Hoteliers, restaurateurs and grocers are asking Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto part of a tax bill that they say will drive up food costs for them and their customers.
Excising the contentious provision that is counted on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars would knock the budget out of balance and force Ferguson to call lawmakers back into special session, supporters said.
The debate centers on House Bill 2081, which contains an across-the-board boost in taxes for tens of thousands of businesses, including those in the hospitality and food industries, and a temporary surcharge on some of the state’s highest-grossing firms.
The Washington Hospitality Association and Washington Food Industry Association asked Ferguson on April 29 to remove the section imposing the three-year, 0.5% surcharge as it would hit food wholesalers and, when combined with the general increase, be a double hit to
JAKE GOLDSTEIN-STREET
WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD
For a second year in a row, Washington police accountability advocates have seen their priorities fall flat in Olympia. They entered this year’s session wanting to grant the attorney general stronger oversight of local police departments. They also wanted to create an independent prosecutor to handle cases when police use deadly force; restrict when officers can pull drivers over; block law enforcement from lying during interrogations; and set new standards for police chiefs and sheriffs.
None of those proposals will become law this year. None even received votes from either chamber of the
consumers. These groups point out that some of the state’s biggest corporations in other sectors, including Boeing, oil refiners, and tech companies, are exempt from the surcharge.
“Food is not a luxury; it is a necessity. These costs will be passed on to retail operations, meaning the food you buy at your grocery store or meal you buy at your restaurant will undoubtedly increase in price,” Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, wrote in the letter.
House Bill 2081 anchors the $9.4 billion tax package Democratic lawmakers put together to balance the next budget and overcome a projected multibillion-dollar shortfall over the next four fiscal years. Lawmakers passed the tax bill in the final days before this year’s state legislative session wrapped up on April 27. A fiscal analysis shows the controversial surcharge would generate an estimated $1.86 billion. Paring that sum would force lawmakers to meet in special session to revise spending in the next
Washington Legislature, despite growing Democratic majorities.
“This is the saddest time of my life, because this is the world I have to leave my children,” said Nickeia Hunter, an advocate from the Coalition for Police Accountability, whose brother was killed by police. “We have to stay on top of fighting for what we started.”
It’s a far cry from a few years ago when police accountability gained momentum in the Legislature in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 and the social uprising that followed.
In the immediate aftermath, lawmakers passed a suite of laws to set additional guardrails for police. This included restricting when
budget that begins July 1, said House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle. Fitzgibbon said he has not spoken with Ferguson about this legislation.
House Bill 2081would affect an estimated 191,000 taxpayers and is projected to bring in nearly $2.1 billion for the budget that begins July 1, and $5.6 billion over four years.
The House bill, which passed over the strenuous objections of Republican lawmakers, would permanently increase the state’s two primary business and occupation tax rates on gross proceeds—0.471% and 0.484%—to 0.5%, starting January 1, 2027. Those would be the first increases to what’s known as the B&O tax rate since 1983, according to Democrats.
About 300 taxpayers with more than $250 million in annual revenue would be subject to the additional 0.5% surcharge for three years starting Jan. 1, 2026. That extra tax would be levied on amounts above the $250 million threshold. Among the affected industries are retailers, wholesalers, waste
they could pursue people suspected of crimes — a move that drew such staunch pushback, lawmakers rolled back the policy last year. They also banned police from using chokeholds, created a statewide use of force database and established a first-of-its-kind Office of Independent Investigations to look into deadly force cases. Legislators’ biggest move on policing this year was acquiescing to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s ask for $100 million to hire more officers, a request that drew frustration from many progressive Democrats.
Steve Strachan, the executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, noted that officials are still waiting to see how some of the big changes made in 2021 are
management services, real estate, construction, utilities and health care.
State officials estimate the surcharge will produce $1.86 billion over four years—$649 million for the next budget and $1.2 billion in the one after that.
About $100 million of the total would come from food wholesalers, according to the association. Another big chunk, about $210 million, would come from health care systems such as Multi Care and Providence, a Washington State Hospital Association representative said. Anton said the hospitality and food industry associations are not contesting the across-the-board tax increase, only the surcharge, because of concerns over how the doubling of the tax rate for food suppliers will trickle down.
He lamented that attempts to amend the bill to exempt food wholesalers were defeated in the House and Senate by majority Democrats.
Yet, he noted, the Legislature granted exemptions “to some of the largest compa-
playing out and called the shift since then “a more balanced approach.”
The difficult budget year also acted as a buzzsaw that sheared away police accountability bills that would’ve cost money.
Meanwhile, fears of rising crime have emboldened opposition to policies believed to hinder officers trying to do their jobs. In 2023, the last year with available statewide data, the state saw a significant decrease in year-over-year violent crimes after years of increases, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
More broadly, this has all powered a pendulum swing in the establishment conversation from fixing policing to helping police.
nies in the state – tech companies, fuel suppliers, timber companies and others.”
House Bill 2081 exempts manufacturing, retail and wholesale sales of motor vehicle fuel and petroleum products, farmers, some large financial institutions and a select number of high-tech firms paying a special levy to support higher education, including student financial aid.
Boeing is among the exempted manufacturers. Weyerhaeuser and Marathon Petroleum Corp., which operates a refinery in Anacortes, are examples of other wellknown companies exempted.
So too are about 160 taxpayers who are assessed the “advanced computing surcharge.” This levy is applied to firms with global revenue above $25 billion—think Microsoft and Amazon.
The bill would raise the surcharge rate from 1.22% to 7.5% and boost the cap on payments from $9 million to $75 million. These changes could generate roughly $554
million for the next budget and nearly $820 million in the 2027-29 biennium, according to figures shared by the House Democratic Caucus. Decisions on exemptions were calibrated for fairness and protecting consumers, said Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, chair of the House Finance Committee.
They didn’t want to hit the tech giants with two surcharges, she explained. Refiners were exempted because Democrats also passed an increase in the fuel tax. Exemptions for income earned from the retail sale of food, fuel and prescription drugs not subject to a sales tax are intended to shield smaller businesses and consumers from the impacts, Berg said.
“We were very careful. We’ve got to make sure our state is on steady ground,” Berg said, adding that she “hoped our business community responds with calm and not alarm.”
G oldendale ’ s a ttic
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
Three very nice people and two divine bovines. We surmise this picture was taken at the County Fairgrounds, but we don’t
know when. Or why. Or who these people are. Do you? All we know is this picture ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in the
annals of yesteryear. If you know anything about it, please send us an email (info@goldendalesentinel. com), or give us a call (509-
773-3777), or drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.
L ooking Back
May 15, 1908 − 117 Years Ago
Bickleton Undertaking Co. has purchased a new hearse. It is now at Mabton and will be brought up in a day or two. That the company is a progressive one is attested to by the fact that his is the only hearse in Klickitat County.
March 7, 1935 − 90 Years Ago
Leapin’ Lena, the Goldendale branch line locomotive, gave up the ghost completely Tuesday night and the morning papers were not received here. Lena had some internal distress of some sort, for, as the crew was about to depart on the regular evening spin to Lyle, she faltered and with a sigh just let down all over.
