Goldendale Sentinel March 22, 2023

Double homicide: the grim trail from Goldendale to Toppenish

Newhouse meets with farmers on ag issues

Representative Dan Newhouse visited Goldendale last Tuesday to discuss top issues facing the agriculture industry. The roundtable discussion was one leg of the Congressman’s Farm Bill Tour where he is meeting with Central Washington farmers to talk over their priorities for this year’s Farm Bill. Dan Newhouse is currently serving as the U.S. representative for Washington’s 4th congressional district. He served as director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture before his election to Congress. The new Farm Bill,

Multiple law enforcement agencies combine in investigation

Last Thursday and Friday, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Offi ce (KCSO) and an FBI Taskforce, joined in investigating a double homicide.

On March 16 at about 10 p.m., the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management received information from the FBI Taskforce out of Yakima of a possible suspect involved in burning two bodies on the Yakama Nation Tribal Reservation in the Toppenish, Washington, area. One of the suspects was believed to be in the Goldendale area.

The following day about 2 p.m., Officer Michael Steljes with the Goldendale Police Department, Deputy Zack McBride with the Sheriff’s Office, and agents with the FBI Taskforce located a vehicle associated with one of the sus-

pects in the case in Goldendale. A traffic stop was conducted on the associated vehicle, and two subjects were taken into custody. The first subject was determined to be a suspect in the burning of the two bodies. The second subject was determined to not be involved in the incident but was found to have a warrant for his arrest in an unrelated case. Through the investigation, it was determined a homicide involving the two dead bodies had occurred on Box Canyon Road north of Goldendale. A third crime scene was located along Highway 97 on the Yakama Nation Tribal Reservation.

Agents with the FBI Seattle Office as well as agents with the FBI Yakima Office processed the crime scene where the bodies had been burned. The Washington

State Patrol sent a detective unit along with a Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team to assist in processing the other crime scenes.

A second suspect was identified and is believed to be the shooter. This suspect is believed to still be armed with the weapon used in the homicide and is thought to have been driven to Rufus, Oregon.

The Sherman County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and called in The Dalles Police Department SWAT Team and the Mid-Columbia SWAT Team.

Attempts were made to arrest the second suspect at his residence, but the suspect left approximately 20 minutes before the SWAT teams arrived. Warrants were issued for the

See Murders page A8

Council hears on drug possession issues from Recovery Café

RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL

Much of the Goldendale city council’s meeting Monday centered on a presentation by Recovery Café on the Recovery Navigation Project. This is a diversion program for controlled substances coming out of state legislation that set up programs in every Washington County. Jim Jenson of Carelon Behavioral Health, formerly Beacon Health, was one of several representatives who

spoke. He explained that in 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in the case of State v. Blake that the state’s felony drug possession law was unconstitutional.

Jenson said that meant simple possession was not against the law for a while, but the Legislature stepped in and recriminalized possession of controlled substances.

“In that same bill,” he said, “they funded some resources for pre-arrest diversion to require

two diversions for simple possession before you can charge somebody for simple possession.” (“Diversion” in controlled substance cases means law enforcement diverts a case to substance abuse disorder or mental health treatment as an alternative to arrest.)

He said the operation was unlike other situations: “It’s different than, let’s say, a drug court, a therapeutic court, where they say, ‘Do this or else.’ The way the Recovery Navigator

titled the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, seeks to establish a legal framework to help bolster the current agricultural workforce. Newhouse is one of sixty-one Senators from across the country co-sponsoring the Bill. Rep. Newhouse sat at a long table in the conference room of the USDA Service Center and fielded questions in what he called a listening session. “I wanted to make sure as we work on this, if we get the language right, that farmers and ranchers in the state of Washington’s voices are heard,” said Newhouse. “So I wanted to hear from you all some priorities that should be

See Bill page A8

14th District lawmakers to host virtual town hall

Lawmakers from the 14th Legislative District invite their constituents to join them for a legislative update and virtual question and answer session tomorrow, March 23, at 7 p.m.

Sen. Curtis King, Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, and Rep. Chris Corry will take part in the virtual town hall to provide the latest on their bills and the big-picture issues impacting those in the 14th Legislative District.

“I am looking forward to our 14th District Virtual Town Hall on March 23 with Reps. Corry and Mosbrucker,” said King-R, Yakima. “This meeting will be an excellent opportunity for our constituents to communicate their opinions or ask questions

regarding bills we are considering this session. Hearing from those we represent is vitally important to the work we do in Olympia.”

“I’m grateful for the gift of serving you. I hope you can join us as we share another legislative update to hear your questions, comments, and any concerns,” said Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale. “Never forget the difference you make in our lives. Together we can work to make our beautiful Washington state even stronger and reflective of our values.”

“We have had some victories, but there are many concerning issues yet to be resolved around

See Town Hall page A8

Students learn the qualities of plant tending

ZACHARY VILLAR FOR THE SENTINEL

At 8:30 a.m. on a Monday morning, the students of Randi Krieg’s Exploratory Agriculture class are busy preparing the Goldendale Middle School’s greenhouse for the day’s activities. You’ve probably driven by the large structure on E. Collins Street. It was installed in 2019 and is one of the main hubs of

activity for Krieg’s Science and Agriculture classes where she teaches 7th and 8th grade.

Krieg is passionate about the greenhouse and the opportunities it provides for her students.

“I knew we needed a larger space, and we had a spot out here,” said Krieg, referring to a gravel lot in the northwestern corner of the school where the greenhouse is located. “So the

ZACHARY VILLAR

LOCAL GREENHOUSE EFFECT: Goldendale Science Agriculture teacher Randi Krieg, center, works with students at the middle school’s greenhouse.

BLOOD TRAIL: It sounds like something from a crime movie. Last week two people were executed at close range at a remote spot near the end of Box Canyon Road, about 17 miles from Highway 97 northwest of Goldendale (see lower map above). The killers then loaded the bodies into a car and drove up 97 and onto Pumphouse Road just below Toppenish (top map), making one stop along the highway to dispose of some unspecified items. On Pumphouse Road, they dumped the bodies and set them afire. Lower left, one suspect, John Scott Raczykowski, remains at large.

ZACHARY VILLAR

AREA FARMERS IN TALKS: U.S Representative Dan Newhouse, second from right, met last Tuesday with farmers from around Goldendale.

ZACHARY VILLAR FOR THE SENTINEL

Newhouse holds roundtable on fentanyl crisis

Last Wednesday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) held a roundtable at the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce to discuss the fentanyl crisis plaguing our communities and his new legislation, the William and James Wonacott Act of 2023 He was joined by Andrew and Brandi Wonacott, other parents of fentanyl victims from Central Washington, members of law enforcement, medical professionals, and community leaders who are all on the frontlines fighting the fentanyl crisis.

