September 8, 2024
September 8, 2024
CHENEY — A town hall-style meeting with state attorney general candidate Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano and Let’s Go Washington spokesman Brian Heywood will take place Sept. 7. The free event will take place in the Wren Pierson Community Center, 615 Fourth St. It opens with a coffee meet-and-greet at 10 a.m., with a 90-minute program exploring rural environmental policies beginning at 10:30 a.m. Serrano is the leading candidate for state attorney general and Heywood organized the effort behind seven initiatives, three which...
OTHELLO — Adams County Pet Rescue raised $600 more than its goal in less than 24 hours earlier this month. The shelter faced an unexpected challenge when its commercial washing machine broke down after six years of constant use, officials said. The washing machine ran almost nonstop to meet the laundry needs of the 100 dogs housed at the shelter daily. A replacement cost $5,000, but Pet Rescue doesn’t have that kind of cash on hand. So, it turned to the community for help, launching a GoFundMe campaign online. “It’s...
RITZVILLE — The local 9th Legislative District senator was released on his own recognizance Saturday night, Aug. 31, after being arrested for allegedly driving drunk and hitting another vehicle twice. Sen. Mark Schoesler, 67, of Ritzville, was arrested by citation for driving while under the influence of alcohol following the Saturday night performance of the Ritzville Rodeo. According to Police Chief Dave McCormick, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14 at the time of his...
WASHTUCNA — A petition seeking the release of Henry Bley from the Washington State Penitentiary was filed 127 years ago, regarding the infamous double-homicide of the Moritz brothers. According to the Weekly Commoner, a predecessor to the Whitman County Gazette newspaper in Colfax, dated Friday, Aug. 20, 1897, Bley, who had been imprisoned for nine years, was connected to the infamous Moritz brothers’ murders, and filed a petition for his freedom. “This piece of criminal history is highlighted by the vigorous efforts...
RITZVILLE — With almost all late-arriving ballots already counted, election results show a voter turnout of 31.07% in Adams County. According to Adams County Elections Department figures, 2,522 ballots have been counted in Adams County; 8,117 were mailed to registered voters in 29 precincts. Local voters favored Republicans in statewide races mostly won by Democrats in Western Washington. In the U.S. Senate race, Dr. Raul Garcia, a Republican from Toppenish, was the top vote-getter here, receiving 1,042 votes. Incumbent...
HATTON — Motorists traveling on state Highway 26 can expect delays due to chip sealing over the next two weeks in Adams and Grant counties. The work is planned for two stretches of the rural highway. One stretch is from Highway 26 Milepost 61 near the U.S. Highway 395-state Highway 26 interchange to Milepost 43 just east of Othello. The other stretch is from Milepost 31 near Royal City to the Interstate 90 junction near Vantage. Work on the Othello-to-Hatton stretch is scheduled for Aug. 12-14. Work on the...
PASCO — Franklin County Fire Protection District No. 3 Proposition No. 1 has been rejected by voters in the primary election held on Tuesday, August 6. The proposition, which sought to authorize a single-year permanent levy lid lift to increase the property tax rate to $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the year 2024, received 529 votes in favor, or 44.72%, and 654 votes against, or 55.28%. The measure would have used the amount of the levy collected in 2025 as a base for calculating levy limits in subsequent...
SPOKANE — A perennial local politician is leading in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. At the end of the first day of counting, Spokane Republican Michael Baumgartner had a commanding lead with 29,892 votes. Spokane Democrat Marla Conroy was in second place with 20,938 votes. Baumgartner won most of the counties in the southeast portion of the district, but the lion's share of his support — 21,429 ballots, or 71.69% of his...
SUNNYSIDE - The last Republican congressman who voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump in 2021 has survived his second primary challenge. But Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside isn't atop the Republican ticket this time in the 4th Congressional District. After the initial count in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, general election, Newhouse - who has been censured by Republican committees districtwide - looks like he'll finish a distant second. NASCAR racer Jerrod Sessler, who is endorsed by...
TOPPENISH — A local doctor and former gubernatorial candidate appears headed to the Nov. 5 general election in his bid to be the state's newest U.S. Senator. In the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election, unofficial results show Republican Dr. Raul Garcia trailing incumbent Democrat Maria Cantwell, 212,439 votes to 578,629, respectively. The two candidates top a field of more than 10 vying for the position. Only the Top 2 advance to the general election. Here are the initial results of the first night of ballot counting: Mel...
