Miss Lind-Ritzville replaces DYW

RITZVILLE — With pageant participation down in recent years, the Miss Lind-Ritzville program is replacing Distinguished Young Women here.

In recent years, royalty representing Ritzville were part of the national Distinguished Young Women program. But this year, organizers didn’t want to be tied to associated restrictions.

“For example, under DYW we weren’t allowed to give participants a tiara or a sash or flowers,” Miss Lind-Ritzville program director Sara Dirks said.

“Last year, with continuing restrictions and shifting priorities, we found it difficult to regain support for the program.

“Not...