Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
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PULLMAN — The largest community event of the year will fill downtown this weekend with classic cars, a parade, games, vendors and more. Sprague Days is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15. “Sprague is a safe little community,” spokeswoman Joy Wilken said. “Bring your kids; they can run around and be in the parade. It’s good, old-fashioned family fun.” The festivities kick off with the arrival of classic cars and motorcycles registering for the Renegade Restorations Car and Bike Show downtown, as well as the start of the Disk Dogs e...
School Districts in Eastern Washington are again starting to see boys and girls differently, especially when it comes to sports. The Kennewick School Board got the ball rolling back in July, following boys participation and victories in girls track events. Only a month or two before, a Methow Valley boy won a girls event in Cashmere, claiming he is “transgender.” Then an East Valley boy also competing under the transgender caveat, beat a West Valley girl to win the girls state 2A title in the...
RITZVILLE — Sen. Mark Schoesler will be arraigned Thursday, Sept. 12, on a charge of driving while under the influence. Schoesler’s hearing before Adams County District Court Judge Andrea K. Russell is set for 9:30 a.m. in the Adams County Courthouse, 210 W. Broadway Ave. During arraignment, the judge will determine if there is probable cause for the criminal citation and whether the senator qualifies for a public defense attorney. The judge will also advise Sen. Schoesler of his rights. Schoesler, R-Ritzville, represents the 9th Leg...
RITZVILLE – The 9th Legislative District senator pleaded not guilty Thursday, Sept. 12, on a charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol. But Adams County District Court Judge Andrea K. Russell determined there was probable cause for the charge against 67-year-old Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. She schedule him to appear before her again Oct. 8 in the 210 W. Broadway Ave. courthouse. In the meantime, he is prohibited from using alcohol, marijuana or other non-prescription drugs, t...
RITZVILLE — The local 9th Legislative District senator was released on his own recognizance Saturday night, Aug. 31, after being arrested for allegedly driving drunk and hitting two other vehicles. Sen. Mark Schoesler, 67, of Ritzville, was arrested by citation for driving while under the influence of alcohol following the Saturday night performance of the Ritzville Rodeo. According to Police Chief Dave McCormick, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14 at the time of his arrest. The citation will be referred to Adams County District Court, which...
Schools across the region are tackling the issue of cellphone addiction among students, at least while on campus. Well, maybe tackling the addiction is a bit strong. Let’s just say school boards here in Eastern Washington and elsewhere are finally taking action to keep phones out of students’ hands in classrooms. At issue in many districts is whether cell phones should be allowed in class, at lunch, on buses or even on campus. It’s a no-brainer — the short answer is no. Cellphone-addicted students are more focused on taking a “selfie” than they...
RITZVILLE — The local 9th Legislative District senator was released on his own recognizance Saturday night, Aug. 31, after being arrested for allegedly driving drunk and hitting another vehicle twice. Sen. Mark Schoesler, 67, of Ritzville, was arrested by citation for driving while under the influence of alcohol following the Saturday night performance of the Ritzville Rodeo. According to Police Chief Dave McCormick, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14 at the time of his arrest. The citation wi...
Under outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee, the state has been greenwashing just about everything it can. What is greenwashing? It’s the act of using false or misleading claims that an action will have a positive impact on the environment. This November, voters will have an opportunity to undo some of the greenwashing done by the Inslee Administration and state agencies. Two initiatives on the ballot are designed to restrict government agencies from continuing policies that have little-to-no environmental benefit and help curtail new ones from being e...
PASCO - A prominent local attorney and community leader is headed to the November general election for Secretary of State. At the end of ballot counting in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election, Pete Serrano of Pasco led the three-candidate field. "I am incredibly honored by your support tonight," Serrano said after the initial tally. "Your vote has made it clear that public safety is a top priority for Washingtonians. I am deeply grateful to my team, our volunteers, and every voter who placed...
OLYMPIA — Given Washington's recent political history, it's no surprise that Democrat Bob Ferguson is leading all candidates in the gubernatorial race to replace outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee. But former King County deputy-turned-politician Dave Reichert's apparent second-place finish, may be a surprise. Earlier this year, the Republican Party rejected Reichert and instead endorsed Semi Bird of Richland for governor. In the initial count of ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election voters appeared to have overruled the county. Ferguson f...
Dams on the Columbia River and its tributaries contribute greatly to the way of life here in Eastern Washington. So, when the federal government says it has reached an agreement on proposed revisions to the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, rural residents should say not so fast. On the surface, the “in principle” agreement announced last week looks good for Americans. Under the proposed changes, the U.S. will get to keep more of the power generated on our side of the border. The proposed agreement says the U.S. will reduced the power all...
Truck, truck, truck, Tesla. Truck, truck, truck. Here in rural Eastern Washington, the running joke is that the “T” on a Tesla electric vehicle stands for “tourist.” Indeed, the expensive cars, like their electric Toyota and Rivian counterparts, are an oddity easily picked out among rural residents’ pickups, four-wheel drives and older vehicles. But what some rural residents may not realize is that they are paying to charge many of those expensive EVs. Over the last couple years, electric vehicle and utility companies have pushed installat...
