The shrinking of the Little Klickitat
Jordan Mayberry
For The SenTinel
Looking over the banks of Ekone Park, it would seem there never was a river running through it. Once a strong stream at the beginning of the year, it has now become a bed of smooth stones with stagnant pools of water lingering in between. It may be an innocent, if not disappointing, sight for locals, but it stands as an ever-present indicator of a greater ecological concern. Drought conditions are the primary culprit in a county where not one square meter of its land has been left unaffected.
A particularly dry May through June instigated a runoff impact of low stream flows. The Little Klickitat has been no stranger to negative environmental impacts to its habitat. As early as 1991, instream flow studies classified the Little Klickitat as “Water Quality Impaired” due to high temperatures and lack of riparian shading. The impact has inhibited
water flow measurements and, as a result, threatened its habitat. A community planning document from regional government detailed the at-risk state of the Little Klickitat River, comparing it to other depleted tributaries of larger rivers: “Temperatures exceeding state water quality standards have been recorded in these streams primarily during low flow periods during the summer months,” the document stated. “It is presumed that these exceed-
ances are attributable to lack of stream shading due to degraded or non-existent riparian areas and low summer flows.”
The river, as with most streams, experiences seasonal fluctuations, with higher flow levels in mid-spring and autumn and lower flow levels in the late summer and mid-winter. Low stream flow in the Little Klickitat is expected at this time in late August, but the troughs of the late summer have been below optimal
Commerce Corner: Is the Chamber relevant? Why membership matters
TeJa hanna
For The SenTinel
One of the questions chambers across the country hear from time to time is, “Is the Chamber still relevant?” or “Why should I even join the Chamber?” Both are fair questions. The world has changed. Businesses face new challenges, technology evolves daily, and expectations of organizations like ours look different than they did even ten years ago. The short answer is, yes—the Chamber is not just relevant, it’s essential. But that relevance doesn’t happen by accident; it
comes from the work we do with you and for you every single day. Why membership matters When you invest in Chamber membership, you’re investing in far more than networking or ribbon cuttings. You’re supporting economic development, tourism promotion, critical business trainings, and the long-term health of our business community. Membership dollars fuel revitalization and beautification, business trainings, and other programs that help businesses adapt and thrive. More importantly, you are investing in one voice
that represents the whole of our business community.
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Horizon 2035 study notes that chambers must serve as “catalysts, conveners, and champions” to remain relevant. That sums up our approach well. In recent years, our Chamber has sharpened its focus on doing just that: catalyzing growth through training and programs, convening partners across sectors to solve challenges, and championing the businesses and organizations that make Goldendale and Klickitat County strong.
levels. Measured in cubic feet per second (cfs), flows are analyzed according to a healthy metric for the given season. Recent readings from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicate sub-optimal levels for streamflow in both the Klickitat and Little Klickitat rivers. Ideal flow is measured in a range between 750 and 1000 cfs; recent readings in the Little Klickitat have shown levels at or below 700 cfs, with numbers only decreasing. If the flow is to decline
any further, a critically low condition will be reached. Alongside more apparent impacts, such as loss of recreational use, negative effects of poor stream conditions include reduced fish populations, reduced biodiversity, and loss of stream habitat—problems that may spell subtle, long-term ecological trouble. The primary cause is clear: widespread drought. Klickitat County has been strongly affect-
Jail meal budget balloons
rodger nicholS For The SenTinel
Klickitat County Corrections Director Bill Frantz had some sobering financial numbers for county commissioners at their August 26 meeting.
“We’re a 49-bed jail that has an average population of 33,” he said. “Given the Aramark increase of 240 percent in 2025, and the expected raise again in 2026, at least by the consumer price index, I project the food cost in 2026 to be $289,230. With our 2025 budget of $165,000, it gives us a $124,230 shortfall.”
“We are required by law to provide one hot meal per day. We are required by law to have an average 2500 calories, and we have to feed them three times a day,” he said. “There are religious diets, and medical diets that have to be addressed. You can’t just go out and buy five TV dinners from Walmart and drop them in a microwave.”
He also said the county needs to renegotiate some of its contracts, using Bingen as an example. He cited the Washington State Department of Corrections’ calculation that it costs $82.34 per day to house a prisoner in
Frantz said he’s had a number of suggestions from local residents but that he is operating under some mandatory state guidelines.
Contributed: Jon Huey GRAVITY AT WORK: The Maryhill Ratz RVOD 2025 Fall Freeride & Tour de Maryhill took place this past weekend and Monday. Dozens of downhill enthusiasts took to boards and go-kart-like vehicles to plunge down the Maryhill Loops at dizzying speeds.
KCSO to swear in new K-9 officer
On September 12 at 6 p.m., Sheriff Bob Songer will swear in the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) new K-9 dog named Zeus and Deputy Zack McBride as his handler. The swearing in will occur at the Goldendale Grange, 288 E. Darland Drive, Goldendale.
Jerry Cornfield
Washington state standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson will be without his top policy adviser through the rest of the year.
Policy Director Sahar Fathi went on leave July 1 and will not return before January 1, a governor’s spokesperson said.
Brionna Aho, communications director for Ferguson, said Fathi is using accrued and unpaid leave for the six-month sabbatical. Aho did not respond to questions about whether Fathi requested the lengthy break or if she is expected to return for the 2026 legislative session.
Fathi did not return phone calls or texts requesting comment.
In an email, Ferguson said Fathi has been “a crucial member of my team” since 2019. She previously served as Ferguson’s policy director when he was attorney general.
“After six years and a particularly intense legislative session, in which she took on more than one full-time job, she’s taking a break,” he said. “I’m happy to support her. I appreciate our talented legislative and policy teams, who are already hard at work ensuring we’ll be prepared for the next legislative session.”
Deputy Policy Director
The public is invited. McBride is the new handler for K-9 Zeus, and he will speak about his experiences at the K-9 Academy and how he was selected to be K-9 Zeus’s handler.
The KCSO currently has K-9 Sergeant Profi, whose handler is Sergeant Adam Dyment. The office will now have two K-9 dogs. As Washington State certified K-9 dogs, Zeus and Profi can search for lost persons, suspects, and evidence. K-9 Zeus will also be trained in the near future to search for illegal narcotics. Both K-9 dogs are Belgian Malinois-mix breeds.
Kenneth Martin has been appointed interim policy director.
Fathi, named to the governor’s executive leadership team on Nov. 7, oversaw a 20-person staff responsible for developing policy initiatives in support of Ferguson’s agenda. There are four deputy policy directors and 16 advisers who interact with lawmakers, local and state agency officials, and constituents in crafting and deploying policies.
Her lengthy resume of public service includes working for King County, the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and as a legislative aide to former Seattle City Council member Mike O’Brien, according to online biographies. In 2013, Fathi made The Stranger’s list of Smartest People in Seattle Politics.
Exits of multiple high-ranking members of Ferguson’s administration have marked the governor’s first eight months in office.
Legislative Director Joyce Bruce, who also worked in the attorney general’s office under Ferguson, resigned in March, not long after her deputy, Shawn Lewis, had quit. That left the firstterm Democratic governor without a legislative team in the critical final stages of the session, as lawmakers finalized the budget and ironed wrinkles out of
major legislation.
Also in March, Mike Webb, Ferguson’s chief strategy officer and most trusted adviser, resigned amid complaints that he fomented a toxic workplace. He left less than a week after Bruce’s departure. She worked under Webb’s direction in the governor’s office, and before that in the Office of the Attorney General. Several lawmakers, most of them women, voiced concerns privately at that time that Webb’s management style may have contributed to Bruce’s decision to leave. Aho did not respond to questions about whether
The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has announced two new staff members.
Rachel Johnson is the new Criminal Records Technician, handling records, public information requests, and assisting with sex offender verification.
the circumstances surrounding Webb contributed to Fathi’s decision to take extended leave.
In May, Ferguson hired Debbie Driver as his new legislative director. Driver served as a transportation policy adviser to former Gov. Jay Inslee, and also worked previously as the Washington State Department of Transportation legislative relations director.
The governor also appointed Shane Esquibel as chief of staff. Esquibel had served as chief operations officer since Ferguson took office.
Charlotte Flynn is now the civil clerk, handling the court and civil paper service, concealed pistol license applications and renewals, and fingerprinting services.
The fulfillment of the two vacant positions will allow KCSO to continue staffing both Sheriff’s Office locations. Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office in
and
G oldendale ’ s a ttic
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
The barber looks like
he’s about to cut off this guy’s tie. “I’ve told you, you can’t wear yellow stripes with a mauve shirt.” Talk about fashion
police. But who are these two? Why were they having their picture taken? Where was this? When? We cannot say, for we do not know. All we know
is this picture ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in the annals of yesteryear. If you know anything about it, please send us an email (info@goldendalesentinel.
com), or give us a call (509-
773-3777), or drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.
L ooking Back
September 1, 1955 – 70 Years Ago
Completion of the new grain elevator at Roosevelt marks the passing of another era in the eastern part of Klickitat County. Rising to a height of 120 feet, this structure has four circular bins of reinforced concrete. Its capacity is 142,000 bushels. Grain is already stored in three of the four bins even before the structure was completed. Watching this electrically operated plant in operation recalls the great strides made in the handling of wheat. Not many years ago all the wheat coming into Roosevelt was handled in sacks weighing 135 pounds. It took a lot of muscle to unload the trucks and weigh it five sacks at a time, then wheel it away on a hand truck to the pile where it was again “man handled” twice. One man would put the grain on the conveyor at floor level, and another would take it off at the top of the pile and make sure each sack was placed just right so it didn’t fall. This took a lot of manpower. But with the new equipment the grain is handled in bulk. Incoming trucks are weighed, trucks, drivers, grain, and all. The driver opens the end gate and lets gravity unload his load. The grain drops into a pit where electrically powered elevators carry it away, 500 bushels a minute. In the era of sacked grain, the Roosevelt warehouse employed six to 12 men nearly all summer.
September 1, 1955 – 70 Years Ago
Kindergarten will open Monday September 12, at the Leo Garner residence, 401 Columbus Avenue the former Rudy Setzler home. Sessions will be from 1 to 3 p.m.
August 28, 1975 – 50 Years Ago
The Goldendale branch store of the J. C. Penny Company, a prominent figure in the Goldendale downtown scene for 49 years, will be closed about November 1. The decision came from Penny regional managers in Seattle who cited the lack of growth in sales of the store while costs continued to rise as the reason for the closure. Penny store manager Hoagie Nielsen will resign on September 1 and join a local real estate firm. Penny’s opened for business in Goldendale on August 1, 1926.
