January 17, 2025
January 17, 2025
SPRAGUE — Two duck hunters were found dead in Sprague Lake after their boat capsized Sunday, Jan. 12. The deceased were identified as Rock Dwayne Bass, 61, and Gary Thomas Myers, 69, both of Spokane. According to Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner, the two men left their homes to go duck hunting on Sprague Lake earlier that day were expected home around 5 p.m. Their last known communication with family was at 1:45 p.m. “on the lake somewhere,” Wagner said. Family members lost contact with the duo and could not get any...
RITZVILLE - Two people have been arrested in connection with a burglary on Seidl Road. Jhea Daniel D. Whitney, 38, of Moses Lake, was arrested Sunday, Jan. 11, in Moses Lake. And Janis M. Rountree, 47, of Lind, was arrested Jan. 9. According to the Adams County Sheriff's Office, the arrests stem from a reported burglary-in-progress at 4:19 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9. Deputies were dispatched to the call and observed a "suspect removing items from a large shop." Deputies identified...
RITZVILLE - Those attending the Jan. 7 City Council meeting got a replay from developers who are not entirely enthusiastic about commercial development costs here. City employees distributed documents pre-loaded with concerns of commercial developers. The current initiatives and concerns of developers appear to be how well the city will support an annexation process proposed by Derek and Susan Schafer, which seeks to add real estate "east of Highway 261, south of I-90 and...
RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Officer Dr. Alex Brzezny briefed Adams County commissioners Jan. 8 on the pertussis — commonly called whooping cough — outbreak. “The rise occurred at the end of 2023 when we started to see increases,” Brzezny said. “We’ve always had occasional cases in our state, since 2023 and up, and I would say a tremendous rise in 2024.” Brzezny said with such a low population the incidence of the disease in Adams County means something significant. “If you have one case, and if you...
Jail Log RITZVILLE — The Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reported the following individuals in custody from Jan. 6-10: Jan, 13 Jhea Whitney, 38, Second Degree Burglary, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Jan. 10 Janis Rountree, 47, Second Degree Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Third Degree Theft, Third Degree Malicious Mischief, Booked into the Benton County Jail. Jan. 9 Rodrigo Cisneros Plascencia, 65, Incest, Resisting Arrest. Booked into the Franklin County Jail. Jan. 7 Alejandro Cisneros-Medina, 22,...
100 years ago The Ritzville Journal-Times Jan. 15, 1925 RAY FALER KILLED COASTING AT SOAP LAKE Ray Faler, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Faler, once made their home at Ritzville, died as a result of a coasting accident at Soap Lake where the family has resided for some months past. The following appeared in Monday's Spokesman-Review: "Soap Lake, Wash., Jan. 11. - Ray Faler, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Faler, died Saturday night of injuries received during the morning...
HARRINGTON – The City Council on Saturday, Jan. 11, approved the purchase of a 2022 Kobelco Sk30 mini excavator for $26,000. The excavator, to be purchased from a seller in Nine Mile Falls, was listed on a social media sales page for $27,550, city officials said.. The machine has approximately 1,400 hours of use and includes a 36-inch clean-out bucket and a 24-inch digging bucket, officials said. The meeting lasted seven minutes, during which the council unanimously approved the purchase. Mayor Joe Armond said the council...
RITZVILLE — The Board of Adams County Commissioners met Jan. 7 to discuss adding a full-time coroner position to the county staff. Commissioner Jay Weise began the discussion with available office space that could be used by the new coroner, Tiffany Cutworth, who was appointed to the post. “There’s an office in the Cedar Street building (in Othello) that we want to give to the coroner,” Weise said. “It currently has stuff stored in it and it’s not the office closest to Building or Planning, It’s the middle...
HARRINGTON — Residents gathered on Saturday, Jan. 11, for an informational meeting about Community Heart & Soul, a resident-driven program aimed at fostering connections and guiding the future of the town. The initiative, led by Kathie Matthews, seeks to bring people together to share stories, identify what they love most about Harrington, and develop plans for the town’s future. Harrington was awarded a $30,000 grant through Innovia Foundation to support the program. The funding will cover coaching, tools, and a...
RITZVILLE — Adams County Superior Court Judge Andrea K. Russell ruled Jan. 13 to continue the case of a high school student accused of threatening to kill classmates at school. Lind-Ritzville student Donald DesJardins, 14, pleated not guilty Nov. 4 to felony charge of threats to bomb/injure. He allegedly threatened to shoot several classmates and a teacher, according to police records. Russell said part of the reason the case needs to be continued is so she can gather more information, “given that all the court has a...
Emmie Klewin pins Collise Seymore of Inchelium in 1:16 in the girls mix-and-match at Deer Park on Jan. 8. See story on Page...
It doesn’t always happen, but now and then there is a day that becomes more than just another day. That will be the case on Monday, January 20th. On that particular day we will be inaugurating the 47th President of the United States; remembering the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and then watching the NCAA Division 1 football championship game. For a lot of people they will take time out to recognize each event as each is historical. For some people, of course, each event...
