FAA is impressed with Goldendale airport
RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL
Klickitat County commissioners received mostly positive information at their October 15 meeting. With the cooling temperature and fall rains, they were happy to approve Emergency Management Director Jeff King’s request to rescind the burn ban across the county in all three burn ban zones. That change took effect at one minute after midnight on Wednesday, October 15.
In the morning workshop, Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Manager Jeff Renard said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had visited the airport two weeks ago.
“They’re very pleased with what we’re doing,” he said. “The piece that they’re most excited about is that they invested in that ramp project at $3.4 million and gave us those four taxiways, and inside 24 months we’ve got buildings going up against every piece of blacktop.”
By comparison, he said, the FAA had financed similar blacktop projects at other airports in the Northwest without generating
any new activity. The agency’s goal is to help airports become self-sustaining. New buildings on airport grounds represent steady income, which contributes to that goal.
“I told [the FAA representative] we’d be back looking for some more blacktop very soon,” he added, “because we’ll have everybody built out. That’s exactly what they want to see.”
And a bit of networking Renard did a couple of years ago, meeting the King County airport manager, paid off big time for Klickitat County. As commissioners thumbed through his report, he announced that he was able to make a deal for about $250,000 worth of equipment for $8,000.
That haul includes a 24-footwide snowplow and a 22-foot broom with a 200-mile-an-hour blower for blowing the snow and gravel off the runways and taxiways.
“This is a game-changer for the airport,” he said. “It used to take us most of a day to open up the airport. With this equipment, we can have a runway and a taxiway open for Life Flight in about 20 minutes.”
Renard says the equipment may be used, but it is in excellent shape, with $10,000 worth of tires on the snowplow. Although it took two years to get there, to trade $8,000 for a quarter million dollars’ worth of hardware has been worth the wait.
The afternoon session included the burn ban announcement and a public meeting that approved three short plats and a boundary line adjustment. The only cloud in all this sunshine was when commissioners expressed concern that the Washington Counties Risk Pool might announce a significant insurance rate increase at their conference next week in Vancouver.
Under the consent agenda, commissioners approved:
• A public meeting for approval of BLA 2025-12 Beyerlin.
• Advertising for contractors for the Snowden Road Overlay, CRP 386.
• A public meeting for approval of boundary line adjustment BLA 2024-21, Smith.
• Purchase of a Silverado by the Sheriff’s Office.
• Purchase of a Tahoe by the Sheriff’s Office.
RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL
Members of the Goldendale chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) gave a detailed presentation at Monday’s Goldendale City Council meeting. Students outlined their community service projects, leadership events, and fundraising successes ahead of their national competition. One of those projects, “Cans for Containers,” helped turn trash into treasure to benefit the local soup kitchen, which was converting from foam to biode-
gradable containers. The original goal was to have 50 members participate, but ultimately 67 FFA members and 21 people from the community took part in collecting recyclable cans and bottles. The $386 they raised was used to purchase and donate 1700 eco-friendly containers, enough to serve meals for nearly a month. In total members dedicated over 170 hours to collecting, sorting, and delivering, demonstrating commitment to service and sustainability. Much of the meeting was taken up with a discussion of a
LOU MARZELES
HARVEST FESTIVAL: A parade for the Harvest Festival was new this year, and everyone loves a parade.
Check your Medicare Part D 2026 premium for possible increases
Juliette Cubanski KFF.org
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has just released information about Medicare Part D plans for 2026, including plan availability and premiums for the coming year. As this year’s Medicare open enrollment period approaches, there’s some good news for Medicare Part D enrollees when it comes to monthly Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) premiums— lower on average, according to CMS—even as the total number of PDPs available drops yet again.
The headline of CMS’s press release emphasized stability in the Part D marketplace, but a quick review of the data shows that the total number of stand-alone drug plans available in 2026 will fall for the third year in a row, as plan sponsors scale back their PDP offerings (for example, Centene is discontinuing one of the 3 Wellcare PDP options; Health Care Service Corporation is discontinuing one of the 3 Cigna PDP options and withdrawing from several PDP regions) or exit the market entirely (as in the case of
Elevance’s Anthem PDPs). Overall, there will be fewer PDPs in 2026 than in 2025— 360 plans nationwide, down from 464 in 2025. Firm decisions to exit the PDP market or scale back their PDP offerings in recent years have been based on evaluations about the profitability and viability of the stand-alone drug plan market, particularly for insurers with a smaller footprint, accounting for higher costs associated with a redesigned Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act. The law added an outof-pocket spending cap for Part D enrollees beginning in 2025 and shifted more of the share of high-drug cost enrollees from the federal government to the plans themselves, which increased plan liability overall. In addition, many insurers that offer both PDP and MA-PD plans have stated their interest in focusing resources on more lucrative Medicare Advantage markets. Somewhat more unexpected than the reduction in plan availability for 2026 are the year-over-year premium changes for PDPs. A comprehensive KFF analysis will follow in the future,
but it appears that substantial premium increases for PDPs across the board didn’t materialize, even as the Trump administration scaled back the level of support for additional PDP premium subsidies through the temporary Part D premium stabilization demonstration established by the Biden administration in 2024. For 2026, the federal government is providing participating PDPs with an across-the-board monthly premium subsidy of up to $10 (down from $15 in 2025) and limiting the monthly premium increase for 2026 to $50 (up from $35 in 2025) – revised parameters which, when they were announced, seemed to point in the direction of higher premiums for PDP coverage in 2026. In fact, for all but one of the 10 PDPs that were offered nationwide in 2025 and that will continue to be offered on a national or near-national basis in 2026, Medicare Part D enrollees in a number of states will see lower monthly premiums in 2026 than in 2025. This is consistent with CMS’s projection that the average monthly PDP premium will decrease by a few dol-
lars in 2026. Only a few national PDPs are increasing monthly premiums by $50, the maximum allowed under the premium stabilization demonstration, and PDP enrollees may have up to 6 PDPs available for $0 premium, depending on where they live. Looking at premium changes for a few of the more popular plans shows a mixed picture, however, with wide variation in monthly premiums across plans and the 50 states and DC (Figure 1):
• The monthly premium for the most popular PDP nationally, Wellcare Value Script, is increasing in more states (33, including DC) than where it is holding steady (16) or decreasing (2), and will range from $0 to $42.40 across states and DC in 2026 (Figure 2).
• Enrollees in the second most popular PDP, Wellcare Classic, will see a premium reduction in 48 states (including DC), no change in 2, and an increase of less than $50 in 1. Monthly premiums will range from $0 to $45.70 across states and DC in 2026.
• Enrollees in the third most popular PDP, SilverScript Choice, will face the maximum $50 increase in their monthly premium in 30 states (including DC), but a premium reduction in 20 other states. The monthly premium will vary across states and DC from $14.70 to $116.
• According to CMS, virtually all PDP enrollees are in plans sponsored by insurers that opted to participate in the voluntary demonstration for 2026. In the absence of this demonstration and CMS’s actions during the bidding cycle for 2026 to negotiate and even reject plan bids, PDP premium increases would likely have been larger. And with 58% of all Part D enrollees in Medicare Advantage drug plans in 2025 and 42% in standalone PDPs, most Part D enrollees are not likely to face premium increases of any magnitude. This is because Medicare Advantage plans can use rebate dollars from the federal government to reduce premiums for prescription drug coverage. According to CMS, Medicare Advantage drug plan premiums
for 2026 are holding steady at considerably lower levels than stand-alone drug plans, on average, with many plans charging zero premium for drug coverage in 2026, as in previous years.
• Even if the monthly premium for a given Part D plan isn’t increasing, or is even decreasing, premiums are only one part of the story when it comes to Part D coverage. As is commonly advised during open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries may want to look beneath the hood to see what other Part D plan features may be changing, including what drugs are and aren’t covered on the plan’s formulary, tier placement of covered drugs, deductibles, and cost-sharing requirements. The tradeoff with a reduction in premiums is that drug coverage may be getting less generous, which could mean fewer drugs covered, higher cost-sharing requirements, or greater utilization management restrictions – or likely some combination of all three.
Klickitat County Burn Ban zones rescinded Multiple options for returning your ballot
Due to current and forecast weather conditions throughout Klickitat County, on October 14, the Klickitat County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), based on recommendations from the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management and the County’s Fire Districts, rescinded Resolution numbers 04825 (Zone One), 04725 (Zone Two), and 04925 (Zone Three). Therefore, the Burn Bans for Zones One, Two, and Three were no longer in effect as of October 15, 2025.
The public is directed to
check with the appropriate authorities concerning burning restrictions within the corporate limits of any city or town.
Per Klickitat County Outdoor burning Ordinance 8.24, dated May 9, 2023: 8.24.080 Penalties. Any violation of any resolution passed pursuant to the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be an infraction subject to civil penalty pursuant to Klickitat County Code 1.20. Any such penalties shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies the County or any other
fire control authority may have. If a fire authority is called to respond to control or extinguish an illegal or out of control fire, such fire authority may charge and recover from the person(s) responsible for the fire, the costs of its response and control action. For clarity the zone boundaries follow fire district boundaries as much as possible. Maps detailing the zone boundaries have been created and are available to view and download on the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management webpage.
Washington voters have several secure and convenient options for returning their ballot. You may return your ballot in person at the Klickitat County Auditor’s Office, deposit it in one of the permanently installed ballot drop boxes located throughout the county, or mail it through the United States Postal Service. A complete list of Klickitat County drop box locations is included in your voters’ pamphlet.
Ballots for the November 4, 2025, General Election will be mailed to voters between October 15 and
October 17, marking the beginning of Washington’s 18-day voting period. Voters can expect their state and
G OLDENDALE ’ S A TTIC
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
A bunch of very small people in a room with two larger people. Clearly in a classroom. Career Day? A staring
contest? We can’t say. 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 (509-7733777), 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
October 18, 1933 – 92 Years Ago
The little country paper sometimes does get a jump on the city dailies. A couple of weeks ago The Sentinel ran a long article on the attempt of the son of Sam Hill to break the existing will. This story has since been printed by a Portland newspaper, thinking enough of it to run it under a big frontpage head with pictures of the museum and Hill.
October 27, 1955 – 70 Years Ago
A visitor to the Goldendale Primary School might think he is seeing double, with three sets of twins enrolled in the first grade this year. They are Janice and Janet Starks, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Starks; Mary and Clair Weltzin, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Weltzin; and Janet and Nancy Logan, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. John Logan.
October 20, 1955 – 70 Years Ago
It’s a long way across the street in Goldendale sometimes. Last week The Sentinel received a card from the post office in The Dalles calling for one cent postage due for a letter. If the postage was not paid, the letter would be sent to the dead letter office, the note advised. The required penny was dispatched to The Dalles post haste. A few days later a letter arrived from The Dalles, littered with marks to the effect that postage had been due and had been paid. The letter had been mailed originally at The Dalles. The envelope contained a check from Dr. Lloyd Wolford, whose office is across the street from The Sentinel office.
October 16, 1975 – 50 Years Ago
200th Birthday – Older than the United States of America, the United States Navy celebrated its 200th birthday Monday. Joining in the celebration on “Uniform Day” (Friday) with a lunchtime gathering were three members of the Naval Reserve force: Lt. Commander A. J. Losee, Commander Bryant Roberson, and Lieutenant James Ogden. The trio is better known locally for their professional work as lawyer, clothier, and optometrist, respectively.
October 20, 2005 – 20 Years Ago
The Wilson family closed the Bickleton store after 77 years. Harry and Marie Wilson and their three kids arrived in Bickleton October 13, 1928. At the time Bickleton banker Sam Rossier was looking for someone to take over the Bickleton Farmer’s Mercantile. The original mercantile was a threepart store: groceries, dry goods, and machinery. It burned down in 1937. Harry and Marie liked Bickleton and decided to stay after the fire. They bought the drug store from Will Faulkner and made a grocery store out of it. They pulled the old M. E. Church across the street and went into the hardware business. From this humble beginning they built the business we know today. In October 2005, after 77 years, the Wilson family locked the doors for the last time.
—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society
Points to ponder:
My body is a temple. It looks like something destroyed by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
What is an insomniac, dyslexic agnostic? Someone who is up all night wondering if there is a dog.
Every time his kid started a temper tantrum, this dad would say, “I don’t negotiate with terrorists.”
Wife: “The two things I cook best are meatloaf and apple pie.” Husband: “And which is this?”
If the temperature outside today is zero, and it’s supposed to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?
YOUTH’S BID FOR LIBERTY STOPS HERE
Sheriff House, Deputy Karge Take Armed Bandit After Wild Chase On Satus December 15, 1938
Arrested last Thursday less than three hours after he had held up the Mesecher service station and escaped with about $5 in change, Ronald Smith, 17-year-old Issaquah, Wash., youth is now in the Klickitat County jail awaiting trial.
Smith’s arrest cut short a week-long spree of crime he started on December 3, when he allegedly broke out of a county jail at Mountain Home, Idaho, Sheriff C. R. House said.
The Issaquah youth, who will be brought into court here next week as a juvenile, was being held in the Idaho jail awaiting a hearing in federal court for alleged violation of the Dyer act (the National Motor Vehicle Theft Act of 1919). He had been arrested on a charge of transporting stolen cars across a state line.
Shows Bullets
Smith drove into the Mesecher service station Thursday afternoon, pointed a .32 calibre revolver at Mrs. Charles Mesecher, and announced, “This is a stickup, hand over your money.”
Mrs. Mesecher said she laughed at him until he snapped open the gun’s cylinder showing her the loaded shells. Then he stuck the gun in Mrs. Mesecher’s side and nudged her around to the cash drawer, opened it, and scooped out a handful of coins.
One of Mrs. Mesecher’s grandsons protested that $4 of the money was his that he had earned selling Christmas trees. The armed bandit pointed his pistol at the youth and told him to “shut up and get out of the way.” He then jumped into his car and drove off toward Yakima.
Officers Give Chase
Deputy Sheriff Ed Karge and Jailer Ed Whitehill
Answer to last week´s Mystery Picture
were notified immediately. They called ahead to notify Yakima authorities and began the chase.