August 22, 1985 – 40 Years Ago
Out where the buffalo roam? Why, that’s right on highway 142 just west of Goldendale. It’s true. A buffalo which has gained national attention, and which ran away from his home in Toppenish in mid-August, remains at large after brushing off three tranquilizer darts shot by Klickitat County Sheriff’s deputies last week. The buffalo escaped from his owner, Dale Tapscott, who lives in Toppenish, about 40 miles from Goldendale. It’s now up to Tapscott to get something together for the capture of the beast, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Department.
August 29, 1985 – 40 Years Ago
Helfer House - Many people probably still know the house as the old Homer Helfer place. The old two-story structure fits in as one of the many turn-of-the-century residences along Columbus Ave. But the vintage 1902 house looks a lot different now, thanks to a face lift and refurbishing by the new owner, David Erland Insurance. Erland bought the place [now Dad’s Sourdough], which is next to the Columbus Mini-Mall. To add an antique touch, Erland installed a set of old-style brass lamps. [I tried to find something made about the same time the house was built. In front of the building, a lampstand loaned from the Klickitat County Historical Society comes from Goldendale’s Main Street. Only about nine of the other lampstands have survived, including six holding up the covering over the steam tractor at the Presby Museum. Roses were planted all around the west and south sides, in honor of Homer Helfer’s well-known rose garden. Project architects Ralph Wilson and Gene Callan picked out the color scheme. Bryan construction did much of the refurbishing work.]
August 31, 1995 – 30 Years Ago
A new person has taken over the financial reins at Goldendale City Hall. Larry Bellamy, who worked for Goldendale 10 years prior, is back in City Hall, serving as the new clerk-treasurer. Bellamy is taking over after Betty Smith who resigned from the clerk-treasurer position on June 15, after seven years of service with the city.
Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture
Points to ponder:
What do you call a small bathroom in Robin
house? The Little John.
Why doesn’t the Mafia like Jehovah’s Witnesses? They don’t like any witnesses.
“Hi. John’s answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak slowly, and I’ll stick your message to myself with some of these magnets.”
Toomey Crashes in Enemy Waters
July 20, 1944 Deadline Monday By
Lt. David Toomey, former Klickitat boy who is in and out of trouble as often as an oyster in a stew, writes his grandmother in Portland, Mrs. Grace Williams, of his latest adventure.
Toomey is a photographer pilot with the AAF in Italy and recently had to parachute from his P-38, suffering injuries to his shoulder. After recovering, he flew again, only to crash
in enemy waters. His letter reads:
“Returning from a dicer raid, my plane was so shot up that I just was able to make it back to the sea, and I finally had to make a belly landing on the water. I just got away from the plane when she sank, and then I headed out swimming for the shore, which was miles away. I was washed upon shore about three hours
later, so exhausted and cramped that I couldn’t move—and then I found out I was 20 miles behind the enemy lines. When I recovered enough to walk, I hid in a pile of bushes until dark, then I walked all night. By dawn, I was about 10 miles in the hills, where I hid in a haystack to await darkness. Here friendly Italians found me and took me farther back in the hills where I would be safer from the Nazis. On the morning of the fourth day, the army moved through the sector, and I was again free. A tank commander helped me return to my field, and when I reached there, I found my name taken off the board as officially lost. I guess I’m the first pilot to be shot down over enemy-held territory and get back O.K.”
Toomey graduated from Klickitat High School and was attending the University of Portland when he enlisted in the AAF. He received his commission at the Roswell AAF base in New Mexico. He has been overseas since last September and saw action in North Africa before his present assignment in Italy. He wears the purple Heart and the Air medal with an Oak Leaf cluster.
— Richard Lefever Klickitat
County Historical Society
Dr. James Ogden, Betty Zesiger, and Darlene Herin identified these people. One person even knew the name of the horse! The men are,
left to right: Jon Anderson, Javier Short, and Gene Herin. The horse was Prince. Gene and Prince used to provide rides during parades.
Hood’s
Dear Savvy Senior,
Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for struggling seniors? My mom lives primarily on her Social Security survivor benefit and is having a hard time paying her Medicare costs.
Need Assistance
Dear Need,
There are actually several different financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-ofpocket health care costs. Here’s what’s available, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Medicare savings programs
Let’s start with a program that helps pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It’s called the “Medicare Savings Program,” and it has several different benefit levels for people based on their income and asset level. At its most generous the program will pay your Part A and B premiums and pretty much all your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. At its least generous the program will pay just your Part B premium.
Senior, Jim Miller
To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, the minimum standard set by Medicare is an income under 135 percent of the federal poverty level, which at the moment works out to around $1,715 a month for individuals (or $2,320 for married couples). Everything counts towards income, including payouts from 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Security, and help from family members.
Medicare also allows states to impose an asset test, which can be as little as $9,430 per individual ($14,130 for married couples), not counting your house, car or personal belongs, but counting retirement savings and bank accounts.
But some states have made their Medicare Savings Programs a lot more generous, with much higher income limits and in some cases no asset tests at all. And the program may be called something else in your state. To find out if you qualify or to apply, contact your state Medicaid program. Visit Medicaid.gov or call all (800) 633-4227 for contact information.
Medication assistance
For help with Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan costs, there is another completely separate low-income subsidy program she may be eligible for called “Extra Help.” To get it, your mom will need to apply through her Social Security office.
Depending on your mother’s income level, this program will pay part or all of her Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2025, individuals with a yearly income below $23,475 ($31,725 for a married couple), and assets under $17,600 ($35,130 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help.
If she’s eligible to be in a Medicare Savings Program, she will automatically qualify for Extra Help.
THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL
Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington
Established 1879
• Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777
Emails: news@goldendalesentinel.com (News, editorial, Letters)
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(Classified ads and inquiries)
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(Display advertising information and inquiries)
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Payables@goldendalesentinel.com
Receivables@goldendalesentinel.com
Events @goldendalesentinel.com (Events and activities)
Editorial:
Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher
Business and office staff: Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.
Leslie Geatches, President, Financial management, Special Section production, Ad Design Naomi James, Bookkeeping
But because the requirements are slightly different, even if she doesn’t qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, she might be able to get Extra Help for Part D. For more information or to apply, visit SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help or call Social Security at 800-772-1213.
Other programs
Depending on your mom’s income level, needs and location there are many other financial assistance programs that can help like Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), (LIHEAP) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and many others.
To help you find out what types of assistance programs she may be eligible for, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential website designed for people age 55 and older that contains more than 2,500 programs.
It’s also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers scattered across 38 states. Visit NCOA.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers locate a center in your area. Or call their helpline at (800) 794-6559.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Burn-out has got to go
The Festival of Wheels gave it another try this year. It seems the attendance has dwindled to much lower levels than when the event was new, 10 years ago. There are a lot of competing car shows this time of year, so it doesn’t surprise me .
This year Goldendale Motorsports Association and ABATE brought back the burn-out, which was tried several times in the past with questionable benefits to the town. This year someone had the brilliant idea to use the old skateboard park as a place to stage the return of the burnout. It was held on the concrete slab, a tempting medium for anyone inclined to bum rubber. Rednecks of many degrees, punk kids or maybe the little old lady from Pasadena. I personally was left with a bad taste in my mouth and lungs. Even though I made it a point to stay away from the burn-out and was at my home where I thought I would escape the noise and smoke, when the toxic cloud rose from the park and drifted over the Little Klickitat River Park (the swimming pool) on to the kids and families at the pool and on to me while I was sitting on my property. We were contaminated by the toxins in the smoke, and my eyes and throat were imitated, and my lungs filled with carbon monoxide and other cancer causing toxic compounds
for three hours.
I think the city of Goldendale needs to rethink supporting burnouts in our park. Next year don’t issue a permit to any group that wants to burn-out. There are places in the county where it could be held, just not in the city please. I hate toxic smoke, and you should too.
On Sept 4 I will be asking the mayor and his administration to make an ordinance forbidding anyone from reckless unsafe burnouts in any ones neighborhood or any street in the Goldendale city limits. I would appreciate some support from like-minded citizens at the council meeting. Let them know how you feel.
Ken McKune Goldendale C
I contacted the bank for an explanation. The answer was essentially that “we wouldn’t do that.” Then why is it in your documents, I asked. The answer was to send me up the chain of command. The second person gave the same answer as the first and then was to have me contacted by some-one higher up. That person has not contacted me after more than a week so I am following through on what I told the bank contacts I was going to do—write a letter to the editor to be sure local folks are aware of how Columbia Bank is choosing to deal with its account holders.
My concern is that a comment as broad as this opens the door for abuse. I have had no difficulties with our local branch and am sorry that the headquarters has decided to take such a hard line. It ap-pears I will need to look for a bank that does not behave in this manner.
Letters from the community
What are we paying for?
Can you hear me now?
No! Because the call dropped again. It is very frustrating when an important call drops for the second or third time. The message on your phone reads, “Cellular connection not available for voice calls.”
I recently received an updated “Terms for Business and Deposit Account Agreement” from Columbia Bank. I am not in the habit of reading the fine print but for some reason this time I did. I came across an “added” line that I found very concerning. Again, this line is both for personal and business accounts. It reads: “We may refuse to open and account and may close your account at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.”
So what are we paying for exactly?
Ken Margraf Goldendale
phone calls? Why are we not receiving that kind of service all the time? Is it all about more money? My bill is already stinking high as it is! I feel we pay enough to get the service we deserve instead of the mediocre service we get. Are my wife and I alone in this? Or are there others?
“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.
We know we are not the only people on the outskirts of Goldendale who experience poor or no cell service at all.
We live nine miles out of town and in the city’s zip code of 98620. My wife’s service has the same issue except the message she gets when trying to call is “Your phone is not registered on a network. You can only make emergency calls.”
This is clearly a money-making tactic for Verizon. If Verizon has the capacity for making emergency calls, then why don’t they have the capacity to connect us on regular
Frank Hardy Goldendale
The only way
Dead kids in school again! And again! And again!
The Second Amendment? Read it. Don’t listen to the Supreme Court to tell you what it says. Read it front to back, not back to front like Antony Scalia. The right to have firearms is predicated on a “Well Regulated Militia.” It says nothing about an individual’s right. The Second Amendment is to amend what? Arti-
Guidelines for Letters
cle Two of the Constitution is what it is clarifying. So here’s the facts. Article Two gives authority to Congress to form a militia. The Second Amendment only clarifies what that Militia can do. It says nothing about an individual. So don’t be telling me guns can’t be regulated for the individual. They can be. And why? To form a More Perfect Union as stipulated in the preamble to the Constitution. Now, I don’t own a gun. Common sense tells me I won’t be able to take your gun from you, a gun owner. You’ve got the gun! I’m relying on your common sense. You gun owners can help form that More Perfect Union. Voluntarily get rid of your guns. That is the only way to stop guns from killing kids in school.
