietor of the now-closed Starcade Pizza on Collins Street, brought the defamation suit against four Goldendale people: Darlene Williamson, Leandra Kessinger, Amanda Dershon, and Julia Skillman. His suit cited a series of attacks against him that stated he was a pedophile with a criminal past and a history of domestic violence. At one point, Dershon stated on the Everything Goldendale Facebook page that Snyder was “trafficking your children.” A separate Facebook page was established called “Beware Starcade Pizza Owner” that took Snyder continually to task for the same putative issues. The page drew others who repeated the claims against Snyder, some even saying it was time to drive Snyder out of town; a comment to that effect was made by another local business owner, Ryan Tuor of Dad’s Sourdough Bakery.
The four defendants said they drew their observations about Snyder from court documents dating back some 20 years related to a particularly contentious divorce proceeding between Snyder and
his now ex-wife. The documents they drew from almost entirely relied on charges by the ex-wife that suggested gross domestic misconduct. But the final resolution case documents were never cited, which revealed that Snyder was cleared by the court of all charges. Perhaps most revealing was a document in which Snyder’s ex-wife admitted to fabricating many of her charges against him. Despite the assertions of the four accusers, Snyder has no standing criminal history.
Snyder’s defamation suit claims the Goldendale defendants made allegations about him they were unable to prove and that were of a particularly nefarious nature.
Goldendale attorney Justin Leigh is retained by Williamson, Kessinger, and Dershon. “In essence, my position is that my clients did not defame Mr. Snyder,” Leigh said in an email. “Instead, they were exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech for talking about matters of public concern—that is, Mr. Snyder’s very public, highly irregular, objectively troublesome social media activities.” Leigh did not say what those activities were.
The most significant portion of Leigh’s argument may rest on
the phrase “matters of public concern.” As we will see, the history of the conflict between claims of defamation and free speech rights in American jurisprudence has often centered on public visibility, chiefly related to the degree of prominence a person occupies in the public eye. Then we’ll bring this story back to Goldendale. Historical legal milestones Here are some landmark cases that have shaped this area of law: New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, The New York Times published an advertisement soliciting donations to support Martin Luther King, Jr.’s defense against perjury charges. The ad contained minor factual inaccuracies. Although it did not mention him by name, L.B. Sullivan, the city’s Public Safety Commissioner, believed the criticism of his subordinates reflected on him. Under Alabama law, a public figure had to request a public retraction before pursuing punitive damages in a libel case. Sullivan sent a written request to The Times, but the newspaper refused, stating that it found the request confusing. In response, Sullivan
sued The Times and several African American ministers referenced in the ad for libel. A jury in state court awarded him $500,000 in damages, a decision upheld by the Alabama Supreme Court. The Times then appealed. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of The Times in an opinion written by Justice Brennan. The Court held that under the First Amendment, to prove defamation or libel, a plaintiff must show that the defendant knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. It was not enough to demonstrate that a statement about a public figure was false—the plaintiff had to prove it was made with “actual malice.” Brennan clarified that in the context of libel law, “malice” did not mean ill intent but rather knowledge of falsehood or extreme recklessness in publishing the statement. Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. (1974) Elmer Gertz was a lawyer who represented a family in a civil case against a police officer who had killed their son. Robert Welch, Inc. published the John Birch Society’s magazine “American Opinion,” which ran an arti-
Council hears on proposed legislation
RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL
The Goldendale City Council resumed their regular schedule Monday following the cancellation of their previous meeting for lack of a quorum. That’s because most of them were taking advantage of a day set aside for city leaders to meet with members of the Washington State Legislature.
Councilor Danielle Clevidence said legislators and their staffs were actively interested in state government overreach affecting rural communities.
“It went very well,” she said, “They wanted specific ideas and thoughts on what affected us, specifically when it would incur more costs for us for small things like administration that don’t
affect big cities at all but would bring us to our knees.”
She said they also discussed bills that were still actively moving through the legislature in terms of those to oppose and those to support.
One of the latter, she said, was Senate Bill 5060, which would provide $100 million to hire new law enforcement officers.
“They were really, really interested in what we had to say about that,” she said. “This could be a big thing for us. We’ve been shorthanded from 10 to 40 percent for the last 20 years, so for anyone who wants to see more law enforcement officers, this would be a good opportunity for you to voice your opinion to our representatives.”
She said many of the legislators
Ferguson proposes $4 billion in spending cuts
JAKE GOLDSTEIN-STREET AND BILL LUCIA
WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has a plan for about $7 billion in budget cuts, but he and Democrats in the Legislature have a ways to go before they solve a shortfall that may be more than double that size.
The governor presented $4 billion in new reductions on Thursday and said he supports another $3 billion in savings former Gov. Jay Inslee proposed in December. This scrub is Ferguson’s first step in addressing an operating budget deficit that Democratic lawmakers say is roughly $12 billion over the next four years. Ferguson pegged the number higher, at $15 billion. That leaves a gap somewhere in the ballpark of $5 billion to $8 bil-
lion that would need to be closed with reductions, spending delays, or new tax collections. An updated state revenue forecast expected in March could either help or hurt that outlook. Washington’s current two-year budget is around $70 billion. Ferguson outlined his blueprint in a press conference Thursday. It includes one furlough day per month for most state workers and eliminating the equivalent of about 1,000 full-time employees through cutting vacant or new positions, attrition and other means.
To what degree state lawmakers will embrace his proposals remains to be seen.
Lead Democrats in the Legislature have already indicated that they believe new taxes or tax increases will be necessary. Ferguson has avoided saying what tax proposals he might sup-
and staff they met with became interested in visiting Goldendale during Community Days, and she said the council plans on sending them a formal invitation.
The other big topic was parking. Mayor Dave Jones reported that the Public Works Committee had recommended specific actions involving two streets: eliminating parking on East Collins between the Roosevelt intersection and Sanders Street, and on West Broadway. In addition, they suggested turning the intersections of Roosevelt and East Collins and West Broadway and Mill into four-way stops.
During public comment, East Collins resident Sharon Kindler said she opposed eliminating parking on both sides of the street, and said the problem in the
area was hospital workers parking on the street.
“The hospital tells me they provided employee parking,” she said, “They just haven’t forced them to use it.” Councilors voted to hold public hearings on the two proposals as part of upcoming regular Goldendale City Council meetings: the East Collins proposal at the April 7 meeting and the West Broadway proposal on April 21.
And Police Chief Mike Smith reported that even though February is the shortest month, the 275 calls they received in those 28 days were 20 more than those in the 31 days of January.
Senate Bill 5060, with its money for new law enforcement officers, would be a boon to cities like Goldendale.
Songer warns of state attempt to control sheriffs
RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL
Washington State Association of Counties lobbyist Zak Kennedy painted a daunting picture of the state’s financial situation at the Klickitat County Commissioner meeting on February 24.
“Our state budget is increasingly in peril,” he said, “and it’s getting worse. Federal dollars coming down to Washington State are definitely in jeopardy. California caved Friday. They finally pulled back a lot of their policies. Washington has not yet. Our Attorney General is doubling down on sanctuary cities and things like that, so we’re just going to shake that stick at the feds and see how long we can hold out.”
He said revenue forecasters budget writers were “kind of freaking out” and have no idea what the actual revenue will be because a lot of budget items have federal matching dollars that may or may not be granted.
Kennedy also warned that in an atmosphere like that, lawmakers are looking for ways to trim by shifting responsibilities. One example, he said, is the proliferation of affordable housing bills, many of which would take the state’s financial burden of servicing the housing market and shift it to the counties.
During Sheriff Bob Songer’s appearance, he spoke against House Bill 1399, which he said would put the sheriffs under control of the state government. The bill would set eligibility requirements, duties and responsibilities of all law enforcement executives, whether sheriffs, police chiefs, or marshals– appointed or elected–subject to the same requirements and standards. It would also curtail some of the activities of volunteers and posse members, including a restriction on carrying firearms.
On the positive side, Commissioner Todd Andrews noted the good working relationships between law enforcement agencies in the area.
“I spoke with both police chiefs,” he said. “They say interagency cooperation, even with tribal, has been really good.”