The Issaquah bandit was well down the Toppenish side of the hill when he saw a state patrol car approaching from Yakima. Smith turned his car around and started back toward Goldendale. The motor of his car burned out, and Smith stopped at the Wechter ranch and attempted to hide in the bushes.
By that time Sheriff House arrived and began the search for Smith. About 6:00 p.m. the youth fired four shots in the air to attract attention, threw his gun down and surrendered. He later told officers he had decided it was hopeless to attempt to shoot it out with them.
Confesses Robberies
After his arrest, the youth confessed to having had a part in the robbery of a grocery store at Toppenish December 6 and to stealing a car in Portland, Sheriff House said. Smith said another man aided in the Toppenish holdup. The two men drove from Toppenish through Goldendale and on to Vancouver where they abandoned their car. Smith told Sheriff House that he stopped in Bingen to eat the night of December 6 after having robbed the Toppenish store.
Klickitat county authorities intend to hold Smith in jail here until the next session of court at which time he will be taken before the judge in a private juvenile hearing.
C. W. Ramsy, county prosecuting attorney, said the armed holdup of the Mesecher service station was the first robbery of its kind to take place in Goldendale.
This picture has been colorized. Jarrod Swearingen identified the man on the right as Ehman Sheldon. No one was able to correctly name the other two men.
About our earlier picture showing a street crossing with a person holding a fl ag with the word “Stop” on it: Clem Matylinski tells us, “Back in the day, 8th grade teacher Walt Wooley was in charge of the crossing guards. Being an Army veteran, he was very strict on how you represented
the team in public. The students had a reflective white crossing guard belt with a badge. It was worn across the front of the body, from right shoulder to waist. You had a stop sign fl ag. You stood at attention with the fl ag at your side until you had to use it for a crossing pedestrian. No goofi ng off at any time. The young ladies appear to be at the intersection of Burgen and Schuster Streets. The picture is taken looking north from Schuster.”
Points to ponder:
Did you know it’s impossible to say “good eye might” without sounding Australian?
A hungry termite walks into a bar and asks, “Is the bar tender here?”
A guy orders a pizza, and the clerk asks if he wants it sliced into 6 or 12 pieces? “6,” the guy says. I could never eat 12.”
OpiniOn
Is long-term care insurance worth the cost?
Dear Savvy Senior,
My husband and I have been thinking about getting a long-term care insurance policy, but we hate the idea of paying expensive monthly premiums for a policy we may never use. Is long-term care insurance worth it?
Approaching Retirement
Dear Approaching,
There are two key factors you need to consider that can help you determine if purchasing a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy is a smart decision for you and your husband. One factor is your financial situation and second is your health history. Currently, around 7.5 million Americans own a policy. Who needs LTC Insurance?
As the cost of LTC – which includes nursing home, assisted living and in-home care – continues to rise, it’s important to know that most people pay for LTC either from personal savings or Medicaid when their savings is depleted, or through a LTC insurance policy.
National median average costs for nursing home care today is over $100,000 a year, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey. Assisted living facilities and home care aides average more than $65,000/ year.
While national statistics show that about 70 percent of Americans 65 and older will need some kind of LTC, the fact is, many people don’t need to purchase LTC insurance. The reasons stem from a range of factors, including the fact that relatively few people have enough wealth to protect to make purchasing a policy worthwhile.
Another important factor is that most seniors who need LTC only need it for a short period of time, for example, when they’re recovering from surgery. For those people, Medicare covers in-home health care and nursing home stays of 100 days or less following a hospital stay of more than 3 consecutive days.
So, who should consider buying a policy?
LTC insurance make the most sense for people who have investable assets of $500,000 to around $2 million that they want to protect. Anything less, and you will likely deplete your resources and go on Medicaid for LTC coverage. Anything more, and you can probably afford to pay for care yourself.
Another factor to weigh is your personal health and family health history. The two most common reasons seniors need extended long-term care is because of dementia and/or disability. And, almost half of all people who live in nursing homes are 85 years or older. So, what’s your family history for Alzheimer’s, stroke or some other disabling health condition, and do you have a family history of longevity?
You also need to factor in gender too. Because women tend to live longer than men, they are at greater risk of needing extended LTC.
Choosing LTC coverage
After evaluating your situation, if you’re leaning to-
THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL
Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington
Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777
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Editorial:
Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher
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Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.
Leslie Geatches, President, Financial management, Special Section production, Ad Design Naomi James, Bookkeeping
wards buying a LTC policy, be aware that premiums can vary widely. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, premiums for a policy bought by a couple who are both age 65 for a benefit pool of $165,000 each, with a 3 percent inflation rider, ranged from $7,137 to $8,493 a year. You can buy LTC insurance from an insurance company or through an agent. Or you might also be able to buy a policy at work. Be sure to get quotes from several sources for the same coverage to compare prices.
There are two main types of long-term care coverage you’ll want to consider. Traditional LTC insurance, which is “use it or lose it.” And hybrid policies that combine LTC coverage with life-insurance benefits. These policies promise that if you don’t end up needing long-term care, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. Both types of policies require medical underwriting to qualify.
Another hybrid product to consider is an income annuity that includes a provision to increase your payout if you need LTC. However, the payout may not cover the full cost of care, and the added cost of this provision, known as a rider, can reduce the standard payout from the annuity.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Letters from the community
Overreach of the worst kind
Check your lights
The darkest days of winter aren’t far off. One of the things we can do to prepare for winter is to check the lights on our vehicles—not just the headlights.
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
Ever had a car back out in front of you, and you have to stomp on your brakes to keep from being hit because their backup lights didn’t work?
for three hours. I think the city of Goldendale
Ever get stuck following a vehicle with no taillights at night? It’s scary, weird.
Ever wonder why so many drivers are so thoughtless for not using their turn signals? Maybe their turn signal lights aren’t working.
You get my drift. Please check all your lights, people! Let’s keep you and the rest of us safer on these darker winter days and nights.
Janis Powers Goldendale
A good day
It was a perfect day for a demonstration of loyalty to this country.
On Saturday I joined around 600 people on the streets of Bingen to demonstrate our love and concern for our country and to defend its Constitution. We were a part of the millions across so many towns and cities in this country and around the world, expressing our dismay about this administration’s actions in many areas of government services and individual rights.
The peaceful protest needed no law enforcement—there were no arrests or violence, notable among all the protests everywhere. Babies to Boomers were represented. Some of the estimated 2,000 people in a protest in Hood River joined us after their rally had ended. Traffic was busy, with cars to semi-truck drivers honking in solidarity. People waved the American flag and hundreds of individually crafted signs.
It was a good day for the U.S.A
Carol Hicks Goldendale
As a reporter covering Klickitat County, I have watched the very real concerns expressed by local residents paid only lip service in the run-up to this decision. It was particularly clueless of EFSEC to hold a comment period before meeting in
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
specter of a large BESS [battery energy storage system] facility without requiring the company to provide training and equipment to local fire departments against toxic fires that have blighted other communities. I urge you all to read carefully the comments from organizations and
Goldendale, then act on that before any of the people gathered to speak could give their input.
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
The whole purpose of EFSEC was to supersede local control in an “ends justify the means” mentality, but the recent decision to concentrate the power of the group in a single individual was executive overreach of the worst sort. One wonders why the meeting is held at 9 a.m., rendering it impossible for working people to attend; and furthermore, why the board is bothering with convening as a group, since the power has been vested in a single person.
So sad to see acres of farmland lost to this massive array, and the
Guidelines for Letters
people in opposition to solar that cite chapter and verse of RCWs that should be taken into consideration before any decision.
(Editor’s note: Rodger created this image in an AI program called ChatBox for this letter.)
Letters to the editor should be original and comment on an issue. Deadline for letters is noon Monday for the same week’s paper.
Requests to keep letters exactly as written when published cannot be honored. All letters are subject to editing for grammar, spelling, clarity, and/or brevity.
There is a suggested length limit of about 300 words.
Unsigned letters (including anonymity requests), letters with fictitious signatures, letters with multiple signatures, or letters to public officials are not accepted.
Please keep the tone of letters free of rants, wild speculation, unsubstantiated claims, or pointedly personal comments. Letters that go overboard in these directions will be refused publication.
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Savvy Senior, Jim Miller
Rodger Nichols
The Dalles, Oregon
H OMETOWN
Load up on rewood
Have you noticed the beautiful fall colors along the Trout Lake highway between Glenwood and Trout Lake and the BZ-Glenwood highway down to BZ Corner? The colors are absolutely beautiful and still not quite at their peak. This is a good time to take a drive around that whole loop and stop at The Glenwood Station or Glenwood General Store for a tasty lunch.
The fall colors plus the rains we’ve had the last few days are a reminder that there’s still time to get firewood and stock up for winter. Last Sunday the Glenwood High School Sophomore and Junior classes hosted a wood cutting day for the public on timber lands in our area. If you didn’t make it last Sunday, there’s still time, because the students and advisors will be out there again next Sunday for another chance to help families get their winter wood supply.
You can contact Mrs. Troh or Mrs. Hoctor in the school office at (509) 364-3438 for more information or to obtain a map of the cutting area. The classes are accepting donations for helping people get their firewood loads.
As I mentioned last week, the Glenwood General Store, Glenwood Station, and Glenwood Women’s Club are, once again, joining together to host the annual Halloween Festival in Glenwood, with support from the Glenwood Fire Dept. Prizes will be awarded for best decorated trunks/ vehicles and best costumes. The General Store will offer free chili and clam chowder at the food truck, the Station will serve hot cocoa, and there will be a fire pit with s’mores, all in downtown Glenwood. The fun event will take place on Friday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Two blocks of Main Street will be closed
during that time, but side streets will serve as detours. Start planning your vehicle decorations and kids’ and grownups’ costumes and come on out and enjoy the fun.
Volleyball season is over for our high school and middle school girls. The Trout Lake/Glenwood (Lakewood) team just missed qualifying for postregular season play. We here are so proud of those girls for putting so much effort and skill into their season. They played very well against very stiff competition all season long.
The Glenwood middle school girls played in a team with Klickitat. Little Klickwood participated in a final tournament last Saturday with the four other teams in the league. The tournament, very well organized, was held in the Trout Lake gym.
The Lakewood high school girls and coaches officiated and helped in other ways with the tournament. We are all very proud of our Little Klickwood girls, too. Soon some of the little girls and the big girls will be busy with basketball practice and others will begin club volleyball.
Although we’re still in October, now is the time to contact Mrs. Troh in the school office at the number mentioned above if you would like to make reservations to attend the school Thanksgiving dinner this year. It’s important to get those reservations in early so our awesome school cook, Catie, can begin planning and ordering the groceries needed. I love the Glenwood School tradition of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for the students and their families. Have a great week, and remember to please get news items to me for next week’s paper by Sunday afternoon. Happy Fall, everyone.
Homeless veterans in Klickitat County get a Lifeline
CHRISTINA JOHNSON FOR THE SENTINEL
For numerous veterans in Washington, the path to stability after military service can be uncertain. Unfortunately, Klickitat County—though small and largely agricultural— reflects this persistent national challenge, with a substantial portion of its former service members returning home only to encounter rising housing costs compounded by limited healthcare access and inadequate local support.
The truth is over the past decade the country has already made measurable progress in addressing this issue, as the rate of unhoused veterans has fallen by more than 55 percent since 2010. Yet this stride remains insufficient, especially since more than 32,000 personnel across the country still lack permanent shelter, and many of them reside in rural areas where resources are scattered and infrastructure is weak. The recently issued executive order, which primarily aims to establish a National Center for Warrior Independence, represents a timely opportunity to address these disparities. Through such an initiative, rural communities—particularly Klickitat County—can bridge the longstanding gaps in housing as well as healthcare and other veteran services. Veterans in Klickitat County affected by homelessness Klickitat County is home to nearly 2,000 former service members—a small portion of Washington’s over 532,500 veteran population—yet the challenges
they face mirror those experienced across the nation. Despite this modest size, the region has not been spared from the hardships that continue to define postservice life for many veterans, including unstable housing, as well as limited healthcare access and the lasting effects of military exposure. True to this, in January 2025, the county documented 540 residents without their own homes— many of whom were veterans whose fi nancial stability had eroded amid the growing cost of living and the insufficient medical benefits. Across Washington, about 1,780 veterans experienced homelessness as of 2023, which reflects the broader and ongoing struggle to provide stable housing for those who once served.
Also exacerbating this burden are health conditions stemming from in-service exposure to toxic contaminants—specifically asbestos. During World War II, this natural mineral became vital in the production and maintenance of armaments, aircraft, tanks, trucks, and other equipment. Similarly, the Navy historically utilized such a material in constructing its ships before the mid-70s. But the problem was that countless service members were unaware that asbestos exposure can lead to devastating illnesses.
Tragically, such a crisis has been apparent in Klickitat County, which recorded 53 related fatalities between 1999 and 2017. Statewide, 9,200 asbestosassociated deaths were reported during the same period. Of these, at least 6,416 casualties were
attributed to lung cancer, while 1,604 were linked to mesothelioma and 1,262 to asbestosis. A large number of the victims were veterans once stationed in contaminated bases like the Yakima Training Center, just roughly 90 miles from Klickitat County. For many personnel, the progression of such diseases not only strains their health—it also destabilizes their livelihoods, turning medical hardship into yet another pathway to homelessness.
A federal commitment redefi ning veteran support
The creation of the National Center for Warrior Independence is a major step toward tackling the particularly persistent issue of veteran care in rural communities like Klickitat County, Washington, and nationwide. Such an initiative mainly offers a meaningful chance to strengthen housing stability by building 6,000 housing units in California. Besides this, it would further expand access to medical treatment and ease the challenges usually encountered during the reintegration of military personnel transitioning to civilian life. And while detailed guidelines of how this program will be enforced have yet to be released, individuals seeking initial information on enrollment, eligibility, and other related services may reach out directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If implemented effectively, the National Center for Warrior Independence would go beyond just a mere program—it would serve as a lifeline for veterans dealing with both
housing instability and debilitating illnesses. Yet attaining such an outcome would heavily depend on meticulous planning as well as strong interagency coordination, and also sustained federal investment. These same pillars underpinned the efficient rollout of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, which broadened the access of veterans to healthcare services and disability benefits. Since its enactment, almost three million veterans nationwide have already submitted their applications to the VA, including more than 64,500 from Washington. To date, nearly two million claims have been approved, while $6.8 billion in compensation was paid just in 2024.
