Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
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Our problem with the radical lone wolf killer who live by an immoral ideology is something I am afraid is going to be with us for a long time. My reasoning is based on several factors that include the internet, which gives them too much information. Our porous borders have allowed thousands to cross and quickly be dispersed throughout the country. Many of these were teenagers who are known for having pliable minds and looking for something to give them notoriety. Radical beliefs that encourage dying for their cause make...
This past Saturday, Wheatland Bank held their annual Christmas party at the Ritzville Eagles Aerie. We were treated to a delicious prime rib dinner with all the fixings. What an incredible job our local club did in providing us with a very special and memorable time. A big “shout out” goes to the ladies of the Eagles Auxiliary for preparing and serving our dinner. Thank you so much! David Meise, Ritzville...
I have lived in Ritzville about 10 months. There are so many special things to enjoy in this small town. Thanksgiving morning I walked down the The Ritz Theater to see what the “Turkey Trot” was all about. I met a young couple that moved up from California two months ago. They were jumping right in to the small town activities. He wore a home made turkey hat, and his wife a row of home made feathers attached to her back. They won the “most colorful” prize. I’m glad I didn’t win the fresh pack of batteries for the oldest parti...
Should we fear Ebola, Enterovirus R-68 or the yearly influenza that kills many tens of thousands each year? I am concerned about all of the above! However, I will not waste time worrying as we have had epidemics in several countries over several centuries that have killed millions. Here in America we had a flu epidemic that killed millions as the First World War was being fought. I agree with Winston Churchill who said “all we have to fear is fear itself.” We are getting conflicting information from various sources so we nee...
I would like to take a moment and thank the community for their support in the recent Cub Scout popcorn sales drive. Popcorn sales is an important part of the cub scouting program. The money that is raised through the sales goes towards programs and activities that contribute to supporting young boys in developing interests and skills that help them to become leaders of the future. Ritzville has the second largest pack in the council. The community makes that possible. I would also like to thank all of those that volunteer...
There is a very great need for volunteers to serve on our boards and commissions for our city. I have put together a list explaining what each committees functions are and when they meet each month. The importance of each of these commissions and boards is to assist the city council and make recommendations on various issues. Planning/Historic commission—meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Their function is to review and make recommendations to council regarding land use decision, building codes within the city and s...
As a former Ritzville resident and fourth generation farmland owner, I wish to share my personal observations gleaned from annual return visits and from the many articles and commentary in the Journal. Having a B.S. degree in nursing along with extensive experience in the health care field, I’ve read with interest the controversy over the hospital issues. I’ve seen the struggles that other small communities have had and I will say that small community hospitals are a dying breed. The two most important essentials I see tha...
Adams County voters: You will soon have the opportunity to determine who will be your Ritzville District Court Judge for the next four years. I would strongly recommend that you cast your vote for Adalia Hille the sitting Judge she possesses a wealth of experience on the bench having served for 23 years. I am fully aware of the importance of judicial experience as it relates to job performance. I had a long career in Whitman County as a trial lawyer before my election to the bench. Although I had legal experience I found...
In response to the letter written by Linda Erdman regarding the Voter Information Forum sponsored by AAUW, we firmly state that no candidate received questions prior to the Forum. Ritzville Branch AAUW Sherie R. Schafer, Harriet C. Lynch, Erika Hennings...
I’d like to take an opportunity to share my support for Carolyn Benzel for District Court Judge. I have a rather unique perspective of her work ethic and character that leads me to wholeheartedly support her for judge. Prior to taking office as the Franklin County Prosecutor in 2011, I worked as a contract defense attorney in Grant County where Carolyn was a senior deputy prosecuting attorney. I have had many cases where Carolyn was on the opposing side, often times on serious felony matters. Carolyn was always p...
It has been brought to my attention that some in the community believe that because I suggested a no vote on the hospital bond issue I am in favor of the hospital closing. Nothing is further from the truth. How could I possibly work as an EMT for twelve years in this community and not understand how important it is to have a hospital here. I thought it was fairly clear that my concern is that the hospital is just on the cusp of supporting itself and attempting to spend money it doesn’t have. The bond issue has nothing to d...
Hospital provides many services. Recently I spent 6 days at the Ritzville Hospital using the “Swing be” as rehab for a knee replacement. I was amazed at the number and variety of services they provide. The first day was very quiet but after that it was constant activity. Each morning 4 out-patients come in to be treated with procedures that can’t be done at home such as IV fluids, antibiotics, and dressing changes. Regular full time patients occupied 3 to 5 of the rooms. Some days there was a constant flow of emergency patie...
On Saturday October 18th, the museum had its “official” dedication of the Telegraph and Signal line pole together with the lighting and operation of the historic NPRY semaphore signal. As mentioned more than once, this was “not” a one-man project. So many voluntarily contributed their time and equipment to make this possible. They are as follows: Jim and Cheryl Haase, Colonel Collie, Pete Collard, Ronald Evans, Bobby Nay, Paul Pierce, Mike Steinberger, Ken Russell, Jason Miller, Brendon Smith, Larry Swift, Dave Breazel...