To which Songer replied: “It’s got to be that way. If you don’t have that cooperation, the only person that benefits is the bad guy.”
And the county prepared to say farewell to Fiscal Services Manager Jennifer Neil, who has taken another position and will be genuinely missed. She was at her last commissioner meeting and showed commissioners a mockup of a tri-fold brochure on the county budget and budget process that she said she would finish before she left.
“This is just one of a lot of examples of how she’s made the information understandable and transparent and available,” said Human Resources Director Robb Van Cleave.
“I’ve worked in a lot of governments, and that’s rarely the case. I think she’s done a tremendous job.”
Under the consent agenda, commissioners approved:
• Notice to vendors of the 2025 liquid asphalt purchase, with a total estimated project cost range from
port. And on Thursday he said it’s still too soon for that conversation. He noted the upcoming revenue forecast could affect those discussions. “Our energy’s been focused entirely on this process, which
Jacquelyn Jimenez RomeRo Washington state standard
Washington Democrats are looking at taxing storage units as a way to help bridge the state’s multibillion-dollar budget shortfall and raise new money for housing.
House Bill 1907 would redefine self-storage unit rentals as retail transactions subject to the state’s main business tax and sales and use tax. Storage rentals in Washington are now treated like an arrangement between a renter and a landlord, with neither the consumer nor the business paying these taxes.
By changing this to a retail sale, similar to buying an item at a store, consumers would pay sales tax with every payment for their storage unit. Washington’s sales tax is 6.5% at the state level, and local taxes can bring it up to around 10%.
Estimates attached to the bill show it would raise about $57.6 million for the next two-year state budget
and around $90 million in the two-year cycle after that. Those totals do not include local government revenue.
The bill says these collections would be intended for affordable housing programs, but the legislation would not make it mandatory that the money is always used in this way.
“I think that closing this tax loophole and bringing in some of those funds to help with our housing crisis is something that makes sense,” said Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, sponsor of the bill. He noted there are about 46 million square feet of rental storage space in the state.
Taxing the rentals is one of the smaller-ticket ideas on a menu of tax options Democratic lawmakers have been discussing since at least late last year. The House Finance Committee held a hearing on the bill Tuesday but it is not yet scheduled for a committee vote.
Storage facility industry groups and businesses are
swiping back at the proposal, saying it will push up prices and pointing out that the units are often used by low-income renters, members of the military, and people in difficult circumstances, including those who are homeless.
“This is not just an unfair financial burden, it is an unconstitutional attempt to tax rental real estate,” said Patrick Gilroy from the Washington Self Storage Association. He added that storage facility owners pay other taxes, including property tax.
The fiscal analysis for the bill acknowledges there is some risk that the tax could get invalidated in court but adds there is “a good likelihood” it would be upheld by the state Supreme Court.
Republican leadership opposes the tax.
“It appears to me that taxing storage units is an anti-renter tax, because whenever you think about the people who need those storage units, you’re look-
Superior Court log
Below is a summary of resolutions from the Superior Court criminal docket for the month of February, 2025, provided by Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney David R. Quesnel. Superior Court criminal dockets are generally the first and third Mondays of the month.
• State of Washington v. LaDonna A. Barnes, No. 24-1-00024-20, defendant pleaded guilty to Assault 4th – DV, RCW 9A.36.041 and 10.99.020, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd, RCW 9.41.040, and Unlawful Display of Weapon – DV, RCW 9.41.270 and 10.99.020, date of offenses 4/14/24, and sentencing is set for 3/03/25.
• State of Washington v.
Joshua K. White, No. 24-1-00047-20, defendant pleaded guilty to VUCSA – Delivery of Cannabis (within school zone), RCW 69.50.401 and 69.50.435, date of offense 8/29/24, and was sentenced to 25 months in prison and 12 months DOC supervision.
• State of Washington v. Priscilla A. Ayala, No. 24-100066-20, case dismissed without prejudice.
• State of Washington v. Gage R.R. Huff, No. 24-100068-20, on 1/21/25 the defendant pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd, 9A.36.021, date of offense 10/03/24, and on 2/03/25 he was sentenced to 8 months in jail and 12 months DOC supervision.
• State of Washington v. Jose L. Sandoval Delgado, No. 24-1-00069-20, on 1/21/25 the defendant pleaded guilty to felony DUI, RCW 46.61.052(6), Operating a Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock,
ing at people who are renting apartments and possibly don’t have sufficient storage inside of their apartment units,” said Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, a top Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The Association of Washington Cities is among the supporters of the bill, saying cities have been under pressure to maximize the use of available urban land to expand housing. The fiscal analysis shows the tax would generate an estimated $61 million for local governments over the four years beginning July 1.
RCW 46.20.740 and Driving
While License Suspended 3rd, RCW 46.20.342(1)(c), date of offenses 12/22/24, and on 2/03/25 he was sentenced to 33 months in prison and 12 months DOC supervision.
“This quirk in state tax policy was prioritizing storing things over helping house people,” Carl Schroeder, a lobbyist for the association, told lawmakers during testimony on Tuesday.
“We think it’s totally appropriate to treat these businesses like any other business in this state that is operating and making transactions,” he added.
G OLDENDALE ’ S A TTIC
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
“Okay, see, carry the three and divide by Tuesday, and that gives you the square root of pie.” Surely that’s what this man is saying to
the woman, both poring diligently over papers. Okay, but really, who are these people? What are they doing? Where? When? 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
February 28, 1935 – 90 Years Ago
Elmer Wilson closed a deal the fi rst of this week for the implement business belonging to the late R. J. Willis and has taken immediate procession. His brother, Harry Wilson, has a similar business at Bickleton known as the Farmers Mercantile Company and plans on continuing there. The present lines of the implement houses will be continued, with such additions from time to time as business justifies. They have the McCormick-Deering farm machinery lines as well as International Trucks. The Red and White Store at Centerville, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wilson, is being operated by Mrs. Wilson, pending the probable sale of the same, when they will make their home in Goldendale.
February 25, 1965 – 60 Years Ago
First Events: According to Robert Ballou, Klickitat County historian, the sawmill industry started in Klickitat County on Mill creek in 1860. It was a small whipsaw plant, operated by Jacob Holstead, David Kitson Benjamin and Isaac Alverson and cut rough lumber for local use. In 1864, John Golden and his brother Thomas started a sawmill on the Little Klickitat about five miles east of Goldendale. This mill had planer teeth on the saw, so the lumber was a bit more fi nished. It was hauled on heavy, cumbersome wagons, drawn in most cases by five yokes of oxen, to the Columbia River and there loaded on river boats for Umatilla and Wallula, to be traded mostly for cattle, horses, and grain.
March 4, 1965 - 60 Years Ago
Editorial: We’ve been failing our duty in neglecting to mention the several arrivals of baby chicks at the Goldendale post office. We haven’t nosed into the matter of who they were consigned to; but their presence impresses itself on the post office visitor by its usually gentle (though sometimes loud and insistent) “cheap, cheep” from the back corner of the building. Only the early morning visitors see the cardboard boxes, with yellow beaks showing in the air holes, for the boxes usually go out with the rural carriers when they leave for their rounds.
March 18, 1965 – 60 Years Ago
Goldendale area buildings are built to withstand strong west winds, but a surprise north wind with terrific, unpresented velocity hit the area. An airplane hangar on the Bill Cunningham ranch was fl ipped on its back. A large shed at the Layman Lumber Company’s old mill site slumped to the south in a confused pile of boards. Corrugated metal roofi ng was torn off the roof of the new Layman mill under construction. The entry door of Henry’s Market blew out into the street.
March 18, 1965 – 60 Years Ago
Harold Hill, after securing his plane and hanger, went to investigate the roof of his house. He climbed a ladder and after he was on the roof, the wind blew the ladder down. No one was home. Harold huddled on the south side of the chimney, hanging on for dear life. Finally, Harry Mesecher drove by. Harold waved wildly at him. Harry smiled and waved and went right on. Harold had begun to wish he had spaded the flower beds as Mary had requested—they would have made a softer landing should he have to jump. Nobody came home, nobody came by, and Harold fi nally yelled “Geronimo!” and jumped. He’s limping this week.
