The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

ICE agent held in Othello child-sex case

OTHELLO — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who traveled here last year for an alleged sexual encounter with a child has turned himself in to federal authorities. Department of Homeland Security ICE Supervisory... — Updated 3/21/2023 Full story

Ritzville car wash gets refurbished

RITZVILLE – A new owner is refurbishing the self-service Ritzville Car Wash. Shane O'Donnell, owner of Alignment and Brakes Plus in Bellingham, saw an opportunity when the city's... — Updated 3/21/2023 Full story

Sprague sued over public records

SPRAGUE—A Langley man is suing the city of Sprague over a public records request. Court records show Eric Hood filed a civil lawsuit against the city Thursday, March 16, claiming the city didn’t respond to an email request... — Updated 3/21/2023

No drought on the horizon for state

RITZVILLE -The March drought report shows is good news for farmers across much of Washington state and Adams County. According to the report released earlier this month, the state... — Updated 3/21/2023

Othello woman sentenced in firearms case

OTHELLO — A local woman has been sentenced to federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Alondra Yanez, 25, of Othello, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being felon in possession of a firearm. U.S.... — Updated 3/21/2023

Public Records

Sheriff’s Office Ritzville — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service from March 10-17: March 10 Motion sensors going off at house in the 600 block of South Canal Road, Otehllo. Assist... — Updated 3/21/2023

From the Files

100 Years Ago Ritzville-Journal Times March 22, 1923 Pass ordinance for water rental The city council passed a new water ordinance Tuesday evening for the control of the... — Updated 3/21/2023

New officer

The Othello Police Department and City Council welcomed a new officer to the city during a meeting Tuesday night, March 13. Officer X. Garza will serve as the... — Updated 3/21/2023

Roundabout construction delayed

OTHELLO — It’s going to take another year or two before a proposed roundabout is constructed at the State Highway 17 and Cunningham Road intersection. The state Department of Transportation announced last week that the... — Updated 3/21/2023

Ag firms support Second Harvest

PASCO — AgWest Farm Credit and Northwest Agricultural Consultants are partnering with Second Harvest to help celebrate the impact our region’s ag community makes for people facing hunger, In addition, the companies will match... — Updated 3/21/2023

Fun for a while

So we are down to our final two weeks of college basketball. I’m kind of a basketball junky. I love the high school playoffs and tournaments followed by the college conference... — Updated 3/21/2023

Track season begins this week

RITZVILLE — The Broncos’ 2023 boys and girls track season gets underway this week with two meets. On Tuesday, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague team was scheduled to head to Asotin for the seaon-opening meet. Results were not... — Updated 3/21/2023

Bronco girls win one, drop three

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague girls softball team opened its 2023 season last week with doubleheaders against the Newport Grizzlies and DeSales Catholic Fighting Irish. The undefeated Grizzlies (2-0) swept the Broncos... — Updated 3/21/2023

Irish sweep Broncos in doubleheader

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos (0-2) opened the boys baseball season Saturday, March 18, dropping a doubleheader to the DeSales Catholic Fighting Irish (2-0). DeSales won the opener 21-2 and the nightcap, 16-8.... — Updated 3/21/2023

Rallycross Doubletake

John Carscadden drives a 2001 Subaru Forester in the Prepared All-Wheel Drive class on Sunday, March 5, for a total time of 6:32.380. On Saturday, March 4, he raced in the Time... — Updated 3/21/2023

State seeks hydraulic board members

OLYMPIA — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking candidates to fill seven positions on a volunteer committee that advises the agency on administering the Hydraulic Code designed to protect fish. The Hydraulic Code... — Updated 3/21/2023

Lind Rallycross results reported

LIND - The Northwest Rally Association opened its 2023 racing season March 4-5 in Lind Lions Club Arena. Here are the results of the event: Saturday, March 4 Prepared RWD - Ryan... — Updated 3/14/2023

