Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
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For the second consecutive week, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos fell just short of earning a league win. The Broncos hosted the Colfax Bulldogs on Sept. 22 where the neck-in-neck battle went in favor of Colfax 12-6, as they scored in the final four seconds of the game. Head Coach Greg Whitmore said he is proud of the team’s effort and determination during the past two games, and understands the athletes are frustrated by being edged out in the final seconds of c...
Rural communities across the United States are currently facing a multitude of problems: how to grow, attract more individuals to the workforce, improve infrastructure and compete in the global market. Eastern Washington communities are not the exception, and the annual Reviving Rural Downtowns Workshop helped a group of like-minded and passionate small town residents brainstorm ideas to improve their communities. The event kicked off in historic downtown Ritzville on Sept. 20...
The LaCrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus Lady Tigercats have started the season strong, with nonleague competitions against upcoming league opponents and multiple tournaments. The team began September by hosting the Kahlotus Jamboree where they played four teams over the course of one day. The Lady Tigercats recorded three wins and a single loss during the tournament, falling only to Waitsburg while defeating Prescott, Tri-Cities Prep and Connell’s junior varsity squad. Head Coach S...
The Friday night lights shone bright in Ritzville on Sept. 15 as the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos hosted the Northwest Christian Crusaders. A nail-biter of a league game, the two teams remained locked in battle and pushed the competition into overtime, where the Broncos eventually fell 24-18. The Broncos began the game with strength and determination, driving the kickoff return down the field and racking up yardage. After making steady progress down field, Mason Brausen...
The annual Wheat Land Communities’ Fair Junior Livestock Sale ran smoothly, as coordinators and exhibitors worked together for another successful event. The auction grossed $85,922.45, according to Livestock Sale Treasurer Lori Williams. The Saturday afternoon auction on Sept. 2 featured nearly 40 exhibitors with a total of 75 animals being sold at the auction. Even with a reduction in the amount of animals auctioned, the sale netted more than $10,000 more than the previous y...
After a postponement of the Friday night game due to poor air quality, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos traveled to Wilbur on Monday, Sept. 11, to compete against the Wilbur-Creston Wildcats. The league match up resulted in the Broncos’ first win of the season, as they recorded a 16-6 victory against the Wildcats. The first quarter remained scoreless for both teams, as they adjusted to returning to the gridiron after limited outdoor practices. Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the Broncos made solid and consistent runs down t...
Students in the Lind-Ritzville Cooperative School District returned to school on Aug. 28, and the School Board of Directors for both districts met that evening to discuss districtwide updates and goals for the school year. As new students enter the districts each year, and other students move into different schools, the bus routes play an important role in ensuring all students arrive at the correct school on time. Transportation Cooperative Supervisor Lynn Sackmann said the first day brought new difficulties into facilitatin...
The first game of the season did not go in favor of the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, as they went on a long road trip to face the Asotin Panthers on Sept. 1. Prior to Friday’s game, Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the Broncos would have to play a nearly perfect game to earn the win over Asotin. Whitmore said the game quickly fell in Asotin’s favor, with the Panthers marching down the field quickly after the opening kickoff. The Broncos struggled to contain them, and the LRS... Full story
Each year, the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce selects individuals to serve as the Grand Marshals for the Ritzville Community Parade. These residents must embody the meaning of community, and possess attributes that help make Ritzville a desirable place to live. Ann and Terry Olson were nominated for the role, and the Chamber Board unanimously agreed they were a natural fit for the position. The Olsons have been active members of the community and have volunteered...
Eight-year-old Cole Melcher loved being a country boy. He found joy out in the fields, following in the footsteps of his father, and playing in the great outdoors. And like any young boy, he also loved Legos. Just over a year ago, Cole’s life was cut short by a tragic farming accident while he was out doing what he loved. The loss caused a resounding amount of grief through his hometown community of Lind, and Ritzville and Washtucna. The communities rallied together last y...
Jac Davies from Northwest Rural Health Network (NWRHN) completed a presentation during the regular meeting of the Adams County Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners on Aug. 24. East Adams Rural Healthcare is a member of NWRHN, and Davies presented on the services available to assist the District. NWRHN was previously the Critical Access Hospital Network, but rebranded last year in an effort to be more inclusive to the larger hospital districts who are a member of the organization. The nonprofit, multi-county...
The Lind Town Council unanimously approved to update the system improvements list for the town, as well as signed a contract with Consolidated Disposal Services, Inc. (CDSI) to continue garbage services for the town, during the Aug. 22 regular meeting. Stantec Engineer Alan Gay advised and recommended the Council to approve the system improvements list, or the Small Water System Plan, for the town to have better opportunities with grants for future projects in the town. The list includes street repair, well maintenance and...