February 27, 1975 – 50 Years Ago
Gold Dust by Pete May: I’ve been working lately on putting together the fi rst edition of a quarterly publication “Klickitat Heritage.” It will go to members of the Klickitat Historical Society.
—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society
Points to ponder:
How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb? Five. One to screw it in and four to screw it up.
The grass may be greener on the other side, but their water bill is higher.
A good pun is its own reword.
Clones are people two.
A man walks into an Army surplus store and asks if they have any camouflage jackets. “Yes, we do,” replies the assistant, “but we can’t fi nd them.”
My wife told me I had two different-colored socks on. I said, “I know, but to me they’re the same because I go by thickness.”
I had a friend who was a circus clown. When he died, all his friends came in one car.
If contractors built buildings the way lawyers make laws, the fi rst woodpecker to come along would destroy civilization.
Tom and Harry are building a house when Tom sees Harry going through a bag of nails. He looks at each nail in turn, and some he puts in a box and others he throws in a trash can. “Why are you throwing those nails away?” asks Tom. “Because they’re pointed at the wrong end.” “You idiot,” Tom replies, “those nails are for the other side of the house.”
I don’t know much about cosmetic surgery, but a good rule of thumb is, it’s time to stop when you look permanently frightened.
Did you hear about the cowboy dressed in brown paper? He was arrested for rustling.
Where do milkshakes come from? Excited cows.
Answer to last week´s Mystery Picture
Several people knew right away who this was—including the man’s grandson, Andy Halm, who came in and shared more pictures and some stories about his
The very best boom this town can have is to go quietly along and build up only so fast as the growth of the surrounding country will justify. We have all the buildings at present needed for either business or residence, and if not another house is erected for a full year, it will be no sign of decay or of a want of prosperity.
Far better were it that those now engaged in business or depending upon their labors for a livelihood should fi nd plenty to do and be fi nancially independent than for the town to have a mushroom growth and double in population without having sufficient business or work to fairly support them.
How often have we heard it said that such and such towns must be prospering since so many new buildings were going up, and then again how often have we learned later that the same towns were full of empty houses and languishing businesses? The reason was a spasmodic, unnatural growth from which there is usually a relapse. If, while the county is growing in population and wealth, all of the same region that was tributary to Goldendale five years ago remained so to-day, the town could easily support nearly double its population and business. But in the meantime, at least half a dozen new places for trading have sprung into existence which are more convenient for many who before bought and sold at Goldendale.
The natural position of this town is such as to always give it a degree of importance and prosperity, though it may never become very large. Within a very few years we shall expect to see water carried to every part of the town and the number of gardens and shade trees become tenfold greater than to-day. And then the industrious, energetic people will have become able to build better dwellings than they now occupy. There will be a continual increase of the amount of land cultivated within a few miles of the place, and as it is better worked, its productiveness will increase. Lumber being so cheap and plentiful, nearly every farmer can afford to put his whole premises in a good state of repair, all of which will indirectly help the town. Fuel and provisions for both man and beast cost so little as to not be burdensome, and store goods are not materially higher than in older settled countries. We have as good water as any locality on the globe, and few sections of the country are more healthy.
The mores of our citizens are moral, temperate, intelligent, and industrious, all of which have a most favorable tendency. In a word, the inhabitants of this town and this county have much better surroundings than many of them imagine.
grandfather, Paul Halm. According to a note on the picture, this was taken at the Goldendale sewage disposal facility. Andy thinks this was taken in the late 1960s.
OpiniOn
How do you know when to start worrying about your memory?
Dear Savvy Senior,
At age 70, I’ve become more and more forgetful lately and am concerned it may be an early sign of dementia. Are there any memory screening tools or services that you can recommend to help me gauge my problem without going to a neurologist?
Forgetful Frank
Dear Frank,
Many older adults, like yourself, worry about memory lapses as they get older fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To get some insight on the seriousness of your problem, here are some tips and resources you can turn to.
Warning signs
As we grow older, some memory difficulties—such as forgetting names or misplacing items from time to time— are associated with normal aging. But the symptoms of dementia are much more than simple memory lapses.
Savvy Senior, Jim Miller
While symptoms can vary greatly, people with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of the neighborhood.
To help you recognize the difference between typical age-related memory loss and a more serious problem, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs that you can assess at 10signs.org.
They also provide information, including the signs and symptoms on other conditions that can cause dementia like vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and others – see ALZ.org/dementia.
Memory screening
A great resource and first step to help you get a handle on your memory problem is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which offers a National Memory Screening Program. This is a free, confidential, face-to-face memory screening done virtually in real-time that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and consists of questions and/or tasks to evaluate your memory status. Once the screening is complete, the screener will review the results with you. Available to everyone, these memory screenings are done daily Monday through Friday, and are given by doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers or other healthcare professionals across the country.
A smart phone, computer, tablet or any other device with a webcam and Internet capability is all that’s needed. Appointments can be requested online at ALZFDN.org/memory-screening or by calling (866) 232-8484.
It’s also important to know that this screening is not a diagnosis of any particular condition but can indicate whether you should see your doctor for more
THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL
Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington
Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777
Emails: news@goldendalesentinel.com (News, editorial, Letters)
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(Display advertising information and inquiries)
Legals @goldendalesentinel.com (Legal and public notices)
Payables@goldendalesentinel.com
Receivables@goldendalesentinel.com
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
extensive assessment.
See your doctor
If you find that you need further evaluation, make an appointment with your primary care doctor for a cognitive checkup and medical examination. Depending on what’s found, you may be referred to a geriatrician or neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.
Keep in mind that even if you are experiencing some memory problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. Many memory problems are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, thyroid disease, side effects of medications, sleep disorders, vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions. And by treating these conditions he can reduce or eliminate the problem.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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.
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.
Ken McKune Goldendale C
2025 property taxes
We just received our 2025 Property tax bill from the county. We worry as a retired couple that it may increase a couple hundred dollars. This year, the tax bill increased $1,200 with us having done no improvements to our property!
How can the county hit its citizens with such an increase while it makes millions off the land fill and wind turbines?
My concern is that a comment as broad as this opens the door for abuse. I have had no difficulties with our local branch and am sorry that the headquarters has decided to take such a hard line. It ap-pears I will need to look for a bank that does not behave in this manner.
Letters from the community
I 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.”
This is a money grab, I feel, and with things as expensive as they are with food and highest gas tax in the nation, it is unacceptable in my opinion! This is total disregard for county citizens.
‘What I did’ letters to Musk
President Musk and “You’re fired!” co-President Trump are trying to get rid of as many federal employees as possible. The e-mail address being used for mandatory federal employee “productivity” responses is hr@opm.gov.
GOP sues Clark County Elections Auditor
Ken Margraf Goldendale
You too can send your own list of weekly accomplishments to DOGE!
For example:
To: President Musk
“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.
Subject: What I did last week: I went to a football game and rode around the track at the Daytona 500. I followed Putin’s orders and humiliated Zelensky on Ukraine.
I thought there was a 1% limit on increases, and I would like to know where they justify this $1,200 increase!
I hope other folks in the county feel the same when they open their little “surprise” from the Treasurer’s office!
Funny how nothing ever goes down in cost, just keeps increasing. Why doesn’t the county do something for the residents by lowering tax bills and let the landfill and turbines pay for county services?
Where is that money going when the county gets paid?
No wonder people don’t want to improve their properties—it would just drive their taxes up. This is a nice way to make properties look run down.
Thanks, Klickitat County, for helping your residents!
Robert Garwood Trout Lake
I golfed. I golfed. I golfed. I gained 10 pounds (but you could hardly tell).
Can I get severance pay with a diet Coke and a Big Mac?
Love, Donny Trump
Dear Elon, Here’s what I did last week: Got blitzed on ketamine.
Ignored my 13 children (that I know of).
Applauded Germany’s neo-Nazi party election results.
Tweeted 1,781 times.
Made Nazi salutes cool again.
Ongoing work: I had promised $6 billion to help end world hunger but instead bought Twitter for $44 billion to end worldwide troll hunger.
I maybe could be fired for these, but that’s your call.
