Development Council grants help local businesses

RITZVILLE – The Ritz Theater was one of several area businesses to receive a grant from the Adams County Development Council to help endure the economic downturn due to businesses being closed by Governor Jay Inslee during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Rankin said the theater, run by the non profit group Ritzville Downtown Development Association, would use the funds for utility bills.

"We have ongoing monthly expenses with having a building, whether we're open or not," said Rankin. The last movie shown was during the second weekend of March. Rankin said the theater would have to wait until Phas...