COLFAX - Incumbent 9th District Representative Joe Schmick is leading in the race for a 9th Legislative District House seat in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election. Early results showed he had 15,094 votes statewide. In Whitman County, his home county, Schmick has 3,373 votes out of 5,861 counted as of press time. "I want to thank all the voters in the primary," Schmick said, "I appreciate their support. I think there's still work to be done, and when I'm talking to folks,...
OLYMPIA — In addition to gubernatorial and attorney general races, several other statewide executive offices were on the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election ballot. Here are other preliminary results, with ballot counting expected to continue over the next two weeks: Lieutenant Governor Patrick Harman 27,440 David Griffin 90,325 Bob Hagglund 163,861 Dan Matthews 220,912 Denny Heck 477,731 Secretary of State Marquez Tiggs 93,926 Dale Whitaker 364,132 Damon Townsend 45,760 Steve Hobbs 484,861 Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti...
OLYMPIA - Given Washington's recent political history, it's no surprise that Democrat Bob Ferguson is leading all candidates in the gubernatorial race to replace outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee. But former King County deputy-turned-politician Dave Reichert's apparent second-place finish, may be a surprise. Earlier this year, the Republican Party rejected Reichert and instead endorsed Semi Bird of Richland for governor. In the initial count of ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary...
PASCO - A prominent local attorney and community leader is headed to the November general election for Secretary of State. At the end of ballot counting in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election, Pete Serrano of Pasco led the three-candidate field. "I am incredibly honored by your support tonight," Serrano said after the initial tally. "Your vote has made it clear that public safety is a top priority for Washingtonians. I am deeply grateful to my team, our volunteers, and...
PASCO — Despite political efforts to prevent two incumbent Franklin County Commissioners from retaining their seats, both are leading in the initial count of the Tuesday, Aug. 6, priamry election. In the race for the Franklin County Commissioner District No. 1 seat, incumbent Stephen Bauman looks like he's headed to the general election at the top of the ticket. Bauman collected 1,804 votes in the initial primary count Tuesday. Challen ger Caleb Atkins looks to likely finish second with 1,339 early votes. Paul L. Frenzel...
OTHELLO — Despite being censured by 4th Congressional District Republicans, incumbent Dan Newhouse has more money in his campaign accounts than the challengers seeking to unseat him. Newhouse, whose district still includes the western portion of Adams County, is the last Republican who voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump remaining in congress. As of Monday, the Sunnyside man running as “prefers Republican,” had collected $1,522,916.36 in his campaign fund. Challenger Tiffany Smiley, a Pasco Republican, reported...
PULLMAN - The two candidates vying for the 9th Legislative District Position No. 2 seat met in a League of Women Voters forum Monday, July 15. Incumbent Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, is being challenged by political newcomer Pam Kohlmeier, D-Spokane. A third candidate, Arianna Arends, D-Spokane, did not attend. Voters have until Aug. 6 to return their primary election ballots. The 9th Legislative District includes Eastern Adams and other counties. League of Women Voters Services...
The Journal RITZVILLE — The number of unemployed residents in Adams County is increasing. According to a state unemployment report released earlier this month, unemployment has been rising monthly over last year. “Monthly rates have increased from February through May 2024 and Adam County’s 4.2% reading this May was 1 percentage point above the 3.2% rate in May 2023,” the report by Don Mesick said. The lowest recent unemployment rate for the county was 3.2 percent in May 2023, according to the report. While the...
RITZVILLE - Two federal agencies are investigating the cause of an emergency aircraft landing Monday, July 15. The incident occurred at 11:45 a.m. when pilot, whose name has not been released, experienced engine problems en route from Spokane to Yakima, records show. The single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing in a field about a mile south of Pru Field. On the pilot was aboard; he was not injured. The incident was referred to the National Transportation Safety Board...
CONNELL - A rural power cooperative has donated funds to several local groups. On Tuesday, July 9, Big Bend Electric Cooperative's Caring Neighbors program announced donations for several local non-profit efforts. The recipient and their awards are as follows: • Adams County Historical Society - $2,000 to help repair broken windows at the museum in Lind. • Basin City Elementary - $600 to help purchase books for a literacy program. • Franklin County Public Hospital...
SPOKANE — A local man convicted in connection with trafficking drugs from the Tri-Cities to Spokane Valley has been sentenced to prison. Jordy Scott DeBoer, 32, was sentenced to 272 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised probation by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice. DeBoer previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine and intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. DeBoer’s sentence stems from a March 30,...