Thomas Wilson Goldendale
Letters to the editor should be original and comment on an issue. Deadline for letters is noon Monday for the same week’s paper.
Requests to keep letters exactly as written when published cannot be honored. All letters are subject to editing for grammar, spelling, clarity, and/or brevity.
There is a suggested length limit of about 300 words.
Unsigned letters (including anonymity requests), letters with fictitious signatures, letters with multiple signatures, or letters to public officials are not accepted.
Please keep the tone of letters free of rants, wild speculation, unsubstantiated claims, or pointedly personal comments. Letters that go overboard in these directions will be refused publication.
Writers must include name, city/town of residence, and phone number for verification purposes. (Street address is not required, only city or town.)
Savvy
Ranchers in our valley have been busy moving cattle from summer pastures. If you come upon a cattle drive on the highway, please be patient and considerate of the riders on horses and the cow dogs assisting with the cattle drive. Thank you.
Darlene and Dennis Humphrey have some exciting news. They welcomed a new great-grandson, Malcom Dennis, on August 29, 2025. Their granddaughter Natalie and her husband Daniel are the proud Malcom’s proud parents. Malcom was born at the Hood River Providence Hospital and joins big brother JD. His grandpa David and grandma Jessica Humphrey drove up from California to be here for his birth. Congratulations, Humphrey family.
Middle school volleyball practice began on Tuesday, September 2. We have very few middle school girls, but by combining with the Klickitat Middle School, I think we’ll have a great little team under the guidance of KyAnn and Tracy Kessinger. Little Klickwood’s first game will be at Bickleton on September 10. If you didn’t receive the September school calendar in the mail, you can obtain a copy at the school office. There seems to be either a high school or
H ometown
middle school volleyball day nearly every day from September 8 on through the rest of the volleyball season. Don’t forget the Glenwood/Trout Lake (Lakewood) high school volleyball games coming up locally. The first games in the Trout Lake gym will take place September 8 and 9. The first games in Glenwood will take place on September 15 and 16. If you can’t make it over the hill to Trout Lake for the games there, please try to come out to the Glenwood gym to really show support for our Lakewood girls this season.
School picture day is September 9. Laurene Eldred of the Glenwood Homemakers wants to remind everyone about the Glenwood Fall bazaar on Saturday, October 4. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Marlis Dewey at (360) 921-2333 or by email at tmdewey@msn.com. The Homemakers will be serving lots of good food, and, remember, veterans and active military eat for free. This is a great time to find wonderful gifts for family and friends and even for yourself. The bazaar brings many very creative people to the Glenwood gym, offering a wide variety of beautiful and useful items.
Melissa Uhles For The senTinel
On August 30 standup Comic Phat Kidd performed at the Goldendale Grange. Cue My Life (stage name) was the emcee, and local teen Henry Duyck was invited to do a short set as well. A representative of Spare Change Entertainment was the DJ at the event. A crew of volunteers helped make the evening a reality, including Kit Foxx Callahan, Justin Leigh Callahan, and Kimberly McCosh.
Laughs, lemonade, and cookies were enjoyed by the audience. The sale was run by Baby PK, Phat Kidd’s daughter.
The energy in the room was palpable. Metallica’s Enter Sandman blared as Phat Kidd made his entrance. The joke-filled night seemed to really entertain the 30-something attendees.
Since I’m curious about what draws someone to do stand-up comedy, I reached out to Phat Kidd for an interview. Getting answers to my questions helped me understand more about his inspirations.
Sentinel: How long have you been doing comedy?
PK: Since I was 18 years old. I started with just writing about things I had experienced to questions I had that I never wanted to answer out loud. I took
a break in 2016 to focus on myself. After COVID-19, I decided to pick it back up with a new name and better jokes. I’ve been growing since 2021.
Sentinel: Why were you interested in trying stand-up comedy?
PK: I’ve always known I was funny. I used to practice the jokes I would hear on TV and act like I was the one who wrote them. Then I heard the stories about how guys like me have done amazing things with their talent.
Sentinel: Who are your favorite comics?
PK: I really like comics like Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy, Eddie Griffin, George Lopez, and Michael Winslow.
Sentinel: Do you have a “day job”?
PK: I currently have two day jobs. When I’m not booking shows and having meetings as Phat Kidd, I am a college student at Grand Canyon University and do guest services for McMenamins Elk Temple in Tacoma, Washington.
Sentinel: What made you decide to do a family-friendly show in Goldendale?
PK: Family is important to me. I grew up with always having family time. I strive to have that with my own child, so I enjoy any chance I can bring families together for a night of jokes and laughter. Goldendale
has always had a special place in my heart. This is the third show I’ve done in Goldendale. And one of the bigger things was finding a babysitter for the events. So this year I said why not let them come? How often do you see a comedy show that parents can bring their kids to without having to worry about what the comic is going to talk about?
Sentinel: For those who didn’t make it to your show, is there a place where people can learn more about you and your comedy?
PK: I’m on TikTok @
official phatkiddcomedy with Goldendale’s own Kim and Arya McCosh. If you just want the jokes, go to YouTube, then type in Phat Kidd Comedy. I try to keep it updated as much as possible.
Note: At the end of Saturday’s performance, we learned the proceeds of the bake sale were going to benefit a woman who had recently lost her daughter in a house fire. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to help in this way.
TaMara KaUFMan For The senTinel Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families. K-Link Collaborative, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, and the Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) work to create safe teen cultures, safe spaces, and community education in efforts to reduce youth access to substances throughout Klickitat County.
Kirsten McReath, the Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative Director for White Salmon Valley and coordinator for K-Link, said this workshop will focus on what every parent needs to know to reduce screen time, restore family connection, and raise kids who thrive in
a digital world. Supporting K-Link, Rita Pinchot, a Regional Behavioral Health Specialist with ESD 112, said, “These events came about after we (K-Link and several community partners) hosted an event last winter focused on educating parents and increasing awareness of the risks of fentanyl. Parents requested continuing events and included mental health, tech, and social media in a list of suggested topics they would like to learn more about.”
It’s a hot topic. Concerns over the impact of student use of cell phones and other smart tools during school are leading a majority of Washington State school districts to restrict devices. In an August 21 news release put out by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the
State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, said, “Our educators, parents, and families are seeing, on a daily basis, how students’ learning is disrupted—repeatedly—by their smart devices. As an education system, we have a responsibility to protect the learning environment, removing disruptions and ensuring our policies are updated regularly to address emerging needs.”
Pinchot said that K-Link, with the support of WAGAP, sent a funding proposal to Carelon and was awarded a grant to support three or more events, so they reached out to their partner prevention coalitions.
The group decided to focus on mental health support and the use of technology, knowing it was a priority
concern for many parents and schools. Events will go from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except the Goldendale event, which will start at 5:30 p.m. All will have a light dinner provided. Events will be held in several communities throughout Klickitat County and will be conducted in English, with one event held in Spanish on September 10 in White Salmon.
• Monday, September 8, at the White Salmon Valley Community Library.
• Wednesday, September 10, at the White Salmon Valley Community Library, in Spanish.
• Thursday, September 18, at the Lyle Lions Club.
• Tuesday, September 23, at the Goldendale Com-
munity Library, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Glenwood area - event details are coming soon.
The sessions are presented by Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time, who is certified by the Digital Wellness Institute. The program for Creating a Tech-Healthy Family was first released in 2020 to provide parents with tools and resources to facilitate discussions with their children and help them establish boundaries around technology, enabling them to feel more confident raising their children in a digital world.
The WAGAP Prevention team is fortunate that Davis is local to the Gorge. This makes the free presentations accessible for
Klickitat County parents who can attend any of the sessions that work best for their schedules. No prior registration is required. For more information on the Creating a TechHealthy Family workshop, or other prevention-related questions, reach out to Rita Pinchot by phone at (509) 637-8143. Funding for K-Link and CPAKC comes from the Washington State Health Care Authority, and Our Klickitat is funded through the Federal Drug Free Communities grant. All three organizations operate locally under the WAGAP umbrella. Information on Prevention teams can also be found on the WAGAP website at www.wagap.org/ prevention.
M U FUNNY KIDD: Family-friendly humor was the highlight of
This 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 staff would love to help you find an advertising package that works for your needs and fits your budget! We offer online ads as well—with roughly 22,000 unique hits on our website each month, this is a great way to reach even more people.
September 5 - 7 Huckleberry Festival in Bingen: Cel ebrate the taste of summer at Bingen’s beloved Huckleberry Festival, a time‑honored tradi tion since 1962 held every Labor Day weekend at Daubenspeck Park. This free, three day com munity event features live music, huckleberry pies & ice cream, parades, classic cars, fam ily games and a spirited Beer & Wine Garden—fun for all ages. Visit https://huckleberry fest. com/ for the full schedule
September 6, 2nd Annual 9/11 Heroes Run, Travis Manion Foundation: 9:30 a.m. at Daubenspeck Park, during the Huckleberry Festival. Visit https://huckleberry fest.com/for details.
September 6, Trout Lake Community Grange #210 Resource Fair: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at the Trout Lake Grage Hall, 2390 Hwy 141. Join us for a look at our community care organizations and services, family activities, animal guest & farriet trainer, a food drive and more! Contact Kim Ballard at 509 637 4429 for more information.
September 6, Build It! at the Goldendale Community Library: 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Inspire your imagination and develop your STEM skills. You never know what we’ll build with: LEGO® bricks, blocks, boxes, or other fun materials.
September 8, Goldendale Class of 1956 Reunion: 12 p.m. at Ayutlas Restaurant in Gold endale. Come join the class of 1956, all friends an family are invited as well. Questions call Linda Davies at 206 850 1251 or talk to Kay Cameron. September 12 - 14, 4th annual Kongregation of Bal-
Regular Happenings
• Free Community Kitchen
To Go Meals: the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month and every Tuesday, Wednes day, Thursday at 5 or 5:30 until the food runs out. Methodist Church on the corner of Colum bus 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 pot luck 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.
• The Coalition for Prevent ing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) 4 p.m. every 2nd Mon day via Zoom. 509 773 3776 or CPAKC on Facebook.