Best wishes, Mars-a-plan Man
Bob Yoesle Goldendale
Guidelines for Letters
Currently, Democrats hold a supermajority in the Washington State Legislature without any checks or balances, a situation that has not occurred in over a decade. This shift resulted from a narrow margin of just 173 votes out of nearly 90,000 cast in the 18th Legislative District in Southwest Washington. As an all vote-by-mail state, Washington faces significant questions regarding voter registration, especially when citizens move. County auditors are responsible for regularly updating voter rolls using National Change of Address (NCOA) data from the USPS. However, this process is often neglected, notably by Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, who failed to account for hundreds of ballots cast by individuals who had already reported moving out of the district.
The number of ballots from these voters far surpassed the 173 votes that determined the election outcome. Despite this, the election was certified. In response, the Washington State Republican Party has filed a lawsuit to decertify the election and advocate for updated voter rolls, ensuring trust in our electoral process. It is crucial for all citizens to support efforts for election integrity. For more information on how to help, visit https://wagop.org/ support-election-integrity. Please join us in-person for the court hearing on Thursday, March 13, at 11 a.m.: Clark County Superior Court 1200 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98660
Letters to the editor should be original and comment on an issue. Deadline for letters is noon Monday for the same week’s paper.
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Aliyah Mattila Brush Prairie
Don’t forget the blood drive
We’re almost to the official start of spring. That sounds hopeful, doesn’t it?
Here’s a reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward.
Once again, I didn’t receive any general community news, except to say that the Glenwood Rodeo Association has started meeting monthly to plan and prepare for the 2025 Glenwood Ketchum Kalf Rodeo. It will be here before we know it. As I receive more information about which special events will take place at this year’s rodeo, aside from the regular rodeo events, I’ll share the information here. This will be the 90th year of this fun, historic rodeo on Father’s Day weekend. It wouldn’t hurt to mark your calendars now for that fun weekend.
The Trout Lake/Glenwood Mustangs girls lost a real heartbreaker last Friday night in their State second round playoff game with Echo. They kept the game close, even leading sometimes, until that last part of the fourth quarter when Echo pulled ahead to win by 6 points. The Mustangs girls were getting handled pretty roughly out there, but no matter how hard they got shoved
or knocked down, they got right back up, determined to keep playing their hearts out. There were some tears after the game, but my heart was filled with pride for the season those girls had, being the only Big Sky 1A girls’ team to advance to State playoffs. It was the final game for seniors Violet Anderson, Kinsley Lanz, Jayla, Avila, and Nancy Painter (who was on the bench most of the season due to a serious injury). Emma Patterson made some great threepoint baskets and the Mustangs will be fortunate to have her back again next season. All I can say is, we are all very proud of you, Mustangs. Here’s a reminder of the Red Cross blood drive at the Glenwood School on Wednesday, March 12. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment to donate blood but would like to, contact Mrs. Troh at the school office.
The annual school spelling bee is also coming up this month, on the evening of Thursday, the 13th. It’s always fun to watch and, win or lose, I’m always proud of those students who have the courage to stand up in front of the audience and the judges and give it their all. Good luck, Glenwood kids.
Fire and Rescue volunteers honored at banquet
Rural 7 Fire and Rescue held its annual appreciation banquet at the American Legion on Saturday, March 1. Many volunteers were recognized for their level of response to incidents and for the extra time they put in at department trainings. Klickitat County Fire Protection District 7 (Rural 7) consists of one main station in the city of Goldendale as well as 10 additional stations dispersed across a 601 square mile district that stretches from the Klickitat River on the west to Rock Creek on the east, and from the Simcoes to the Columbia River.
Near the end of the dinner, two individuals were recognized for outstanding service: Brian Keith, Blockhouse Station lieutenant, was awarded Rural 7 Firefighter of the year, and Tim Barta, reporting out of Station 1, was awarded Rescue 7 volunteer of the year.
Rural 7 Fire and Rescue is always accepting applications for a variety of volunteer positions. Contact Station 1 at (509) 773-4246 or rural7@ rural7.com if you would like to give back to the community as a fire and rescue volunteer.
FFA members compete in District
Congratulations to the Goldendale FFA members who competed in the District IV Agricultural Sales competitions in Goldendale on February 24. In the Agricultural Sales competition, members took a 25-question sales knowledge
exam and underwent a Planta greenhouses and supplies face-toface sales call. Agricultural Sales Team Placings out of five teams: • 1st Place - Goldendale Team 1: Emma Gorrod, BryLee Mulrony, Cheyenne Baunach, and Har-
mony Casteel
• 5th Place - Goldendale Team 2: Eduardo Augilar, Lilah Magnuson, Hilary Vanegas, and Bella Wright Agricultural Sales Individual Placings out of 20 participants: • 2nd place Emma Gorrod
HONORED: Brian Keith, left, and Tim Barta received special recognition at a recent banquet.
WELL DONE: Goldendale FFA members recently competed in the District IV Agricultural Sales competitions.
Janice Eileen (Ewing) Graber passed away on February 19, 2025, in her beloved Coos Bay, Oregon, in the company of her husband, Dave. Jan was born on October 1, 1938, on the Ewing farm in Lyle, Washington, to parents Lotus D Ewing and Frances Mae (Harvey) Ewing. She joined her brothers Kent and Keith and sister Joyce and later younger sister Judy in attending Lyle schools. She was active in 4H and school and learned to sew early on. After graduating from Lyle High School, she soon married and had daughters, Melynda Zoe and Pamela Jo and son Dennis William. A few years later, she had daughters Anna Marie and Debora Elaine. She embraced life with hard work, crafts and persistence. Whether her home was in
Janice Graber James Dean Schwab
Seattle or Longview/Kelso area, there were good home cooked meals, charming decorations and some craft or sewing projects going on. She attended business school in Longview, Washington, and worked for the school district. She enjoyed her crafts from wedding cakes to roller skating dresses to her beloved ceramics. She excelled in all she did and often sold her products. Many family members have her crafts decorating their homes. She loved family and friends and could tell you the latest news on anyone in her network of people. In 1995, she reconnected with classmate Dave Graber, and soon the couple decided
to travel the U.S. in their RV. After a few years of traveling, they discovered volunteer camp host work with Oregon State Parks and spent the next two decades working many Oregon coast campgrounds. Finally retiring from camp hosts, they settled in Coos Bay in their travel trailer. She is survived by husband David Graber; children Melynda (Burl) Zielinski , Pamela (Ralph) Jones, Dennis Schroder, all of Goldendale; Anna Schutte of Springfield, Ohio; Debora (Michael) Ulrich of Vancouver; stepchildren: Cory (Lisa) Jones of Indiana, Matt (Lori) Graber, LaGrande Oregon, Stacy Jones, Stevenson, Washington,
Riley Jessamine Perry
Riley Jessamine Perry, 26 years old, passed away on December 29, 2024. She was born on September 10, 1998, in Tucson, Arizona, to Anthony Perry and Ilya J. (Adams) Perry. She moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with her parents in 2005 where she lived for five years. The family then moved to Walla Walla, Washington, for two years, and next settled in Lyle where Riley continued home schooling. She was loved 4H and going to fairs, winning many awards for her accomplishments. Riley was competitive in archery and enjoyed playing guitar accompanied by her beautiful voice. She attended Camp Morrow where she learned horsemanship and became a camp wrangler and counselor. After high school graduation, Riley attended Columbia Gorge Community College and Walla Walla Community College where she graduated in 2016 with associate degrees in Animal Sciences and Agriculture Business, with high honors. After college she worked as a wrangler and trail guide in Colorado then moved to Ellensburg where she was employed at various businesses before earning her commercial driver’s license in Yakima, Washington. Her work driving for a trucking company led
Denise Ann Bell was born to Muryl and Shirley Navratil in Pilot Rock Oregon on June 30, 1954.
ALS ended her earthly life at 3:35 in the afternoon on February 12, 2025, at Above Care in Richland Washington. Her loving children, Celeste and Jason were at her side.
Denise, the eldest of 5 children, grew up in Pendleton Oregon famous for the Round-up and cowboy living. Growing up in Pendleton kindled a flame in her inner Ranch Girl and owning a ranch with horses and farm animals became a lifelong pursuit.
