December 4, 2024

  • Adams, Franklin counties leads decline in teen-birth rate

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Nov 27, 2024

    RITZVILLE — Teenage pregnancies have declined in Adams County at a higher rate than any other county in Washington over the last five years. According to a recent health study, the teenage birth rate dropped 18% during that time. Adjacent Franklin County also saw a healthy decline in teenage birth rates. There, the rate dropped by 14% over the last five years, the study reported. Yakima County wasn’t far behind, with a decrease of 13%. And adjacent Grant County declined by 12%, the study reported. Health officials said...

  • Training to keep kids safe

    Nov 26, 2024

    The Adams County Sheriff's Office conducted a school-shooter training last week at McFarland Middle School in Othello. The planned exercise was critical for preparing deputies for emergency responses, Sheriff Dale Wagner said. The training followed a previous threat to shoot up Ritzville...

  • Troopers step up patrols for holiday

    Franklin Connection | Nov 21, 2024

    HATTON — The Washington State Patrol is stepping up its patrols from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1 as university students and others hit the road for Thanksgiving. The emphasis will focus on State Highway 26, linking Colfax to Othello and other cities. It will also include expanded patrols on U.S. Highways 195 and 395, as well as Interstate 90. District 4 troopers in Spokane, Whitman and Adams counties and District 6 troopers in Grant and Kittitas counties will be focusing on speeding, driving too fast for conditions,...

  • State to use drones to monitor pygmy rabbits

    Franklin Connection | Nov 20, 2024

    OLYMPIA – State Department of Fish and Wildlife employees will fly drones over known pygmy rabbit locations on state and federal lands to test the effectiveness of tracking pygmy rabbits from the air. The agency will also fly drones over private lands, with permission, the agency said, noting the targeted areas will be in Grant and Douglas counties. Flights will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning next month and continuing through October 2026. Flights will depend on...

  • Man may face charges in pursuit

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Nov 20, 2024

    BASIN CITY — Charges may be pending against a man believed to have led law enforcement officers on a high speed chase across areas of Franklin and Adams Counties. The name of the suspect has yet to be released, as the case is still being investigated, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported. The details of the Saturday, Nov. 16, incident have been forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for possible charges. The investigation stems from a chase that began when Franklin County deputies...

  • Lind mayor nixed from executive session

    Rick Haverinen, Franklin Connection | Nov 15, 2024

    LIND — Mayor Paula Bell was excluded from an executive session that took place during the Nov. 12 Town Council meeting. Just over an hour into the meeting, the assembly broke for the executive session. The council voted 4-0 to exclude the mayor. “We are having an executive session with the council attorney regarding issues that we are having,” Councilwoman Anna Dobbins said. “I will be in attendance,” Mayor Paula Bell said. “No,” Dobbins responded. “You are not invited. I make a motion that Paula be not...

  • Bomb-threat suspect to appear in court

    Rick Haverinen, Franklin Connection | Oct 29, 2024

    RITZVILLE — A local teenager will appear in Adams County Superior Court on Monday, Nov. 4, in connection with threatening to blowup Lind-Ritzville schools and shoot classmates. Donald G. DesJardins, 14, of Ritzville, will appear before Judge Andrea Russell to answer to one count of threats to bomb, a Class B felony. He was arrested Oct. 22 and booked into Martin Hall juvenile detention center on $10,000 bail. Authorities have yet to say if he will be tried as an adult....

  • Dobbins calls out illegal charges

    Rick Haverinen, Franklin Connection | Oct 29, 2024

    LIND — An attempt to set fees for public records access remains in limbo after the Tuesday, Oct. 22, town council meeting. During debate on Resolution 24-07, “Policies and Procedures for Public Records Requests,” Mayor Paula Bell pushed to set copying fees at 50 cents per color page and 15 cents per page for black-and-white. She also pushed an effort to charge requestors for staff time in providing records owned by the public but maintained by the town. That did not sit well with Councilwoman Anna Dobbins, who noted...

