Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
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The Ritzville Public Library is in the process of moving back into the downtown building, which is set to reopen on Aug. 7. The Library will continue to operate out of the Lind-Ritzville High School library in the meantime, and continue at regular hours of operation....
After a temporary residence at the Lind-Ritzville High School library, the Ritzville Public Library is preparing to return to its downtown location. The Ritzville Public Library will open to the public in the Carnegie building on Monday, Aug. 7. Construction on the historical downtown site brought the Ritzville Public Library to LRHS in January. The change was mutually beneficial. “Working out of the high school library was a positive experience for us,” said Fullmer. “I think it’s a great example of a successful communi...
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...
Adams County took a small step in working on one of its longtime projects. During their July 24 meeting, the commissioners approved a grant of easement and consent of use with United States of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation relating to the McManamon Bridge project. The reconstruction of McManamon Bridge has been one of the county’s priority projects for the last several years. According to the document, the government grants an easement to Adams County to construct, operate and maintain a new public bridge and realign t...
The Ritzville Fire Department responded to a variety of calls throughout the area throughout the week. Firefighters assisted the Ritzville Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol on a four-vehicle collision on Ninth Avenue on July 19. On Thursday, July 20, the department responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 90. The district sent out a brush truck, water tanker and a rescue vehicle, with six firefighters. The crews responded to milepost 261 near the Tokio Weigh Station where a s...
Jeffrey Stevens announced his resignation on July 17 from the Board of Adams County Commissioners, and as the Chairman of the Adams County Republican Party. Stevens will resign from his seat as Adams County Commissioner District 3 on Aug. 15. His resignation letter states following lengthy consideration, his wife and him “have determined that after 18 years, seven and on half months as a County Commissioner and a total of nearly 50 years serving the public, it is time to enjoy retirement and other pleasures of life.” Ste...
Ritzville residents and visitors may notice a flashing sign as they are coming down Division Street as they pass the golf course. During the July 18 Ritzville City Council meeting, Police Chief David McCormick informed council that the electronic advisory speed sign on Division Street near Zip’s is operational. The sign will flash when a car is going at least 27 miles per hour. “It’s slowed people coming down Division,” McCormick said. “If we had eight more around town, it...
There was a four-vehicle collision on Ninth Avenue on July 19. Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Ritzville Police Department and Washington State Patrol responded to the scene. According to Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick, a Chevy Venture, driven by Amber Wickware, ran into the back of a GMC truck that was parked on the wrong side of the street. The force of the Venture pushed the truck into the back of the trailer. The trailer then struck a Chevy pickup truck, which was a...
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...
July 17, 12:55 a.m. – Deputy Ned Bernath responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the intersection of East Cunningham and South Foulkes roads. When he arrived on the scene, he discovered a vehicle in the ditch. Bernath contacted the driver, who had been trying to turn around. The driver had help en route from Spokane. July 17, 8:25 a.m. – A Ritzville complainant advised cattle on the railroad right away milepost 319 between Emden and Ashby Cross. Property owner was notified about the issue. Owner said they would not...
Do you enjoy going to work each day? For those of you that are retired change that to, did you enjoy it? For a lot of people it is a challenge to go to work and be on your best behavior and get a lot of work done. How about those days when you traveled to Spokane to take in a late night concert and ended up getting a handful of hours of sleep and since you were still excited about the fun you had that night the quality of sleep sure wasn’t there. Does that sound familiar? Mayb...
On July 16, our “Big Nana” Agnes Sanchez died at East Adams Rural Healthcare in Ritzville, after suffering from a stroke one-week prior. Agnes was born on May 9, 1929, in Folsom, New Mexico, to Rosendo and Lucia Trujillo and was raised with 12 other siblings. Agnes married Joe C. Sanchez and together they had seven children: four girls and three boys. Joe and Agnes relocated to Washington state and lived in Othello for many years before settling in Washtucna. Agnes worked very hard her entire life, in potato plants as wel...
If you have ever taken a job on a farm during harvest, you know it is hard work at mercy of the elements. Much of the work is done by hand, particularly growing and harvesting cherries and apples, which are major crops in Washington state. As a farmer myself, I have worked in fields and orchards in the Lower Yakima Valley since I was a kid, harvesting asparagus, hops, grapes, tree fruit and more. Across our state, particularly on the east side, agriculture is the mainstay industry for many regional economies. According to a...