Ever a trail blazer she made homes in Idaho, California and Oregon until she found her happiest home in Goldendale, Washington. Her dream of owning
her to start her own business, Jess Express. Riley loved being on the road, high above other vehicles, with her dog, Boone. Other drivers were impressed by her ability to drive and handle all aspects of the job as she was just 5 feet 5 inches tall (and ¾, as she would always be sure to add). Her love for animals prompted her to rescue creatures she encountered in her travels (a dog, a kitten, and a rabbit) and caring for them or finding them homes. Those who knew Riley appreciated her willingness to jump in to help out if someone needed a
Denise Ann Bell
property with room for animals and digging in the dirt became a reality. Her 30 acres, named “Almosta Ranch”, were ideal for this Ranch Girl. Almosta Ranch became home to horses, chickens, llamas, burros, barn cats, dogs, and her beloved Jersey cow, Carmella. Carmella was a pet whom Denise raised from a bottle. Most of the animals were rescues, adult adoptions or strays and she loved them all.
The majesty of the earth called to Denise, especially when viewed from horseback. She was passionate about exploring mountain trails on extended
pack trips with her beloved friend Ernie. If her animals hadn’t kept her at the ranch she may have packed every day. Denise’s love for the Lord, Jesus Christ showed through her acts of serving others. She was active in the community and local church. She was always looking to bless others, most often anonymously, with her talents and treasures. She is preceded in death by her father Muryl Navratil, her mother Shirley Navratil and brother Morgan Navratil. Denise is survived by her children Celeste Nelson and Jason Paul Bowers, grandchildren Sloan and
and Josh (Susan) Graber, Cooperstown, North Dakota; grandchildren: Dana Schutte, Beau Peck, Katie Schroder, Jacob Smith, Joanna Smith, Justin Albertson, Chelsea Vo, Mario Cambern, Megan Ulrich, Warren Ulrich, Garrett Schroder, and Natalie Schroder; and many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by Lotus D Ewing, father; Frances Mae Ewing, mother; and siblings: Kent Ewing, Joyce Sauls, Keith Ewing, and Judy Clarke.
Jan will be laid to rest in Lyle Balch Cemetery on March 1st, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year.
On Angel’s wings you were taken away, but in our hearts you will always stay. Rest in peace Mom.
hand and to take on challenging situations with a positive attitude.
Riley enjoyed being outdoors, camping, 4-wheeling in her pickup, riding her motorcycle, or on horseback with friends or her brothers. She made some of her own clothing and enjoyed cooking and finding creative ways to eat a healthy diet while on the road.
Riley is survived by her parents, her brothers Quinn N. and Xander B. Perry, and grandmother Deanna M. Bland.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 15 at Church of the Nazarene, 124 W Allen, Goldendale, at 1 p.m. Please come and share your memories and a meal with us.
Torino Nelson and Skylar Bowers, sister April Navratil, and brothers, Michael Navratil and Mark Navratil.
Denise left this earth with a strong will and an agape love for our Father in Heaven, where she will have eternal life. Her final earthly home will be in the wide-open country of White Eagle Memorial Preserve, Goldendale where close friends and family will honor her life Sunday March 2 at 1:00.
The family is forever grateful to Tatyana and Andreai Valsan and Julia, Bella and Lona at Above Care for their friendship and care in Denise’s last months.
Church Directory
GRACE BRETHREN
BAPTIST
Columbus Avenue Baptist, S.B.C. 815 N Columbus, Goldendale, 509.773.4471; Pastor David Beseler, Sun School 9:45am, Sun Worship 11am, Sun Bible Study 6pm, Prayer Meeting Mon 6pm, Youth & Children's groups Wed 6pm; ColumbusABC.org, YouTube, 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
September 16, 1955 –February 16, 2025
James/Jimmy, age 69, passed away February 16, 2025, at home after a threeyear battle with cancer. He passed on the same day his mother died 23 years prior.
His final days were spent watching his birdfeeder and the ever-changing wildlife that passed by. As a person who loved being outdoors, being bedridden was almost as painful as his disease.
He was born September 16,1955, the fourth child of John and Lillian (Jaeger) Schwab, in Ellensburg, Washington. He attended Thorp schools until his graduation in 1974. Growing up on a commercial dairy farm for Darigold along with hay farming, he learned a solid work ethic. His first job off the farm was for Mann Brothers Box Factory in Thorp.
He married Kathy Wilson in 1976 at the Thorp Dance Hall. Work took them to many places, but they finally settled in Goldendale in 1980 after Mount Saint Helens buried Yakima in ash and they wanted to get out of the city. Their two sons were born in Goldendale. He was a mechanic for Klickitat
County for several years but ultimately retired from Burlington Northern Railroad as a conductor after 27 years. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents; stepmother Myrna; brother John; sister Sheila; stepsister Karen Watkins; and youngest son Isaac. He is survived by his wife and son Adam of Goldendale; brother Paul (Marilyn) of Thorp; sisterin-law Barbara Schwab of Cook; stepsisters Debra Pugh of Spokane; Darla (Dean) Strausbaugh of Thorp; and Dawn (Larry) of Colville; as well as many nieces and nephews.
At Jim’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thorp Mill Town Historical Society, P.O. Box 7,Thorp, WA 98946; Backpacks for Kids,304 Fish Hatchery Road, Goldendale, WA 98620; or any foodbank or charity of choice. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Klickitat Valley Hospital Hospice program/Stephanie for the compassionate care and support through this difficult journey.
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.
RIVER of LIFE CHURCH of GOD 2023 Pipeline Rd, Goldendale; Pastors Rod & Cathy Smith, 509-250-0222, Sunday Worship 10:30am; Wednesday Bible Study 7pm RiverofLife222.org
pastorpatti53@gmail.com;
Worship Celebration 10am "Find refreshment for your
Father’s House Fellowship
207 S Klickitat Ave, 509.773.4719. Basic Bible Fellowship 9:30am; Worship 10:30am; Tue. 6:30pm Freedom Now Meeting. FHF1880@outlook.com “A Gospel-Centered Church.”
CASE from page A1
cle falsely claiming Gertz was a “Communist-fronter,” had a criminal record, and had helped plan the police officer’s prosecution as part of a Communist conspiracy.
Key findings in the case were:
• The Court distinguished between public figures and private individuals in defamation cases.
• While public officials and figures must prove “actual malice,” private individuals (like Gertz) face a lower burden of proof.
• States could set their own standards for private plaintiffs, so long as they required at least a showing of negligence (not strict liability).
This case created a multitiered approach to defamation, balancing the First Amendment with the states’ interest in protecting private citizens’ reputations. It established that different standards apply based on a plaintiff’s status and the type of damages sought.
Milkovich v. Lorain Journal Co. (1990)
High school wrestling coach Mike Milkovich sued the Lorain Journal over a column implying he had lied under oath during a hearing about a wrestling match altercation. The newspaper argued the column was protected opinion.
Key findings in the case:
• The Supreme Court rejected the notion that there’s a separate constitutional privilege for “opinion” statements.
• If a statement, even framed as opinion, implies false and defamatory facts, it can be actionable.
• The Court stated: “Simply couching statements in terms of opinion does not dispel [defamatory] implications.”
• However, statements that cannot be proven false (pure opinion) or rhetorical hyperbole remain protected.
This case clarified that the First Amendment doesn’t create a wholesale exemption for opinion statements in defamation law. It established the principle that opinions implying false facts aren’t protected merely because they’re presented as subjective views.
Snyder v. Phelps (2011)
Fred Phelps and members of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who died in Iraq. They displayed signs with messages such as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “God Hates Fags,” linking American military deaths to God’s punishment for homosexuality. Albert Snyder, Matthew’s father, sued for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy.
Key findings of the case:
• In an 8-1 decision, the Court held that the First Amendment protected Westboro’s speech on matters of public concern, even though it was outrageous and deeply offensive.
• Chief Justice Roberts wrote that speech on public issues “cannot be restricted simply because it is upsetting or arouses contempt.”
• The Court found the speech addressed broad public issues (military policy, homosexuality, morality) even if it exploited a private funeral.
• The public nature of the
CITY from page A1
speech and its location on public land influenced the ruling.
