Goldendale Sentinel December 17, 2025

Tis The season

Tis The season

KPUD raises rates

The Klickitat Public Utility District (KPUD) approved a 3% electric rate increase as part of its 2026 budget adoption during a public hearing held December 9. The new rates take effect January 1, 2026, and apply across all retail rate classes. The increase will add an average of $4.46 per month to a residential customer’s bill.

In a press statement, KPUD said its power costs continue to rise due primarily to higher Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) rates and increased reliance on higher-cost Tier 2 power as customer demand exceeds KPUD’s BPA preference allocation. BPA increased rates by approximately 4.5% in October 2025. Additional cost pressures include higher transportation, materials, insurance, and construction expenses.

General operating cost in -

The four weeks of Advent

A Sentinel special observation

Join us as we celebrate each theme of each week of Advent. Share your reflections on the themes.

Joy is an unshakable gladness of the heart, reaching out beyond difficult days, reminding us of the good we’ve known and will know again. – W. B. Yeats

What brings you joy during the holidays? Please send your answers to info@GoldendaleSentinel.com, and we’ll share them in upcoming issues.

creases account for roughly half of the rate adjustment and will increase KPUD’s annual revenue requirement by approximately $1 million, according to the KPUD statement. The utility expects future rate adjustments of around 3% annually as it invests in essential infrastructure to maintain reliability and accommodate load growth associated with increased electrification.

Outdoor lighting rates were reviewed separately, and savings from KPUD’s ongoing conversion to LED lighting have allowed reductions in rates for yard lights and community street lighting. More information is available at www.klickitatpud.com, and customer service representatives are available to help customers estimate individual bill impacts.

From

one childhood memory to hundreds of smiles

Lou MarzeLes editor

What began as a childhood memory in a small-town storefront has grown into one of Goldendale’s most quietly powerful holiday traditions.

Taletha Wagoner, founder and organizer of The Golden Giving Tree, knows firsthand what it means to be on the receiving end of community kindness. In 1984, when she was a child growing up in Camas, Washington, her grandmother signed their family up for a local “giving tree” program.

“The whole community came together for us,” Wagoner recalled.

“They brought food, clothes, toys, bicycles—everything you can imagine. We were very poor, and it meant the world.”

That experience stayed with her. When Wagoner moved to Goldendale several years ago, she noticed there were seasonal drives

for coats and pets, but nothing quite like the giving tree she remembered—a program focused specifically on making sure local children had gifts under the tree at Christmas. So in 2021, she decided to start one herself, with space provided to her at Pat’s Place on Main Street.

She began with 68 children.

Last year, that number climbed to 286. This year, she estimates the total will once again exceed 200 children, primarily from Goldendale, with a handful of families in Centerville and Wishram.

“I wanted this to be local,” Wagoner said. “I wanted it to help the children right here in our community.”

Each November, Wagoner sets up a Christmas tree decorated with gold stars. Families in need fill out an application listing their children’s ages, sizes, and basic

Commissioners appoint interim Prosecuting Attorney

rodger NichoLs For the seNtiNeL

Alexander Takos, Klickitat County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney was named interim Prosecuting Attorney by county commissioners at the end of a busy agenda December 9. He said he’d been a prosecutor for 10 years, including previous experience as one of 26 attorneys in the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney office.

“In that office, I had served in nearly every single criminal unit,” he said. “I’ve represented municipalities, including the City of Bainbridge Island and the City of Port Orchard. I represented the state for the majority of my career in the Superior Court in Kitsap

County. I’ve conducted over 40 trials in my 10 years. Since coming here, I’ve done 15 felony jury trials.

“I’ve handled cases that include contested infractions for failing to renew your tabs to aggravated murders and everything in between. I have dedicated my career to serving the public and attempting to keep our communities safer through the criminal justice system.”

Commissioners did note that he does not reside in the county, which is not a requirement for an interim position, but would be if he were to be elected. He confirmed that he would be willing to relocate if that were the case. Two of the biggest items on the

American Red Cross Blood Drive Update

MELISSA UHLES FOR THE SENTINEL

The American Red Cross has encouraged Goldendale residents to “give something that means something.” To be clear, they’re talking about blood. Their messaging must be working—last month’s blood drive was a success. Held at the American Legion, the drive exceeded the goal of 50 units by collecting 66 units of blood from 76 donors. Two donors

were giving for the first time.

Why is this important?

According to the American Red Cross’s website, “Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.”

Nadine Brack, a longtime donor, now organizes the American Red Cross’s

KCSO and S & S Auto block scammers

Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tim Neher received a call December 2 saying an 84-year-old was a victim of a computer virus scam.

Scammers coerced the victim into sending them $11,000 in cash via UPS to an address in California.

The address was found to be a vacant rental house that scammers commonly use to receive victim packages. The scammers also use burner phones. The victim realized he was being scammed and contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

Neher responded right away and then reached out to UPS. UPS directed him to contact S & S Auto Value (formerly CarQuest) in Goldendale since the package was originally shipped from there. Neher reached out to Andy Halm at S & S Auto Value, who assisted in working with UPS to have the package sent back to S & S. On December 3, the package arrived back at S & S Auto Value. The $11,000.00 was recovered and returned.

The family of the victim was contacted and assisted in ensuring there was no further contact between the victim and the scammers.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that you make sure your friends and family are aware of this kind of

scam so they won’t become victims. The Office also congratulated Neher and thanked Andy Halm.

blood drives in Goldendale. I asked her about why she’d chosen to dedicate her time to this cause. She said at one point a family member needed a blood donation, and that made an impact on her. Her personal experience illuminated for her the importance of donations. “What else can you do that directly saves a life?” she’d asked. Brack added that although technology can now make artificial hips and other things bodies

Want a cool and refreshing start to the New Year? Join the Central Klickitat County Park & Recreation District for the 19th Annual Polar Plunge at 10AM on New Year’s Day at Maryhill State Park.

need, blood cannot be created in a lab and requires regular human donors. She shared that when someone donates, they can get an email letting them know which hospital in the U.S. used their donation. It also shares the donor’s iron count, blood pressure, and blood type if someone is curious about these metrics.

Following are some of the stories shared on the American Red Cross’s website about people who have been helped by these donations.

This annual tradition is a fundraiser for the Central Klickitat County Parks & Recreation District. A $15 suggested donation is welcome for participation or for sponsorship. Maybe you don’t want to plunge, but

Niki Taylor was injured in a car accident and received over 100 blood transfusions. Marquita was another beneficiary of blood donations. Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at birth, she must receive red blood transfusions every six weeks to help keep her pain-free. When Lisa Crowder’s daughter, Lindsey, was two, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Red Cross blood donors helped

you could always donate to have someone else plunge, or just come and watch the fun and fast event. Whatever you do, don’t be late. The Plunge starts at 10 a.m. and ends a few seconds later.

save her life.

All that said, it’s not too late for you to make a difference, or as Brack said, “Be a hero.” The goal next month is to get 99 donors to give blood.

The next drive will be held at the American Legion in Goldendale (108 N. Grant St.) on January 20, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Goldendale,” or call Nadine Brack at (509) 439-2011.

For more information and entry forms, go to www.centralklickitatparksandrecreation.com or call the swimming pool at (509) 773-0506 or text (509) 250-0981.

G oldendale ’ s a ttic

This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture

This lady is beaming with pride, presumably for whatever the dish in front of her is—especially since it has two ribbons on it. Who is she? When was this? What was the occasion? Beats us. All we know is this picture ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in the annals of yesteryear. If you know anything about it, please send us an email (info@goldendalesentinel. com), or give us a call (509773-3777), or drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.

L ooking Back

December 16, 1965 – 60 Years Ago

Bud Amidon, who has a hard time being a farmer because he spends so much time being a representative for other farmers of his area, had a hair-raising experience the other day. He was trying his best to catch up and was studiously steering a tractor down a furrow when all of a sudden the tractor shook, a tremendous roar filled the air, and a terrific wind almost unseated him. Loaded as his mind was, at coping with the sudden developments, he did realize that an airplane had apparently slipped up silently from behind and was taking off for the wild blue immediately above his head. He swears he could see a hysterically laughing Ray Hill in the pilot’s seat.

December 16, 1965 – 60 Years Ago

Hudson’s Chevrolet - Special of the week – Brand New 1966 Chevrolet Pickup – V-8 283 Engine, Oversize tires, Gauges, Fresh air heater, Overdrive Transmission, Large mirrors, Beautiful Black finish, Gem Top canopy. This week only $2,649.

December 17, 1970 – 55 Years Ago

Last Saturday, December 12, was the 100th birthday of the White Salmon post office, and Postmaster Bill Manly has a special stamp for embellishing the envelopes of outgoing mail. This is the first such occasion to be noted in this part of Washington. White Salmon is the oldest post office still to bear its original name in the oldest settled area between Walla Walla and Vancouver. James R. Warner was the first postmaster. White Salmon lacked 10 years of being the first post office in the county, Rockland (Dallesport) having been established in 1860. It was also a few months behind “Klikitat (using the old and unrefined spelling) which was established by presidential decree July 1870 on the present site of Goldendale. The name remained unchanged until April 8, 1872, when it was updated to match the name of the newly established town.

December 6, 1973 – 52 Years Ago

The Board of Commissioners of Skyline Hospital in White Salmon has announced room rate increases in the amount of $1.50 a day. This increase brings the room rate from $52 per day for semi-private rooms to $53.50 and private rooms from $57 to $58.50. Also increased were the ambulance charges from basic charge of $18 to $40. Hospital records indicate that the ambulance service has gone into the red more than $200 per month for the last several years under the old rate.

December 16, 1985 – 40 Years Ago

The Bickleton School district is keeping step with high tech, according to an article published in the December issue of Educational Service District 105’s newsletter. The article said that Bickleton’s high school curriculum includes regular courses in computer programming and electronics.

December 15, 2005 – 20 Years Ago

The first copies of Bluelight to Pucker Huddle: Discovering Klickitat County were sold during a reception hosted by Klickitat County A to Z. The publication is the culmination of two years of work by the KCAZ, and the book is dedicated to Wilma Olsen, whose bequest to the library provided financial support for the project. The 355-page book was edited by Ruth Bruns and Nancy Barron and is available for $12.95.