“The fentanyl crisis has impacted far too many families in our communities, just like the Wonacott family,” said Newhouse. “Thank you to Andrew and Brandi for reaching out to me to bring awareness to this issue and for being a strong voice for their two sons. To honor William and James, this crucial legislation will hold dealers and distributors accountable. Together, we can bring forth real solutions to confront the fentanyl crisis that is plaguing every corner of our communities.”

“The time is right to take action on the fentanyl crisis as it continues to be a huge impact to families and loved ones who have lost someone to a fentanyl-related overdose,” said Andrew and

Brandi Wonacott, parents of William and James. “When this legislation becomes law and saves one family from the hurt and grief Brandi and I have had to endure, it is worth it. Thank you to Dan Newhouse’s efforts on this crisis. We are hopeful that Congress passes this legislation quickly with bi-partisan support. Our nation cannot wait anymore, and we must act and do something now to stop this poison from taking a generation from our families.”

“Yakima County is in the midst of a fentanyl crisis,” said Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell. “The easily attainable drug is found in inexpensive pill-form and mixed into other illegal narcotics. Young people find it easy to find, and the result is dozens of opioid deaths a year just in Yakima County. We must act now to limit the availability of this

dangerous drug, and Rep. Newhouse’s bill is one of the ways to do so. His proposal to enact significant mandatory penalties on those who sell fentanyl, often causing deaths, is an excellent way to protect people of all ages. I enthusiastically support Rep. Newhouse’s bill on penalties for fentanyl dealers.”

“Public safety should be the first priority of any government and people should be able to safely send their children to school and raise their families without fear,” said Jeremy Takala, Yakama Nation Tribal Councilman and Chairman of the Council’s Law and Order Committee. “I thank Congressman Newhouse for working to provide much-needed resources to law enforcement officers, including the recently passed Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement legislation, and urge that more resources be provided for an

Pub Talk Event in Goldendale on April 6

enhanced police response to the Fentanyl epidemic.”

The William and James Wonacott Act , to be introduced by Rep. Newhouse on March 24, 2023, is named after two young men from Yakima who lost their lives to products laced with illicit fentanyl. James Wonacott, 30, passed away in November 2022 and was known as a loving and involved member of the Yakima community. Less than one year later, James’ younger brother, William Wonacott, fell victim to the same fate.

A United States Air Force veteran and husband, William was only 27 years old when he passed.

The bill would define federal punishments by making selling, giving, or distributing equivalent to first-degree murder, including provisions to do the following:

• Enhances penalties for those who sell, give, or distribute illicit fentanyl-related substances. These actions will result in a minimum of twenty years with possibility of life.

• Enhances penalties if the selling, giving, or distributing results in death. These lethal actions will result in a minimum of 25 years with possibility of life.

Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD)

will host several Pub Talk-style events in partnership with the chambers of commerce throughout the Columbia River Gorge in 2023. With the support of a grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association, these events will bring together entrepreneurs and business owners to network, share and learn from each other. Besides networking opportunities and appetizers, the events will highlight a small panel of businesses of different types and in different stages of development to share their experiences, as well as a brief training from the Small Business Development Center.

Everyone is invited to the event co-hosted with the Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at D’Avanzo’s (119 E Main Street, Goldendale). The event is free to attend with appetizers provided, and all are welcome. The next event

in Goldendale will be May 4 at The HonkyTonk. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) was established in 1969 by Klickitat, Skamania, Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties to benefit from better access to economic development loans and grants, pooled technical assistance, marketing, and administrative resources, and a regional approach to economic development efforts. Over the years MCEDD’s membership has grown to include counties, cities, ports, and chambers of commerce within the fivecounty region. It is governed by a 22-member board representing its members and the key economic interests in the region. MCEDD promotes the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development, and retention of business and industry. More information may be found at www.mcedd.org.

Contributed

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS: Rep. Dan Newhouse, center, met with the parents of two brothers killed by products laced with illicit fentanyl.

G OLDENDALE ’ S A TTIC

Answer to last week´s

Mystery Picture

The people in last week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture were familiar to many, though no one could put a name to them. The location seemed to be the Presby Museum, based on

Points to ponder:

This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture

We realize it’s likely no one will recognize any of these faces—the picture goes back too far. But it’s an intriguing shot of an interesting family, and it was in our archives, so

we presume it was taken in Goldendale. Perhaps it’s an ancestral family portrait of someone from the area? If you have any thoughts on it, please share. All we know about

L OOKING BACK

February 26, 1891 – 132 Years Ago

this picture is that it ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in the annals of yesteryear. If you know anything about it, please drop us an email (info@goldendalesentinel.com), or give

us a call (509-773-3777), or drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.

the sloped roof and the wallpaper. But we were able to identify the people through other means. They are: Norman Elsner, a mannequin, Selma Neils, and J. Neils.

I had to quit my job as a faith healer. I kept calling in sick.

Teacher: “Give me a sentence with the word ‘efficient.’”

Student: “When he’s hungry, my dad likes efficient chips dinner.”

What would have happened if Three Wise Women had gone to Bethlehem? They’d have asked for directions, decorated the stable, and brought practical gifts like a nice casserole.

William Olsen, of Lyle is deeding to the Grange of that place a tract of land upon which to build a Grange Hall.  His gift is a liberal and commendable one. He was born in 1864 in a covered wagon on the trail to Oregon.

March 2, 1893 – 130 Years Ago

Editorial: With this issue we take control of the Sentinel, and whether we succeed in making it a success – both as concerning its owners and its patrons -depends mostly upon us, for if we do our part there is no doubt but that you will do yours.  As this is a newspaper of and for the citizens and interests of Goldendale and Klickitat County, for these we’ll ever strive, hoping to be found working to give the news rather than fi lling the paper with articles abusing those who may differ from us. And here we will say that those seeking public favor and trust need fear nothing from this paper, unless it be the truth. The man for the office we will always support; but if that question be mooted, then our choice will go to him whose principals are and ever have been for the interest and upbuilding of our country and for the betterment of its citizens.  It is not deemed necessary to say more, as the paper will speak for itself.  Some mistakes will be made, and some news will not be gathered in, yet we hope we’ll be able to say we’ve done our best and will always be found trying. Your obedient servant – Will F. Byars.

March 21, 1895 – 128 Years Ago

The flying machine which until recently was a mere matter of conjecture or picture imagination, is fast taking on a substantial form.  The work is thus far being done by the projector of the plan, Mr. D. Parrott.  Mr. Parrott has begun work on the boiler, which is a very complicated piece of machinery.  The engine, which will develop 100 horsepower and can be placed inside an ordinary hog trough, will, if a success, revolutionize artificial power.  The cost of using it, when once charged, will be nothing as the vapor which arises from the chemical, condenses, and becomes a generator over and over.  Mr. Parrott informs us that the boiler will be completed in a few weeks and the power will be put to the test, if the engine is a success, Mr. Parrott has a fortune in that alone.  A few weeks will suffice to give it a test.