While not specifically a defamation case, this case established strong First Amendment protection for even highly offensive speech addressing matters of public concern—when the issue involves a matter of broad public visibility and concern.
It demonstrated the Court’s commitment to protecting controversial speech and set limits on emotional distress claims that might otherwise chill public discourse.
Public concern versus private matters
The distinction between issues of broad public concern and individual/private matters is a crucial element in these defamation cases.
Let’s examine how this differentiation plays out:
In the Gertz case, the Court made distinctions based on whether matters were of public or private concern:
• The Court recognized that private individuals deserve greater protection than public figures because they haven’t voluntarily thrust themselves into public controversies.
• While Gertz was a lawyer involved in a case against a police officer, the Court determined he wasn’t a
public figure merely by representing clients in a controversial case.
• The Court acknowledged that when speech involves matters of public concern, First Amendment interests are stronger, but it balanced this against private individuals’ right to protection.
• Justice Powell wrote: “We hold that, so long as they do not impose liability without fault, the States may define for themselves the appropriate standard of liability for a publisher or broadcaster of defamatory falsehood injurious to a private individual.”
• The Court ruled that private citizens do not need to prove malicious intent to recover damages for defamation.
• The court ruled that states can establish their own standards for liability for defamatory statements made about private individuals.
The Milkovich case also involved the intersection of private conduct and public concern:
• While the alleged perjury by Milkovich occurred in a public hearing about a matter of local interest (a wrestling match altercation), the Court focused
more on whether the statements implied provably false facts.
• The Court did not heavily emphasize the public/private concern distinction in its analysis but recognized that the newspaper column addressed matters of legitimate public interest (the conduct of a school official).
• The Court determined that even when discussing matters of public concern, statements implying false facts aren’t protected simply because they’re framed as opinion. This public/private concern distinction has become increasingly important in defamation law, creating a framework where speech on matters of public concern receives stronger First Amendment protection; private individuals receive greater protection against defamation than public figures; when these interests collide, courts must balance the public’s interest in open discourse against individuals’ reputational interests; and the context, content, and form of speech help determine where it falls on this spectrum.
The Supreme Court has consistently shown that even offensive or controversial speech addressing matters of
public concern merits strong constitutional protection, while recognizing that purely private matters may warrant less rigorous First Amendment shields.
Back to Goldendale
The Michael Snyder defamation suit is being countered by attorney Leigh’s argument that his defendants were simply exercising their First Amendment right of free speech, irrespective of the disturbing and clearly fallacious nature of their claims. His comments suggest he hangs his defense on the notion that Snyder is, of himself, a public figure or at least engaged in highly public venues (social media), and the issues around the case are those of national concern. Is Snyder equivalent to an elected official, say, or does he hold a position of indisputable public prominence in which there is more latitude for free speech? Or is he a private individual who warrants greater protection against defamation, despite the nature of the volatile issues involved?
This case might well take a place in the pantheon of legal defamation precedents.
–This story utilized research conducted by Claude AI. All its research was then vetted for accuracy.
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PUBLIC MEETINGS NOTICE KLICKITAT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Klickitat County is in the initial stages of a two-year project to update the Comprehensive Plan, which was last fully updated in 1979, and we need citizen input!
The Comprehensive Plan is the primary land use document to implement the community’s vision for future growth and development while protecting livability, culture, natural resources, and the environment.
Following are multiple, upcoming opportunities to participate.
Interactive Comprehensive Plan Community Outreach Meetings
Each of the following meetings will include the same content. All five of these meetings will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the following locations:
Goldendale, County Services Building – March 13
White Salmon, Pioneer Center – March 20
Trout Lake, Grange Hall – April 10
Bickleton, Alder Creek Grange Hall – April 17
Dallesport, Community Center – May 1
Due to the interactive nature, participation will be in-person only.
Planning Commission Public Input Meetings
As part of the agenda for the regular March through June meetings, the Planning Commission will be accepting public input on the Comprehensive Plan. These meetings will be organized around a different set of topics for each meeting.
6:00 p.m. on March 17, April 21, May 19, & June 16
Board Room in the County Services Building 115 West Court Street, Goldendale
Both In-person and online testimony will be considered in the Planning Commission meetings.
Additional information can be obtained in person from the Planning Department via email at planning2@klickitatcounty.org or online at klickitatcounty.org/272/Planning-Department
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT.
SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NO-
TICE 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 POSSESION, Defendants, No. 22-2-00139-20. 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 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 B as 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: 05-100600-0002/00. The sale of the above described properties is to take place: TIME: 10:00 A.M. DATE: March 7, 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 Sheriff’s office at the address stated below. KLICKITAT COUNTY
SHERIFF, 205 S Columbus, Room 108, Goldendale, WA 98620, 509-773-4455.
(0808, 0904, 1001, 1101)
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH
In the Matter of the Estate of Richard Wilkin, Deceased CAUSE NO. 25-4-00159-31 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
(RCW 11.40.020)
The person named below has been appointed Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICA-
TION: February 19, 2025
ADMINISTRATOR Corey Wilkin
1224 Bridge St. Unit 94 Clarkston, WA 99403 (0809, 0905, 1002)
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Sealed bids for the 2025 Annual Striping Program, RN 642-25 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 March
N otices
18, 2025, for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. March 18, 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. March 18, 2025, 2025 Annual Striping Program, RN 642-25”.
This Contract provides for the improvement of the 2025 Annual Striping Program: The work to be performed under these specifications includes but not limited to, the installation of yellow skip, no-pass, white edge pavement markings. Paint lines shall be applied with paint that complies with the Specifications for low VOC waterborne paint. Phase 1 is to be completed early summer 2025 consists of restriping all lane lines, striping some newly paved or seal coated surfaces and installing new plastic pavement markings in specified locations. Phase 2 consists of striping the remaining newly paved or seal coated surfaces and striping areas that were not previously striped or areas that have been determined to need another coat of paint, and other work, all in accordance with the attached Contract Plans, these Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. The improvements are located throughout Klickitat County.
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 $350,000 and $600,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-2581303 should you require assistance.
Dated this 25th Day of February 2025.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig, Chairman Todd Andrews, Commissioner Lori Zoller, Commissioner ATTEST: Alisa Grumbles Clerk of the Board In and for the County of Klickitat, State of Washington (0908, 1003, 1103)
This Just In....
Probate Notice to Creditors: Steven Douglas Henslee
- Timmons Law PC
Public Notice: Application for Coverage under the General Permit for Biosolids Management - Natural Selections Farms Inc
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KLICKITAT COUNTY
Estate of REBECCA LOUISE BEEKS, Deceased. NO. 24-4-00074-20
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.020)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The above Court has appointed Deborah Tobin 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 the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney 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 nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: February 26, 2025 Deborah Tobin
Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative Campbell Phillips PC Kiffanie A. Phillips P.O. Box 2449 The Dalles, OR 97058 (0909, 1004, 1104)
APPLICATION FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE GENERAL PERMIT FOR BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT
Notice is hereby given that Bishop Sanitation, Inc. has submitted an application to the Department of Ecology to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Biosolids Management. A copy of the general permit can be found at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/biosolids/pdf/BiosolidsManagement.pdf
Washington State Department of Ecology has reviewed documentation previously submitted in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and has determined that for the purposes of this proposal, SEPA requirements have been satisfied. Bishop Sanitation Inc. applies biosolids as a soil amendment. Land application sites are located at 307 Clyde Story Rd. Goldendale, WA 98620 [T 4N, R 16E, S 27, and 34]. Our permit application includes Site Specific Land Application Plans that address the management of our biosolids at these sites. Our permit application includes a General Land Application Plan that addresses how future land application sites will be identified and managed. Proposals for new sites will be consistent with our General Land Application Plan, and additional environmental review will be completed if needed. Public notice at proposed new sites will include a 30-day comment period, and signs will be posted around the proposed sites. Any person who wants to comment on this proposal or to request a public hearing or meeting must do so, in writing. Comments or requests must be submitted to Canming Xiao or local health jurisdiction contact by posting. If you wish to be included on an Interested Parties List to receive notification of activities relating to this project, please notify, in writing, Bishop Sanitation, Inc. Bishop Sanitation, Inc. will provide written confirmation by certified mail, return receipt requested, to each interested person or organization that their name has been placed on the list.