— Richard Lefever Klickitat

Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture

This picture has been colorized. No one was able to identify these moppets. They will remain anonymous and remembered only for their adorability.

Points to ponder:

A week before Christmas a man called his son with the news that he and son’s mother were divorcing.

“What?!!” the son exclaimed. “You can’t do that!”

“We can, and we will,” the father adamantly replied. “40 years of misery is enough.”

Over the son’s sputtering objections, the man continued, “There’s nothing you can say to stop us. Call your sister to let her now.” The call abruptly ended.

The son immediately called his sister to relay the disturbing news.

“No, they’re not divorcing!” his sister vehemently exclaimed. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! Book a flight, and we’ll go there together to put a stop to this nonsense!”

The son called his father back to let him know he and his sister would arrive in two days. Upon hanging up, the father turned to his wife and said, “Well, they’re coming for Christmas this year after all—and we don’t have to pay for it!”

OpiniOn

tion. Think about hospitals or people at home with medical devices. People’s lives are literally on the line.

Recently, Klickitat PUD solicited its customers for input into their Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP). Their survey reference is “100% clean electricity by 2045 with a focus on equity and community input.” The survey asks you to identify the electrical demand issues facing our county along with who should pay for it. Unlike our state leaders, I support an all-of-the-above approach to electrical energy production.

The county has just experienced a tumultuous process with the siting of a significant solar farm. Its net benefit to the community and to the power grid is far from certain. As residents have learned, many of these decisions are out of our hands/control. That’s one more reason to take the survey.

Electricity: What’s the plan with lives at stake? Guest Editorial Mark Naulty

Generating electrical power requires a coordinated effort. First, let’s define the term “baseload.” Baseload power is the minimum power necessary to satisfy all customers in the service area without interruptions. It’s a load that is relatively predictable and that must be reliable. For example, the new Google data centers will raise our baseload power demand as these centers will likely run 24/7 and use significant power. Baseload power supplies must come from power stations that are uninterruptible sources. In the past, these loads were supplied by hydro, coal, nuclear, natural gas, and petroleum sources.

Wind and solar power have blossomed in America with government subsidies to encourage their development. Much of this electricity is surplus. Its benefit comes in the form of hydro/water storage. However, these two sources do not contribute to baseload power supply. Why? Because they are an interruptible supply. The main source of solar power goes off every day when the sun goes down. Wind is unpredictable and unsteady.

To maintain an adequate baseload electrical supply, the grid must always have what’s called a rolling reserve to address equipment malfunctions that may cause an electrical power supply to trip offline. Utilities and customers must share in the cost of keeping this rolling reserve ready and available. Typical electrical faults can be observed when you have a blink in the power to your home. It’s only momentary, but one still has to go around and reset the clocks on the microwave, coffee pot, and other sites. If we had no rolling reserve, the power would just go off while a call was made to bring a power plant on line. In severe weather events, large baseload generating stations are often requested to forego testing and maintenance activities that could threaten the reliability of the station due to a human error. A rolling reserve is kind of like a car having a spare tire. In the event of extreme weather, it often comes into play. Sometimes, it doesn’t meet the need. We saw this problem in Texas when the region went dark because of a lack of rolling reserve. They had placed their solar and wind units into their rolling reserve calcula-

THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL

Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington

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

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Editorial: Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher

Business and office staff: Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.

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

We need to build industrial scale baseload units that are reliable and predictable, some that can be brought on line in a matter of hours or even minutes. Hydroelectric dams can do this but only for a short time, otherwise water levels in the river get out of tolerance. Baseload units are like our natural gas plant here in Goldendale. They can run 24/7 with minimal support. I suggest the natural gas plant here in Goldendale be enlarged or another unit built alongside it to supplement production. The infrastructure exists already and would be a predictable expense. Wind power is not practical for baseload calculations. They serve as supplementary power and are only marginally effective in 24/7 operational requirements and planning. Solar power does provide some minimally effective baseload power during daylight hours.

America needs an all-of-the-above approach to power production. The mantra that we cannot use coal or natural gas for power production is self-defeating. We have advanced scrubber technology that mitigates pollution generation of a combustion power plant. These technologies need further development like the improvements we’ve made with combustion engine exhaust in automobiles. Coal and natural gas should not be discarded because of political whims. Politics is why we are missing the Trojan nuclear station in Oregon and two other commercial nuclear stations in Washington state. I highly recommend filling out the Klickitat PUD survey. You can find the survey at the link www. klickitatpud.org

It’s so important for us to plan wisely. People’s lives are at stake and the economic growth of our county and the nation are at stake.

Mark Naulty is a retired control room supervisor who worked at Energy Northwest’s commercial nuclear plant in the Tri-Cities, the Columbia Generating Station. He also installed and brought online one of the state’s very first net metered wind turbines at his home in West Richland. He and his wife currently live in Goldendale and are KPUD customers.

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

I contacted the bank for an explanation. The answer was essentially that “we wouldn’t do that.” Then why is it in your documents, I asked. The answer was to send me up the chain of command. The second person gave the same answer as the first and then was to have me contacted by some-one higher up. That person has not contacted me after more than a week so I am following through on what I told the bank contacts I was going to do—write a letter to the editor to be sure local folks are aware of how Columbia Bank is choosing to deal with its account holders. My concern is that a comment as broad as this opens the door for abuse. I have had no difficulties with our local branch and am sorry that the headquarters has decided to take such a hard line. It ap-pears I will need to look for a bank that does not behave in this manner.

Ken Margraf Goldendale

Letters from the community

Don’t sign it

I recently received an updated “Terms for Business and Deposit Account Agreement” from Columbia Bank. I am not in the habit of reading the fine print but for some reason this time I did. I came across an “added” line that I found very concerning. Again, this line is both for personal and business accounts. It reads: “We may refuse to open and account and may close your account at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.”

“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.

A petition is being circulated in Washington State to get Initiative Measure IL26-126 to the state legislators by Jan. 2, 2026. The petitioners claim that passage of the measure will make the election system safer.

Washington State already has a safe and secure system with a very low rate of fraud. Changing the law would only make the system more burdensome, and the wannabe fraudsters would still be with us.

Many organizations have taken a position against passage of IL26-126 including the non-partisan Washington State League of Women Voters.

Please Google “Decline to Sign,” read for yourself about IL26-126, then decline to sign the petition.

Janet Holen White Salmon

It needs to stop

“Why don’t they just get in line?”

There is no line for immigrants, just a long costly process that takes years and sometimes decades to be naturalized. Now the doors are being slammed shut for some, leaving them fearful and despairing.

In response to the horrific shooting of two National Guards in D.C. by an Afghan national that killed one Guard member, President Trump put a hold on immigration applications from 19 countries considered “high risk.” The list includes Cuba, Iran, Haiti, and Somalia, among others. No majority white countries are on the list.

On December 8, immigrants were present at Faneuil Hall in Boston, ready to become citizens. This was a day of celebration, but as they entered the hall agents questioned each person on what country they came from. If on Trump’s list, they

Guidelines for Letters

were told their naturalization ceremony was cancelled and to go home. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu told WCVB 5 that waiting until this last step in an immigrant’s process is “Outrageous.”

How heartbreaking to go through the legal processes our country requires to make it to the finish line only to be told at the last minute “No, you’re from the wrong country.”

Please contact your representatives and urge them to publicly speak out against this “outrageous” behavior.

April George White Salmon

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.)

Basketball team is undefeated

I have to begin the news with a big shout out to our Klickwood boys basketball team. For the second year in a row, Klickwood came out on top in the Helix Tournament. I think most of us here were confident they’d do a repeat. They’re undefeated so far and have had three 80-plus point games among the last few they’ve played. When they recently played Cornerstone Christian, the final score was 89 to 44. Coach Curtis put his bench players in to finish up the last few minutes of that exciting game. I don’t know the count of points made by all the players on the team, but I do know Glenwood sophomore Wyatt Patterson scored 30 points that night. Now I’ve just learned that, in the latest 1A State-wide rankings, Klickwood ranks 3rd. The team is off to a great start to their season. Way to go, Klickwood. We are all very proud of you. We here in Glenwood are saddened to learn of the passing of a beloved community member. Eileen Brashers passed recently after a long illness. She was a long-time employee at Glenwood School District until her retirement several years ago. In addition to her sons Michael and Patrick and their children, Eileen is survived by her best friend, Anita Wellenbrock, and all the Wellenbrock family and so many other dear friends. She was preceded by her husband Tom and son Christopher. Anita fondly remembers the fun times, shenanigans, and great trips they were able to enjoy together. Eileen will be greatly missed here in Glenwood.

Glenwood Grange members gathered at the Pierce home last Sunday to obligate new members. (“Obligate” is an old Grange term that basically means pledging loyalty to the Grange.) Six new members took the Grange oath and were obligated as members. The plan is to meet in January and elect a new slate of officers.

Current president Linda Williams presided at the

meeting. Thanks to Mary Scott, several members new to the community have joined. The new members have some great ideas about holding special events such as family game nights, helpful seminars, and so many other events that will benefit residents of our community. With a dwindling membership and some health issues among the older members, it’s encouraging to see new life infused into our great little Glenwood Grange. I will include our next meeting date in a later column, once it has been scheduled.

Everyone is welcome to attend to see what the Grange is all about and how it can serve our community in so many ways.

We enjoyed attending the only two Little Klickwood middle school boys basketball games to be held in Glenwood this season. Our only Glenwood boys participating, Cedar Steinbach and Hunter Fujia, are the only 5th graders on the entire combined Klickitat/Glenwood team but are starting players. Despite their smaller size, those two have so much hustle and really play great out there. If you see Cedar or Hunter around town, please congratulate them on their great playing. Have you noticed the amazing array of holiday lights going up on many of the homes here? It’s already beautiful, and many people aren’t finished putting up their light displays. Jennifer Throop, who is spearheading this fun competition, says, “Okay, everyone, we have some money donations! I hope everyone is stepping up their game this year. You can still enter until December 19. If you haven’t gotten ahold of me, please do. The more the merrier! I’ve got my first map made but won’t release it until the 19th.”