The Lind¬-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos hosted the annual Jamboree on Friday, Aug. 25, to help them prepare for the start of the regular season. The Jamboree is used as a benchmark for all teams who participate, and they use the experience to gauge the improvements needing to be made to succeed in the upcoming season. Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the Jamboree serves as an opportunity for the Broncos to play at game speed and learn to adapt to situations. With only 32 athletes on...
Situated in the historic Carnegie Library, the Ritzville Library District No. 2 has been an important entity for the city by encouraging learning, and creating a safe and enjoyable location for the community. Established in 1907, the Library District is currently celebrating 110 years of service to the community, and the Library Board and staff are now focused on improving and expanding services throughout eastern Adams County. The Library District is moving forward with...
The East Adams Rural Healthcare physical therapy department is now benefitting from the skills and expertise of Erin Ribic. She has joined the staff as a part time employee after doing rotational visits at the facility in the past. Ribic is excited to join the EARH team and to begin treating patients on a regular basis at the local hospital, as well as being a part of the community. Ribic graduated from Grand Valley State University, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and completed...
For the second time in the course of a week, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) made multiple arrests in connection with an illegal marijuana grow in the small town of Cunningham. ACSO served multiple search warrants on three properties in the town on Aug. 9, with the assistance of tactical teams from the neighboring area. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the crews arrived on scene around 5 a.m. and split up to serve the three search warrants at the same time. ACSO...
The largest discovery for an illegal marijuana grow in Adams County was located just outside of Ritzville on Aug. 3. Assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office issued a search warrant at a property on East Gering Road, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of over 3,000 marijuana plants. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said ACSO, Ritzville Police Department, ICE and the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET)...
Hank Buchmann’s years has been filled with adventure; both in his personal life and the world he creates in the pages of his novels. Buchmann has been a Ritzville resident for the past six years, and now he is looking forward to sharing his stories and passions with residents during a book signing and author reading on Friday, Aug. 11. Under the pen name Buck Edwards, Buchmann has developed a series following U.S. Marshal Boone Crowe. During the author reading on Aug. 11 at t...
The Lind and Ritzville School Boards are preparing for the upcoming school year as construction moves towards completion at Ritzville Grade School and the boards approved budgets during the July 24 meeting. As students prepare to return to school, the students at Ritzville Grade School will return to find multiple facility updates. Superintendent Matt Ellis explained the majority of the duct work and HVAC installation has been completed, as well as the installation of new doors. The roofing and window replacement is still...
The Adams County Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners reviewed the Dec. 31, 2016 and 2015 audit report, prepared by Dingus, Zarecor and Associates, during their regular meeting on July 27. The audit revealed two material findings for the District, and displayed the final financial reports for East Adams Care Center. The District received a clean opinion rating, DZA Representative Joe Lodge explained, and the District ensured all information was presented in a clear and accurate manner. At the end of 2016, Lodge...
Drivers in Washington are now subject to a fine for using electronics while operating a vehicle. The new distracted driving law went into effect on July 23, and now drivers who are on the phone or holding an electronic device behind the wheel are subject to $136 ticket for the first offense. The distracted driving law states drivers may not use any handheld cellphones or other electronic devices while driving. This includes while the vehicle is in motion, or stopped in traffic or at a stoplight. Hands-free use is limited to... Full story
Fresh produce, unique artwork and handmade accessories are only a few of the items available at the new Open Air Market in Ritzville. During the inaugural start on July 22, local vendors set up tents at Boxwood Home and Garden to sell their merchandise and interact with members of the community. Boxwood Home and Garden Owner Aimee Guiles started the local event as a fun opportunity for area vendors to showcase their products and attract local residents to a community-oriented... Full story
The Ritzville Public Library has been dedicated to improving summer programs for both children and adults, including the summer author tour. Each month, an author travels to Ritzville to complete a reading from their book, as well as answer questions from area residents regarding their work. The author tour is coordinated with the Liquid Lit Book Club. While the book club is for those 21 and over, the author reading is held at the WSU Extension Office and is open to the public, and all age groups. Throughout the summer...
The Ritzville City Council moved forward with adopted Ordinance 2107 regarding murals, and a fee agreement with Carpenter, McGuire and DeWulf for legal services, during the meeting on Wednesday, July 5. The approval of the fee agreement with Carpenter, McGuire and DeWulf also includes the immediate transition of work from Mark DeWulf to John Kragt, who will now serve as the primary city attorney. The firm will provide services regarding general civil and related matters, as well as additional matter at the City’s request. T...
The Ritzville Adams County Journal has welcomed a new member to the editorial staff. Al Stover will be serving as the reporter and brings a wealth of experience and interest in being an active member of the community. Stover has spent the majority of his life in eastern Washington, and has always aspired to being a writer. He began his experience in journalism during high school when he wrote for the school newspaper, and from there, he started to pursue the idea of becoming...