Goldendale Sentinel May 11, 2022

THE SENTINEL REACHES 9 OUT OF 10 ADULTS IN GOLDENDALE

Goldendale, Washington

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

Vol. 143 No. 19

$1.00

WSDOT

THE STRECH: Highway 97 is being repaved between Centerville Highway and Ski Lodge Road.

LOU MARZELES

HOME & GARDEN HEAVEN: The 2022 Goldendale Home & Garden Show was a huge success, attended over three days by crowds delighted to get out and enjoy the offerings of the 82 vendors, despite the unusual May chill in the air. People hobnobbed with political candidates–two for sheriff (incumbent Bob Songer and Garique Clifford), an auditor candidate (Heather Jobe), and a county commissioner candidate (Lori Zoller). There were plants galore, construction firms, a high-end beauty merchant (presumably classified under home improvement), foodstuffs, and a ton of fun.

Former Lyle superintendent summoned to court hearing LOU MARZELES EDITOR Andrew Kelly, former superintendent of the Lyle School District, is scheduled to return to Klickitat County May 25 for a court hearing on possible rescinding of his deferred prosecution for a five-year-old DUI. Kelly was cited March 12, 2017,

by Bingen-White Salmon police for Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Endangerment. Kelly’s blood level was tested at .129, well above the .08 Washington legal limit. He had been observed driving wildly on Interstate 5 and Route 14 from Lacey, Washington. Bingen-White Salmon police pulled him over when he was observed driving in the wrong lane in Bingen. A search of Kelly’s vehicle produced a loaded handgun and a partially full can of hard cider. His minor son was in the passenger front seat.

Kelly petitioned for and was granted an Order of Deferred Prosecution, essentially an agreement not to prosecute Kelly contingent on his meeting certain conditions, in effect for five years.

In its findings of facts, the order stated, “the offenses for which Petitioner [Kelly] stands charged in this case occurred as a direct result of alcoholism” and that, if not treated for his alcoholism, “there is a high probability Petitioner

will commit similar violations in the future.” It stated Kelly was amenable to treatment, and the order required him to complete a two-year alcoholism treatment program. Kelly waived his rights in a criminal case and confirmed admissibility of the facts reported in his police report in the event his Deferred Prosecution Order was rescinded. That meant if the Order were rescinded, the 2017 police report would be entered into evidence, and the court would enter judgment based on the report and sentence Kelly accordingly.

The order required Kelly to maintain “total abstinence from alcohol and mood-altering drugs” unless doctor-prescribed during the five-year period of deferral.

Those five years end May 31 this year. Kelly has been summoned to a hearing in Klickitat County West District Court just six days before the Order expires. While there are multiple first-hand reports of Kelly being intoxicated in recent years, the court’s hearing was triggered by another, recent police report in which Kelly acknowledged imbibing alcohol.

Soon after his 2017 DUI, Kelly left the Lyle School District and was hired by the North Beach School District in Ocean Shores, Washington. Questions were raised during the hiring process about his DUI. According to two sources speaking on condition of

NORTH BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT FACEBOOK PAGE

DUE TO APPEAR IN KLICKITAT COUNTY: Former Lyle School District Superintendent Andrew Kelly went to work at the North Beach School District in Ocean Shores, Washington, after a DUI in Bingen in 2017 for which prosecution was deferred partly based on the condition that he not drink alcohol for five years. Kelly has been summoned to a hearing in Klickitat County West District Court six days before the deferral is set to expire, based on his testimony in a police report on March 12 this year that he drank “a couple of glasses of wine.” The police report was for sexual assault. anonymity, Kelly told the school board he regretted the incident and called himself a changed man. He did not bring up his Order of Deferred Prosecution, and sources say the Ocean Shores community became aware of it only in recent weeks.

In those recent weeks, complaints about Kelly have become multitudinous, and they include not only well-documented reports of intoxication but also

claims of sexual misconduct. Kelly was questioned on a sexual assault charge last month, with an Ocean Shores police report filed on March 12. In the report, after being read his Miranda rights, Kelly soon admitted to having had “a couple of glasses of wine.”

He went on to deny any unwanted sexual encounter. But his admission of drinking in a police report is what motivated City of Bingen

See Kelly page A8

Hwy 97 project going through summer

US Highway 97 is being repaved, in case your car hasn’t already felt the jarring as you drive on it.

The repaving project is designed to repair the roadway by sealing cracks, smoothing ruts, and filling potholes, “creating a smoother, safer driving surface for all users of the highway,” according to WSDOT statement. Crews will also be paving sections along East Simcoe Drive.

The project is ongoing through this summer and is estimated to cost about $7.4 million.

Here’s what to expect: Daytime, intermittent single lane closures are planned Mondays through Fridays between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., with flaggers and a pilot car to lead travelers through the work zone, and delays of up to 20 minutes. Motorcyclists should use caution due to potential loose gravel on the roadway and abrupt lane edges.

As with any highway construction project, travelers must exercise caution. Traveling at slower speeds decreases the chance of work zone crashes and helps to keep travelers and highway work crews safe.

Patience when traveling in work zones is advised.

Bickleton Winter 2022 PETER B. LEWIS FOR THE SENTINEL

LEFT: NAOMI JAMES. RIGHT: PEGGY WOODARD.

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T: The old county office building on West Main Street, shown left a few months ago awaiting its fate, is being torn down. Crews were at work Monday (right) bringing the structure down to a pile of debris.

Federal court dismisses case against WA Cares The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington last week dismissed a class action lawsuit filed against the WA Cares Fund, the first-of-its kind program aimed at providing Washingtonians with access to long-term care when they need it.

The lawsuit, which was filed last November on behalf of three businesses and six individuals, alleged that WA Cares violates the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Fourteenth Amendment and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The court disagreed, vindicating the state’s position that WA Cares is not preempted by federal law and that the federal courts do not have

jurisdiction to determine these issues.

“We are glad to see this decision from the court,” said WA Cares Fund Director Ben Veghte.