Dancing in sneakers

On Sunday the brackets for the 2023 NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament were announced. This year’s tournament will have the Gonzaga men and women and the Pac 12... — Updated 3/14/2023

Broncos take fifth at state

The Journal SPOKANE-All good things must come to an end. For the No. 9 Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna/Harrington Broncos, the end to a magical postseason run at the state 2B... — Updated 3/7/2023

Ritzville Gun Club reports

RITZVILLE - Several shooters were recognized March 4 by the Ritzville Gun Club, including: Matt Leffel - Leonard Ferderer Memorial High Overall, Hanson Memorial 16 yards, Clarence... — Updated 3/7/2023

Public safety needs more than a step

Law enforcement in our region continue to serve the people with professionalism, dedication and compassion. The brave men and women behind the badge are an integral part of our... — Updated 3/21/2023

Protect local pharmacies

In small communities across Eastern Washington, the local pharmacy is a business you rely on. Often it is the only outlet for miles around where you can get your prescriptions... — Updated 3/21/2023

Proposed tax targets ruralites

The Vehicle Miles Travelled tax, or VMT, is once again raising its ugly head in Olympia in the form of House Bill 1832. It has been rebranded the "Road Usage Charge" (RUC), a more... — Updated 3/14/2023

Hospital merger bill threatens rural access

As a senator representing rural Washington, I understand the importance of accessible healthcare for all residents, regardless of where they live. Unfortunately, for far too long,... — Updated 3/14/2023

Letters to the Editor

Patience should have a right to know Do patients have a right to know if an insurance plan is going to force them to use a mail-order pharmacy or the insurance-owned mail order system during open enrollment? Do patients have a... — Updated 3/7/2023

Fighting for farmers' survival

Too many Puget Sound lawmakers never look beyond their grocery stores to understand the struggle of our farmers to keep those stores supplied. That’s why Sen. Mark Schoesler,... — Updated 3/7/2023

Improve water quality to save salmon

There are some hard-core Western Washington groups that want you to believe that if we breach Snake River dams, it will boost our state's salmon population and we can save the... — Updated 2/28/2023

Legislature considering bill to address nurse shortage

Nursing is one of the most noble and trusted professions in our society. Just ask any patient who has made a trip to a hospital or had a doctor's appointment. Nurses perform many... — Updated 2/28/2023

Wondering why scores vary

I have a tendency to look at the scores of games that were played the day before and try to imagine what made the game unique. Was a close game close from start to finish, or just... — Updated 2/21/2023

Rural pharmacy rules bad for communities

Growing up on the farm, I heard grandma’s sage advice in just about every situation imaginable. “A trouble shared is a trouble halved.” “This isn’t my first rodeo.... — Updated 2/21/2023

Sen. Schoesler sponsors two pages

OLYMPIA - Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, hosted two pages during the last two weeks at the Capitol. Charlie Alford, a Jennifer Middle School student from Lewiston, Idaho, served... — Updated 3/21/2023

Lions plan Lind Easter Egg Hunt

LIND — The Lind Lions Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, for children in the community. The event will state at 11 a.m. in the Lind City Park, Lion’s Club spokesman Mike Doyle said. “We usually... — Updated 3/21/2023

Ralston Easter Egg hunt set for April 1

RALSTON — The annual Ralston Grange Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 1, in Keppler Memorial Park. The event starts and 9 a.m. with children of all ages hunting colorful eggs throughout the park, organizers said.... — Updated 3/21/2023

Ritzville Lions Club

Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner was the keynote speaker Wednesday, March 15, for the Ritzville Lions Club meeting. After the program, Lions were invited to tour the shutdown jail... — Updated 3/21/2023

Simmons named to the Dean's list

DAVENPORT, IOWA — An Othello woman has been named to the Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Alexis Simmons was named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List by the... — Updated 3/21/2023

New Employee

Sanda Gomez took the oath of office on March 1 as a new administrative assistant. From Othello, Gomez has been active with P.A.I.D. Coalition for Adams County Integrated Health.... — Updated 3/7/2023