  • Chase ends in crash

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 27, 2024

    OTHELLO - A high-speed pursuit in excess of 100 mph ended abruptly Oct. 25, when the driver lost control of his Toyota pickup and crashed on state Highway 17. Driver Jacob Arceo, 25, of Pasco, and passenger Tatianna Seideman, 20, of Oldtown, Idaho, were both injured and transported to the local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Arceo is facing possible charges of first-degree driving with a suspended license and reckless driving. The incident has been...

  • Woman arrested after pursuit

    Franklin Connection | Oct 28, 2024

    HATTON - A woman wanted in Franklin County was apprehended Oct. 27 in Adams County on Oct. 27 and turned over to Pasco police. Natalie Ingrid Malex Parsadanian, 25, of Finley, was arrested following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash in Adams County. Parsadanian was driving a dark-colored BMW and reportedly armed with a shotgun and threatening suicide by cop, records show. As she fled northbound from Franklin into Adams County, she crash and was taken into custody....

  • 9th Legislative District Position 2

    Oct 24, 2024

    Age: 55 Hometown: Manson, Iowa Family: Married to Dr. Stephen Thew, raised our four children in Spokane County (one died in 2022). Education: Relevent or Volunteer Experience: No political experience. Relevant professional experiences include practicing as a board certified emergency physician for about 15 years, then teaching predominantly Health Policy and Law and Professionalism as a Lecturer-MPH for Eastern Washington University, and most recently serving as a staff...

  • 9th Legislative District Position 2

    Oct 24, 2024

    Age: 66 Hometown: Colfax Family: Married to Kim Schmick for 42 years. Education: Relevent or Volunteer Experience: 17 years in this current position Candidates have been given a 100 words to answer each question and answers have not been edited. Question 1: In recent years, state agencies have used purported habitat and wildlife concerns as a reason to implement new regulations on farmers and ranchers. Those regulations have impacted the livelihoods or rural residents. What...

  • One injured in car-truck crash

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 23, 2024

    OTHELLO — A local man was airlifted to a Richland hospital after his car struck a truck Oct. 21 about sevens west of the city. Walter Gregorio Lopez, 21, of Othello, was flown to Kadlec Medical Center following a 2:58 p.m. crash on near Milepost 33 of Highway 26. According to the Washington State Patrol, Lopez was westbound in a 2012 Subaru Legacy. When a 1992 Kenworth truck and construction trailer slowed in front of him, rear ended the vehicle, the patrol said. The truck was driven by Jacob C. Valdez, 21, of Othello,...

  • Bomb scare shutters Ritzville schools

    Rick Haverinen, Franklin Connection | Oct 22, 2024

    RITZVILLE - Lind-Ritzville schools were shuttered today Tuesday, Oct. 22, after several anonymous bomb and shooting threats posted to social media sites. School officials made the call to close campuses after being alerted to threats made on social media late Monday. "These threats included names, methods and times, and we are taking them very seriously," the district said in a press release alerting the community to the closure of schools early this morning. District...

  • Boy arrested in school threats

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 22, 2024

    RITZVILLE — A 14-year-old is facing at least one charge of threats to bomb or injure property following social media posts to shoot classmates and blow up schools. The boy was arrested today, Oct. 22, following an investigation into the threats reportedly found on social media last night. The threats prompted school officials to close campuses today. Police also called in a bomb-sniffing dog. This evening, law enforcement officials remain at some of the school campuses. Police have not identified the boy, citing Revised...

  • One injured in car-truck crash

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 22, 2024

    OTHELLO — A local man was transported to a Richland hospital after his car struck a truck Oct. 21 about sevens west of the city. Walter Gregorio Lopez, 21, of Othello, was transported to Kadlec Medical Center following a 2:58 p.m. crash on near Milepost 33 of Highway 26. According to the Washington State Patrol, Lopez was westbound in a 2012 Subaru Legacy. When a 1992 Kenworth truck and construction trailer slowed in front of him, rear ended the vehicle, the patrol said. The truck was driven by Jacob C. Valdez, 21, of...

  • Two arrested in drug case

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 21, 2024

    OTHELLO — Two people have been arrested for allegedly dealing drugs in Adams and Grant Counties. Dennis Wayne Riojas, 57, of Othello, and Slade Hardesty Fortner, 31, of Moses Lake, were both arrested Oct. 16, court records show. Riojas was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Riojas was booked into the...