“After key improvements to WA Cares during this year’s legislative session, the program is set up for success in the long term. This decision is another step toward making long-term care accessible for all Washingtonians and setting an example for the rest of the nation to follow.”

In January, Gov. Jay Inslee signed two bills that made improvements to the fund. The first piece of legislation enables near-retirees (people born before 1968) to qualify for partial benefits

and also delays implementation of WA Cares by 18 months. The other allows certain individuals to opt out of the program. These include: · spouses and registered domestic partners of military service members; · workers on temporary nonimmigrant visas; · employees who work in Washington but live in a different state; · and veterans with 70% service-connected disability rating or higher.

Beginning next July, employees will contribute $0.58 per $100 of earnings, or about $25/month for the typical worker. Over time, workers’ contributions can earn

them the right to receive up to $36,500 in long-term care benefits over their lifetime. The benefit will be adjusted annually up to inflation. Eligible employees will begin to receive benefits starting in July 2026.

“By contributing to the WA Cares Fund, we are all better prepared to age with dignity and independence,” said Veghte. “It gives families peace of mind and allows them to focus on care, not costs, when a loved one needs support. WA Cares will give families more control and choices in some of life’s most difficult moments.”

WA Cares Fund benefits can be used for a wide variety of services

See Cares page A8

Bickleton chronicler Peter B. Lewis shares this uniquely rural reflection on the winter that had a hard time letting go.

I am in rural Washington state, on the Columbia Plateau, the Simcoe highlands in the shadow of Mount Adams, outside of Bickleton, population 300, elevation 3,000 feet.

It’s Christmas time—tomorrow is Christmas Day as I write these lines.

It’s the last day the temperature will climb above freezing for a while! Temps will be in the teens and single digits all the time—sometimes with mighty winds. The hens aren’t laying. We found a frozen duck who wandered out into the cold. Most of the livestock stay inside or very close and out of the wind. In addition to the sheep, ducks, and chickens, we have three geese who don’t fly. They honk every day in dismay as if to say they can’t go on this way.

Perhaps we will think of this two-week period as Mother Na-

See Winter page A8

May 11, 2022—A3

Goldendale, Washington

G oldendale ’ s A ttic

Answer to last week’s Mystery Picture

This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture This might look like we colorized this picture, but actually the original was in color. Are these people planting a sundial?

Digging for clams? Not likely. We’re going to go

out on a limb and say this is a groundbreaking, but where? For what? These are mysteries, but the biggest one we’re hoping a reader can solve is: Who are these people? When

was this taken? Where?

All we know is this picture 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 (773-3777) or drop in at the office— and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.

Looking Back

We’ve colorized this picture from last week to show what it might’ve looked like back then in color. Thanks to Linda Tsubota Heimbigner, Julie Jacobsen Murphy, and Mark Doubravsky, we were able to put names to everyone in last week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture. The occasion, however, was elusive as we were unable to find the picture as it ran in The Sentinel. These were graduating members

of the 1969 Goldendale class, though we do not believe it was taken in 1969 as these kids look a little younger than they did in their senior year.

Left to right, front row: Cindy McCardell, Connie Jacobsen, Kathy Woody, Jennifer Thompson.

Back row: Carlos Moroy, Buz Ketcham, John Wyckoff, Tom Sanders, Robbie Dolan.

Sesquicentennial Corner: Bringing Goldendale back to its roots

May 1, 1867 - 155 Years Ago

Clickitat County: August Schuster, county sheriff whose main duty is to collect taxes, reports that the constant boundary changes of the county have baffled him. Yesterday he stopped at the John Q. Householder’s home in the west end of the county and was told by Householder that he pays his taxes in Skamania County. Sheriff Schuster quickly abandoned the area, not wanting to encroach on Skamania’s revenue.

May 5, 1867 - 155 Years Ago

Skamania County: The Skamania County sheriff, whose main duty is to collect taxes, reports that the constant boundary changes of the county have him baffled. Yesterday he stopped at the John Q. Householder’s home in the east end of the county and was told by Householder that he pays his taxes in Clickitat County. The Sheriff quickly abandoned the area, not wanting to encroach on Clickitat’s revenue.

May 15, 1867 - 155 Years Ago

Olympia, Washington – John Q. Householder, who is located in the south central area of the Territory, was in Olympia demanding protection from the Indians of both Skamania and Clickitat counties. Skamania turned the problem over to Clickitat county, and Cliciktat turned his problem over to Skamania. The matter will be investigated; meanwhile Householder is claiming foul play, saying that as a taxpaying citizen he is receiving a raw deal.

May 6, 1938 - 84 Years Ago

Future Goldendale High football teams may play on a shady, tree-lined gridiron if the black locust seedlings planted around the high school field last Saturday morning mature. Through the cooperation of the Soil Conservation Service, Goldendale High School was given a number of black locust trees. Saturday under the supervision of Paul Johnson school superintendent and the soil conservation service, the trees were planted.

May 1, 1941 - 81 Years Ago

A limited number of the new olive-green State tax tokens are available this week at Allison’s Pharmacy, Hew Milhollin, district tax commission representative, announced Tuesday. The state’s three per cent sales tax is effective today May 1. The new tokens are slightly larger than a five-cent piece and weigh about one third as much as the aluminum tokens. Until more tokens are available, sales will be limited to 50 cents worth per person. The new tokens are worth one-third of a cent each. Provisions are being made for the state tax commission to redeem the old aluminum tokens at their face value.

May 1, 1952 - 70 Years Ago

One of the several community service projects carried on by Goldendale’s FFA Chapter is landscaping and seeding of new lawn at the recently completed Klickitat Valley Hospital. When the landscape project is completed, the new hospital will be entirely surrounded with lawn, flowers, and shrubs. Mel Johnson, manager of the Klickitat Valley Hospital, in speaking of the job being done by the FFA boys said, “Chuck and his boys are certainly deserving of a vote of thanks for undertaking such a big project, and the job they are doing compares to that of an expert.”

—Richard Lefever Klickitat County Historical Society

Points to ponder: Some see things as they are and ask, “Why?” Others see things that never were and ask, “Where’s my medication?”