Well, I’m definitely getting excited. I heard that even some barns are getting decked out. Thank you for organizing this again this year, Jennifer.

Family, Friends, Neighbors provide childcare

Tamara Kaufman for The SenTinel

Nearly 75 percent of children in Washington under age five are cared for by parents, family, friends, and neighbors who may be eligible to apply for subsidies. This is according to the Child Care Aware of Washington website.

“It is very typical for the people closest to young parents to pitch in and help them bridge childcare, especially when their children are little,” said Johanna Roe, Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC) project coordinator and grant writer. “In fact, the most common care providers for infants and toddlers, and for school-age children before and after school care, are immediate family members like grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, friends, and neighbors.”

Roe and KCCC help people navigate systems to help create more childcare options in Klickitat County. So far, the group has supported six people in completing the licensing process to open their own childcare businesses, adding 48 new slots in Klickitat County.

Another modified option is the Family, Friends, and

Neighbor Care program (FFN), which helps parents and providers qualify for subsidies under the Working Connections Child Care program.

“FFN providers are unlicensed and not regulated by the State,” Roe said, “but the advantage is parents can rely on people they trust to provide safe, stable care for their children. To receive subsidies for this classification of childcare, it’s important to become aware of the eligibility requirements.”

The FFN provider wanting to obtain subsidies has to be registered with the State. Health and safety requirements must be met in accordance with WAC 110-16-0015. State law governs FFN provider responsibilities, including allowing parents access to their children at all times, having a working telephone line available for 911 emergency calls and other inbound and outbound calls, and not caring for more than six children at a time, including the provider’s own children. Providers related by marriage or blood can care for children in either the provider’s home or the child’s home; providers not related must give care in the child’s home. All FFN

providers must have an annual technical assistance visit in the home where care is provided. This type of child care is considered licensed-exempt by the State of Washington. Providers still need to navigate forms and receive some training to qualify for the current $4.50-per-hour subsidy rate. Roe noted that most trainings must be completed within 90 days of the subsidy authorization date. She said that KCCC liaisons are available to help FFN providers connect with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to begin the application process, or an FFN provider can call 1-844-626-8687 directly to reach the customer service center.

“In rural areas such as ours, the network of FFN providers needs to be recognized as extremely important,” Roe said. “It’s also a way to meet the needs of families or single parents who work non-traditional schedules. Often, there are few options, so this is one way parents can navigate childcare. Families who choose this type of care really have to know and trust the caregiver.”

Some other advantages of FFN childcare include

acknowledging existing bonds between the children and family members, friends, or neighbors, as well as supporting shared language, culture, and values. Raising a child with special health or behavioral needs may also benefit from FFN caregivers who are already familiar with the child’s care plan.

“This FFN program provides caregivers the opportunity to gain some very basic but essential health and safety training,” Roe said. “I encourage FFN providers to make use of the subsidy programs available to lower the cost of childcare for local families.”

More information about the Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) care program and regulations can be found online at tinyurl.com/FFNReqs, by phone 866-482-4325, option 8, or by email at dcyf.ffn@ dcyf.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Klickitat County Childcare Committee at https://www. wagap.org/klickitat-countychildcare-committee. The site includes helpful links and a quick resource guide for someone starting their journey to become a licensed childcare provider. For questions, email kccc@ wagap.org.

Kriegs represent state at National NAAE and ACTE Convention

Joshua and Randi Krieg, agricultural educators at Goldendale Middle and High Schools, recently joined over 1,000 colleagues from across the country at the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Convention and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION Conference, held simultaneously in Nashville.

The events brought together 6,500 career and technical education professionals for workshops, networking, and professional development.

Agricultural teachers participated in sessions focused on curriculum innovation, student engagement, and preparing young people for careers in agriculture and related industries.

In addition to attending workshops and sessions, Randi served as the WAAE vice president, participating in the state leaders’ discussion and representing

Washington as a voting delegate at the NAAE Convention. Meanwhile, Josh served as the WA-ACTE representative, contributing to the state leaders’ discussion and fulfilling voting delegate responsibilities for Washington at the ACTE Conference.

Randi shared, “The NAAE Conference is

always a highlight for me. The chance to connect with other ag teachers who truly understand our world and to dive into professional development designed specifically for our classrooms makes the experience both inspiring and practical. I leave feeling recharged and better equipped to serve my students.”

By attending, educators gained new strategies to strengthen classroom instruction, build community partnerships, and support student career readiness.

For more information about the NAAE Convention, visit naae.org. Details about ACTE’s CareerTech VISION Conference can be found at careertechvision.com.

Lewis Oliver

Lewis “Bud” Oliver, 83, passed away on November 29, 2025, in Kennewick, Washington. Born on June 3, 1942, in Lewistown, Montana, Bud lived a life marked by dedication to his work and family.

Bud spent several years working at the aluminum plant. He later contributed many years of service at the John Day Dam before concluding his career at the Centerville School. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his professional life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy; his sister Helen Winter; grandchildren Lacey Arquette, Trevor Oliver,

Kevin Oliver, Ricky Oliver, and Brandon Oliver; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his father George Oliver; mother Florence Kingma; siblings Larry Oliver, Lois Schilperoort, and Lester Oliver; and children Lisa Wright, Brian Oliver, and Steven Oliver.

In his spare time, Bud enjoyed working on small engine repair— a hobby that reflected both his mechanical skill and patient nature.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Centerville Grange, 2288 Centerville Highway, with a potluck to follow.

GIVING from page A1

needs. For privacy, children’s names are never written on the stars—only age and gender—with gift details recorded on the back.

Community members select a star, shop for the requested items, and return the gifts with the star attached. Wagoner tracks each tag number carefully to ensure every child and family receives what they need.

“Most people don’t just buy a couple of items,” she said. “They really try to meet the needs—coats, shoes, hats, gloves, clothes. That’s what means the most.”

As costs have risen, generosity has kept pace. Wagoner recalled one donor who purchased a brand-new car seat for a newborn due any day. Others focus on warm clothing and essentials that families might otherwise struggle to afford.

As the Giving Tree has

Council sees ugly Christmas sweaters

RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL

Goldendale’s December 14 meeting was the last for the year, and the last meeting as councilors for Ellie Casey and Miland Walling, who did not run for re-election.

Mayor Dave Jones presented them with plaques honoring their service.

It was also a bit brighter in the council chambers, as councilors had decided to wear their best ugly Christmas sweaters. Councilor Andy Halm, whose bright green sweater was bedecked with 3-D garlands also in green, was the hands-down winner, though Jones’ “Fishmas” outfit, featuring the image of a fishline tree topped with a trout, was notable as well.

Police Chief Mike Smith gave a close-to-year-end statistical report.

“The month of November, we had 262 calls, and 12 arrests,” he said, “and we continued that cycle through December. Normally we should be pretty slow this time of year, and we’re not.  Right now, we’re at 3,542 calls to date. We’re just holding down the fort. We have a couple of people in the hiring process to get those positions filled, so hopefully we’ll start the year off good.”

Chief building official Robert Thompson reported 105 permits issued in the year and $55,720 in fees were collected. There was little change from 2024, when 115 permits were issued and $45,000 in fees were collected.  Four stick-built and two modular homes went up in 2025. By comparison, in 2024 there were five stick-

built and three manufactured homes.

He said he had 73 code enforcement cases this year compared to 43 last year, and he wrote citations totaling $3,189. Two properties had to be cleaned up by the city, and $13,609.50 in liens were put on the properties.

In a meeting that lasted only 40 minutes before going into an executive session, councilors approved a grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for $71,250 for the phase one design of the airport pavement widening project, with a city match of $3,542.  They adopted three ordi-

nances:

Ordinance 1551 enacted a one tenth of one percent public safety sales tax that had been previously approved by voters.

Ordinance 1553 formally established the Klickitat County noxious weed list as the official list for the City of Goldendale to aid in code enforcement.

Ordinance 1554 amended the municipal code to clarify that occupying an RV outside of a permitted park for more than 14 consecutive days or 30 days in a calendar year constituted a public nuisance.

The mood, as the dress, was festive.

grown, so has its reach.

This year, Wagoner extended the effort by collecting donated Christmas trees. About a dozen were redistributed to families who otherwise wouldn’t have one, ensuring children had not just gifts, but a tree to place them under.

Leftover donations often go toward meal certificates for large families, helping provide a holiday dinner. In past years, dozens of families have received meals through the program.

Wagoner also looks for ways to help those who fall outside traditional charity models — elderly residents on fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, and others in quiet need. This year, she plans to provide extended supplies of personal care items for a senior resident and host a small Christmas celebration for a local man well known around town.

“Kids didn’t ask to be

here,” Wagoner said. “It’s our responsibility to help them first. If we can help others too, we do.”

Distribution begins well before Christmas. Families can choose to pick up gifts or have them delivered, ensuring parents aren’t scrambling in the final days before the holiday.

For Wagoner, the reward comes not in recognition, but in imagining the moment children open their gifts.

“When I go home on Christmas Day, I know those kids are happy,” she said. “That’s enough.”

Her hope is that the Giving Tree will outlast her— that others will follow the example and start similar efforts in their own neighborhoods.

“If this carries on for generations,” she said, “then it’s done exactly what it was meant to do.”

How to help

Community members

who would like to support local families this holiday season can participate in the Giving Tree now through today, December 17.

• Visit the Giving Tree location and select a star from the tree

• Select a star, which lists a child’s age, clothing sizes, and gift needs

• Purchase the items listed and return them with the star attached

All gifts are wrapped and distributed to families before Christmas, ensuring children have presents ready for the holiday. Monetary donations and gift cards are also accepted and are used to:

• Fill unclaimed stars

• Provide meal certificates for larger families

• Assist elderly and disabled community members with essential needs

For more information or to donate, inquire at the Giving Tree display.

E xtra

The Library in Lego

Jordan Mayberry For The SenTinel

As of last Wednesday, visitors entering the Goldendale Library have noticed an unusual sight: a detailed Lego scale model of the library itself.