March 22, 1923 – 100 Years Ago

Mr. and Mrs. W. Leidl received word last week from the Seattle chapter of the Red Cross that the grave of their son Louis Leidl, who was killed in action during the world war, has just been found and the remains identified.

March 15, 1973 – 50 Years Ago

In 1947, Coach Burdette Kindred took his basketball team to the vastness of Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle, where empty seats outnumbered the fi lled ones.  Our boys looked at the building that is so big that indoor football practice is held there, and swallowed hard.  On top of that, they were the only ones who didn’t have warm-up jackets, and they suddenly felt like the poor country cousins.  Ez Kayser was there.  He got on the phone and got the American Legion here to pay for jackets, and miraculously purple and gold warm-ups appeared the next morning.  Meanwhile, great excitement was brewing at home – Frank Grillo and Doug Ledbetter were readying a charter plane that could take 20 rooters if Goldendale made it to the semi-fi nals.  Chartered buses were also being investigated.  We won the fi rst game, beating Fairfield 45-40, and expectations were high.  Then the bubble burst. Eatonville and La Conner wiped us out and dashed everyone’s hopes.  We didn’t place.

March 15, 1973 – 50 Years Ago

Tragedy struck the basketball team in 1951.  We won the league pennant and were playing in the district tournament, having only one more game to go, hoping to beat Zillah.  The entire team came down with the flu.  We would have been able to go to state in second place without playing for it, but after plans were made, games scheduled and programs printed, the boys simply didn’t recover in time.  Five were still in bed and seven were extremely weak.  Principle Warren Flannigan reluctantly cancelled our participation.  Shortly after, the schools and the theater were closed in what became a real epidemic.

—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society

Points to ponder:

If there were no golf balls, how would we measure hail?

I want my tombstone to say, “Don’t just stand there, water my flowers.”

What’s small, red, and whispers? A hoarse radish.

Bringing Klickitat County back to its roots

This week’s story, titled “Centerville was Settled by Finnish,” was written by Jett Niva and first published July 1, 1954, as part of a Diamond Anniversary Edition. We will be pulling from it for the next few weeks.

Original Party Arrived There May 10, 1877

This is a short history of the first settlement by Finnish people in the Centerville region. They came from the East where they had worked in copper mines, but they wanted to go where they could farm.

There were many English-speaking families in the area before the Finns came.

The Finns heard of the homesteads of 160 acres being given to families, so they came west by train to Portland.

A man by the name of Elias Peltopera had written to them to come to Pendleton to get their homesteads. But the migrants lost the man’s address-and didn’t know where Pendleton was.

They were told to go to The Dalles. They had heard of Klickitat Countyincluding the tiding that there were Indians there. They sent a few of the men ahead to see how the Indians were behaving. Those sent were John Hager, Jacob Jacobsen, Lars Matson, and son Matt who interpreted for the group. The party found out the Indians weren’t giving any more trouble.

So, they all decided to come. Crossing the Columbia in boats, bringing along a couple of horses and wagon (the Finnish people never traveled by ox-team) they arrived at Centerville May 10, 1877.

When they topped the hill they were greeted by a wonderful sweep of green farmland.

Those who came later the same year were John Johnson, Eric Jussilla, John Kaidera, August Klockner, Henry Lahte, Matt Hyrkas, Matt Ahola and son, Matt, John Niemela, Silvert Tormanen,

Andrew Wiidanen, Mike Wilson, all with their families.

Others followed and took up homesteads; Peter Nimela in 1889, Henry Niva in 1880, Gabriel Wahnan in 1877.

Lumber was cheap then and the men had saved, so they built small houses fi rst and then built additions as they were needed. They made their own shingles and fence material, and a few log houses were erected which are still standing. Some of the men also worked on the railroad on the Oregon side near Celilo. They were husky, used to hard work.

There was nothing but tall grass and Indian trails when they fi rst pioneers came. They brought a few horses and hand plows to start breaking the soil. They farmed a few acres at fi rst and then added more. Finally, all the available ground was in wheat. The settlers bought more land and built better homes as they prospered.

In all, thirty families and a few single men got homesteads.

This valley was named Centerville because it is in the center of the Plateau ringed by the Columbia Hills and the Simcoe Mountains. From here

can be seen Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood. The pioneers couldn’t have picked a better view.

Al Brown had the fi rst grocery and dry goods store here, and also the Post Office. He was succeeded by a man named Wallace. There the women of the early days sold eggs for five cents a dozen, and butter, too.

Lars Mattson, incidentally, was the fi rst of the pioneers to set foot on Washington soil as the party crossed from Oregon.

I want to say a few words about the brave pioneer mothers. They were at home with the children and did all the chores while the men worked out. Often Indians, travelling from Yakima Valley to The Dalles, would stop for water or something to eat. They wore large feathers and had painted faces. Pioneer women made their own wool yarn and made stocking for the whole family. There were no sewing machines, everything was done by hand, including the washing. I was born at Centerville May 24, 1882 of pioneer parents and have lived here all of my life.

Local homeowners do derive benefit from solar

Homeowners benefit from local solar power generation. Technically, Klickitat County only produces solar-electric and hydroelectric energy. Moreover, small landowners already have a win-win from solar, for those of us who have chosen to do so.

Wind is solar. Because wind is the result of the sun heating atmospheric air, “wind” could also be called solar thermal generated energy, which when harvested with wind turbines, is converted to electrical energy. Solar panels, also called solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, harvest energy from sunlight and then convert it to electrical energy.

Guest Editorial

have the space to explain why here.

We still need to figure out how to generate excess power without blighting our county with 280 acres (or more) covered with ~424,000 (or more) solar PV panels.

Steve Heitmann

Washington state produces 7.75% of its electrical power from solar thermal generated wind. Currently, only 0.41% comes from solar photovoltaic generation, and 68.23% from hydro. Source: http://bit.ly/3y1IkKL. Each wind generator, on average, can generate 2 MegaWatts at peak output. This is equivalent to about 6,200 325W PV panels at peak output. When converting to electrical energy, solar PV panels average 21% efficiency and wind generators are 30% to 50% efficient. One wind gener-ator takes up a heck-of-a-lot less space than 6,200 PV panels, which would require around 2 to 3.5 acres (depending on seasonal optimization at 45 degrees latitude) of fixed ground-mount PV arrays. Livestock can graze and crops can be grown around wind generators. Conventional solar PV mega-farms aren’t so accommodating.