May 8, 1965 − 60 Years Ago
A complete redivision of the city will increase voting precincts from four to seven, as each precinct may not have more than 250 voters, according to state law.
May 8, 1975 − 50 Years Ago
Bickleton: Gail Brown, Melinda McBride and Peggy Naught will be Bickleton High School’s new cheerleaders for the 1975-76 basketball season. The three were selected Friday by the BHS student body from five girls who tried out. Two, Gail and Melinda, are “veterans” of the past season, and so will be serving as cheerleaders for the second year in a row.
May 25, 1975 − 50 Years Ago
Members of the Goldendale Seventh-Day Adventist Church didn’t raise the roof this week, but they got the walls up on their new church school east of Goldendale on the Bickleton Road. Members of the church are providing the labor for the construction of the new two classroom elementary school. Completion of the structure is scheduled for sometime this summer.
May 2, 1985 − 40 Years Ago
After years of growing popularity, “The Farming Game” and its Goldendale creators have entered a national spotlight with their message. George and Ann Rohrbacher, who developed the board game in 1979, were in Washington D. C. April 25 to help the American Agri-Women promote understanding of the plight of the family farmer. The Rohrbacher’s donated 700 copies of the game to the Agri-Women to use as tools to assist urban members of Congress in relating to the risks and ups-and-downs of farming. Representative Sid Morrison introduced the game at a press conference that morning. Later a copy of the game was presented to each member of Congress and to Secretary of Agriculture John Block. Morrison even said he would deliver one personally to President Ronald Reagan.
—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society
Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture
About 2.3 gazillion people, give or take a few, readily identified the people in last week’s paper. They were David Telford and Jennifer Musser, and this was their engagement picture. According to Eileen Mussler, the picture was taken in a city park in Ellensburg in the spring of 1994.
Points to ponder:
A seven-year-old kid says to his dad, “When I grow up, I want to be a musician.” His dad says, “Well, make up your mind.”
A goldfish flops into a bar. The bartender says, “What can I get you?” The goldfish gasps, “Water.”
A lawyer dies and goes to heaven. “This must be a mistake,” he tells St. Peter. “I’m too young to die. I’m only 50.” “Fifty?” says St. Peter. “According to our calculations, you’re 82.” “How’d you get that?” “We added up your billable hours.”
HOMETOWN
Toppled headstone placed back onbase
Glenwood News
Mary Pierce
Joslyn Arnold continues allow her time to get the to amaze us and make us paradelineuparranged proud here in her home- Ialsowouldliketoremind town Fresh off her great those wholike to help prosuccess at the Northwest mote our rodeo that we do Region College Rodeo have rodeo posters availfinals and qualifying for ableifanyofyouwouldlike the National College Rodeo some to post in your cornfinals Joslyn competed in munities Letmeknow and theColorama Pro Rodeoin I’llaskLaurieO’Leary,who GrandCoulee,Washington, takescareoftherodeopublast weekend Once again, licity,toreachouttoyou As she just went out thereand always ourGlenwoodRodeo did her amazing run in Associationgreatlyapprecibreakaway roping, placing atesallthesupportfromour firstwithatimeof2.6 Wow, localcommunityandallthe Joslyn Waytogo,cowgirl surroundingcommunities I’vebeenhelpingourlate Last weekend was a full sister Lila Pierce Trout’s one for many of our Glenchildren as a local contact wood kids Glenwood high with the monument com- school students enjoyed a panyinGoldendaleregard- fun and memorable 2025 ingplacingoftheheadstone prom combiningwithLyle for Lila and her husband, Klickitat, and Wishram MikeMcDonald,whopassed high schools to make it a last fall While speaking beautifulnightintheWishwith Mrs Rising I asked ramschoolgym Idon’twant if it would be possible to to leave out our Glenwood havesomeoneplacethetop- girl, Emma Patterson, who pledheadstoneofLila’sand attendshighschoolinTrout Glenn’s uncle, Harry Rich- Lakeandenjoyed herprom elderfer back on its base over there the same night whentheybrought thenew All the Glenwood girls headstone Ijusthavetosay, looked stunning in their Iamsopleasedwith thepromptresponse from Pioneer Monument Withindaysof my request, Harry’s headstone was back in place and Lila’s and Mike’s beautiful headstone was placed first West Klickitat Posse perfectlynearherauntand Saddle Club 2025 Buckle uncle, grandparents, and Serieshorse playdayof the seasonatthepossegrounds Harry was married to inWhiteSalmon It’salways Glenn’s and Lila’s Aunt afundayforour Glenwood Gerda, who came to Glen- kids, from the tiniest litwood from Germany as a tie cowboys and cowgirls young child to settle with to those who have particiher parents in Glenwood pated for many years and Harry and Gerda were arenowhighschoolersand much loved in this com- adults The cowboys and munity andtoseehisstone cowgirlsaccumulatepoints respectfully back in place ateach playday,and prizes so promptly in the beauti- andawardsarepresentedat ful Glenwood Cemetery is the last playday at the end greatlyappreciated
WILSONCRISCIONE
INVESTIGATEWEST
face of this ‘investigation from the Trump Administration,”Fergusonsaid
beautifulgownsand their dates looked quitehandsomeand dashing Thenextday,some of those Glenwood kidshadtoriseearly to prepare for their
ofsummer
The Glenwood Rodeo is oftheparentsfromHusum justonemonthaway Ihope Glenwood, Goldendale, and youallaremakingplansto other local communities come enjoy the 90th anni- worktopreparethegrounds versaryof our great rodeo andhelpwithalltheevents It’s anexciting timein our includingbarrelsandpoles little community and a I didn’t receive a lot of great opportunity to bring othernewsforthisweekand the dads out to the rodeo havebeenbusyhelpingcare on Father’s Day weekend for my husband who had ChristinaKuhnhausen,the knee replacement surgery Glenwood Rodeo parade afewweeksago Butplease organizer, would like to remember, if you haveany remind those who wish to newsitemsyouwouldliketo participateintheparadeto shareinTheSentinel letme contactherat(509)364-3326 knowbySundayafternoon toreserveaplaceearlyand Thanks
Trump’s
President Department of Justice is investigatinga new Washingtonstatelawthatmakes clergy mandatory reportersof child abuse, arguing itviolatestheFirstAmendment
Thestatelegislation was signed into law on Friday May 2, by Gov Bob Ferguson It means churchleaders will now be required to report child abuse or neglect to authorities, and unlikemanyotherstates,it mandates that clergydoso even if they learned of the allegationsduringaconfession
The Justice Department said it would open a civil rights investigation “into the development and passage” of the bill, “which appearsonitsfacetoviolate theFirstAmendment”
In a statement Tuesday evening,Fergusonstoodby thelegislation
“Welookforward to protecting Washington kids from sexual abuse in the
The bill’s passage came after three straight years of intense debate within thestate Legislature, often spurred by strong oppositionfromCatholiclobbyists who opposed any requirement that priests report child abuse if the allegations were revealed during aconfession
Theannouncementfrom the DOJ expressed similar opposition, noting that the lawincludes “no exception fortheabsolutesealofconfidentiality that applies to CatholicPriests
Butinsigningthebillon Friday,Fergusonnotedthat as a Catholic himself, he believes the bill protects Washingtoniansfromabuse andharm”