  • Nov. 5 general election underway

    Franklin Connection | Oct 20, 2024

    OLYMPIA — The Nov. 5 general election is underway. Voting began last Friday; the state estimated there are 4.9 million registered voters statewide. This election includes federal, state and local races, as well as statewide initiatives and possibly local levy and bond measures, officials said. Ballots must be returned to a valid county drop box or voting center by 8 p.m. Nov. 5 to be counted. Voters who choose to return their ballots by mail can use the provided postage-paid envelope, which must be postmarked by Election...

  • Look close to see comet

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 16, 2024

    Local stargazers looking to the west, left of Venus and about 20 degrees above the horizon, can catch a glimpse of the comet C/2023 Ag Tsuchinshan-ATLAS this week. The photo above was taken between Tyler and Cheney on Monday. The comet is faintly visible for about an hour starting at sunset through Oct....

  • Geomagnetic color

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 12, 2024

    A geomagnetic storm created colorful lights in the sky over Eastern Washington last Thursday night, Oct. 10. Geomagnetic waves were visible pulsating in the color. At the bottom of the image, the red tail lights from a passing car leave color of their...

  • They were babies and toddlers when the pandemic hit. At school, some still struggle.

    Stacker, Ann Schimke for Chalkbeat | Oct 11, 2024

    They were babies and toddlers when the pandemic hit. At school, some still struggle. One minute, the four-year-old boy was giggling. The school's new behavioral specialist made a game of helping him put on his shoes, playfully sniffing them then scrunching up her face in pretend horror. A minute later, he was inconsolable, an emotional U-turn perhaps sparked by the transition to clean-up time. A teacher cradled the boy in her lap, calmly dodging his small flailing arms. He...

  • Blue and red states were putting period products in schools-then came the anti-trans backlash

    Stacker, Chabeli Carrazana, The 19th | Oct 11, 2024

    For close to a decade, periods—yes, menstrual periods—had been one of those rare issues that could win legislative support in blue states and red ones. The 19th shares details about how the issue has affected accessibility of menstrual products in schools across the U.S. Starting in about 2016, legislators from California to Alabama had been passing bills mandating that tampons and pads be readily available in public spaces—especially schools—after researchers found...

  • Man jailed in stabbing attempt

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 10, 2024

    RITZVILLE - A man who attempted to stab a local police officer is being held in the Franklin County Jail without bail. Brian Jedediah Sumner, 45, is was booked into the jail Oct. 8 on three counts of first-degree assault, third-degree assault, obstructing a public servant, resisting arrest and felony eluding. Court records show Sumner, who frequents the Sprague area, was apprehended in Spokane. His arrest stems from an Oct. 5 domestic call. Records show police were dispatched...

  • Latinos have been the fastest-growing demographic in swing states since the last election. Could they choose the next president?

    Stacker, Dom DiFurio, Elena Cox | Oct 10, 2024

    Far from the Southern border states of previous elections, a rush to court Latino votes ahead of Nov. 5 is concentrating in Pennsylvania's hotly contested "Latino Belt"—and both camps have firmly planted their flags. In June, the Trump campaign opened an outreach office in Reading, Pennsylvania, home to one of the largest Latino populations in the Keystone State. Nearly 7 in 10 residents of the former factory town are Latino, with many of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent....

  • Voter residency omission challenged as unconstitutional

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 9, 2024

    PASCO — With less than 30 days to go in the Nov. 5 general election, a county auditor and state representative want to intervene in an effort to sweep away the constitutional residency requirement to vote. Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton of Pasco and 19th Legislative District Rep. Jim Walsh of Aberdeen, both Republicans, are seeking to require to state elections officials to follow the state Constitution or go about a legal change to residency requirements. At issue is the unilateral decision by Secretary of State...

  • Shooter apprehended in Moses Lake

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 4, 2024

    BASIN CITY - A man wanted in the shooting of his mother and step-father is in the Franklin County Jail following his Sept. 16 arrest. Daniel Arceo-Martinez, 28, of Basin City, is being held on $1 million bail, charged with first-degree assault. He was arrested in Moses Lake following a tip on his whereabouts. Arceo-Martinez was wanted in the Sept. 15 shooting of his mother and step-father in rural Franklin County, court records show. The couple was treated for gunshot wounds...