Contact persons to receive questions, comments, or requests: Canming Xiao Ecology Solid Waste Mgt. Program 1250 W. Alder St.
Union Gap, WA 98903
Ph: 509-575-2842
Averie Morgan Environmental Health Spec. Klickitat County Health 115 W. Court St., Goldendale, WA 98620
PH: 509- 773-2494
Carrie House Bishop Sanitation, Inc. PO Box 11 Goldendale, WA 98620 (509) 773-4707
Lucila Cornejo Central Regional Office (509) 823-7912 lucila.cornejo@ecy.wa.gov (0910, 1005, 1105, 1201)
PUBLIC NOTICE
M.A. Mortenson Company, Jesse Canzler, 700 Meadow Ln N Minneapolis, MN 554224837, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, Juniper Canyon Wind Power, LLC, is located at 1051 East Rd in Bickleton in Klickitat county. This project involves 740 acres of soil disturbance for Other (Existing Wind Farm Maintenance Activities) construction activities.
The receiving waterbodies are Unnamed Tributary to Pine Creek, Unnamed Tributary of Sixprong Creek, Sixprong Creek, Unnamed Tributary to Alder Creek. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47696 Olympia, WA 98504-7696 (0911, 1006)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Rural 7 Fire has deemed surplus and is accepting sealed bids on the item listed. Bids must include your name, the amount of your bid (minimum bid is $6,000.00) and contact information. Bids can be mailed to or placed in the drop box at 327 W Brooks St Goldendale, WA 98620. The drop box is located on the north wall of the main entrance. Please indicate on the envelope that it is a sealed bid. Bids will be opened at the March 12th, 2025 Commissioners Meeting; you do not need to be present during the bid opening. If no bids are received, the truck will be sold first come, first served to the highest reasonable offer.
Vehicle is as-is with no warranty and must be paid for by cash or cashier’s check and picked up within 10 business days of the end of the sale. Truck can be viewed on our website, Facebook or at our main station.
• 1995 Ford 4x4 F350 XLT 7.3 Powerstroke dually Utility Truck. (0912, 1007)
INVITATION FOR BIDS
City of Goldendale
Phase 2 of Water Line
Improvement Project 2025
Bid Date, March 19th, 2025
Estimated Cost of Base: $1,336,915
NOTICE TO BIDDERS:
Sealed bids will be received by the City of Goldendale, at City Hall, 1103 S. Columbus, Goldendale, WA 98620 until 2:00 pm, March 19th, 2025, at which time bids will be publicly opened. Bids received after this time cannot be considered. The City of Goldendale is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Small,
minority- and women-owned businesses are encouraged to submit bids. All work performed on the project will be subject to prevailing state wage rates. This project is funded by a grant implemented through the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) and the City of Goldendale.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The project includes the following approximate major work descriptions, bid in separate schedules. 5 schedules of work, 2 base bids and 3 additive items all in accordance with the attached Contract Plans, these Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications.
Base bid Schedule 1: Water Main Improvements on NE High St, Mill St, and Columbus Ave.
Installation of 8-inch and 10inch water main, services, fire hydrant, valves, bridge crossing and other related work on the following Streets NE High St., Mill St, Columbus Ave. as detailed in the plans Some material for this work will be provided by the City. See the inventory of materials provided by the City located in the proposal documents.
Additive Item 1 Option A: Columbus Ave 4-inch HDPE
Pull Through
Installation of 3,931 LF of 4-inch HDPE along Columbus Ave by pulling through the existing 6-inch steel water main. HDPE pipes will be provided by the City. Contractor required to provide other incidental items for proper installation including but not limited to tracer wire, detection tape, pipe bedding and backfill.
Additive Item 1 Option B: Columbus Ave 4-inch HDPE
Trench in Installation of 3,931 LF of 4-inch HDPE along Columbus Ave by trenching and removing the existing 6-inch steel water main. HDPE pipes will be provided by the City. Contractor required to provide other incidental items for proper installation including but not limited to tracer wire, detection tape, pipe bedding and backfill.
Base bid Schedule 2: Water Main Improvements on Allyn St, E Allyn St., Bennet Dr, 12 St Ct. Installation of 8-inch water main, services, fire hydrant, valves, appurtenances, and other related work on the following Streets Allyn St, E Allyn St., Bennet Dr, 12th St Ct. as detailed in the Plans. Contractor provides all materials for work on these streets.
Additive Item 2: Water Main Improvements on Court St, Washington St., and Highschool Installation of 8-inch water main, services, fire hydrant, valves, appurtenances, and other related work on the following Streets and locations Court St, Washington St., and along the front of Goldendale High School as detailed in the Plans. Contractor provides all materials for work on these streets.
The City of Goldendale will award either Option A or B of Additive Item 1. Whichever option is most advantageous for the City will be awarded. All bid schedules and Additive Items must be completed for the bid to be considered complete.
The City reserves the right to award combined or separate bid schedules deemed most advantageous to the City Bidding documents for the project are prepared by Pioneer Surveying and Engineering, Inc.
BIDDING DOCUMENTS: Free-of-charge access to project bid documents (plans, specifications, addenda, and Bidders List) is provided to Prime Bidders, Subcontractors, and Vendors by going to www.bxwa.com and clicking on “Posted Projects”, “Public Works”, and “City of Goldendale”. This online plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents with the ability to: download, view, print, order full/partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources, and a free online digitizer/take-off tool. It is recommended that Bidders “Register” in order to receive automatic e-mail notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the “Self-Registered Bidders List”. Bidders that do not register will not be automatically notified of addenda and will need to periodically check the on-line plan room for addenda issued on this project. Contact Build-
ers Exchange of Washington at (425) 258-1303 should you require assistance with access or registration.
PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A one-time pre-bid conference and job site review will be held at 2:00 pm March 11th, 2025 City Hall, 1103 S. Columbus, Goldendale, Washington to discuss the project and answer any questions.
BID SECURITY: A certified or bank cashier’s check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid amount, payable to the City of Goldendale or bid bond executed by a licensed bonding company is required with each bid.
REJECTION OF BIDS: The owner shall have the right to reject any and all bids, and in particular to reject a bid not accompanied by the required bid security or data required by the bidding documents or a bid in any way incomplete or irregular.
DATE: 2/20/2025 Shelly Enderby CITY CLERK (0913, 1008)
NOTICE TO VENDORS
Sealed bids for Klickitat County 2025 Liquid Asphalt will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 W. Court St. Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 W. Court St, MS 303, Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 PM on March 18, 2025 for providing materials described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. March 18, 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. March 18, 2025, 2025 Liquid Asphalt. Materials that shall be furnished and delivered to Klickitat County Public Works Department include various liquid asphalt materials meeting or exceeding the technical specifications and requirements for CRS-2P. This is considered an open-ended bid as no specific quantities will be purchased against this bid during life of the contract from April 15, 2025 through November 15, 2025.
Total Estimated Project Cost Range $400,000 to $650,000
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; Goods & Services; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-258-1303 should you require assistance. Dated this 25th day of February 2025. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig, Chairman Todd Andrews, Commissioner
Mary “Maxine” Reed, 97, a resident of Centerville, passed away on December 4, 2024, at Klickitat Valley Hospital.
She was born October 5, 1927, in Carson, Washington, to Stephen C. and Mary Catherine (Stout) Small. Maxine was the youngest, with an older sister Luella and a brother Robert Chester. She attended elementary school in Orchards, Washington, and graduated from high school at Mill Plain in Vancouver, Washington. After graduation she married Carl Hoy, and from that union they had two girls Linda and Mary. That marriage ended in divorce in 1949.
In 1950, while working
Mary “Maxine” Reed
at her parent’s business in Gray’s River, Washington, she met Elmer W. Reed, who had just returned from World War II. It was a short romance, as they married in spring of that year. From that marriage five children were born. In 1952, they relocated to Centerville as Elmer was employed working on construction of The Dalles Bridge and then on to The Dalles Dam. She worked at Klickitat Valley Hospital for 26 years. She was known for her great cooking and homemade pies.
