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

When it comes to state initiatives on the 2019 general election ballot in Washington state, one of the most important decisions voters will have to make is on Initiative 976, the Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would, among... — Updated 10/17/2019

As the Youth Services Librarian it’s always hard to narrow down what to write about when it’s my turn for the Library Corner article, because we do so much with the kids in our community every month! One of my main projects rec... — Updated 10/17/2019

As a farmer, former state Director of Agriculture, and now a Congressman representing one of the most flourishing agricultural regions in America, I fully understand how important it is that we reinvest in the water infrastructure... — Updated 10/17/2019

Taxpayers are getting ripped off, everybody knows it, and politicians refuse to fix it. That’s why 352,000 voters signed petitions to get Initiative 976 on the ballot. Taxing a $10,000 vehicle like it’s $25,000 is fraud. I-976... — Updated 10/17/2019

There has been a lot of buzz around the Snake River dams. In the decades-old argument, anti-dam advocates consistently point out that if the people of the Northwest love salmon, the dams have got to go. The communities I represent... — Updated 10/10/2019

Too often, elected officials overlook the cumulative costs of regulations, taxes and fees on taxpayers; however, it comes back to bite them hard when people move, or take matters into their own hands by initiative. Consider what... — Updated 10/10/2019

In light of the proposal that just never seems to go away: introducing grizzly bears in the North Cascades, I invite all constituents of the 4th Congressional District to join me in expressing your opinion about how this will... — Updated 10/3/2019

Assuming that reducing greenhouse gases are an ongoing challenge, we need government policies and the “political will” to turn our nation’s entreprehenuers and researchers lose to take risks and innovate. We must establish... — Updated 10/3/2019

Down here in the East Adams Library District research room we’ve been on a bit of a streak recently, winning grants left and right. We’re happy to toot our own horn because it means adding to our historical record by... — Updated 10/3/2019

With over 300 different commodities, Washington state has one of the most diverse agriculture industries in the country, and we are recognized around the world as a top producer of specialty crops. From apples and tree fruit to... — Updated 9/26/2019

Many years ago, a reporter asked George Weyerhaeuser, then CEO of Weyerhaeuser Co., why his company spent so much time and money informing its workers, public officials and people about its business of growing trees and converting... — Updated 9/26/2019

Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe summer is finally leaving us. I recently finished planting wheat for next year and have been busy catching up on farm chores. Besides tying up loose ends on the farm, fall’s arrival also means... — Updated 9/26/2019

Across the country, we have seen communities and patients struggle to access and afford healthcare. In rural areas, this struggle is intensified by longer distances and the remote nature of our communities. Living in rural... — Updated 9/19/2019

Traditionally, media coverage of the Paris Air Show focuses on the battle between Boeing and Airbus over market share for newer large commercial jets. However, this year Mitsubishi shared the spotlight with its state-of-the-art... — Updated 9/19/2019

“The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.” So begins the Freedom to Read Statement adopted by the American Library Association in 1953, and which libraries across the nation continue to uphold today. At no better time... — Updated 9/19/2019

Dear Friends, The weather made this year’s harvest more of a challenge, but it’s past us now and I’m on to planting wheat for next year. In case you missed it, there was some nice news coverage of a “harvest bee” for a... — Updated 9/12/2019

Each year, Congress breaks from session for what is referred to as “August Recess.” This month isn’t much of a “recess” at all, which typically implies time to play and relax. Instead, August Recess, more aptly called... — Updated 9/12/2019

Our nation is on an unsustainable borrowing trajectory and it could get much worse unless voters start asking politicians: “How are taxpayers going to pay for what they promise!” We now owe over $22.5 trillion to lenders of whi... — Updated 9/12/2019

There are moments when I look down at the keyring in my hands and am mystified by the large silver key that allows me access to the most magical building in town. Did you know that Ritzville was the smallest town in America to... — Updated 9/5/2019

There has been a loud nation-wide conversation about clean and carbon-free energy sources, and I am proud to represent Central Washington, where we are leading in renewable energy production. If you drive through our congressional... — Updated 8/28/2019

A few years ago on Labor Day, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee presented a compelling commentary on the need for employers and employees to set aside their differences and partner. That very same message should be heeded by o... — Updated 8/28/2019

A story out of Ritzville recently gained national attention: Larry Yockey is a fourth-generation wheat farmer, and for nearly fifty years, he hasn’t missed a harvest. Sadly, Larry was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer,... — Updated 8/22/2019

While drones are coming of age in firefighting, they are also establishing a foothold in restoring fire-scorched forests. Firefighting drones grabbed the spotlight last April 15 as viewers around the world watched Notre Dame... — Updated 8/22/2019

Working at a small library, you tend to wear a lot of different hats. No day is exactly the same. Some days include getting new items ready to go out on the shelves, signing people up for library cards, hosting a library program... — Updated 8/22/2019

Letter to the Editor, The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce ice cream booth is a tradition at our Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and Rodeo. We are looking for volunteers to man the ice cream booth. A vendor pass is available for... — Updated 8/22/2019