Ialwayshaveapersonal perspective on this” Ferguson said “For me, this isveryclearandimportant legislation
State Sen Noel Frame who introduced the bill, rejectedthenotionthat the bill is targeting Catholics, pointing out as she has
repeatedly in legislative privilegedcommunications hearings that she intro- statutenolonger appliesto duced the legislation after clergy reading InvestigateWest’s But Framesaidthatisn’t coverage of the way Jeho- singlingclergyout Domesvah’s Witnesses hid sexual tic violence advocates abusefor decades and how therapistsandunions all Washington was one of groups with “privileged the few states that did not require clergy to report state law suchallegations
She also disagrees with the argument that the bill mandatory reportinglaws is a violation of the First Doctors can also be called Amendment
communications under already lose theprivilegeinchildabuse casesand stillmustfollow to testify during judicial
In its press release, the proceedings of childabuse DOJ argues that the law cases Clergy, meanwhile, “singlesout”clergybymak- stilldon’t havetotestifyin ingthemtheonly“supervi- court duringsuch cases sors,” as defined by state thenewlawonlyappliesto law who may not rely on reporting information to legal privileges” to avoid authorities reportingchildabuse
Under already-existing clergymandatoryreporters Washington statelaw, con- ofchildabusein2023 fessions to clergy wereone She said ultimately she of many so-called “privi- isn’t too surprised at the leged communications,” newsoftheinvestigation which includes doctor- “Ishouldn’t besurprised patient confidentiality and thattheTrumpadministraattorney-client privilege tionislaunchinganinvestiThe newlaw specifiesthat gationintoalawthatseeks when it comes to making to protect children from a report of child abuse or child abuse and neglect, neglect to authorities the shesaidinaninterview
Goldendale’sspringweathertakesamoodyturn
A mix of warming temperatures, gusty winds, and occasional rain showers is in store for the Goldendale area as spring marches through May
While the broader climate picture hints at a wetter and warmer-than-average season,theweekaheadwill testresidents’patiencewith clouds, shifting skies, and the occasional afternoon thundershower
As of Monday, the National Weather Service forecastcalledfora mostly cloudy day with scattered thundershowers and increasing wind speeds in the afternoon Highs will hover around 58°F, with nighttime lows dipping to the low 40s Winds are expected to pick up speed throughout the week with gusts reaching 30 mph or morebymidweek
Tuesday and Wednesday will continue this breezy pattern, bringing partly to mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 60s By the weekend residents can expectslightlywarmerconditions, with Friday reachingahighnear68°F offering a welcome reprieve before another round of cloud cover and possible showersonSaturday This week’s mercurial forecastispartofabroader
seasonalpattern Historical daily as the Columbia averagesforMayinGolden- Gorge acts like a natural especially those hoping to dale typically show highs funnel, said one weather enjoy some long-awaited around67°Fandlows near specialist monitoring the sunshine the latter half 45°F Precipitation usually region “It’snotuncommon of May offers hope With comesinatjustoveraninch for May to carry dramatic eachpassingweek,daylight forthemonth However this shiftsincloud cover, wind, hoursincreaseandtemperyear’soutlookappearstobe and temperature over the atures continue their slow divergingfromthenorm spanofasingleday” climbupward
According to data from Forfarmersand garden- In short, Goldendales the Old Farmer’s Alma- ers,themixofsunandrain weather over the next sevnac, the region is trend- mayofferbothbenefitsand eral weeks will remain ing toward both higher- challenges The increased dynamic As spring than-average rainfall and precipitation could help maturesintoearlysummer, warmer temperatures for early crops, but wind and residents can expect more May2025 Thattrackswith fluctuating temperatures warmth, intermittent rainprojections from AccuWeatherand NOAA, which show a general warming trendacrossCentralWashington and the Columbia RiverPlateau
By late May, temperatures in Goldendale are expectedtoriseintothelow tomid-70s incontrastwith thecooler-than-usualearly May days currently being experienced
One of the more noticeable weather patterns in recent weeks has been the increasein wind gustsand stormy afternoons Forecasterssaythat thiswindiness is likely to persist through mid-May, particularlyduringtheafternoons when the region’s thermal gradientspeak
Theres a good chance we’ll continue seeingthese strong wind surges, espe-
mayinterferewithplanting fall, and continued wind schedulesorsoilstability For outdoor enthusiasts region’shighlandclimate local residents areadvised to keep a close eye on pack an umbrella or plan weatheralerts,particularly a picnic, one thing’s clear: forrapidlydevelopingstorm spring in Goldendale is cells or windy conditions rarely boring and this thatcouldaffectdrivingor year promises to be no exception
patterns that define the So whether it’s time to hikingsafety
is Calendar of Events listing is FREE! Email your event to events@goldendalesentinel.com or call 509773-3777.
Are you in need of an eyecatching display ad to highlight your event? Email us at ads@goldendalesentinel. com. Our friendly, helpful sta would love to help you nd an advertising package that works for your needs and fits your budget! We offer online ads as well— with roughly 22,000 unique hits on our website each month, this is a great way to reach even more people.
Goldendale Farmer’s Market: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce o ce on E. Broadway.
May 14, Job and Comunity Resource Fair: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Goldendale Senior Center on East Main St. Whether you’re job hunting or seeking resources, this is the place to be! Meet with employers who are hiring and learn about valuable comminity resources. Bring your resume and dress to impress May 16, Health and Wellness Family Fair in White Salmon: 3 - 6 p.m. at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon. oin us a er school for an a ernoon of learning, connection, and community at the Health and Wellness Family Fair in Rheingarten Park on Friday, May 16, 2025. Learn about & explore resources and programs throughout Klickitat County that promote physical and mental health, & wellness of all types. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, educational booths, and fun activities for all ages.
Free food (Tacos Pepe & Beneventi’s Pizza) & goodie bags May 16, Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED Course: 5 - 7 p.m. at e Missing Corner, BZ Corner. Train for Moments that Matter - Safely, E ectively & Confidently. Whether you need First Aid, CPR, and AED
Regular
Happenings
• Free Community Kitchen
To-Go Meals: the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month and every Tuesday, Wednesday, ursday at 5 or 5:30 until the food runs out. Methodist Church on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Goldendale United Methodist Church, 7-8 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday
• Lyle Lions Meeting 6 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Popup Café – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lunch and support group at the Masonic Lodge on Columbus. Café is open weekly on Monday and Wednesday.
• e Coalition for Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) 4 p.m. every 2nd Monday via Zoom. 509-773-3776 or CPAKC on Facebook.