They come rumbling down the highway, crossing bridges and international borders. They bring life-saving drugs, food for the kitchen table, and that random clothing fad that will be out of fashion mere months later. Trucks are ubiquitous on American roadways. However, they've become increasingly important in trade with its neighbors, Mexico and Canada, as relations with China cool and the United States government encourages "nearshoring," the practice of moving part of a...
OTHELLO — Two area airports will be receiving funds from the federal Airport Improvement Program to enhance aviation centers. Othello Municipal Airport will receive $448,000 and Odessa Municipal Airport will receive $100,000. The fund were among $47.1 million in FAA Re-authorization Act dollars allocated to airports in Washington state last month. Nationally, $600 million was allocated. Othello’s airport was allocated the funds to seal the pavement and joins on its apron, runway, taxilane and taxiway. The funds...
SPOKANE — A Spokane man will be sentenced in connection with cryptocurrency fraud Sept. 25 in U.S. District Court. Michael Joseph McElhiney, 37, pleaded guilty to wire fraud June 26 before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice. In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, between March 4, 2021, and Sept. 10, 2022, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. McElhiney promised prospective...
HATTON – Westbound travelers on state Highway 26 may want to find an alternative route over the next week as the highway undergoes pavement repairs that will cause delays. Nearly 60 miles are being repaired, according to the state Department of Transportation. A 27-mile stretch from U.S. Highway 395 near Hatton to Othello will be undergoing pavement repairs July 8-9. And a 30-mile stretch of the highway from Royal City to Vantage (mileposts 31 to 1) will undergo repairs July 10 and 11. The work entails chip-sealing and...
SPOKANE — Ratepayers who purchase electricity from Avista may have their power turned off on windy, hot summer days when utility officials deem fire danger high. According to company officials, Avista’s so-called “Public Safety Power Shutoff” plan is in response to summer conditions in Eastern Washington. When high winds are forecast, company employees may increase sensitivity on power lines, officials said. The increased sensitivity could lead to more and prolonged power outages. Officials said ratepayers will be...
MESA — A Lind woman is facing charges related to an embezzlement case in Franklin County. Charmain Mary Halverson, 50, of Lind, was arrested June 26 on charges of theft, injury to public record, misappropriation by treasurer and official misconduct. She was arrested, booked into the Franklin County Jail and then released on bail. According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Halverson was the clerk-treasurer for the city of Mesa, where she allegedly used the city’s...
KENNEWICK — A Pasco man may be facing charges following a June 20 crash that injured two girls on the Kennewick side of the blue bridge. Jesse Moctezuma Chino, 25, of Pasco, was northbound on U.S. Highway 395 on the bridge at about 9:12 p.m. when his 2000 Honda Accord struck a northbound tractor trailer, the Washington State Patrol reported. The tractor-trailer, a 2025 Freightliner towing a 2015 utility trailer, was driven by Nolan G. Williams of Albany, Ore. Neither Williams nor Chino was injured in the crash, the patrol...
VERNITA - If you like spending a week or more fishing for salmon and camping on the Columbia River adjacent to Vernita Bridge, your days are numbered. On Monday, June 17, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced plans to limit the number of days fishermen can camp at the water-access area just upstream the bridge during fall salmon seasons in 2024 and 2025. During the fall salmon season, fishermen will be allowed to camp a maximum of 14 days each of the next two...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden Administration on Tuesday, June 18, announced the creation of a new Columbia River Task Force to guide efforts to breach dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Simultaneously, the administration released a Department of the Interior report finding that the dams are detrimental to American Indian tribes in the region. The Biden Administration named Democrat operative Nik Blosser to lead the task force. Blosser is the former chief of staff for Oregon Governor Kate Brown and a former Biden...
PASCO — A one-vehicle crash at the U.S. Highway 395-Court Street interchange left two people hospitalized Tuesday night, June 18. Diego A. Galvez-Gutierrez, 20, and Luciano M. Galvez, 64, both of Pasco, were injured and transported to a Richland hospital. According to the Washington State Patrol, both men were wearing seatbelts when the northbound 2006 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Galvez-Gutierrez struck a guardrail. Galvez-Gutierrez swerved and overcorrected, causing the crash, the patrol said. Neither drugs nor alcohol...
OLYMPIA – Smile, you’re on body camera. Beginning in September, 152 state Department of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers will be wearing body cameras to improve accountability and transparency, according to department officials. Game wardens who are commissioned law enforcement officers will be wearing the cameras, as will others with law enforcement certification. The cameras cost $915,000, officials said, noting the money was allocated by the Legislature during the 2023-25 supplemental operating budget...