  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    Dale Anderson | Nov 27, 2024

    Just to let you know that this column is being written a bit early to meet the Thanksgiving deadline that all papers need to meet. So I'm going to try to bring some words of wisdom or maybe just some words that will hopefully be fun to read but there are no guarantees. I attended the November 16th EWU football game in Cheney versus Idaho State. Last year the Bengals rallied from a couple of touchdown deficit late to beat the Eagles by one in Pocatello. This year Idaho State...

  • I get a kick out of that

    Dale Anderson | Nov 20, 2024

    I watched a lot of football over the years and I can tell you that the kicking game has really changed with the soccer style kickers. Pete Gogolak became the first soccer style kicker in the NFL. A couple of years later his younger brother Charlie would be the second. Up until that time most kickers were linemen. The NFL kicking award is named after Cleveland Browns tackle Lou Groza. There were other kickers that played skill positions like Paul Hornung and George Blanda but...

  • Othello, Odessa eliminated

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Nov 20, 2024

    OTHELLO — The last football team from Adams County was eliminated from the playoffs Friday night, Nov. 15. No. 8-seeded Othello was upended by No. 9-seeded Sehome, 22-21, on the Huskies’ home field in Class 2A playoffs. The Huskies were leading 21-7 in the third quarter before Sehome junior quarterback Nolan Wright threw the first of two touchdown passes to Andre Watson. The second Wright-to-Watson pass came with less than a minute remaining in the game and Othello leading 21-15. Grady Evans kicked the PAT to give the...

  • Time of the season

    Dale Anderson | Oct 29, 2024

    This is the time of the season when sports cross paths especially when it comes to the professional ranks. The Fall Classic (World Series for all of you baseball haters) may be over by the time you read this column. Or it might be getting really exciting for the fifth, sixth or seventh game. The Dodgers-Yankees matchup is one I grew up with in the 1950s and sixties. I guess the two richest franchises should be playing for the World Championship. I’m glad it isn’t every...

  • Having fun yet?

    Dale Anderson | Oct 15, 2024

    This has been an interesting season for college football and not necessarily good interesting. For someone that was a big fan of the Pac 8, 10 and 12 it has been a big adjustment to the Pac 2. But it looks like the Pac whatever number they end up with is on the rise. And for you purists that don’t think that Gonzaga is a good fit for the conference just check out how many full arenas there will be during basketball season when the Zags are on the road. They will also be a...

  • Lind-Ritzville falls to Warden, 29-20

    Roger Harnack, Franklin Connection | Oct 14, 2024

    RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos got off to a good start Friday night, but just couldn’t close out the game as Warden came from behind for the win. The Wardan Cougars topped the Broncos, 29-20. Senior Brody Boness put all three of the Broncos’ touchdowns on the board. Boness opened scoring in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown dive. With the point-after kick good, the Broncos held a 7-0 lead at the end of the first stanza. Boness added another TD early in the second quarter, when he took the...

  • By any other name

    Dale Anderson | Oct 11, 2024

    So I’m sure that you heard about the passing of Pete Rose. Most people either hated him or loved him. There were very few sports fans that didn’t have an opinion. Rose was the all-time Major League hits leader with over 4000 hits. Rose played for the Cincinnati Reds or when he played they were known as the Big Red Machine. He played five different positions in the infield and outfield and earned two gold gloves. He was a part of three World Series championships, three...

  • 5 of the biggest sports parlay wins of all time

    Stacker, Mike Taylor | Oct 9, 2024

    A parlay is the most enticing of sports wagers, offering the chance to multiply your earnings exponentially. But it's a trap. Rather, parlays are huge winners for sportsbooks. The bet, in which two or (many) more gambles are combined, is popular among speculators and casinos alike. Instead of placing two single bets at even money, for example, you can combine them—and boost your potential payout. Your odds of winning, however, drop from 50% each to 25%, and when you stack...