DEER PARK — Bronco senior Emmie Klewin returned to the mat for the first time this year on Jan. 8 at the Deer Park Mix-and-Match. Klewin, who qualified for state last year but had a shoulder injury, went 3-1 at 155 pounds in the girls wrestling meet. She opened the event by pinning No. 9-ranked Hanna Perkins of Liberty (Spangle) in 2:15. In her next match, Klewin lost by pin to Hailee Argaw of Ridgeline in 2:04. Klewin suffered a deep scratch to her face in the bout. In her final two matches of the day, Klewin pinned...
COLFAX - The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos fell to the defending state 2B boys champion Colfax, 67-42, on Jan. 11. Meanwhile, the Bronco girls came from behind to edge Colfax, 59-52. The Bronco girls (9-4, 3-3 in league) had to battle back from an early deficit, trailing the Bulldogs, 14-7, at the end of the first quarter. The Broncos exploded in the second quarter, scoring 26 points, while holding the Bulldog girls to just 9. At halftime, the Bronco girls led, 33-23. The...
RITZVILLE — A hunter education class is coming to Ritzville, and there’s no cost to participate, other than your time. The class runs from Feb. 3-8. Classroom activity is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3-6 at the Washington State Unviersity Extension Office, 205 W. Main Ave. The mandatory range visit and evaluation is set for 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Feb. 8 at Ritzville Gun Club. “The No. 1 thing is, we tell our students to treat every firearm as if it was loaded,” instructor Phil Peterson said. The “Traditional...
RITZVILLE — The Ritzville Gun Club reported the following results from its Jan. 12 shoot: 25 — None. 24 — Scott Steinmetz, Scott Yaeger, Brian Kramer and Colby Schell 23 — Tyler Frederick, Matt Stokoe, Cameron Benitz, Travis Dewald, Justin Simonson, Bruce Benzel, Dennis Faechner, Matt Leffel, John Stromberger and Conrade Bauer 22 — Garrett Frederick, Aaron Barham, Chris Phillips and Steve Telecky 21 — Ryan Frederick, Rob Melcher, Mike Geschke, Jason Heider, Jim Heider, Jeffery Staley and Rachel Schell 20 and...
MEDICAL LAKE – The Cardinals' boys basketball team cruised to a 65-42 win over Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, Tuesday, Jan. 7, to win their fifth straight game. Lebo Holloway led the Cardinals' balanced scoring with 16 points. The first half was tightly contested. In the first quarter, the Broncos' Jerod Harder controlled the glass by pulling down five quick rebounds. He also attacked the basket, scoring five points. Aidan Suddeth provided the offense for Medical Lake with his two...
MEDICAL LAKE – Zoe Galbreath scored 25 points to lead Lind-Ritzville-Sprague to a 55-32 non-conference win over the Cardinals Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Broncos came out of the chute fast. In the first half, LRS dominated the boards, out- rebounding Medical Lake 24-9, which led to fast break baskets by Zoe Galbreath and Madisyn Cameron who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Broncos led 33-8 at halftime. The Cardinals' defense stiffened in the second half. They...
As you sit at home watching video footage of the wildfires currently burning in California, it makes you wonder could happen here. Well, yes, it could. As California goes, so goes Washington. Our state politicians and bureaucrats in Olympia have a long history of copying California. Our politicos have gotten so lazy, they've even sponsored, supported, pushed and/or passed laws that say if California enacts a policy, Washington state will follow (cap and trade, vehicle...
The mood heading into Washington state's 2025 legislative session Jan. 13 was not exactly hopeful. According to the Cascade PBS/Elway poll, a majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Many Democrats and Republicans agree, with more than half of those surveyed saying things are getting worse with high taxes, budget shortfalls and the rising cost of living. Voters want their pocketbooks prioritized. The poll found 66% of respondents preferred cutting...
The Lind-Ritzville school boards will vote Thursday, Jan. 23, on a proposed four-day school week. Many of us have seen fliers sent home with students and social media posts, and heard and saw from the December meetings the benefits for this proposed four-day school week. However, not much has been sent out in regards to potential concerns. This decision should be about students and what is in their best interest. Do we have the information we need to make a sound decision? Some immediate concerns come to mind like the...
SPRAGUE — The Sprague Chamber of Commerce will announce its Citizen of the Year during a Monday, Jan. 20, event. In addition, the chamber will elect its officers for 2025. The event is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Sprague Community Hall. There will be a dessert and fundraising auction, as well as a swearing-in ceremony for new officers. The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the next Citizen of the Year. In other business, the chamber will announce proposed bylaw...
RITZVILLE - She might only be a playing card, but given the cash jackpot, members of the Ritzville Eagles Aerie are eager to win her likeness and treasure. The State Gambling Commission calls it a raffle game and Eagles members are drawn into the club each Tuesday evening to play and have a chance at winning the cash jackpot at 7 p.m., which at press time was $30,280. "This is the first time the pot has gotten this high before," said Ryan Reilly, the aerie's gambling manager....