Coaches and Managers at the professional level at least are basically hired on a temporary basis as firings are commonplace if things don’t go so well. Let’s face facts, it is much easier to fire a manager or coach than it is to fire the whole team. I know a few teams that a general manager put together and there was no way any head man could find success with the crew that went onto the field of play. Last Friday, Seattle Mariners’ General Manager Jerry Dipoto fired...
Women’s basketball earns WBCA Honor ATLANTA, Ga. — In a season of historic success on the court, Eastern Washington women’s basketball maintained its elite level in the classroom. Eastern earned a Special Mention on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association honor roll. To qualify for the WBCA honor roll special mention, a team must have a 3.0 combined grade-point average. Teams also must be nominated for the honor by their head coach, who must be a WBCA member. The Eagles carried a 3.42 cumulative GPA for the...
The temperatures are beginning to be more reasonable which will be helpful for the start of high school football today (Wednesday). The weight rooms have been busy, hopefully, as athletes prepare for their fall camp practices. There is always a lot of anxiety and positivity especially if the returning team has a great deal of experience. There are always several schools that graduated much of their team and it is back to the drawing board about how to fill those key spots...
A few days ago, I was thinking about a guy that had been hired at a place where I worked years ago. What is interesting about this guy is how he could involve himself in almost any conversation. It seems that this guy did it all. As we listened, it became quite clear that this guy had trouble keeping a job because he couldn’t tell the truth. This guy was in his early 30s, yet he had already driven over one million miles as a long-haul trucker. When someone asked what I did...
TAMPA, Fla. - Going into his final season at Eastern Washington, Efton Chism III is getting used to the national attention. Chism was included in the East-West Shrine Bowl's top 1,000 NFL prospects in the lead up to the 2024 college football season. The list intends to highlight the best players who are both eligible for the annual all-star game and ready for the NFL. The East-West Shrine Bowl is scheduled for January 30, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with 130...
There are a lot of songs that were once quite popular but as time goes on the lyrics get lost on younger generations. In the song ‘Return to sender’ made popular by Elvis in the 50s there is a line that says, ‘no such number, no such zone.’ A zone was utilized in big cities which basically located the nearest postal facility. That was replaced by the Zip Code. Imagine the song rewritten: No such number, no such zip code. Harry Chapin had a hit song Taxi in 1972 that...
Forgotten in the annals of time is the story about a farm kid from Ritzville that nearly made the Olympic track team. Walter “Spike” Arlt was an outstanding athlete at Ritzville High School and as a track hurdler he set a state record for the 120 yard high hurdles in 1956 his senior year. That mark still stands as an all-time Bronco track record since the 120 yard high hurdles is now the 110 Meter hurdles. Spike would go onto run track at WSU and in 1960 was selected as...
OLYMPIA — Gray wolves will stay listed as endangered in Washington following a tight 5-4 vote by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission. Despite a significant increase in the gray wolf population over the past 15 years, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reporting at least 260 wolves in 42 packs, the decision was made to retain their endangered status. The Commission’s virtual meeting on Friday, July 19 also covered changes to cougar hunting regulations. New rules set the cougar...
OLYMPIA – The Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to downgrade the state listing of wolves from endangered to sensitive when it meets virtually Friday, July 19. The meeting is scheduled to run from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and will be aired on TVW. The wolf discussion is planned for 10:15 a.m. The discussion on downgrading the state listing stems from a state Department of Fish and Wildlife finding that gray wolves no longer meet the criteria to be considered endangered. “The anticipated effects of the proposed rule...
CHENEY - Caleb McMillan of Soap Lake was crowned the all-around cowboy Sunday for the 2024 Cheney Rodeo, earning $998. He competed in bull riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. The total payout for Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association events was $91,238. Additionally, the breakaway roping payout was $10,528. Here are the results: Bareback riding: 1. Clay Stone, 84.5 points on C5 Rodeo's Chasing Dreams, $2,611; 2. Tucker Zingg, 83, $2,002; 3. Hunter Greenup, 80,...
OLYMPIA – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is moving to protect Cascade red foxes from trapping statewide. The agency announced that it will accept public comment through Aug. 9 on a new proposed ruling banning fox trapping. Under the new rule, it would be illegal to trap Cascade red foxes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests this year and in future trapping seasons. "Fox trapping was closed in these locations last...