The creator, Matthew Chiles, is well known throughout the region for his intricate Lego builds, which frequently appear at fairs and conventions across the Pacific Northwest. The library model has already toured Portland’s Brick Cascade, Bellevue’s BrickCon, and the Klickitat County Fair before finding a temporary home in Goldendale. Its craftsmanship is clear at first glance, but the decade-long effort behind it becomes even more apparent on closer inspection.

“After a while, you start seeing everything in Lego,” Chiles said. “You see a vehicle, like a train or a car, and think ‘How can I build that?’ and you see a building and think ‘How can I build that?’” After years of visiting the library with his children, he eventually realized the building itself needed to be his next project. “I had been

COUNTY from page A1 agenda passed quickly. Those were the six-year transportation improvements plan and the county’s 2026 budget. After closing oral comment on both subjects following hearings held on both items the previous week, commissioners extended the written comment period through last Friday. No additional comments were received, so both items were passed unchanged. Commissioners did respond to an earlier email petition signed by more than 200 Snowden-area residents who were concerned that this year the county had painted centerlines and fog lines on Snowden Road but only as far as the firehouse. They had hoped that would continue beyond that point because the area is subject to heavy fog. Public Works explained that they plan to do roadwork on that section next spring, and people would be rightfully upset if they painted the stripes only to cover them over so soon and have to redo the striping.

Jail Administrator Bill Frantz asked permission from commissioners to drop the jail’s participation in the Medicare 1115 waiver program. Instead of terminating Medicaid coverage for people in jail, this program suspends coverage, making a smoother transition back to the community when released. Frantz said the problem is that it requires jails to provide some healthcare services, including a 90-day supply of medications on release.

“We had a person in our custody who was living with AIDS/HIV,” he told commissioners. “Their medication was $4,000 a week. Under the waiver, I’d have to release them with up to three months’ supply, as necessary, of medication. So that’s $12,000 a month times three. And we would get a fraction of that back, less than 20 percent. And that’s if that person is in our custody for a day.”

rolling over it for years as my kids were young, and they would go to the library,” he said. “I eventually decided that I needed to try and build the library.”

Chiles sets the date of the project’s inception when he started surveying the structure, over a decade prior. “I started taking pictures around 2014 or so, a long time ago.” As the project’s detail grew in depth, the photographs mounted, and no surface was left unstudied. “Over the years, I’ve probably taken over a thousand pictures of the library, and I always find that I need more.”

Accuracy was the aim, even if it meant waiting for the right piece. “When I started, some of the pieces I needed were not yet available.” Chiles said. “The arch pieces that makes the round windows on either end of the building were not available in dark red,” Some parts in the construction were not available “until five years into the project”. What spectators will first see in the model display is a certain care placed into the library’s exterior. “The landscaping, which is the trees,

Commissioners readily granted him permission to drop the program. Commissioners said a number of other prisons in the state are doing the same.

During public comment, Jenn Paulette of WAGAP called in, responding to a concern raised earlier by a citizen who had heard a rumor that the youth center in White Salmon had lost funding and would have to close.

“I just want to confirm that there is no threat of closure,” Paulette said. “This year community block grant dollars have lowered. That makes the requirement of fundraising even more important, but there is no threat to the youth center and the ability for it to stay open.”

And if you’re wondering why there were quadruple grand marshals for the Candy Cane Lane Parade, Emergency Management Director Jeff King had the answer. He said he had been approached by the Brighter Goldendale Christmas Committee about the Candy Cane Lane parade, wanting him to suggest a grand marshal to represent all those who responded to all the wildfires in the county. He said he told them that one was not enough, that they should have a representative each from firefighters, Search and Rescue, posse, and emergency management, and they agreed.

Commissioners also approved four short plats and two boundary line adjustments. Under the consent agenda, they authorized 16 items:

• An agreement with Community In Motion and Klickitat County Senior Services for providing non-emergency medical transportation services for Medicaid recipients for 2026-2027.

• An agreement with Klickitat County Senior Services and the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of

flowers, and bushes around the library, are pretty accurate to the real thing.” Chiles described. Trees are also accurate to their sizes, and stumps from recently felled trees were included as well.

“If I scale the trees [out front] to their actual size, they would end up blocking the library so much you could not see a thing.” The challenge of making natural environments out of square parts was a visionary challenge for the exterior model, “building [landscapes], a very organic thing, out of Lego bricks, a very inorganic medium” was not an easy task, requiring “lots of special techniques.” Chiles explained. “I studied a lot of different techniques from a lot of different people.”

It was not enough to model the exterior alone. Chiles also ventured to model the interior with equal meticulousness. “I modeled a lot of little things like exit signs, fire alarms, emergency lights.” Stairwells, sprinkler systems, wall colors, newspaper stands, and shelves all made their way into the model. The long-term nature of the project meant the real library changed during the

SW WA for providing MAC TSOA services in Klickitat County 2025-2026.

• Amendment No. 1 between Klickitat County Senior Services and the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of SW WA for providing Aging & Disability Resource Center services 2026.

• A resolution designating three representative’s authority to sign WSDOT annual and fiscal reports and vouchers payment requests.

• Reauthorization of Public Works Director and/ or Public Works Deputy Director – Finance & Administration to invest excess cash in Public Works Department Funds.

• Purchase Order for Klickitat County Senior Services and NW Bus Sales for new vehicle.

• Carrying over excess hours from the previous year for the Public Works Department.

• Supplemental Agreement #2 with Baer Testing, Inc. to provide on-call materials testing for various construction projects for 2025 & 2026.

• An agreement with Astound Business Solutions to replace existing phone systems.

• A consultant agreement with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. for on-call geotechnical services.

• A lease Agreement with The Towers, LLC for placement of a cell tower at the Klickitat County Shop property in Glenwood.

• Concurrence to Award Bid – Bundle Preventative Maint. Deck and Expansion Joint Repair, CRP 376 & CRP 377.

• A traffic and criminal software data sharing agreement between Washington State Patrol and Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office.

• Authorization to purchase RAM 1500 repair by Yakima Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Union Gap.

• Resolution creating a new

build, forcing revisions. “A couple years into the project, the main old part of the library was coming together fairly well,” Chiles said. “The library ended up being remodeled, and I had to take what I had designed apart and some pieces I purchased no longer worked.” The current version matches today’s interior closely, though Chiles admits future remodels will not prompt further changes: “If they remodel again in the future, don’t expect changes.”

All told, the model contains around 30,000 Lego pieces. “Time-wise, it was actually very time consuming,” Chiles said. “I’ve been working on it for over ten years, that’s obviously not every day, but that’s Sunday afternoons here and there. Sometimes I’ll get a chance to work on it weeks in a row.” At other times, months passed without progress. Parts shortages also stalled the project. “I got kind of stuck with my piece situation.”

Some of the most difficult sections were deceptively simple. “The trickiest part was actually the grass,” Chiles said, noting the large

County Administrator position and adopting a revised org chart outlining reporting relationships between the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator and various County Departments.

• Resolution adopting of the 2026 Annual Road Construction Program

surface area. Non-rectangular features proved challenging as well. “There’s an alleyway in the back that the Bookmobile uses and has staff parking back there. That area is sloped, so I had to use slope building techniques to make it all work.”

Landscaping on the east side of the property was rebuilt multiple times to maintain accuracy. “I had landscaped that originally seven years ago.”

Scaling the real building into Lego proportions took careful planning. “One of the difficult parts was getting it all scaled properly.” Curved seating in the pit area pushed his technique early in the process. “I started with the pit area because I thought that would be the trickiest area to build, and I used a

lot of interesting techniques to get the rounded structure of all the seats.” Even after that, adjustments continued. “Everything kind of scaled from there, but I ended up ripping it out and reseating it several times.”

Once the model was complete, transporting it became its own logistical puzzle. Large sections can be separated for travel, allowing setup and takedown in under an hour. Moving it intact is possible but “heavy and quite cumbersome.” However, the library has found its home for now within the building it is modeled after. The model will remain on display at the Goldendale Library throughout December, with a redesigned exhibit planned for January that will showcase the full interior.

SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT.

SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY. UMPAQUA BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO STERLING

SAVING BANK Plaintiff v. DOE 1 AND DOE 2 WHO ARE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DOUGLAS R. JOHNSON; Defendants, No. 23-2-00287-20. TO: Doe 1 and Doe 2 who are unknown heirs and devisees of Douglas R. Johnson, 1235 Hwy 142, Lyle, WA 98635. The Superior Court of Klickitat County has directed the undersigned Sheriff of Klickitat County to sell the properties legally described as follows to satisfy a judgment in the above entitled action: Property Description: Street address: 1235 Hwy 142, Lyle WA 98635. Legal Description: In the County of Klickitat, State of Washington LOT 3, BLOCK 1, STEARNS TRACTS, VOLUME 3 OF PLATS, PAGE 41, RECORDS OF KLICKITAT COUNTY, WASHINGTON. TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT TO USE WATER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES FROM THE PIPELINE PRESENTLY ON THE SAID PREMISES. Assessor’s Property Tax Parcel/Account Number: 4-13-2251-0103/00. The sale of the above described properties is to take place: TIME: 10:00 A.M. DATE: December 26, 2025 PLACE: Klickitat County Courthouse. The Judgment Debtor can avoid the sale by paying the judgment amount of $45,200.04, together with interest, costs and fees, before the sale date. For the exact amount, contact the Sheriff’s office at the address stated below. KLICKITAT COUNTY SHERIFF, 205 S Columbus, Room 108, Goldendale, WA 98620, 509-773-4455.

(4616, 4705, 4803, 4903, 5002, 5101)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the CGRA Business Park Training Facility Project, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on January 6, 2026 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. January 6, 2026 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material. Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. January 6, 2026 CGRA Business Park Training Facility Project”.

This contract provides for the construction of a 10,000 s.f. Training Facility and lot 17 site development. Specific work includes, but not limited to concrete foundation, building construction, excavation, utilities, base/top course, HMA roadway, all in accordance with the Plans, Contract Provisions and the Standard Specifications

Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County. Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $2,300,000 and $3,500,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby

N otices

notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / takeoff tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425258-1303 should you require assistance.

