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

The United States was founded on the values of liberty, equality, diversity, and unity. As Americans, we should work to promote these values every day. As I travel around Central Washington, I see these values reflected in our communities when...

More battery operated cars and trucks are making their way on to streets and highways, so why not trains? That may not be too far off if BNSF tests are successful. BNSF and Wabtec (formerly GE Transportation) are developing a battery-electric high-ho...

Congress is responsible for funding our country, and we have some difficult decisions to make. I came to Washington D.C. to advocate for the priorities of my constituents, and I have heard loud and clear that the people of Central Washington want to...

Sweden and Washington State are very similar. Both have strong “green” movements and are quickly moving to eliminate all carbon-emitting fuels from cars and power plants. The caution for Washington elected officials is not to jam through hastily...

Five years ago, Washington state experienced the most catastrophic wildfire in its history. The Carlton Complex fire raged through Central Washington, burning more than a quarter of a million acres and leaving more than 500 homes and structures destr...

In oil rich West Texas, shale producers and pipeline owner Williams Co. are fighting over whether new “burning off of natural gas” permits should be approved. It is a battle between companies that are usually aligned. Flaring happens primarily...

The high school project is moving forward with no foreseeable delays in starting school. Landscaping and other work will likely continue after school picks up again, but interior work should be finished with no impact on the back-to-school timeline....

We offer so many different activities and programs at East Adams Library District for youth! This summer, we have daily activities for kids including GAMERZ, Lego Club, kid crafts, and free movie showings. On August 8, NASA Ambassador Joe Bruce will...

The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair. Every year at the fair, the Chamber of Commerce can be counted on to serve up some great ice cream! Proceeds from the Ice Cream Booth are used to support...

Dear Friends, Harvest time has come to my farm and others in the area. Every harvest is at least a little different from all the others before it; as much as I might like to see another record wheat-cutting day like we had a year ago, it would be...

With all of the attention on the 50th anniversary of the Lunar landing, many are looking ahead to the next half-century of space exploration. Of particular interest is returning to the Moon, which may come as early as 2024. For example, Boeing is...

Dear Friends, I have to believe each of us can come up with at least one example of “I remember where I was when…” with the “when” being an important moment in history. I have several, and the 50th anniversary of one is tomorrow: man’s...

A current ad campaign stemming from the partnership of the American Library Association and the National Institutes of Health states, “Because librarians know information is the best medicine for healthcare questions,” and East Adams Library...

One of Congress’ most important Constitutional responsibilities is providing for our military and national defense. For the past 58 years, this has been a bipartisan affair. Members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have come...

Shortly, after Apollo 11 landed on the moon and astronaut Neil Armstrong took his famous first steps on the dusty lunar surface, some comedian in our army unit at Ft. Knox, KY, posted a sign in our barracks: “Sorry, Drill Sgt., No Green Cheese!...

Dear Friends, The 9th District spans all or parts of six counties, and on the Fourth of July that means many celebrations spread across a lot of territory – at last count, six parades plus other community gatherings. One person can’t attend all...

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the United States of America was established. Last week, families across the country celebrated this momentous anniversary with firework displays, parades, and barbeques. Many of us...

What happens in China, doesn’t always stay in China. In fact, when it comes to tough new garbage and recycling restrictions, they may migrate elsewhere sooner than you might think. For example, Shanghai is one of the world’s largest cities with...

As you probably know by now, we have a new CEO at the District, Mr. Corey Fedie. This paper will be telling you about Corey, but I will say that he has made a great first impression with everyone, and is brimming over with the ideas and enthusiasm...

This Fourth of July, America will celebrate its 243rd birthday. Our country has come a long way since 1776, and there is still more progress to be made. Our independence and our patriotism are what set the United States apart from the rest of the wor...

When my parents graduated from high school in 1936, a college education was too expensive for the son of a copper miner and the daughter of a plumber. Eighty years ago, our country was in the middle of the Great Depression and teens took odd jobs to...

Well, it’s pretty rare to hear directly from me in editorials in back-to-back weeks. In last week’s issue, I had the pleasure of introducing The Journal’s new full-time reporter, Jeremy. In his 10 or so days on the job so far, Jeremy has dove...

June is National Dairy Month, and Washington has many reasons to celebrate. Washington is home to almost 400 dairies, nearly 275,000 cows, and 18,000 dairy jobs. In fact, while Washington may be known for our iconic apples, dairy is our second...

Hopefully, when American and Chinese leaders meet to resolve trade differences, talks won’t breakdown and result in a new round of tariffs or product restrictions. It is in both nations’ interests for presidents Trump and Xi Jinping to find...

People from all over the world come to the United States for a chance to live a better life. Some are coming here to work, some are coming to reunite with their families, and some are escaping corrupt governments. We should welcome them with a...