It Can Happen - A Lost River

The Rio Perdito got a new name in November of 2009 - the Listara River. Here is a news report from Earth Times News:

Bogota - The Listara river in northeastern Colombia has suddenly disappeared into a geological fault, the authorities said in the town of San Andres. The mountain river was "swallowed by the earth" in a rural area about 800 metres away from the town of 9,000, in the province of Santander, town officials told the Colombian radio station RCN late Sunday.
Experts in Bogota about 400 kilometres away were called upon to investigate the phenomenon and to establish whether the fault entails a threat to the town.

Henry says there are four places in Columbia called San Andres. As the report mentions, this is a small town in the province (or county) of Santander. There another one in a different province. There is a Colombian island in the Caribbean with that name, and it is in a province of islands also called San Andres. Confusing, no?

RB-094 The River That Wasn't There

A tough cattle rancher and a young vegetable farmer live and thrive along the Rio Perdito (Lost River). Both men depend heavily on the river's water for the health and well-being of the cows and the fruits and vegetables. One summer day the river begins drying up but not because of heat or drought. The men's tempers rise with the fall of the river. Will the Rio Perdito disappear all together? Why is it drying up? Can Bill fix this crazy river or does teenager Henry have a solution from the library?

Knotty Pine GAZETTE - Blackfoot Gift Mystery

Gift Opening Reveals A Mystery

A group of Blackfeet Indians led by Alan Beaver arrived late this morning at Ranger Headquarters to present ranger Gray Wolf with a gift as a small token of Mr. Beaver's thanks for missionary work Gray Wolf and his church are doing among Indians. Members of Gray Wolf's Dakota tribe, Chief Ranger Bill Jefferson, and Colonel Anders, head of the western ranger district, were on hand for the presentation.
Mr. Beaver explained to everyone at Ranger Headquarters, "This clay jar has been in my family for many generations. My family tells me that this jar has probably survived more than 200 summers. Family legend says that this pot is a memorial for two braves who were killed while stealing horses from a group of white men. The legend goes on to say that some things found on the stolen horses were placed in the pot. A lid was placed on the pot and sealed. The jar has not been opened in 200 years and its full history has been forgotten.
"This lovely family relic is now yours, Gray Wolf. Please accept this with my thanks, and please honor me and my family by opening the jar at this time.
Gray Wolf responded, "I am very honored by your gift. I am not worthy of such a valuable family heirloom. It is a beautiful antique. Thank you."
Everyone in the room was excited to see if there was anything inside the jar. We were curious about the legend. Was it true? Who were the white men? Spanish conquistadors, French hunters and trappers, English soldiers?
Gray Wolf slowly and carefully opened the lid on the jar. He reached in and pulled out a possibly silver medal and a small tin box. Ranger Bill encouraged him to open the tin box as well. The box opened with a rusty squeak. Inside was a leather book, a journal possibly of some explorer. There was also a loose piece of paper with a grid of letters and numbers on it. At the top of the paper were the words "Jefferson Code" Ranger McGuire noticed a date "1801" on the medal.
Gray Wolf offered to return these items to Mr. Beaver. Mr. Beaver declined the offer. Alan responded, "The family legend appears to be true. This is the rightful property of the robbed white men or the US people. Gray Wolf, please find the rightful owners of these items and return them."
Gray Wolf agreed. Ranger Bill Jefferson and his staff have pledged to assist Gray Wolf in uncovering this mystery. Stay tuned for more from Ranger Headquarters.

RB-092 The Return of Sitting Bull

John Harrison Sitting Bull, great-grandson of Sitting Bull, is mistreated in college especially by another student, Ormsby. John is so hurt and angry from the abuse that he goes on the warpath and believes he is the original Sitting Bull. John terrorizes everyone by setting several home and barn fires. Sheriff Cal asks Gray Wolf to find John and stop him before he hurts or kills someone. Can Gray Wolf stop this crazed young man? Can he even find this young but skilled warrior?

Some Lakota(Dakota) Words
Sitting Bull - Tantanka Iyotaka
Wolf - Shunkaha or Sunkmatihu
Friend - kola (just like cola)
Friends - kolapi

RB-091 In The Eagle's Nest

Bill and Lieutenant Larson of the US Aeronautical Survey Team find Old Man Margrave tied up and half dead in his cabin in Lost Canyon. Two thugs, Hawk and Banjo Eyes, did this the old gentleman to get his treasure hidden up in the mountain cliffs. The key to finding the treasure is a notebook hidden in the cabin. So why does Bill want a football uniform, a pilot's helmet, 100 feet of rope, and 10 pounds of beef to find the treasure? How will Bill, Henry, and Lt. Larson keep the two crooks from stealing or destroying the treasure? What is this mysterious treasure anyway? You'll have to listen to find out.