Dated this 2nd Day of December, 2025.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig, Chairman Todd Andrews, Commissioner Lori Zoller, Commissioner ATTEST: LeeAnn Burgin Clerk of the Board Klickitat County, Washington (4912, 5005, 5102, 5201, 5301)

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING

In Re the Estate of GARY C. CLOUSE, Deceased. No. 25-4-06389-2 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030)

The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or its attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (a) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. Date of First Publication: December 10, 2025. Personal Representative: SHANNA MICHELLE (CLOUSE) PEEK Attorney for Personal Representative: Sophie Delane Asher Address for Mailing or Service: 1833 N. 105th St., Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133 /s/ SOPHIE DELANE ASHER SOPHIE DELANE ASHER

Attorney for SHANNA MICHELLE (CLOUSE) PEEK, Personal Representative (5010, 5103, 5202)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF VACANCY

The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners announced the recent resignation of Prosecuting Attorney David Quesnel, effective December 14, 2025. In accordance with RCW 36.27, the Board is seeking qualified applicants to serve as Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney. This interim appointment will fill the remainder of the current term through December 31, 2026. Eligibility Requirements as

This Just In....

Notice of Public Hearing: Supplemental BudgetKlickitat County Commissioners

Notice of Public Hearing: VAR#25-02 Ty and Barbara Ross - City of Goldendale

Notice of Filing and Public Hearing: Speed Limit

Change on City Streets - City of Goldendale

Notice to Contractors: Bundle #2 Preventative Maint

Bearing Repairs CRP 378 - Klickitat County Public Works

• Probate Notice to Creditors: Jerry L Moss - Justin D Leigh, Phillips, Reynierm Summerfield, Cline, & Smith ,LLP

Probate Notice to Creditors: Linda L FleischerJustin D Leigh, Phillips, Reynierm Summerfield, Cline, & Smith ,LLP

• Probate Notice to Creditors: James Lawrence SmithVanKoten & Cleveland LLC

• Public Notice: Communications Antennas, Dallesport - California Newspaper Service Bureau

outlined by RCW 36.27.0101: Applicant must be a qualified elector of Klickitat County, Washington and must be admitted as an attorney and counselor of the courts of the State of Washington. Application requirements must include Letter of Interest, Resume, and proof of membership in the Washington State Bar Association. The application deadline is December 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Interviews will be conducted by the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners and will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Please submit your complete application package no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025. Applications may be submitted by email to BoCC@KlickitatCounty.org or delivered to the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Office, Attn: Board Clerk, County Services Building, 115 W Court Street, Room 201, Goldendale, Washington. Questions may be directed to (509) 773-4612 or BoCC@ KlickitatCounty.org (5011, 5104)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Supplemental Budget

The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners will meet December 30th, 2025, at 1:30 pm. Please join the meeting at the Klickitat County Services Building in the Chambers of the Board of County Commissioners, or virtually via Zoom, meeting ID 586587651. They will hold a Public Hearing and consider amendments to the 2025 budget as summarized below. Information concerning these changes may be obtained at the Commissioners’ Office, 115 W Court St. Rm 201, by calling 509.773.2331, or viewing this notice and supporting detail on the Klickitat County website at Board of County Commissioners Agenda page or the Fiscal Services department page. Written comment will be accepted via email to bocc@klickitatcounty. org or in the Commissioner’s office on or before December 30th, 2025 at 1:30pm, with the subject line: 2025-4 BUDGET AMENDMENT. Board of County Commissioners, Ron Ihrig, Chairman Fund, Expense Request 001 General 49,410.00 116 County Fair 8,665.00 TOTAL 58,075.00 (5105, 5203)

CITY OF GOLDENDALE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Goldendale Hearing Examiner on January 7, 2026 at 2:00pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1103 S. Columbus, Goldendale, Washington 98620 Also accessible via zoom https://us02web. zoom.us/j/3732905204?omn =86541073808 You can go to our website for instructions on how to get on Zoom. THE PURPOSE of said hearing is to hear all interested parties who wish to testify for or against the following proposal: a variance request VAR # 25-02 by Ty & Barbara Ross. Said proposal is on the following described property: LOTS 1-16 BLK 20 GOLDEN 2nd NENE 20-4-16, Parcel # 04162054200000, Commonly known as 205 S Columbus (Courthouse). The Goldendale Hearing Examiner may act on this matter to approve, deny, approve with conditions, table, or continue these issues to a set time and place. The application is available for review at Goldendale City

and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Hall, 1103 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620

Robert Thompson

Building Official/ Code Enforcement City Planning (5106, 5204, 5302)

CITY OF GOLDENDALE

NOTICE OF FILING AND PUBLIC HEARING SPEED LIMIT CHANGE ON CITY STREETS

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that the City Council is reducing the speed limit to 15 mph on 21st Street, Jaxon Street, Chatfield Place, and Benson Court within the City Limits has been recommended to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The City Council of the City of Goldendale has scheduled public hearings on January 5th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 1103 S Columbus Ave, Goldendale WA. The purpose of the public hearing is to discuss reducing the speed limit on all roads off of 21st Street. All interested parties shall have an opportunity to be heard at such time and place.

Shelly Enderby Clerk-Treasurer (5107,5205)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Bundle #2 – Preventative Maint. –Bearing Repairs, CRP 378, will be received by the Board of County Commissioners at the reception desk located in the Klickitat County Public Works Department, 115 West Court Street, Room 302, Goldendale Washington. Mailing address 115 West Court Street, Mail Stop 303 Goldendale Washington 98620 until 1:15 p.m. on January 13, 2026 for performing the work described below. Sealed bids received will be opened at the Commissioner’s Chambers and publicly read aloud on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Bids received after 1:15 p.m. January 13, 2026 will not be considered. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive informalities that are not, in the opinion of the County Commissioners, material.

Bid envelopes shall be appropriately marked on the outside “Bid opening 1:30 p.m. January 13, 2026 Bundle #2 – Preventative Maint. –Bearing Repairs, CRP 378” This contract includes jacking the existing superstructure to replace/reset the existing deficient bearing pads, repair damaged bearing seats as required and other work on structures 08665000, 08581700, 08211300, 08157300 and 08045300, all in accordance with the Contract Plans, Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifications. Bid proposals shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check or surety bond in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount in the bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the time stated in the specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to Klickitat County. Approximate project cost is estimated to be between $900,000 and $1,500,000. The Klickitat County Public Works Department, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 US.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4)

Obtaining Bid Documents: Free of charge: Plans, Specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for the project are available though the Klickitat County’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Venders by going to http://bxwa.com and clicking on: Posted Projects; Public Works; Klickitat County; and Projects Bidding. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the self registered “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents; with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full / partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources (on-line print order form), and a free on-line digitizer / takeoff tool. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425258-1303 should you require assistance. Dated this 16th Day of December, 2025.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Klickitat County, Washington Ron Ihrig Chairman Todd Andrews Commissioner Lori Zoller Commissioner ATTEST: LeeAnne Burgin Clerk of the Board Klickitat County, Washington (5108, 5206, 5303, 0101) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT Estate of, JERRY L. MOSS, Deceased. Case No.: 25-4-00082-20 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The above Court has appointed Jeri L. Sanchey as Personal Representative of Decedents’ estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and; (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1) (c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. First Publication of this Notice: December 17, 2025

Justin D. Leigh (WSBA No. 55307) Attorney for Chad L. Fleischer PHILLIPS REYNIER SUMERFIELD CLINE & SMITH, LLP P.O. Box 758 Hood River, OR 97031 (541) 386-4264 justin@phillipsreynier.com (5109, 5207, 5304) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KLICKITAT Estate of, LINDA L. FLEISCHER, Deceased. Case No.: 25-4-00081-20 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The above Court has appointed Chad L. Fleischer as Personal Representative of Decedents’ estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present

the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and; (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1) (c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. First Publication of this Notice: December 17, 2025 Justin D. Leigh (WSBA No. 55307) Attorney for Chad L. Fleischer PHILLIPS REYNIER SUMERFIELD CLINE & SMITH, LLP P.O. Box 758 Hood River, OR 97031 (541) 386-4264 justin@phillipsreynier.com (5110, 5208, 5305) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KLICKITAT COUNTY In Re The Estate of: JAMES LAWRENCE SMITH, Deceased. No. 25-4-00079-20

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of the first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Wednesday, December 17, 2025. MICHAEL ERNEST HENDRICKSON Personal Representative PO Box 933 White Salmon, Washington 98672 VanKOTEN & CLEAVELAND LLC VICTOR W. VanKOTEN Attorney for Personal Representative 417 Sherman Avenue, Suite 7 Hood River, Oregon 97031 Telephone: (541) 436-3422 (5111,5209, 5306)

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a centerline height of 79 feet on an 86.3-foot-tall water tank at the approx. vicinity of Lot 53 Dallesport Industrial Park, Dallesport, Klickitat County, WA, 98617 (45.627750, -121.138111). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to:Trileaf Corp, Luke Taylor, l.taylor@ trileaf.com, 2121 West

$125 for the set 509-261-2115 MOTOR HOIST – 2 ton $125 509-393-6230 QUART CANNING JARS –2 dozen @ $12/dozen 509773-5666 METABO 10” miter saw & Ryobi folding stand, lightly used $100 509-790-9985

RYOBI 13.5 amp corded 16” rototiller, lightly used $100 509-790-9985

BLACK & Decker Portable air conditioner, as new $125 509-790-9985

PROPANE TORCHES, 4, 2 with hoses, & 1 oxy-propane torch with many accouterments $75

STIHL 18” MS290 chainsaw with Oregon skiptooth chain $300 907-252-1593 IN SEARCH OF old-style ground drive manure spreader, working or repairable 509-439-1158

ENCYCLOPEDIA Full set of 1966 World Book Encyclopedias $100 509-773-5666 leave a message

BLUE FIG ROLLING SEWING MACHINE CART, purple, 24” x 12” x 20” big enough for two machines $130 509-261-2038

RIMS (4) stock 16” 5 lug $75 Rims 509-342-6923 Announcements & Notices

ATTENTION READERS: Readers respond to ads at their own risk. If in doubt about a particular offer, check with the Better Business Protection Agency @ 503-3784320 before investing any money. This publication assumes no liability over advertisers.