• Goldendale City Council meetings 6 p.m. 1103 S Colum bus 1st and 3rd Monday of every month (Tuesday if Mon day is a holiday) https://www.
ci.goldendale.wa.us/
• Adult Book Discussion
Group meets every third Mon day at 11 a.m. – Goldendale
Community Events
loons: Balloons will be out early and launching near sunrise, pos sibly as early as 6:45 AM, coming into land between 7:45 – 9 AM. For those who have fields that appear balloon friendly from the air, you may hear an early knock on your door by a balloonist or their crew looking for permis sion to land. Balloonists are being asked to be respectful and will do their best to stay clear of livestock and out of planted fields wherever possible. Being unable to steer with anything but the wind, some less than ideal land ings can happen. Every effort will be made to share information on areas that have expressed an interest for balloons to stay away. You may also hear the familiar ‘whoosh’ of the balloon as it flies over head. Expectations are for approximately 10 balloons and that number could vary due to numerous reasons including gas prices and expected weather. Some pilots will be doubling up and flying together in one bal loon instead of both flying sepa rately. Mark Yonker has a long history creating fun competi tions for balloonists both in the air (finding targets and trying to fly over to score by dropping a bean bag close to a fabric X on the ground), and on the ground with scavenger hunts to encour age balloonists to visit local hot spots and places of interest dur ing their stay. I am sure Mark will have some fun ideas up his sleeve to add to the spirit of this year’s event. If you hear the balloons, please come out and wave – it is always fun to say good morning as we fly over. You will also see them around town in their Kon gregation Tshirts all weekend as many of their favorite places to eat and shop will be on the list for mid day outings. If you would like to crew or have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to reach out to Mark Yonker at 253 670 8575 or Mandy Johnson at 253 709 8889, or email OhanaMaka@yahoo. com . Or look up the Kongrega tion of Balloons Facebook page. We will continue to Kongregate to commemorate a great spirit who did his part to help keep ballooning floating along for many years. Thank you Golden dale for being such a welcoming community that balloonists are
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 Caf eteria.
Tuesday
• White Salmon Bingen Rotary Meeting every Tuesday at 301 Dewalt Dr, White Salmon.
• Adult Fiber Art Social Cir cle: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1:30 2:30 p.m. at the Gol dendale Community Library
• EPIC Youth Center Games: 3 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All students (1st grade and up) wel come to come meet new friends and play a variety of games. A release of liabilities and a par ent agreement of conduct must be on file. 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 different wellness topics to keep ourselves safe an healthy. Topics include: Hand Hygiene, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Emotional Health, & Safety/ Injury Prevention. All ages are welcome, topics will be covered at an elementary school level.
• Board of County Commis sioners meeting every Tuesday Klickitat County Courthouse, 205 S Columbus Goldendale.
excited to come and visit!
September 13, Free Shredding Event: 10 a.m. 1 p.m. at 390 NE Tahomish St, White Salmon, 1st Security Bank.
September 13, Goldendale Main Street Clean Up: Volun teers to meet at 9:30 at the LDS church, 10 a.m. volunteers meet on Main street by the Murals. Join the LDS church in our Stakes Day of Service. Come help the LDS church clean up downtown, get ready to replace the barrel planters along Main Street. We need volunteers! Contact the Chamber, WAGAP, the City of Goldendale, or the LDS church directly for more details.
September 13, Mini Safety Fair at the Goldendale Community Library: 10:00 a.m. 12 p.m. Do you know what to do in case of an emergency? Meet the experts who do! Activities for the whole family, games, prizes, and more.
September 19, Red Cross First Aid/CPR/ and AED Course: 5 7 p.m. at the Miss ing Corner, BZ Corner. Train for Moments that Matter Safely, Effectively & Confi dently. Whether you need First Aid, CPR, and AED training that satisfies OSHA mandated job requirements, workplace, or other regulatory requirements, or you just want to know how to keep your loved ones safe, the American Red Cross is your “go to” source of emergency and safety training for more than a century. More than 5 million people choose our award win ning courses to learn life saving skills each year. Instructor: Scott Cascella, cost: $90 Signup Link: https://www.pdxraft.com/CPR
September 19 - 21, Class of 1960 - 1970 Class Reunion: 7 p.m. in the old bowling alley parking lot. Join us to “drag the gut” and cruise as a group. Saturday potluck picnic at Mary hill State Park at 11:30. At 5:30 on Saturday meet at the Presby Mansion for a group picture followed by a social hour and dinner at the American Legion. Sunday group breakfast at the TownHouse Cafe at 9 a.m. We are looking forward to seeing all of our classmates and school mates who shaped us into the people we are today! September 20, Soroptimist
Visit www.klickitatcounty. org/643/Board of County Commissioners for informa tion, agenda, and link for Zoom meeting.
• TOPS Club Inc. – Taking Pounds off 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 Work shop, 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 help ing women and youth in our community and worldwide. All welcome. Contact Betty 509 250 3746.
• BINGO night: 3 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the High Prairie Community Center on Struck Rd. Meals and cards for purchase (discounted kids’ meals) Come meet your neigh bours 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 Gol dendale 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 $10 20, no one turned away. RSVP at laurarosedoctor@gmail.com, 509 637 9425.
• Family Storytime: 10:30 11:30 a.m. at the Goldendale Community Library.
Fall Plant Sale: 9 a.m. 2 p.m. on Main Street, Downtown Golden dale. Its time for our fall plant sale! There will be a variety of perennials, and house plants. We are accepting plant donations for this sale. Call us for pick up at 509 773 3380. Proceeds of this sale support our local programs to improve the lives of women and girls through education
September 20, Three Rivers Dulcimer Society Performance: 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. at the Maryhill Museum. Three Riv ers Dulcimer Society performs all day in the Indigenous Peo ples of North America galleries. Three Rivers Dulcimer Society is celebrating their 21st year as a dulcimer club and is thrilled to play together in person again for the Maryhill community. They may be joined by their Portland dulcimer friends from Sloe Jam Dulcimers. Three Rivers Dulci mer Society is based in the Tri Cities, Washington and plays American and Celtic folk with a good helping of seasonal tunes. The Society first got together in March 2003. Most group mem bers play Appalachian moun tain dulcimers, but they can be accompanied by players of any acoustic instrument. This performance is included with admission to Maryhill Museum of Art.
September 20, Goldendale Observatory Solar Program: 2:30 5 p.m., We will be busing people from the courthouse law to the observatory for this two hour event. First come first serve, we have 35 spots available. You will be able to look through the telescope and learn about the sun. Sponsored by CPAKC.
September 20, 3D Printer Certification at the Goldendale Community Library: 3 5 p.m. 131 W Burgen in Gol dendale. Become certified to use the library’s Lulzbot® Mini 3D printer. After certification, you can use the library’s 3D printer to work on your 3D printing projects independently. Get hands on training with the basic mechanics of operating and trou bleshooting the machine. Partici pants under 18 must be accom panied by an adult to become certified.
September 26, The Bones of J.R. Jones at the Trout Lake Hall: 7 p.m. show. One of the
• Learn and Play! – 2 – 3 p.m. every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Goldendale Pri mary School. Fun and learning for you and your little ones up to 5 years!
• Snowden Community Coun cil 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 Colum bus 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 Activ ity Center (308 Klickitat). Meet ings also available via Zoom https://lylewa.com/about us. Thursday
• Dog Obedience and Agility Classes Fundraiser for the 4H Dog Project. Every Thursday 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 Thursday. 5th grade and older welcome though a release of liabilities and parent agreement of conduct must be on file. Visit epicyouthcenter.org for forms.
• Rosary every Thursday even ing at 6 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church 307 Schuster in Goldendale.
• Drinking Democratically 6 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Food and drink available for purchase. Call
most compelling voices in modern Americana is headed to Trout Lake Hall — and it’s our 3 year anniversary show. Moody, hypnotic, and raw, @ thebonesofjrjones channels rock, soul, and folk with grit and grace. His songs linger like late summer nights — a little haunted, a little beautiful, a lot unforgettable.
October 4, 2025 Concours de Maryhill: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m at the Maryhill Loops. Concours de Maryhill is an open automobile show and anyone with a special car may enter. The day concludes with an awards presentation. This event is organized by Concours de Maryhill and is free on museum grounds for spectators. Enter A Car Want to enter your car? Go to the Concours de Maryhill website for more information. Drive the Maryhill Loops Road The historic Maryhill Loops Road is opened for automobiles only twice a year. This is your chance to take a spin past the beautiful scenery and through the road’s eight hairpin curves. Free on the historic Maryhill Loops Road, located just east of US 97 off of State Route 14. Maryhill Loops Hillclimb: 9 am-5 pm Only approved, pre-registered automobiles and drivers can compete in this race. Spectators viewing the race from the Highway 97 Overlook and from designated viewpoints along the route may watch for free. Organized by the Maryhill Loops Vintage Hill Climb Association. For Entry Form or Information contact Starke Shelby at 206-230-0203 or Starke@Nwinsctr-Mi.Com.
October 4, Horseshoe & Sprout Pumpkin Patch: 11 a.m. 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October at 774 Gar ner Rd, Centerville. Hay mazes, pumpkin chucking, and a pet ting 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!
October 4, Harvest Dinner: 3 6 p.m. at The Lodge on South Columbus across from the Courthouse in Goldendale. Join us for a community harvest din ner, sponsored by CPAKC.
October 5, 2025 Koroga 2025! : 3 p.m. at 415 NW Straw-
Carol for location 971 404 1935
• Learn and Play! 10:30 –11:30 a.m. at the White Salmon Library. Stories, songs, puppets, crafts and more for young chil dren (birth through 5 yrs) and their parents or caregivers pre sented by White Salmon Valley Community Library Staff. Free book for each participant pro vided by the FVRL Foundation.
• Goldendale Grange #49 Meeting – 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 228 E Dar land in Goldendale
• Bingo at the Goldendale American Legion Thursdays card packets go on sale 6:30 p.m. game starts 7 p.m. Food available
• Bingo High Prairie Com munity Center, 2nd Thursday of every month, doors open at 6, starts at 6:30. Questions contact Lori Sweeney 503 260 7129
• WAGAP Mobile Food Bank
– 1st Thursday of the month: 9 10:30 a.m. Wishram school, 10:45 11:30 Wishram Heights Housing, 12–2 p.m. Dallesport Community Center, 3 5 p.m. Lyle Lions Club. 3rd Thursday of the month: 9 11 a.m. Trout Lake Baptist Church, 12 2 p.m. BZ Corner Community Build ing. Call 509 493 2662 ext 208 for more information.
• Narcotics Anonymous, 7 8 p.m. weekly at United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway Gold endale.
Friday
• Open sewing, knitting, or whatever you do every Friday from 1 4 p.m. at Wild Daffo dil and 3C’s Fabric in their new location $10.