There’s a certain hilarity in being a 22-year-old managing editor for a small-town paper. It’s not just the job title that makes me chuckle —it’s the moments that remind me I’m somehow both “too young” and “too old” all at once. This week, I attended the Davenport City Council meeting, a staple in my routine now. I’m making it a point to show up to every local meeting, not just because it’s my job, but because, oddly enough, I enjoy them. Where else can...
SPOKANE — Five students from Adams County are on this semester’s honor roll at Spokane Community College. The campus, along with Spokane Falls Community College, make up the community college district. The former school campus lists 2350 students making the Fall quarter honor roll. The successful Adams County scholars at Spokane Community College include Armando Gonzales, Cassandra Gonzalez-Garza and Roberto Martinez, all of Othello; Lance Williamson of Lind; and Kory Huss of Ritzville. Students who make the honor roll...
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR ADAMS COUNTY No. 25-4-00002-01 In the Matter of the Estate of JUDITH E. COGSWELL, Deceased. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent that arose before the decedent’s death must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving...
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATION FOR ANDREWS LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT The City of Ritzville has published the following administrative determination notice for a lot line adjustment. Applicant: Rodney Andrews Project Description: Adjust the lot line between parcel 1 and parcel 2, 20ft SW of existing steel structure. Application Date: November 27, 2024 Project Location: 206 N Columbia St. and 206 E Broadway Ave, Ritzville Comprehensive Plan: Parcel and lots will remain in the Central Business (C-1) zone. Review Authority:...
SHERIFF’S PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR ADAMS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CAUSE NO. 22-2-00079-01 GAGE A. BOUNDS, a single person Plaintiff, vs. JARED M. POTTS and “JANE DOE” POTTS, husband and wife, and the marital community composed thereof; ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS IN POSSESSION, 724 S. LONGMEIER RD., LIND, WA 99341, Defendants. TO: Jared M. Potts, “Jane Doe” Potts, and All Other Occupants In 724 S. Longmeier Rd. Lind, WA 99341, Judgement Debtors: The Superior Court of Adams County has...
ADAMS COUNTY NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS FOR Cultural Resource Survey Adams County is seeking the service of a qualified consultant with the ability to perform Cultural Resource Survey for the Gottlieb Hille Bridge #197-1 Reconstruction Project, CRP-202, on Griffith Road. It is anticipated that this work will begin February of 2025 and is to be completed April 2025. This solicitation will be for one project. Adams County reserves the right to amend terms of this request or to withdraw the request at any time, regardless of how...
Notice to Material Suppliers Adams County Department of Public Works will be soliciting quotations/bids from Material Suppliers for the purchase of the following materials for the 2025 Maintenance Year: 1. Sealcoat Oil 2. Weed Chemicals – Sterilant and Herbicides 3. Crackseal Material 4. Pre-level Material – HMA Asphalt 5. Traffic Paint and Glass Beads 6. Gravel from Commercial Sources 7. Anti/Deicing Materials 8. Culvert Materials Specifications and submittal documents may be obtained from the Public Works Department...
NOTICE OF MEETINGS MARTIN HALL JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Executive Board of the Martin Hall Juvenile Detention Facility will meet as follows for Calendar Year 2025: January 23, 2025 @ 10:00AM February 27, 2025 @ 10:00AM March 27, 2025 @ 10:00AM April 24, 2025 @ 10:00AM May 22, 2025 @ 10:00AM June 26, 2025 @ 10:00AM July 24, 2025 @ 10:00AM August 28, 2025 @ 10:00AM September 25, 2025 @ 10:00AM October 23, 2025 @ 10:00AM November 20, 2025 @ 10:00AM December 18, 2025 @ 10:00AM Meetings will be...
PUBLIC NOTICE Susan Schafer, 1101 N Sievers Ln, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, The Ritzville Travel Center, is located at Homestead Avenue south of Big Bend Electric Co-op and the Maverick and southeast of the Love’s Truck Care in Ritzville, in Adams County. This project involves 22.7 acres of soil disturbance for commercial construction activities. Any persons desiring to present their...
ADAMS COUNTY NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS FOR Gottlieb Hille Bridge #197-1 Reconstruction BROS-2001(053) Adams County Department of Public Works solicits interest from consulting firms with expertise in Civil and Structural Bridge Design. A&E consulting services agreement will be according to WSDOT actual cost-plus fixed fee agreement. Consultants will be considered for one (1) bridge design. The duration of the consultant agreement will be from approximately February 1st, 2025, through December 31st,2026, with the option for...
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2 will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 5:30pm. The meeting will be held at East Adams Rural Hospital in the conference room downstairs. John Kragt, Chair Board of Commissioners East Adams Rural Healthcare Published January 8, 15,...