  • We need more Wild Cards

    Dale Anderson | Oct 4, 2024

    Postseason baseball is here and again the door was shut on the Mariners once again. They were one game out and still had a chance on Saturday but that was not to be. Since the Mariners last won their division in 2001 with 116 victories they’ve only made it to the postseason as a Wild Card team a couple of years ago. Now the M’s won 90 games in 2002 and 2003 but there was only one Wild Card team at that time. Since then the amount of Wild Card teams in each league is now...

  • Wheat farmers facing challenges

    Rick Haverinen, Franklin Connection | Nov 12, 2024

    RITZVILLE - It's not going to surprise many people that the wheat market is in no way a method to get rich quick. "It's down," Washington State University regional extension specialist Aaron Esser said about the wheat farmer's market price. "It's way down. I can go back over 10 years and find when the price of wheat was significantly higher than what it is currently, but I think it's well below the cost of production for most producers, especially if you start looking at...

  • Grants awarded to area farms

    Franklin Connection | Oct 11, 2024

    WASHTUCNA — Three farms in Adams County have received Rural Energy for America Program grants to be used to upgrade business operations through energy projects. The farms are located in the Washtucna, Warden and Othello areas. Baumann, Baumann and Baumann, a wheat farm at 510 S. Bauer Road near Washtucna, will receive $68,868 to purchase and install spray foam insulation, grant officials said. In addition, the grant will cover installation of an automated shop door and heat pumps. “The project will result in about $600...

  • 6 easy ways to add value to your farm or ranch

    Stacker, John Hanson | Oct 11, 2024

    If you have decided to try listing your property for recreational activities, LandTrust shares the most important things to consider. First, what activities are possible for you to offer, such as hunting and fishing. You may also consider other activities that are becoming more popular and more marketable, such as bird watching, star gazing, agricultural experiences (farm/ranch vacations, tours, etc.) as well as hiking and camping. Secondly, think about what you want to offer...

  • Political Cartoon

    Nov 26, 2024

  • Ditch the cellphones, celebrate holiday

    Roger Harnack | Nov 25, 2024

    Ah, Thanksgiving. Turkey, cranberries, pumpkin pie and family. It’s a time to give thanks and celebrate family traditions. But not if you’re glued to a cellphone. As adults, it’s time to set an example and put those devices away. Spend time with your family partaking in longstanding traditions or creating new ones. There’s no need to be spending the day surfing social media. Instead, enjoy real social media with family and friends. Talk together, eat together, enjoy...

  • Get ready to pay price of I-2117 failure

    Todd Myers | Nov 27, 2024

    The cost of a gallon of fuel may increase by 45 cents per gallon in the wake of the I-2117 failure. The CO2 tax already jumped; it is set at auctions and on private markets when organizations covered by the law purchase allowances covering their emissions. Immediately after voters decided to keep Washington’s tax on CO2 emissions, allowance prices on the private market jumped by more than 10% to about $57 per metric ton of CO2, according to the Carbon dashboard of...

  • Civility essential to governing America

    Don Brunell | Nov 21, 2024

    After years of odious political behavior, it is time for elected officials to focus on governing with civility and respect. It is time to go back to acting for the common good. Our country needs leaders, irrespective of party affiliation, to set aside differences and unite. America is weakened by the continual onslaught of character assassinations, false accusations, misinformation and bitterness, which has been pervasive over the last dozen years. We do not know who to trust...

  • Political Cartoon

    Nov 20, 2024

  • Transparency shouldn't cost more

    Elizabeth New, Washington Policy Center | Nov 12, 2024

    Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is considering a change to the state’s recently adopted premium change transparency rule. A press release from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner says, “The change would be specific to Phase 2 of the rule — the automatic inclusion of reasons for premium increases in policy renewals — and would move the timing of that action from June 2027 to June 2029.” Goodish? The rule applies to auto and home insurance policies....

  • WREN, a tiny bird with a big song

    Sue Lani Madsen | Oct 29, 2024

    What image comes to mind when you hear “rural Washington?” Fields, farms and forests. Small towns. Flyover country. The frontier. Tribal homelands. Rangelands and desert. Public lands playground. Home. Welcome to the WREN, where rural means all of these. Our goal at the Washington Rural Environmental Network is to bring a diverse chorus of rural voices to the table when public policy discussions impact our rural communities. We want a voice in sharing the development of our homelands. You can follow and support our work...