• Lyle Community Game Day 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the Lyle Lions Com munity Center.
berry Mountain Lane, White Salmon. A White Salmon Bingen Rotary Club Foundation Fundraiser:” Our 2025 Koroga fundraiser is designed for an afternoon of community! Enjoy international foods, wines, music by Jamba Marimba, storytelling, and see how Rotary projects impact lives. Let’s come together and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
DOUBLE your DONATION - 2X the IMPACT with our donor match! Register and donate at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/ koroga
October 18, Klickitat County Harvest Festival: 11 a.m. 9 p.m. at the Courthouse in Goldendale. Celebrate the spirit of fall at the Klickitat County Harvest Festival! This all day, family friendly event is packed with festive fun for all ages: Trunk or Treat – Safe, spooky fun with decorated trunks and plenty of candy Local Vendors – Handmade crafts, fall goods, and small busi ness treasures
Live Performances – Music, dance, and entertainment all day long Kids’ Activities – Face painting, games, pumpkin deco rating, and more Delicious Food – Seasonal eats, sweet treats, and cozy com fort food
Petting Zoo – Meet ador able farm animals up close Bounce Houses – Burn off that candy energy with inflat able fun
Hay Rides – Take a ride through the crisp autumn coun tryside Parade – Floats, costumes, community pride, and classic small town charm And More! –Photo ops, raffles, contests, and fall fun at every corner. Come out and enjoy a day full of com munity, creativity, and classic harvest traditions. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s something magical wait ing for you at the 2025 Klickitat County Harvest Festival! October 25, National Take Back Day: 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Goldendale Courthouse Parking Lot. In Person, take back site. Drop off unwanted or unused medicaiton, no questions asked.
• 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 Golden dale Chamber of Commerce on Broadway every Saturday from 9 a.m. 2 p.m.
• High Prairie Farmers Mar ket 10 a.m. 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month. Vendors please call Bea 509 637 0584
• Hope Neighborhood 4:30 6:00 p.m. 115 E Main Street, Gol dendale at the Goldendale Sen ior Center. A time of fellowship, bible reading, and discussion for those seeking to learn and grow in God’s word.
• Lyle Lions Pancake Break fast 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 Light house 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.
O BITUA RY
Bradley Ryan Knowland
Bradley Ryan Knowland was born on August 27, 1971, and passed away on August 5, 2025. He was the beloved son of Donald and Christine (Gabrielson) Knowland and is survived by his devoted wife, Darci (Smith) Knowland; children, Mason and Summer; mother, Christine; brothers, Corwin (wife Cathy), Randy (wife Lisa), and Sam (wife Cyndi); sister, Carla (husband Scott Randall); and numerous nieces and nephews. Brad also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Porter and Beastie, who were constant companions in his life.
A Life of Service: Brad was an active and committed member of his community. He served as fire chief of Klickitat County Fire Protection District 15, worked as an EMT, and taught CPR classes. He was past president of the veterans support organization “Klickitat Salutes,” an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. His passion for honoring veterans extended to serving as a medic and rider in the Run for the Wall—a cross-country motorcycle ride to honor veterans each May—and as a captain in the regional Patriot Guard Riders team.
A Man of Many Talents: Brad was known for his unofficial—but highly respected—BBQ pit-master skills, which he shared freely at community events. He farmed cattle, sheep, chickens, and pigs, and operated a pilot car business for oversized truck loads across the western United States. He previously owned Hide-n-Seek Paintball, was a skilled welder and industrial artist, and had a talent for building—constructing his own home, barns, and farm buildings. A true adventurer, Brad loved camping, biking, paragliding, and building his own RVs.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter: Brad lived life to the fullest, always ready to serve others. He had a gift for making people laugh and think, and spoke his mind without hesitation—a quality that earned the respect of colleagues, friends, and family. His love for his family was unwavering, and his dedication to his wife and children stands as an example for all. A natural storyteller and people person, Brad’s absence will be deeply felt for years to come. Yet the impact he made on the lives of so many will be remembered for decades.
Good Fats Like These
17th-century re-enactment event held at Fairgrounds
Melissa Uhles For The SenTinel
After arriving at the fairgrounds, I meandered through a maze of medieval tents and campsites, stopping to ask a braided maiden where the events were happening. Some costumed folks were emerging from their tents, sitting in folding chairs, presumably enjoying a period-appropriate morning beverage. What world had I stepped into? It turns out, I had just entered the Kingdom of An Tir.
Once I stepped into the correct building, I witnessed the crowd of a few hundred people marching in a line and being introduced. Everyone’s elaborate 17th-century costumes were impressive.
“All hail the King. All hail the Queen,” the crowd chanted in unison. The procession was underway. Some of the men were clad in armor, and flags were being waved. There was a drummer adding to the pomp and circumstance. Afterward, everyone moved to another building for the tournament.
Men paired off and showcased their use of shields and swords. The women sat down, some in wooden period chairs, and watched. In case this is all new to you, like it was to me, this was an SCA event. According to their website, “The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international non-profit volunteer educational organization. The SCA is devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-17th century skills, arts, combat, culture, and employing knowledge of world history to enrich the lives of participants through events, demonstrations, and other educational presentations and activities.”
A person or a thing that is chronologically out of place is Webster’s definition of anachronism. And that describes how I felt this Saturday, dressed in 17th-century attire—or if I’m being honest, more like a Pilgrim, based on what I could throw together from my closet. I was encouraged to make an effort to dress in pre-1600s attire, even though I said I was coming just to write a
story for The Sentinel
The organizer did offer to loan me period clothes if I needed them.
Cassandra Deveroux, one of The Kingdom of An Tir organizers, said this Goldendale event was hosted by The Shire of Hauksgaror, a Hood River-Wasco County branch of SCA.
SCA’s site details what to expect at these events, saying, “While dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, you can experience tournaments, royal courts, feasts, and dancing. You also have the opportunity to learn and practice ancient arts and skills—calligraphy, cooking, armoring, metalworking, carpentry, and needlework (to name just a few)—within an all-ages social group. The SCA is a great place to make friends and learn transferable skills.”
Prior to my phone call with Cassandra, I had no idea what this event was. I imagined a Renaissance Faire-type event or a performance like there used to be at the Medieval Times restaurants. Cassandra let
me know it was not an event where people come and watch or where the general public meanders through. She described the event by saying, “We are more of a re-enactment group; it is immersive, you are part of what is happening, not just watching.”
The weekend’s festivities began on Friday and ended on Monday. A procession, tournament, archery, throwing of weapons (axes), fencing, and classes in different historic skill sets were all activities participants could experience.
Surprisingly, there were no food vendors. I was hoping to see giant turkey legs or roasted corn, but that was not the case. Participants were allowed to bring in their own food. RV and tent camping were available for those who wanted to stay on-site.
These events happen regularly in different locations. If this type of organization sounds interesting, you can learn more at their websites: welcome.sca.org, and the local groups’ information can be found at antir.org.
Yakama Nation launches Yakama Strong campaign
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation) is introducing the Yakama Strong campaign, recognizing and celebrating the generational strength, knowledge, and beauty of being Yakama. The public can learn from multimedia resources, including a short-form documentary, videos, website, and displays in the Tri-Cities Airport.
The information in the Yakama Strong campaign has been provided and curated by Yakama Nation leadership, elders, tribal members, and staff to educate the public on the Yakama Nation’s history and continued investment in and around the Pacific Northwest.
“From the signing of our
Treaty at Camp Stevens in 1855 by our ancestors, to our work generations later, we have always been leaders in what we do on behalf of our people,” said Yakama Nation Chairman Gerald Lewis. “This commitment can be felt throughout our Treaty Territory and beyond. This campaign allows others to learn who we are and what we would like to achieve.”
Yakama Strong campaign content is continuously being developed to bridge the gap in the routine Western education curriculum around tribal history, culture, and sovereignty.
“This is a new and welcoming campaign for the Yakama Nation to reflect the impactful work being done by our tribal administration,” said Star Diavo -
likis, public information officer. “I hope anyone who interacts with this work, including elected officials, can understand the importance and strength of the Yakama Nation—to understand we aren’t going anywhere and that we are doing amazing things.”
The Yakama Strong documentary highlighting the Yakama Nation’s government, culture, values, and traditional knowledge can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI6uf AvbncA. Visit YakamaStrong.com to learn more.
Relevance in action
From Lyle to Bickleton and beyond, Chamber membership supports real, tangible projects:
• Revitalization — the Broadway Welcome Sign update, Main Street planter replacement (a project that the Chamber is supporting), and others, all designed with the intention to improve first impressions for visitors and foster community pride.
• Business Support — trainings like Social Media Marketing, QuickBooks 101, and our upcoming “Marketing with Google” workshop, equipping small businesses and entrepreneurs with tools to succeed.
• Tourism Promotion — keeping Goldendale and Klickitat County visible through events like the Klickitat County Harvest Festival and Cours de Maryhill, as well as through everyday visitor services and regional digital tourism marketing.
• Economic Development — working alongside Klickitat County, the City of Goldendale, and regional partners to attract new
the state and noted the city of Bingen had 302 prisonerdays in the first six months of the year. If it kept up at that pace, the city would have 604 prisoner days this year, at an expense of more than $49,700 for the year. Currently, he said, Bingen pays $7,649 a year.
He also noted that there are two corrections positions for which no applicants have been able to pass the prerequisites. “The thing about jails is,” he said, “we never close. We’re 24-7.” That requires the jail has to be staffed around the clock; and with not enough trained people, he said, overtime costs are rising.
The afternoon session included an update from WSU Extension Associate Director Michael Gaffney, who thanked the commission for their continued support over what he called “a sort of awkward period here for the last couple of years.”
He said his intent was to reaffirm a commitment to a 100-year partnership between WSU and Klickitat
ed by droughts sweeping across the Pacific Northwest, with 100% of its landmass under such conditions. The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has followed the conditions closely throughout the summer of 2025 and has read concerning statistics regarding the drought. The NIDIS states Klickitat County has experienced its fourth driest June in 131 years, as far back as reliable records go. The county was not the only victim of a dry early summer; it shared this woe with the rest of the state counties as well: “Washington State issued a drought declaration for an unprecedented third year in a row,” NIDIS said. Washington is not the only state to experience noted drought this summer, with Oregon, just across the Columbia River, experiencing strong droughts of its own, severe enough for emergency signals. “Oregon, despite improved conditions this winter, is still experiencing long-term drought impacts on top of recent drying. The governor of Oregon recently declared drought emergencies for Lincoln and Baker counties,” NIDIS said.
Klickitat County, located near the core of the broader Northwest region, has experienced strong impacts from these drought conditions, not just in stream levels, but in even more disturbing metrics, such as a pronounced increase in wildfires, readily experienced by locals
businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and create opportunities that strengthen our tax base and provide jobs for residents.
