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

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 fellow Ritzville...

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 the August District...

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 which nearly half are...

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 advocate for and...

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 district, you’re...

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 our elected official...

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, allowing him to only...

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 Cathedral in Paris go up...

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 or helping someone...

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 ice cream booth...

Come swim with us! Only one more week to enjoy swimming at our local pool before closing on August 27th. Adult swim from 5:00 to 6:00 is not only refreshing and relaxing, it recharges you for the rest of the day. The Water Park is one of the...

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...