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White Salmon mayor touts Arbor Day, community programs and advocacy on stalled USPS PO box
Summary
Mayor Marla Keethler highlighted Arbor Day plans, new 'Pizza and Policy' sessions on water policy, grant opportunities for trails and water projects, and said the stalled USPS PO box issue remains at the regional postal level despite outreach to Senator Murray’s office.
During the March 4 meeting Mayor Marla Keethler updated the council on community events, public‑engagement efforts and grant opportunities.
Keethler highlighted an Arbor Day event scheduled for March 21 at Rheingarten Park organized with the Tree Board and noted the Tree Board’s Tree Fest and a draft community Tree Walk. She said a series called “Pizza and Policy” will begin in April with sessions focused on water infrastructure and conservation, and future sessions may address housing and the city budget to improve public understanding and engagement.
Keethler outlined several grant opportunities the city is pursuing, including a state recreation grant that could support the Bluff Trail project and potential Bureau of Reclamation WaterSmart grants for water-related projects. She also reported the city is working to revive funding for the Aquifer Storage Recovery project.
Keethler said the city has discussed a stalled USPS PO box project with Senator Murray’s office but the issue remains at the regional postal level and may require additional advocacy. The council also heard a Heritage Month presentation: Jill Catherine of the Gorge Leadership Institute described INSPIRE: Celebrating Women in the Gorge, a 2025 event that recognized 16 local women and generated community interest that helped secure funding for local nonprofit programming.
Other council reports included a water-facility tour conducted for Councilmembers Rainbolt and Lindley, plans for an EV‑ready ordinance being drafted by City Lab (led by Councilmember Patty Fink), and an upcoming International Women’s Day celebration expected to draw 200–300 attendees at White Salmon High School.