The Major League Baseball draft is unique among professional sports drafts. The 30 organizations pick teenagers and college students who will not join their big league clubs for years—if ever. These athletes will spend that time honing their craft in the minor leagues, where long bus rides and minuscule paychecks are the norm. A few will move quickly up the ranks, seizing playing time opportunities to advance their careers and making their names known to scouts, fans, and...
Bareback riding: 1. Mason Stuller, 85.5 points on Corey & Lange Rodeo's Buckaroo, $4,724; 2. Colton Clemens, 85, $3,621; 3. (tie) Richmond Champion, Jaceklane Frost and Keenan Hayes, 83.5, $1,837 each; 6. (tie) Taylor Broussard and Jayco Roper, 81, $709 each; 8. Clay Stone, 80, $472. Steer wrestling: 1. Tristan Martin, 4.4 seconds, $3,955; 2. Jesse Brown, 4.5, $3,490; 3. Traver Johnson, 4.7, $3,024; 4. Sam Goings, 5.0, $2,559; 5. Dakota Eldridge, 5.2, $2,094; 6. Kyler Dick, 5.8, $1,861; 7. Mike McGinn, 5.9, $1,629; 8. Logan...
Years ago, I wrote a column about how our family used to celebrate the 4th of July. Today, it is important to talk about some of those great traditions, again. I can tell you Dad really liked fireworks. He wasn’t crazy into them, he just understood more than many the importance of Independence Day. So, late afternoon on July 3, Dad would drive us to Lind, where they had real cool fireworks for sale in an old gas station leading into town on Highway 21. The tradition was one...
I find it interesting how we determine who our favorite players are. I know that as a young Dodger fan that lived in a home with other Dodger fans it was easy to have Maury Wills, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale as your go to favorites. But when it came to the NBA it was different in the 1960s. There weren’t a lot of college or even NBA games on TV. I know that today we have ESPN, TNT, ABC and may other ways of watching basketball games so a young fan can gravitate to...
A couple of months ago I was asked by several eighth-grade boys that I had the opportunity to coach the last two falls and winters if I would give the promotion address for their class. These are 14 year olds, so I told them that if they were serious I would certainly do it. Well, it turns out they were serious. I also had the opportunity to substitute teach for these classes when they were in sixth and seventh grades, so I got to know most of the girls, as well. I have to tell you that it is an honor to be asked because it...
OTHELLO — While Adams county has not been designated as a natural disaster due to drought this year, some local farmers may still be eligible for emergency loan assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency. Six counties — Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan and Skagit — were designated as primary natural disaster areas due to drought this year. Farmers in those counties — and contiguous counties — may be eligible for assistance. That means farmers in Adams, Franklin and Lincoln Counties may be eligible for...
RITZVILLE — Two area farms will receive $40,000 in grants to convert power generation abilities to “renewable” energy. USDA Rural Develop-ment grants were recently awarded to Schoesler Farms, and Baumann Baumann and Baumann Farm. Schoesler Farms Inc., owned by Sen. Mark and Gail Schoesler, will receive a $20,000 renewable energy grant to purchase and install a 12.15 kW solar array. The funds will be used to replace or generate 16,665 kWh annually. The new solar array will generate enough electricity to power two...
SPOKANE VALLEY — The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service – Washington has adopted the 2012 Odessa Subarea Special Study Final Environmental Impact Statement produced by the Bureau of Reclamation in cooperation with the state Dept. of Ecology. NRCS-WA issued a Record of Decision that selects Alternative 4A, the same alternative that was selected in the Reclamation 2013 decision for the impact statement. East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in partnership with Reclamation, Ecology, and...
Do you have expired COVID-19 tests in your cupboards? Go look. If you ordered “free” tests from the government, know that many of the boxes likely say they’ve expired. People paying attention to expiration dates have been lining landfills with the taxpayer-provided tools (or using tests that have expired). I fear this is going to be happening for a lot longer. That’s because the Biden Administration recently announced that each U.S. household will be able to, once...
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have joined in an agreement to award their Electoral College votes in a U.S. election to the winner of the national popular vote. The National Popular Vote compact, NPV as it is called, has gained steam over the past 25 years, lead mostly by liberal leaning states eager to work around the Electoral College. The legislation, which is identical in each state, requires the state to award its electoral votes to the candidate who receives the most popular votes nationwide. This could...