Classified Deadlines: MONDAY 9AM Mid-Week Editions: Loans

IT’S ILLEGAL for companies doing business by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver.

A public service message from the Federal Trade Commission and the Hood River News, The Dalles Chronicle and the White Salmon Enterprise.

IT’S ILLEGAL for companies doing business by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver.

A public service message from the Federal Trade Commission and the Hood River News, The Dalles Chronicle and the White Salmon Enterprise.

Lost & Found MONEY FOUND Money found at Hood River Library September 2024. Contact Mo Burford, 541387-7060 by December 31, 2025.

Support Groups

NAMI|Oregon National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is the largest education, support and advocacy organization on mental health in the nation. The Mission of NAMI Oregon is to improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness and of their famillies through support, education and advocacy.

Under NAMI Oregon sponsorship, NAMI-Gorge providees a monthly support group meeting for caregivers, friends, and family members of persons with mental illness.

Monthly NAMI Gorge inperson meetings are being conducted the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30pm at the Gloria Center at 2505 W. 7th Street, The Dalles. For information on local NAMI Resources, please contact Barbara Telfer: at 541-980-7264 or by email: booklovinbarbarian@ gmail.com.

For other NAMI information or resources: NAMI Oregon Support Line 1-800-3436264.

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS Meets 2nd & 4th Sundays at 10am. 216 Cascade St., Suite 26 Hood River

AL-ANON in The Dalles: The Dalles Serenity meeting every Monday at 7pm @ Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry Hollow. For more info, call 541-2962677.

24 HOUR AA HOTLINE and meeting information: District 14. 1-833-423-3683

TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets upstairs at Columbia Bank in White Salmon at 10am on Tuesdays. Join us at 90 NE Tohomish St., White Salmon, WA 98672. No meetings during severe weather. 541980-0251. NARCOTICS Anonymous: Goldendale United Method-

ist Church, 109 E Broadway, Thursdays @ 7pm.

MAC Lung Disease Support Group: for details, please call 541-483-2253 or 541805-5068.

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS Meets 2nd & 4th Sundays at 10am. 216 Cascade St., Suite 26 Hood River

GRIEF SUPPORT

Establishing a Grief Support Group. Please call Natasha 702-755-0778

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group Meets in person at Columbia Gorge Community College, Hood River campus, across from Rosauers, on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm. Support group participants have all lost someone to suicide and strive to help each other with their grief journeys and advocate for suicide prevention. Contact Brent and Shawnee at bsemmons@ hrecn.net or 541-806-2790.

TOPS OR #443 meets Thursday mornings, 8:30- 10 am. @ Zion Lutheran Church, use elevator entrance only. 10th and Union St., The Dalles, OR.

NAMI|Oregon National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is the largest education, support and advocacy organization on mental health in the nation. The Mission of NAMI Oregon is to improve the quality of life of persons with mental illness and of their famillies through support, education and advocacy.

Under NAMI Oregon sponsorship, NAMI-Gorge providees a monthly support group meeting for caregivers, friends, and family members of persons with mental illness.

Monthly NAMI Gorge inperson meetings are being conducted the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30pm at the Gloria Center at 2505 W. 7th Street, The Dalles. For information on local NAMI Resources, please contact Barbara Telfer: at 541-980-7264 or by email: booklovinbarbarian@ gmail.com.

For other NAMI information or resources: NAMI Oregon Support Line 1-800-3436264.

YOUNG Parents Support Group: ages 15-21, Tuesdays @ 7pm, call Tess @ 541-298-5104.

YOUNG Parents Support Group: ages 15-21, Tuesdays @ 7pm, call Tess @ 541-298-5104.

TOPS OR #942 meets at Gateway Presbyterian Church, The Dalles, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm.

STROKE SURVIVORS

SUPPORT GROUP

Mid Columbia Senior Center 1112 W 9th Street The Dalles 3rd Thursday of the month 1:30pm-3pm Questions, 541-980-8633

TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets upstairs at Columbia Bank in White Salmon at 10am on Tuesdays. Join us at 90 NE Tohomish St., White Salmon, WA 98672. No meetings during severe weather. 541980-0251.

TOPS OR #942 meets at Gateway Presbyterian Church, The Dalles, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm.

AA in MAUPIN (open), Maupin Community Church, 490 5th St., Thursdays @ 7pm.

AA in WAMIC (open): Tuesdays @ 7pm, NEW LOCATION! Molly B’s @ 57740 Main St., Tygh Valley, Oregon.

PARKINSON’S Support Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 10:45am11:45am in the Deschutes Room at Waters Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd., 2nd Floor. For more information, please contact Chad @ 541340-0142.

AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS

(Support for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Mondays at noon Pathways to Recovery Riverside Community Church 317 State St. Ruth Wells Room Tuesdays at 7pm St. Mark’s 11th & Eugene Hood River

TOPS OR #443 meets Thursday mornings, 8:30- 10 am. @ Zion Lutheran Church, use elevator entrance only. 10th and Union St., The Dalles, OR.

Alcoholicos Anonimos Reuniones

Jueves 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Paul Episcopal Church 1805 Minnesota St. The Dalles, OR 97058 GRIEF SUPPORT

Establishing a Grief Support Group. Please call Natasha 702-755-0778

AL-ANON in The Dalles: The Dalles Serenity meeting every Monday at 7pm @ Gateway Presbyterian Church, 1111 Dry Hollow. For more info, call 541-2962677.

RIVERVIEW Al-Anon Family Group in The Dalles: Episcopal Church of St. Paul, 1805 Minnesota, Taylor Hall. Meets every Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm. This meeting is free and open to anyone in the community who is interested in attending.

RIVERVIEW Al-Anon Family Group in The Dalles: Episcopal Church of St. Paul, 1805 Minnesota, Taylor Hall. Meets every Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm. This meeting is free and open to anyone in the community who is interested in attending.

AA in WAMIC (open): Tuesdays @ 7pm, NEW LOCATION! Molly B’s @ 57740 Main St., Tygh Valley, Oregon.

NA MEETINGS Every Wednesday. 6:30 - 7:30 at the Casa Guadalupe House, 1603 Belmont, Hood River, Oregon.

HAVEN: Weekly counseling groups for victims of domestic/teen dating violence or sexual assault. Biweekly educational classes given in Spanish and English for domestic violence. Call Haven, 541-296-1662.

HAVEN: Weekly counseling groups for victims of domestic/teen dating violence or sexual assault. Biweekly educational classes given in Spanish and English for domestic violence. Call Haven, 541-296-1662.

DO YOU HAVE HURTS, HABITS, HANG-UPS?

Attend

CELEBRATE RECOVERY, a faith-based 12 step program, every Thursday night at Hood River Alliance Church 2650 W. Montello (Off Rand Road) Dinner provided at 5:45pm and large group meeting at 6:30pm For more info. call 541-386-2812

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meetings please go to gorgeaa.org.

DO YOU HAVE HURTS, HABITS, HANG-UPS?

Attend

CELEBRATE RECOVERY, a faith-based 12 step program, every Thursday night at Hood River Alliance Church 2650 W. Montello (Off Rand Road) Dinner provided at 5:45pm and large group meeting at 6:30pm For more info. call 541-386-2812

AA in MAUPIN (open), Maupin Community Church, 490 5th St., Thursdays @ 7pm. Alcoholicos Anonimos Reuniones Jueves 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm St. Paul Episcopal Church 1805 Minnesota St. The Dalles, OR 97058

DEMENTIA Support Group every 2nd Monday of the month at the Oregon Veterans Home, 10:30am - 11:30am 541-296-7190 for info.

NARCOTICS Anonymous: Goldendale United Methodist Church, 109 E Broadway, Thursdays @ 7pm.

DEMENTIA Support Group every 2nd Monday of the month at the Oregon Veterans Home, 10:30am - 11:30am 541-296-7190 for info.

24 HOUR AA HOTLINE and meeting information: District 14. 1-833-423-3683 AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS (Support for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Mondays at noon Pathways to Recovery Riverside Community Church 317 State St. Ruth Wells Room Tuesdays at 7pm St. Mark’s 11th & Eugene Hood River

NA MEETINGS Every Wednesday. 6:30 - 7:30 at the Casa Guadalupe House, 1603 Belmont, Hood River, Oregon.

PARKINSON’S Support Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 10:45am11:45am in the Deschutes Room at Waters Edge, 551 Lone Pine Blvd., 2nd Floor. For more informa-

tion, please contact Chad @ 541-340-0142.

STROKE

SURVIVORS

SUPPORT GROUP

Mid Columbia Senior Center 1112 W 9th Street The Dalles 3rd Thursday of the month 1:30pm-3pm Questions, 541-980-8633

MAC Lung Disease Support Group: for details, please call 541-483-2253 or 541805-5068.

Volunteers MENTORS WANTED

Would you enjoy building a meaningful friendship with a child or teen? If so, become a mentor! Gorge Youth Mentoring, a program of The Next Door, provides children and teens with community based, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. Right now, 18 youth ages 6 to 21 are waiting to make a new friend. Mentors and youth plan their own activities based on their own schedules, meeting at least twice a month, for one year or more. For more information, visit www.nextdoorinc.org/gym or email gym@nextdoorinc.org

Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.)

a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 7-year-old boy in The Dalles, who is outgoing, talkative, and fun. He enjoys playing basketball, riding bikes, and building things with Legos. He has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could expose him to more outdoor activities and help expand his reading skills. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.

MENTORS WANTED

Would you enjoy building a meaningful friendship with a child or teen? If so, become a mentor! Gorge Youth Mentoring, a program of The Next Door, provides children and teens with community based, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. Right now, 18 youth ages 6 to 21 are waiting to make a new friend. Mentors and youth plan their own activities based on their own schedules, meeting at least twice a month, for one year or more. For more information, visit www.nextdoorinc.org/gym or email gym@nextdoorinc.org

Gorge Youth Mentoring (G.Y.M.)

a program of The Next Door, is seeking a positive, adult role model for a 12-year-old girl in The Dalles, who enjoys arts and crafts, animals, and going for walks. She has been waiting to spend a couple days a month with a mentor who could get her out of the house and expose her to more outdoor activities. For more information on how to get involved with G.Y.M., please call Kateel at 541-399-0259.

