From the Files

125 Years Ago

Adams County News

May 25, 1898

Only sober candidates

will be supported

Soberness is a characteristic of the people of Adams County, and it is especially true of the candidate for office in the county as a rule, but it is always possible that among even the few who drink, one might be nominated. This moves us to say that this paper will not support any candidate for county or precinct office in this county, in the coming campaign, who is not a strictly temperate man at all times, but we will oppose such a candidate, should one be nominated, from start to finish, regardless of the party making the nomination.

To the Public

I wish to notify the general public that I have completed my building and am now prepared to make or repair your boots and shoes. First-class work is guaranteed to everyone. Special attention is given to repairing. What is best of all is, I am working very cheap, so cheap that a great many are surprised at my prices. Come everybody and see for yourselves. Remember the location, opposite the courthouse. Frank L. Kucera, Ritzville, Wash.

Snipe shot suggested

The judicious distribution of a few doses of snipe shot might protect our wives and families from the threatening demands which are constantly made at our back doors, for food, by a class of people who are averse to the idea of soiling their hands with any kind of work beyond riding the brake-beam or rods of a railroad car.

100 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

May 24, 1923

Robber suspect carries cocaine

Deputy Sheriff Melven Oestreich arrested two men this morning on advice from Northern Pacific officials that they were wanted for committing robberies in the sleeping car on No. 4. They gave their names as Jack Martin, age 54, and Louis Martin, age 20. The latter is also said to have the name of McDonald. They got off of No. 4 here this morning and were overtaken on the highway near Mud Lake by Deputy Oestreich who was out searching with a description of them. Oddly enough, the men hailed him and asked for a ride to Spokane. Oestreich readily complied, then covered them with his gun, got them in his car and drove them back to Ritzville. On being searched at the sheriff's office, nearly an ounce of cocaine was found concealed on the person of the elder man. A hypodermic needle and medicine dropper also were found. Possession of narcotics is a crime punishable under either state or federal laws.

Local Brevities

Commencing June 1 we will make deliveries twice daily. Those desiring milk delivery at night, please notify us at once. Ritzville Dairy.

Paul Morach is now working at the Rieker Motor Co. service station. Will Doerschlag succeeds him as foreman of the Ritzville Garage shop.

75 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

May 20, 1948

Heavy rains drown record

One of the heaviest day's rains in recent years, 1.43 inches, poured on Ritzville Wednesday to bring the May total to 4.22 inches-an all-time high. Water swirled through streets several inches deep. Weatherman Jack Kittel said the heaviest downpour, about mid-afternoon, loosed more rain in a few minutes than he could recall during the past 20 years. The total so far this year is now 9.4 inches as compared with 10.81 which fell during all of 1947.

Congratulations Class of 1948

May your life always be as clean, wholesome and filling as one of those fine delicious meals served by Templin's Grill.

50 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

May 24, 1973

Trophy case honors Vic Rogel

A new and added trophy case at Ritzville High School gymnasium honors the late Vic Rogel, long-time ardent supporter of all things best for RHS. The trophy case has been installed as an insert in the wall of the building's long front hallway. It flanks an existing, smaller trophy case there.

RHS students

visit Hanford facilities

Thirty physics and chemistry students at Ritzville High School made a field trip to the Hanford project at Richland Tuesday. The group visited the science center there and were taken on a guided tour of "the reservation," a once highly-secret area where plutonium is produced.

25 Years Ago

Ritzville-Journal Times

May 21, 1998

Float wins first in division

The Ritzville Festivals Association-sponsored float, "Hawaiian Sunset," won first place in Division D at the Spokane Lilac Parade on Saturday, May 16. Riding the float were Ritzville's Junior Miss Jessica Marshall and finalists Karin Klettke and Kamie Parrish. Escorting the float were Jan and John Marshall, Peggy and Sam Ringwood, Karrie and Jim Parrish and Jerry Klettke. The Ritzville banner was carried by Kali Parrish and Megan Ringwood.

City council news

City Supt. Larry Swift said well number 8 is out of order once again. It appears that a head shaft could be broken. Swift said water samples taken last week were "good." He said another set was taken Tuesday and if these also come back good, chlorination of the city system will be reduced until all the chlorine has been used.

Police Chief Dave McCormick discussed traffic problems in the area of Galbreath Way and Weber Avenue. McCormick said he has been monitoring traffic in that area and related that traffic congestion is occurring due to the number of semi-trucks illegally parking along the roadways. "We have to do something," he said. "Summer isn't even here and it's going to get worse when campers, motor homes and boats start using that area."

- The Journal