There is an old saying: Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good! That is important to remember when it comes to improving our air quality. While some activists want to eliminate all fossil fuels used on the waterfront, it is not possible without major disruption to our quality of life, jobs and economy. That is not the perfect. It is a recipe for disaster. The better way is to recognize the major environmental improvements we have accomplished and find ways to continue to solve problems. That is good for all A...
Like many of you, we were long-time dentistry patients of “Doctor Doug” and then of Dr. Tracy. After Dr. Tracy left, we, like many, were adrift for a while. Now, however, Dr. Brenden Davis of Northwest Oral Health comes regularly to East Adams Rural Healthcare, where he and his staff provide full-service dental care. I am writing because I am not sure how many people know about Dr. Davis. My feeling is that during the period when we were without a local dentist, families may have drifted into the habit of using out...
Have we forgotten what harvest means to us personally, as families, and as a community? As far back as I can remember, I can’t think of a time when I wasn’t waiting for harvest. When I was young, it was the chance to do and learn something new, to prove myself as I worked hard. I learned self-confidence and to be part of a team. I learned the importance of listening more than talking, to watch and pay attention to those in the older generation that had been doing harvest since before I was born. The day came though when I w...
Cheryl Arlt, age 67, died at Sacred Heart Hospital on July 15 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 20, 1949. Cheryl graduated from Odessa High School and shortly after moved to Ritzville where she and her husband, Mike, raised their children. She and the love of her life, Mike, were married on Dec. 6, 1969 and enjoyed over 47 years together. Cheryl is survived by her husband, Mike, and their children Shane (Shannon) Cody, Farah (Ryan) Slahtasky and Amber...
Reverend Edward Schmidt was born on Oct. 21, 1916, and died on July 6. Edward was married for 69 years to Emma Gaub Schmidt, who died on June 12, 2011. He was the father of two children, Elroy Gene Schmidt, and Errol Edward Schmidt, both deceased. Ed was the oldest of 10 children. He is also survived by three grandchildren, their spouses, and seven great grandchildren. Edward was born on a farm 10 miles east of Mildred, Montana, to G.G. Schmidt and Otilia Martz Schmidt....
Einar L. Bengtson lost his battle with cancer on July 5 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born Sept. 16, 1953, in Ritzville to Einar and Carla (Labes) Bengtson of Lind and was baptized and confirmed at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Lind. He graduated from Lind High School in 1972 and attended Eastern Washington University where he met his wife, Ann Kosta. Together they moved to Phoenix where they married in December 1975. Einar purchased Apache Awning from his boss in 1996 and...
Rexford Wayne Dainty, 78, died at home in Pasco on Wednesday, July 19. Rex was born on April 27, 1939, in Pittsburg, Kansas. He resided in Kansas until his sophomore year in high school when the family moved to Spokane. Rex graduated from John Rogers High School in 1958 and married Sharon Holmes later that year. They moved to Washtucna in June 1963 where he enjoyed farming until his retirement. Rex was very involved in the community of Washtucna. He served on several boards...
Lora Louise (Dainty) Meline, 58, died at her home on July 22 after battling colon cancer. She has now joined her father Rexford Wayne Dainty who died three days prior to her death. Lori was born on March 13, 1959, in Spokane. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Washtucna with her parents Rex and Sharon and her two brothers, Wayne and Brian. While attending high school she was involved in basketball, volleyball, tennis and cheerleading. She was a senior in high...
Axe of Mercy rocked the house at the annual Lind Picnic in the Park on Saturday, July 22. The local band performed a variety of original songs. The group is comprised of (from left) Gerry Anderson on guitar and vocals, Jack Anderson on drums, Sharon Anderson on bass and vocals, and Amy Anderson (not pictured) on synthesizer. The Picnic in the Park event was sponsored by the Lind Community Church, and included free food and music. -Journal photo by Al Stover...
The inside of one of the buildings in downtown Ritzville has become a little more colorful. Dona Corbin opened Express Yourself Tye Dye and More on the corner of Division and Main streets two weeks ago. The business is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Corbin, who previously lived in Ritzville, returned to the community after 40 years. During her time away from the city, Corbin spent 33 years in Alaska where her husband worked as a civil engineer. The two got...
Adams County voters are reminded to return Primary Election ballots by Aug. 1 in order to be counted in the current election. Ballots can be mailed, or dropped off at the Adams County Auditor’s Office. Ballot boxes are also available 24 hours a day at Ritzville City Hall, Washtucna Town Hall and Lind Town Hall. The Adams County Auditor’s Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and is located at 210 West Broadway Avenue in Ritzville. For questions regarding the Primary Election ballot, contact the Aud...