How do Klickitat County residents benefit? Lower cost of electricity. Why? The so-called “power grid” is the internet of electrical power. Power generated by solar thermal (wind) or solar photovoltaic (PV) is likely sent to BPA over power lines and sold to BPA (this is solar farm revenue income). BPA sells hydro-, wind-, and PV-generated power to KPUD, making a small profit for BPA. If there’s excess power, BPA then sells that power to other power buyers in other states, say PG&E in California or maybe ConEdison in New York. Because electrical power is on the internet-like “power grid,” it can be routed anywhere in the nation (except Texas, because Texas is not on the national power grid). Hence, the more wind and solar farms in Klickitat County, the more excess power BPA can sell to other states. The more local power BPA can sell, the more likely your KPUD rates will remain low while regional and national power demands are increasing. We win. If we don’t generate enough power for our local needs, then BPA must buy power from other states, which, in the near future, will force KPUD to raise its rates. And then, we lose.

How do small landowners already have a win-win?

Almost every small landowner with their own solar PV system has a “grid-tie” hookup to the grid. I went my own way and designed a grid-assist system, where, like any electric appliance, I straight-up pay for the grid power that’s used to charge batteries four months during the winter. When I can afford more battery storage, I’ll need little or no grid assist. In my opinion, this is a better solution than grid-tie, but I don’t

THE

GOLDENDALE SENTINEL

Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington

Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday

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 .

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.

Events @goldendalesentinel.com

(Events and activities)

Editorial:

Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher

Business and office staff:

Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.

Leslie Geatches, President, Ad Design

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.

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.

So-called Death with Dignity

“One in four people do not live long enough to survive the 15-day waiting period,” according to Cassandra Sutherland. Let’s see, that means they die before they are able to commit suicide, doesn’t it? How ironic is that?

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.

My experience with hospice care is that procedures are now available for each person to have “death with dignity” without entering into this process at all. I have seen pain managed, family apprehensions eased, and the natural death of patients who had terminal illnesses, without the need to leave family and friends grieving over the knowledge that their loved one took their own life.

Ken McKune Goldendale C

The upgrades would help

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.”

tacted 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.

Letters from the community

Our family has lived in Goldendale for more than 40 years and has always believed in being part of the community. We are happy to have such a nice hospital and health care facility here and have used their services many times for general health care as well as some emergency situations. On a few occasions where more advanced care was required, it was handled quickly and with great care by either ambulance or flight.

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

I am disappointed that our state senator [Curtis King] has seen fit to endorse this [Death with Dignity] bill.

I think the city of Goldendale needs to rethink supporting burnouts in our park. Next year don’t issue a permit to

The 15-day waiting period is there to allow people to seriously consider this decision, not making it during a low point of life—or before hospice options can be embraced. If you know someone dealing with the diagnosis of a terminal condition, I urge you to explore the hospice option. It is the best way to proceed for all concerned.

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 con-

Some important changes are needed in the facility. We now have three surgeons: a general surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, and a podiatrist. Our surgery unit that was built in 1949 is much too small and needs upgrading to accommodate the surgeons and patients in a safer environment.

Also needed is a short-term care unit for those needing a few extra days of hospital care.

Also needed is a long-term care unit. This would allow extra care for that loved one who would otherwise need to be farther away since nothing is available here.

I do believe in our hospital and feel the upgrades would be a huge improvement for our thriving community.

Ken Margraf Goldendale

tially more, here in Goldendale at a time when Yakima and The Dalles are seeing medical facility closures requiring attention in Portland, Seattle, or Spokane.

Our community has an aging population requiring significant care, yet facilities to extensively care for our community and family members are grossly limited. Factor in inclement weather, fuel costs, and lodging costs when traveling to visit these family members; this is both disheartening and staggering. A vote of Yes on our forthcoming hospital bond will ameliorate this and give heart and peace of mind to those with family and community members in this situation. Additionally, the expansion of care and surgical services will flourish and attract additional physicians and nurses to practice within KVH. An expansion and upgrade of existing services not only attracts potential permanent non-traveling staff but increases the safety and efficacy of care and services provided to loved ones.

Darrell Watson Goldendale

Aren’t you fortunate

You’re having chest pain...

You’ve been injured in a car accident...

Your child has an extreme fever...

You’re having trouble breathing... Your parent fell and broke an arm...

Aren’t you fortunate! Klickitat Valley Health is close by!

I am voting to support our community hospital because I could be next. Or you could.

Vote yes on April 25!

Sally Ojala Goldendale

Malinda Reno Goldendale

More can be done

In a time where corporate mismanagement and greed are creating closures and losses in community healthcare, is it not comforting to know that your local Public Hospital District endures and continues to serve? Imagine, a local hometown hospital that offers the services of a general surgeon, an orthopedic surgeon, and podiatric surgeon with extensive experience and care in diabetic wound management continuing to serve and thrive. Imagine, the passing of our hospital bond on April 25 and seeing an expansion of these same services, and poten-

Guidelines for Letters

As a Certified Surgical Technologist and Medical Assistant Certified, I have personally experienced trying to establish the transport and care of patients in critical need while staffing our KVH emergency room. Our current situation may require that we care for a critical patient in our emergency room for several days, sometimes longer, before a bed is available in a qualified facility, often in Seattle or in Idaho. A vote of Yes on April 25 will significantly reduce this, allowing for exceptional and continued care to be bestowed upon our patients and community.

This is your hospital. Join me and make it happen by voting Yes on the hospital bond on April 25.

Brian K. Paul Goldendale

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 they were 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, though more may be allowed if there are fewer letters.

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from page A1

included”, he said, referring to the Farm Bill. “I have an idea about most things but I gotta tell you, there’s so many ins and outs of the Farm Bill, it can be very complicated.”

Dave West brought up the subject of crop insurance subsidies and Steve Cunningham who grows wheat and alfalfa seconded his interest. “I recently got a letter that unless I change my farming practices I will no longer qualify for crop insurance”, said Cunningham. “Well, I’m of the obvious age that probably making a long-term investment might be a poor investment.” He went on to mention the high cost of new machinery needed to qualify for insurance, and the complications that owning erodible land poses. “It seems like you’re either all in or you’re all out”, continued Cunningham. “If you’ve got any highly erodible land that disqualifies you, unless you’re No Till farming practice of some sort, or putting it in CRP [Conservation Reserve Program]. Well CRP doesn’t pay the bills.” West and Cunningham pro -

PLANTS from page A1

CTE [Careers and Technical Education] director and our middle school principal were really supportive and they made it happen.”