These outcomes reflect what is possible when strong policy direction is paired with accountability and effective administration. With careful execution, the National Center for Warrior Independence could not only help reduce veteran homelessness in Klickitat County but also set a precedent for holistic, long-term support. At its core, the program’s mission aligns with a simple yet enduring promise: to make sure every veteran— regardless of geography— can rebuild their life with dignity, health, and stability after serving the nation. Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process.
A free, year-long fellowship invites teens in Goldendale and the surrounding area to lead projects that strengthen their communities.
Rhizome is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 Civic Service Fellowship, a year-long program that gives southern Washington high school students the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience to make a lasting impact close to home.
The fellowship pairs leadership training with handson civic engagement. Fel-
lows dedicate about three hours a week to projects such as voter-registration drives, neighborhood service events, and climateaction campaigns, building teamwork, communication, and public-speaking skills along the way. Graduates of the program are also eligible to apply for paid organizer positions with Rhizome, providing a natural next step for those who wish to continue their leadership journey.
“Young people aren’t just the future; they’re leaders right now,” said Kate Alp-
erin, Southern Washington Regional Organizer at Rhizome. “This fellowship amplifies their voices and helps them build the kind of world they want to live in and sustain for years to come.”
Applications are open now and can be completed in less than five minutes at www.werhize.org/civicservice-fellowship. Recruitment will continue until the cohort is full, so early applications are encouraged to secure a spot.
Participation is free, and no previous organizing
experience is required. Students gain valuable leadership experience, earn service hours for graduation or college applications, and join a supportive network of peers and mentors dedicated to empowering young people.
About Rhizome Rhizome is a national nonprofit advancing youth civic engagement and community resilience through fellowships, service projects, and leadership development programs across the United States. Learn more at www.werhize.org.
is Calendar of Events listing is FREE! Email your event to events@goldendalesentinel.com or call 509-773-3777.
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 ts your budget! We o er 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.
October 4 - 26 Horseshoe & Sprout Pumpkin Patch: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October at 774 Garner Rd, Centerville. Hay mazes, pumpkin chucking, and a petting zoo—fall fun for the whole family! Fall fun awaits at the Pumpkin Patch! Explore the hay maze, visit the petting zoo, try your hand at pumpkin chucking, snap festive photos, shop unique gifts, enjoy tasty concessions, and more. A perfect autumn adventure for all ages!
October23, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 7:30 p.m. at the Bingen eater 210 Oak St. Let’s Do the Time Warp… Again! We hear you, creatures of the night! You’re mourning the absence of our annual live Rocky Horror Show. But our actors need a break. (Trust us, shnets aren’t as breathable as they look.)
But! Because it’s the 50th Anniversary of e Rocky Horror Picture Show, we’re trading the stage for the silver screen! Join us for two nights only as we celebrate the cult classic that started it all - the outrageous, glitter-soaked, time-warping movie version.
October 25, Kid’s Halloween Paint Party: 10 a.m. at Mugs Coffee in Bingen. Hello! My name is Tricia. I’m a local artist that does Paint events for kids! It’s almost Halloween so that means its time for a spooky paint class! Saturday, October 25th at 10am at Mugs Co ee in Bingen, we’re going to be painting a super cute Ghost! As much as I love our summer classes, the holiday ones are extra fun! We have fun decorations and dress up (don’t send kids in costumes you dont want paint on) and hand out goody
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
• To Your Health, Plant based Food Matters seminars on the physiology of nutrition, Join us the 1st monday of the month from 5:30 - 87 p.m. for a potluck dinner, sharing recipes and ideas, as well as a chance to learn.
The Better Livin Center, 59 Bicleton Rd 509-250-1354 Faye.
• Dr. Ogden’s Street Jam every Monday at 7 p.m. in front of the Goldendale Senior Center
• Lyle Lions Meeting 6 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Popup Café – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch and support group at the Masonic Lodge on Columbus. Café is open weekly on Monday and Wednesday.
• e Coalition for Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) 3:30 p.m. every 2nd Monday at the Goldendale Library. 509-773-3776 or CPAKC on Facebook.
• Goldendale City Council
meetings 6 p.m. 1103 S Columbus 1st and 3rd Monday of every month (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) https://www.
ci.goldendale.wa.us/
• Adult Book Discussion Group meets every third Mon-
Community Events
bags! is class is for ages 5-12
(this is exible. Message with any questions) it’s $25 per child and comes with everything needed to create a masterpiece! Oh. And a snack An adult must remain on property, but its a co ee shop with amazing drinks and pastries so, easy. Message me here or email me at woodartbytriciacole@gmail.com to get signed up. Space is very limited so get signed up early to ensure a spot!
October 25, Funky Robots Dance Party: 7:30 - 11 p.m. at the Bingen eater. Funkship’s annual Halloween costume dance party and fundraiser for the Bingen eater! With special guests Jory Apedaile and Taylor Spli .
October 25, National Take Back Day: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Goldendale Courthouse Parking Lot. In Person, take back site. Drop o unwanted or unused medicaiton, no questions asked.
October 31, White Salmon toddler/preschool Haloween party: 10 - 11 a.m at the Mountain View Grange in White Salmon, Grab your costumes and get ready for a Halloween hootenanny with northwest favorite, the extraordinary Red Yarn! Red Yarn (aka Andy Ferguson) is a Texas-born, Oregon-based family performer who weaves folk songs and puppetry into high-energy shows. For toddlers and preschoolers with their parent/caregivers. Siblings welcome.
October 31, Epic Youth Center Harvest Festival: 4 - 8 p.m. 1106 S Rosevelt in Goldendale. All youth are invited to come Haloween night for a fun and crazy time. Carnival booths, hot dogs, candy, prizes, bounce houses for all sizes of kids, and friendly competitions. is is a free community event sponsored by the Greater Goldendale Association of Pastors and Epic Youth Center.
October 31, Trick or Treat at Goldendale United Methodist Church: 5 - 7 p.m. 109 E Broadway in Goldendale.
day 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
• Goldendale School Board Meeting: 4th Monday of the month at the High School Cafeteria.
Tuesday
• White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Meeting every Tuesday at 301 Dewalt Dr, White Salmon.
• Adult Fiber Art Social Circle: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Goldendale Community Library
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 3 - 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All students (1st grade and up) welcome to come meet new friends and play a variety of games. A release of liabilities and a parent agreement of conduct must be on le. Youth under 8 must be checked in by a parent. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Wellness Warriors 3 – 4 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Goldendale Library Join us as our local health department nurses teach us about 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,
Indoor fun-filled, free family event for all ages! Come dressed in costume and enjoy some special treats!
October 31, White Salmon Holloween: 5 - 7 p.m. in Downtown White Salmon there will be a variety of activities and Halloween things.
October 31, Glenwood
Halloween: 5 - 7 p.m. on Main Street
November 1, Chamber
Clean Up Day: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Help us get the Chamber ready for the winter season! We’ll be cleaning up planter beds, removing debris, trimming trees, blowing out sprinkler lines, touching
tools or equipment such as rakes, shovels, trimmers, blowers, or even a truck or trailer for hauling debris.
Let’s work together to make the Chamber shine bright for the season ahead!
Questions: 509-773-3400 | admin@goldendalechamber.org
November 2, Small Fry Rodeo: 11 a.m. at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds in Goldendale. Entries are open! All details should be listed on the yer or the entry! If you have any more please reach out. awards for the best costumes! Presented by the Goldendale High School Equestrian Team.
Lacey-509-250-0226
November 7 - 8, Annual Giving Tree Festival: Friday 48 p.m., Saturday 3 - 8 p.m. Drawing will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday. At the Goldendale range Hall on East Darland Ave. All proceeds go to Braxten Jensen. Call Susan 509-773-3309 or Jeanne 509-2612513 for more information
November 8, Fall Fest
Cra Show: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m at the Goldendale American Legion on Broadway., Cra s, food, and Fun! Vendors call Tina at 509951-2159
November 8, 5D Barrel Race, KC Fair & Rodeo Queen fundraiser: 9 a.m. at the KC Fairgrounds indoor arena Time onlies 9-10am, pee wee’s start at 10:30 $50 open entry fee
$10 pee wee entry fee 10 & under $10 o ce fee Time Onlies
3/$10 or $5 each
Questions: call Amanda Chambers 509-366-0509 is is a fundraiser race for the Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo Queen program!
p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Masonic Building in White Salmon, 146 W. Jewett. November 15, Bickleton Holiday Market: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the School. Vendors wanted, call 509-896-2113 or 509-8962781
November 16, Christmas Cra Fair: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 210 South Columbus at e Lodge. Join the Seventh-Day Adventisc School for a Christmas Cra Fair fundraising event. November 27, Dad’s Sourdough Community anksgiving Dinner: At the Lodge on Columbus in Goldendale. We will need volunteers for prep and serving. Stay tuned for more information!
up paint, hanging lights, and more.
We’re calling on community members, Chamber members, and local businesses to lend a hand—whether you can join for an hour or the whole day, your help makes a big di erence. Bring your work gloves and, if you have them, lawn care
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. at he American Legion on Broadway. Questions? Sally/ojala@gmail. com.
• KC Fair Board Meetings 1st Tuesday of the month is a Workshop, 3rd Tuesday of the month is a Board Meeting.
• Soroptimist International of Goldendale, 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Dedicated to helping women and youth in our community and worldwide. All welcome. Contact Betty 509250-3746.
• BINGO night: 3 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the High Prairie Community Center on Struck Rd. Meals and cards for purchase (discounted kids’ meals) Come meet your neighbours and enjoy some family fun!
Wednesday
• PARENTS of Murdered Children group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the American Legion at 6 p.m.
• GAMES! Pinochle, cards, dominoes, and more every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Goldendale Senior Center on East Main. All are welcome!
• Healing Song Circle: 6:30 –7:30 p.m. every 4th Wednesday of the month, Missing Corner in BZ Corner. By donation $1020, no one turned away. RSVP at laurarosedoctor@gmail.com, 509-637-9425.
• Family Storytime: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Goldendale
All riders will receive a prize. e trophy option is additional and optional. Trophy’s must be paid for by October 1st! All kids will receive a back number, no guarantee their last name will be on it. Costumes are optional and encouraged! THIS IS WALK TROT ONLY
Any questions call or text
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.
• 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
• Dog Obedience and Agility Classes Fundraiser for the 4H Dog Project. Every ursday at .6 p.m. all summer at Father’s House Fellowship Hall. Proof of vaccinations required Kids and Adults welcome Puppies need 1st series of shots completed 509 -250-1623 for more info
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 6:30 - 8 p.m. every ursday. 5th grade and older welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on le. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Rosary every ursday evening at 6 p.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
November 8, Columbia Grange 87’s 136th Birthday Party: 1 - 4 p.m. Come help us celebrate our 136th birthday! It is the oldest grange hall in the state of Washington still in its original building. It will be held in the Grange Hall on Columbia Grange Rd off Old Hwy 8 near the Canyon Rd turno . Program starts at 1pm followed by a (bring a pie, buy a pie) pie auction fundraiser and cake and ice cream. Help us keep this historic building in our community.
Novembr 11, Goldendale Veterans Day Parade: 11 a.m.
Sponsored by ABATE $5 fee. Call the Chamber for more info November 14 - 16, Winter Wonderland Bazaar: Friday 4 - 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 6
available for purchase. Call Carol for location 971-404-1935
• Learn and Play! 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at the White Salmon Library. Stories, songs, puppets, cra s and more for young children (birth through 5 yrs) 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
• Bingo at the Goldendale American Legion ursdayscard packets go on sale 6:30 p.m. game starts 7 p.m. Food available
• Bingo - High Prairie Community Center, 2nd ursday 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 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.
December 5 - 7, Winter Wonderland Bazaar: Friday 48 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Bingen December 12 & 13, Shine Local: 5 - 9 p.m. both nights at the Goldendnale Chamber of Commerce on Broadway. Celebrate the magic of the season at Shine Local, presented by the Greater Goldendale Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors! This sparkling two-night event transforms the Chamber grounds into a Winter Wonderland, featuring the beloved Tinsel Trail — a dazzling display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and families. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as you stroll through the Lighted Interactive Park, sip from the Hot Cocoa Bar, and take part in festive fun for all ages. From cheerful Christmas music and handson holiday cra s to the always entertaining Ugly Sweater Contest, Shine Local is your invitation to slow down, connect, and celebrate the spirit of community. Call the chamber at 509-773-3400 for a Tinsel Trail application or visit the Chamber wesite.
November 13, Goldendale Farmer’s Market Annual Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Goldendale Grange Hall on East Darland. Kick o the holiday season at this annual community favorite! e Holiday Bazaar features local vendors o ering handmade gi s, seasonal décor, baked goods, cra s, and more— all perfect for holiday shopping.
• Lyle Community Game Day 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the Lyle Lions Community Center.
• Bingo – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, Mt Adams Elks Lodge 124 NE Church Ave, White Salmon. Doors open at 5:30, Bingo at 6 and the Salmon Run Grill is open from 5:30 –7:30
• Knitting and Stitching Circle 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Salmon Community Library Saturday
• Goldendale Farmers Market May thru October at the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce on Broadway every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• High Prairie Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the rst and third Saturday of the month. Vendors please call Bea 509637-0584
• Hope Neighborhood 4:306:00 p.m. 115 E Main Street, Goldendale at the Goldendale Senior Center. A time of fellowship, bible reading, and discussion for those seeking to learn and grow in God’s word.
• Lyle Lions Pancake Breakfast 1st Saturday of every month 7 a.m. -10 a.m. Omelettes and ham and eggs cooked to order. Endless Pancakes. Location: Lyle Lions Community Center 5th & State Street (Hwy 14).
