WHITE SALMON — City council kicked off their March 4 meeting with a presentation that commemorated Women’s History Month, which runs up until April.
“A core reason for this month is so others can see themselves in these people — can be inspired by them,” said Jill Catherine, the founder and CEO of the Gorge Leadership Institute. “It helps us remember women who made significant contributions to the world that aren’t in the textbooks, that we don’t always hear about, which is critical to history.”
She emphasized how many talented, powerful women there are locally and hearkened back to November when the institute, which aims to help people and organizations realize their full potential through coaching and a variety of programs, put together an event called “INSPIRE! Celebrating Women in the Gorge.”
Hosted by Columbia Center for the Arts, 16 women shared their experiences in artistry, winemaking, organizing and more, and council inquired about how to support future events.
“It’s so lovely to hear someone and reminding us of all the resources and values and good things that are happening in our community,” Councilor Patty Fink said.
The lone business item on council’s agenda was a letter supporting at least 80 property owners petitioning Washington’s Department of Transportation to reduce the speed along a section of West Jewett Boulevard just outside city limits, as previously reported by Columbia Gorge News.
Vehicles can travel up to 45 miles per hour through the Pucker Huddle neighborhood, but lacking jurisdiction, council decided to inquire about what county-level communication has taken place, the rationale for suggested speeds and other information before approving a letter for the coalition.
Lastly, Mayor Marla Keethler came with several policy and community-related updates: TreeFest is quickly approaching on March 21; construction on Phase IIA of White Salmon’s Water Transmission Main Improvements Project has begun, impacting traffic; city administration has identified a grant opportunity for the Bluff Connector Trail; and Keethler reported a positive conversation with Sen. Patty Murray’s office regarding free mail delivery for all city residents.
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