FROM THE FILES

100 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Feb. 3, 1921

IZZY PAWNS RING FOR WEDDING FEE

Although 70 cents is not a formidible sum of money, it may often stand between a man and one or another of the great objectives of his life. Unless he is like Izzy Ozzer, a tailor who went looking for a marriage license. With Lena Brusensky, who is to be his partner through life, he appeared before Teddy Waterman, the license clerk, and the license was duly made out. But he was asked to produce $2 and was able to produce only $1.30. The rest he had left in his working clothes at home. “But I will owe it to you,” he said the clerk. “Guess again,” said Waterman. Without another word Ozer fled the office and returned in 10 minutes with the 70 cents. “Where did you get it so soon,” inquired Waterman. “I hocked the wedding ring,” replied the bridegroom. “When I need money quick I get it where I can.”

75 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Jan. 31, 1946

Oth’llo School Still

Closed Up By Meningitis

Closed since last Thursday, the Othello school will not be reopened until authorities are convinced the incubation period for additional cases of spinal meningitis has passed, Dr. Wendell H. Sweet, county health officer, said today. Dr. Sweet ordered the school closed following diagnosis of the serious illness of Miss Patricia Donley, 14-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Donley of Othello, as spinal meningitis. At the same time he clamped down on all public gatherings of the western Adams county community and urged everyone to stay out of that area until such time as he can be sure the incubation period is over.

50 years ago

The Ritzville

Journal-Times

Feb. 4, 1971

Old Lincoln School Doomed

L.O. Keefer’s old Lincoln school building is coming down, ending what city councilmen fear will one day injure some boys who continue playing there. Keefer, of Spokane, engaged the council for 40 minutes Tuesday night in discussion and pleading for an extension of time. He insisted the building is sound, and would have a useful purpose in Ritzville. But he was unable to give questioning councilmen any specific suggested use.

25 years ago

Ritzville Adams

County Journal

Sept. 21, 1995

Students testify in Olympia

Ritzville High School seniors Marci Kison and Jared Templin took a day off from classes but they weren’t playing hooky. Instead, they spent Jan. 23 in Olympia, speaking before the House Education Commmittee. Kison and Templin were among several students who testified in favor of House Bill 2697, which would require the state to continue funding vocational student leadership organizations.