Inaugural Piefest on tap

RITZVILLE — The reconstituted Ritzville Festivals Association is introducing a new event for the city. The inaugural Piefest will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, March 13, organization officials said. The event will take place in... — Updated 3/7/2023

Washtucna plans March activities

WASHTUCNA — The town has several events planned during the month of March, including a focus on music. This week, local school musicians are participating in the Southeast Washington Music Educators High School Honor Choir and... — Updated 3/7/2023

Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

The Journal LIND — The following local residents are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries from March 5-15: Birthdays March 5 — Jacob Reeve, Frank Perry, Dawn Aby and Megan J. Wills. March 6 — Kirk Sager and Theodor Smith... — Updated 3/7/2023

Lind Birthdays and Anniversaries

LIND — Several local residents will celebrate birthdays and anniversaries between Feb. 19 and March 4: Birthdays Feb. 19 — John Rhoten Feb. 20 — Jeff Cody Feb. 21 — Kaiser Kramer and Nevaeh Davis Feb. 22 — Nicholas Lobe... — Updated 3/2/2023

Joyce Geschke

Joyce Geschke, 88, passed away on Thurs., Mar. 9, 2023 in Ritzville, Wash. A full obituary and service information will be at a later date. Arrangements by Danekas Funeral Home Ritzville,... — Updated 3/14/2023

William C. Swannack Jr.

William C. Swannack Jr. Jul. 12, 1935 – Feb. 25, 2023 William C. Swannack Jr. passed away on Feb. 25, 2023. He was born on Jul. 12, 1935 in the same house he lived in for 86... — Updated 2/28/2023 Full story

Rex Allen Smith

Rex Allen Smith Feb. 7, 2023 Rex Allen Smith, a nineteen-year resident of the Colville, Wash. area passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 7, 2023 at the age of 72. Rex was born in... — Updated 2/21/2023

Joeleen Blankenship (Mews) (Swain)

Joeleen Blankenship (Mews) (Swain) Born in Birch Creek, Mont. Graduated from Ritzville High School in 1952. She passed away Feb. 15,... — Updated 2/21/2023

Shirley Ann (Baldwin) Melville

Shirley Ann (Baldwin) Melville Dec. 20, 1934 – Feb. 3, 2023 Shirley Ann Baldwin was born on Dec. 20, 1934 in Spokane, Wash. to Lyle Eugene and Elva (Hoffman) Baldwin. Shirley... — Updated 2/21/2023

Sandra Lee Fitch (nee Piert)

Sandra Lee Fitch (nee Piert) Nov. 28 2022 Sandra Lee Fitch (nee Piert) passed away from this earthly realm into the arms of her Heavenly Father at the age of 79 on Nov. 28, 2022.... — Updated 2/13/2023

Jerry Williams

Jerry Williams Dec. 8, 1942 – Jan. 7, 2023 During a beautiful sunrise on Jan. 7, 2023, Jerry Williams, 80, lost his battle with Alzheimers and COPD surrounded by loved ones at... — Updated 1/31/2023

Frank A. Rogan

Frank A. Rogan Nov. 9, 1938 – Jan. 22, 2023 Frank Rogan went to be with his Lord, Sunday....Frank A. Rogan born on Nov. 9, 1938 in Skakovci, Yugoslavia, passed away on Jan. 22,... — Updated 1/31/2023

John Wayne Ritter, M.D.

John Wayne Ritter, M.D. Nov. 19, 1925 – Jan. 5, 2023 John Wayne Ritter, M.D., 97, died on Jan. 5, 2023 in Katy, TX. Dr. Ritter was born Nov. 19, 1925 in El Centro, Calif. in the... — Updated 1/31/2023

Kenneth Wayne Gust

Kenneth Wayne Gust Jun. 14, 1940 – Jan. 14, 2023 Kenneth Wayne Gust, 82, of Ritzville, Wash., passed away on Jan. 14, 2023. Ken was born on Jun. 14, 1940 to Alfred and Violet... — Updated 1/24/2023

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