Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
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First of all I want to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support of Gary’s health issues. He is in therapy and I see progress being made every day, even though it is very slow. Your flowers, gifts, cards, and phone calls have all been passed on to him, and we are both very thankful for your support. The main reason for my writing this letter is in support of the hospital in our community. The ambulance was at our house within minutes, the staff at the hospital did a wonderful job. What they didn’t know, they cal...
In response to Randy Flyckt’s letter in the September 25th Ritzville Journal, I thought I caught a whiff of ageism. It seems antiquated to equate job performance with age anymore. Some might call it age discrimination. To imply that Judge Hille would best be served by retiring says less about her than it does about Mr. Flyckt. It lets the public know that a career of 23 years is maybe too much, in his opinion. In most careers 23 years is about 2/3 of the way. Most of us toil at our jobs for 38 to 42 years…and many of his own...
The citizens of Ritzville, Adams County, are fortunate to have Carolyn Benzel as a candidate for District Court Judge. Not every attorney has the qualities of a good judge. Carolyn Benzel would make an exceptional judge. To be an effective judge, it is desirable, if not necessary, to have had vast experience practicing in court before other judges. I observed Ms. Benzel for twelve years as she practiced before the three superior courts of Grant County. Carolyn Benzel was always well prepared and conversant with the law such a... Full story
I am excited to write this letter in support of my friend and colleague, Carolyn Benzel, candidate for the position of the Ritzville District Court Judge. I began my career here with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 and through the years have witnessed many disappointments within our Justice system. I truly feel that our community has a great opportunity this election season, to have a candidate, Carolyn Benzel, who is ready and willing to take on the important responsibilities of District Court Judge and is c...
On Saturday, October 18th, the East Adams County Healthcare Foundation will present its annual dinner/wine-tasting/auction fundraiser. This is such an excellent cause that everyone should be interested in attending. All the proceeds from the tickets and the auctions (silent and live) go to the Ronald Baumann scholarship and to buying much needed medical equipment for our community. This fundraiser is always so much fun and there are lots of great items available in the auctions. Add to that a tasty dinner and all the wine...
October is here and for the past 21 years the East Adams County Healthcare Foundation has held its yearly event to support the health of our community. With that said, please step forward and let us help support them for the 100 percent volunteer work they do for us. Some think that they are a group from the Hospital, that they are a political group, and some think that all their funds stay in one community, not so. The monies they collect go to all three communities. They have purchase medical equipment for our schools, for...
You will recall the Peace by Piece Quilt Guild of Ritzville donated 24 quilts plus 14 other quilted items along with 2 bags of clothes, etc. To OSO Mud Slide victims. I would like to share with you the heartfelt thank you we received from the OSO lady the items were delivered to. To Ritzville: “Your BIG acts of kindness make a big difference and are greatly appreciated. MANY MANY MANY thanks to ALL who participated in making the wonderful quilts (and other items). My name is April, and as some may know, I lost 6 loved ones i... Full story
The informational meeting last week at the Legion Hall explaining the remodel of the hospital convinced me of the necessity of getting involved and convincing our community of its importance. This is what I learned: that the remodel will cost only half of what it would have cost to build a new facility, that having a helipad on the roof will solve safety problems for the patient, the pilot and nearby streets, that a needed “safe” room for various emergencies will be installed, that my property taxes will go up only $5 per... Full story
I found the letter by Dennis Morgan, which appeared in the Sept. 19 issue of this publication to be a textbook example of the type of angry mud-slinging that has no place in any judicial campaign. While I agree the rules are as cited by Morgan, I disagree sharply regarding who is having difficulty following them. These rules not only apply to prosecutors, judges and judicial candidates, but to criminal defense lawyers as well My endorsement of Carolyn Benzel appeared in the Aug. 28 issue of this publication. Perhaps Morgan... Full story
I find it distasteful and laughable that so called “professionals” are resorting to preschool mentality in the current judicial race. I know as a member of the towing industry what lack of respect the current judge has for the “move over law”, which is protection for me and others in my industry. Christopher Curtis, Ritzville... Full story
I was talking to a senior lady and we were focusing on how sad it was that as each generation passes they seem less interested in politics and voting. Ida has great-grandchildren who are of voting age and she is sad to think of how the younger people take too much for granted. Ida and her husband (who served in World War II) were children of immigrants who always voted after they became citizens. They were homesteaders who had to work very hard to support their families during the depression and the rationing caused the big...
JoAnn Shockley is absolutely right. It is illegal to destroy or remove campaign signs unless you are the one who posted them or are the candidate. Many of Carolyn Benzel’s signs have disappeared as well. It is disappointing that some people have nothing else to do. Let’s hope it is the Adams County wind and not the work of campaign vandals. Melinda Benzel, Ritzville...
I am looking at one element of the upcoming election with grave concern. That is the election of District Court Judge. I feel we have been offered an opportunity for a progressive change and improvement in our local Judicial System. I have been fortunate in my career to have worked in the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office as the Victim/Witness Coordinator. This involved not only the Ritzville office, but considerable time in the Othello office as well. I worked closely with the Prosecutor, Randy Flyckt, Chief Deputy P...