• Columbia Grange meets the 2nd Saturday of every month.
• Goldendale Aglow Lighthouse meets from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Senior Center 3rd Saturday of every month, 115 E. Main St. Goldendale
• Family Storytimes 10:30 –11:30 a.m. 1st Saturday of the month @ the Goldendale Library Sunday
• Trout Lake Farmers Market: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Grange Hall.
Michael Hammett, 36, of Selah, passed away on October 8, 2025.
Born in The Dalles, Oregon, Michael built a life around compassion and connection. After overcoming his own struggles, he found purpose in helping others as a counselor in addiction recovery- work that reflected his strength, empathy, and deep belief in the lifelong process of growth and self-discovery.
Michael’s proudest purpose and greatest joy was being a father. What he
Washington State Standard
As the federal government shutdown extends to day 17, and with congressional leaders nowhere near negotiating, state officials are beginning to raise concerns of potential cuts to nutrition assistance benefits that feed millions if the government isn’t reopened.
Minnesota has already halted new enrollments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. And officials in Kansas, New Hampshire, and New Mexico have been warned that their residents could miss their food assistance payments for November.
More than 42 million Americans rely on the program, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture administers. The federal government funds nearly all the program benefits, with states administering the program.
loved most was spending time with his son, Aiden. As a child, Michael enjoyed exploring the outdoors, whether it be tending to his animals, hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking. Those hobbies and interests continued on into his adulthood, alongside his loyal dog, Remi. He was sharp-minded and endlessly curious, always ready for a good conversation or a movie quote-off. His quick wit and unforgettable laugh could light up any room.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned Thursday that SNAP will run out of funds in two weeks if Congress fails to strike a deal and end the government shutdown.
“You’re talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown,” she said outside the White House Thursday. USDA could not be reached for comment Friday.
USDA has directed regional SNAP directors to stop working on benefits for November, according to an Oct. 10 letter obtained by Politico, written by the program’s acting associate administrator, Ronald Ward.
“Considering the operational issues and constraints that exist in automated systems, and in the interest of preserving maximum flexibility, we are forced to direct States to hold their November
Confused about Open Enrollment?
JORDAN STROBECK
Michael is survived by his son, Aiden Hammett; his parents, Julie Minshall and Tony Hammett; his sister and family, Jordan, Alex, and Asa Adams; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and only surviving grandfather, Bill Hammett. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the Goldendale Golf Course on October 25, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IDEAL Fellowship program through the YVC Foundation, honoring Michael’s dedication to recovery and helping others fi nd their way.
issuance files and delay transmission to State EBT vendors until further notice,” Ward wrote. “This includes on-going SNAP benefits and daily files.”
USDA has already shuffled more than $300 million in tariff revenue into the agency’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, through the rest of the month.
The shutdown started Oct. 1 after Congress failed to find a bipartisan path forward on a stopgap spending bill.
Senate Democrats have pushed for negotiations to extend the enhanced tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year for people who buy their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Republicans have insisted on passing the House’s version of the stopgap funding bill that does not address insurance premiums.
Director of Community Engagement and Growth Community Health Plan of Washington
Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when headlines are swirling, federal rules are shifting, and new plan options are entering the mix. With so much noise in the headlines, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re already enrolled in an Individual & Family plan or shopping through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (wahealthplanfinder.org) for the first time, here are the key updates and important areas to keep in mind during this year’s open enrollment period.
First, a new lower-cost Gold-level plan called “Vital Gold” joins the current Gold plan, which has been
renamed Complete Gold.
Along with the Silver and Bronze options, that means additional choices for 2026. For many shoppers, Vital Gold may be more affordable than Silver plans due in part to subsidy calculation changes. If you’re currently on a Silver Plan, you may be able to save more by switching to Vital Gold.
Additionally, there is a new hearing benefit on most plans that now includes coverage before your deductible for hearing aids and hearing exams.
Next, the enhanced federal premium tax credits that have made individual and family plans more affordable in recent years are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts. Without them, most plans will see higher premiums in 2026. In Washington state, if these tax credits expire, up to 80,000 recipients could forgo coverage and net
premiums could increase by 65% (source: WAHBE Fact Sheet, May 2025). There is some good news, however: Cascade Care Savings, Washington’s state-funded subsidies, will still be available for Gold and Silver plans. These savings can help reduce your monthly premium.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to make sure your health plan fits your needs for the year ahead. Mark your calendar because you can browse 2026 plans at wahealthplanfinder. org. Open enrollment runs November 1 through December 15, 2025. From December 16 – January 15, 2026, you can still enroll in a plan, but coverage starts February 1.
Open Enrollment only comes once a year, so use this window to make confident, informed decisions about your health coverage.
ARIANA FIGUEROA
Thegrowingconcern of CWD
JORDANMAYBERRY
FORTHESENTINEL
Deer season officially opened on October11,2025, a long-anticipated date for hunters across Washington and especially in Goldendale, where the banner stretchedaboveMainStreet still reads: “A Sportsman’s Paradise” This year’s season is nearly a full week longerthanusual,anunexpectedboonforhunters Yet it comes with new regulations from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) adopted earlierthisyeartoaddressa growingconcern:thespread of ChronicWastingDisease (CWD)
The disease may appear a novel or distant threat, with highest case prevalenceappearingintheinterior region of the United States and Canada In late 2024, the first discovered caseof adeerafflictedwith Chronic Wasting Disease near Spokane was marked as the first recorded case in Washington State The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) described the disease in a publicstatement:“Chronic wastingdisease (CWD)is a fatal neurologic illness of cervids,whichincludedeer, elk moose and caribou ” Thediseaseiscausedbyan “infectiouspoisonprotein,” and transmission comes fromanimal-to-animalcontactwithbodyfluidsorcontaminated environments Evidenceof infection often
FORTHESENTINEL
The 2024 Annual Report for Washington Gorge ActionPrograms(WAGAP) isnowavailabletothepublicfollowingapprovalbythe board of directorsduringa recent meeting The Community Action Agency has servedSkamaniaandKlickitatcountiessince1966 supportinglow-incomefamilies to improve their quality of life
Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto said the organization covers a wide rangeof programsaddressing essential needs for families and children It has offices in Bingen, Stevenson and Goldendale as well as additional food bank locations in Klickitat and the Mobile Food Bank whichhelpsreach outlying communities
“WAGAP’sWholeFamily Approach includes a Food Bank Network, housing
CITY frompage A1
does not appear until it is toolate Mostanimalswith CWD appear normal until the end stages of the disease when they show signs of weight loss, lethargy, drooping ears, excessive salivation and urination, and loss of fear of people,” theWDFWsaid As of now, no cure has been found for CWD and testingforthediseaseisalso a precise measure, requiring specific samplingfrom head tissue of the affected deertoverifyacase CWD’s discovery in the Spokane area is no wonder This region classified as the “Eastern Region” or “Region 1” by the WDFW, and is known for having a high density of deer population In relation to the KlickitatCountyarea, classified as the “Southwest Region or Region 5, a lowerriskof CDWintroduction into the Klickitat deer populationcan beinferred However, the risk is not zero and hunters in the area will still be subject to regulationsimposed by the WDFW in March of 2025, lessthan6monthsafterthe initial discovery of CWD in Washington State The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Aleadingconservation organization based in Montana released a statement on the Washington regulations and why they spreadbeyondthehigh-risk areas “Even though CWD has only currently been detected in eastern Washington, the statewide bans
SERIOUS:ChronicWastingDiseas(CWD)isspreadingamongelkand deer in WashingtonState prevent undetected disease outbreaks from spreading between populations” the Foundation explained “WDFW is also evaluatingits own wildlifefeeding practicesinareaswhereelk are fed to reduce humanwildlife conflict in agriculturalareas
Some restrictions apply only to Eastern Region counties, particularly mandatory reporting of huntingactivity and mandatory CWD testingfor harvested deerandelk,butthemajority of regulations apply across the state A notable policy is a ban on feeding deer and elk implemented by WDFW director Kelly Susewind on March 24, 2025 The rule was implemented to avoid unnecessarygatheringsof deerand elk, as feeding draws ani-
mals together where they can spread disease The WDFW explained Another rule implementedfor similar reasons, is a ban on baiting for the purpose of huntingdeer,elk,ormoose Scent lures were specified bytheWDFWasbeingprohibited,asbaitingforhunting purposes also gathers populationsinto one space increasing risk of disease spreading Beyond rules restricting potential spreadingfactors bygatheringsof animals,a restrictiononharvesttransporthasalsobeenimposed Transportof harvestorsalvaged deer elk and moose Restrictions on transport focus on imported harvest takenfromoutsideWashingtonboundaries TheWDFW specifiesthespecificallowed classesof harvest that may
VOTINGfrompage A1
be imported across these boundaries:meat(imported as de-boned), any part of theskullorantlerswithall soft tissue removed, hides or capes (without heads attached) tissue with preapproved research permits, and finished taxidermies
“These rules also apply to people harvesting or salvagingdeer,elk,andmoose within WDFW’s Region 1 and wishing to transport carcasses to other areas of Washington ” the WDFW said WhileCWDis most prevalent in the interior western region of the United States,andonlyathighrisk in Washington’s eastern region, Klickitat County isn’t home-free from an introduction of the disease Lowered risk factors include Klickitat Countys deer population density which is average to above average compared to other Washington counties This is due to the varied geography of the area, which offers comfortable terrain for deer in some areas and less hospitable terrain for deerinotherareas Regions such as Region1, however, are more consistently hospitable to deer populations across their landmass Whenit comes todeer populations,KlickitatCountyis suspectedtobehigherthan normal this year While numbers are imprecise, thereareindicatorsof population density offered by wildlifemanagementpolicy, one of these indicators is
huntingseasonlength This year, thedeer season spans October 11 to October 31 2025, almost a week longer than standard There are several reasons for season extensions, but two common factors are overpopulation and risk of disease spreading Witnesses have also reported an increase insickdeersightingsinthe past year, including deer appearing malnourished and mangy, with twitchy and unsteady movement Although an official case of CWDhas yet to occur in KlickitatCounty, thesymptoms of frequently sighted sickdeerstronglyresemble thesymptomsof CWD With the risk of CWD now a reality, WDFW has urgedlicensed huntersand sportsmentoreportdeeror elkshowingsignsof illness Key symptoms include visibleemaciation(suchasprotrudingribs,hips,orspine), lethargy, an unsteady or twitching gait, patchy hair loss, drooping ears, and unusual tameness around people Thediseasespreads most aggressively in highdensity herds, where close contact and shared habitat accelerate transmission WhileKlickitat County has notseenasharppopulation spike since the rebound thatfollowedtheharshwinters of 2016-2017, numbers appear to be rising again This increase, combined with morefrequent reports ofsickdeer,underscoresthe importance of vigilance as theseasonunfolds
The report providesdata onthenumberof individualsserved,aswellasafinancialoverviewof theorganization “Last year, 6,996 families, including 14,513 individuals, participated in WAGAP programs ” Pauletto said “Nearly 17,000 foodboxesweredistributed, andover800homesreceived energyassistance Thework our staff doessupports the fundamental needs of lowincome families with the help of our team of volunteers, who gave over 5,000 hoursof their timetotheir communities WAGAP maintained a healthy balancesheet with
over $8 million in income including in-kind revenue, and expenses were held to just under $7.1 million
Income sources include Federal, State, and local grants,fundraising,earned revenue, and in-kind donations
The 2024 Board of Directors was led by President Debi VanCamp Vice President Matthew Byrne and Secretary/Treasurer Alec Maule, with support from outgoing Executive Director Leslie Naramore and incoming Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto The leadershipchangeoccurred smoothly in the mid-year, andthenJuanReyesjoined the team as associate director
The full report is availableontheWAGAPwebsite pagewwwwagaporg/whatwe-do The pages alsohave links for previous years’ annual reports For more information, email info@ wagaporg with specific questions programs emergencyassistance, shelter programs, domestic violence support,andenergyassistance programs combined with care coordination, family resource centers, civic engagement,andyouthprograms,tosupportresidents in need with resources and tailored assistance,” Paulettosaid
state-mandated update of the subject The lower bid whilethe burn ban may be thecity’scriticalareasordi- would involveadoptingthe over cityburnpermitswere nance Ethan Spoo [STET] state guidelines without stm required and may be of DOWL Consultants pre- change Councilors postsented bids of $54,975 and ponedadecision untilthey $84,840 for assistance on could get further informathe project Thehigher bid tion Thecity has until the would contain a report on end of 2027 to adopt the reportspraisingrecentcom “best available science,” update munityeventsandentering which would provide a Also, Fire Chief Noah an executive session for bit more local control on Halm reminded citizens propertynegotiations
pickedupatcityhall
returned by mail must be tion is up to date or check onlineatVoteWAgovorby postmarked by Election their ballot status If you texting“VOTE”to868392 Daytobeaccepted;theUS have questions about your For more information PostalServicerecommends registration contact your about the November 4 mailing ballots at least a countyelectionsoffice general election, visit the week before Election Day Voters can also sign up Office of the Secretary of to ensure it is postmarked f t t mpCi agp notifies States Current Flection on time After October 28, *?r text message notinca Mates current Election voters are encouraged to tlons about their ballot Informationwebpage consider using the other returnmethodsavailable
“Every election is an opportunity for Washingtonianstoshapeourfuture andhavetheirvoicesheard on issues both statewide and local, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said “I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote and participate in ourdemocracy”
Registered voters were also mailed the statewide Voters’ Pamphlet in early October If a voter didn’t receive their voters’ pamphlet, they can contact their county elections office to receive a copy or access their personalized voter guide online at VoteWAgov
Individuals eligible to register, but have not yet done so, can register to votethroughoutthe18-day voting period Mail-inand online registrations must be received by Monday Oct 27tobeeligibletovote in this election In-person voter registration services areavailableatcountyvotingcenters until8 pm on ElectionDay
Registered voters can log in on VoteWAgov to ensuretheirvoterregistra-
WDFW
TAMARA KAUFMAN
Restaurant Review: Town House Cafe
PETER “THE
TRAVELER” FOR THE SENTINEL
Town House Cafe
1040 E. Broadway St. Goldendale, WA 98620
Open: Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Breakfast and Lunch
American Fare
Town House Cafe is nestled just off Broadway near the Dairy Queen by Highway 97 on the north end of town. It is one of only a handful of sit-down restaurants that serve breakfast and feature full table service with wait staff. They also serve lunch. Prices range from about $8 to $19 for entrees. The atmosphere at Town House Cafe is pretty straight forward. It’s nothing particularly fancy yet has just enough of a homey, country feel you would want from a place like this. Service at the restaurant has had its ups and downs, but lately it seems like they’ve been making a concerted efforted to be better, and I really appreciate that. I
want them to know it has been noticed. The food here, like the atmosphere, is pretty straight forward. They have a lot of standard items you might expect from a full-service breakfast & lunch cafe, but that is one of their strengths. Goldendale has a limited number of places to eat and even less on certain days. Of the few places we do have, they each put their own twist on what they like to offer. It’s great to have some unique or reliable items to choose from; but if you crave the kinds of meals you might routinely expect elsewhere, you might come up short. The stand-out item for me is the eggs Benedict, which they offer three different ways and is generally not available at other restaurants in town. It’s one of my all-time favorite breakfast meals, and Town House offers a solid version of this dish. Their hash browns are generally absolutely perfect, with just the right amount of crispiness, without overcooking the potatoes. I like
to include a side order of their breakfast sausage links, the very best of anywhere in town. You can also get pancakes, French toast, omelettes, biscuits and gravy, and others. I’ve been able to get consistently good bacon, just the way I like it (sometimes rare, sometimes burnt to a brittle crisp), and that is important for me in choosing a breakfast go-to.
