July 26, 2024
July 26, 2024
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...
CHENEY – A longtime local resident and former mayor has joined the newsroom staff at the Cheney Free Press. Allan Gainer, 62, brings eight years as a newspaper editor and television reporter for Navy Broadcasting to the local newspaper. He gained his experience while serving in the U.S. Navy. "I like being part of this community," Gainer said. "It's a great town. "I want to tell the stories of the people of Cheney and Medical Lake." "Allen's knowledge of the area and the...
It's no secret that things just keep getting more expensive. From home prices to personal goods, the cost of living in the U.S. has increased 22% since 2019, leaving consumers searching for ways to combat rising costs. As Americans scramble to find better ways to budget, one historically wallet-friendly option, fast food, is becoming less and less of a cost-saver. In fact, fast food price hikes have outpaced the national inflation rate in some instances, prompting backlash...
PASCO – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public input on a review of whether to continue to list the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit on the endangered species list. "The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit was considered extinct in Washington by 2004 but has since been reintroduced through captive breeding and translocation programs," state biologist Gerald Hayes said. According to Hayes, the agency is recommending the rabbit remain listed as endangered. The pygmy...
PORTLAND, Ore. — An Eastern Oregon man convicted of raping two children in an Othello hotel has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison. Albert Wayne Johnson, 42, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and 10 years of probation. U.S. District Court documents show that on Aug. 8, 2022, deputies from the Clackamas County, Ore., Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of two minors abandoned at Barton Park in Boring, Ore. The children told the deputies they met Johnson on Snapchat and that he had driven...
A G5 (extreme) geomagnetic storm resulted in one of the most brilliant displays of northern lights, scientifically known as aurora borealis, on Friday night, May 10. The colorful aerial display was visible across Eastern Washington. Pictured, the colorful sky silhouettes farm...
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...
CHENEY — Eastern Washington University volleyball is back at Reese Court this fall as the team released its schedule. Head Coach Jon Haruguchi announced the 2024 slate, with the regular season starting on Aug. 30 on the road. Eastern has nine home matches for the upcoming season, with seven against Big Sky opponents. The Eagles will play an exhibition game on Aug. 24 at Central Washington. Eastern’s first regular season matches are in Orem, Utah in a two-day tournament hosted by Utah Valley on Aug. 30-31 and also...
CHENEY — Eastern Washington women’s soccer announced its full 2024 schedule as head coach Missy Strasburg begins her fourth year leading the Eagles. In preseason, Eastern hosts Washington (Aug. 5) and Thompson Rivers (Aug. 8) for a pair of exhibition matches at EWU Soccer Field. Eastern Washington University has an extended road trip to begin the fall schedule, with the first official game at Troy on Aug. 15. The team next travels for games at Kennesaw St. (Aug. 18), South Dakota (Aug. 25) and Southern Utah (Aug. 29)....
LIND - Thousands of fans turned out Saturday, June 8, to witness the destruction of farm equipment during the 35th annual Lind Lion's Club Combine Derby. Weekend festivities also also featured a car show, parade through town, a barbecue in the park, car racing, and pickup and grain truck races, including an Australian Pursuit and powder puff races. The weekend was capped off with a live performance Fred Bauer band in the arena. The Combine Derby is a demolition-style derby,...
CALGARY, Alberta, Canada — After spending a decade developing quarterbacks for the Canadian Football League, Beau Baldwin decided to join the league as the quarterbacks coach for the Calgary Stampeders. Baldwin is one of seven Eastern Washington University Eagles playing or coaching in the league, to go along with a pair of former Washington State Cougars and one Idaho Vandal. At Eastern, Baldwin helped develop future Canadian Football League quarterbacks Matt Nichols, Bo Levi Mitchell and Vernon Adams, Jr., as well as...
LIND - The town will roar to life this weekend as the annual Lind Grand Parade and Combine Derby return to town. The action begins Friday with car and pickup truck racing. Locals and visitors alike with "run what they brung" to Lion's Club Arena on state Highway 21. Racing is set to begin at 6 p.m. As of press time, racers were still able to get registered for the event by calling Eric Lund at 509-677-3432. Expect racers from across Whitman, Franklin, Adams, Lincoln, Spokane...
OTHELLO – Dust off those rods and reels and head to the PotHoles this Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, for a free fishing weekend. In accordance with the law creating the paid Discover Pass, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is opening up state waters for fishing without a license. Trout and warm water species may be caught and kept, as can shad. But fish requiring a catch card — salmon, steelhead and sturgeon, to name a few — still require an angler to have a license, officials said. State rules on size and...
