Local boys place 1, 2 at regional contest

Twins Cash and Rye Niehenke of Oakesdale placed first and second in the Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest in Spokane April 27-28. They will now advance to the national competition in June at Weiser, Idaho. They placed in the top eight at the nationals last year.

Last year, the boys placed second and fourth at the regional with Rye topping Cash. This year, Cash managed to move ahead, and Rye did not give up any ground by placing second.

"They have two completely different ways (of playing)," noted their mom, Julie Niehenke.

Julie and husband Keith lead The Hankers band where Julie is the lead v...