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Articles from the October 4, 2023 edition


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  • Bomb threat prompts Ritzville schools closure

    Roger Harnack, The Journal|Updated Oct 5, 2023

    RITZVILLE — "All clear!" That's the word from Lind-Ritzville schools Superintendent Don Vanderholm after a bomb threat prompted officials to close the Ritzville campus today, Thursday, Oct. 5. "Student safety is our first priority," Vanderholm said. "We took immediate action to evacuate the campus." Vanderholm said nothing suspicious was found and that school officials are continuing to work with law enforcement investigating the threat. Details of the threat have yet to be r... Full story

  • Minimum wage increasing Jan. 1

    The Journal|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    TUMWATER – The state’s minimum wage will jump 54 cents per hour on Jan. 1 On Friday, Sept. 29, the state Department of Labor and Industries announced it will raise the minimum wage from $15.74 per hour to $16.28 per hour effective Jan. 24. That’s an increase of $4.28 per hour in the last five years. According to agency officials, Labor and Industries establishes the rate based on the urban consumer price index. The new ages applies to all workers ages 16 and older. State law allows for a “training wage” of $13.84 per hour...

  • Washtucna awarded $1.4 million solar grant

    The Journal|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    WASHTUCNA – Two communities in Adams County will receive grants for their efforts to install solar and battery back-up power systems in community buildings. The town of Washtucna will receive $1,392,039 for its solar project. And Ritzville will receive $88,500 toward planning of a solar project. The grants are being awarded by the state Department of Commerce; a total of $35.4 million is being awarded statewide. According to Commerce officials, the funds are allotted to help communities provide clean, back-up power for c...

  • A turtle, horse and donkey walk into a gym...

    Updated Oct 3, 2023

    St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse football players brought their version of the zoo to the Southeast 1B volleyball game Thursday, Sept. 29, as the Eagles hosted the Tekoa-Rosalia Timberwolves. But before they were allowed to entertain the crowd, they were asked to return to the stands. For more on high school volleyball, see Page 10....

  • State secures $112 million for railroad

    Clare McGraw, The Journal|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    FOUR LAKES – The railway system serving Eastern Washington's wheat industry in Adams, Lincoln, Whitman and southern Spokane Counties will be getting a facelift, thanks to $112 million in grants. The state Department of Transportation has been awarded s $72.8 million grant for the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad Project. The grant, a product of the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement program, is dedicated to e...

  • Clerk-treasurer presents draft 2024 budget

    Dale Brown, The Journal|Updated Oct 3, 2023

    RITZVILLE – Kicking off the budget process for next year, Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt shared preliminary 2024 budget numbers at the Sept. 19 City Council meeting. In the draft budget, four expense categories accounted for roughly 70% of the city’s 2024 ending fund balance (revenues less expenditures) of $9.75 million. These categories included current expense, city streets, water and sewer (billings and reserves), and equipment rental/revolving funds. The remainder of the draft budget covered law enforcement, tourism, cap...

  • Motorhome burns

    Updated Oct 3, 2023

    Adams County Fire District No. 2 crews responded to a motorhome fire on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 1, on southbound U.S. Highway 395, near the state Highway 26 interchange near Hatton. The motorhome was destroyed; nobody was injured in the blaze....

  • Public Records

    Updated Oct 3, 2023

    Sheriff’s Log The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service from Sept. 17-23: Sept. 17 Door open on house in the 2000 block of West Bench Road, Othello. Suspicious activity reported in the 2100 block of West Moon Road, Othello. Lost property in the 800 block of South Reynolds Road, Othello. Juvenile abusing stray cats in the 800 block of Taylor Road, Othello. Parenting plan violation reported at Sheriff’s Office substation in Othello. Erratically driven vehicle on Interstate 90 near Milepost 221,...

  • FROM THE FILES

    Updated Oct 3, 2023

    8 Years Ago Adams County News October 5, 1898 W.S. Eastman runs a first-class barber shop and will give you a clean bath or a good shave as quicky as anyone. The Pacific is a first-class hotel in Ritzville where all your wants will receive prompt attention. Local and personal A character known as "Butch" was arrested last Friday night on a charge of assault and battery by Officer Rettig. Saturday he was taken before Police Judge Stacer and pled guilty. He was fined in the su...