Did you know it’s impossible to say “good eye might” without sounding Australian?

Th scary part about middle age is that you know you’ll grow out of it.

Snowboarding: all the fun of surfing and no sharks.

I tell people exactly what I thnk. Silently.

I’m not the stupidest person in the world.

But if he should die...

Everytime I see the term POW camp, I think that’s where Batman learned to punch.

I have enough money to last me the rest of my life. Unless I need to buy something.

You seem like a woman with a lot of unresolved issues. Would you like to get married?

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

This week our Pioneer history is the second installment of a story titled, “How one early pioneer traveled 1,500 miles to steal bride from her father,” which appeared in The Sentinel December 26, 1935. The story is written by Robert Ballou entitled “Territorial Way” and also appeared in the Oregon City Daily Enterprise.

Robert Ballou is the author of “Early Klickitat Valley Days,” written in 1938. These events do not occur in Klickitat County but just across the Columbia and provide the history for one of Klickitat County’s early pioneer families, the Snipes. For reading convenience we have not put in quotes.

At Council Bluffs the prospective groom met and joined a small outfit that was traveling with light rigs and horses. At it turned out afterward, they passed the Imbler party at Salmon Falls on Snake River, soon after he had celebrated his 21st birthday, in the great divide of the Rockies. At the Deschutes River he met Nathan Olney, a former resident of Iowa, who had known both families. Olney told him that the Imbler party had not yet arrived.

Knew The Dalles Doctor He also learned that there was a Dr. Shaug in The Dalles, who had formerly lived in Iowa. It happened that this doctor had been the Snipes family physician. George Snipes found the medical man living in a tent. When he explained his predicament, the doctor told him he thought he could put him in touch with some men who could tell him the whereabouts of the Imbler family. From Jim Griffin and James Thompson, he

learned the Imbler family was camped at 15 Mile Creek. He explained to Dr. Shaug that he would have to steal the girl. The doctor had been trading with the Indians and acquired some horses. Griffin and Thompson agreed to go along.

Leading a spare saddle animal, the trio started at once for the Imbler camp. Upon arrival at 15 Mile Creek, it was found the Imbler family had moved camp about seven miles away, to a place called Pine Hollow. By this time the fellow conspirators, who had entered into the matter in a jocular mood, began to feel that the party might be greeted with Winchester bullets or buckshot at the Imbler camp. They proposed that the expectant groom write a letter to his girl, telling her to join them, and they would at once bring her to him so they could go to The Dalles and be married.

Letter Plan Used George Snipes was not exactly in favor with this plan. Being of North Carolina fighting Revolutionary extraction, he felt that shootin’ was something in which two could engage. He finally consented to the letter plan. When Griffin and Thompson approached the Imbler camp, it was decided that Griffin should remain hidden in some brush with the Remuda horse, while James Thompson acted as the postman. Thompson found the Imbler family seated on the ground around the campfire, eating supper.

He was invited to join in the meal and did so.

To be continued.

—Compiled by Naomi James

A4—May 11, 2022

Goldendale, Washington

Opinion Hope as a strategy and a motivation On June 10, Goldendale High School will celebrate with 72 graduating seniors and their families the successful completion of high school requirements. Each of these graduates has a different story of their journey to this milestone. Each has persevered through unusual times. They used a combination of resilience, skills, and dispositions as they set and achieved goals leading to graduation.

Marcus Johnson, Retired Superintendent and National Superintendent of the Year in 2011, created a mantra in his district: “Hope is not a strategy.” His meaning is we can’t Guest expect to reach our goals if we set a target and simply hope to achieve Column it. In order to reach our goals, we need to identify ways of getting from Ellen Perconti our current state to that goal. These GSD strategies can include monitoring Superintendent growth, seeking feedback and support, reflecting on progress, and asking questions, just to name a few.

Matt Navo, the superintendent who stepped in when Mr. Johnson retired, shifted the mantra to “Hope is not a strategy, but it is necessary.” Mr. Navo recognized that while simply hoping for an outcome is not enough, we need to maintain a positive and hopeful mindset in order to grow and stay the course to reach our goals. Keeping a positive outlook, thinking about positive possibilities and outcomes, and reflecting on what we have accomplished all lead to feeling more hopeful.

This past week, as GHS seniors shared their plans for beyond high school, they reflected on celebrations, successes, hurdles, and struggles. Each journey was different, but a common theme was the presence of supportive adults who taught them life skills and offered hope. While we cannot give others hope, we can support others in developing skills in setting goals, implementing strategies, and maintaining motivation. These three components are associated with feelings of hope and efficacy.

This year’s graduates experienced school in different contexts. Due to COVID in the spring of 2020, they went through school closures, remote and hybrid models, masks, and sports seasons that were shorter and not in the normal time frame. Through all of this, the vast majority have remained hopeful and have learned resilience. They have worked through their challenges and have found opportunities and growth.

We wish our GHS graduates success in their next life step. We also thank the Goldendale staff and community. The care from many adults has supported these graduates in their growth and development. As a community, you have shared your time with these graduates, supported them in identifying and reaching goals, celebrated their successes, and provided comfort and guidance in times of struggle. Hope is not a strategy, and it is necessary.

THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL

Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777 Emails: news@goldendalesentinel.com (News, editorial, Letters) Obits@goldendalesentinel.com (Obituaries) Classifieds @goldendalesentinel.com (Classified ads and inquiries) Ads @goldendalesentinel.com (Display advertising information and inquiries) Legals @goldendalesentinel.com (Legal and public notices) Payables@goldendalesentinel.com Receivables@goldendalesentinel.com Events @goldendalesentinel.com (Events and activities)

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 .

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.

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.

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

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.

Ken McKune Goldendale C 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.”

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

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 contacted 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.

Ken Margraf Goldendale

Letters from the community Leave the choice to women There’s a common thread weaving together a political party that advocates the overthrow of a lawfully elected president and that squelches a woman’s right to choose an abortion.