Spokane, Reardan, Davenport, Harrington, Odessa. Schools across the region are tackling the issue of cellphone addiction among students, at least while on campus. Well, maybe tackling the addiction is a bit strong. Let's just say school boards here in Eastern Washington and elsewhere are finally taking action to keep phones out of students' hands in classrooms. At issue in many districts is whether cellphones should be allowed in class, at lunch, on buses or even on campus....
An extensive study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research concludes that universal basic income, the government gifting of taxpayer dollars, doesn’t have the effect that proponents of forced re-distribution of wealth would have hoped for. In fact, the opposite is true. A universal basic income promises a government guaranteed income which is supposed to improve the economic situation of those receiving the money, typically median or lower income families. The...
Under outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee, the state has been greenwashing just about everything it can. What is greenwashing? It’s the act of using false or misleading claims that an action will have a positive impact on the environment. This November, voters will have an opportunity to undo some of the greenwashing done by the Inslee Administration and state agencies. Two initiatives on the ballot are designed to restrict government agencies from continuing policies that have...
In basketball, when an opponent is trying to steal the ball from you, teammates will shout, “wolf!” Last Friday the Washington State Fish & Wildlife Commission ignored the cries of “wolf!” from state agency and tribal scientists, livestock raisers, and others when they voted not to downlist or delist the gray wolf in Washington state. The predators which have enjoyed 15 years of population increases are still considered an endangered species after a 5-4 vote. The most...
I received some fantastic news last week! I received an email that read: “Hello Lou Marzeles.” (Okay, there should have been a comma after hello, but I’m a professional editor highly trained to notice such details in a world that drops punctuation and whole sentence errors by the dozen every second. I was willing to let that go. I figured they were just in such a hurry to share the good news.) “This is Mazie Reddit.” (Hm. Okay, another pause. Really? Mazie Reddit? Reddit is a website. And I’ve never heard of...
Dams on the Columbia River and its tributaries contribute greatly to the way of life here in Eastern Washington. So, when the federal government says it has reached an agreement on proposed revisions to the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, rural residents should say not so fast. On the surface, the “in principle” agreement announced last week looks good for Americans. Under the proposed changes, the U.S. will get to keep more of the power generated on our side of the...
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce looked at the cost of regulations in America and found that excessive protocols are undercutting our economy and costing us jobs. Federal rules alone have exploded, and the Chamber says they cost $1.7 trillion. Unwarranted state labor and employment mandates resulted in a 700,000-job loss. On the other hand, paring back state regulations which exceed federal standards now spawns 50,000 new businesses each year. The Chamber report does not indict...
Most of us have a hobby — knitting sweaters, playing a musical instrument, painting a pretty picture, tinkering with electronics, etc. Few, indeed, are the hobbyists who make any money from their efforts. Keep that fact in mind when you think about farming. It has long been a hard-work hobby. My father, a life-long farmer, used to say that a person only farms because he or she loves working with the soil and plants. In that sense, then, it is a hobby. Most farmers farm because of love for the land, not because he can’t...
Truck, truck, truck, Tesla. Truck, truck, truck. Here in rural Eastern Washington, the running joke is that the “T” on a Tesla electric vehicle stands for “tourist.” Indeed, the expensive cars, like their electric Toyota and Rivian counterparts, are an oddity easily picked out among rural residents’ pickups, four-wheel drives and older vehicles. But what some rural residents may not realize is that they are paying to charge many of those expensive EVs. Over the last...
Scientific experts are prone to bias, overestimate their certainty and government systems are not good at adjusting to new science. Those admonitions come from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a statement addressing the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case of Charles C. McCrory v. Alabama. In the piece, Sotomayor asks what courts should do when faced with convictions “resting on science that has now been wholly discredited?” The question offer lessons for...
The gray wolf population in Washington state set a reproduction record, growing by an astounding 44 animals in 2023. The state’s wolf population has increased for 15 years in a row and is now at its highest level since it was listed. The question is, what will it take for the state to change its management policy for the predators? Last year we proposed a state delisting of gray wolves in the eastern-most third of Washington state. We also proposed an incremental,...
The Loper family own Loper Bright Enterprises, a modest New England-based fishing business. They pursue the same dream shared by many Americans – to provide their customers with quality service at a fair price while making a good living. Recently, however, the bureaucrats at the National Marine Fisheries Service had other ideas. The agency's budget was tight, so they decided to make the Lopers, along with similar family-owned businesses, pay for a government on-board...
One of the most vexing problems with our nation’s health care system is getting a timely doctor’s appointment. Our primary care network is overwhelmed. More than 100 million Americans lack a primary care provider. A quarter of those are children and the problem is worsening, according to the National Association of Community Health Centers. Our country has a growing and aging population that will need more care. Combined with an aging workforce of physicians nearing...
