FROM THE FILES

100 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Jan. 27, 1921

HALLET IS ACQUITTED

The jury term of court came to an end Friday after a week’s steady grind. Bush Hallett, who was tried on the charge of having liquor in his possession, was acquitted by the jury. The liquor which was “fire water” of a strong character, was found in a woodshed on the lot adjoining the premises occupied by Hallett. The defendant claimed that they had no control over the shed, that while defendant had some wood in it, he was not the owner of the liquor.

75 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

1946

Records missing

50 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Jan. 28, 1971

MISS AHERN RUNNER-UP TITLIST

Ritzville’s Junior Miss, Miss Shannon Ahern, with her wonder blue-eyes smile for everyone, won first runner-up in the Washington Junior Miss contest last week at Pullman. Shannon’s awards include a $400 U.S. Savings Bond for the runner-up title, a $100 check to the college of her choice; and $100 for college registration, her award in winning the Spirit of Junior Miss contest. The Spirit of Junior Miss contest, formerly called the Miss Congeniality contest, was voted on by each of the 27 contestants. Miss Ahern, as her entry in the performing arts division of the Junior Miss contest, played a piano medley of Grieg’s concerto in A Minor and The Impossible Dream.

25 years ago

Ritzville Adams

County Journal

Jan. 25, 1996

Miller to retire after 41 years as Bronco announcer

He was once called the “Voice of the Broncos” and I don’t believe a better name can be given to John Miller who has voluntarily served Ritzville High School for the past 41 seasons as its sports announcer. His career began on the sidelines of the Bronco football field in 1954. “Bob Danekas was announcer then and I asked him if he needed help. We began to trade off games, walking the sidelines,” Miller said. Later when the press box was constructed on top of the grandstands, the pair continued to trade duties until Danekas retired. “I was left alone for a number of years,” said Miller, “with the exception of having an occasional spotter.” Miller graduated to the ranks of the State B Tournament in 1977 when the Broncos headed to the event. He went on to announce four games a day that tournament, including the Saturday night championship game.