$500 or Less

WANT to sell something in the Budget Classifieds section? If you’re selling ONE item for $500 for less, we’ll place your five-line ad for free for one week! See the $500 or Less Box for exclusions. Call one of our newspapers to play your ad: Hood River News

541-386-1234 The Dalles Chronicle 541-296-2141 White Salmon Enterprise 509-493-2112

WANT to sell something in

the Budget Classifieds section? If you’re selling ONE item for $500 for less, we’ll place your five-line ad for free for one week! See the $500 or Less Box for exclusions. Call one of our newspapers to play your ad: Hood River News 541-386-1234 The Dalles Chronicle 541-296-2141 White Salmon Enterprise 509-493-2112

JACOB Doll Antique Upright Piano. Needs to be cleaned and tuned. Free. You Haul. 541-806-0859. LOVESEAT with Hida-ABed. Brown and tan fabric. $25. 541-354-1748

STUDDED Snow Tires on Wheels. 70SR15 & 75SR15. Come off of a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. $250. 509281-3040. JACOB Doll Antique Upright Piano. Needs to be cleaned and tuned. Free. You Haul. 541-806-0859. FOOD Dehydrator, 9 shelves. $15. 541-354-1748. $500 OR LESS Ads run 1 Week FREE!

Miscellaneous

c lassifieds

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertiser any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sec, handicap, familial state or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discriminations. Familial state includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women & people securing custody of children under 19.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any adverting for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777, TTY/TDD: 1-800927-9275.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertiser any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sec, handicap, familial state or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discriminations. Familial state includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women & people securing custody of children under 19.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any adverting for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800669-9777, TTY/TDD: 1-800927-9275.

Manufactured Homes for Rent

THE DALLES - 10’ x 50’ Mobile Home on Cherry Heights Road. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. $800 all inclusive. Credit background check required. 541-980-0805.

Help Wanted THE TICKET to a dream job might be a scam. Please be cautious! High-Paying Postal Jobs!

No Experience Required!

Don’t pay for information about jobs with the Postal Service or Federal Government. Call the Federal Trade Commission toll free @ 1-877-FTC-HELP, or visit www.ftc.gov to learn more. A public service message from Teh Dalles Chronicle and the FTC.

NOW HIRING FOSTER PARENTS!

The Next Door, Inc. (TNDI) is hiring full-time foster parents to work with youth, ages 6-18. Applicants must live in Hood River or Wasco Counties. TNDI provides 24-hour support, free training, paid days-off and up to $1800 tax-free/month, for each youth. Bonus also offered for completion of certification! Contact 541308-2207 or visit www.nextdoorinc.org/fosterparent to apply.

new home. Our community is part of Carla Properties, Ltd., a name synonymous with quality housing in the Portland metro area. We’re committed to providing our residents with a living experience that exceeds expectations. Ready to Make the Move? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make Fox Ridge Apartments your new home. Visit us today at 673 SW Halsey Loop, Troutdale, Oregon, or call our leasing office at 503-489-5630 to schedule a tour. Your new home awaits!

SPECIAL EDUCATION

NURSE (LPN or RN) Now hiring a Special Education Nurse (LPN or RN) for Goldendale Middle School. 40 hrs/week, school year schedule. $32.89 - $51.82 hourly rate. Details and application online: www.esd112.org/ takeroot

TUESDAY DELIVERY

DRIVER

• Approximately 6 hour shift from 7am-1pm • Company Van Provided Local newspaper delivery driver needed on Tuesdays. Job is to pick up delivery in Hood River early morning and take to post offices and then deliver to all newsstands and stores in The Dalles. Company van provided. The delivery driver oversees weekly delivery of the newspaper and keeping newsstands in clean and good working conditions. Must have clean driving record with valid local driver’s license. Requires the need to drive-in all-weather conditions. Ability to easily lift 25lbs required. Minimum wage, part time. To inquire send job history and references to: ChelseaM@Gorgenews.com or call 541-386-1234 ext. 100. Address: Columbia Gorge News, 1812 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031. LOOKING for a new job? Browse employment ads from throughout the Gorge on our classified websites: thedalleschronicle.com hoodrivernews.com whitesalmonenterprise. com

COLUMBIA GORGE NEW IS HIRING AN OUTSIDE MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Outside Marketing Representative: Columbia Gorge News is hiring a marketing advisor to service businesses in the area. This position is outside sales for the weekly newspaper in print and online plus niche publications. You must live in the Columbia River Gorge to perform this job. If you are outgoing and like to talk through ideas, this position is for you. The candidate will work from both home and the office. They will need reliable internet, computer, and a smart phone. A vehicle and valid driver’s license with insurance is a must. The candidate will work one on one with small businesses in our community to help them find ways to effectively market their business. The sales position will allow the person hired to work their own schedule to fit the needs of the customers. Weekly sales meetings and trainings required. Must have the ability to multi-task and be self-motivated. The ability to handle basic excel or word documents, perform math calculations and the willingness to communicate well with customers in person and over the phone are needed. Sales experience a plus but will train the right candidate. This position is mainly Mon-Fri but is somewhat flexible with part-time or full-time hours. Hourly, mileage, plus commissions. Email resume and references to: ChelseaM@GorgeNews.com Columbia Gorge News P.O. Box 390, Hood River, OR 97031. If you have questions, leave a message: 541-386-1234 Ext. 100.

FINANCE & OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR

The Gorge Community Foundation, a non-profit community foundation serving WA and OR, is hiring an Operations Director to oversee its accounting, bookkeeping, and administrative operations. Excellent computer and business management skills required. Experience with non-profit organizations a plus. See www.gorgecf.org for job description and application instructions. Open until filled.

LOOKING for a new job?

Browse employment ads from throughout the Gorge on our classified websites: thedalleschronicle.com hoodrivernews.com whitesalmonenterprise. com

THE TICKET to a dream job might be a scam. Please be cautious! High-Paying Postal Jobs! No Experience Required! Don’t pay for information about jobs with the Postal Service or Federal Government. Call the Federal Trade Commission toll free @ 1-877-FTC-HELP, or visit www.ftc.gov to learn more. A public service message from Teh Dalles Chronicle and the FTC.

NOW HIRING FOSTER PARENTS!

The Next Door, Inc. (TNDI) is hiring full-time foster parents to work with youth, ages 6-18. Applicants must live in Hood River or Wasco Counties. TNDI provides 24-hour support, free training, paid days-off and up to $1800 tax-free/month, for each youth. Bonus also offered for completion of certification! Contact 541308-2207 or visit www.nextdoorinc.org/fosterparent to apply.

MARKETING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Columbia Gorge News is seeking a sales and marketing representative for the news media territory. Sales experience preferred. Candidate should have the ability to meet multiple deadlines, communicate clearly and effectively, be outgoing and have the ability to want to work with a variety of customers. Small businesses are the heart of our clients, and the job will require travel to businesses throughout The Gorge area. Office and remote work available. Weekly newspaper sales, niche print publications and online website are many of the products to market. Pay will be hourly during 60-day training and work towards salary and commissions. PTO/retirement match. Health insurance not currently available. Full or part time offered. Contact publisher, ChelseaM@GorgeNews.com to apply.

Air Conditioning & Heating

NOTICE

Oregon Construction Contractors Law (ORS 701) requires that all businesses that advertise remodeling, repair, home improvements or new construction be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have a bond and insurance. Home inspection businesses also must be certified which means the inspector has passed a test and must comply with standard of practice and behavior. For your protection, call 503-378-4621, ext. 4900 to check an inspector’s certification.

Notice to Contractors Washington State Law

(RCW 18.27.100) requires that all advertisements for construction-related services include the contractor’s current Department of Labor and Industries registration number in the advertisement. Failure to obtain a certificate of registration from L & I or show the registration number in all advertising will result in a fine up to $5000 against the unregistered contractor. For more information, call Labor & Industries Specialty Compliance Services at 1-800-647-0982 or check L & I’s Internet site at www. wa.gov

Business & Service Directory

4 Weeks Up to 10 Lines Print and Online Only $45

$5 per additional line.

Contact your local newspaper or place your ad online using our fact and easy online entry system.

hoodrivernews.com

541-386-1234

thedallechronicle.com

541-296-2141

whitesalmonenterprise. com

509-493-2112

Business & Service Directory

4 Weeks Up to 10 Lines Print and Online Only $45

$5 per additional line.

Contact your local newspaper or place your ad online using our fact and easy online entry system.

hoodrivernews.com

541-386-1234

thedallechronicle.com

541-296-2141

whitesalmonenterprise. com

509-493-2112

NOTICE Oregon Construction Contractors Law (ORS 701) requires that all businesses that advertise remodeling, repair, home improvements or new construction be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have a bond and insurance. Home inspection businesses also must be certified which means the inspector has passed a test and must comply with standard of practice and behavior. For your protection, call 503-378-4621, ext. 4900 to check an inspector’s certification.

