The most interesting stories of 2009
There's big news and then there's stories that are really interesting for many reasons. Back in 2009, The Sentinel had plenty of both. Following are highlights of the top, and most interesting, stories that ran last year.
January
PUD hires new general manager
The Klickitat PUD has announced it has found a new general manager. Winston Gregory Low will take over the position being vacated by Tom Svendsen in January. The decision ends an eight-month-long search.
Rohrer steps down
Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) administrators have hired a new interim CEO to replace John Rohrer, who announced earlier in December he would be stepping down. Philip Hanna will take over the top hospital management position Jan. 5.
Brooks Memorial on chopping block
Brooks Memorial State Park is on a list of Washington parks under threat of closure according to a new budget proposal outlined by Governor Chris Gregoire.
Lawyers prepare for Rural 7 trial
Attorneys on both sides of the Rural 7 case are preparing for trial after former secretary Linda Story was arraigned last month. On Dec. 1, Story pled not guilty to 10 counts of theft and forgery during her time with Klickitat County Fire Protection District 7.
February
Goldendale baby fights for life
A neonatologist told Devon and Ryan Jenkins that their baby, named Karlee Ann, was near brain dead and might not live. Doctors have diagnosed the three-month-old with Left Ventricular Non-compaction Disorder, also know as spongiform cardiomyopathy, or "spongy heart." Karlee will stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a ventilator until she receives a heart transplant.
DOL to close by summer
A local Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office has become the latest entity in Klickitat County to be hit by the budget deficit. Last week, the department announced it will close its Goldendale branch by late spring or summer. [Obviously, this changed later in the year.]
March
Paranormals investigate Red House
White Salmon-based Columbia Gorge Paranormals (CGP) is in town to either confirm or debunk rumors about possible paranormal activities. Most recently, the group conducted an investigation at a private residence in Goldendale, known as the Red House.
Biggs Bridge reopens early
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced it will finish the $16 million US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement project early and on budget.
April
Taylor becomes new legislator
David Taylor of Moxee was selected to represent the 15th district by vote of the county commissioners representing Klickitat, Yakima, Clark, and Skamania Counties.
Home and Garden Show wows organizers
Fantastic!" "Awesome!" The superlatives were non-ending with a quick survey of the attendees and vendors at the first Goldendale Regional Home and Garden Show.
Goldendale future focus of planning meeting
In a day-long meeting Saturday, participants from the city of Goldendale and leaders from various state and national organizations came together to discuss desired goals and steps that will ensure the city's future prosperity.
May
New KVH leaders respond to audit
While a newly released state audit on Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) reveals some improprieties, the facility's freshly installed management asserts that their organization is on a new and sound course.
June
KLCK closes local studio
On June 7 KLCK radio completes its planned shut-down of offices in Goldendale, and the morning show live talk will cease to exist.
July
The Sentinel launches Java Talk
Reunion a focus of Community Days
Goldendale, a great place to live and come home to, was the theme of last week's Community Days festivities.
August
Festive events make happy Fair fans
From the opening chords on the violins of the Old Time Fiddlers and the Pee Wee Horse Classes Thursday morning, all the way through Sunday's Goat Obstacle and Agility Course, the 2009 Klickitat County Fair was a non-stop feast of fun and frolic.
September
City's Insitu proposal invites quick response
If Goldendale can help it-and it's trying hard-Bingen-based Insitu will take up residence in the industrial park.
Goldendale's Most Wanted feature begins
The highly productive program has brought in many fugitives.
Baby born in KVH parking lot
Finally, Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) has a new maternity ward. It's in their parking lot. At least it was early morning for Katy Gilliam. The local third-grade teacher gave birth at 1:30 a.m. in her van in the KVH parking lot, with only her three daughters in attendance.
October
Low resigns from PUD
The Klickitat PUD announced last Wednesday that general manager Winston Low had resigned from his position, effective immediately. The announcement also stated that Jim Smith is appointed interim general manager.
Singer/songwriter showcase packs in appreciative crowd
Rainer Billingsley pulled off another milestone in his quest to bring Goldendale to musical prominence.
Story trial ends in plea agreement
Former Rural 7 fire department employee Linda Story accepted a plea agreement last Wednesday in her case prosecuted by the state attorney general's office for theft of Rural 7 funds. The agreement resulted in a court verdict of guilty of one count of attempted theft, a gross misdemeanor, and one count of theft, a misdemeanor. Story entered an Alford plea, in which a guilty plea is entered but without admission of guilt.
November
A year old, miracle Baby Karlee thrives
Though she can only say one word presently ("Dada"), one-year-old Karlee Jenkins has a message for everyone with a human heart: It's an amazing thing to be alive.
Millions in tax refunds going unclaimed in county
Klickitat County has almost $15 million being "borrowed" by the U.S. government and which is still available to be returned to county taxpayers.
Vandalism costs city lost history
The markers in the old section of the Mountain View Cemetery date back 130 to 150 years. When vandals strike, many of these stones are broken and destroyed, and they become no longer readable.
City awarded state investment funds
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) last week announced $3.3 million in public investments targeting job creation and business growth. A $25,000 grant went to the City of Goldendale for a study to determine the feasibility of constructing and managing a publicly-owned incubator in support of growing alternative energy producing wind farms, vineyards and wineries, and other businesses.
December
Christmas lights winners
Over the weekend the winners of the best Christmas light decorations were announced. In the private residence category, first place went to the Coulter home at Grant and Second. Second place went to the Enstad residence at 604 Roosevelt. Third place went to the Birney home on Llama Lane. In the business category, first place went to McCredy's, second place to the Presby Museum, and third place to the Full Circle of Life Family Home on S. Columbus.
Gallery acquires tax exempt status
The Goldendale Gallery-the storefront business of the Art Guild-is now free to accept tax-deductible donations. |