Their lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, from Reubens and hot roast beef or turkey sandwiches to some unique offerings like Caprese chicken. But my favorite is their fish and chips. To be honest, I’ve been very disappointed in the fish available everywhere else in town. Generally, it’s nothing better than you could find in the freezer section of the grocery store and
sometimes not even that. I am very pleased with the fish and chips offered at Town House, and their tartar sauce also does not disappoint. It’s the only place I go when I am in the mood for fish. Pair that with one of their healthy salads, and you have a really solid lunch.
The main downside is that Town House is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
and is no longer open into the evenings for dinner. I encourage you to support this local restaurant that is working hard to keep the people of Goldendale fed with very good, country-style meals. We need to support every local business we can to ensure they are there for us tomorrow and reassure the owners that their hard work is appreciated by the community.
The fun and folklore of Halloween in Goldendale
LOU MARZELES EDITOR
Every year as October’s chill creeps into the Klickitat Valley, Goldendale starts to shimmer with a certain kind of magic. Porch lights glow orange, paper ghosts flutter in the wind, and downtown merchants hang cobwebs in their windows with a pride that would make Dracula jealous. Children dig through closets for costumes, parents stockpile candy, and before long, the whole town seems to hum with anticipation.
But how did this playful, pumpkin-spiced night begin? The story of Halloween is part ancient ritual, part American reinvention, and one big dash of small-town fun.
Let’s explore the history.
More than 2,000 years ago, long before anyone carved a pumpkin or bought a funsize candy bar, the Celtic peoples of ancient Ireland and Scotland celebrated something called Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). It marked the end of harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. On October 31, they believed, the barrier between the living and the dead grew thin enough for spirits to cross. To keep those wandering souls happy, people lit great bonfi res and wore disguises.
When Christianity spread through Europe, the church moved in with its own holy day—All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day— on November 1. The night before became All Hallows’
Eve, later shortened to Halloween.
The Romans contributed a few ideas, too, such as honoring Pomona, the goddess of fruit, whose symbol was the apple. So if you’ve ever bobbed for apples at the Klickitat County Fair or a school carnival, you’ve unknowingly participated in a bit of ancient Roman tradition. Halloween didn’t reach America until Irish and Scottish immigrants brought it over in the 1800s. They told the story of Stingy Jack, a trickster who fooled the Devil and was condemned to wander the world with only a glowing coal inside a carved-out turnip. When those immi-
grants arrived in the New World, they discovered that pumpkins—native to North America—were far easier to hollow out and carve than turnips. And just like that, the Jacko’-lantern was reborn in orange splendor. Here in Goldendale, the tradition thrives every October, most recently with the Harvest Festival’s Trunk or Treat on Main Street. Halloween’s mischievous streak survived the journey, too. In early 20th-century America, young people were fond of pranks—switching porch furniture, soaping windows, or even letting farm animals loose for a midnight stroll. But dur-
ing the Great Depression, when mischief sometimes crossed into vandalism, towns began promoting organized parties and trick-or-treating as safer fun. By the 1950s, going door-to-door in costume had become the hallmark of Halloween night.
The golden age of Hollywood helped shape the Halloween we know. Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy gave the night a cinematic flair. Later, television and movies—from Bewitched to The Addams Family to It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—turned Halloween into a cultural celebration of imagination. Halloween is now the second-largest commer-
cial holiday in the United States, second only to Christmas. Americans spend billions on costumes, candy, and decorations. But in small towns like Goldendale, it’s about more than money—it’s about community. Neighbors decorate their porches not to impress strangers but to delight the kids down the street. The smell of baked goods drifts from kitchen windows, and parents exchange smiles as they follow costumed children from door to door.
It’s fascinating how Hal-
loween has evolved—from a night meant to ward off ghosts to one where we become them, joyfully. Costumes let us step into another skin for a few hours. Decorations turn the eerie into art. Fear becomes fun, and imagination rules the evening. In a world that often feels a little too serious, Halloween gives permission to be ridiculous, mysterious, or even brave. For one night, everyone shares in the same make-believe magic—neighbors, kids, grandparents, even the family pets in tiny pumpkin costumes.
When you walk through Goldendale on Halloween night—under the crisp autumn stars, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and laughter echoing down the block—you’re taking part in a tradition that began in bonfires thousands of years ago.
Those ancient Celts couldn’t have imagined that their festival of spirits would someday glow from a carved pumpkin on a Washington porch. But in a way, it’s fitting. Halloween has always been about connection—between worlds, between people, between generations. And here in Goldendale, that connection feels as warm and bright as a candle flickering inside a Jack-o’lantern.
There’ s no better exercise!
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT
Jody Brenner, Tabetha Brenner, and Eric Brenner, Plaintiff, v. Douglas R. Hansen and Charlaine A. Hansen, husband and wife; and all persons or parties unknown claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real property described herein, Defendants.
CASE NO. 25-2-00190-20
SUMMONS COMPLAINT FOR QUIET TITLE AND DECLARATORY JUDGMENT
To the Defendant(s): The Plaintiff, Jody Brenner, Tabetha Brenner, and Eric Brenner, by and through their attorney,
JUSTIN D. LEIGH, of Phillips Reynier Sumerfield Cline & Smith, LLP, started a case asking this Court to declare title to Plaintiff’s Property be established and quieted in fee simple in Plaintiff and against the claims or rights of Defendants, and each of them or any other person, and barring Defendants, theirs heirs, successors, or assigns, and all parties who may claim a right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the Plaintiff’s Property, more particularly described as: The Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 20, Township 4 North, Range 14 East, of the Willamette Meridian, in the County of Klickitat and State of Washington.
EXCEPT railroad right of way and EXCEPT County Road.
SUBJECT to easement of record. Tax Parcel No. 04-142000-0007/00.
You must respond in writing for the Court to consider your side.
DEADLINE: Your Response must be served on the Plaintiff within twenty (20) days of the date you were served with this Summons (sixty (60) days if you were served outside of Washington State). If the case has been filed, you must also file your Response by the same deadline.
If you do not file and serve your Response or Notice of Appearance by the deadline: (a) No one is required to notify you about other hearings in the case; and (b) the Court may approve the Petitioner’s requests without hearing your side (called a Default Judgment). Follow these steps:
• Read the Petition and any other documents you receive with this Summons. These documents explain what the Plaintiff is asking for.
• File a Response or Notice of Appearance.
• Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the Plaintiff’s lawyer at the address below. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5.
• File your original Response with the court clerk at the following address: Klickitat County Superior Court 205 S. Columbus Ave. Goldendale, WA 98620
• Lawyer not required: It is recommended that you talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one.
Dated: September 8, 2025
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Justin D. Leigh (WSBA No. 55307) Phillips Reynier Sumerfield
Cline & Smith, LLP
106 N. Grant St. | P.O. Box 855 Goldendale, WA 98620
Tel: 509-426-4415
justindleigh@gmail.com
“Exhibit A” Legal Description of Plaintiff’s Property
Tax Parcel No(s). 021841-003-000; 021838-000-000; 750030317038
Abbr. Legal(s)
Section 33 Township 14N
Range 02W PT NE4 NE4 & PT SE4 NE4 N COAL CRK RD; Section 33 Township 14N Range 02W PT E2 NE4 SW COAL CRK RD
Full Legal: The Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter and that portion of the Southeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 33, Township 14 North, Range 2 West, W.M., lying Northeasterly of Coal Creek Road. ALSO a tract of land situ-
N otices
ated in the Northeast quarter of said Section 33, and described as follows: Beginning at a point on the East line of Section 33 S 0º31’ East 1318.2 feet from the Northeast corner; thence North 88º23’ West 271.5 feet to the Southwesterly boundary of Coal Creek Road, said point being at the right angles 30 feet from the Engineer’s Station 100+82.8 and the TRUE PLACE OF BEGINNING; thence North 51º55’ West along the Southwesterly boundary of Coal Creek Road 132.70 feet; thence South 38º05’ West 10.0 feet; thence North 51º55’ West 537.2 feet; thence South 38º05’ West 150.0 feet; thence South 51º55’ East 453.4 feet; thence South 88º23’ East 269.2 feet to the place of beginning. (3810, 3903, 4004, 4101, 4201, 4301)
SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT. SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY. L&M RECREATION, an Oregon limited liability company, Plaintiff v. HOODSTOCK RANCH LLC, a Washington limited liability company; MARK G. HERON; MARY KATHLEEN HERON, individuals; TOOTH ACRES, LLC, a Washington limited liability company; and OCCUPANTS OR PARTIES IN 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: October 31, 2025 PLACE: Klickitat County Courthouse. The Judgment Debtor can avoid the sale by paying the judgment amount of $3,128,219.99, 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, 509-7734455. (4003, 4109, 4203, 4302)
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following measure will be submitted to voters on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT SJR 8201 - The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on allowing money in Washington’s longterm care fund to be invested. This amendment would allow the state fund dedicated to providing long-term care benefits for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to be invested as authorized by law. (4110, 4204, 4303, 4401)
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT
Estate of DANA LEA TOMBERLIN, Deceased.
No. 25-4-00064-20
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS
RCW 11.40.030
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred
This Just In....
Public Notice: 2026 Budget Hearing and Notice of Amendment of the Comprehensive Scheme - Klickitat County Port District No. 1
• Call For Bid: Miscellaneous Poles Bid 2025-2028Public Utility District No 1 of Klickitat County
• Public Notice: Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release Of Funds - Mid Columbia Housing Authority and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation Request for Proposals: Snow Removal AssistanceKlickitat Valley Health
Public Notice: 2026 Budget Meeting - Klickitat County
Fire District #5
Public Notice: Change of Meeting Date for Board of Commissioners - Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County
• Notice to Contractors: Snowden Rod Overlay, CRP 386 - Klickitat County Public Works
by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’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 Personal Representative 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 Publication: 10/8/2025
Personal Representative: Ronald W. Tomberlin
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Shannon Tissot Address for Mailing or Service: 112 West 4th Street The Dalles, OR 97058 Court of probate proceedings and cause number:
KLICKITAT County Superior Court Cause No.: 25-4-00064-20 (4114, 4207, 4304)
PUBLIC NOTICE
KLICKITAT COUNTY PORT DISTRICT NO. 1 NOTICE OF 2026 BUDGET HEARING AND NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME
The Port District has prepared a preliminary budget for FY/ CY 2026. Copies are on file in the Port office located at 154 E Bingen Point Way Ste. A; Bingen, Washington and available for inspection by any taxpayer. The Port Commission will meet at 4:30 P.M. November 4, 2025 in the Port office for the purpose of holding a public hearing and receiving public comment on the Port District budget for FY/CY 2026. Furthermore, the Port District has identified certain proposed capital projects in support of its Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements and Industrial Developments. Pursuant to RCW 53.20.010 and RCW 53.25.090 the Port Commission will meet at 4:30 P.M. on November 4, 2025 in the Port office for the purpose of holding a public hearing and receiving public comment on an amendment to its Comprehensive Scheme.
Attest: Lisa Cunningham Administrative Assistant (4305, 4403)
CALL FOR BID
Sealed bids will be received by the Commission of Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County for Miscellaneous Poles Bid 2025-2028 with 1 year extension option. Bids will be received until November 6, 2025 at 5:00 P.M., Pacific Time, via email to sjones@klickpud.com with “ITB# 2025-109, Miscellaneous Pole Bid 2025-2028” in the subject line, or by hardcopy with “ITB# 2025-109, Miscellaneous Pole Bid 20252028” clearly indicated on the outside of the envelope, at the District’s Purchasing Department office at, 1313 South Columbus Ave., Goldendale, Washington, 98620. The bids will be publicly opened and read on November 7, 2025 at 9:00 A.M., Pacific Time. The bid documents and specifica-
nity Development Director in that official capacity consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows CCHC and NHA to use program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
2025 and may be submitted by mail to: Josh Hamllik, Facilities/Security Manager, at 310 S. Roosevelt, Goldendale, WA 98620 or email: jhamllik@ kvhealth.net
(4308, 4405)
PUBLIC NOTICE
tions may be obtained at the District’s office. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified or cashier’s check on a bank that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation payable to the order of the Commission of Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County, or by a bid bond with a corporate surety licensed to do business in the State of Washington in an amount not less than 5% of the amount of the bid. Each bid to be firm and binding for 60 days after the time set for the bid opening.