Notice to Contractors

Washington State Law (RCW 18.27.100) requires that all advertisements for construction-related services include the contractor’s current Department of Labor and Industries registration number in the advertisement. Failure to obtain a certificate of registration from L & I or show the registration number in all advertising will result in a fine up to $5000 against the unregistered contractor. For more information, call Labor & Industries Specialty Compliance Services at 1-800-647-0982 or check L & I’s Internet site at www. wa.gov

Construction

OREGON Construction Contractors Law requires that all those who advertise remodeling, repair, or construction services be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have bonds and insurance on the job site. For your protection, be sure any contractors you hire are registered. Contact the Construction Contractors Board in Salem at 503-378-4621. To verify a contractor’s CCB license through the CCB Consumer Website, visit: hirealicensedcontractor.com

OREGON Construction Contractors Law requires that all those who advertise remodeling, repair, or construction services be registered with the Construction Contractors Board. Registration means contractors have bonds and insurance on the job site. For your protection, be sure any contractors you hire are registered. Contact the Construction Contractors Board in Salem at 503-378-4621. To verify a contractor’s CCB license through the CCB Consumer Website, visit: hirealicensedcontractor.com

J&J JUNK

REMOVEL & HAULING, LLC

My business has grown over the last four years and I am now a general contractor, licensed, bonded and ensured CCB#255344. Located in Hood River, where I was born & raised, I offer junk removal, leaf removal,

demolition, land clearing, site prep for new houses, building fences, handyman work and much more! Give me a call if you have any questions or for a free quote. (541) 806-0158 Landscaping SYS LANDSCAPE SERVICE

BONDED – INSURED FREE ESTIMATES Lawn Mowing and Maintenance Landscaping Excavation Work Soil Removal Tree and Shrub Trimming Sprinkler System Service Aeration – Power Raking Paver Stone Patios Lawn Fertilizing and Weed Control Snow Removal Rock Retaining Walls Fencing – ETC

GUARANTEED QUALITY WORK

SERAPIO C. 509-281-0158 509-281-0030 Alma White Salmon, WA

CORTES Yard Service & Construction, LLC¸ Yard Maintenance, Excavation, Drainage Work, Retaining Walls, Blocks, Pavers, Stonework, Fencing, Delivery of Gravel, Bark Dust and Topsoil & SNOW REMOVAL FREE ESTIMATES AFFORDABLE PRICES 25 Years Experience Licensed & Bonded WA: CORTEYS876BP OR CCB: 199393 Alfredo Cortes 509-493-8814 cortesland@yahoo.com

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Check It Out

Beth Wood, Collection Librarian

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District

Contact Beth Wood with questions about this column: 360-906-4996 or bwood@fvrl.org

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Jane Austen is widely regarded as the writer whose works de ned “novels of manners” due to her treatment of ordinary people in their day-to-day lives. This year marks the 250th anniversary of her birth, on December 16, 1775. She lived just forty-one years and wrote a total of six novels, but the legacy of these important books, especially Pride and Prejudice, carries on. There are many Austen scholars, and a Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Devotees are known as Janeites.  In honor of Jane’s birthday, and the lasting importance of her writing, I would like to share with you titles related to three of Jane Austen’s books: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.

• “Death Comes to Pemberley” by P. D. James (2011) - a murder mystery that takes place six years after P&P

• “Bridget Jones’s Diary: A Novel” by Helen Fielding (1996)a modern P&P retelling

• “Introducing Mrs. Collins” by Rachel Parris (2025)written as a sequel to P&P, this novel features Charlotte, Elizabeth’s best friend, and her marriage

• “Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors” by Sonali Dev (2019) - a P&P retelling, featuring an Indian-American family in modern San Francisco

• “Jane of Austin” by Hillary Manton Lodge (2017) - a contemporary twist on Sense & Sensibility, set in Austin, TX

• “Sex, Lies and Sensibility” by Nikki Payne (2024) - inspired by S&S, but far steamier than a Regency romance

• “Emma: A Modern Retelling” by Alexander McCall Smith (2016) - McCall Smith, esteemed author of numerous series, brings Emma current with his witty interpretation

• “Love, Decoded” by Jennifer Yen (2022) - modeled on Emma, this is a fast-paced rom-com about a ChineseAmerican high school matchmaker

• “Polite Society” by Mahesh Rao (2019) - “Emma” meets “Crazy Rich Asians” in Delhi, for the 21st century

Here are a few other Austen-related titles that you might want to investigate:

• “Jane Austen Made Me Do It” by Laurel Ann Nattress, ed. (2011) - a collection of short stories tied to the in uence of Jane Austen or her works

• “A Jane Austen Education” by William Deresiewicz (2012) - An Austen scholar details the life lessons contained within Austen’s six novels as applied to himself

• “Jane Austen in 41 Objects” by Kathryn Sutherland (2025) - beautifully illustrated, this biography in objects invites the reader to intersect with Jane Austen at various points in her short life

• “Jane Austen Trivia: 400 Questions & Answers for Every Austenite” (2024) - test your knowledge of Austen and her novels with this trivia card game

You can nd all of these Austen-related materials—and more—at the library. There are also many movies based on Austen’s books available on DVD. Don’t miss “Bride & Prejudice” (2005)!

Beth Wood is a senior collection development librarian for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.

New at the Library

FICTION

“Hearts in Circulation” by Sarah Monzon

“Silent Horizons” by Chad Robichaux

“Her Last Breath” by Lana M. Fox

NONFICTION

“100 Best Books for Work and Life” by Todd Sattersten

“Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics” by Joe Sasto

“Legendary Ballparks” by Eric Enders

CHILDREN

“A Knot is Not a Tangle” by Daniel Nayeri

“Dirt!: Wild Life Under the Soil’s Surface” by Lindsey Leigh

“Robot Island” by Cary Fagan

This is just a small sampling of the many new titles added each week to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District collection. Visit the district’s 15 locations, our website at www.fvrl.org, or call (360) 906-5000 to reserve titles or nd additional listings.

(Family Features) Before turning your attention to the comfort of filling soups and slow-cooked meals, give warmer weather one last hurrah. If you have any garden veggies leftover, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad offers a light, tasty dish that’s perfect for packing to the office. Discover more recipe ideas for any season at Culinary.net.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

Peel and slice cucumbers. Deseed, if desired. Coarsely chop into bite-size pieces. Slice and chop tomatoes. Place cucumbers and tomatoes in large bowl with chopped onions, if desired.

To make dressing: In separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dill and mayo. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over cucumber mixture and mix well.

Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve.

The Right Way to do

I know there are a lot of opinions about the right way to do Christmas. My husband, Peter, feels the holidays are too commercial—too much time spent in preparation, too much added stress buying everyone presents. I know there are people who stand in long lines for sales and put debt on their credit cards, and I don’t think this is what the holidays are supposed to be about. I understand Peter’s point, and I can imagine a Christmas that was nothing more than a good meal and time with family.

But I don’t feel that way.

I like having my Christmas tree hogging up space in the living room. I like piling presents underneath it, and I love using fancy ribbon on the presents I wrap. I love the look, the night before Christmas, when everything is sparkly and stuffed full of surprises—even if those surprises are nothing more than new hot pads and cat toys.

I’ve been fortunate that Christmas has never felt overwrought with expectations. (Unless you count getting my grandmother’s recipe for rice pudding correct on Christmas Eve. That recipe is not easy and has caused more than its share of stress.)

But when I think of presents, I don’t think of stress. I have given my young nephew inappropriately dangerous gifts (what young man does not need a pickax?) And I’ve given joke presents (my friend, Andrew, at one time had an impressive collection of shower caps). I remember the fun I’ve had giving them over the years, and the giant mess of paper and ribbons that is left after the present opening is over. I love giving presents to pets. I love hearing my

mother exclaim, “What on earth…?” as she opens a box.

And many decades later, I still remember one of the few years I spent Christmas away from my family. I was performing in a show that ran over the holidays, and coming back home wasn’t feasible. Working as an actor, I didn’t have a lot of money. But I remember I went to an art fair where there were local artists displaying their wares. Everything was decorated for the holidays and music was playing, and I remember feeling very homesick. I saw a little garnet necklace that cost more than I planned to spend, and I thought of my sister, who was still in her teens at the time. I missed her. Email didn’t exist. Phone calls were expensive. Letters took forever (although she wrote to me regularly). So I bought a little gem for my sister and mailed it to her for Christmas. I never regretted that.

But because he really does not enjoy it, Peter and I never exchange presents. “Let’s not give each other presents,” Peter said early in our relationship.

“I’m fine with that,” I told him. And there have been years when my family has put a moratorium on Christmas gifts. “Let’s take a year off from exchanging gifts and pick a charity instead!” No one seemed to mind. Honestly, if we should decide not to give presents again some year, it would not bother me at all. (Although I do love packages under the tree, and I think I’d wrap up a bunch of boxes, just for the sake of the ribbon!) Christmas can make do with very few things because Christmas is not about the things. I don’t think there is a right way to do Christmas. And as long as there is enough love to go around, I don’t think there is a wrong way. To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.

Baboons are some of the most fascinating characters in the animal kingdom, and every time I see them, it feels like I’m stepping into a place with drama, laughter, and constant motion. These incredible primates live all across Africa, from sun-soaked savannahs to shady forests and even rocky cliffs that tower over dry desert scrub. Each habitat shapes their daily lives, and watching them explore their world is like watching a family of adventurers on a never-ending expedition. -

Did you know that there are different kinds of baboons? Olive baboons usually live in grassy areas and have greenish-brown fur that helps them blend in. Yellow baboons have lighter, yellow-brown fur. Chacma baboons are one of the largest baboon species, and hamadryas baboons are known for the males’ long, silver-colored hair around their faces. Even though all baboons belong to the same animal family, each species lives in different parts of Africa and has adapted to its own habitat and climate.

Baboons eat many different kinds of foods, which helps them live in lots of places. They use their hands to dig up roots and tubers, pick fruits and leaves, and catch insects. Some baboons also hunt small animals when they can. In areas where people live nearby, baboons may look for leftover food or crops. When a group of baboons searches for food together, each one looks carefully through the grass, trees, or soil to find something to eat. Interesting Fact: Baboons have built-in “pockets” in their cheeks. They store extra food in their cheek pouches and save it for later!

Read All About I!

Read these amazing books and more! Visit your local Library!

Ultimate Book of Baboons by Stunning Wild

Everything You Should Know About Baboons by Anne Richards

Baboons

Baboons may seem playful, but they can also be very dangerous if they feel threatened. Their long, sharp canine teeth aren’t just for show, and they will defend themselves, their troop, and their territory if they sense danger. Their strength lies in numbers, and they know it.

A baboon’s biggest goal is to protect its troop, especially the young ones, so if a predator or a person gets too close, they may bark loudly, flash their teeth, or even charge to scare the danger away. The troop works together to find food, warn each other about predators, and protect their shared territory.

has a

to do. They

Scientists have seen baboons figure out how to open complicated latches or work together to reach a snack. Life in a baboon family is all about teamwork, communication, and supporting one another, just like human families. Watching them reminds us that animals are stronger when they stick together.

Ha Ha

Why was the baboon a terrible chef?

Ha Ha

He kept monkeying around with the ingredients.

Videos!

Baboons are cool. So are videos about baboons! Scan this to watch!