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

OLYMPIA — Four Western Washington senators apparently don’t want to hear what voters think of tax and fee increases approved by the Legislature. They are co-sponsoring a bill to do away with public advisory votes, also known... — Updated 2/12/2020

WASHTUCNA — Two local students have been selected for all-state music groups. High school senior Calby Van Hollebeke will play oboe in the All-State Wind Symphony. Meanwhile, fifth-grader Natahlia Rundquist was chosen for the... — Updated 2/12/2020

SPOKANE — Eastern Washington Verizon cellular customers were left without the possibility of calling 911 on Monday night, Feb. 10, due to a fiber issue that interrupted service. Service was eventually restored after a couple... — Updated 2/12/2020

OLYMPIA — The deadline to comment on the 2019 Washington State Rail Plan has been extended until Tuesday, Feb. 18. Comments can be made online or via mail, state Department of Transportation officials said, noting new webpages... — Updated 2/12/2020

LIND — Work is set to start in March on the Rattlesnake Flat wind farm. The project is being developed by Clearway Energy Group. Project development director Nick Benjamin said recently that mobilization will begin around March... — Updated 2/12/2020

ODESSA — The Odessa Record is now part of the Free Press Publishing family. Terrie Schmidt-Crosby, the previous owner since June of 2008, is staying on as editor of the publication. Linda Goodman will remain the newspaper’s... — Updated 2/12/2020

OLYMPIA — People unable to care for themselves due to mental illnesses could be subject to receiving treatment, even without their consent, if Washington state legislators pass a law to establish executorships for people who are... — Updated 2/6/2020

CHENEY — Nine local residents have been selected for the fall quarter honor roll at Eastern Washington University. The students from Ritzville made the cut by ending the quarter with a 3.5 grade-point average or higher. The... — Updated 2/6/2020

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville schools have released the names of students making the honor roll for the first semester. They are: 4.0 grade-point average Brock Kinch, Brody Boness, Addy Colbert, Zoe Galbreath, Harlee Hennings,... — Updated 2/6/2020

RITZVILLE — Two local students have been named to the All-State Band. Amy Anderson and Alexis Melcher were selected to participate in one of the Washington Music Educators Association’s All-State performing groups this year,... — Updated 2/6/2020

OLYMPIA — The death penalty would no longer be a sentencing option in Washington state if lawmakers enact a bill passed by the Senate on Friday, Jan. 31.  Senate Bill 5339 has bipartisan support to eliminate the death penalty... — Updated 2/6/2020

OLYMPIA — People will be asked to use a lot less gasoline and to convert to alternative clean fuels in the next 15 years if a proposal before the Legislature becomes law. After lengthy debate, Engrossed Second Substitute House... — Updated 2/6/2020

LIND — Citing several ordinances that are not being followed, the Town Council is considering hiring a code enforcement officer. A code enforcement officer would knock on doors of persons in violation of ordinances and inform... — Updated 2/6/2020

I’ve never received so much mail in my entire life. While I’m not quite at the same level as Santa Claus, almost every day when I arrive at work I have a new magazine waiting for me or, more commonly, multiple envelopes... — Updated 2/6/2020

OLYMPIA — Roughly 100 gun rights activists marched on the State Capitol on Friday and rallied in opposition to proposed gun-control bills. Matt Marshall, leader of the Washington Three Percent gun rights advocacy group, spoke to... — Updated 2/6/2020

KAHLOTUS — A local man was booked into the Adams County Jail after a high-speed chase Saturday. Jeffrey Grant Moore, 58, of Kahlotus, led law enforcement officers on a 38-mile chase at speeds greater than 100 mph early Saturday... — Updated 2/6/2020

The trial of Ritzville man Michael Anthony Kuest, 27, is underway as jury selection began on Tuesday. The trial will proceed immediately after a jury is selected and seated. Kuest is facing charges in connection to an alleged... — Updated 1/30/2020