Articles written by Roger Harnack
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Hart, Hebel advance to general election
CONNELL - The race for City Council Position No. sure has a lot of "pH." That's because today's certification of Aug. 1 primary election results determined Preston Hart and Patrice... — Updated 8/15/2023
It's summer in Eastern Washington, not 'climate change'
The National Weather Service predicts we will see the hottest temperatures of the summer this week. It’s even gone so far as to declare an “excessive heat warning” until 11... — Updated 8/15/2023
Othello receiving $850,000 for park
OTHELLO – Kiwanis Park will benefit from two grants approved by the state Recreation and Conservation Office. The agency has awarded $500,000 to add a water park and renovate trails. A second grant of $350,000 was awarded to... — Updated 8/15/2023
One dead, six injured in Mesa crash
MESA – An Othello man was killed and six others injured in a five-vehicle pileup Aug. 7 about three miles north of town. Jesus Camacho-Augustine, 21, of Othello, was pronounced dead at the scene near Milepost 10 of state Highway... — Updated 8/15/2023
Wildlife board rejects spring bear hunt
OLYMPIA – It took only a minute Friday, Aug. 11, for the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to reject a petition to resume spring bear hunting in 2024. The commission’s almost-immediate, unanimous rejection of spring bear... — Updated 8/15/2023
Connell man among five arrested after trying to pay for sex
OTHELLO – A Connell resident is among the five men arrested July 29 in a reverse prostitution sting. Cesar Chavez-Alcala, 28, of Connell, is facing charges in Othello District Court, along with Victorina Garcia, 45, of Mattawa;... — Updated 8/1/2023
Schmunk, Weidemann lead Lind primary election races
LIND - Preliminary primary election returns show Jamie Schmunk and Jim Weidemann leading Town Council races. At the end of counting Tuesday night, Aug. 1, Schmuck had 62 votes... — Updated 8/1/2023
Hart dominating Connell council race
CONNELL — Candidate Preston Hart has a commanding lead in the Aug. 1 primary election race for City Council Position No. 5. but it's a dead heat to see who will be the runner-up. After the end of the first day of counting... — Updated 8/1/2023
Othello man arrested for child rape
OTHELLO – A local man is facing a child rape charge after being caught in bed with a child. Manuel Trinidad-Ortiz, 32, of Othello, was booked into the Franklin County Jail following his July 19 arrest for first-degree child rape... — Updated 7/26/2023
Fires burning near Ritzville, Sprague
RITZVILLE – Smoke from multiple wildfires is creating near-whiteout conditions along portions of Interstate 90, prompting the state Department to of Transportation to close the... — Updated 7/17/2023
Freedom Rodeo results announced
BASIN CITY – One of the top bull riders to come out of Eastern Washington won All-Around Cowboy honors at the Freedom Rodeo on July 3-5 . Shane Proctor of Grand Coulee took home $5,777 for his performance in the saddle bronc and... — Updated 7/11/2023
Our state's fireworks law needs updating
Like most Americans, I enjoy watching – and lighting – fireworks on Independence Day. America’s “birthday” should stand out among all national holidays. And the colorful,... — Updated 7/6/2023
Three officers placed on leave
HATTON – Three Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been placed on administrative leave in connection with shooting death of a suspect Sunday, June 25. According to Sheriff Dale Wagner, two road deputies and a sergeant... — Updated 7/6/2023
Identity of man killed by deputies released
HATTON – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a Warden man was killed in a shootout with law enforcement officers Sunday, June 25. Ramon O. Morfin, 29, of Warden, was pronounced dead at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday... — Updated 6/27/2023
Officer shoots suspect near Hatton
HATTON – An independent investigation is reviewing an officer-involved shooting Sunday, June 25, near Kulm Road in this tiny community just west of U.S. Highway 395. According to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle... — Updated 6/27/2023
Combines to battle this weekend in Lind
LIND – The city roars to life Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, as the 34th annual Combine Demolition Derby Days brings thousands of residents and visitors out for weekend of smashing fun. The highlight of the event is the... — Updated 6/14/2023
Two injured in Othello-area crash
OTHELLO – Two people were transported to area hospitals Thursday afternoon, June 8, following a crash on state Highway 26. Perejitei E. Bekewe, 26, hometown unknown, was transported to Richland Hospital. Anthony J. Williamson,... — Updated 6/14/2023
Spend time with dad Sunday
From cars to bigfoot to high-speed sprint boats, you don’t have to look very far to find something to do this weekend. But dad won’t care if you take him somewhere or just... — Updated 6/14/2023
Hat Rock fire burns 8,500 acres
TOUCHET — The state is providing support to local fire crews fighting the Hat Rock Fire. Walla Walla County Fire District No. 6 Chief Rusty Watt requested state help at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night, June 13. The fire started... — Updated 6/14/2023
Commissioners may have to repay wages
PASCO – Two former and three current Franklin County commissioners may have to return nearly $89,000 in wages following an audit of payroll practices for the board. Commissioner... — Updated 6/14/2023
State moves to downgrade wolves
OLYMPIA – Wolves may be downgraded from an endangered species to “sensitive” under a proposed reclassification by state Department of Fish and Wildlife staff. The gray wolf was already removed by the federal endangered... — Updated 5/19/2023
Chinook season open from The Dalles to Wallula
WALLULA – The spring Chinook salmon fishing season is open for only a week between The Dalles Dam and Wallula Junction. From about 1,300 feet upstream of The Dalles Dam to the Orgon-Washington border, salmon may be retained from... — Updated 5/19/2023
Othello High School locked down
OTHELLO – The local high school was locked down Wednesday, May 10, after a reported threat. According to a report, city police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to the high school, 340 S. Seventh St., at 11:18... — Updated 5/19/2023
Explosive racing at Nitro
Hundreds of motorcyle racers from across North America the braved Rattlesnake Ridge near Vernita during three days of action during the Washington Nitro Nationals from May 6-8.... — Updated 5/19/2023
Special session called for 'Blake fix'
RITZVILLE – Sen. Mark Schoesler and other state lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a special session beginning May 16. “After returning home to Ritzville early last week following the end of this year’s legislative... — Updated 5/19/2023