Judicial campaigns are generally bland. Unfortunately, the race for Ritzville District Court Judge has been contaminated by the Prosecuting Attorney and his Deputy Prosecutor. In judicial campaigns there are rules to be followed by the individual attorneys involved. These rules apply to a sitting judge and a candidate for a judicial position. RPC (Rules of Professional Conduct) 8.2(a) states: “A lawyer shall not make a statement that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity c... Full story
This letter is in support of Carolyn Benzel for Ritzville District Court Judge. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Carolyn for about 7 years. I first met her as a Deputy Prosecutor with Grant County. I had worked on a case that crossed into Grant County. Carolyn was very professional and dedicated to her job. Later, Carolyn came to the Adams County and I found her to be very easy to work with. Carolyn was able to balance the job of prosecutor and the wants of law enforcement, with the goal to have a proper...
I have to say how very disappointed I am with certain individuals in our community that feel the need to remove and destroy campaign signs that are posted on private property or anywhere for that matter. I have heard it is illegal to destroy or remove campaign signs, unless you are the one who posted them or are the candidate. I am personally offended that the sign I had in my own yard, supporting the candidate of my choice, was removed during the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 28, while I was out at the Wheat Land...
The other night I was sitting in my chair when I heard MedStar come in. I always stop what I am doing and say a prayer for the patient, family members, EMTs, doctors, nurses and MedStar staff. A few years ago it was my husband that took off in the helicopter and it reminded me how blessed we are to have trained help and a place for MedStar to land. The thought of losing something so important for all of us makes me shudder. Let’s put the past behind us and support the hospital bond in the coming election. Get to one of the m... Full story
An advertisement (Ritzville Journal August 28) read “No rumors, no guesses. Point your web browser at…” Readers were promised “The facts: clear, complete, correct.” The advertisement also promised, “Not affiliated with Adams County Hospital District No. 2.” Website visitors will find a more comprehensive disclaimer “This site is not in any way. Official, unofficial, associated or affiliated with Adams County Hospital District No. 2.” We are left to conclude that the website facts (true or not) were created by a group of mon... Full story
As an Adams County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from 2010 to 2013, I practiced almost exclusively in the Ritzville District Court. I also worked alongside Carolyn Benzel in the prosecutor’s office during this time period. As a result, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to comment on the upcoming election for Ritzville District Court Judge. I wholeheartedly support Carolyn Benzel in this election. During my three years working with Carolyn, I was impressed by her extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, her no-nonse... Full story
The voters of Adams County rarely have a choice when it comes to electing a county official. Typically candidates run unopposed. This year the Ritzville District Court Judge race has two candidates. Let’s choose wisely. Most citizens seldom come in contact with the justice system so how do they know what goes on in the courthouse? How can you choose a candidate without knowing what they do or how well they perform their duties? This race isn’t a popularity contest. It isn’t about who has lived in Adams County the longe...
Imagine my surprise to come home and not see the proudly erected American Flag waving in the blue sky in front of Washtucna School. For nearly 10 years the American Flag has represented so much more to the people of Washtucna. An American Flag, lighting, plaques and landscaping were set in place and dedicated as a memorial for Army Spc. Blain Elbert. Blain graduated from Washtucna High in 2001 and by then was already enlisted in the United States Army. On November 22, 2004 Blain was killed at a roadblock near Baghdad. Blain...
Well once again Ritzville was hit with one of those wind storms. They tell us these are called a “haboob” a rolling dirt storm and it certainly did its share of damage —though not to the extent of the previous one. Clean up was required pretty much all over the city and once again this community has pulled together to help with these efforts. We would like to thank many individuals plus the city crew of Larry Swift, Justin Ziebell, David Breazeale, Nathan Bucher, Wayne Marshall and Mike Geschke. Citizens helping to clean... Full story
The East Adams Hospital District No. 2 commissioners have yet to show they can properly operate the facility they oversee. The voters wanted the current facility brought up to the standards required by federal and state authorities. They wanted a hospital district run properly. If the current commissioners spent their time doing the job they were elected to do, could they show a positive cash flow for a year or two or three? We will not know because they seem unable to focus on the sensible and instead move onto greater and...
After complaining to the City, the Health Department and a local establishment, I’m left with airing this in the paper. The storm sewer drains in Pioneer Plaza are not for dumping your dirty mop water. You should be putting greasy, soapy water down the mop sink you are required to have by code. Your continuous dumping of the oily water has stained the area surrounding the storm drain. You are not out in the country and we are not a third world country. The city spent considerable money to beautify Washington Street for the l...
What a difference 50 years can make in the life of a former president. Harry Truman went from being the most powerful man in the world to basically being a pauper who had to borrow money to pay his bills. He received no support from the federal government. He received no protection from the secret service, no free office space and he even had to raise money for the Truman Library. His family was not financially secure until he was forced to sell the family farm five years after leaving office. Mr. Truman could have had a...