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Articles from the January 7, 2016 edition


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  • Lind Schools winter concert rescheduled

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Lind School District Winter Concert has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 12. The preschool through fifth grade classes will perform at 6 p.m. and the fifth to eighth grade band will perform at 7 p.m....

  • Ritzville chamber’s 2016 annual business meeting next week

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at The Ritz Roadhouse. The guest speaker for the luncheon is Lind-Ritzville Schools Superintendent Rob Roettger. He will be presenting on the $12.8 million bond to appear on the Special Election ballot in February for voters in the Ritzville School District. The chamber’s new luncheon series will begin at 11:30 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m. to provide the speaker ample time to present. T...

  • Community forum for school bond

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Ritzville School District will hold a community forum on Jan.14 at 7 p.m. in the Ritzville Grade School gym to discuss the upcoming bond proposal. The Ritzville School Board unanimously approved to put a $12.8 million bond on the February ballot for improvements, upgrades and additions in the local district. Contact Superintendent Rob Roettger with any questions via email at [email protected] or by phone at the school 509-659-1660 or cell 509-650-7271....

  • Lind-Ritzville drama students to present “Mmmbeth”

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Lind-Ritzville drama students will put on a performance of “Mmmbeth” by Allison Williams on Thursday, Jan. 21, beginning at 7 p.m. “Mmmbeth” is a comedy gender bending of the classic Shakespearean play “Macbeth.” This play takes each original event and changes the outcome. The witches do the storytelling while Queen Duncan decides to open a doughnut franchise instead of die. This play has a 45-minute run time and will take place in the Ritzville Grade School gym. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children when bought...

  • Ritzville Fire asks residents to clear snow from hydrants

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Ritzville Fire Department would like to remind Ritzville residents to keep their hydrants clear of snow. Hydrants should be cleared of snow for three feet in each direction and clearly visible from the street. Keeping hydrants clear and visible is an essential part of helping the Fire Department to keep Ritzville’s homes and businesses safe....

  • Special Election ballot measures

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    On Feb. 9, a special election will be held in Adams County. Ballots will be sent between the dates of Jan. 20 and Jan. 22 to all active registered voters in the participating precincts. The last day to register to vote online will be Monday, Jan. 11. First time voters will be able to register in person until Monday, Feb. 1, at 4:30 p.m. at the Adams County Auditor’s Office. The office is located at 201 West Broadway Avenue, Ritzville. For each of the proposed levy resolutions for the school districts the rate is assessed o...

  • Dutch student travels to the U.S. to learn about WWII veterans

    Katelin Davidson|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    What started as an assignment for a college course ended up turning into an international trip for Netherlands native Tim Overduin. His journey from Europe brought him stateside as he worked to complete a thesis project regarding World War II museums and veterans. Not only did Overduin have an opportunity to visit with United States veterans, his journey also brought him to Ritzville to interview local veteran Rudy Thaut and also attend the annual Veterans Day assembly at...

  • McCormick presented with lifesaving medal

    Katelin Davidson|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    Members of the Ritzville Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Ritzville City Council and city employees gathered on Dec. 30 to honor Ritzville Police Chief David McCormick for performing lifesaving actions in November 2014. Sergeant Mark Cameron read the citation concerning the actions taken on Nov. 7, 2014, which resulted in Chief McCormick saving the life of a seven-week-old male child. As the officer on duty, McCormick responded to the...

  • 2015 Year in Review: News Stories

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    January Judge Steve Dixon swore eight candidates into their elected positions to serve their terms. Jeff Stevens was sworn in as Adams County Commissioner, Laura Danekas as the Adams County Treasurer, Randy Flyckt as the Adams County Prosecutor, Heidi Hunt as the Adams County Auditor, John Hunt as the Adams County Sheriff, Susie Kirkendall as the Adams County Clerk, Sherri Brewer as the Adams County Assessor and Adalia Hille as the Ritzville District Court Judge. The number...

  • Broncos mat squad preps to host league tournament on Thursday

    Rachel Plager|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos wrestling squad faced multiple opponents in two tournaments to finish off the 2015 year. The first tournament held in Coulee City took place on Dec. 23. Four Broncos took to the mat in the Banks Lake Brawl; Matthias Ferderer, Alex Whitman, Joe Benedict and Tucker Guiles. Karl Hawks attended but was unable to wrestle due to an illness. Whitman wrestled three separate competitors. In the first match of the day he fell to his opponent but in the second match he was able to pull out a win. The l...

  • Holiday shoppers booted the scrooge out of Christmas

    Don C. Brunell, Business Commentator|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    It was good to be a merchant this Christmas, but it was even better to be a shopper. According to MasterCard Spending Pulse, retail sales were up 8 percent over 2014 while the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ price index shows that product prices were 3 percent lower. Interestingly, a National Retail Federation (NRF) analysis reveals that while fewer dollars than expected came in because of deep pre-holiday discounts, the volume of purchases were up. Simply, while lower prices for sweaters, toys or electronic gadgets brought i...

  • New opportunities in a New Year

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    8 has been an eventful year for our nation and for the 4th District of Washington, which I have been honored to be given the responsibility by Central Washingtonians to represent you in Congress. My commitment has been to work hard on solutions, not just add to the partisan noise in D.C. I am committed to working for you, listening to you and responding to questions and comments you have. This year, my congressional office has provided resources at events held on behalf of farmers, students, and veterans. My staff made 24...

