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.