Krieg comes from a family of educators. Her father, Terry Nickels, taught Agriculture at Goldendale High School for 34 years before retiring in 2015. He was awarded the WAAE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his contributions to agricultural education. Nancy Nickels, her mother, taught third grade, and her husband, Josh Krieg, teaches Metal Fabrication, Power Structures, Food Science, and Agricultural Leadership at the high school.

The students in Krieg’s Ag classes grow a variety of flora, including marigolds, geraniums, succulents, corn, radish, lettuce, and more. On the morning of March 13, eighth-grade student Tristyn Tobin and seventh-grade students

TOWN HALL from page A1

public safety—specifically drug laws and the laws around pursuits—as well as education, housing and Second Amendment rights,” said Corry, R-Yakima. “I look forward to hearing from the peo -

posed the idea of modifying the insurance requirements so that the erodible land would be excluded from consideration for qualification. Newhouse took notes while they spoke. “I’m gathering thoughts, taking notes”, said Newhouse.

Travis Pearson, a fourthgeneration dairy farmer from Trout Lake, had his own concerns. “It seems like there are a lot of negative views on cattle,” said Pearson, referring to the concern some have with cattle and the production of methane gas. He asked the representative if the topic of climate change would be involved in the Farm Bill. “I think there’s going to be a lot of interest on some people’s parts to include some of that. I know the Secretary is pushing that direction,” Newhouse said.

Pearson suggested that a good consumer report may be the place to start to repair the negative reputation that cattle have earned in some circles.

Representative Newhouse seemed to agree. “Some of the practices we already put into place we should be

Isaac Garcia and Caden Fahlenkamp were tending to the many plants that fill the long rows of tables in the 40 x 70-foot greenhouse.

“It’s actually really fun to learn about all the plants and what you do in Ag”, said Isaac. Caden recalled a recent project where they taught students at the elementary school: “We read a lesson to them about strawberries, and we went over how they grow and their plant cycle and all the stages they’re in. Then we brought them over here, and they helped us plant some marigolds. They’re sprouting over here right now.”

The application of the students’ education in real world situations is an important element of Krieg’s Ag classes. “We’re what you call a CTE class, Career and Technical Education, so it’s content that leads to a career if students choose, and you have to

ple of the 14th District on those and other issues and listening to their concerns and suggestions.”

All residents in the 14th Legislative District are invited to attend the virtual town hall from 7

rewarded for. It shouldn’t be a penalty. I think truly farmers are part of the solution here but we’re vilified too much. So if there’s something along those lines we should include in the Farm Bill that would be helpful to you, that’s what I’m looking for.” Pearson added that investing in farmers to help them meet the standards of climate change related restrictions would be helpful.

David Barta, who raises cattle and farms hay, spoke of his concerns regarding foreign countries taking advantage of agricultural assistance programs. “I really hope farm money is not going to national entities like China that are…I don’t know how to explain it but it would be extremely frustrating to me to find out we write checks to entities that are piping money straight back to China.”

According to a 2020 USDA Annual Report, the proportion of foreign held agricultural land to all privately held agricultural land in the State of Washington was 7.1%. “Foreign ownership period is a question,

provide a leadership opportunity outside your class for students who are in those kinds of classes.” In May of each year, students sell the plants they’ve grown in the annual Goldendale FFA Plant Sale. Money raised during this event goes to support students who are competing in FFA as well as other FFA activities. But the students learn more than just practical tools like commerce. When asked if there was anything from his Ag education that stood out to him, Trystyn said, “Quite a bit actually. Patience, because there’s a lot of people in here sometimes. And kindness, probably. Kindness towards plants, kindness towards people, kindness to everything. You’ve got to be nice to plants, otherwise they all die.”

Krieg’s students have an exciting schedule this school year. Recently her seventhgrade students released 200

p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 23. Preregister by going to: https://tinyurl. com/465t66wf

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to end April 23.

Abortion bill would protect residents from outside restrictions

AlexAndriA OsbOrne

Washington state Journal

Reproductive health care services including abortion and gender-affirming treatment would be protected in Washington State under a bill recently passed by the House with a vote of 59-38.

The legislation, House Bill 1469, was sponsored by Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island. Hansen said it establishes the state’s right to protect the insurance coverage of protected healthcare services, regardless of a person’s location when receiving those services.

Other states are free to make their own public policy choices on what is legal or illegal within the state, but Washington won’t allow other states to infringe on the rights of Washington residents, Hansen said.

“We will use every tool that we have to protect abortion rights in Washington state from the reach of anti-abortion laws in Texas and elsewhere,” he said.

Of the 59 votes to move the bill forward, 57 were Democrats and two were Republican. The 38 no votes were cast by Republicans. Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, was among those

who voted no. He said abortion access has been legal in Washington even before the Roe v. Wade was decided in the U.S. Supreme Court.

“In the effort to fight back, we may end up doing unintended harm to the rights and processes that are so important to people of this state,” he said.

“We may end up dividing not only ourselves and the people of Texas and other states we may end up dividing ourselves amongst ourselves.”

While that is not the intent of the bill, emotionally driven bills often create problems, he said.

“It is my concern that this bill includes those kinds of unintended consequences,” he said. “We can’t afford the unintended harm and the unintended division that this policy may drive into the heart of Washington.”

Hansen said the bill would establish the state’s public policy to protect the provision and insurance coverage of protected healthcare services, regardless of a person’s location when receiving those services.  Under the bill, courts would be prohibited from issuing a subpoena, warrant, court order, arrest or other civil or

but we’re not taking it quite that far”, responded Newhouse. “Somebody just yesterday was telling me we should, we’ve just had a neon open sign on the United States versus other countries where they truly do restrict foreign ownership. We never have.”

The roundtable discussion lasted a little more than an hour and covered a variety of subjects including nutrient management, food security, carbon credits, the health of local bees, decisions of the EPA, insect resistance to pesticides, real estate costs, and more. Most of the farmers in the room wore caps sporting the names of agricultural companies. While the men spoke, a truck carrying a large amount of hay passed by the window behind Representative Newhouse. The future of agriculture bears a great significance to our community. We depend on people like Representative Newhouse to help ensure that our concerns are heard in DC. The new Farm Bill can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/ bill/117th-congress/house-

Chinook salmon they raised from eggs. The Agriculture students will be planting vegetables before spring break so the plants will be ready to be transplanted into larger pots when they return. “We want kids to be excited about Agriculture,” said Krieg. “Whatever the teacher is passionate for, the students become passionate for.” The Goldendale Middle School’s greenhouse has allowed this passion to be nourished and grow as admirably as the plants within.

MURDERS from page A1

second suspect, charging him with two counts of Murder in the First Degree.

The second suspect was identified as John Scott Raczykowski, 31 years old, of Rufus, Oregon. Raczykowski is believed to be armed and dangerous.