Her husband, Elmer W.; daughter Mary Jackson; son William R.; grandson Chad Reed; granddaughter Penny McNatt; greatgranddaughter Ashley
Miller; sister Luella Hoy; brother Robert Chester; and parents preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughters: Linda McNatt, Vancouver; Elizabeth Stiner, Centerville; Sons: Stephen J. (Pamela), Goldendale; Elmer Lee (Darcie), Centerville; Frank T. (Rose); Shasta, CA, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at the Centerville Cemetery, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Patricia McKern officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Goldendale Grange.
Stephen Donald Kadel
Stephen Donald Kadel died February 17, 2025, in Goldendale.
CUTS from page A1
erett, said cuts alone “will not allow us to sustain the services Washingtonians rely on.”
“Our job is to take a balanced approach—one that ensures critical services remain strong and communities have the support they need,” she said in a statement after the press conference. “To truly meet
the needs of the people we serve, we must make thoughtful reductions and consider progressive revenue options that ensure fairness and long-term stability.”
The governor downplayed the potential for any clash between him and lawmakers at this point.
“They’re doing their own work, right, just like they know we’re doing our own,” he said. “I think it’s too
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
NORCOR Corrections is seeking to fill the position of Mental Health Clinician. This position is full time with great benefits. Criminal record may disqualify. Must have drivers license, pass background, drug, physical and other testing as indicated by the position. Per OHA mandate, COVID vaccination required. Application & full job description available at https://www.norcor.co/ adult/jobs/ or @ NORCOR Admin. Office 201 Webber Street, The Dalles. Open until filled. 541-298-1576.
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Dental Hygienist Needed. Part-time, Competitive Compensation, Flexible Days/ Hours. Dr. David S. Perry; Please drop off or email your resume. Thedallesdentist@gmail.com
Air Conditioning & Heating
NOTICE
Oregon Construction Contractors Law (ORS 701) requires that all businesses that advertise remodeling, repair, home improvements or new construction be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have a bond and insurance. Home inspection businesses also must be certified which means the inspector has passed a test and must comply with standard of practice and behavior. For your protection, call 503-378-4621, ext. 4900 to check an inspector’s certification.
Notice to Contractors
Washington State Law (RCW 18.27.100) requires that all advertisements for construction-related services include the contractor’s
Cleaning
soon to say whether we’re lined up or opposed, or there’s daylight or there’s not daylight.”
“They know the reductions that we’re proposing, the dollar amounts, and there’s a lot of time ahead of us to come together,” he added.
If the Legislature is to wrap up its session as scheduled on April 27, that time would amount to about 59 days.
– BONDED INSURED
509-281-0821 White Salmon, WA bonislandscaping@gmail. com SYS LANDSCAPE SERVICE BONDED – INSURED FREE ESTIMATES Lawn Mowing and Maintenance Landscaping Excavation Work Soil Removal Tree and
Check It Out
Jan Johnston, Collection Manager
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District
You can email Jan at readingforfun@fvrl.org
“Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How to Organize, Declutter, and Make Space for What Matters Most” by Tyler Moore
“We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies + Savin’ Lives” by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi CHILDREN
“Wrong Time Rooster” by Michael Parkin
“The Sahara” by Christina Webb
“As You Wish” by Nashae Jones
This is just a small sampling of the many new titles added each week to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District collection. Visit the district’s 15 locations, our website at www.fvrl.org, or call (360) 906-5000 to reserve titles or nd additional listings.
Culinary.net.
Pan-Fried Catfish Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6 • 1/3 cup flour
Tip:
large enough, fry two fillets at once. If frying more than four fillets, discard butter and avocado oil then start fresh before frying more.
What Peter Does
“What is the cat doing?” I asked my husband, Peter.
“He’s levitating,” Peter said. Or at least I thought that’s what he said.
“The cat is levitating?”
“Meditating!”
“Oh.”
We have a lot of conversations like this, and I suspect Peter and I are not alone. I was lying in bed later that evening, imagining our cat, Felix, floating over the nightstand, and the thing that struck me was that Peter would take it in stride.
Peter and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary this week, which doesn’t seem possible for two reasons. First, because it cannot be possible that 10 years have passed since we got married, and second, because it cannot be possible there was ever a time I was not married to Peter.
In the past 10 years, I have learned that if the cat was to suddenly start to levitate, Peter would not fly off the handle. He would do some quick research and determine how frequent cat levitation was and if there was cause for concern. Will the cat return to normal gravity in time? Will we need to keep him on a harness?
I’d still be watching Felix floating three feet off the nightstand, and Peter would already have a plan of action in place—in case we should need to fetch the cat off the ceiling or retrieve him as he started to float out the window. Peter would know what to do. This is what Peter does. It is not the only reason I love Peter, but it is one of the reasons.
It’s called “learned helplessness,” when the patient forgets how to make her own coffee (or buy it, for that matter), and everything required for her meal shows up, like magic, in the cupboard. That would be me. Peter
occasionally expresses frustration if we run out of something, because he has a secret inventory system that I am entirely oblivious to. If I start eating an inordinate amount of tuna or honey or potatoes, we will suddenly run low—and Peter does not allow us to run low on anything.
Peter plans our travel. Peter pays the bills. Peter knows how I am feeling before I do— which is handy because then I can just ask him.
“Why do I feel this way?” I’ll ask.
“You’ve felt this way before,” he’ll remind me. “It will pass.” And he is always right.
Peter does all these things because he cares for me. After 10 years, I know what Peter does and, because he does these things every day without saying a word, I could easily take what he does for granted.
But I don’t.
Because we were not young when we married 10 years ago, and even then, I knew that coffee does not appear by magic and the bathroom is not automatically filled with toilet paper. I knew that problems have to be solved, that life would serve up an increasing number of problems as we aged, and that having someone beside me to help solve those problems was a precious gift.
Peter often reminds me that we don’t know if we will be given another day together or another 30 years. “But either way,” he says, “it will be too short.” And he is right.
But as long as we are together, I know Peter will be there to help figure out whatever comes our way. And so, no, I was not overly worried about the cat levitating yesterday. It would certainly be unusual, but it would be nothing that Peter could not handle. To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.
Can you imagine a time long, long ago—about 2.4 million years ago—when the Earth was much colder than it is now. This was an Ice Age! Huge, sheets of ice called glaciers, two miles thick in some places, cover much of the land, even stretching down into places that are warm today, like parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It was a time of giant, chilly adventures, full of massive animals, freezing ice, and mysteries. Animals that have been buried for millions of years are giving us an idea of what life was like.
The Earth’s climate can change, sometimes getting colder or warmer. The Ice Age happened because the Earth started to get much colder. This freezing can be caused by a few things like the tilt of the Earth changing, the eruption of a massive volcano or the Earth’s path around the sun changing. It could have been a combination of more than one of these things.
Ice Age
During the Ice Age, many of the animals that roamed the Earth were very different from what we see today. There were massive woolly mammoths, with long, curly hair and big, curved tusks. They looked like giant, furry elephants! There were also saber-toothed cats, with teeth so long they looked like swords, massive wolves, huge bears and giant ground sloths that could grow as tall as a house! Some areas even had mastodons, which were distant cousins of the mammoth.
Great Ice Age
Some mammoths have been found in a special kind of frozen ground called “permafrost.” Permafrost is soil that has been frozen for many years. It works like a giant underground freezer. Sometimes, when the ice melts, the frozen remains of Ice Age animals get uncovered. These animals may have disappeared long before our time, but the permafrost has kept them preserved so that scientists can study them. We can learn a lot about what they looked like and how they lived! It’s like discovering a prehistoric treasure in the ice! Just a few years ago an entire wooly mammoth baby was found in Canada.
The Ice Age didn’t last forever. As the Earth started to warm up, the ice melted, and many of these amazing creatures disappeared. It ended because Earth slowly started to warm up again. The Earth’s orbit and tilt changed, and the volcanoes stopped blocking sunlight so much. The ice began to melt, and temperatures got warmer, allowing plants, animals, and humans to move to places that were once too cold. What do you think it would have been like to live during the Ice Age?
The extent of the ice sheets and altered coastlines due to low sea levels.
Woolly Mammoth by Julie Murray
The
by Hourly History