  • Support the four initiatives

    Roger Harnack | Nov 2, 2024

    Four measures on the Nov. 5 general election could make a difference in your lifestyle and your wallet. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you cast your ballot: Initiative 2066 This initiative would repeal regulations that attack your ability to use nature gas use dryers, stoves, heating systems and more in your home and business. It would also restrict government agencies from implementing policies and programs that promote the use of electric appliances over...

  • Political Cartoon

    Oct 29, 2024

  • Send Newhouse to the outhouse

    Oct 29, 2024

    It's my great honor to endorse Jerrod Sessler for the United States Congress. During my time in public life, I have gotten to know and work with many people in or people seeking office. I don't lend my name to candidates or causes that I don't believe in, but when you come across a candidate of Jerrod's caliber it makes that decision easy. This is especially true when we have all gotten to see how far out of touch with his constituent's Jerrod's opponent, Dan Newhouse, has become. Because Dan and his campaign handlers know...

  • Christians need to vote this election

    Patricia Owens | Oct 24, 2024

    I am requesting the attention of all Washingtonians, but especially Christians. Please vote in this year’s election. The issues we face are serious. Transgender ideology has infected our children’s schools. Grocery bills are painfully high. Christian values are being silenced and slandered. My current home, Texas, is being trespassed by violent criminals being allowed into our country daily. And my home state Washington, you too are among the victims — especially women and girls. We should be outraged. But the sad...

  • A vote for Harris is a vote for communism

    Karen Ebel | Oct 24, 2024

    We know President Trump’s four-year track record — no wars, secure borders, energy independence (selling oil instead of buying from our enemies), lowest unemployment in decades, highest employment of black persons, fulfilled promise to bring U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, built up our military, initiated Space Force to help protect America and still fighting for America despite getting shot and a second attempt on his life by Democrat operatives. And that’s only a partial list. We also know Kamala Harris’ track record....

  • What about our big one?

    Don C. Brunell | Oct 25, 2024

    When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish the hurricane season let alone the entire year, it was surprising. Suddenly, we discovered federal disaster relief money may be insufficient for future hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes relief. The frequency of major hurricanes and massive wildfires is draining federal accounts, and replacement funds only add to our soaring national debt. That debt is weighing on our ability to operate our national...

  • Vote for those who protect America

    Oct 29, 2024

    The 2024 election is the most consequential election in our lifetime. It will, starting with the next 4 years, determine the path America will take nationally and globally. We vote for politicians, who's agendas are conflicted, and we think/hope they are working in the best interest of the people. Many are not. Nationally, we've lost many of our freedoms, privacy and are being overrun with people who are not American and will over time change our culture, values and way of life. Whether you live in the city or county, it is...

  • License shortage is highway robbery

    Roger Harnack | Oct 16, 2024

    Motorists in Washington state are sometimes handing over hundreds of dollars for licensing of their vehicle, but only receiving paper plates in return. According to an Aug. 28 legislative report, the state is had a backlog of at least 230,000 standard license plate orders, 10,000 specialty orders and 5,000 personal vanity orders. More than 20 counties (30 counties now) statewide are out of or nearly out of license plates. Still, the state is collecting money for plates it...

  • No doubt CRT is taught in our schools

    Liv Finne, Washington Policy Center | Oct 14, 2024

    Is Critical Race Theory being taught in Washington public schools or not? In 2021, the Legislature passed, and on May 5th that year Gov. Jay Inslee signed, Senate Bill 5044 to require the teaching of “...equity, cultural competency, and dismantling institutional racism in the public school system.” This is the academic description for Critical Race Theory. The bill was implemented through the Washington state learning standards using the “Ethnic Studies Framework....

  • Schools cash flush, grade poor

    Liv Finne, Washington Policy Center | Oct 11, 2024

    Recently state schools superintendent Chris Reykdal announced that he plans to ask the legislature for another $2.9 billion for public education. This would be on top of the current $20.1 billion education budget. Like the changing leaves of Fall, every year around this time Reykdal asks for more money. Let’s ask ourselves, Will pouring in more money make a difference to children? The data shows the answer is “No.” For years the state has increased education spending,...