On Friday, I had an opportunity to fly aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 aircraft and see the demonstration team in action. I was a frequent flyer when I was in college (I choose to go to a college in Illinois). So, when my boss asked if I wanted to try to fly on the massive Air Force plane, I told him that I loved flying. I was excited the opportunity would further my knowledge of military history and would enjoy talking to a veteran crew about their experiences. My mother was...
You may have heard the news that the beloved Boy Scouts organization is rebranding for the sake of inclusion. Their new name is “Scouting America,” which allows not only all girls, but the so-called “transgendered” girls who think they are boys. The rebrand includes a concerted effort to recruit more LGBT members in the organization. This shift is a direct result of the dominance of the so-called “woke culture.” Why, you may ask, is this shift necessary? After all, girls who are interested in becoming scouts...
The number of people tapping the taxpayer-provided Paid Family and Medical Leave fund is increasing every year. The paid-leave program was launched in 2020. It imposes a tax on employers and workers, whether or not the workers ever use the program. The money is used to allow some workers taxpayer-paid time off if they have a serious health condition, need to care for people or want to bond with a new child on taxpayers' dimes. If you build it they will come. And they did. The...
LIND — The following residents are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays from Sept. 1-11: Anniversaries Sept. 4 — Brad and Jill Stout. Sept. 8 — Gregg and Angie Fode. Sept. 10 — Jerry and Lynda Branson, and Chr is and Emmy Erickson. Birthdays Sept. 1 — Morgan Undeberg and Sue Nichols. Sept. 3 — Jacque Laird, Cora Reimer, Shane Strohmaier and Trudy Davey. Sept. 4 — Mitch Starring and Harper Labes. Sept. 5 — Angie Fode and Reina Branson Sept. 7 — Dick Keith, Kaitlyn Biermann and Matthias Walter Davis Sept....
August brings county fairs and community celebrations. Many eastern Washington communities have a German influence and have favorite dishes that remain a staple in area menus. Traditional cabbage rolls may evolve to include extra ingredients and dough based recipes such as ranza, bierocks and kuchens come filled with non-traditional fillings. Cabbage rolls are a popular item at a German food court. Heritage Church members serve the following recipe during the September Deutschesfest. Other recipes use chopped cabbage in...
LIND – The following residents are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays from Aug. 28 - Sept. 3: Anniversaries Aug. 29 — Vernon and Megan Shepard Aug. 31 — Kyle and Tanya Mullins, Keith and Jill Milner Birthdays Aug. 29 — Jerry Knodel Aug. 30 — Darlene O’Neill, Paige Williamson, Rachel Doyle and Lexi Stevenson. Aug. 31 — Josephine Cooper and Keith Milner Sept. 1 — Megan Undeberg and Sue Nichols. Aug. 3 — Jacque Laird, Cora Reimer, Shane Strohmaier and Trudy...
The Adams County Sheriff's Office last week participated in the Top Cop event benefiting Special Olympics. Deputies took turns on a lift in an Othello parking lot, where youngsters were invited to have a squirt gun fight with...
LIND – The following residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from Aug. 14-21: Anniversaries Aug. 14 — Kevin and Becky Branson Aug. 17 — Bryson and Kenna O’Neill Birthdays Aug. 14 — Bryson O’Neill and Palmer Phillips Aug. 15 — Debbie Knodel Aug. 17 — Chris Erickson Aug. 20 — Les Branson and Jamie Williams Aug. 21 — Dusty...
OTHELLO — The Othello Eagles are set to sponsor a community yard sale on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The event will be held at 127 E Larch St, Othello and is open to the public. Anyone interested in selling items or donating to the Eagles can participate. For those looking to have their own space, 10x10 lots are available for rent. Alongside the yard sale, the Eagles will be offering big hotdogs, chips, and bottled water. Organizer Patty Broyles Stemhagen encourages the community to get involved. “This is...
LIND — The following residents are celebrating birthdays from July 31 to Aug. 6: July 31 — Donna Undeberg, Adam Labes and Zachary Larson. Aug. 1 — Casey Michaels, Ramey Perez and Jill Milner. Aug. 2 — LeaCadaia Bren. Aug. 3 — Kaylee Monroe. Aug. 4 — Lillia Undeberg. Aug. 5 — Jessica Grabo, Gerry Schuler, Klover Mullins and Presley Mae Hilsinger. Aug. 6 — Lucas...