The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, and to waive minor irregularities and errors.
Dated this 14 day of October, 2025.
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 Of KLICKITAT COUNTY.
Dan G. Gunkel, President (4306, 4404)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Of Finding Of No Significant Impact And Notice Of Intent To Request Release Of Funds
October 15, 2025
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of The Dalles, Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC), and Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA).
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about November 10, 2025 the City of The Dalles will authorize Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC) and Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of FY 2024 Community Project Funding (CPF) under Grant No. B-24-CP-OR-1825 and a request for the release of Project-Based Voucher funds under Title/Section 8 (o)(13) of the Housing Act of 1937, (42 USC 1437f), as amended, to undertake a project known as Chenowith Housing for the purpose of new construction of approximately 76 affordable apartments at 816 Chenowith Loop Road in The Dalles, Oregon. The project will be financed using Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and state gap funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The project will also include 40 ProjectBased Vouchers (PBV).
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of The Dalles has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of The Dalles, Community Development Department, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058 and may be examined or copied weekdays between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of The Dalles, Community Development Department, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. All comments received by November 7, 2025 will be considered by the City of The Dalles prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of The Dalles certifies to HUD that the Commu-
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of The Dalles’ certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of The Dalles; (b) the City of The Dalles has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grantees or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD Portland Field Office at Portland_RROF@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact Portland_RROF@hud.gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Joshua Chandler, Community Development Director City of The Dalles 313 Court Street The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 296-5481
Published: October 15, 2025 (4307)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Snow Removal Assistance
Klickitat Valley Health Issue
Date: 10/22/25 Proposal Due
Date: 11/15/25 Overview: Klickitat Valley Health (KVH), a Public Hospital District located at 310 S. Roosevelt Ave, Goldendale, WA, is seeking qualified contractors to provide oncall snow removal assistance for the 2025–2026 winter season. KVH’s Facilities team performs regular snow and ice removal from sidewalks and parking lots; however, contractor assistance is needed during periods of heavy snowfall and when accumulated snow piles must be relocated or removed from parking areas. Scope of Work: Provide snow plowing and removal services for parking lots and driveways on the KVH campus. Remove or relocate snow piles when necessary to maintain safe access and maximize parking availability. Supply all necessary equipment, vehicles, and operators. Coordinate operations with KVH Facilities management to ensure patient and staff access is maintained at all times. Be available for on-call mobilization within [insert timeframe, e.g., 2 hours] of notification during snow events.
Contract Requirements:
Contractor must comply with all Washington State Prevailing Wage requirements under RCW 39.12. Contractor must carry and maintain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate and must name Klickitat Valley Health as an additional insured. Contractor must provide proof of current licensing, bonding, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Contractor must provide a rate schedule for labor and equipment, and may include standby or on-call rates if applicable. Proposal Submission: Proposals should include: Company name, address, and contact information
List of equipment available for snow removal
Hourly rates for equipment and operators
Description of experience with similar facilities
References from at least two recent clients
Proposals must be received by 5:00 PM November 15,
Klickitat County Fire District #5 Commissioners Meeting The Klickitat County Fire Protection District #5 Commissioners will consider and approve the 2026 Budget and Levy at its regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at the Centerville Fire Hall at 2297 Centerville Highway in Centerville. For the record, Board of Commissioners meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Centerville Fire Hall and are open to the public.
(4309, 4406 ,4501)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Change of Meeting Date
Klickitat PUD Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County has changed the date of its regularly scheduled November 11, 2025 meeting to accommodate Veterans Day holiday observances, as follows: New Meeting Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Goldendale KPUD Office; 1313 S. Columbus Ave. Teleconference Information: 1-844-621-3956 (Access Code: 2484 690 3557) Meeting information will be posted on Klickitat PUD’s website prior to each meeting date at https://klickitatpud.org/ news-publications/#meetings If you have any questions, please contact us at 509-7735891. (4310, 4407)
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Sealed bids for the Snowden Road Overlay, CRP 386, 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 November 12, 2025 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. November 12, 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. November 12, 2025, Snowden Road Overlay, CRP 386”. This contract provides for the improvement of 4.55 miles of Snowden Road through pavement repair, pavement removal, placement of an HMA overlay, pavement markings and other work, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County.
Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $2,300,000 and $3,900,000. 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 on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form),
c lassifieds
MUSICAL NSTRUMENTS YAMAHA TRANSACOUSTIC GUITAR, acoustic-electric
Model LL. Like new, no blemish, superb condition (SEE PHOTO). $595 OBO. 509-250-1537.
Service will be testing for the position of Entry Level Deputy to work for the Klickitat County Sheriff. Applications and job description can be obtained online at the Klickitat County website: https://klickitatcounty.org/ and clicking on the job listing under Em-
VEHICLES 1972 GMC SERVICE TRUCK 253 engine, tool boxes, overhead hoist $800 360-702-8124
PETS
PUPPY Dingo/Shepard cross mix, 6 months old, 1st round of shots but not spayed yet. $25 rehoming fee 509-261-9442
FIREWOOD FIREWOOD FOR SALE –PREMIUM red fir or pine: split or rounds, local area. Text or call 509-261-0769.
BEEF
JERSEY BEEF! ¼ AND ½ AVAILABLE. Delivered in the Gorge mattchiles@ horseshoebendranch.net Matt at 509-250-3755. ()
LIVESTOCK
GOATS American Alpine dairy goats: wethers, doelings, and milking does available. 307-321-7113 near Goldendale
MARKETPLACE
$500 OR LESS FIREWOOD – FREE – you cut and haul, Goldendale, Jim 541-980-4082
GENERATOR Coleman Powermate ProGen 5000
$500 used 509-250-6154
TOOLS Benchtop drill press
$250, 16” delta scrollsaw
$175. More – mechanic tools, hand tools, portable saws, etc 509-365-5203
METAL ROOFING, used, Brown 21’ legnths x 18” wide. $1.00 per foot 509773-3636
YARD EQUIP: pressure washer Karcher 2500 Honda motor $150. DR Walk behind string trimmer B&G
8.25 motor $150 503-5155665
BIKE EQUIP Stationary bike trainer, Deuter MT-04, use your won bike $40 503-5155665
FIREWOOD free (rounds) for anyone in need. Columbus Avenue Baptist Church crew will load for you. Please call Ric Stone at 509-250-1332 for details and appointment.
FRESHLY CUT and limbed pine logs, FREE, on Box Canyon Rd 509-773-4497
RECLINER in good shape
$50 509-773-4497
P225/60R17 TIRES, legal tread $10/ea 509-261-2758
RC CARS, 1 electric 1 fuel powered, + extras $100 each OBO 509-773-5494
FISHING REELS 3 unused, make an offer 509-773-5494
CHROME RIMS. Ford 6 lug. $100 or B/O. 509-773-5227.
SLIDE-IN STOVE. Samsung double oven, propane/ gas. $250 or B/O. 509-7735227.
2 SOAPSTONE rocks for carving $25 each 509-2612115
HARLEY DAVIDSON vest and chaps, LIKE NEW $125 for the set 509-261-2115
MOTOR HOIST – 2 ton $125 509-393-6230
QUART CANNING JARS –2 dozen @ $12/dozen 509773-5666
METABO 10” miter saw & Ryobi folding stand, lightly used $100 509-790-9985
RYOBI 13.5 amp corded 16” rototiller, lightly used $100 509-790-9985
BLACK & Decker Portable air conditioner, as new $125 509-790-9985
PROPANE TORCHES, 4, 2 with hoses, & 1 oxy-propane torch with many accouterments $75
and a free on-line digitizer / take-off tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-258-1303 should you require assistance. Dated this 21th Day of October, 2025. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig
Chairman Todd Andrews Commissioner Lori Zoller Commissioner
STIHL 18” MS290 chainsaw with Oregon skiptooth chain $300 907-252-1593 IN SEARCH OF old-style ground drive manure spreader, working or repairable 509-439-1158
ENCYCLOPEDIA Full set of 1966 World Book Encyclopedias $100 509-773-5666 leave a message BLUE FIG ROLLING SEWING MACHINE CART, purple, 24” x 12” x 20” big enough for two machines $130 509-261-2038
RIMS (4) stock 16” 5 lug $75 Rims 509-342-6923
Announcements & Notices Classified Deadlines: MONDAY 9AM Mid-Week Editions:
ATTENTION
READERS: Readers respond to ads at their own risk. If in doubt about a particular offer, check with the Better Business Protection Agency @ 503-3784320 before investing any money. This publication assumes no liability over advertisers.
Loans
IT’S ILLEGAL for companies doing business by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver.
A public service message from the Federal Trade Commission and the Hood River News, The Dalles Chronicle and the White Salmon Enterprise.
Lost & Found MONEY FOUND
Must know: Where, When, and how much was found. Contact: Sherry Ochs, 2528 N O St., Washougal, WA. 98671. Must claim by 01/15/2026.
Support Groups AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS
(Support for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Mondays at noon Pathways to Recovery Riverside Community Church 317 State St. Ruth Wells Room Tuesdays at 7pm St. Mark’s 11th & Eugene Hood River
AA in MAUPIN (open), Maupin Community Church, 490 5th St., Thursdays @ 7pm.
NAMI|Oregon National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is the largest education, support and advocacy organization on mental health in the nation. The Mission of NAMI Oregon is to improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness and of their famillies through support, education and advocacy.
Under NAMI Oregon sponsorship, NAMI-Gorge providees a monthly support group meeting for caregivers, friends, and family members of persons with mental illness.
Monthly NAMI Gorge inperson meetings are being conducted the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30pm at the Gloria Center at 2505 W. 7th Street, The Dalles. For information on local NAMI Resources, please contact Barbara Telfer: at 541-980-7264 or by email: booklovinbarbarian@ gmail.com.
For other NAMI information or resources: NAMI Oregon Support Line 1-800-3436264.
STROKE
SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP Oregon Veterans Home 700 Veteran Drive The Dalles 3rd Thursday of the month 1:30pm-3pm Questions, 541-296-7441
RIVERVIEW Al-Anon Family Group in The Dalles: Episcopal Church of St. Paul, 1805 Minnesota, Taylor Hall. Meets every Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm. This meeting is free and open to anyone in the community who is interested in attending. NA MEETINGS Every Wednesday.
6:30 - 7:30 at the Casa Guadalupe House, 1603 Belmont, Hood River, Oregon.
TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets upstairs at Columbia Bank in White Salmon at 10am on Tuesdays. Join us at 90 NE Tohomish St., White Salmon, WA 98672. No meetings during severe weather. 541980-0251.
24 HOUR AA HOTLINE and meeting information: District 14. 1-833-423-3683
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
Meets in person at Columbia Gorge Community College, Hood River campus, across from Rosauers, on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm. Support group participants have all lost someone to suicide and strive to help each other with their grief journeys and advocate for suicide prevention. Contact Brent and Shawnee at bsemmons@ hrecn.net or 541-806-2790.
DO YOU HAVE HURTS, HABITS, HANG-UPS?
Attend
CELEBRATE RECOVERY, a faith-based 12 step program, every Thursday night at Hood River Alliance Church 2650 W. Montello (Off Rand Road) Dinner provided at 5:45pm and large group meeting at 6:30pm For more info. call 541-386-2812
AL-ANON in The Dalles: The Dalles Serenity meeting every Monday at 7pm @ Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry Hollow. For more info, call 541-2962677.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meetings please go to gorgeaa.org.
MAC Lung Disease Support Group: for details, please call 541-483-2253 or 541805-5068.
NARCOTICS Anonymous: Goldendale United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway, Thursdays @ 7pm. Alcoholicos Anonimos Reuniones
Jueves 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Paul Episcopal Church 1805 Minnesota St. The Dalles, OR 97058
GRIEF SUPPORT
Establishing a Grief Support Group. Please call Natasha 702-755-0778
AA in WAMIC (open): Tuesdays @ 7pm, NEW LOCATION! Molly B’s @ 57740 Main St., Tygh Valley, Oregon.
PARKINSON’S Support Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 10:45am11:45am in the Deschutes Room at Waters Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd., 2nd Floor. For more information, please contact Chad @ 541340-0142.
HAVEN: Weekly counseling groups for victims of domestic/teen dating violence or sexual assault. Biweekly educational classes given in Spanish and English for domestic violence. Call Haven, 541-296-1662.
RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS Meets 2nd & 4th Sundays at 10am. 216 Cascade St., Suite 26 Hood River
TOPS OR #942 meets at Gateway Presbyterian Church, The Dalles, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm.
TOPS OR #443 meets Thursday mornings, 8:30- 10 am. @ Zion Lutheran Church, use elevator entrance only. 10th and Union St., The Dalles, OR. YOUNG Parents Support Group: ages 15-21, Tuesdays @ 7pm, call Tess @ 541-298-5104.
DEMENTIA Support Group every 2nd Monday of the
ATTEST: LeeAnn Burgin Clerk of the Board Klickitat County, Washington (4311, 4408, 4502)
PUBLIC NOTICE KPUD BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 2026-2029 CLEAN ENERGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PUBLIC HEARING October 28, 2025 3:00pm
The Commission will hold
month at the Oregon Veterans Home, 10:30am - 11:30am 541-296-7190 for info. Volunteers Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.) a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 7-year-old boy in The Dalles, who is outgoing, talkative, and fun. He enjoys playing basketball, riding bikes, and building things with Legos. He has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could expose him to more outdoor activities and help expand his reading skills. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.
MENTORS WANTED
Would you enjoy building a meaningful friendship with a child or teen? If so, become a mentor! Gorge Youth Mentoring, a program of The Next Door, provides children and teens with community based, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. Right now, 18 youth ages 6 to 21 are waiting to make a new friend. Mentors and youth plan their own activities based on their own schedules, meeting at least twice a month, for one year or more. For more information, visit www.nextdoorinc.org/gym or email gym@nextdoorinc.org
Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.)
a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 12-year-old girl in The Dalles, who enjoys arts and crafts, animals, and going for walks. She has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could get her out of the house and expose her to more outdoor activities. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.
$500 or Less
PATIO Chairs (2). Acacia wood with cream colored cushions. $165. 541-4907254.