• Goldendale City Council meetings 6 p.m. 1103 S Columbus 1st and 3rd Monday of every month (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) https://www. ci.goldendale.wa.us/
• Book Discussion Group meets every third Monday at 11 a.m. – Goldendale Library
• One on One Tech Help 1st Monday of the month 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Goldendale Library, call to set up an appointment
509-773-4487
• Goldendale School Board
Work Session: 2nd Monday of the month at the Primary School Library. goldendaleschools.org/ about/school-board
Community Events
training that satisfies OSHAmandated job requirements, workplace, or other regulatory requirements, , the American Red Cross is your go-to source of emergency and safety training. Instructor: Scott Cascella Cost: $90 Signup Link: https:// www.pdxra .com/CPR May 16 - 18, Oregon Trail Rally: Oregon Trail is a 3 day rally event that begins in urban Portland, OR and continues through the Columbia Gorge farmlands outside the city. e race starts at 4 p.m. at the Portland International Raceway on May 16. It continues Saturday May 17 in the Goldendale area with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast at the Goldendale American Legion and a street show “Parc Expose” on Main Street at 8 a.m. Spectator place starts:
• 9:45 AM First car starts stage 3 (Spectator A - Dalles Mtn)
• 1:20 PM First car starts stage 6 (Spectator B - Maryhill)
• 3:20 PM First car starts stage 7 (Spectator A - Dalles Mtn)
• 6:50 PM First car starts stage 10 (Spectator B - Maryhill) Visit https://oregontrailrally.com/2025-spectator-guide/ for complete information and viewing places.
May 17, Kiwanis Duck Derby: 12 p.m. at Ekone Park in Goldendale. Don’t miss the fun—watch hundreds of rubber ducks race to the nish at this year’s Duck Derby! Visit our booth at the Goldendale Home and Garden show.
May 17, Louder Than Brad, a free show: Doors open at 6, show at 7 p.m. at the Trout Lake Hall, 15 Guler Rd in Trout Lake. Louder Than Brad is a rock band from White Salmon, Washington. Jim, Craig, Ben, and Chris cover and twist your favorites from ABBA to Radiohead, Bowie to Lorde. eir roots are in alternative rock, but they branch into punked-up folk and country classics or driving indie pop. Whether it’s a loud outdoor summer setting or an intimate acoustic set in a smaller space, audiences connect with creative takes on familiar favorites so they can really let loose. May 18, Ringmaster’s
• Goldendale School Board Meeting: 4th Monday of the month at the High School Cafeteria.
Tuesday
• White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Meeting wvery Tuesday at 301 Dewalt Dr, White Salmon.
• Adult Fiber Art Social Circle: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Goldendale Community Library
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 3 - 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All ages welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on le. Youth under the age of 8 must be checked in by a parent. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Wellness Warriors 3 – 4 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Goldendale Library on Burgen Street. Join us as our local health department nurses teach us about di erent wellness topics to keep ourselves safe an healthy. Topics include: Hand Hygiene, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Emotional Health, & Safety/Injury Prevention. All ages are welcome, topics will be covered at an elementary school level.
• Board of County Commissioners meeting every Tuesday Klickitat County Courthouse, 205 S Columbus Goldendale. Visit www.klickitatcounty. org/643/Board-of-CountyCommissioners for information, agenda, and link for Zoom meeting.
• TOPS Club Inc. – Taking Pounds o Sensibly 10 a.m. the Nazarene Church on Grant and Allyn. Questions? Sally/ojala@ gmail.com.
• KC Fair Board Meetings 1st
Reverie: 2pm & 5:30pm showtimes at the Bingen eater, 210 Oak Street in Bingen, Welcome to Circus Berzerkus - where dreams, run wild and the impossible comes to life! When the ringmaster dri s into a surreal slumber, the circus transforms into a whirlwind of wonder: gravity-defying, aerial acts & mind bending thrills!!! We sell out every year, so I suggest you jump on purchasing them now!! https://secure.givelively.org/.../ ringmaster-s-reverie
May 26, Memorial Day
Poker Run to Fossil: Registration starts at 9 a.m. at e Simcoe Cafe in Goldendale, KSU at 10 a.m. Open to all motorcycles and cars, this event promises a day of scenic rides, camaraderie, and fun! Ride to Fossil Oregon and back. $10 entry, $5 each additional hand. Questions call Scott Robinson 509-250-2001. May 31, Soroptimist Spring Plant Sale : 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on West Main Street in front of Pat’s Place in Goldendale. Please join us for our Annual Spring Plant sale! Plant donations are welcome, please call Lorraine at 509-773-3380 and leave a message. is is an important fundraiser for the group, with money made at the sale going towards educational grants for local women who are supporting other family members. e mission of Soroptimists is to improve the lives of women and girls through education.
May 31, Goldendale Truck and Tractor Pull: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Joe Seller’s place on Hanging Rock Road. Raw power, roaring engines, and the ultimate test of strength—truck & tractor pulling at its nest! Open to all tractors under 6,000#, trucks (gas or diesel) 2 and 4 wheel drive, and lawn tractors. Free admission, pulling begins at 1. For information call or text 509-528-8089 or 509261-1879 goldndaletractorclub@ gmail.com
May 31, Goldendale Community Cleanup: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Goldendale Transer Station.Free Transfer station fees for one load (up to 3 yards) free! Curbside pickup available and volunteers are needed. Call 509773-4448.
May 31, Wa’Paas Basket
Tuesday of the month is a Workshop, 3rd Tuesday of the month is a Board Meeting.
• Soroptimist International of Goldendale, 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Dedicated to helping women and youth in our community and worldwide. All welcome. Contact Betty 509-250-3746.
• BINGO night: 3 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the High Prairie Community Center on Struck Rd. Meals and cards for purchase (discounted kids’ meals) Come meet your neighbours and enjoy some family fun! Wednesday
• Pinochle every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Goldendale Senior Center on East Main. All are welcome!
• Healing Song Circle: 6:30 –7:30 p.m. every 4th Wednesday of the month, Missing Corner in BZ Corner. By donation $1020, no one turned away. RSVP at laurarosedoctor@gmail.com, 509-637-9425.
• Family Storytime: 10:30
- 11:30 a.m. at the Goldendale Community Library.
• Learn and Play! – 2 – 3 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Goldendale Primary School. Fun and learning for you and your little ones up to 5 years!
• Snowden Community Council Meetings – 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 at the Cherry Lane Fire Station
• Kiwanis 7 a.m. Simcoe Café 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Weaving Workshop with Chestina Dominguez: 10 a.m. - noon at the Maruhill Museum of Art. To honor Indigenous and traditional ways of healing, join us to practice and learn how to make a Wa’paas. You may bring your own materials and projects to work on. We have materials on hand as well. is learning event is led by Chestina Dominguez, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation and descendant of the Warm Springs tribe. Chestina uses contemporary materials to create baskets using the ancient techniques of her ancestors. Cultural and traditional teachings are the threads that tie us to our way of life. ey are our link between the past and the present. Cultural and traditional values guide us and protect us. ey are our resiliency. — Chestina Dominguez. All ages and all levels are welcome. Light refreshments are served a er the class. ere is no cost to participate. All participants receive complimentary admission to the museum on the day of the event.
June 3, Mobile Market: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 104 E Simcoe Dr in Goldendale. No ID necessary to recieve a box.