SPOKANE - Ratepayers who purchase electricity from Avista may have their power turned off on windy, hot summer days when utility officials deem fire danger high. According to company officials, Avista's so-called "Public Safety Power Shutoff" plan is in response to summer conditions in Eastern Washington. When high winds are forecast, company employees may increase sensitivity on power lines, officials said. The increased sensitivity could lead to more and prolonged power outages. Officials...
Eastern Washington was a great place to grow up. We used to be able to use the parks and boat launches without additional fees. We were able to hike, boat, swim, camp and otherwise enjoy the recreational opportunities here without interference from pencil-pushing bureaucrats masquerading as “experts” in state jobs. We used to be able to enjoy our corner of the world without having to acquiesce to tribes expanding their political power off reservations. Those days are almost gone. And with them,...
HARPOLE - The sound of black powder rifles echoed through this remote Palouse River valley. Tents and tepees popped up along the bank. And the smell of Dutch oven cooking wafted through the air. A living history of pioneer life arose in this rural community Friday, Saturday and Sunday in this rural area off Manning Road, northwest of Colfax and southwest of Steptoe. The 34th annual Palouse Hills Muzzleloader Rendezvous put frontier life skills at the forefront of activities for participants and...
LIND — The town will roar to life this weekend as the annual Lind Grand Parade and Combine Derby return to town. The action begins Friday with car and pickup truck racing. Locals and visitors alike with “run what they brung” to Lion’s Club Arena on state Highway 21. Racing is set to begin at 6 p.m. Expect racers from across Whitman, Franklin, Adams, Lincoln, Spokane and other counties to be among the field. Local car aficionados will bring their classic chasis to Lind City Park and the downtown area for a small car show. Spectators can wander...
COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — A Tekoa man accused of trying to strangle his girlfriend has been released on bond. Brandon Calvin Camp, 19, was released from the Kootenai County Jail on $35,000 bond April 5, court records sow. He is charged with felony attempted strangulation and misdemeanors of unlawful entry, malicious injury to property, false imprisonment and battery. Records show the arrest stems from a domestic violence incident. Preliminary hearings in the case have been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 16 and 1:30 p.m. April 18, records show. Cam...
SPOKANE - Two Tekoa Timberwolves wrestlers finished in the Top 4 at the Jason Crawford Memorial Tournament on Saturday, March 30. More than 2,100 wrestlers competed in the tournament, including 13 Timberwolves. The tournament is considered as the "state" competition for Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Wrestling in the ages 9/10 division, Tyler Schmelter was fourth in the boys 114-118 weight class and Noraya Himes was fourth in girls 141-149 pounds. Schmelter opened by pinning Caleb Hayes of...
It’s not a private hospital. Apparently, Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics employees and commissioners need to be reminded that they work for the taxpayers. But, from the way the Whitman County Public Hospital District No. 3 Commission meeting was conducted March 20, it appears they’ve gotten too big for their britches. From our perspective, the leadership at the hospital may have violated several provisions of the state Open Public Meetings Act at last week’s meeting. Let’s start with th...
SPOKANE — Following the Tuesday, March 12, primary in Washington and other states, its appears that voters will see a rematch in the race for U.S. President. Both former President Republican Donald J. Trump and current Democrat President Joseph R. Biden Jr. secured enough support to become the presumptive nominees for their parties. In Washington, Trump received 442,048 votes statewide, or 73.8% of Republican votes cast. Biden received 559,996 votes, or 85.7% of Democrat votes. In Whitman County, support for both Trump and Biden slipped. T...
Let’s take a few words that should be on the minds of all Eastern Washingtonians concerned over efforts to breach Snake River dams — agreement, restoration and sovereign, to name a few. Last Thursday in the White House, President Joe Biden signed onto the “Commitments in Support of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative and in Partnership with the Six Sovereigns” agreement. The so-called “sovereigns” refers to the states of Washington and Oregon, and four tribes — the Yakama in Washington, W...
TEKOA - The effort to bring candidates for public office to town to interact with area voters and present their platforms has landed a gubernatorial candidate. The Tekoa Events Center on Crosby Street will host a meet-and-greet for former Congressman Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6. Food and beverages will be available from C&Ds Tekoa Bar and Grill. Following the relaxed event, the 73-year-old Reichert will head down the street to Empire Theater, 126 S. Crosby St., to...
SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputy who roughed up a Colfax man on Aug. 14, 2023, may be charged in the case. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Spokane Police Department determined there is probable cause to charge Sgt. Clay V. Hilton with second-degree assault. “The case has been forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review,” Spokane County Sheriff John F. Nowels said in a press release following the conclusion of the independent police investigation. Hilton is accused of beating Kevin Hinton, 62, of Colfax...