• Advocacy — serving as a unified voice for the business community with local and state leaders, ensuring that the interests of small businesses and rural economies are represented in decision-making. Each of these initiatives connects back to the same goal: strengthening our local economy step by step. The value of belonging Membership also connects you to a network of peers and partners. In a small, rural economy like ours, that sense of belonging matters. When one business succeeds, we all benefit. When a Chamber member renovates their storefront, it improves the look and feel of the whole community. When an event brings in visitors, everyone from gas stations to boutiques feels the ripple effect.
As Horizon 2035 points out, chambers that stay relevant are those that adapt, anticipate, and take action on behalf of their communities.
County “in ways that we’ve, frankly, not met in the last couple of years.”
As he put it, “A couple of years ago we had some HR issues on our side. Conversations with the then board, resulted in a decision on our part to take our then-county director out of the county to address some of those issues.”
In the meantime, he noted the county had maintained faith in a two-part funding commitment to WSU Extension by supporting the 4-H program and keeping a placeholder for contingent funding to bring in WSU capacity on an ad hoc basis to meet.
But now, he said, Hannah Brause of Skamania County is “ready, willing, and able to once again begin offering services in Klickitat County, particularly on the west side,” and suggested that it’s a topic WSU and the county could explore at a future meeting.
Under the consent agenda, commissioners approved:
• An agreement with the Washington Department
throughout the summer. However, these impacts have also spread to the surrounding counties, with the season bringing forth concerning figures for drought across the entire Pacific Northwest: “Seventy percent of the region is in Moderate to Extreme Drought (D1D3), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor,” NIDIS said. “Extreme Drought (D3) is present in western Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Drought is most widespread across Idaho and Washington, where 86% and 78% of the state’s area, respectively, is in drought.”
Drought has affected streamflow across all of these regions. The NIDIS indicates that flow levels for the summer of 2025 are at the fifth percentile, or 95% lower than the average for historical record. This figure indicates levels of drought that are approaching near-unprecedented severity. “Streamflow runoff fell much below normal,” NIDIS said. “Impacts of reduced streamflow include the limited ability to fill reservoirs, less water for irrigation and municipal use, reduced recreation, and increased stream temperatures.”
No part of the water cycle has been left untouched. The NIDIS indicated that precipitation deficits are likewise down across the region, also noting that long-term deficits in precipitation are expected to accelerate “due to belownormal snowpack, rapid
El Grito Celebration returns for its fourth year
We take that responsibility seriously here at the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber. So is the Chamber relevant?
Yes—because your membership fuels work that no single business could do alone. It makes possible the partnerships, projects, and promotions that keep our community growing. When you renew or join, you’re not just paying dues. You’re building pride, sparking growth, and investing in the future of Goldendale and Klickitat County.
Thank you for being part of that story. The Chamber’s relevance isn’t measured by what we say, but by what we do. Projects like the Broadway sign revitalization, workforce training, and programs that strengthen both pride and opportunity. When our members engage and our community works together, the Chamber stays not only relevant, but essential to the Greater Goldendale Area’s future.
Teja Hanna is the executive director of the Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce.
of Ecology for the 2025-2027 community litter cleanup program.
• An agreement with WSDOT for funding operations of new connector route transit service.
• An agreement with WSDOT for funding to purchase new connector route vehicle.
• Fiscal year 2025 Federal Transit Administration annual certifications and assurances.
• A resolution for declaring certain vehicles as surplus inventory to be disposed of through public sale or auction.
• A resolution setting the public hearing to consider a supplemental budget and amendments for the 2025 budget for various funds
• A letter of support for the Port of Klickitat’s infrastructure development program grant application.
• Authorization to begin the advertising process for two vacant van/bus driver positions in White Salmon for the Senior Services Department.
melt-out, and significantly above-normal temperatures.” These losses are not localized within the particularly dry year of 2025. Surplus rain for the remaining decade will be needed in order for ideal levels to be restored, a tall task given the already increasing present conditions: “Multiple years with above-normal precipitation may be required to make up for deficits and improve longterm drought impacts,” the NIDIS explained.
With all these figures, the visible depletion of the Little Klickitat now seems no surprise. However, there is hope for a wet winter. Such a change is not unprecedented, as evidenced in the snowheavy 2015-2016 winter in Washington State following a particularly dry summer. However, if such a weather event were to occur, it may still not restore ideal water conditions in the long term, with several such seasons needed to restore balance. No matter how the seasons unfold, the sight of a strong, flowing river through Goldendale will have to wait.
Lorrie Fox For The SenTinel
White Salmon’s Rheingarten Park will soon come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of El Grito, a celebration commemorating the “cry of independence” that initiated Mexico’s fight for freedom from colonial Spain. Now in its fourth year, the festival brings families, neighbors, and visitors together for a lively celebration of Mexican independence and culture. The El Grito celebration will provide a fun, family-friendly event at Rheingarten Park on Sunday, September 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, and all community members are welcome.
“This is a day of fun for everyone,” said Juan Reyes, associate director and event coordinator for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). “Together, with our partners, we invite all community members to come to the park for a free day of live music, free food, family activities, and community resources.”
The City of White Salmon has supported the event since its inception. “The City has generously donated the space for the last four years,” Reyes said.
El Grito has grown considerably since its first year. “The first celebration drew about 300 community members with 12 partners,” Reyes said. “Last year, we had 40 community partners and over 650 attendees. With increased participation and sponsorships, we’ve been able to provide free food, more family activities, and fantastic music for a wonderful family and community event.”
“The goal of El Grito was always to celebrate the amazing Latino community in Washington and to create connection and community between different cultures,” Reyes said.
Food is always a highlight, though Reyes doesn’t have a single favorite. “We’ve been fortunate to have great vendors such as Taco’s Pepe, Rosa’s Chur-
ros, Sunrise Juice, Berries by Felice, and Cherry on Top,” he said. “This year, there will be even more vendors, offering a variety of food and refreshments for attendees.”
Reyes recalled a favorite memory from last year’s event: “There were so many families laughing, dancing, and enjoying all the festivities we had to offer. To see so many community members come together to celebrate was a dream come true.”
Last year also marked the first Heart Award, recognizing an outstanding community member. “We hope to do that again this year,” Reyes said.
Reyes emphasized that the event is open to everyone. “El Grito kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrates Mexican Independence Day, and recognizes our Latin American neighbors. The event brings together amazing community partners that help provide valuable resources and fun activities for community members. [Attendees] will be treated to live music, complimentary food, with additional food for purchase, and kids love the piñatas, which are always a crowd pleaser!”
This year, the Latin sounds of Banda Elegidos will be heard through the town during the celebration, and Reyes says attendees are welcome to either sit and listen or get up and dance.
Reyes said more than 40 community partners will participate, including WAGAP, which will present several of its programs, and the City of White Salmon, a primary sponsor. Other community partners include “healthcare-related organizations such as One Community Health, Skyline Health, and Molina Healthcare,” says Reyes. “Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation will be on hand with questions about low-income and affordable housing, and WorkSource Columbia Gorge will be available to chat with job seekers. There are numerous educational organizations, including the White Salmon Valley School District, MCCC, Columbia Gorge Community College, and ESD 112 Early Care and Education. Community service groups, such as the White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club and Community Partners of Bingen/ White Salmon, will be in attendance. Some environmental groups, including the Underwood Conservation District, Columbia Riverkeeper, and Friends of the Gorge, will participate.” Reyes said the event continues to expand. “We are finalizing registrations and are excited that music, art, and history groups will be joining us. We hope it is something for everyone! If anyone is interested in participating, they can contact me at juan@wagap.org.”
Immigration raid at fire stokes fear in wildfire crews
ALex Brown
WaShingTon STaTe STandard
Federal immigration officials in Washington state arrived on the scene of the largest wildfire in the state on Wednesday and arrested two firefighters who had been working to contain the blaze.
Wildfire veterans say it’s nearly unprecedented for federal agents to conduct immigration enforcement near the front lines of an active wildfire. Some fear the raid could reverberate throughout the wildland fire community, making it more difficult to fully staff the crews putting out blazes at the peak of fire season in the West.
“There’s a lot of brown bodies out there on the fire line,” said Bobbie Scopa, who had a 45-year career as a firefighter and now serves as executive secretary with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of wildfire professionals.
Scopa noted that President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has swept up even some workers who are in the country legally.
“When the rumble from this goes around, we’re going to have contractors unable to put out as many crews as they were,” she said. “We don’t know what the requirement is not to get shipped off by ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. Even if you’re a citizen and you look the wrong way, you could still get picked up.”
On Wednesday morning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents pulled aside two crews of firefighters that had been working for companies contracted to help fight the Washington fire. The Bear Gulch Fire, spreading through rugged terrain in and around Olympic National Park, has burned nearly 9,000 acres.
“They were told they were
going to cut firewood,” said Scott Polhamus, secretary of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates, a nonprofit industry group.
“The people that were supposed to meet them never showed up, and eventually immigration showed up instead.”
Many contract crews rely heavily on immigrant labor.
“[Immigrants] make up a huge portion of forestry and fire. They’re an integral part of this industry,” Polhamus said.
Now, wildland fire veterans fear that the immigrants who have been protecting communities from fires could make fire camps a target for immigration officials who are trying to meet deportation quotas. And more high-profile raids on fire crews could cause many in the workforce to recon-
sider their profession.
“If you’re a migrant worker, and this starts happening, are you going to keep on doing that and risk getting picked up?” Scopa asked. “If [immigration authorities] keep visiting fire camps, we will definitely have fewer contract crews.”
In a news release, U.S. Border Patrol said the operation was the result of an investigation by the federal Bureau of Land Management. Federal agents, the release said, found discrepancies on the rosters provided by contract fire companies. Immigration officers arrested two people who were in the country illegally, the release said, while removing 42 additional firefighters from the fire scene. The release said the government has terminated its contracts with the companies.
RIVER from page A1
HONORING THE COMMUNITY: El Grito commemorates Mexican independence and celebrates the culture of the Mexican-American community.