The first suspect in custody was identified as Larry Duane Kleven, 57 years old, of Goldendale. Kleven was booked into the Klickitat County Jail for Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The two deceased were identified as Elisha Ann King, 34 years old, of Yakima, and Jeremy Allen Wyatt, 35 years old, of Yakima.

The KCSO will be the primary investigating agency and will be assisted by the other agencies previously named. The office is requesting assistance from the public, asking for anyone who may know where Raczykowski is located to call the Klickitat County

Department of Emergency Management at (509) 7734545. Anyone with information on this case is asked

COUNCIL from page A1 program works is that, while internally or with peers, we can hold folks accountable, but they can’t suffer increased charges for lack of engagement with us. They can only be referred to us, and we try to help them.”

The bill established programs around the state so that officers finding someone in simple possession would contact the Recovery Navigation service, which would then navigate the subject to diversion and treatment resources.

In other actions, councilors scheduled a public hearing for the next meet-

to contact Detective Tim Neher at the Sheriff’s Office at (509) 773-4455. Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer expressed appreciation for the FBI Seattle Office, FBI Yakima Office, FBI Taskforce out of Yakima, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Yakima County Search and Rescue, Yakama Nation Tribal Police, Goldendale Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Patrol Crime Response Team, Oregon State Police, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, The Dalles Police Department, The Dalles SWAT Team, the Mid-Columbia SWAT Team, the Yakima County Coroners Office, the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management, the volunteers with the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit, and the many volunteers with the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Posse for their assistance in the case.

ing on removing covenants and restrictions originally imposed on the Goldendale Industrial Park, to clear away some liability issues before portions can be sold.

Staff explained that the effect was similar to that of a homeowner’s association, with the city as a member, that would place it in an awkward position if a legal dispute were to come before the city council. There would also be a declaration that property owned by the city in the Industrial Park would have to be declared surplus in order to legally be able to sell it.

criminal legal process related to proceedings in another state related to protected health care services.

HB 1469 prohibits state and local agencies from cooperating with any entity for the purpose of enforcing another state’s law that asserts civil or criminal liability related to protected health care services.

Businesses providing electronic communication services would be prohibited from providing or complying with a civil or criminal process with information relating to an investigation or enforcement of other laws.

Any request for foreign subpoenas would be required to include an attestation on if it seeks information related to protected healthcare services, and if it does, the court would not be allowed to issue the subpoena.

HB 1469 prohibits summoning a Washington witness to testify at a prosecution or grand jury investigation in another state if it involves the provision of protected healthcare services, unless the person is providing an attestation stating the prosecution or investigation does not seek information related to the provision of protected healthcare services.

E xtra

Annual Livestock Growers Banquet

Tayler Bradley

For The SenTinel

Klickitat County is full of ranchers and farmers who produce a variety of products for our community. Each one of them continues to work in spite of the highs and lows that come along with their jobs. And through it all, they know their neighbors and friends are standing behind them to help when needed. To celebrate the year, they come together from all over Klickitat County for the annual Livestock Growers Banquet. This year it was held at the American Legion in Goldendale. It was a night filled with fun, games, raffles, great food, awards, and support for one another.

The night began with a social hour where the farmers and ranchers, along with their families, told stories and chatted about what they’d been up to. At about 6:30 dinner was served, and everyone sat

down to enjoy a bountiful meal. The Goldendale FFA was there bringing out drinks, picking up plates, and serving dessert. It was a packed house, as both the upstairs and downstairs areas were full. Once everyone was about finished with their meal, it was time for the fun.

They started by awarding the kids’ certificates for Steers of Merit. This means when their steer from the County Fair went to the butcher, the carcass

met a standard as one of the very best. Twelve kids from Klickitat County received this award, and Isaac Garcia was awarded the 1st place prize. They also recognized Reserve and Grand Champion winners from the market classes at the Fair. Some agricultural families donated an animal to the kids for the upcoming fair season. The first award was the Jean Schilling Memorial Award that went to Madison Gamble.

She will get to pick out a lamb thanks to the Rolfe family. The Klickitat County Memorial Steer Award was received by Brielle Star, and she picked a steer from Ann Fernandez, a local producer.

Before moving on through the evening, those attending had the choice to play a few quick games that have become a tradition at the banquet. All ages played, and it was fun to watch the excitement build in them.

The next award was the O.P. Kreps Memorial. This year, it was received by Jim Beeks who has been a large part of the agriculture community for many years. The next award went to Marie Miller. She too is a great asset to the county and is well deserving of the Jim Bridgefarmer Memorial.

The final award for the night, Cattlemen of the Year, was awarded to Don Slater. He and his family are long-time residents of

the county.

Before the night ended, the Cattlewomen live-auctioned some homemade desserts and meat that sold for hundreds of dollars, a valuable fundraiser for the Livestock Growers Association. The last item on the agenda was the gun raffle. Everyone had been awaiting this one in hopes that their ticket would be selected. The first ticket to be pulled belonged to Keith Kreps, who took home the rifle. The second selection went to Jon Georgonson, who won the shotgun.

Overall, it was a wonderful night for all who attended. The Livestock Growers Association is thankful to all those who donated their time, items for the event, and, of course, all who came out in support. Their busy season is almost here, and they will be out in the fields working hard to provide products for us all.

The Washington Outdoors Report: Walleye fishing and a trout derby

John Kruse For The SenTinel

WALLEYE FISHING IS HEATING UP

Rusty Johnston and I got our boat onto Potholes Reservoir last week for a few hours and managed to jig up three, fat, colorful, 16-inch walleye along with several other strikes from fish we didn’t manage to hook. The water temperature on the main reservoir, which is ice-free, was only 37 degrees. We saw two other anglers out on the lake, and they had similar success. All of us were jigging for the fish at depths of 28 to 35 feet. Lures that worked included halfounce blade baits as well as Mack’s Lure Sonic Baitfish lures fished as a vertical jigging spoon.

Checking in with Gorge Outfitters Supply, owner Wendy Boyer said the walleye fishing is picking up. The fish are moving around in the waters of the Columbia below John Day Dam. Wendy has been fishing this area recently and reported catching and releasing two six-pound walleye while trolling in 40 feet of water on her last trip. Although she caught these by trolling, Boyer says the best way to catch them right now is to jig for

renee diaz WaShingTon STaTe Journal

A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senatepassed bill is approved by the House and governor.

The bill, Senate Bill 5477, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, would implement recommendations identified in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force.

“Crimes against Indigenous people, especially women, and children, have continued to plague our state and our nation,” said Torres. “Despite making up only 2% of our population, 136 indigenous people in our state have been identified as missing by the Washington State Patrol. That’s as of January. This is unacceptable.”