Very soon the voters in Ritzville have a very important election to vote in. The one race I would like to address is the election of the Ritzville District Court Judge. A judge must be impartial, fair, and knowledgeable in the law, a leader in the community and the justice system. A judge must be open minded and keep abreast of trends and practices that make the justice system work more effectively and efficiently in the community it is designed to represent. More importantly, a judge must be decisive and have the ability to...
Ms. Benzel worked as a Grant County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for many years and appeared before Superior Court Judge John Antosz at numerous hearings and trials. Superior Court Judge Knodell was the Grant County Prosecuting Attorney during this same period. The undersigned being knowledgeable of Ms. Benzel’s legal acumen, trial skills, integrity, and work ethic, without reservation recommend her as a person highly qualified to serve as a District Court Judge. John Knodell, Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz, G...
So now- instead of asking the community for 10 million dollars to build a new facility, the hospital is going to invest 5 million dollars that they have in a savings account and ask the community for 6 million dollars to refurbish the old facility. Ok now the big question. If the new 6 million dollar bond doesn’t pass, will the hospital close? No! But the 5 million dollars will be used to bring the present facility up to state and federal standards, as they now require. The standard response to this is that they are a...
I am proud to recommend Carolyn Benzel for Ritzville District Court Judge. She has the work ethic, judicial temperament, and common sense that will make her an outstanding Judge. I hired Carolyn as a deputy prosecutor shortly after she graduated from law school. I saw first hand what a hard worker she is and how smart she is. I was even more impressed with how she treated people, because of that she earned respect from Judges and other lawyers as well as earning thanks from victims of crime. Because of her outstanding work...
I would like to commend the Ritzville Branch of the AAUW for the Voter Information Forum that was held last week. It was an interesting event with a fabulous turn out of our local citizens. I was undecided on two of the races, but was able to make a decision after listening to all the candidates speak. However I was under the impression that none of the candidates would have access to the questions beforehand. When one of the candidates sits the entire time and reads her prepared answers, this is clearly not the case....
I have been involved in Republican politics since 1980. During that time I have been 100 percent sure about 2 candidates that had to be elected at the time they were running, Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984 for President and Clint Didier for US House of Representatives now. Just like President Reagan, Clint Didier is a Constitutional Conservative that believes government is not the solution to all of our problems, it is the reason for our problems! If we elect another career politician who just wants to go along to get along,...
After reading Mr. Flyckt’s Letter to the Editor in the September 25, 2014, Ritzville JT regarding the Adams County District Court Judge coming election, I realized two things. One: The mudslinging/negative carping that has gone on appears to have originated from the Prosecutor’s office, present and past employees included. Two: If you are 65 years of age, you need to be “put out to pasture.” I resent Mr. Flyckt’s opinion and question his ability to be a viable elected official. I am supporting Judge Adalia Hille, and ask f...
Gritman Senior Center want to thank everyone who helped make our BBQ such a big success. It was overwhelming participation of the community. We cannot thank you enough. To those who we had to turn away because we ran out, we apologize. It was a first time experience with anything that successful and the learning curve was big. To the BBQ crew your were tremendous. The kitchen helpers and relief people thank you all for your time and the hard work. None of this would have happened without you. These efforts are what help keep...
I am 70 years old. I commenced my legal practice in Adams County in 1969. Since that time, I have served as Adams County Prosecutor, Adams County Public Defender Arbitrator, Adams County Court Commissioner and I have and continue to represent many civil litigants. I currently maintain a full-time general law practice in Othello with emphasis on agricultural law, litigation, wills, estate planning and real estate. Each of these areas of law require a different personality and skill-set. As the senior attorney in Adams County,...
I have had the pleasure of knowing Adalia Hille since she first moved to Ritzville thirty years ago. I marveled at her stamina and dedication as she held down the District Court Judge position and returned to school. She finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Eastern Washington University. She then went on to law school, graduating from Gonzaga Law School in 2000, and passed the Washington State Bar the following year. She is a role model for women (and men) everywhere. Judge Adalia Hille has served as Adams County District C...
I am proud and excited to endorse Carolyn Benzel for Ritzville District Court Judge. Carolyn has many years of experience in the courtroom as a prosecutor, in private practice, and is well-respected not only in the Adams County legal community, but throughout various counties in the state. As part of the job description, judges are to preside over trials, which can be very demanding. During a trial, a judge must be careful to make the correct ruling, as the consequences can be significant, but the ruling must be made...
Margaret Farris expressed concern about Carolyn Benzel coming from the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office to the position of District Court Judge. The Prosecutor’s Office has acted as a spring board for judges in Adams County for many, many years. Eleven previous prosecutors and/or deputy prosecutors have been elected to the bench, including: Richard W. Miller; Brian H. Miller; Richard B. Ott; Philip Borst; Gary L. Brueher; John Strohmaier; O.R. Holcomb; George H. Freese; Gordon Swyter; W.W. Zent; John Truax. Two of these jud...