June 6 - 8, Pacific NW Econorun - Gorge on a Corvair: 7 - 9 p.m
June 6 & 7, Twin Bridges Museum Estate & Yard Sale: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m Friday and 8 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday at 403 Klickitat Street in Lyle.
June 11, Full Strawberry Moon Celebration: 7 - 9 p.m. at the Field of Stars Boutique at 4 Bickleton Hwy in Goldendale This enchanting evening will o er an opportunity to connect with the energy of the Strawberry Moon while creating meaningful cra s and enjoying delicious treats.
June 14, Snowden Wild re Preparedness Open House: 3 - 5 p.m. at the Mountain Brook Fire Station, 959 Snowden Rd. Join us to learn about what you can do to prepare your home and family. Come talk to experts about what it takes to make your property re-wise and get an inside peek at one of our re stations.
– 11:30 a.m., Goldendale Library
• Popup Café – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. lunch and support group at the Masonic Lodge on Columbus until further notice. Café is open weekly on Monday and Wednesday.
• Lyle Community Council Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30, Lyle Activity Center (308 Klickitat). Meetings also available via Zoom https://lylewa.com/about-us. ursday
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 6:30 - 8 p.m. every ursday. All ages welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on le. Youth under the age of 8 must be checked in by a parent. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Rosary every ursday evening at 6p.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church 307 Schuster in Goldendale.
• Drinking Democratically 6 - 7:30 p.m. the third ursday of the month. Food and drink available for purchase. Call Carol for location 971-404-1935
• Al Anon Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Nazarene Church 124 W Allyn in Goldendale. Call 509-310-3377 with questions.
• Learn and Play! 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at the White Salmon Library. Stories, songs, puppets, cra s and more for young children (birth through 5yrs) and their parents or caregivers presented by White Salmon Valley Community Library Sta . Free book for each participant provided by the FVRL Foundation.
• Goldendale Grange #49 Meeting – 4th ursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 228 E Darland in Goldendale
June 14 - 15, Ketchum Kalf Glenwood Rodeo: Kicko party Frday night with Ray Lemley at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday gates open at 11:30. Parade is Sunday at 11, Cowboy Church Sunday at 9. Visit https://ketchumkalfrodeo.org/
June 14 - 15, Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic & Rodeo: Community potluck Friday at 5:30. Rodeo Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Carousel rides, live music by Scotty Wilson & Music Medicine on Saturday at 6. Sunday church service at 9:30 a.m.
June 16 - July 9, Summer Food Service Program for Wishram School District: 8 am for breakfast and 12 p.m. for lunch. Wishram School District Announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service program for children under the age of 18. Eligible children can eat brakfast and lunch at no charge. Questions please contact Sheila McCullough at 509-767-6090. June 20, Summer Solstice at Stonehenge: 4 p.m. at the Stonehenge Memorial on Hwy 97 South of Goldendale. Head to the museum on the eve of the summer solstice for a special campout on Maryhill’s Great Lawn, followed by a sunrise ceremony at Stonehenge Memorial Monument. is inclusive event is for everyone, joining together to welcome summer and set positive personal intentions as the sun rises. More details about this ticketed event will be available soon.
June 20 & 21, Goldendale Annual City Wide Yard Sales: Get ready to turn your clutter into cash! Registration for Goldendale’s Annual City-Wide Yard Sale opens at the May 2nd 2025 Goldendale Home & Garden Show as well as online. Don’t miss your chance to be included in the o cial sale map—all participants must register by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17th. Call 509261-0789 for more information.
June 20 - 22, Rootstock Festival: Join us in a new annual celebration of gardening, homesteading, and he art of sustainable living nestled in the enchanting heart of the Columbia River Gorge. ere will be workshops, demonstrations, food vendors, a beer garden, animal corner and
• Parent Support Group – 10 a.m. weekly 166 E Jewett Blvd in White Salmon. Join us for community support at our weekly meeting at! Children are welcome & encouraged. There is a small play area to keep little hands busy. We’d love to see you there!
• Bingo at the Goldendale American Legion Thursdayscard packets go on sale 6:30 p.m. game starts 7 p.m. Food available
• Bingo - High Prairie Community Center, 2nd Thursday of every month, doors open at 6, starts at 6:30. Questions contact Lori Sweeney 503-260-7129
• WAGAP Mobile Food Bank – 1st ursday of the month: 9-10:30 a.m. Wishram school, 10:45 - 11:30 Wishram Heights Housing, 12–2 p.m. Dallesport Community Center, 3-5 p.m. Lyle Lions Club. 3rd ursday of the month: 9-11 a.m. Trout Lake Baptist Church, 12-2 p.m. BZ Corner Community Building. Call 509-493-2662 ext 208 for more information.
• Narcotics Anonymous, 7 - 8 p.m. weekly at the United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway Goldendale.
Friday
• Open sewing, knitting, or whatever you do every Friday from 1 - 4 p.m. at Wild Da odil and 3C’s Fabric in their new location $10.
• Lyle Community Game Day 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Bingo – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, Mt Adams Elks Lodge 124 NE Church Ave, White Salmon. Doors open at
live music as well as vendors and artists of all kinds. Call Ivy Carpe 541-788-4557 for more information or visit hiddengemeventsnmore.com
June 27, Rachel Baiman: Doors openat 6, show starts at 7. $20 advance/$25 day of the show.
Nashville singer-songwriter Rachel Baiman brings her erce, thoughtful, and deeply personal brand of Americana, Folk, and Indie-Bluegrass to Trout Lake Hall with a full band! Tickets available now at https://troutlakehall.eventcalendarapp. com/u/37601/360547 – grab yours today!
July 4, Demolition Derby & Truck Pull: Gates open at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 seniors and vets, $10 kids 7-13, under 6 is free. Get ready for a heart-pounding day of adrenaline-fueled action, roaring engines, and explosive entertainment! Trucks, big cars & compact classes Over $9,000 in prize money and trophies, $50 entry fee per car if registered before July 4th $75 Entry Fee per car if registered day of event No registrations accepted a er 12 p.m. July 4th Contact information for Rules, Regulations & Registration: Todd Nunn 509-261-0484. Contact information for Vendors & Sponsors: Micki Robinson at 509-250-2001 or mickij_robinson@yahoo.com
July 11-12, Goldendale’s annual Community Days: Get ready for Goldendale Community Days, the biggest summer celebration in town! is annual event brings the community together for a weekend full of excitement, entertainment, and hometown pride. Car Show – Classic rides and custom builds take center stage! Parade, Beer Garden, Live Music, Scavenger Hunt, Class Reunions and more! Dunk Tank, Burn-Out Event, Seattle Cossacks Stunt Team.Don’t miss out on this fantastic weekend of fun, community spirit, and summer vibes! For more info, call e City of Goldendale at 509-773-3771. July 26 & 27, Klickitat Canyon Days: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. or later! Get ready for some fun in the sun as we celebrate life in the canyon!
5:30, Bingo at 6 and the Salmon Run Grill is open from 5:30 –7:30
• Knitting and Stitching Circle 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Salmon Community Library
• GamerNoon for teens 3 – 5 p.m. at the Goldendale Library. Come play tabletop and board games.