The bill is part of the Legislature’s efforts to identify the root causes of the number of Native Americans who have

them in deep water. They have been using one-ounce Walleye Killer jigs (available at the store) and catching fish 80 feet deep near the bottom of the river.

Boyer says she starts off with darker-colored jigs, but if that doesn’t work, she’ll try white- or greencolored jigs. Gorge Outfitters Supply is located in Rufus.

I also spoke with Steve Morris with SJM Guide Service who has been fishing Lake Roosevelt near Kettle Falls. He reports the walleye fishing has been good. The fish are around 80 feet deep, and Morris is catching them with oneounce jigs fished naked with a nightcrawler. Steve also likes to use Northwest Bait Scents with Walleye TNT being the hot flavor. Steve says he’ll be fishing Lake Roosevelt for walleye thru June. If you want to book a trip, call Steve at (509) 435-6486. Do so soon; he only has a few dates left available.

QUINCY LAKES TROUT DERBY.

The annual Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is coming up soon. I spoke to Executive Director Cari Matthews about the event. She said this year the derby takes place March 25 and 26. You

turned up missing or murdered in Washington, Torres said.

The Task Force consists of members from the Senate, the House of Representatives, federally recognized Indian tribes in Washington, the Seattle Indian Health Board, the NATIVE project, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the American Indian Health Commission, the Governor’s office of Indian Affairs, the Attorney General’s office, leadership in law enforcement, lawyers and indigenous women or family members who have experienced violence.

Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, and Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, are current members of the task force.

“Over the last two years, listening to the families share their tragedies has been a very powerful experience,” Dhingra said.

According to a 2021 report from the National Congress of American Indians, Native

can fish from dawn to dusk on Saturday and until 1 p.m. on Sunday. Weigh-ins take place Saturday at 4 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday. You can register onsite at the Quincy Lake boat launch. The cost to participate $35 for adults, and kids are free.

This year is a little different because you can fish both Burke and Quincy Lakes, and both will be stocked on the 24th with a variety of trout. There are prizes for the longest fish weighed in and the biggest weight for a limit of five trout. There are trophies and prizes are for both the adult and youth divisions. There will also be raffle prizes given away. There are always lots of prizes given away at the derby—$3,700 worth of prizes, actually—and this year one of those prizes will be a 72-inch flat screen TV. There will also be fishing-related items like rods and reels as well as fishing tackle and even electronic fish finders. Part of the proceeds goes towards putting on the derby, but other proceeds help the Chamber of Commerce put on additional events for the public throughout the year.

If you want to fish both days and don’t live near Quincy, consider bringing

American women face murder rates almost three times those of non-Native women, with an alarming 80% or more having experienced violence.

The bill requires law enforcement agencies to enter a missing person case into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. If a missing person is not found within the first 30 days of the initial report or if an investigating agency suspects criminal activity, law enforcement agencies must enter a missing person case into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

“We owe it to these families to not only identify solutions to this ongoing problem but to implement those solutions as quickly as possible. That’s what this bill is about,” Torres said.

The Task Force has worked with Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Whatcom County, on House Bill 1177, to create a cold case investigations unit in the state Attorney General's Office.

your RV or truck camper and staying overnight. It’s a popular thing to do in this State Wildlife Area, and if you can’t find a place to camp around Burke or

Quincy Lake, try camping at nearby Evergreen Reservoir or Stan Coffin Lake (both warm water fishery lakes). This is primitive camping, though there are

Courtesy QuinCy Valley Chamber of

a number of vault toilets available to use. John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com.

AWARDS: Left, Jim Beeks receiving his award, photo by Lauren Schuster. Center, Isaac Garcia with his awards for first-place Steer of Merit, photo by his mom. Right, Don Slater receiving Cattleman of the Year award from Johnny Stephens, photo by Lauren Schuster.

CELEBRATING: Youth Division winners from last year’s Quincy Valley Chamber Trout Derby.

Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue

Photos by local photographers Neil Thompson

(top & center) and Steve Nygaard (bottom)

Geronimo

It is easy to drive through the deserts of Eastern Arizona and imagine things as they were hundreds of years ago. The vast desert landscape dotted with cactus and yucca plants can rise unexpectedly to mountains full of wildlife and rock outcrops towering over the roads and desert pine trees. I have looked up at the ridges, thinking it would not be so hard for the Apache to still live free in those lands. As harsh as the landscape is now, what was it like to grow up there then? How did someone with no formal education, no electricity and no motorized transportation become a hero to his own people, and a legend in American history? Who was Geronimo?

Geronimo was a Chiricahua Apache. The Chiricahua people were native to North America. They were nomadic people who traveled and lived in the Southwest United States. They were great warriors. As European settlement came north through Mexico and later from the east in the United States, these people became known as the fiercest fighters. Through fear of their great warriors and the desire to conquer them, they became hunted by both the Mexican and United States armies.

Geronimo was born sometime around 1829 in Arizona. His name was Goyahkla. When he was 17 he became a warrior and went on many raids. He married a girl named Alote and they had three children. In a Mexican raid on his village many people were killed including his whole family. Geronimo swore at that time to protect his people and get revenge. He led many raids and the soldiers were amazed by his skill and they began to be afraid of him. His raids continued as he led a band of Apaches, attacking wagon trains, ranches, and other targets. He became legendary to both the Mexican and United States Armies.

“It is my land, my home, my father’s land, to which I now ask to be allowed to return. I want to spend my last days there, and be buried among those mountains. If this could be I might die in peace, feeling that my people, placed in their native homes, would increase in numbers, rather than diminish as at present, and that our name would not become extinct.”

--Geronimo

There is some mystery and intrigue surrounding Geronimo’s burial site. Could his remains have been stolen by the Apache and moved secretly back to his native lands? Did some group called the Skull and Bones Society steal his skull? Those are questions that may never be answered. What remains is a legend of a great warrior both loved and feared by his own people and the settlers of the American Southwest.

Geronimo and his band of Chiricahua Apache escaped captive life on reservations a number of times. They did not like being forced to stay in one place. Stories spread about the Apache warrior. He became known as “the most dangerous Indian alive”. His capture became a goal of the United States Government. The last time Geronimo was captured was in 1886. He became a U.S. prisoner of war. For a time he was shown at fairs and in Wild West shows as the “last savage”. His life ended at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1909 at the age of 79. He is buried at the Beef Creek Apache Cemetery in Fort Sill.

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Solutions at smartypantsnews.com

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The Apache Wars by Paul Andrew Hutton

Geronimo: Apache Renegade by George Sullivan

ACROSS

4. Ungentle in action or effect

6. State in the southwestern region of the U.S.

9. A story coming down from the past

11. To arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity

13. Area of land as one can see it

16. A geologic formation at the Earth’s surface

19. To master or overcome by strength

20. An arid (very dry) biome

21. Native American tribe in the Southwestern U.S.

22. A member of the military

DOWN

1. Placing a dead person in a grave

2. Born or raised in a particular place

3. A natural rise of the Earth’s surface

5. Wild animals that live free of humans

7. A desire to pay back

8. A plant with pointy spikes

10. A leader of the Chiricahua band of the Apache people

12.