  • There's no doubt community newspapers still matter

    Roger Harnack | Oct 8, 2024

    It's a bit premature to say the bell tolls for community newspapers. Sure, big city media printing the same diatribe you see on television is declining. (That's because the city media moguls have forgotten their place in society.) And sure, with the Googles of the world, cellphones and social media have impacted our advertising, which, by the way is how we pay our bills. But in our community newspapers, we haven't forgotten our place. Our reporters shop in the same stores,...

  • Demand direct access to officials

    Roger Harnack | Oct 11, 2024

    There’s a disturbing trend among tax-payer funded agencies that needs to be nipped in the bud. If you haven’t noticed, public agencies like hospital and utility districts, school boards, city councils, and others have been taking steps to insulate — dare I say isolate — elected board members. Have a concern about something in your local school district? Don’t like a utility rate increase? Want to know if your local public hospital is making a profit? Have questions...

  • Should family leave act exist?

    Elizabeth New, Washington Policy Center | Oct 4, 2024

    We already know workers with middle and upper incomes most often benefit from the state's paid family and medical leave fund. It's also true that many beneficiaries are repeat users, and that those benefiting more than once have higher wages than one-time users. I asked the Employment Security Department how many people have filed more than one claim for taxpayer-paid time off, work given the pattern I know with child-rearing - kid one and kid two usually come within a few...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes | Nov 25, 2024

    Thanksgiving will soon be here. By the time this issue of The Record Times is in your hands most area cooks in charge of the Thanksgiving meal will be planning the menu and making a list of tasks to do ahead. If you are planning cornbread dressing, you can make the cornbread several days ahead. Any gelatin salads may be made up to two days ahead, as can dinner rolls. Many side dishes reheat well in a microwave, saving on precious oven time and space. Before we get to the Thanksgiving recipes and tips, if you are planning on...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Nov 23, 2024

    LIND — The following residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from Nov. 20-25: Anniversaries Nov. 24 — Gary and Sharon Lobe Birthdays Nov. 20 — Colby Greenwalt Nov. 21 — Karissa Labes Nov. 22 — Scot Branson, Curtis Gering, Al Strohmaier, Karlee Kerr and Allison Ritz. Nov. 23 — Kevin Branson and Dakota Dursteler. Nov. 24 — Shelley Strohmaier and Sue Hill. Nov. 25 — Kolton Knodel, Paisley Davis and Paisley...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Nov 27, 2024

    LIND — The following residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from Nov. 13-20: Anniversaries Nov. 14 — Leonard and Debbie Rausch Nov. 16 — Darryl and Dawn Lobe, and Steve and Sue Sackmann Nov. 18 — Mitch and Debbie Starring Birthdays Nov. 14 — Franki Bren-Perry Nov. 16 — Matthew Davis and Nicole Smith Nov. 17 — Cory Wagner Nov. 18 — Deacon Haase Nov. 19 — Charley Greenwalt Nov. 20 — Colby...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Franklin Connection | Oct 29, 2024

    LIND — The following area residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6: Anniversaries Nov. 4 — Dennis and Sue Hill. Birthdays Oct. 30 — Shane Hopkins. Oct. 31 —Cade Prado and Levi Cooper. Nov. 1 — Kurt Grabo. Nov. 2 — Carol Ellingson-Foster. Nov. 4 — Emma Cody. Nov. 6 — Becky Branson and Debbie...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Franklin Connection | Oct 23, 2024

    LIND - The following residents are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays from Oct. 23-29: Anniversaries Oct. 27 - Brandon and Melissa Knodel Oct. 29 - LeRoy and Val Watson Birthdays Oct. 23 - Thomas Mercer and Kelsey Labes Oct. 24 - Amy Reid, Amy Reimer and Jamie Schmunk Oct 25 - Emily Grace Aby Oct. 26 - Ben Phillips Oct. 28 - Kim Schofstoll, Willow Rountree, Chirs Steinmetz and Carlos Vulleumier Oct. 29 - Mariah...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Franklin Connection | Oct 16, 2024