• Cra ernoons at the Library –every 4th Friday 2:30 – 4 p.m. for ages 7-10 (all ages welcome at the Goldendale Library). Saturday
• Goldendale Farmers Market May thru October at the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce on Broadway every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hope Neighborhood 4:306:00 p.m. 115 E Main Street, Goldendale at the Goldendale Senior Center. A time of fellowship, bible reading, and discussion for those seeking to learn and grow in God’s word.
• Lyle Lions Pancake Breakfast 1st Saturday of every month 7 a.m. -10 a.m. Omelettes and ham and eggs cooked to order. Endless Pancakes. Location: Lyle Lions Community Center 5th & State Street (Hwy 14).
• Columbia Grange meets the 2nd Saturday of every month.
• Goldendale Aglow Lighthouse meets from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Senior Center 3rd Saturday of every month, 115 E. Main St. Goldendale
• Family Storytimes 10:30 –11:30 a.m. 1st Saturday of the month @ the Goldendale Library Sunday
• Trout Lake Farmers Market: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Trout Lake Grange Hall
Cap on rent increases signed into law
Jake Goldstein-street
Washington state standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson, podium, makes remarks during a bill signing event on May 7, 2025, where he signed a law that will cap rent increases for many residential tenants across Washington at 10% or less annually. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/ Washington State Standard)
Washington landlords can no longer raise rents by more than 10% per year under landmark legislation
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law Wednesday.
Effective immediately, House Bill 1217 caps residential rent hikes during a 12-month period at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. The limit will last 15 years. The bill also restricts manufactured home rent increases to 5% with no expiration date.
“I’m confident that
this legislation is going to work for everybody in our state,” Ferguson said Wednesday at Blake House, the first affordable highrise apartment building constructed in Seattle in half a century, which opened in 2023. “Too many folks are getting priced out, and we can’t have that, right? That’s not an option.”
Rent increases are also prohibited for the first year of a tenancy under the new law. But when a renter moves in, landlords can set the initial rate however they please.
New construction is not subject to the cap for its first 12 years. Public housing authorities, low-income developments, and duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in which the owner lives in one of the units are also exempt.
Rent hike notices are now required 90 days before they go into effect, up from 60 days under previous law. If a landlord raises rent
above the cap without an exemption, the renter must give the landlord a chance to fix the error or can terminate their lease with 20 days’ notice. A tenant or the state attorney general can bring litigation to enforce compliance with the new law. The attorney general can recover up to $7,500 per violation.
Democrats believe the limit will give renters greater predictability in one of the most expensive states to live in, while Republicans think it will chill development and force landlords to sell their properties because they can’t keep up with maintenance costs and property taxes.
Last month, Rep. Sam Low, R-Lake Stevens, argued the policy is “going to be devastating for our housing providers, and we need housing providers to be a part of the solution in the housing crisis that we
have.”
Sean Flynn, the executive director of the Rental Housing Association of Washington, said “today is a tragedy for the industry and for tenants across the state,” adding that the law will lead to higher prices, less supply and worse quality housing.
The association is exploring a legal challenge.
Flynn also took issue with the emergency clause allowing the bill to go into effect immediately, since the state Department of Commerce hasn’t reported its required calculation showing the maximum allowable rent increase with inflation. The law states Commerce must report that number on June 1.
The legislation was part of a suite of bills Ferguson signed Wednesday, aiming to clear obstacles to construction, increase homeownership opportunities, pave the way for redevelopment of
commercial property into residential and provide a modicum of tax relief. Other bills focused on promoting housing development around transit stops and allowing for more lot splitting remain to be signed. It was a long road to the governor’s desk for the uber-controversial rent cap proposal.
After clearing the House, the Senate raised the cap from an initial 7% to 10% plus inflation in a dramatic floor vote, to the dismay of progressive Democrats.
The two chambers then negotiated to come up with the compromise that eventually passed on the final day of the legislative session, but not before a procedural fiasco delayed the final votes.
“Today, we put common sense guardrails on our rental housing market so that hard working families and older adults don’t get
unchecked excessive rent increases,” said bill sponsor Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle. “This law is a good beginning. It’s long overdue, and it’s urgently needed.”
Ferguson declined to say if he would’ve preferred the initial 7% cap.
The legislation was a top priority for many Democrats after a similar bill stalled in the Senate last year.
Behind the scenes, Ferguson’s staff worked with lawmakers for months to get the bill across the finish line. But the governor himself declined to confirm support publicly until last week.
No Republicans voted for the bill in either chamber of the Legislature. In the House, five Democrats opposed it on final passage. In the Senate, two Democrats voted against the legislation.
Feds describe fentanyl bust as largest in U.S. history
The U.S. government this week announced drug trafficking and conspiracy charges against 17 people— at least six in New Mexico— in what U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi is calling the “largest fentanyl bust in our nation’s history.”
At a news conference on Tuesday in Washington D.C., U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Ryan Ellison said prosecutors have filed conspiracy, illicit fentanyl distribution, firearms and immigration charges as a result of the bust.
He also said the alleged drug trafficking organization is “one of the largest and most dangerous fentanyl operations in United States history”—
use law that could hold up the project.
Despite the theatrics and strong local opposition, the EFSEC panel voted to expedite the application and skip an environmental study and formal hearing requested by the Yakama Nation.
The article notes that EFSEC didn’t hold a public hearing until after they had voted to fasttrack the application. Not surprisingly, every single person who testified at the hearing was opposed to the project.
The EFSEC board could vote to send its final recommendation to the governor for his signature as in as little as a month.
No mention of the theatrics was made at the Klickitat County Commission meeting the following day.
Perhaps the most important item to come out of that meeting might be Jail Administrator Bill Frantz’s announcement that they are installing a Narcan dispensing machine in the jail lobby. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a nasal spray that is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and has saved many lives.
“A large portion of the people that we deal with are co-dependent on alcohol and drugs and opioids,” Frantz told commissioners.
“This would be a service for families who might be picking somebody up, or a person chooses to take it on
While EFSEC’s centralized approach streamlines the permitting process, it has faced criticism from some local governments and community groups. Concerns often revolve around the perceived preemption of local authority and the adequacy of public engagement in decision-making processes. In response, EFSEC has taken steps to enhance transparency and inclusivity, such as increasing outreach to
spanning New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah—and distributes drugs “throughout the western United States.” “We will not tolerate those who profit from poisoning American citizens,” Ellison said.
Bondi said the organization is affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel operating out of Mexico, and when authorities arrested its alleged leader, Heriberto Salazar Amaya, they found millions of dollars in cash and vehicles. She said he “insulated himself” from the drugs, which agents found in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Utah.
Asked for specifics on how the defendants were captured, Bondi said the investigation is ongoing and she won’t reveal police sources or methods.
In court records,
the way out.”
He said his department was also waiting for monitoring equipment to be installed that could potentially save someone who had thoughts of harming themselves.