These actions reveal the intent of an autocratic, illiberal minority to impose its will on the majority. This minority is demonstrating increasing acceptance to use or at least excuse the use of violence in order to achieve its aims. The attempted coup of January 6 was the act of a violent mob, a truth that the party’s leadership is actively trying to ob-

fuscate. In the immediate aftermath, several among the party’s leadership condemned the man responsible—Donald Trump. But these same individuals quickly did an about-face and now, rather than hold Trump accountable, suppress those few among their ranks with the moral fortitude to tell the truth.

And now this same party, having stacked the Supreme Court via unethical shenanigans, is on the cusp of committing violence toward women. This is not an overstatement, for to arrest a woman for having an abortion and to lock her up in prison is an act of violence on her person, as is doing so to those who

would assist her. Those who would ban abortion, even with exceptions for rape and incest, constitute a small minority of Americans, and yet, through violent means, they intend to force their religious views on everyone else.

Among this minority is Klickitat County’s current Congressional Representative, Dan Newhouse. His Democratic challenger, Doug White, would leave the decision to the woman, where it rightfully belongs.

Rick George White Salmon

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May 11, 2022—A5

Hometown

The return of rodeo Get out those rakes and weed eaters I hope all the mothers who read this had a really special Mother’s Day. In our community, mothers continued to be honored the day after Mother’s Day when they were guests at the Mother’s Day Tea at the school. This decades-long tradition had to be put on hold or modified during the Covid restrictions, but this year, the Public School Employees invited all mothers once again. Glenwood’s only graduating senior, James Griffin, honored his mom Kara with a special presentation. The tables were beautifully set, and the tea and refreshments were delicious. We are so lucky to have these dedicated PSEs who put so much effort into honoring all the mothers here. Thank you for all you do, dear ladies.

Last weekend the Glenwood High School and Junior High School Rodeo athletes were in Basin City for their second rodeo of the spring. I don’t have results of that rodeo for Josly n A r nold, Peyton Sanchey, Emma Patterson, and Blaine Arnold, but I did get results for Peyton from their first rodeo at MiltonFreewater. Despite the arena sometimes seeming more like a mud bog competition than a rodeo, Peyton had a good weekend. On Saturday, April 30th she placed 6th in the barrels and 7th in poles. On Sunday, even more muddy than the day before, she placed 15th in barrels and 7th in poles.

Considering how many contestants there are in each of those events, Peyton had awesome placings. Way to go, girl! You’re off to a great start. I’ll try to share results from Basin City for all four of our rodeo athletes next week.

In other rodeo news, Levi Roggenkamp, son of Amy and Shaun Roggenkamp and grandson of Glenwood residents Oop and Dian Burgin, won the Northwest Junior Rodeo Association (NJRA) Peewee All-Around Saddle, placing in the top six for all his events. His brother Tucker made it to the finals in calf riding and goat tying. These boys travel up and down Interstate 5 on the west side of Washington to compete in the NJRA rodeos. What an amazing pair of cowboys.

Congratulations, Levi and

Tucker.

I’m sharing this one more time, because I’ve seen people asking when the next Kids Jam will be held. It will take place at the church on Friday, May 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jennifer says, “We are looking forward to another great night of fun with your kids ages Kindergarten through 5th grade.”

There’s a lot of testing taking place at the school during this last full month, so please make sure you children get a good breakfast each day and plenty of sleep the night before testing days.

Besides testing, track season is still on. For the High School Eagles, the District meet will take place in Maupin on Friday, May 13, beginning at 10:30 a.m. That’s not too far, so if you’re free that day, maybe you could take a drive over to Maupin and root for our small but mighty team.

Good luck, Eagles.

The Associated Student Body of Glenwood H igh School is taking orders for beautiful flower baskets.

The baskets are $30 each and will add a lot of color to your yards or patios this summer. Contact the school to place an order before the sale closes and help support our ASB now that they have reorganized and are going strong.

Glenwood School District has hired Elyse Mengarelli as the new superintendent/ principal for the upcoming school year. Elyse comes to us with many years of experience as a teacher, principal, and many other roles in her previous schools.

Elyse has actually started working here in our school one day per week so she will be totally ready to take on the job full time in July.

Welcome Elyse and family to our community and our school.

The 87th annual Glenwood Ketchum Kalf Rodeo is only about six weeks away, Father’s Day weekend. Christina Kuhnhausen shares this reminder that anyone wishing to be in the rodeo parade on Sunday of rodeo weekend needs to contact her at (509) 364-3326 to reserve a spot.

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It seems I’ve goofed again, forgot to put the date of the Pioneer Day Parade last week. It’s May 28 and starts with the Twin Bridges Museum’s hearty Biscuits and Gravy breakfast at 8 to 11 a.m., which lasts on after the parade’s starting at 10.

So, again, May 28 is a day of a lot of food, fun, and frolic.

It’s time to drag out those rakes and weed eaters and such and head on over to the Lyle/Balch Cemetery to meet the rest of the crew who have volunteered to spruce up the grounds beginning at 9 a.m. on May 21. I understand that a round of applause goes out to Ann and Ken Barepski who found and fixed a leak in the water system. Also our neighbors in High Prairie are having their Hartland/Lone Pine Cemetery Clean up the day after on Sunday, May 22, from 10 a.m. until finished.

These are annual events that honor loved ones at their eternal resting place before the upcoming Memorial Day. French’s Farms Nurs-

ery’s Season opening was postponed a week but is now open since last Friday, May 6. They took time to celebrate the life and passing of a best friend and wish to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. It’s time to get out between the rain drops and plant some color or perhaps a shade tree.

Did you know there is a Lyle Movie Club for Film Aficionados?

I didn’t either, but it sounds like fun.

It is featuring an exclusive screening of Out of the Past with a special guest host Elliot Lavine on June 24 at the Lyle Activity Center. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join.

The Club is a casual group of about a half-dozen couples that have been meeting monthly for about five years, even virtually throughout the pandemic. The members alter choosing and hosting films at their homes or at the LAC, normally meeting the second Friday of every month. Membership is open

need to stand in a crowded line this fall. If your child needs any immunizations, you’ll have ample time to get them done before school starts and give them time to order and receive school records, to place your child in the right level of classes.

