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Articles from the September 29, 2011 edition


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  • Thirty-fourth annual Mennonite Country Auction is Saturday

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Now in its 34th year, the Mennonite Country Auction and Relief Sale is this Saturday, Oct. 1, at Menno Mennonite Church near Ritzville. The Mennonite Country Auction raises funds for Mennonite Central Committee, a relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches. This year’s event starts with breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Food and craft booths open at 10. International crafts are on sale at “Ten Thousand Villages.” Other craft booths sell antiques, quilters’ supplies, fabric, and unique collect...

  • Down home fun highlights Lind chamber shindig

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    A live auction and a full meal deal are on tap at the Lind Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Auction this Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Lind Grange Hall. Area residents will gather for a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner of roast beef with balsamic mushrooms and sweet onions, glazed chicken tenders with sliced almonds, garlic mashed potatoes, country green beans with bacon, green salad with fresh vegetables and peach cobble with ice cream catered by Cathy Jo’s Catering of Lind at 6:30 p.m. Topping the list of a...

  • Victorian elegance on tap Oct. 8 at Ritzville Victorian Ball

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Victorian formal dress, authentic Victorian-style decorations, tea and refreshments will highlight the Ritzville Victorian Ball Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Ritzville Grade School gymnasium. Hosted by the Columbia River Plateau Chapter of the Victorian Society in America, the evening will feature The New Columbia Cotillian Band. Organizers are planning for about 100 people to attend the event after sending invitations across the state in Port Townsend, Seattle, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Walla Walla areas as well as locally. In...

  • WSU ag meteorologists call 2011 "A Tale of Two Summers"

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    It was a tale of two summers in central and eastern Washington. Following a cool June and July, August warmed up in central Washington, report Washington State University agricultural meteorologists Gerrit Hoogenboom and Nic Loyd. “It’s easy to be a casual observer of weather patterns, but we like to see the numbers,” said Hogenboom, director of WSU AgWeatherNet. “Especially for farmers, but for many others as well, knowing how weather patterns are trending is key in making economically important decisions.” “August w...

  • BWMA launches modeling projects to assess municipal groundwater supplies

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    For the past two years, the Columbia Basin Ground Water Area (GWMA) has been developing a sophisticated computational groundwater model of four Columbia Basin Counties – Adams, Franklin, Grant and Lincoln. This year the state appropriated $1 million for GWMA “to use the model to help answer critical questions about ground water supply, recharge and aquifer storage,” according to Paul Stoker, GWMA Executive Director. The 2011-2012 GWMA groundwater projects are: • Construction of hydrologic assessment of each municipal water s...

  • Many attend hospital district's annual street fair

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    The annual health fair was a visible success and Clinic Manager Vicky Johnson said she was pleased with the number of vendors and the general public’s attendance. The 2011 event was held in Pioneer Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 10, and played host to 31 healthcare organizations and three retail vendors. “The bone density and hearing screening were very popular, as well as the massages,” Johnson said. “All of the vendors said they were pleased with the turnout and I had multipl...

  • Former Ritzville consultant appointed as transportation commissioner

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Joe Tortorelli of Spokane to the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC). His appointment became effective Aug. 29, and his term will expire in June 2014. Tortorelli fills a seat vacated by Latisha Hill, also of Spokane. Tortorelli comes to the WSTC with a strong economic development background. He has more than 30 years of experience working with local government and private sector groups interested in growing the local economy, creating jobs and generating private sector...

  • Benge balloon launch to aid in NASA research

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    The front lawn of the Benge school was once again the site of an early-morning launch of a NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium project on Aug. 19. The ISGC funds a program in Idaho called the Idaho RISE (Research Involving Student Engineers) Near Space Engineering Program. There are RISE programs at Idaho State University, Northwest Nazarene and The University of Idaho. North Idaho College is just beginning a program, and we currently have programs working with UI at Moscow...

