From the Files

100 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

July 28, 1921

MORAN GAINS

FREEDOM BY

DARING JAIL BREAK

In a bold escape at about 6:45 last night Tom Moran, an ex-convict, held in the county jail on a charge of attempted assault, made a break for liberty and so far has not been apprehended. He cut the two inch steel bar of the jail door with a hacksaw. Moran is regarded as a desperate character and every effort is being made by the officers to recapture him. Officers in all the surrounding towns have been notified.

75 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

July 25, 1946

Better Signals Planned for Rail Crossings

A more adequate system of warning signals soon will be in operation here on the Adams, Division and Columbia street railroad crossings, it was learned this weekend. Crews have already started work in moving the old signals from the center of the street at each crossing. They will be installed at the side of the street and the old center blocks will be moved out. Pat Reddie, signal maintainer for the Northern Pacific railroad reported. The circuits on the warning lights and bells also will be extended so that the motorists will be given a longer warning before trains reach the crossing.

50 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

July 29, 1971

60-Bu. Yields reported

Wheat yields of up to 60 bushels an acre are being reported as the wheat harvest starts its second week. Average yields appear headed for a 10-bushel-an-acre increase over last year. Test weights ranged up to 64.7 pounds on one sample of Gaines. Rodger, Hodson, Benge Elevator Co., said three growers there reported getting 60 bushels an acre on small tracts. The largest of the reports was based on a field of 90-100 acre size. Hodgson commented there will be lighter yields.

25 years ago

Ritzville Adams

County Journal

July 25, 1996

Cox hired by prosecutor

to fill vacant position

Despite an order by the Adams County Commissioners, Adams County Prosecutor David Sandhaus hired Steve Cox as deputy prosecutor to fill the position in his office vacated by Paul Szott. The board acknowledged that it didn't have the power to stop Sandhaus from hiring Cox as long as he stayed within his budget. "We've approved the bottom line budget, as long as he stays within his budget the board has nothing to say about it," said Wills. "He cannot create a new position and we're not going to amend his budget. According to the RCWs, if he overspends his budget he is personally liable."