JACOB Doll Antique Upright Piano. Needs to be cleaned and tuned. Free. You Haul. 541-806-0859.
$500 OR LESS
Ads run 1 Week FREE!
• Private Party Only
• No Commercial Ads
• Items $500 or less
• 5 Lines Free
• Includes print & online Excludes: Food, produce, hay, animals, firewood, fuel, automobiles and garage sales.
CHINA Cabinet. White lacquered glass china cabinet.
2.5 Ft wide x 6.9” tall with 3-solid and 2-glass shelves
a public hearing to review the Klickitat PUD 2026-2029 Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) at 3:00 p.m. October 28, 2025. The District is seeking feedback and public input to include in the final CEIP. A public comment period will be held following the plan review. The hearing will be held in the Meeting Room at the KPUD Goldendale office located at 1313 South Columbus, Goldendale, Washington. For those unable to attend in person,
inside for items. Excellent condition, no scratches or blemishes. $339. Call Oscar, 509-904-2762. LENNOX China Service for 12. 68-piece service for 12 Lenox China. Belvidere pattern. $400. 541-490-7254.
REAR Blade for a Massey Harris. Heavy duty. Very good condition. $75. OBO. 541-296-1289.
YAKIMA Roof Top Bike Carrier. Set of 2 Yakima roof top locking bike racks to fit round crossbars. 42” track, 46” overall length. $65. 541490-7254.
ITALIAN Chairs (6). $25 each. Call Oscar, 509-9042762.
WANT to sell something in the Budget Classifieds section? If you’re selling ONE item for $500 for less, we’ll place your five-line ad for free for one week! See the $500 or Less Box for exclusions. Call one of our newspapers to play your ad: Hood River News 541-386-1234 The Dalles Chronicle 541-296-2141 White Salmon Enterprise 509-493-2112
BING and Grondahl’s Danish Christmas Plates, 197079. No chips, excellent condition. $100 for set of 10. 541-490-7254. Carson.
TOOL Rack. Portable, free standing 2 tier. 35 3/4 w x 38 h x 17 5/8 d. $20. 541490-7254.
GLASS Top Sofa Table. Beveled glass top sofa table with carved accents. $135. 56” x 16.5” x 26.25”. 541490-7254.
BISTRO/High Counter Swivel Chairs. 47” tall, seat at 30”, seat width 21”. $50 each. 2 available. 541-4907254.
the meeting can be accessed via teleconference by dialing (844) 621-3956, with the Access Code: 2487 812 3164. If you participate by phone, please provide your name for the meeting record. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Luann Mata, Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board at (509) 773-5891 or (800) 548-8357. (4209, 4312)
TABLE. Two tier round mahogany claw foot table. Top 26 “ diameter, lower shelf 20” diameter and 13 “ above floor level. $195. 541-4907254.
CLEAR Glass Dinner Plates, set of 15. 10 inch diameter. $45. 541-490-7254.
Firewood & Heating Fuel FIREWOOD. White Fir - $145/cord, Douglas Fir$195/cord, mixed
$5,900. 541-490-4419.
Apartments for Rent
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertiser any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sec, handicap, familial state or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discriminations. Familial state includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women & people securing custody of children under 19.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any adverting for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777, TTY/TDD: 1-800927-9275.
STATEWIDE Classifieds:
Premier South Columbia Basin IRRIGATED FARMLAND AUCTION
w/ Numerous Homes on Individual Tracts THU, NOV.13 • 11AM Held at Benton County Fairgrounds, Building 3 - Kennewick, WA 747.5± ACRES OFFERED IN 11 TRACTS OR COMBINATIONS
• Franklin County, WA • 15 Mi. from Pasco
• 700.8 Irrigable Acres • 3,098.3 Acre Ft. Allotment • Tracts Ranging from 3-292± Acres • Beautiful Rural Homes & Settings • 1,100 Cow Capacity Dairy Facilities
INSPECTION DATES: 10/13 • 4-6pm; 10/14 • 9-11am; 10/30 • 4-6pm; 10/31 • 9-11am & 11/12 • 3-5pm All attendees must check in at Tract 4 before viewing any of the homes or remainder of farm!
SELLER: Leonard J. Van Ryn & Anthony R. Van Ryn, as the Successor Co-Trustees of the Exempt Trust Created Under the Arie Van Ryn Family Trust established December 28, 1989, & the Marital Deduction Trust Created Under the Arie Van Ryn Family Trust established December 28, 1989 AUCTION
MANAGER: Luke Schrader • 260.229.7089
#24028387 Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc. License #24035603, #2287 In Cooperation w/ Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers, Inc. License #2464
ents to work with youth, ages 6-18. Applicants must live in Hood River or Wasco Counties. TNDI provides 24-hour support, free training, paid days-off and up to $1800 tax-free/month, for each youth. Bonus also offered for completion of certification! Contact 541-308-2207 or visit www.nextdoorinc. org/fosterparent to apply.
LOOKING for a new job? Browse employment ads from throughout the Gorge on our classified websites: thedalleschronicle.com hoodrivernews.com whitesalmonenterprise. com
TUESDAY
DELIVERY DRIVER
MARKETING SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Paid. Dental field experience a must. Please drop off or email your resume. to Thedallesdentist@gmail. com
sales position will allow the person hired to work their own schedule to fit the needs of the customers. Weekly sales meetings and trainings required. Must have the ability to multi-task and be selfmotivated. The ability to handle basic excel or word documents, perform math calculations and the willingness to communicate well with customers in person and over the phone are needed. Sales experience a plus but will train the right candidate. This position is mainly MonFri but is somewhat flexible with part-time or full-time hours. Hourly, mileage, plus commissions. Email resume and references to: ChelseaM@GorgeNews. com Columbia Gorge News P.O. Box 390, Hood River, OR 97031. If you have questions, leave a message: 541386-1234 Ext. 100. NOW HIRING FOSTER
PARENTS!
The Next Door, Inc. (TNDI) is hiring full-time foster par-
• Approximately 6 hour shift from 7am-1pm • Company Van Provided Local newspaper delivery driver needed on Tuesdays. Job is to pick up delivery in Hood River early morning and take to post offices and then deliver to all newsstands and stores in The Dalles. Company van provided. The delivery driver oversees weekly delivery of the newspaper and keeping newsstands in clean and good working conditions. Must have clean driving record with valid local driver’s license. Requires the need to drive-in all-weather conditions. Ability to easily lift 25lbs required. Minimum wage, part time. To inquire send job history and references to: ChelseaM@Gorgenews.com or call 541-386-1234 ext. 100. Address: Columbia Gorge News, 1812 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
PARAEDUCATOR Now hiring a Special Education Paraeducator to serve the Klickitat School District. 32.5 hrs/ wk, school year schedule. $21.27- $26.31 hourly range, with benefits and retirement. Apply online: www.esd112. org/takeroot.
800.451.2709 • SchraderAuction.com
Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-462-1801
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-800-9166
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888-674-7053 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed!
LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-866-489-4496 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.
Columbia Gorge News is seeking a sales and marketing representative for the news media territory. Sales experience preferred. Candidate should have the ability to meet multiple deadlines, communicate clearly and effectively, be outgoing and have the ability to want to work with a variety of customers. Small businesses are the heart of our clients, and the job will require travel to businesses throughout The Gorge area. Office and remote work available. Weekly newspaper sales, niche print publications and online website are many of the products to market. Pay will be hourly during 60-day training and work towards salary and commissions. PTO/retirement match. Health insurance not currently available. Full or part time offered. Contact publisher, ChelseaM@GorgeNews.com to apply.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Rate : $ 43.60 per hour
No. of Openings: Multiple Degree Required: BS Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science Special Requirement: AMT or ASCP License Position Description: Performs medical laboratory tests, procedures, experiments, and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease: conducts chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components. Contact hr@kvhealth.net
THE TICKET to a dream job might be a scam. Please be cautious! High-Paying Postal Jobs! No Experience Required! Don’t pay for information about jobs with the Postal Service or Federal Government. Call the Federal Trade Commission toll free @ 1-877-FTC-HELP, or visit www.ftc.gov to learn more. A public service message from Teh Dalles Chronicle and the FTC.
DENTAL INSURANCE PROCESSOR
Dental Insurance Processor at Dr. Perry’s Office. Parttime, Flexible Hours, Well
Air Conditioning & Heating Business & Service Directory 4 Weeks Up to 10 Lines Print and Online Only $45 $5 per additional line.
Contact your local newspaper or place your ad online using our fact and easy online entry system. hoodrivernews.com 541-386-1234 thedallechronicle.com 541-296-2141 whitesalmonenterprise. com 509-493-2112
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 current Department of Labor and Industries registration number in the advertisement. Failure to obtain a certificate of registration from L & I or show the registration number in all advertising will result in a fine up to $5000 against the unregistered contractor. For more information, call Labor & Industries Specialty Compliance Services at 1-800-647-0982 or check L & I’s Internet site at www. wa.gov
Construction OREGON Construction Contractors Law requires that all those who advertise remodeling, repair, or construction services be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have bonds and insurance on the job site. For your protection, be sure any contractors you hire are registered.
Shop local. Keep Goldendale money in Goldendale
Check It Out
BethWood, Collection Librarian FortVancouver Regional Library District
You can email Beth atreadingforfun@fvrl org
Readingin theWild,WildWest WesternfictionisanAmerican genre Takingplaceonthe Americanfrontier,inthelate1800stoearly1900s,these storiesfeaturecowboys outlawsandsettlersasmain characters OpinionsdifferastothefirstWesternnovel but TheLastoftheMohicans byJamesFenimoreCooper(1826) and TheVirginian”byOwenWister(1902)arethemost commontitleslisted LouisLAmouristhebestsellingWestern writer havingsoldover 350millionbooks OtherpopularauthorsincludeZaneGrey, LarryMcMurtry andCormacMcCarthy Likeanygenre Westerns comewith a listofmust-reads someofwhicharesharedhere: • RidersofthePurpleSage byZaneGrey(1912)-In 1871Utah a notoriousgunmannamedLassiterarrivesin
a smalltowntoavengehissistersdeath
• Hombre byElmoreLeonard(1961) -Thisnovel depicts a white manraisedbyIndianswhocomestotheaid of somestagecoach passengerswhentheyareattacked by outlaws
• TrueGrit byCharlesPortis(1968) -MattieRossis14 whenherfatherisrobbedandgunneddown inArkansas ShepersuadesU S MarshalRoosterCogburnto help her avenge herfathersdeath Two award-winningmovieshave been madefromthisbook
• “LonesomeDove”byLarryMcMurtry(1985) -A Pulitzer Prizewinner thisbookdescribestwoagingTexasRangers embarkingononefinaladventure
• TheOx-BowIncident”byWalterVanTilburgClark(1940)A hauntingportraitofmobviolenceandabsentjusticein theOldWest setin1885
• TheBigSky byA B Guthrie Jr (1947) -InthisWestern saga we meetBooneCaudill wholeavesan abusive fathertofind a lifeoffreedomintheWest
• Hondo byLouisLAmour(1953) -Thisdramaoflove war andhonorbringstogethera gunman,anApachewarrior, anda pioneerwomanagainstthebackdropoftheOldWest
Think Inside theBowl
(Family
• Shane byJackSchaefer(1949) - Ex-gunfighterShane putshispastbehind him andworksontheStarrett’sfarm onlyto realizethefightagainstinjusticeneverends
• The heydayoftheWesternhaspassed butthegenrestill hasafollowing ThesemodernWesternshavebeen madeinto movies:
• TheRevenant byMichael Punke(2002) -Injuredtrapper HughGlassisabandonedtodie butsurvivesandseeks revengeontheAmericanFrontier Based ontrueevents
• “NoCountryforOldMen byCormacMcCarthy(2005)OntheTexas-Mexico border,drug-runninghasreplaced cattlerustling LlewellynMossfindsdrugmoneyin a pickupsurrounded bydead men,andsetsoffachain ofviolentevents
• NewsoftheWorld byPauletteJiles(2016) -ANational BookAwardfinalist thisbooktellsthestoryofwar veteranCaptainKidd,who ispaidtotransportan orphanedchildacrossuntamedterritory
readingforfun@fvrlorg
New at the Library
FICTION
“BringtheHouseDown”byCharlotteRuncie
WhatKindofParadise byJanelleBrown MyTrainLeavesatThree byNatalieGuerrero
NONFICTION
SuperVisible:TheStoryoftheWomenofMarvelComics byMargaretStohl
HowWeGrowUp:UnderstandingAdolescence byMattRichtel
“BurningDowntheHouse:TalkingHeadsandtheNewYork ScenethatTransformedRock”byJonathanGould
CHILDREN
JoanintheCone byBillySharff
LittleKidsFirstBigBookofAfricanAnimals by CatherineD Hughes ConfessionsofaJuniorSpy byRosariaMunda
Tocustomizeyourculinarycreation, simply adjust the heat to your liking with a sprinkle of ancho chili powder or add a touch of creaminess with a generoushelpingof guacamole,dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of shredded cheese Tofurther transformyourmeal into a festive feast pair your bowl with grilled chicken, tofu or a fresh green salad Or for a Korean twist consider this Quick Bibimbap Derived from the Korean terms bibim, which refers to mixing multiple ingredients and bap
meaning rice it starts with jasmine riceand istoppedwith kimchi,carrots, sauteed spinach, bean sprouts and a friedegg
The dish, which is prepped and ready in 20 minutes, can be further customized with sauteed mushrooms tofu seared beef pickled cucumbers and more, but sweet, buttery Minute Instant Jasmine Rice provides the fragrant fluffybase Readyin5minutes and known for its distinctive aromatic scent, it’s precooked then dried with nothingaddedbutconvenience soyou can getatastymeal madequickly Visit MinuteRicecom to find more mealideastoconquerbusy season RiceandBeansBurritoBowl Preptime:8minutes Cooktime:2minutes
Servings:1
• 1 Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine
RiceCup
• 1/4 cup canned pinto beans drainedand rinsed
• 1/4cupfreshorcannedcorn
• 1/4cuppreparedsalsa
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (optional)
• 1cupshreddedlettuce
• 1tablespoonsourcream
• 1/2avocado,sliced(optional)
Servewithtortillachips
QuickBibimbap
Preptime:10minutes
Cooktime:10minutes
Servings:4
• 2cupsMinuteInstantJasmineRice
• 1/4cupcanolaoil divided
• 8cupsbaby spinach
• 2cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoongratedfreshginger
• 1/4teaspoonsalt
• 1/4teaspoonblack pepper
• 4teaspoonssoy sauce
• 4teaspoonsricewinevinegar
• 1cup beansprouts
• 1cup matchstickcarrots
• 1cup preparedkimchi chopped
• 4eggs,fried
• 4teaspoonsSriracha
• 4 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted Prepare rice according to package directions In large skillet over medium heat
• 1/2 tablespoon cilantro chopped heat 2 tablespoons oil Saute spinach (optional) garlic, ginger, salt and pepper 3-5
• tortillachips minutes or until spinach is wilted
both Felix and I have learneda lot
We have had Felix for almost two years
Before we adopted Felix he lived for two years on the street at least that is what the vet said The vet said teeth do not lie and Felix’s teeth were two years old My husband Peter is convinced that Felix is much younger because he was so small when we adopted him Anditstrue hebecamemuchbigger and moremuscular oncehe startedgettingregular nutrition But Felixknewnothingaboutlivingin housesorlivingwithpeopleand tobehonest we knew nothingabout living with Felix
The first time Felix felt comfortable enough to sleep on the bed, he bit our toes hard He bit them as if he planned to bite right through them
Oww!