Federalappealscourtaffirmsredrawnlegislativedistrictmap
JERRYCORNFIELD community and makes WASHINGTONSTATESTANDARD clearprotectionsprovidedin thefederalVotingRightsAct
A controversial, court- “should not be undermined ordered redrawingof Wash- bythirdpartieswithnoskin ington’s political maps has inthegame, SimoneLeeper, survivedanother roundina seniorlegalcounselforredistricting at Campaign Legal The9thUS CircuitCourt Center,saidonThursday of Appeals ruled this week “Thisvictoryistheresult that the revised legisla- notjustofthiscasebutofdective district maps, which adesofworkbythiscommusoughttoenhancethepoliti- nity tosecure their right to calvoiceof Latinovotersin fairrepresentation,”shesaid the Yakima Valley “did not The state attorney gendiscriminate on the basis eral’s office, which did not defend the boundaries Ina31-pagedecisionissued adopted by the Legislature Wednesday the panel of or contest the judiciallythreecircuitjudgesaffirmed redrawn map, was pleased the process followed by a withtheoutcome lower court in penningnew “Weappreciatethecourt’s boundariesincentralWash- carefulconsideration ofthis ington, rejectinga Republi- matter,” a spokesman for can-ledchallengetoerasethe Washington Attorney General Nick Brown wrote in The district court s an email “We believe that thoughtful attention to the the mapordered by thedisdetailsof themaps, popula- trict court and used in the tionandvoternumbers,and 2024statewideelection remviable alternatives does not edies the VotingRights Act furnish evidence of racial violation while respecting predominance Instead, it therightsofallWashington confirms that race was not voters Wearegladtoseethe the predominant factor in NinthCircuithasagreed” shaping the map” Judge Margaret McKeown wrote intheopinion
Afour-yeartussle
while Latinos were a slight redrawnwithafocusoncornmajority of the district’s pactnessandcommunitiesof voters, the final contours interest Theyalsocontended included areas where their that the appeals court not turnoutishistoricallylower Lasnik,shouldhavehandled and excluded communities theoriginalchallenge where Latinos are more Adecisioninthreeparts politicallyactive
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US District Court Judge that they suffered harm as Robert Lasnik agreed, rul- a result of thenewmap On ing in August 2023that the this point, the court first configuration ofthedistrict hadtodecideifeachonehad diluted the Latino vote In standing to make the argu- Hispanic and will now vote nik’s decision on where to early Z0Z4, LasniK approved rnent Judgesdecidedonedid alongsidefewerHispanics drawthelines a new district map cov- andtwodidnt
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As partof thesolution, he renumberedthe15thdistrict as14th, ensuringlegislative positions,includingthestate Senateseat, wereon ballots inpresidentialelectionyears startingthatyear
The fight centers on a lawsuit filed by Latino votWednesday’srulinglikely ers arguing the 15th Legensures the reworked con- islative District borders tours of several legislative adopted bythestate’sbipardistrictswillremaininplace tisanRedistrictingCommisfornextyear’selections
sion and approved by the
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But it is unclear if it will Washington Legislature in end thelegal battle aslaw- early2022 yers for those seeking to overturnthemapscouldnot finalmapviolatedthefederal bereachedforcomment Meanwhile, an attorney it impaired the ability of forLatinovoterswhoselaw- Latino voters to participate suit forced the redrawing equally in elections The applaudedtheoutcome
The decision assures 2022 featuring testimony Yakima Valley’sLatinovot- from commissioners and ers can “elect state legisla- votingexperts tors who best serve their
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Three registered voters Jose Trevino, state Rep Alex Ybarra R-Quincy and Ismael Campos were allowed toenter thecaseas intervenors
They argued race was given too much weight in the drawing of boundaries and that the mapshould be
HuckleberryFestival
Shop local. Keep Goldendale money in Goldendale
Check It Out
BethWood,Collection Librarian FortVancouverRegional LibraryDistrict
You can email Beth atreadingforfun@fvrlorg
September is HealthyAgingMonth We’re headinginto HealthyAgingMonth! It’sa great reminderthatwhileyou maynotbe a springchicken you’re nota soup chicken either Healthyagingisaboutdoing whatyou canto manageyourown health For example you don’thavetostarttrainingfora marathonat60,unless that’s beena lifelongdream If you’re fairlysedentary,make ita goaltoget15to20 minutesofexercisefive daysa week You donthaveto calla divorce lawyerand havea messy breakup with potatoes-butperhapsyoucould order asaladinstead offries,everyothertime youeatout Stop binge watchingTheGreatBritishBakingShow? Never! But trysomethingdifferent,andgoto a talkatthe Clark County HistoricalMuseum,orlookintotheWSUMasterGardener program Smallchangescanstill yieldgreatresultsinthe
longrun And varietyiswhatstimulatesyourbrain function
Informationisa key componentto managingyour health and wellness A good firststop isto schedulea checkup with your doctor andbesureto review all your medications TheArea AgencyonAging& Disabilitiesof SouthwestWashington (helpingeldersorg) offersresources andprograms Below isa listof bookspublishedin 2024/25 relatedto aginginhealthy ways:
• The Complete Bone andJointHealth Plan:Help PreventandTreatOsteoporosis andArthritis byJocelynWittstein
• SuperAgers:AnEvidence-BasedApproach to Longevity by EricJ Topol
• The Beauty Molecule:IntroducingNeuroceuticals the Breakthrough forAgeless Beauty by NicholasPerricone
• The Gut-Brain Paradox:ImproveYour Mood Clear Brain Fogand Reverse Diseaseby HealingYour Microbiome by Steven R Gundry
• Mayo Clinic onAlzheimers Disease and Other Dementias Revised and Updated byJonathon Graff-Radford,MD andAngela Lunde,M A
• The How nottoAge Cookbook by Michael Greger The Second Fifty:Answersto the 7 BigQuestionsof Midlife and Beyond by Debra B Whitman
• Youngerfor Life:Feel Greatand LookYour Bestwith the New Science ofAutojuvenation byAnthonyYoun M D
•“Mayo Clinic on HealthyAging:An Easy and Comprehensive Guideto KeepingYour BodyYoung YourMindSharp andYourSpiritFulfilled” by medical editorsNathan K LeBrasseur PhD and Christina Chen M D
•“AgelessAging:A Woman’s Guide toIncreasing Healthspan,Brainspan and Lifespan” by Maddy Dychtwald
• TheYoungForeverCookbook: Morethan 100 DeliciousRecipesfor LivingYour Longest, HealthiestLife by Mark Hyman
BethWoodisa senior collection developmentlibrarian forFortVancouverRegionalLibraries Email her at readingforfun@fvrl org
Stressless,snack smarter thisback-to-schoolseason
(Family Features) If backto-school season feels more overwhelming than exciting, youre not alone Between adjusting schedules, planning meals and organizingschoolsupplies it’seasy for families to feelthe pressure this time of year With the right strategies and simple routines, you can reduce the chaos and make it a smoother healthier experience for the whole family
These registered dietitianapproved ideas can help get you started: Set the Tone with a Fast and Easy Breakfast Getting kids motivated in the morning is no small task Start the day with upbeat, energizing music and a nourishing meal like Breakfast Taquitos, paired with Yo Quieros Grab & Go Guacamole Bean Dip and Salsa, to help kids focus and make the morning routinefeelmorelikeadanceparty Skip the Sandwich at Lunchtime If your kids are tired of sandwiches - and youre tired of wasting time on food that comes back half-eaten - try a quick and easy option that balances fiber, protein and good-for-you carbs like these Ham, Cheese, and Apple Wraps made withJAZZApples
EndtheLunchbox Struggle
Use colorful bento boxes to keep packed lunches organized and visually appealing then take advantage of blueberries from Consalo Family Farms to create
Blueberry Gummy Snacks, a better-for-you alternative to packaged treats that you wont find left untouched at the bottom of lunchboxes
Change the Snacking Game withDips While many a baby carrot and celery stick has found its way home from school lunchboxes untouched adding Mini Cucumber Veggie Dips featuring NatureFresh Farms Lil Chills MiniCucumbersto after-school snack trays can make allthe difference Prevent the After-School Meltdownwith SmartSnacks School days are long, and kids often come home hungry Keep them satisfied and stable by setting out an After School Snack Board featuring Sunset Sprinkles SnackingTomatoes cheesecubes fruit and whole-grain crackers Stock Up on Convenient Snacks
Whether youre running out the door (or just walked in from a long day), snacks that dont require peeling chopping or anything resembling effort like single-serve, Grab-and-Go Snacks from Del
meals that are fast, flavorful and kid-approved like these Barbecue Cheeseburger Folded Quesadillas featuring caramelized Shuman FarmsVidaliaOnions
Try aHealthy EveningTreat
Kids want something sweet after dinner but many traditional desserts are loaded with added sugars These Mandarin Popsicles made with Bee Sweet Citrus Mandarins are a fun way to satisfy that craving while sneaking in fruit
Together,thesehealth-conscious brands are backing the Healthy Family Project back-to-school campaign with a shared goal: inspire better habits and give back whereitcounts Throughacollective donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 programs, they’re helping support nutrition education in schools across the country Because when fresh thinking meets real collaboration, families win Monte, which come in flavors including Mixed Fruit, Mango Pineapple and Cherry Mixed Fruit make it easy to choose something healthy without the drama Capture an Easy Weeknight HealthyFamilyProject com
FICTION
“ForRicher ForPoorer by Danielle Steel Jenny CooperHasa Secret byJoy Fielding Archive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr
NONFICTION “Agentsof Change:TheWomenWhoTransformed the CIA by Christina Hillsberg
Backstage:Stories ofaWritingLife by Donna Leon The SecretHistory oftheFiveEyes:The Untold
Whatever the Next Day Will Bring
My niece Isabelle is leaving for Argentina andIdon’tknow how I’mgoingto standit Isabelleisanadult,althoughIdontknowhow thatispossible becauseIrememberclearlythe day she was born, on an extraordinarily cold day 22 years ago and surely I can’t be that old I arrived at the hospital with a bouquet of flowers and a Mylar balloon that had gone flat because it could not stay inflated at below-zero temperatures ButIsabellethrived Iliketo think that Ihave alot incommon with Isabelle but this is wishful thinking, because Isabelle is a more capable version of me than Icould ever be My oldest friend Andrew still remembers Isabellepolitelyexcusingherselffromthedinner table when my sister and her husband had us over for dinner Isabelle was only three at the time;herbrother Beau,wasnot evenborn She was patiently explaining to her baby doll in the next room, You are not a bad baby You just make bad choices” Isabelle rarely makes bad choices Ihavemademorethan myshare I only recently started to enjoy dressing up and wearing nicer clothes My memories of a five-year-oldIsabelleare lookingathercarefully curated outfit, laid out on the bed the night beforeher day at kindergarten “Whatdo youthink Tia?”shewouldask She called me Tia because she went to a Spanish immersion kindergarten and immediately became bilingual, so I became Tia instead of Auntie which suited me just fine “What do you think?”