It will also give an accurate count of students by grade level for the coming year.

By registering now, you give time to pre-plan what classroom space will be and employ the staff needed. The school office is on the upper level of the building, located at 625 Keasey Avenue in Lyle, open between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.., Monday through Friday. Again, this is for students enrolling in the district for the first time. If you miss this registration, it will open again August 15. Questions? Call (509) 365-2211, ext. 120, or email support@ lyleschools.org.

Submit your news to: Mildred E. Lykens: (509) 3652273 or lykensme41@Gmail. com.

to Lyle community members with a main requirement of the willingness to participate and have fun. For more information, please contact Cindy at bluemel1@mac. com.

Parents of children who will be three, four, or five years old, on or before September 1 are invited to come to Lyle School between 3 and 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, to learn about our local early learning opportunities. You can see your child’s classrooms, meet the teachers, learn more about the Lyle School, and register your child. And by the way, any students new to Lyle School in 2022-2023 should register soon. Will this 2022-2023 school year be your child’s first year here? Students new to the school, in any grade level, are welcome to register now through June 10. This is a great time to complete the enrollment process, for several reasons: if accomplished now, there will be no

Blood donations needed ahead of summer When schools let out for summer and families set off on vacation, the American Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, which can impact patient care. It’s critically important that donors make an appointment to give now before heading out for summer activities to help maintain a stable blood supply in the coming months.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims and those experiencing difficult childbirths.

In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood. org/camper. Those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottle and customizable sticker set, while supplies last.

G

Donors can help save a life in just an hour. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, platelets, or plasma, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-RED CROSS, (800) 733-2767.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Klickitat County May 15-31: Bingen June 8: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Insitu - Eagle Point, 901 E Columbia River Way Glenwood May 18: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Glenwood School, 320 Bunnell Goldendale May 24: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Goldendale High School, 525 Simcoe Drive White Salmon May 25: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Seventh Day Adventist Church Community Service Building, 531 E Tohomish

E D I C A L

D I R E C T O R Y

Congratulations to the 20 FFA members who competed May 2 at the Toppenish Jr. Livestock Show. Students assessed steers, lambs, and hogs in six different market classes. They competed against 30 teams from all around Eastern Washington. Hadlee Beierle placed 4th and Lexi Molnar placed 9th out of 147 individuals.

The team results are as follows: GHS FFA Team 1: Lexi Molnar, Danae Dunlap, Dallas Villalobos, Taylor Fahl-

enkamp, and Bryce Waddell placed 6th overall GHS FFA Team 2: BryLee Mulrony, Addi Bomberger, Adalynne Lower, Baeden Lee, and Lydia Hanning placed 5th overall GMS FFA Team 1: Maggie Gutierrez, Emma Rich, Brielle Starr, Hadlee Beierle, and Greta Gilliam placed 8th overall GMS FFA Team 2: Liberty Magnuson, Hilary Vanegas, Ari Bartholomew, Brian Whitman, and Lexi Williams placed 13th overall

DENTISTRY

REIMCHE-VU

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FFA competes in Livestock Show

FAMILY DENTISTRY

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The Icons of Goldendale

Stonehenge

Agriculture

Headlines & History for Klickitat County since 1879

Photos by local photographers Neil Thompson (top & center) and Steve Nygaard (bottom)

A8—May 11, 2022

Goldendale, Washington

WINTER from page A1 ture’s mid-term exam? Are we prepared? We’re going to discover if this glamping RV protects me from the cold and winter weather. Can I provide enough propane?

Can I tolerate the constant furnace noise? Can we keep the pipes from freezing? Do I have enough food and other provisions to make it until the roads of drifted snow are passable? We’ll see.

It’s later now. White New Year’s week made our big white Christmas look small in comparison. Three days of nearly constant snow, all different types, from big flakes to small frozen pellets, zipping past in moderate to strong winds. It drifts in piles all the way up the sides of the grain bins. MidJanuary and it’s warmer for a few days and nights. We open the doors and let in some wonderful clean air— very refreshing.

Only two days, though.

Thursday morning, fierce winds and pelting snow awoke us. And it’s continued for three days, this time the sculpted white giant drifts like I’d never seen. Grandson Cedar tunnels in the drifts.

One morning we began the short drive to the Bickleton market. As we got on the main road, it was clear with brisk side winds, I was going about 40 mph. Up ahead about a quarter mile, snow started floating across the road in fluid swirls. It seemed to get thicker as we approached. Or were we just

getting closer? Before we reached the spot, the snow obscured the yellow line, and in seconds the road all around us was covered in snow—nearly impassable.

The wind did not abate, and the road became treacherous. We were less than a mile from home and so decided to just turn around before the road was completely clogged. I did a U-turn, and this time had to really gun it to get through, fishtailing and swerving, grateful for my reliable Subaru.

That road was closed for three days while we watched an amazing display of wind power, snow, and winter.

Late January now, and we have been enshrouded by a heavy fog for three days and nights. No wind to speak of—just fog and 20 degrees. It makes the most beautiful intricate patterns on the most mundane items.

The moisture in the air is attracted to the moisture on things, building strings and balls of ice on the wintering plant stems and buds.

Slowly covering the spokes of the bikes and rails on the porch, the pipes and hoses all covered with magical looking crystal designs.

Then on the fourth day, the fog clears, and we have our usual blue skies, bright sun and 20 degrees! The ground is hard and poky in places and otherwise super slick. I was given a set of chains for my shoes which helped keep me upright.

Now it’s late February.

Community events May 12, 2022 – Fallen Officer Ceremony 2 p.m.

South Side of the County Courthouse on the steps.

Refreshments to follow at the new Administrative Services building. Candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. on the front lawn.