  • Computer classes set at H.E. Gritman Senior Center

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    H.E. Gritman Senior Center has worked with Jim Wyma of J. Wyma Enterprises to update its computers. The center is now accepting public input as to what type of classes would most benefit people in the community. Tentatively classes would be twice a week for one hour each day, one hour for classroom and one hour as a lab. Cost would be $20 per month. A tentative time has been set from 9-10 a.m. The classes will start with “turning on the switch” to learning the Internet, some programs right down to how to protect computer sys...

  • Bronc Boosters receives donation from Caring Neighbors

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    The Caring Neighbors board recently donated $1,000 to the Bronc Boosters. The donated money will be used to purchase a new three-compartment sink for the concession stand at Jimmie Snider Field that is utilized at football games, track meets and the Relay for Life of Ritzville. The money will also be utilized to upgrade the public address system at the grandstands. Caring Neighbors is a non-profit entity established by Big Bend Electric Cooperative. The funds for Caring...

  • Motorcyclist dies from earlier injuries

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    A 72-year-old Spokane man died on Friday, Sept. 23, following injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, Sept. 18, 14 miles east of Ritzville on Interstate 90. The Spokane County Medical Examiner notified the Washington State Patrol that Robert E. Bean had died. The accident occurred at 8:51 a.m. on Sept. 18. Bean had been taken Sacred Heart Medical Center. Bean was traveling westbound on the interstate when he left the roadway and was ejected off the motorcycle. He was riding a 2010 Harley Davidson 1200 cc...

  • Hitchhiker was missing hospital patient

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    According to a Washington State Patrol report, a patient from Eastern State Hospital was found hitchhiking along Interstate 90 about 12 miles east of Ritzville. Steven Nelson, 59, left the hospital at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. He was located at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23. According to authorities, Nelson had been civilly committed and was not deemed dangerous by the hospital....

  • Build on the positive

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Seems we have had an overabundance of negativity in our community lately, with problems concerning water wells running dry, hospital-doctor disputes and empty business buildings. I recently read the following taken from the summer 2009 Masons Tribune and thought it was worth sharing. BUILDING I watched them tearing a building down A gang of men in a busy town With a yo-heave-ho and a lusty yell They swung a beam and the side wall fell. I asked the foreman “Are these men skilled ---- The kind you would hire if you wanted to b...

  • “Where were the Ritzville promoters?”

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    On a recently aired news broadcast during the week of Sept. 19, the town of Warden was successful in obtaining a Canola oil processing plant that may result in approximately 35-40 new workers. One of the reasons given was because of its railway accessibility. Excuse me!!! Warden is situated on a “branch” line of the former Northern Pacific Railway and on the main line of the Milwaukee Road. The latter carrier abandoned all of its trackage in March of 1980 west of the twin cities to the Puget Sound. At present, Warden is ser...

  • Regulations are too abundant

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    At Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ public forum in Davenport, one of several in August, too many regulations was the major concern. A local bureaucrat expressed frustration with micromanaging from Washington, DC, interfering with efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services. Public officials cited examples of unfunded mandates. A small business owner (me) complained about the daunting task of trying to create just one new job without getting sideways with some obscure rule. Did you know we have federal regulations defining a...

  • We enjoyed the fair

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    We would like to thank the fair association and volunteers for a great job. We enjoyed the time we spent at the fair. The grounds were beautiful and clean. For a little fair that we know is struggling to survive and keep the wonderful programs and exhibits going, it is hard. We realize volunteers are getting harder and harder to come by. Sad because this fair is a little jewel. Certainly not the same as of old, but whose fault is that? That part remains the mystery? Lack of participation might be a place to start or even comi...

  • Candidate Profile: Jerry Snyder, candidate for commissioner-at-large position No. 2

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Jerry Snyder, if elected to serve on the Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2 Board of Commissioners, would be the second member of his family to do so. His father, Les Snyder, served the district many years ago. Snyder is running for election for commissioner-at-large position No. 2. For Jerry Snyder, a self-employed farmer and rancher, serving the district is a natural step in a long line of community service work. The 60-year-old has a lifelong history in the...