He told commissioners he would need to have a supplemental budget for rising jail food costs. A request for proposal notice drew only one entry. That entry’s proposal for individual meal costs was less than that proposed by the county’s current jail food vendor but not after they added $575 a day for labor. Frantz ran the numbers for the current provider’s 4.5 percent increase. Figuring 33 people in custody per day means 100 meals a day, or 36,500 meals a year. At the new rate of $7.25 per meal that comes out to $264,625. Add roughly $19,900 in tax, and you get an annual food cost of roughly $284,770.
“I’m budgeted for $165,000,” he told commissioners, “which leaves me about $119,770 shy.”
Asked if some jails do food service, Frantz replied they do, but that requires more staff and dealing with sometimes tricky and expensive dietary requirements.
One option they’re exploring after July 1 is a program offered by the State Department of Corrections.
“There are some intricacies,” he said. “They come in frozen, and we have to thaw them.”
On a happier note, he
overburdened communities and incorporating tribal consultations into its review processes. As Washington State continues to pursue ambitious energy goals, EFSEC’s role becomes increasingly visible. The council’s ability to balance the need for rapid energy infrastructure development with environmental protection and public involvement will be critical in shaping the state’s energy landscape.
two Drug Enforcement Administration special agents characterized three New Mexico defendants David Anesi, Vincent Montoya and Francisco Garcia as “high-volume drug traffickers” in the Albuquerque area, and Phillip Lovato as a “significant customer” in Santa Fe.
They also named Roberta Herrera as Montoya’s significant other “who has been observed participating in drug transactions” with him, and allege that Misael Lopez-Rubio rented out a storage unit in Albuquerque to use as a stash location.
DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy noted that the organization’s drug distribution had “probably caused” someone to die.
Since 2018, New Mexico has experienced a dramatic
increase in drug overdose deaths associated with prescription drug use and, more recently, use of illicit fentanyl, according to the state Department of Health. Overall, deaths in the state attributed to drug overdose have fallen in the last two years.
Overall, authorities seized 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder; approximately $4.4 million in cash; approximately 79 pounds of methamphetamine; approximately 7.5 kilograms of cocaine; approximately 4.5 kilograms of heroin; approximately 41 firearms; and approximately 4.1 million fentanyl pills, according to court records.
Ellison said in Albuquerque alone, police found 2.7 million fentanyl pills; 11.5 kilograms of “concentrated fentanyl powder;” seven pounds
of methamphetamine; “multiple kilograms of heroin and cocaine;” 41 firearms; more than $600,000 in cash and “numerous luxury vehicles.”
“When we catch you — all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars,” Bondi said. “There will be no negotiating, and we will lock you up for as long as humanly possible. We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members including brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends.”
DOJ prosecuting, not deporting, defendants who aren’t citizens Bondi said six of the people charged are living in the U.S. unlawfully. A detention order for LopezRubio indicates that he will be held until trial, in part, because he lacks legal status
filed.
Commissioner Lori Zoller added this comment: “I am very disappointed that EFSEC did choose to move forward with a meeting and decision prior to offering our community’s public comment. It was a very unusual move. Looking into the decision, they did cover themselves by using the word ‘possible’ in the heading of the meeting and in the first paragraph of the announcement that stated
Services.
shared a tribute to people we don’t often pay attention to.
“In 1984, President Reagan declared the first week of May National Corrections Officers Week,” he said. “In 1996, Congress amended that to Correctional Worker Week, where we acknowledge all the correctional workers and all the hard work they do. I want to thank the men and women who worked so hard for the Klickitat County Jail. They’re an amazing, great group of people to work with.”
Under the consent agenda, commissioners approved:
• A health facility agreement with Columbia Basin College.
• A request for proposal for the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
• Consideration of approval of short plat SPL 2024-29, Fahlenkamp.
• A consultant agreement with Skillings, Inc. for on-call Environmental
• Supplemental agreement No. 4 with Applied Archaeological Research, Inc. for on-call archaeological services.
• Advertisement for a public hearing on the Dallesport sewer rate increase for the period of June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026.
• Phase I - design and bidding engineering design and bidding services Connect Oregon No. C09-006 task order #1 for new aircraft T-hangars at the City of The Dalles/Klickitat County Columbia Gorge Regional Airport.
• Consolidated contract amendment No. 4 for the Klickitat County Health Department 2025-2027.
• Fire Districts 2, 4, 7, 10 & 12 radio system use and 9-1-1/dispatch services agreements.
• Appointment of District #4 director to the Noxious Weed Control Board,.
in the U.S. and is subject to removal or deportation after any prison sentence. When asked how she’s deciding whether to prosecute or deport any defendants who lack U.S. citizenship, Bondi said it’s based on their potential prison sentences, if they’re convicted.
“I want them to stay in our prisons as long as possible,” Bondi said.
“There’s a very big risk — we all know — releasing someone, especially to Mexico. Sending them back to Mexico, who knows, they could attempt to get through our borders. Not under Donald Trump, I doubt.
But they’re also part of a major drug trafficking ring in Mexico, so sending them back to Mexico to continue on with their drug business isn’t going to happen under this administration.”
they would hold the meeting first and then decide on public comment.
“The EFSEC process was set up by Gov. [Jay] Inslee with the intent to bypass the local process. There are levels of the permit process that we will still be involved in, and we have tried to keep a working relationship with EFSEC. We really need to keep that relationship as civil as possible. But a decision like this did not help the situation.”
austin Fisher Washington state standard
State Supreme Court upholds ban on high-capacity ammo magazines
Jake Goldstein-street Washington state standard
The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the state’s ban on the sale of gun ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
The law, passed in 2022, faced a challenge from a Kelso gun shop that argued the ban on selling the magazines violates the state constitution, which protects “the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state.”
Gator’s Custom Guns also said the law ran afoul of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In a 7-2 ruling, state Supreme Court justices disagreed. They ruled that highcapacity magazines aren’t “arms,” but just a component of a gun, and are not generally used for self-defense. The ruling tracked with arguments attorneys for the state made before the court in January.
“By restricting only magazines of a capacity greater than 10, the statute effectively regulates the maximum capacity of magazines, leaving the weapon fully functional for its intended purpose,” Justice Charles
Johnson wrote in Thursday’s opinion. “Indeed, we can safely say that individuals are still able to exercise the core right to bear arms when they are limited to purchasing magazines with a capacity of 10 or fewer.”
Justices Sheryl Gordon McCloud and G. Helen Whitener dissented.
Attorneys for Gator’s Custom Guns, including former Republican attorney general candidate Pete Serrano, had argued that the popularity of high-capacity magazines inherently proved they abide by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling protecting firearms that are “in common use” and are “typically possessed by lawabiding citizens for lawful purposes.”
In the dissent, Gordon McCloud sided with this argument, writing that millions of people have chosen semiautomatic firearms with high-capacity magazines “as the primary tool for lawful purposes.”
“It necessarily follows that the Second Amendment protects the arms-bearing conduct at issue here,” she wrote.
Attorney General Nick Brown said the majority decision “is right on the law and will save lives.”
“Large capacity magazines are used in the overwhelming majority of mass shoot-
ings, and reducing the toll of these senseless killings is vitally important,” he continued in a social media post.