May 13, 2022 – Glenwood Kids Jam 6 – 8 p.m. at the church, ages kindergarten – 5th grade May 13 – 14, 2022 - Goldendale Library Book Sale 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Camplan Room May 14, 2022 and May – Beginner Serger 1 Class 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing $20 class + $5 kit call 509-4397177 or stop in to sign up May 14, 2022 – Art of Embroidery Class 1 – 2:30 p.m. 120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing $17.50 class + $5 kit call 509-439-7177 or stop in to sign up May 14, 2022 – Walk for Life 9:45 am registration, walk is at 10:00 a.m. starting at the Courthouse Lawn in Goldendale. Pledge sheets available at local churches, Sole to Soul Health Center and The McCredy Co. Questions? Call 509-775-5501 May 14, 2022 - Fire Victim’s Fund Fundraiser 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 327 W. Brooks St, Goldendale, Klickitat County Rural 7 fire house. Yard Sale and silent auction fundraiser.

May 14, 2022 - Goldendale Farmers Market 9 a.m.

– 2 p.m. Open for the season.

Goldendale Chamber of Commerce yard, corner of Broadway and 3rd.

May 17 – 19, 2022 – Kindergarten Registration By appointment only, call 509773-4665 May 18, 2022 – Beginning Serger 1 class 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing $20 class + $5 kit call 509-439-7177 or stop in to sign up May 19, 2022 – Drinking Democratically 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Gee’s Chinese Restaurant, East Main in Goldendale.

Please come eat and drink with us May 20 – 21, 2022 – The 1880-1980 Collection Quilt Show 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mountain View Grange, 1085 N Main Ave White Salmon.

Admission is $5. The West Klickitat County Historical Society show will feature mid 1800–1980 quilts donated to the museum by Klickitat County residents. A modern fabric Queen/King Size quilt will be raffled at this show.

May 19, 2022 – Pinochle Party 1 p.m. Centerville Grange Hall May 21, 2022 – Crochet Group 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing chat and learn $10 call 509-439-7177 or stop in to sign up May 21, 2022 – Bring a Project to sew 1 – 3 p.m. 120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing $15 call 509439-7177 or stop in to sign up May 20 – 22, 2022 - Oregon Trail Rally in Goldendale Rally starts in Portland at the International Raceway on 5/20, Goldendale on 5/21 ends in Dufur Oregon on 5/22.

Please note certain designated county roads will be closed at this time. For spectator information please visit https://oregontrailrally.com/.

May 24, 2022 – American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 – 6 p.m. in the Goldendale High School cafeteria. Contact Nadine at 509-439-2011 for an appointment.

May 25, 2022 – Beginner Crochet 2 – 3:30 p.m. 120 W Main, Goldendale, Wild Daffodil Sewing $17.50 call 509439-7177 or stop in to sign up May 28, 2022 - Lyle Pioneer Day One full day of fun, games, music and food. The Lyle Twin Bridges Museum will host its great breakfast of Biscuits and Gravy for $5 at 9 a.m. Parade starts at 10 a.m.

Bands begin performing at 4 p.m.. For vendor information call 541-705-5963 May 28, 2022 - Klickitat Historical Museum opens for the season May 28, 2022 - 1st Annual Goldendale Community Sports Fundraiser 12 – 6 p.m.

Ekone Park Goldendale. Come enjoy the sports, games, vendors, and music from artists E. Wayne Jones, Skylar Ray, Kala Mulcahy and others!

Get out, get active, together and help support a local nonprofit. For details call Austin Berard at 509-261-1756 or Aaron Niva 509-261-2510.

May 28 – 29, 2022 - Elks Memorial Day Weekend Antiques & Glass Show May 28 10 a.m.–6 p.m., May 29 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mt Adams Elks Lodge 124 NE Church Ave, White Salmon Antiques and Vintage items Adults $5.00, children 12 and under are free. Food and drinks for sale. For vendor information contact Jess Felton at 541-519-6402 or Desteni Felton at 541-5192475

We had a fantastic winter December through early January. Since then, it’s like spring. Really, lots of sun and 60-degree days.

Before the end of February, the forecast is for cold and wind—the coldest nights this winter!

Things break in the extreme cold. An LP tank froze closed, and a furnace motor noisily discorporated after too many months of service. All in all, we felt we’d made it through winter in pretty good shape. Here we are nearly the middle of March, I think I saw bluebirds whizzing by yesterday, we’ve had some pretty good rain storms, and folks are saying we’ve probably seen the end of this year’s winter.

The temperature plummeted last week—the winds kicked up around 50 mph, and now we have some serious weather in late March.

Right now, our March Madness is more about blizzards than basketball.

Winter is having a hard time letting go this year.

It’s early April, we are having bursts of blizzards—50 mph winds one minute and heavy snowfall the next.

We’ve had sunshine, rain, freezing rain, frozen fog, and snow so thick we can’t see 20 feet to the barns— this week.

Spring blew in halfheartedly a few weeks ago. She brought gentle breezes, showers, and some spring bird songs. The bird songs

Contributed

THE FOREVER WINTER: At 3,000 feet in Bickleton, winter can be a guest that thinks nothing of overstaying its welcome.

were rough early on, as though the birds were just learning the tune. Over the next while they’ve rehearsed it and perfected the phrasing and melody.

Today it’s a lovely counterbalance to the blizzard bursts—which are probably quite surprising to all the farm critters who thought, “Spring is here!” more than a week ago!

Surely she’ll be here tomorrow or the next day?

Nope—spring is in remission, or something, for today, winter is! The nighttime lows are deep in the 20s. Tonight, the second week in April, fresh snow on the ground again, 4 to 8

more inches.

From here on the Columbia plateau at 3,000 feet, I’ve watched many storms travel east, gain power through the Midwest, and slam my friends in the Northeast.

This late bloomer might really cause havoc.

Mid-April, and we are coming into a most invigorating time of year. Still freezing nights, upper 40s in the day. At last I can venture out safely, and the ground can almost be turned! I remember hearing it said a month ago, “Winter’s about over.” I don’t think winter was listening! It’s had a wonderful time playing in the fields and on the roads

deep into April. Yes, it was at times challenging but never life threatening. Winter has been gentle on us here in the Simcoe highlands of southcentral Washington, and it’s okay with me if it lingers awhile longer. Spring will eventually blossom beautifully into summer.