    LIND — The following residents are celebrating anniversaries and birthdays between Oct. 16-22: Anniversaries Oct. 17 — Mike and Tammy Doyle Oct. 22 — Ron and Debbie Kulm Birthdays Oct. 16 — James Stevenson Oct. 17 — Myra Horton Oct. 18 — Tim Smith and Kim Lobe Oct. 19 — Beverly Kulm and Roger Smart Oct. 20 — Brent Bowman and Dominic Cole Perry Oct. 21 — Jean Gardner, Gretchen Youngren, Kelsey Knodel and Paisly June Davis Oct. 22 — Kaylin Hopkins, Lynda Branson, Kacen Kramer and Payton...

  • Montes wins inaugural Great Pumpkin Trophy

    Franklin Connection | Oct 16, 2024

    OTHELLO - The Adams County Sheriff's Office inaugural Great Pumpkin Trophy was awarded to deputy Jesus Montes. The Great Pumpkin Contest pitted Sheriff's Office employees against each other to see who come up with the best decorated gourd. Residents were able to vote for their favorite pumpkin design via social media. Montes' pumpkin featured a deputy wearing a hat and sporting a goatee. "His creativity and attention to detail made his pumpkin the clear favorite," Sheriff...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes | Oct 15, 2024

    Fall weather, cool nights and sunny days call for end of gardening season recipes. Squash and pumpkins are fully ripe and a light frost has hardened the rinds for long winter keeping. Soups and stews are common fare in area slow-cookers and savory breads and luscious desserts round out menus. Crustless Pumpkin Pie from the website Cupcakes and Kale Chips, is a gluten free recipe, more like a custard than pie, but very rich and smooth. The recipe calls for canned pumpkin but turns out beautifully with 1 2/3 cups cooked...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes | Oct 11, 2024

    Enjoyed visiting with so many Welcome to My Kitchen readers who came to Deutschesfest in Odessa, this past weekend. Looking forward to receiving all the recipes we talked about. Over the next few weeks I will be testing the recipes I recently received from several readers and plan to have them in the next column. Near freezing nights in the last week are bringing area gardens to the end of their productive season. Time for relish, and soup recipes to use up the last of the seasons bounty. Fiesta Corn Relish comes from, The...

  • Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Franklin Connection | Oct 8, 2024

    LIND — The following residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from Oct. 9-15: Anniversaries Oct. 10 — Brad and Darlene O’Neill Oct. 15 — Pastor Steve and Kim Schofstoll Birthdays Oct. 10 — Debbie L. Kohm, Cody Kulm, Ronny Davis and Haylley Ramos. Oct. 11 —Corine Branson-Larson, Willy Perez, Evelyn Strohmaier and Luke Philips. Oct. 12 — Andrea Steinmetz and Camden Stout Oct. 13 — Michelle Smith Oct. 14 — Glenn Aby Jr. and Ryder Senn Oct. 15 — Nathan...

  • Second Harvest helping feed rural residents

    Monica Carillo-Casas, WSU Murrow Fellow | Oct 4, 2024

    OTHELLO – Thursday at 8 a.m., people were lined up at the Othello Christian Church, waiting for Second Harvest and Othello Food Bank to set up and distribute free food to the small rural community. It wouldn’t be for another two hours, however, that they would see the food banks pull in to set up. Second Harvest – a nonprofit that supplies a network of partner food banks in 21 counties in Eastern Washington and five counties in North Idaho – has been traveling to Othello and partnering with Othello Food Bank, as...

  • Donald E. Hutsell

    Nov 27, 2024

    Donald E. Hutsell Apr. 10, 1944 –Nov. 12, 2024 Donald E. Hutsell passed away on Nov. 12, 2024 in Ritzville, Wash.at his home in Ritzville. Don was (80) born on April 10, 1944 in Spokane, Wash. to William and Bernice (Mead) Hutsell. He grew up in Davenport and graduated from Davenport High School in 1962.In school his basketball team placed 2nd at the State "B" tournament, He received a football scholarship to Wenatchee Valley College. He also enjoyed being a 4H member in...

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