CONNELL — Several area students will be receiving scholarships courtesy AgWest Farm Credit. Students receiving scholarships are: Connell Anna Geddes has received a customer service scholarship for use at University of Idaho. Lind Alexis Melcher has received an employee scholarship for use at University of Idaho. Ritzville Jacob Scrupps has received a customer service scholarship for use at University of Idaho. Warden Molly Sackmann has received a customer service scholarship for use at University of Wyoming. Washtucna...
Miss Othello Rodeo Milie Cobb passes a cowboy boot through the grandstands during Friday night's "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" performance of the Cheney Rodeo. Rodeo-goers filled the boot - and others - with donations for breast cancer awareness and...
CHENEY — Several Franklin County students have been named to the Dean's List at Eastern Washington University for the spring 2024 quarter. Students making the grade are: Eltopia — Kennedy Hailey Pasco — Hannah Bednarczyk, Lilya Bobov, Madison Brickey, Rylee Carlon, Ehriza Chavez, Mayra Claro, Angela Cruz Guadarrama, Alexa Darrington, Omar Facundo, Jackie Florian, Natalie Garcia, Roberto Garcia, Noelia Gutierrez, Bernice Loc, Citlali Lopez Pineda, Marlene Marroquin, Madeline Morgan, Juliana Pablo, Carson Padilla,...
PASCO — Several area students will be receiving scholarships courtesy AgWest Farm Credit. Students receiving scholarships are: Connell Anna Geddes received a customer service scholarship for use at University of Idaho. Lind Alexis Melcher received an employee scholarship for use at University of Idaho. Pasco Hannah Butcher has received a customer service scholarship for use at Arizona Christian University. Madison Parish received an employee scholarship for use at Woodbury University. AgWest has offices in Pasco,...
Gen Z, also known as the zombie generation, worries about a stagnating economy. In addition to inflation, the job market, growing student loan debt, housing insecurity — the list goes on. According to a study by BestColleges, more than three-quarters of the U.S. college students who responded say that inflation is bad or very bad. Nearly half say that high-paying jobs are hard to find. And many respondents say they will consider a job outside their chosen field if it offers...
LIND – Seven men were on hand to hoist a bronze cross into place on the Lind Calvary Assembly of God church on Friday, June 28. Local bronze sculptor Lamar Thiel, who had previously designed crosses for the Church of the Nazarene and Zion Philadelphia Church in Ritzville, witnessed the installation. The cross, measuring 8 by 5 feet and weighing roughly 80 pounds, was lifted into place with a system of pulleys and ropes provided by Randy Gust. Once installed, Pastor Steve...
Barbecues are part and parcel of July Fourth celebrations. Such get-togethers might be even more notable in 2024, when Independence Day falls on a Thursday. That means many people will likely be taking off on Friday, July 5, which adds another day to celebrate with friends and family around the grill this year. Opportunities to entertain will abound this July, and that can take a toll on hosts’ pocketbooks. As the holiday approaches, individuals planning to host a July 4 barbecue can heed these tips to save on food and...
Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as grand fireworks displays and backyard barbecues are integral components of many people’s July 4 celebrations. As Americans and residents of the United States prepare for some festive Fourth of July celebrations, they can keep these interesting facts related to Independence Day in mind. There have been many iterations of the American flag. The American flag has become an iconic symbol of freedom recognized across the...
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 This is the beginning of a story that most of us have heard about, especially the ending when the rooster crowed and Peter denied Jesus three times. I would like to take some time to encourage you and say, Jesus is praying for you as you read this article. He might not be praying what we want him to be praying. We may want him...
I don’t need more inspiration to write a gardening article than to see the efforts my plants are making to insure my happiness. Forsythia and lilacs have finished their show, bridal wreath spirea blossoms have dropped to make room for the fragrant mock orange bushes and honeysuckle vines, and vibrant magenta blooms on the peonies and gorgeous colors of iris have all but erased the memory of tulips and daffodils. The transition to summer finds the frenzy of spring chores much less demanding. Analysis is the order of things...
Doris B. Schoessler 1927 – 2024 Doris Bernice Wise Schoessler, beloved sister, wife, mother and dedicated registered nurse passed away June 28, 2024 the age of 97, in Spokane, Wash. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication and love that will be forever cherished by all who knew her. The daughter of David and Verna Wise, Doris grew up on the family homestead on the South Fork of Mill Creek, where she went to grade school and later Colville High School. Doris...