Today, April is about over and we have our familiar partly cloudy skies and 50 degrees, all stirred by a gentle breeze. Maybe winter is worn out at last and ready for a nap? That’d be okay, too. Spring has been waiting in the wings long enough.

released, and the board chair sent emails to people in the community trying to determine how they were obtained. The Sentinel has obtained those details and is presently corroborating their accuracy.

A source speaking on condition of anonymity says she has seen Kelly publicly intoxicated three times in recent years, once when as an Uber driver she picked him and some other people up. “It was right when Covid was getting started, at an end-of-the-schoolyear party at his ex-wife’s house,” she says. “He was pretty hardcore” drunk, she states. When she arrived for the Uber pick-up, she was directed inside the house.

“I looked inside,” she says, “and there’s Andy [Kelly], his oldest son, and Marlene, his wife. They were belligerently drunk. They could not stand.”

Beckie Fruh, a mother in Kelly’s school district, says she is most disturbed

by reports that Kelly sexted a picture of his genitalia to a teacher at the high school. According to Fruh, the picture ended up widely distributed, including to students in the district.

“Someone offered to send it me,” Fruh says, “but I didn’t want it on my phone.” She decided to take the matter right to the source. In March of 2020, she invited Kelly to lunch, where she asked him directly, “‘You want to explain to me why pictures of your [private body part] ended up in the hands of students?’

“He turned about six shades of red,” Fruh says. “He stammered and hemmed and hawed. He said it was all a misunderstanding, that the pictures weren’t him, they were doctored to look like him. He cried and said this was so hard for him, after all he’d given to the district, and how hard on his wife this was to hear all this stuff going around.”

The Uber driver who picked up Kelly and says he was intoxicated says she too saw what was reported to be Kelly’s sext.

As of press date, there has been no response to multiple requests for comment from Kelly. Jessica Iliff, the North Beach School Board chair, said in a statement, “We respect confidentiality throughout the district and do not comment on personnel issues. Dr. Angela Lyte-Crowther is our acting superintendent. The safety of students at North Beach School District has always been and continues to be our highest priority. Mr. Kelly has resigned effective June 30, 2022, and he will not return to his duties as superintendent. The District is moving forward in a positive direction, and the Board will work diligently to employ a superintendent who will serve the District and the community in the best interest of kids.”

KELLY from page A1 Prosecutor Chris Lanz to bring Kelly to the May 25 hearing in White Salmon.

After his recent police report, Kelly was suspended by the North Beach School District, though remaining on salary. Subsequently Kelly announced his resignation as North Beach super intendent effective June 30, with a statement from the board citing that “separation of Kelly’s employment is in the best interests of the parties.” The Aberdeen, Washington, Daily World reported details of Kelly’s separation terms on May 3, which state that he is on leave until June 30 and he remains eligible to cash in 30 days of unused vacation time. The district commits to paying installments over the next year of $46,436 for a total of $185,744. This is after the district committed to extending Kelly’s contract in January. Kelly’s separation terms were not supposed to have been

CARES from page A1 including professional respite for family car- and much more. the WA Cares Fund, visit personal care in the egivers, home modificaIf you are interested www.wacarefund.wa.gov home, dementia support, tion to help with mobility, in learning more about or call (844) CARE4WA.

Wilkins, Kaiser, Olsen Inc. Compensa�on and benets include:

Wilkins, Kaiser, Compe�ve wagesOlsen Inc.

Paid Time Off Compensa�on and benets include: Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescrip�on Insurance Offered Compe�ve wages Life Insurance Paid Time Off 401K Tradi�onal/Roth Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescrip�on Up to 4% 401K company Insurance Offered contribu�on match Life Insurance Tradi�onal/Roth Wilkins, 401K Kaiser, Olsen Inc. is an Up to 4% 401K company Equal Opportunity Employer contribu�on match Wilkins, Kaiser, Olsen Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Hiring Hiring

WKO lumber facility in Carson, Washington is WKO lumber facility in Carson, expanding p expanding production.

We areWashington looking toisfill We are positions looking to ll mul�ple in our fast mutiple in our fast posi�ons paced lumber millpaced l forforday shifts. IfIf interested interestedinin any dayand andnight night shi�s. any of of these posi� these positions please apply: apply:lumber facility in Carson, Washington is expanding p WKO

We are looking to ll mul�ple posi�ons in our fast paced lu  Forkli� Driver Forklift Driver for day and night shi�s. If interested in any of these posi�  Log Yard Operator/ Equipment Operator Log Yard Operator/ Equipment Operator apply:  Millwright/Mechanic Millwright/Mechanic  Forkli� Driver Chain Puller Chain Puller  Log Yard Operator/ Equipment Operator Cleanup Cleanup  Millwright/Mechanic Full job descrip�ons and required applica�on can be obta  job Chain Puller Full descriptions and application the main office located at required 2022 Wind River Hwy. Carson,  Cleanup can be obtained at Jobmain pos�ngs canlocated also be at found onWind Indeed.com the office 2022 River Hwy. Full job descrip�ons and required applica�on can be obta Carson, WA 98610 the main office located at 2022 Wind River Hwy. Carson,

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Goldendale, Washington

May 11, 2022—B1

Extra

The Washington Outdoors Report: Outdoors roundup John Kruse

For The Sentinel FREE LIFETIME RECREATION PASSES FOR VETERANS AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES The America the Beautiful Pass allows you to enter National Parks, U.S. Forest Service Recreation Areas, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management properties and other federal lands requiring an entry fee. It’s available as a lifetime pass for seniors over 62 for $80 and now, thanks to a National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Biden in December of 2021, this lifetime pass is now available for free to military veterans and Gold Star family members.

This includes veterans who served in the National Guard or Army Reserve.

Ideally, you would pick up this pass for free today at National Forest or BLM district and headquarters offices around our state.

Unfortunately, they are not yet printed or available. In

the meantime, you should ask for an annual America the Beautiful Military Pass, which you can now get as a veteran at no charge. This pass is good for one year.

By next year, you should be able to get the actual veteran’s lifetime pass.

