Top 10 stories of 2021

RITZVILLE — Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, 2021 was an eventful year.

From vaccines to droughts to elections, a lot of things happened around East Adams County. Here is our Top 10:

Hot and dry — Last April, meteorologists were warning that a drought was on the horizon. And by late June, temperatures were hitting well above 110 degrees in the region. The temperature here soared well above previous records, with some residents reporting a blistering 111 degrees. The all-time high recorded in Ritzville was 112 degrees on Aug. 5, 1961.

Vaccination debate — The national debate over whether a coronavirus vaccine should be mandated hit close to home this summer. Parents across the region challenged school boards not to succumb to the mandate hysteria, as did many public employees. One of the largest rallies in Eastern Washington opposing not only vaccination mandates but also masks occurred in Othello. Meanwhile, health officials continued to recommend vaccinations, and now, at least one booster.

Return to class — While the debate raged over vaccines and masks, most parents and students were excited to see students return to the classroom. Most Eastern Washington students returned to class on a fairly normal schedule in September. Distance guidelines remained as did masks, but students were able to return to campus, the football field, volleyball and other activities. For those uncomfortable with masks, public schools continued to offer digital learning opportunities, like the online Ritzville Academy.

Elections – While much of the country was still in the 2020 presidential election quagmire, Adams County municipalities were dealing with their own changes in leadership. In Ritzville, the previous mayor resigned in February. And ultimately, current Mayor Linda Kadlec was appointed and elected in November, solidifying her role as the city’s top leader. In nearby Lind, incumbent Mayor Paula Bell was challenged by a previous mayor after allegations of incompetence over the town’s failure to provide documentations of ordinances and fees. Bell won re-election. That wasn’t the case in Hatton, where voters joined in a write-in campaign to sweep town hall clean. In all, the mayor and two councilmen lost to write-in candidates, an unusual election outcome in Washington state.

Broncos at State — With only one senior on the football team, nobody saw the Broncos football team making a run at state. But the local football team finished the regular season undefeated and headed into the playoffs. Similarly, the girls volleyball team wasn’t predicted to be headed to the state tournament. Yet, they took second in the district and earned a berth to state in the Yakima Valley SunDome. For his part in the success of local sports, Greg Whitmore was named Athletic Director of the Year.

Law enforcement reform — Changes in state law have tied the hands on the enforcement capabilities of police and deputies statewide. The outcome was no different in Adams County. Police Chief Dave McCormick and Sheriff Dale Wagner spent a lot of time this past year explaining the impact of the laws.

Fair and rodeo — After a year of canceled events, nothing said Adams County was ready to return to normal than the reinstatement of the Wheatland Communities Fair and Ritzville Rodeo. The combination of fair events and arena action brought thousands back to the fairgrounds.

Unusual crime — A Republican political activist received a different kind of notoriety this year after allegedly attacking Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. Glen Stockwell has long pushed for completion of the Columbia Basin Project to bring irrigation to East Adams County and other areas. But he didn’t think Schoesler was doing enough on the development front and in October, he allegedly stopped the senator, pulled him from his truck and threatened him. The case has yet to go to trial.

Water park — While older students were excited to return to traditional sports, youngsters around the area were more than excited to have the aquatic center reopen to the public. Youngsters around the area flocked to the municipal pool and slide to enjoy a more “normal” summer than in 2020, when it was closed due to coronavirus shutdown orders.

Viable hospital – During 2020, East Adams Rural Health officials voiced concern that coronavirus shutdowns were causing the hospital to lose about $400,000 per month. What a difference a year makes, especially when a hospital is allowed to resume offering its services. On Dec. 16, Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Poanco said the hospital is back in the black and will close out 2021 with a profit, rather than a loss.