By the
Trout Lake Newswriters
Sandi Thygesen, 395-2318
Pat Arnold, 395-2233
Bonnie Reynolds, 395-2527
Laurie West, 395-9330
Many locals have probably noticed the "Iron Carriage Works" sign no longer adorns Marv Mason's former building on Highway 141. A new sign "Cascade Mountain & Ropes" sits in its place and local residents, Bill and Karen Smith, are the new owners of the business property between the Trout Lake Grocery and the Post Office. Even though Marv's property has been sold, folks who know Marv don't expect he will be too far away from the business he began in September, 1988. In the 17 years since Marv began collecting used equipment and parts for automotive, mechanical, electrical and agricultural uses he has become known as the local "fix-it and general repairman" as well as offering a haven for those seeking hard-to-find or outdated spare parts anywhere in the valley. Marv is known for helping others whenever he can and often the skeptics who venture in to find an indescribable spare part have been pleasantly surprised when Marv scratches through his abundant stash of collectibles and comes out grinning with the prized part in his hands. For many years it was not unusual to see Marv and his buddies sitting on the wooden bench near his business as he waved and greeted locals passing by. Marv says he has no plans to leave the valley so we can expect to see him on his favorite bench from time to time.
Bill Smith, the new business owner of Cascade Mountain & Ropes, has lots of plans for developing his mountaineering business and even wants to have Marv continue repairing snowmobiles or other equipment as will be needed in the new business venture. According to Bill's wife, Karen, they will work towards providing hiking and camping rental equipment for use on our local trails and campgrounds as well as teaching survival skills for those wanting to trek on trails at higher elevations. Bill is a very experienced mountain climber and has taught mountaineering survival skills for many years. Bill has lots of plans for developing their business and we wish them success.
Another local resident, Bonnie Henderson, has joined the Trout Lake Post Office staff as the "postmaster relief." She has completed her post office training and began part-time work on Sept. 17. Bonnie operated the local gas station cafe from 1980 until 1997 and has owned the Big River Diner in Bingen with her daughter, Sharron Allen, for 10 years. You will find Bonnie working at the Post Office counter on Saturday mornings as well as part-time during the week. Bonnie no longer works in the day-to-day operations at the diner and says she is enjoying learning new skills after working in the food industry for thirty years. She is also looking forward to reacquainting with local residents and meeting new ones as they move into the valley.
Near freezing temperatures this past week have brought my prolific tomato plants to an abrupt end. Two plants laden with lots of tomatoes will not recover so my kitchen counters are decorated with platters of large green tomatoes. Hopefully, they will still ripen or I may have to look for a fried green tomato recipe. However, the falling rain is heaven sent and should ensure we do not have any forest fires during the fall. Laurie West
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