  • Candidate Profile: Curt Greenwalt, candidate for commissioner-at-large position No. 2

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    A veteran educator and a successful leader of the East Adams County Healthcare Foundation, Curt Greenwalt believes he can assist the local hospital district as it endures a transition. For that reason and others, he has become a candidate for Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2’s commissioner-at-large position No. 2. Raised in Ritzville, Greenwalt is a 1972 graduate of Ritzville High School. In 1976 he earned a Bachelors of Science in agriculture education from Washing...

  • Burke Invitational notes winners

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    The sixth annual Burke Invitational was held Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Ritzville Municipal Golf Course with sunny skies, 90 degrees temperature and a well-groomed course greeting the participants. Golfers from British Columbia, Spokane and Ritzville played a scramble format over the 18-hole tournament. All teams consisted of three golfers. The winning team included Cheri Haarstad, Tony Burke and Bill Burke, who scored a 63. The other team scores ranged from 68 to 73. Prizes were awarded by drawings. Prizes included rounds...

  • Nelson dubbed Coach of the Week

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Jeff Nelson, head coach of the LaCrosse-Washtucna football team, was recently named NFL High School Coach of the Week by the Seattle Seahawks and Sterling Savings Bank. Nelson picked up the honor after the Tigercats defeated Odessa-Harrington, 30-14....

  • Lady Tigercats win in five

    Updated Sep 29, 2011

    The Lady Tigercats knocked off St. John-Endicott on Thursday, Sept. 22, in a five game volleyball battle, 17-25, 25-16, 25-15, 21-25 and 15-12. “It was an exciting game,” said head coach Sarah Mayer. “The girls really worked hard as a team. I am pleased with their consistent serves and hustle.” Logan Harder provided 19 kills, one block and four digs. Anne Fleming had 19 assists. Brooklynn Hosteter and Logan Fleming each had two service aces....

  • Lady Broncos continue court wins in volleyball

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Mary Walker of Springdale became the first league opponent to fall to the Lady Brocnos in volleyball. The road trip win on Saturday came in three games, 25-9, 25-15 and 25-8. Head coach cari Galbreath said it was a long road trip, but a quick win for the Lady Broncos. Jenna Bennett finished with five kills, 12 assists, one ace and two digs. Kaytlin Phillips had five service aces and five digs. Brittany Ste. Marie also delivered five aces and five digs. Sydney Nelson had two assists and Maya Wahl one kill. Amanda Yockey...

  • Tigercats fall short against Gar-Pal, 50-38

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    In a battle of running games, the LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats came up a bit short in a hard fought battle last Friday against Garfield-Palouse, 50-38. The Tigercats came out looking strong in the first quarter, taking a 14-8 lead, but Gar-Pal’s running assault enjoyed huge success in the second quarter, which ultimately led to the win. Gar-Pal outscored the Tigercats 22-8 in the second quarter. “It was a good game between two evenly matched teams,” head coach Jeff Nelson said. “Both teams have the same philosophy of run the...

  • Broncos coast past Mary Walker

    Stephen McFadden|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Scoring 33 unanswered points in the first half, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos rolled to a 39-6 win over Mary Walker of Springdale on Friday. With the varsity generating overpowering offense in the first half, the junior varsity players had a chance to stretch their legs during the second half, giving the entire team valuable varsity experience. The varsity enjoyed scoring success primarily on the ground behind the efforts of Connor O’Neill who stepped up his game in t...

  • Hoof Beat: Student News from Ritzville Grade School

    Kallie Harder, Student correspondent|Updated Sep 29, 2011

    Next week the Ritzville Junior High (6-8 grade) will be joining the high school in celebrating Homecoming! The high school has specific dress-up days, but the junior high has different dress-up days for the week. Monday will feature Pajama or Crazy Hair day for the junior high. Tuesday will have Crazy Sock and Twin day. Celebrity/Sports day will be on Wednesday. Students will not have school on Thursday, so the last dress-up day is on Friday, with that being School Spirit day. The junior high Associated Student Body (ASB) wil...

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