17.

18.

23.

Noble and courageous

14. Someone who is captured and held prisoner

15. Violent in force or intensity

A person who fights or has experience in battle

To move from place to place

A quick surprise attack

S port S

Ellie Rising – Rising to the Top

Tayler Bradley

For The SenTinel

For Goldendale High School athletes, continuing to college to play doesn’t always happen. But some get the chance to continue their dream of competing at a higher level. A 2020 graduate of GHS and a talented athlete has recently accomplished some big goals. Her name is Ellie Rising, and she competes in multiple running events for George Fox University’s track team.

Competing in running events has been a longtime family affair for Ellie and her family. Both of her parents were college athletes along with her older brother Dillon. Her parents would tell her stories about their competitions, something she always enjoyed. Ellie’s competitive spirit seemed to be a gift she had from the very start. “It pretty much started in PE when I was younger,” stated Ellie. “We had to

run warm-up laps, and my sole purpose was to be the first person done with those laps. Ever since then, racing was just something I loved to do.” As she grew older, she got to watch her brother compete, which was a big influence on her career.

Ellie made a big splash in high school, and she still holds records for the 800meter race in track and the 3-mile in cross country for Goldendale. Upon graduation, she attended Seattle Pacific University for two years while she competed on the track team. After those couple of years, she transferred to George Fox University, and it turns out that was just the change she needed.

Currently, she competes in the 800 and 1500-meter races. She currently holds records in the indoor 800 and 1500-meter races for the university. Her coaches have helped her to be a better runner while moving up to a Division 3 school

Golf gets it done

Last week, the Boys Golf Team prepared for their tournament in The Dalles on Friday, March 17. They worked all week on technique, strategy, and mechanics, with each of them wanting to do their very best to keep moving toward their goals for the season. Luckily, they have head coach Amy Wilson, who is always there for support and encouragement.

During the week, Amy has the boys compete at practice to decide who will play in the tournament because they are only allowed five boys to a team during the competition. Each of them works hard and loves the competition but still cheers one another on. Once the boys finished their inner team competition, Amy knew who was going to be playing Friday.

Ike O’Leary, Jackson Large, Christian Green, Logan Telford, and Kash Wright golfed their way into the top five to be able to compete in last week’s tournament.

A short little trip down the river, and the team was at the golf course in The Dalles ready to play. These young golfers were going up against 11 Oregon teams, some from schools as

big as 5A, which meant this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. They needed to keep their confidence high and their strokes down, which is exactly what the Wolves did. In the front nine holes, each player kept their strokes below 56, and on the back nine they kept them below 55. What a feat for these players, who have been working very hard. As a team, the Wolves were able to bring home second place with a team score of 374 and only nine strokes behind the first-place team. We are so proud of these boys! They have cut 84 strokes off their team score from last year, and the words of coach Amy rang out: “Are you kidding me?!” She is so proud of them and how much their hard work has paid off and only in the first few weeks of the season. For the cherry on top of Friday’s tournament, Ike O’Leary brought home fourth place individually, a great end to his 17th birthday.

What an exciting way to head into some time off. The boys will practice and better their individual skills over the next couple of weeks, as they prepare for their next tournament.

The Wolves will compete in Yakima on March 31. Good work, all. We can’t wait to see what else you will accomplish.

Tennis plays first week of games

Tayler Bradley For The SenTinel

The Goldendale High School Tennis Team has been hard at work on the courts for the past few weeks, waiting for their chance to play and show off their skills. Last week the boys and girls teams had two away games to kick off their season. Both days of play were against some tough teams, but the Wolves stayed strong and came out with a lot of positives for their first week of play.

Their first game was against Granger, so the team loaded up the bus and headed out. Head coach

Jenn Neil was excited for her players and ready to see what they could do out on the court. Granger put up a fight, but they were no match for the Lady Wolves. First singles was played by senior Gwen Gilliam. She is a returning

player who placed at the State Tournament the previous year. Granger’s first singles player was a tough opponent, but Gwen blew through three sets and took the win.

Second singles was played by Jeslyn Berry, also a returning player and who proved she was a force to be reckoned with. She didn’t allow her opponent a single point the entire match.

Logan Armstrong and Taryn Rising beat Granger’s first doubles team without hesitation.

Second doubles players, Maddie Groves and Kelly Smith, and third doubles players, Ella Riley and Linzy Hanna, beat Granger for their first-ever High School tennis wins. GHS girls swept Granger 5-0. The boys struggled a little more to find a groove out on the court. Returning senior Max Christensen was the only boys player who left Granger with a win.

brought a lot more competition. “College taught me how to race,” Ellie told us.

She has also learned that with a higher level of competition comes a tougher mental game. Before each race, she tries to visualize her runs and figure out a plan for each part of the race.   Along with her mental game, Ellie sticks to a training schedule and has endless support from many friends, teammates, and family, all of which helped her to accomplish big things this year. Earlier, during the indoor track season, Ellie was able to qualify herself in the 800meter race for the National Colligate Track Meet. She made her way south to Birmingham, Alabama, where the meet would take place. For the 800, Ellie had to race in a preliminary heat first in which they took the top two finishers from each heat to the final race. She zoomed through her heat and into the finals. She could do no worse than 8th place in the nation, but her goal was higher than that,

and she was determined to reach it. The race began, and Ellie took off, crossing the finish line in 3rd place. Ellie Rising received an All-American Award and is the 3rd fastest 800-meter racer in the nation for Division 3—a remarkable accomplishment for a Goldendale High alumnus.  When Ellie is not out on the track, she hits the books. She plans on getting an undergrad in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Sports Nutrition and Dietetics. After college, her goal is to pursue a career in Sports Nutrition or possibly specialize in college eating disorders. Ellie plans on making a difference in the college sports world for the better. She has thrived tremendously in her environment, and we can plan on seeing more amazing things from her.

“I wasn’t just out there running for time. It has been a good challenge for me.”

Contributed

AMONG THE FASTEST IN THE COUNTRY: On March 11, Ellie Rising, a 2020 graduate of Goldendale High School, won the third-place medal at the NCAA Division 3 indoor track national championships in Birmingham, Alabama. Ellie attends George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. Rising still holds the Goldendale High School records in the 800, 1500, 1600, and 3200 meter races. Ellie is the daughter of Rob and Juli Rising of Goldendale.

Tayler Bradley

For The SenTinel