The NCAA basketball tournament ended the first week in April. The all-time leading scorer in NCAA history is Cailtlin Clark from the Iowa Hawkeyes. She and her teammates were runner ups to the National Champions two years in a row. Clark, the three point making machine was selected number one in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever Now because of Clark the ratings for the tournament semi-final and final were record setting. People wanted to watch her play. Some for her success...
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...
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...
Demographia has just published a study, authored by Wendell Cox, that compares the affordability of housing in the international marketplace. The conclusions show that while Washington state isn't the most expensive, it is on its way to the top spot. What's sad is it's all avoidable with some simple changes to state policy. Currently, Seattle ranks 73 out of 100 of the most affordable major cities to live. The study summarizes that the high prices are "largely the product of...
Who would have thought that a small Oregon natural grain mill owner’s death would make national news or be the subject of a lengthy feature article in the New York Times? However, 94-year-old Bob Moore’s passing in February did. The Times is published just off Broadway in the heart of Big Apple’s network television and theater district. Moore, with his white beard, wire-rim eyeglasses, newsie cap and bolo tie became a “food poster person” approaching the notoriety...
The origin of Father's Day can be traced back to the early 20th Century in the U.S. The credit for its establishment is often given to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane. The story goes that in 1909, Dodd's father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, raised Dodd and her siblings single-handedly after their mother passed away during childbirth. Dodd wanted to honor her father for his selfless devotion and sacrifices in raising his children. Inspired by the newly established...
Note: U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, contributed to this column. American farmers feel like the little red hen working alone to grow the wheat, mill the flour, and make the bread, as they struggle to meet labor demands across sectors. Few domestic workers find agricultural employment attractive and our nation's visa program to hire foreign workers for agricultural work simply does not work for employers or employees. From spring pruning to fall harvest farm labor demands go unmet across every crop and region, as...
Disappointingly, many Americans are worried about silly first-world problems like where to go boating or what to barbecue over the upcoming weekend. Too many view this upcoming three-day break as an excuse to eat, drink and party, never giving a thought as to why Memorial Day is observed. So while you’re anxiously awaiting the long weekend, take time to remember, understand and plan to observe Memorial Day. Memorial Day is dedicated to the men and women killed while serving...
On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave their lives in battle for our country. It is called the “Ultimate Sacrifice,” and they died protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe. In recent times, we have acknowledged our citizens in uniform who continue to suffer with permanent combat emotional and physical scars. They are alive largely because our battlefield survival is dramatically improving, and our accompanying rehabilitation expands....
The May 1 meeting of a WA Cares oversight commission should be must-see-TV, as it made one thing super clear: There is going to be a lot of disappointment if WA Cares remains a mandatory program funded by 58 cents (or more) of every $100 a worker earns. Not only will some workers not qualify for the money they're being told should give them peace of mind about possible long-term-care needs, Washingtonians who do qualify for a WA Cares benefit won't be able to fully choose how the money gets spent. There is the law that...
The Snake River dams are critical to the infrastructure of our region, providing not only reliable power but also many other economic benefits. Removing these dams would have many negative impacts. You don’t have to take my word for it. Here are some of the findings from the multi-year public process in 2020 conducted by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration:: “[Breaching] would not meet the objective to Provide a...
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...
KAHLOTUS — The annual Kahlotus Days celebration is set for Saturday, June 1, throughout the community. There will be a 5K run/walk, parade, softball tournament and Kid Zone. The main event of the festival will be the Battle of the Bull, where cowboys and cowgirls will pit their riding skills against a mechanical bull. The winner will receive the coveted golden buckle. Vendors will also be in...
LIND – Residents celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from May 22-29 are: Anniversaries May 23 – Jerry and Debbie Knodel May 26 - Cory and Elissa Wagner May 28 - Alan and Shelley Strohmaier May 29 - Chris and Andrea Steinmetz Birthdays May 22 - Jerry Alan Branson and Laureen Reyling May 24 - Tresa LeAnn Ackley May 26 - Jennifer Sager May 27 - Krista Undeberg-Mercer and Danielle Jensen May 28 - Beau Fode and Caroline...
RITZVILLE — Bronco Days will bring a mix of fun activities and a somber remembrance to the city this coming weekend. The celebration will include a parade, car show, live music, a cornhole tournament and vendors. There will also be a Fireman’s breakfast and a Memorial Day observance. The Friends of the Library Book Sale opens the weekend. Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, the book sale at The Learning Garden, 310 W. Main Ave., closes at 5 p.m., before running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. As the book sale closes for the...
