Edict prompts school sports suspension

RITZVILLE — Local school officials have suspended athletics programs and activities until at least the end of next month.

The postponement followed an executive order issued Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee to slow the potential spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, also known as Wuhan flu or “WuFlu.”

The order called for closing all schools effective Tuesday, March 17. Schools are not allowed to reopen until at least Monday, April 27.

Lind-Ritzville school officials decided to cancel classes beginning Monday after hearing a broadcast from Inslee capping the number of people in a given location at 50....