The choice on the bed involved which pair of tights matched the preselected skirt and sweater she planned to wear the next day This ishowIsabelle has always conductedher life
prepared for whatever thenext day willbring Isabelle will be gone for a whole year and I will miss her terribly And I could not be more proudof her Toseephotos,checkoutCarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson com
Medieval fightclub? 5) Rolein Bizets"ThePearl Fishers" 10)Complainabout trifles 14)Statecategorically 15)Homestoragearea,often 16)PartofBTU 17)Specializedlegislativebody
42)It'sin thespring 43)"Goback"computer command 44)Armofthesea
45)Kinof"blasted"or "confounded" 1) Certain parents 2) Fifthand Sixth in NYC 3) Drink mentioned in"Lola" 4) Attractivepitcher
movie, 20)JazzgreatVaughan 21) Ballroomdancesimilarto therumba
22)Lugosi of"Sonof Frankenstein" 25) Mountain nymph ofGreek myth
26)Danceordip 30)Strive 33)Getreadyforadubbing 34)Couple
38)Bond forone
5) Tool used inshopclass 6) Abbr thatsavestimeandspace 7) JudgewhotriedOJ
8) Lifepartner?
9) Highestpoint
10)Tomorrow,eg
11)Correctknottedlaces
12)Florenceneighbor
13)Transportforthefairytaleprince
18)Schemingfactions
19)Grandpa Munster'spet
23)Bill of
24)Intoseparatepieces
26)Glanceover
27)Tutorin"TheKingandI"
28)Tax
29)"Monkey
31)Templewithan upcurvedroof
32)Wordsspoken infrontofwitnesses
35)Cylindricalstoragetower
36)Literarycomposition
37)Shortsix-footers?
39)Largecaskforwine
40)OnetimeMetscatcherMike
41) Detonation maker
45)Gapfillers?
46)Tina's"30 Rock"boss
48)Specialized marketsegment
49) Pigmentofironoxide
50)Small,stringedinstrument
52)Larvalcrabs
54)They'redesignedin Hollywood
55)Wheretheworm turns?
57)Gemfrom Australia
58)Asta'slady
59)WifeofGeraint in Arthurian lore
-Carrie Classon '
Dragonflies!
We have all seen them zooming past our heads on hot summer days, looking like tiny helicopters with their long, shiny wings. Anisoptera, or dragonflies, have been around for 300 million years — that’s longer than the dinosaurs! They were giants back then, with wing spans as wide two-and-a-half feet and a body as big as your arm. Today’s dragonflies aren’t nearly that big, but they are amazing little fliers and very effective hunters.
One of the coolest things about dragonflies is the way they fly. They swoop, dive, hover, and even fly backward! They have four wings that they can control individually from each other. Simple flicks of those aerodynamic wings give them incredible agility in the air. That’s why dragonflies can catch their food in mid flight. What’s on the menu? Mosquitoes, gnats, and other tiny bugs. In fact, they are considered to be the most efficient predators on the planet — bar none.
Even though they are destined to become the skilled and colorful flyers we see every summer, dragonflies spend most of their lives underwater as nymphs. A dragonfly nymph looks like a little alien fish with six legs, big eyes and a sneaky jaw that shoots out to grab food. Some stay in the water for months and other types stay as long as five years, munching on aquatic bugs, tadpoles and small fish, until the day they crawl out and transform into dragonflies.
Crossword Puzzle
What did the dragonfly say to the mosquito?
Let’s met up for lunch!
Dragonflies come in all shades — shiny green, red, electric blue, even gold. In the sunlight, their wings sparkle like stained glass. If you see one perched on a reed or rock, take a close look and you’ll notice their two large, very complex, compound eyes, each with thousands of tiny lenses called ommatidia. These spot movement from nearly every direction and gives them a 360-degree field of vision to help them catch other flying insets. They also have three smaller, simple eyes. In fact, more than 80 percent of their brain power is dedicated to vision.
Scan this to watch some very cool slow motion videos of dragonflies flying.
Dragonflies aren’t just fun to watch; they’re helpful friends. By eating mosquitoes and other pests, they make summer evenings more pleasant. Dragonflies also have smaller cousins called damselflies. How do you tell them apart? The easiest way to see the difference is dragonflies hold their wings out when they are perched, while damselflies fold their wings against their bodies.
Nymph
Butterfly lunch
Washingtonreportsdropinalcoholuse
Alcohol consumption in the United States has shifted noticeablyinrecent years withagrowingshare of adults choosing to drink less or not at all Public health experts point to a combination of factors driving this trend, including increased awareness of alcohols health risks, the expansion of cannabis legalization,andchangesin socialhabitsasmoreyoung people connect online rather than in person Shifting cultural norms, a broader focus on wellness, andevolvingalcoholbeverage labeling requirements have also played a role in reshaping drinking behaviors and consumer choices acrossthecountry
At the same time, the market for alcoholalternatives hasexpanded rapidly Internet searchesfor products such as non-alcoholic beer, zero-proof cocktails, and other alcohol-free beverageshavesurged reflectingbothconsumercuriosity andgrowingretailavailability Beverage companies have responded by rolling out new product lines and catering to consumers who want the taste and social experience of drinking without the intoxicating effects
Thisreport,conductedby the food and beveragesoftware company Trace One, uses data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA)toexamine national-level trends in alcohol use and Google search data to track the rapid rise in online interestforalcoholalternatives
It then compares current alcohol use rates across states and examines how those rates have changed overtime Whatpercentageof Americansdrink alcohol?
Currently,52.3% of adults drink alcohol down from a peak of 56.7% in2014
Source:TraceOneanalysisof SAMHSAdata
While alcohol may feel ubiquitous depending on ones social circle or location just over half of US adults currently report drinking In2023 themost recent year of data available 52.3% of adults said theyhadconsumedalcohol in the past month, according to SAMHSA s State Estimates This is down 4.4 percentage points from the national peak of 56.7% in2014
From 2003 through modern non-alcoholic beer 2014, the share of adults market, has built a loyal who drank alcohol edged following by emphasizing upward Butsincethen,the flavor and quality on par trend has moved steadily with traditional craft beer downward,withsmallyear- In response, both large to-yeardeclinesthroughthe and small breweries have late 2010s and a more pro- entered the space, offering nounced drop in the early non-alcoholic versions of 2020s By 2022, the national flagship beers and developrate had fallen to 52.2%, ing entirely new alcoholwhere it remained largely freeproductlines
unchangedinto2023
Major beverage compa-
Although the national nieshaveexpanded beyond decline may appear mod- beer into alcohol-free spirest, it marks a clear rever- its, wines, and ready-tosal of prior trends and drink mocktails Global represents nearly 2 million brands such as Heineken, fewer Americans drinking Guinness, and Budweiser alcohol compared with a have launched NA verdecadeago
Theriseofalcohol alternatives
Google searches for non- in zero-proof gin, whiskey, alcoholic beverages have and tequila alternatives exploded in recent years
Southeastern states tend Abuse and Mental Health todrinklessoverallyetare Services Administration’s morelikely to show no sta- (SAMHSA)State Estimates tisticallysignificantchange on past-month alcohol use from their peak years Ala- among adults aged 18 and bama,Arkansas,Kentucky, older The “share of adults Louisiana, South Carolina, whodrink” reflectsSAMHandWestVirginiaallreport SA’sannualestimateof the stablerates,indicatingthat percentageofadultsreportalcohol consumption in ing alcohol use in the past muchof theregionhasheld month duringthe specified steady even as other parts surveyyear of thecountryhaveexperiencednotabledeclines
Hereisasummaryof the share of adults reporting pattern often linked to cul- dataforWashington: alcohol use referred to as tural, historical,anddemo- • Change from peak year: the peak year was identigraphicdifferences In2023, -5.3pp fied The percentage-point thehighestsharesof adults • 10-year change: Not sig- change between that year who drink were found in nificant and 2023 was calculated Vermont and New Hamp-
• Shareofadultswhodrink to show the magnitude of shire(both63.0%),followed (2023):56.6% decline from each state’s byWisconsin(61.8%),North
For each state, the year with the highest recorded the peak year was 2023, no (2013):57.9%
-4.4pp 10-yearchange:-4.1pp
• Shareofadultswhodrink highestlevel Incaseswhere Dakota (59.7%), Massachusetts (59.0%), and Rhode Shareofadultswhodrink changefrom peak could be Island(58.8%) (peakyear):61.8% calculated;theseareshown Northern states tend to • Peakyear:2015 as“N/A”inthedataset have stronger traditions of For reference, here are Because peak years difbeer and spirits consump- the statisticsfor the entire feracrossstates,aseparate tion higher rates of social UnitedStates: 10-year comparison was drinking, and, in some • Change from peak year: conductedbetween2013and cases,fewerculturalorreligiousinfluences discouragingalcoholuse Bycontrast, states across the Southeast and Darts of the Mountain
2023toprovideanapples-toapples view of trends over
• Shareofadultswhodrink testedfor statisticalsignifiWest suchasUtah(31.1%) (2013):56.3% canceatthe90%confidence West Virginia (40.8%), and
• Shareofadultswhodrink level usinga z-test (threshMississippi(42.2%) report (peakyear):56.7% far lower rates of alcohol Peakyear:2014 Methodology
• Shareofadultswhodrink the same time period for allstates Allchangeswere (2023):52.3% sions of their best-known products, while spirits companies have invested old: z > 1.645) Instances where changes were not statistically significant are The growing availability consumption
This analysis draws on labeled as “not significant”
Source:TraceOneanaly- of these products reflects sisof GoogleTrendsdata
a broader shift: alcohol
Source:TraceOneanaly-
These shifts in the mar-
ble differences in drinking
Google Trends search alternatives are no longer data show that interest in seen asan afterthoughtfor alcohol-free beverages has the sober or “designated surged in recent years, driver,” but as a legitimate transforming a niche mar- categorycateringtoamuch ket into a mainstream cat- wideraudience egory Searches for “NA Whichstatesaredrinkbeer” a product that historically carried a poor reputation haveincreased havehigherratesof alcohol nearly tenfold over the use,manyhaveexperienced past decade Meanwhile, large declines in recent searches for “zero proof” years drinks and “mocktail recipes” have grown from vir- sisof SAMHSAdata tuallynonexistenttowidely popular, with both terms ketplace are unfolding reaching record highs in againstabackdropof notarecentyears
This surge in consumer habits across the couninterest has reshaped the try Alcohol use is generbeverage industry Ath- ally more prevalent in the letic Brewing, often cred- northernhalf of theUnited ited as a pioneer in the States than in the South a
Whenlookingat changes fromeachstate’speakyear, data from the Substance inthedatatables clear regional patternsare harder to spot though some individual changes are striking Significant declines have occurred in a wide range of locations, from Minnesota in the Upper Midwest (down 11.0 percentage points from its 2008 peak) to Maryland in the Mid-Atlantic (-10.3 points) and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest (-9.3 points) In the West, Colorado and Montana each dropped 8.6 points from their respective peaks, Hawaii fell 9.2 points, and Arizona posted the sharpest drop in the nation at 12.8points
Although large declines arespreadacrossthecountry one patternstands out:
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