WLCF groundskeepers find Ritzville as home away from home

Dick Rauscher and Melinda Stanfield found a small slice of paradise when they discovered the Wheat Land Communities’ Fairgrounds in June. In what seemed to be a destined coincidence, the couple stumbled upon the opportunity to serve as groundskeepers for the facility.

For the past 14 years, the couple has traveled from Oregon to Montana yearly. During those trips, they never stopped in Ritzville or paid much attention to the freeway adjacent city until earlier this year.

The couple said they still cannot explain why this year’s trip was different, but they decided to stay overnight in Ritzvill...