Because of lingering Covid pandemic issues, many of these offices are only open by appointment only, so call ahead and make sure they have the military passes in stock and are aware of this program before you make the drive.

When you arrive to pick up this pass in person, you will need to present one of the following forms of identification as a veteran: 1) Department of Defense Identification Card 2) Veteran Health Identification Card 3) Veteran ID Card 4) Veterans’ designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card Another option is to pay $10 and get the pass online.

You can do so at store.usgs. gov/MilitaryPass. Simply

NUMBERS ARE UP: The wolf population in Washington is rising.

click on the “Determine Eligibility” tab, put that pass in your shopping cart, create an account, upload a photo of your ID card, and order it. Then, explore our federal public lands for the rest of your life, no entry or parking fees required, though you do still have to pay for overnight stays.

WOLF NUMBERS CONTINUE TO RISE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Washington’s wolf population continues to grow.

The Washington Depart-

WDFW

ment of Fish and Wildlife and the Colville Tribe have released their annual survey report, which saw a 16 percent increase to Washington’s wolf numbers over the last year. As of December 31, 2021, WDFW, partner agencies, and tribes counted 206 wolves in 33 packs in Washington. Nineteen of these packs included successful breeding pairs.

This is up from 178 wolves in 29 packs and 16 breeding pairs in the 2020 count.

Oregon is also reporting

a rise in wolf numbers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that at the end of 2021, there were at least 175 wolves in the Beaver State, an increase of two over last year. In Oregon wolves, initially found only in the northeast part of the state, are moving to areas throughout eastern and southern Oregon and into California.

In Washington, the packs by and large remain east of the Cascade Crest with the largest concentration of packs remaining in the northeast quadrant of the state.

CONSERVATION BANQUETS The Colockum Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be holding a big banquet, usually attended by several hundred people, at the Chelan County Fairgrounds in Cashmere on May 21. The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets online at https://events.rmef.org/ shop/colockum1.

The Okanogan Trails Chapter of the Mule Deer

Foundation will hold a fundraising banquet at the Elks Lodge in Omak on May 21 from 5 to 10 p.m.

You can purchase tickets online at muledeer.org/ event/omak-wa-okanogantrails-chapter-banquet.

A GU I DED W I L D FLOWER HIKE Washington State Parks is offering a guided hike amongst the wild flowers at Alta Lake State Park near Pateros on May 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. The “Flower Power Hike” starts at the Welcome Booth at the park and takes you on a short but steep hike around the campground and up the bluffs surrounding Alta Lake.

Bring water and some sturdy shoes or boots for this hike. The event is free, but you will need a Discover Pass to park for the day if you are not already camping there. If you have any questions, call the park staff at (509) 923-2473 John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com.

TurboTax pays $3.75 million to Washingtonians who paid for free e-filing More than 121,000 Washingtonians impacted by Intuit’s conduct will receive restitution payments Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced last Wednesday that as a result of his investigation, tax preparation software company Intuit will return more than $3.75 million to 121,102 Washington taxpayers. These Washingtonians paid to electronically file their returns with Intuit’s TurboTax software after the company failed to inform them that they were eligible to e-file for free through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Between 2016 and 2018, the affected Washingtonians filed more than 127,000 tax returns through Intuit’s paid software despite being eligible for free electronic filing through the IRS. The IRS currently offers free electronic filing of all tax returns with incomes up to $73,000. Eligible Washington taxpayers will receive approximately $30 for each year they paid Intuit to file their returns through TurboTax. Some Washington taxpayers are eligible for restitution for multiple years.

In addition to the restitution to Washington taxpayers, the resolution, to be filed in King County Superior Court, requires the company to promptly notify consumers when they are eligible to file for free through the IRS, as well as to clearly disclose the limitations on who is eligible to use its own free tax filing software.

“I will continue holding corporate interests accountable when they deceive Washingtonians into paying millions of dollars for a free service,” Ferguson said. “Intuit’s deceptively earned profits will return to hardworking Washington families to help pay for groceries, car payments and other needs.”

Washingtonians do not need to do anything to receive restitution. A claims administrator will reach out to impacted Washington taxpayers identified in Intuit’s records and arrange payment of the restitution they are owed.

For more information on who is eligible to electronically file their tax return for free through the IRS, go to www. irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-yourfederal-taxes-for-free.

Deceiving taxpayers The Attorney General’s Office began investigating Intuit in 2019, after ProPublica published articles outlining

some of Intuit’s alleged conduct.

Other states joined the investigation the following year.

The states allege that Intuit deceptively marketed its TurboTax Free Edition by failing to adequately disclose the eligibility requirements to use its free product, which were more narrow than the standards used by the IRS. They also accuse Intuit

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits (up to an additional $25 of enhanced Lifeline support monthly and a credit of up to $100 on their initial installation charges) if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be on either a wireline or wireless service.

Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.

A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.

Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program.

Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain a Lifeline discount can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1.800.201.4099 or visit centurylink. com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

of failing to inform consumers when they were still eligible to file for free through the IRS Free File program, even though they were not eligible to use TurboTax’s Free Edition software. Instead, Intuit prompted these taxpayers to pay for its premium software and con-

tinue with their return.

Ironically, Intuit also supplied the software used for the IRS’ free filing program until last year.

TurboTax based a taxpayer’s eligibility for its free product on whether they were filing a “simple” tax return. Intuit defined a

“simple” return as one that can be filed on a Form 1040 with no attached schedules. But eligibility for free filing through the IRS is based solely on the taxpayer’s income, regardless of what forms or schedules the IRS requires them to complete for their return.

Their disaster is your chance to help.

The Klickitat Valley Fire Victims Yard Sale and Silent Auction

May 14

Yard Sale 9 am- 3 pm ~ Silent Auction 9 am-1 pm 327 W Brooks Street, Goldendale Come join us for a day of finding new treasures and raising money for a good cause! Fire Victims Fund is finally holding its annual yardsale after two long years. This year we will be hosting a silent auction alongside the yardsale.

The funds raised help victims in the Rural 7, Goldendale, and Centerville Fire Districts.

There will be 2 motorcycles and a suction truck up for silent auction this year.