Heat rice according to package Transfer tobowlandkeepwarm directions Wipe out skillet Heat remaining oil In medium microwave-safe bowl overmedium-highheat Stir-fryrice3-5 combine beans, corn, salsa and chili minutesoruntilslightlycrisp Stirinsoy powder, if desired Microwave onhigh1minute Mix in rice Place lettuce in bowl Top each serving with bean sprouts and top with rice and beans mixture carrots kimchi and one fried egg Garnish withsourcream,avocadoand Drizzle with Sriracha and sprinkle with choppedcilantro if desired
sauceandvinegar Divide rice among four bowls
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Peteryelledthefirsttimeithappened tohim Peter tookto wearingvery heavysocks tobed I’m not sure when or how it happened, buteventually Felixlearnedthatthoseenticing little mice under the blankets were actually body partsthat belonged to us
The biggest problem wasn’t the toes however It was that Felix had never used a litter box He used it right away when we adoptedhim butnotallthetime andthatwas a problem We put down plastic to discourage himfrom goinginthecorners We hidour dirty laundry toprevent himfrom peeing inthat We took him to the vet She explainedthat he had
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-Carrie Classon *
Within the continental United States there are a number of apex predators. There are bears, wolves, cougars, and bald eagles to name a few. Deep in the southern United States, two prehistoric reptiles are also on the list of animals at the top of the food chain Meet the American alligator and crocodile. To most people, crocodiles and alligators look almost the same but they really really aren’t. Just look closer, and you’ll see they’re more like cousins than twins. Both are powerful swimmers, covered in tough, scaly armor. The places they live, how they act, and even the shapes of their snouts tell very different stories.
Alligators & Crocodiles
Most of the alligator population in the United States is located in southern states like Florida and Louisiana. Alligators love freshwater habitats like swamps, rivers, and lakes and both of those states have lots of habitat that makes them the perfect place to live. Louisiana is an alligator paradise, with huge marshes and bayous that make perfect homes and a much smaller human population base. With more people in Florida, humans come into contact with the alligators because they often wander into backyards, golf courses, and even swimming pools. Alligators don’t really care about no trespassing signs or fences and they have even been found at Disney World and Universal Orlando.
Crocodiles, on the other hand, prefer salty or brackish water and are much rarer in the U.S. They live mostly in the very southern tip of Florida, near the Everglades and the Florida Keys. It’s one of the only places in the entire world where both crocodiles and alligators can live side by side. Crocodiles are shy but much more aggressive than alligators. Crocodiles are naturally more territorial and defensive. They’re known to attack anything that comes too close, even boats or other large animals. Both crocodiles and alligators can hold their breath for up to an hour, and scientists have found that crocodiles swallow rocks to help them dive deeper.
Their differences are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Alligators have wider, snouts and dark skin. Crocodiles have pointier snouts and are usually a lighter color. Both of these animals build nests to lay their eggs in. Both of them guard the nest and when the babies come out of the eggs the mothers will very carefully scoop up the hatchlings and carry them to the water. Both care for their young after hatching to increase their chance for survival.
These two species of reptiles play an important role in their environments. Whether sunning on a riverbank or sliding silently through the swamp, crocodiles and alligators continue to rule their watery kingdoms, each in their own unique way. And remember, humans are not always at the top of the food chain.
American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodilus porosus)
What is the crocodile’s favorite game?
Swallow the leader!
Crocodile Alligator
Teachers! Parents! Find activities about these prehistoric creatures here! Academy!
Goldendale takes a loss Federal shutdown delays release of state employment data
Goldendale had taken Cle Elum-Roslyn down for four straight games at home, but that winning streak came to an end on Friday. The Timberwolves had to suffer through a 40-6 loss at the hands of the Warriors. The Timberwolves were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Warriors apparently hadn’t forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in October of 2024.
Goldendale’s loss was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Cle Elum-Roslyn, they are on a roll lately: they’ve won four of their last five matchups. That’s provided a bump to their 5-2 record this season.
There is plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Goldendale will challenge rival White Swan at 7 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Cle ElumRoslyn is set to take on their familiar foe La Salle at 7 p.m. on Friday. — MaxPreps
Emily FitzgErald Washington state standard
Employment data for Washington state won’t be published until after the federal government reopens, the state Employment Security Department confirmed this week.
The department provides data and analysis on Washington’s employment conditions, job market and workforce, including unemployment rates, wages, income and employment trends.
The agency was scheduled to release its regular monthly employment report for September 2025 on October 15, but that
release will be delayed until the federal shutdown that began October 1 ends.
An Employment Security Department spokesperson confirmed there will be no gaps in the data—just a delay in release.
State-level employment reports rely on federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau and the Department of Labor, which are not releasing labor market and employment information during the shutdown.
Washington’s Employment Security Department is unable to reconstruct any state-level employment reports while the federal government is closed,
a spokesperson confirmed. “We will be ready to update and post reports, such as the monthly employment report and county unemployment data, once the government reopens and the federal agencies resume reporting,” said Employment Security Chief Labor Economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman.
Officials take stock as wildfire season winds down
Washington state standard
With fall weather dampening wildland fire conditions in Washington, officials are beginning to reflect on the fire season.
Washington state saw more individual fires than last season, but fewer acres burned, preliminary data shows. Several sizable fires are still burning.
As of Oct. 10, there were 251,840 acres burned in Washington state and 1,851 documented ignitions, according to Northwest Interagency Coordination Center data released by the state Department of Natural Resources.
The data is not specific to Department of Natural Resources-managed lands, and encompasses wildland fire activity across all of Washington state.
The numbers include the current acreage for the two fires still burning in Central Washington, as well as several other active fires across the state.
The Labor Mountain fire and the Lower Sugarloaf fire in Central Washington were both partially contained as of Monday afternoon.
The Bear Gulch fire in the Olympic National Forest is also still burning, but fire management personnel determined last week that the threat of further damage from the fire is minimal. The Tunnel Creek fire, similarly, has mostly stopped growing due to the shift in weather.
The total acreage burned so far this year is below last year’s total of 274,593 acres and the five-year average of 423,436 acres.
“Unless something unexpected happens, Washington state will likely experience
slightly fewer or a similar number of total acres burned statewide as last year,” said Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Thomas Kyle-Milward Fire ignitions, however, are higher than last year’s total of 1,806 and the five-year average of 1,629.
Ignitions include anything that starts a fire, such as weather, human activity, and undetermined causes. False alarm reports are not included in the data.
Kyle-Milward described this year’s wildland fire season as “average to above-average,” noting that fire activity was consistent with projections for the season.
Finalized data for 2025 will be released in January.
With temperatures mellowing and rain beginning to fall, the Department of Natural Resources does not expect any further fire activity in
Central and Eastern Washington this season.
“Fall weather is mitigating conditions,” said Kyle-Milward.
Because conditions have become favorable, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced last week that it plans to start conducting prescribed burns on the lands it manages in Eastern Washington.
The agency conducts prescribed fires during conditions that favor low-intensity burning, such as in the spring and fall, to improve ecosystem health and reduce the risk for future catastrophic wildfires.
“Fire rejuvenates important native grass and brush favored by deer and elk, as well as small mammals and bird species, while providing improved ecosystem health and resiliency, reduced wildfire intensity, and improved access for recreational users,”
said Matt Eberlein, prescribed fire program manager with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The agency plans to treat 300 acres on the L.T. Murray Unit of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area about 15 miles west of Ellensburg. It will also partner with Chelan County, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources to treat 36 acres in the Stemilt Basin in the Colockum Wildlife Area. Additional burns on Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed Eastern Washington lands may be announced later this fall. All burns are weatherdependent and will not occur if conditions are not optimal for safe and effective prescribed fires, Fish and Wildlife stated.
The Department of Natural Resources launched its own
prescribed fire program in 2021, when state lawmakers approved a bill committing $500 million over eight years for wildfire preparedness and response.
State spending largely kept up with that target until this year.
The Department of Natural Resources was adequately prepared for this year’s fire season, but used funding left over from previous years to do so.
Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, who oversees the department, is asking the Legislature to backfill $60 million for fire prevention efforts, including tree thinning and prescribed burns, that was shortchanged in the last legislative session. He is also asking for an additional $44.8 million for wildfire fighting for the 2026 fiscal year, which runs through next June.
Data difficulties complicate effort to close school achievement gaps
Emily FitzgErald
Washington state standard
Work to close educational achievement gaps for several minority groups in Washington state is being hindered by a lack of data, according to people involved in the yearslong effort.
A new series of achievement gap studies was released in June. These suggest some marginal improvement in closing achievement gaps for several minority groups over the past 16 years, but that more work is needed to support students of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The reports, conducted by the Commission on African American Affairs, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, were followups to a series of landmark studies released in 2008 that prompted the Legislature to create the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee.
The Legislature funded the
Oversight and Accountability’s request for the follow-up studies in the 2023-25 budget.
Representatives for the commissions said that limitations with past data that grouped multiple demographics together make it difficult to derive clear-cut takeaways from the reports. There were also some differences between the data used in the earlier research and the new studies, which makes it difficult to compare their results.
The Oversight and Accountability Committee is charged with synthesizing the recommendations from the 2008 studies and requested the follow-up research to assess their progress and identify gaps.
The commissions’ recommendations to the committee and the Legislature included improving data collection, developing curricula that are more responsive to students’ cultural, historical, and contemporary experiences, and to recruit and retain more minority teachers.
Representatives from the three commissions presented summaries on their reports and reactions to the data dur-
ing a webinar hosted by the nonprofit League of Education Voters on Oct. 2. A representative of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs was not present.
The Oversight and Accountability Committee’s response to the studies’ findings was generally positive, commission representatives said, though members expressed disappointment that more progress hasn’t been made.
Last year’s standardized testing scores reflect persistent achievement gaps for several minority groups. For example, while 24.6% of white students received the lowest scores on the math assessment, the same was true for 47.6% of Black students, 53.9% of Native American students, and 56% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.
“There are student populations that need additional investment,” state Superintendent Chris Reykdal said when the scores were released last month. “Those kinds of investments have moved the needle, which is great, but the gap is still very large,” he added.
Data difficulties
The 2008 studies conducted by the Commission of Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Commission on Hispanic Affairs did not distinguish between countries of origin or ethnic identities within their targeted populations. The Commission of African American Affairs has also acknowledged the need to disaggregate data on student demographics, which was not achieved with its 2008 study.
“We know that the Latino community is not a monolith, but it is treated as such in our data sets. And by doing so, we cannot track short-term progress, we cannot track longterm systemic change, and we need to be able to do those two things to ensure that Hispanic and Latino students feel supported,” said María Sigüenza of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
The Commission of Asian Pacific American Affairs had a similar problem with its two 2008 studies—one for Asian Americans and one for Pacific Islanders—but was able to disaggregate its population data in its new reports. Instead of grouping all Asian Americans together, for example,
the study broke out the data between about 20 different ethnicities, such as Vietnamese, Chinese or Filipino.
Because the data format ended up being so different from the 2008 studies, Nam Nguyen of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs said the commission doesn’t consider them a true follow-up to the initial reports.
“The data just doesn’t correlate with the previous work,” Nguyen said. Focus on teacher diversity
There was some variation between the needs of different minority groups identified by the studies, but all three commissions found that there is a strong need for more minority educators.
Each study found that minority students feel more supported if they have a teacher who can relate to their experiences.
“It’s so very important for all kids of color to be able to see people who look like them in the classroom for a variety of different reasons — everything from emotional support to just understanding what people go through and what
the communities look like,” said Ed Prince of the Commission on African American Affairs.
Teachers from minority groups are also better equipped to deliver culturally responsible curriculum and are less likely to “sideline” the experiences of their minority students, Prince said.
A lack of Black educators possibly contributes to Black students being subject to discipline significantly more than their white peers.
The League of Education Voters and the Black Education Strategy Roundtable, among other student advocacy groups, criticized a recent change in school discipline guidelines that critics said rolled back student protections that were implemented in 2019.
“Every kid deserves to learn, and if you have a child that’s disrupting the class, that disrupts everyone,” Prince said. “But taking that kid out and having them away from the class for an hour, two hours, whatever, impacts their education.”
Emily FitzgErald
H D TOUGH LOSS: The Goldendale High School Homecoming game commenced at Barthlow Field at 7 p.m. on October 17. The Timberwolves played Cle Elem. Prior to the start of the game, a barbecue fundraiser served up hamburgers and hot dogs. The funds will go towards next year’s homecoming festivities.