Serrano said in an interview Thursday that the ruling was “what we anticipated,” but he was glad to see two justices disagreeing with the majority.
Gator’s Guns will seek direct review by the U.S. Supreme Court, he said. “We’re ready to take this to the next level,” Serrano said. “We believe the Second Amendment analysis in this ruling will be a draw for review by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, who oversaw the case for the state during his time as attorney general, said in a statement that the ban is a “common-sense” policy “essential in addressing mass shootings.”
Legalese
The case was poised to be a test of a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that moved the goalposts when it comes to assessing the constitutionality of gun regulations.
Washington’s ban on high-capacity magazine sales took effect about two and a half years ago. The state is among at least 14 nationwide with similar restrictions. These laws have attracted lawsuits as
Multnomah Falls timed use permit system resumes May 23
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area announced that a timed use permit will be required for visitors using the I-84 (Exit 31) Multnomah Falls parking lot daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 23 through September 1 of this year. The purpose of the permit system is to help reduce congestion, increase safety, and improve overall visitor experience.
Timed Use Permits will be available online at www.recreation.gov for a $2 transaction fee per vehicle. Permits
will be released two weeks prior to the visit date. There will also be a limited amount of in-person, same-day permits (no fee) at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. Each permit lists a onehour time slot in which you can arrive and then stay for as long as you would like that day. A timed use permit does not guarantee parking. Options for visiting Multnomah Falls without a permit
• Leave your car at home and take public transit (Columbia Area Transit), including service from Gateway Transit Center in Portland, Cascade Locks, and Hood River.
• Modify the timing of your trip to before or after the permit times and peak visitation (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Plan your visit to Multnomah Falls prior to Memorial Day or after Labor Day, when there is less congestion.
Marketing/Office Assistant
Are you energetic? A quick Learner? Outgoing? Courteous? Professional?
Do you love meeting new people? Learning new things? Making a difference?
Do you take pride in your accomplishments?
lower courts grapple with the decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled state firearm laws must stay true to the nation’s “historical tradition of firearm regulation.” Judges have now had to deduce how laws written over a century ago would square with technological advances, like high-capacity magazines and semi-automatic weapons.
In this case, attorneys for the gun shop argued justices have no historical analogue to compare with Washington’s high-capacity magazine law.
But the state attorney general’s office, led by Solicitor General Noah Purcell, countered that the comparison need not be so specific, pointing to Bowie knives banned after they rose in popularity in the 1800s.
The U.S. Supreme Court has since clarified its decision in Bruen to note judges can use general principles, not just exact matches, when comparing modern gun laws to historical regulations.
Johnson didn’t touch on the Bruen test in his ruling, given the majority found the ammunition magazines aren’t firearms in the first place.
Joseph Blocher, the cofounder of the Duke Center for Firearms Law, noted that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld a high-capacity magazine ban in California on similar grounds, though the federal court found the prohibition also “falls within the Nation’s tradition of protecting innocent persons by prohibiting especially dangerous uses of weapons and by regulating components necessary to the firing of a firearm.”
In the dissent, Gordon McCloud argues that the laws the state cited as comparison points “regulate carrying, rather than banning a common arm completely.” And others are from the 20th century, later than what the U.S. Supreme Court has indicated is part of the “historical tradition.”
Gordon McCloud also writes that the state’s argument on this issue “is the sort of interest-balancing that repressive governments have historically used to suppress opposition.” In a footnote, she cites laws restricting enslaved people and Native Americans from owning guns in the United States, as well as Nazis seizing guns from Jews in the 1930s.
The ruling comes about four months after attorneys from both sides argued
Notice of Lot Drawing
For candidate races in which Klickitat County is the filing office and where two or more candidates have filed, a lot drawing will be performed as required by RCW 29A.36.131[BS1] , in order to determine the order of candidate names on the official primary and sample ballots. If no primary is required under RCW 29A.36.131 and 29A.52.220, the names will appear on the general election ballot in the order determined by this lot drawing.
before the justices about the law’s standing under the U.S. and state constitutions.
The case came to the state Supreme Court after a Cowlitz County Superior Court judge struck down the ban in April 2024. The judge, Gary Bashor, ruled the law violated the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms for self-defense granted in the state constitution. He cited the Bruen decision’s historical tradition test as justification for overturning modern firearm laws.
That ruling had been paused until the case was resolved, so the ban had remained in effect. The Washington law still allows people to own high-capacity magazines, but bans importing or selling them.
The case now returns to Cowlitz County Superior Court to decide if Gator’s violated state law in allegedly flouting the prohibition.
This year, Washington lawmakers passed another controversial gun control measure to force firearm buyers to get a state permit before purchasing a gun. Republicans uniformly opposed the bill, with some arguing judges would deem it unconstitutional under Bruen.
That legislation awaits Ferguson’s signature.
The lot drawing was held May 12 at 10 a.m. at the Klickitat County Auditor’s Office, 205 S. Columbus Avenue, Room 203, in Goldendale.
To see a list of current candidates, visit: https:// voter.votewa.gov/CandidateList.aspx?e=893&c=20. For more information, contact the county elections departmen¸t at (509) 773-4001 or voting@klicktiatcounty.org.
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Buffalo Soldiers
There is a lot to learn from history and the people who lived in the days of the past. Have you ever thought, what would it be like to travel in time and experience the world as it was? The life of those who lived during those periods of time may seem amazing and heroic to us as we look back, but there were struggles we could never imagine. One of those times in American history are the days following the civil war. Young men of every race looked to the west to make their fortune, start a new life, and put their mark on the world.
Buffalo Soldiers were definitely one group to touch the lives around them, and they never knew they were changing history. After the emancipation proclamation put an end to slavery, many African Americans had nowhere to go, and many were released from slavery with just the clothes on their backs. When the United States made it legal for “colored men” to join the United States Army, many ex-slaves signed up. The soldiers rode horses across the hot, dusty plains, guarding stagecoaches, building roads and fighting outlaws. These soldiers wanted to earn respect, and build better lives for themselves and their families.
The name, Buffalo Soldiers, was given to the men by Native Americans. They believed the soldiers’ curly brown hair, their courage, and their fighting ability made them equal to the buffalo which the “Indians” thought was a sacred animal. The soldiers believed it was an honor to be called by that name.
One of the most famous Buffalo Soldiers was Sergeant Major William H. Carney. He was super brave and was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest award you can get in the military. He got the award because during a really dangerous battle, he saved the American flag and didn’t let it touch the ground, even though he was wounded. Another famous Buffalo Soldier was Henry O. Flipper. He was very smart and he made history by becoming the first Black man to graduate from West Point Military Academy. famous
Even though they did the same hard work and fought just as bravely, Buffalo soldiers were not treated the same as white soldiers. They were often given missions that no one else wanted. At times, they would have to ride for days without any rest, and there were times they weren’t even given food to take with them on their mission. The treatment they received was unfair, but they did their jobs with courage and pride. They patrolled huge, wild areas in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Buffalo Soldiers had to deal with a lot of racism but they showed the world that black men could be great soldiers and leaders. That’s why, even today, they are remembered as heroes.