  • Happy Walker

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    A big thank you to the city crew for keeping the walking path plowed this year. It has been great to still be able to walk it every day come snow or shine. Terri Cody, Ritzville...

  • America’s visa program is lax

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    Are you aware that America is involved with a Visa Waiver Program that allows as many as 20 million citizens from 38 countries to travel to the U.S. and stay for as many as 90 days? Therefore, people from friendly countries in Europe and Asia can visit without adequate screening by a U.S. consulate. It also allows Americans to travel abroad with minimum screening. With the world situation like it is, should this policy be in effect! Business and tourist dollars are the reasons this program is still allowed to operate. Should...

  • Welcome to Ritzville City Hall

    Gary Cook, Mayor of Ritzville|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    As the new Ritzville mayor, one of the things I’d like to do is keep you, the citizens of Ritzville, more aware of how your city operates. I intend to share current issues along with proposed projects, ideas and concepts that help us become better public servants working on your behalf. Subjects arise from time to time from comments by concerned citizens, which we certainly need to address, though not always in this forum. City council meetings, committee meetings or commissions address those concerns. The city structure c...

  • Washington Aerospace Scholars challenges, inspires students

    Emma Aldrich, LRHS Student Correspondent|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    Challenges and opportunities are always available for motivated students who seek them out. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is one such opportunity, one that over 260 high school juniors across the state decided to accept this winter. WAS is a two-phase program through the University of Washington sponsored by the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Participating juniors across the state began in early December with Phase One, a five-month online aerospace course offered by the University of Washington. As described on the Museu...

  • Pancake breakfast Friday

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The H.E. Gritman Senior Center will host its monthly pancake breakfast this Friday, Jan. 8, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Breakfast will feature pancakes, a choice of ham or sausage and coffee with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The H.E. Gritman Senior Center is located at 118 West Main Avenue in downtown Ritzville....

  • Scott D. Heimbigner

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    Scott D. Heimbigner, died doing what he loved most, hunting, on Tuesday Dec. 29. The youngest of four boys, Scott was born in Spokane on Sept. 17, 1956, to Norma Jean (Couch) and Jonah Walder Heimbigner. He graduated from Odessa High School and Eastern Washington University. Through friends, he met and married Sherie (Winters). They would be celebrating 30 years of marriage in June. As an avid hunter, he spent as much time as possible filling his tags and his limits. He loved...

  • 2015 Sports in Review: Local athletes compete at state

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    January Broncos boys basketball were ranked fifth in league standings after starting the year off strong with multiple league wins versus the Dayton Bulldogs and Kettle Falls Bulldogs. The team faced these teams after a week off for holiday breaks. The Tigercats boys basketball team headed into their last two games still fighting for a win. They played a tough match against Pomeroy where they sank seven three-point shots but ultimately returned home with a loss of 70-31. The...

  • Frank Lawrence Krauss Jr.

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    Frank Lawrence Krauss Jr., 54, was born July 3, 1961, in Spokane and died while living in Ritzville on Jan. 1. A 1980 graduate from North Central High in Spokane. He served in the U.S. Navy, submarine division. He was passionate about stock car racing, hunting, cooking and helping other people. He is survived by his loving life partner of 15 years, Rose Bernier, mother Lyn Krauss, sister Kelly Krauss, brother Wade (Maggie) Krauss, as well as a niece and nephew, aunts, uncles...

  • Broncos move down in league standings after loss against Liberty

    Katelin Davidson|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos had a full week of competition, playing three games before preparing to face the undefeated Northwest Christian Crusaders. The Broncos started the week against Odessa-Harrington, before facing league competitors Tekoa-Rosalia and Liberty. Against Odessa-Harrington on Dec. 29, both teams had a slow start after having four days off and only a single practice before the game. The Broncos eventually earned a 67-34 win against the Titans. The firs...

  • Lady Broncos near the halfway point in the season

    Rachel Plager|Updated Jan 7, 2016

    The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Lady Broncos are proving their coach’s early predictions for the season true. They spent the last week bringing in the New Year by winning all three of their games. The girls now have a 3-2 league record and a 6-3 record overall. Head Coach Gary Kelly said, “This week has been very humbling and rewarding. I think we all enjoyed the feeling of these wins over the weekend, but today we are ready to face the next few tough matches.” He went on to discus...

  • PERFECT ATTENDANCE

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    PERFECT ATTENDANCE. Students who had perfect attendance for the entire first quarter of school at Lind Elementary received certificates. Students who completed this were Lane Plumb, Merrick Shepard, Maria Cruz-Carmona, Carlos Garcia, Jackson Phelps, Dylan Ray, Beau Fode, Cooper Rushing, Damon Schilling, Isaiah Crowson, Liz Cruz, Holly Murphy, Katelyn Ray, Ayden Alfonso Franz, Lance Williamson and Faith Draper. Photo courtesy of Connie Field...

  • STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

    Updated Jan 7, 2016

    STUDENTS OF THE MONTH. The November Students of the Month were honored at an assembly at Lind Elementary School on Nov. 30. In the back row from left are Issac Silva, Lance Williamson, Mariah Frees and Carson Shaver. Front row from left; Olivia Blake, Beau Fode, Alejandra Novoa-Guizar, Alejandra Barajas-Guzman and Maycee Carlson....