July 29, 2025

  • Wheatfield fire contained quickly

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    ODESSA - Fire crews responded to a fast-moving blaze that scorched roughly 475 acres of wheat and sagebrush near Duck Lake Road North and Tebow Road East on Saturday, July 19. According to Odessa Fire Chief Roger Sebesta, the fire broke out around 3:57 p.m. in a field owned by Landon Lobe. While much of the acreage burned was open land, Sebesta said the exact breakdown between wheatfield and sagebrush was unclear. "I do not know how much of that was wheatfield versus...

  • Early ballots start arriving

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    DAVENPORT — Lincoln County’s Auditor’s Office has started receiving ballots this week for the upcoming primary election and expects more to arrive over the next several weeks. “We mailed them last Wednesday, and we got a handful yesterday. Our Tuesday mail is pretty much null and void,” said Lincoln County Elections Manager Norm Caley. Caley encouraged voters to participate, adding, “Please vote. More votes will be coming in the next few weeks.” Roughly 8,700 ballots were mailed on Wednesday, July 16, for the...

  • Cops & Courts

    Jul 24, 2025

    INCIDENT LOG Editor’s note: Most items in this section reflect the starting point for response by local police and emergency agencies. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) does not release names of individuals who report possible criminal or suspicious activities to dispatchers or alleged victims for this column. DISPATCH LOG July 13 Traffic Stops: 2 1:14 a.m. – A loud party was reported. 5:36 a.m. – A man called to report someone on his property taking items. 12:04 p.m. – A disabled vehicle was reported on...

  • Buffington burglary case nears trial

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    WILBUR - A woman accused of breaking into a Wilbur home and stealing property is heading to trial, after one final delay was granted in Lincoln County Superior Court Tuesday, July 22. Justina Buffington, 40, of Reardan, appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court for a readiness hearing, where her public defender, David Hearrean, requested one final continuance. "It looks like this is heading to trial, but Ms. Buffington is asking for one final continuance," said Buffington's...

  • Avista details wildfire safety plan

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    DAVENPORT - Avista representatives briefed Lincoln County Commissioners on wildfire mitigation efforts during a regular board meeting Monday, July 21, outlining a four-part plan focused on grid hardening, vegetation management, situational awareness, and emergency response. Michele McCollum, regional business manager, and Nick Hamon, operations manager, said Avista is prioritizing areas classified as Tier 3, which pose higher risks of utility-sparked fires due to population...

  • Judge appoints new public defender

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    DAVENPORT — A Lincoln County man accused of stealing a car earlier this year appeared in Superior Court on Tuesday, July 22, for a hearing to determine the next steps in his criminal case. Scott C.J. Skenandore-Kieffer, 38, has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the alleged unlawful taking of a green 1994 Geo Prism on April 10. In Superior Court, a conflict arose during Tuesday’s hearing when attorney Dave Hearrean disclosed that he had previously represented the alleged victim, John Orndorff,...

  • Council reviews grants, street plans

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 24, 2025

    DAVENPORT - The City Council met for its regular session Wednesday, July 23, addressing key infrastructure, personnel and grant items while also hearing updates from local and state officials. Among the new business, the council approved a resolution setting a hearing date for the proposed vacation of a portion of 10th Street and an adjacent alley. The hearing will be held at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, at City Council Chambers. Insula LLC is the petitioner requesting the...

  • What 'Beautiful Bill' means for health care

    Michael Baumgartner | Jul 24, 2025

    There’s a lot of confusion and anxiety about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on Medicaid. Some say it will slash coverage, force hospitals to close and leave vulnerable families without care. But let’s separate fact from fiction. Medicaid is critical here. More than 259,000 people in Eastern Washington rely on it. But the program as it exists is riddled with inefficiencies, outdated financing, and waste. The One Big Beautiful Bill isn’t about cutting Medicaid. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office...

  • Cage-free egg law may be upended

    Pam Lewison | Jul 24, 2025

    Prop 12 made headlines when it was implemented nationwide in 2022. The animal housing law was anticipated to have significant effects on the cost of pork. The initial passage of Prop 12, and its potential implementation across the U.S., sparked a legal battle ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Championed by supporters as an animal welfare ballot measure, Prop 12 changed animal housing not just in California but across the U.S. Under the law, farmers raising pigs, veal calves and laying hens are required to meet...

  • Sun shines on Pioneer Days

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 25, 2025

    DAVENPORT - Sunshine, community spirit and a full slate of events made for another successful Pioneer Days weekend, held Friday through Sunday, July 18–20, according to Pioneer Days Chairwoman, Dawn Canfield. Crowds turned out in force for classic events including the Davenport Road Knights Car Show, the Pioneer Days Parade, fun runs, a fishing derby, numerous vendors and a chalk art contest. "A wonderful day was had by all," said Brian Curtis, president of the Road Knights...

  • Praise, Parks, and Parables

    Jul 24, 2025

  • Rusty Vikings rock opera house

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 25, 2025

    HARRINGTON - A packed house, classic rock hits and lively dancing made for a successful night at the Harrington Opera House as the Rusty Vikings performed Saturday, July 19. An estimated 150 people filled the historic venue for the free concert, which featured music from the 1950s and 60s. Attendees clapped, sang along and danced in the space between the pews and the stage throughout the evening. "It was fun, fabulous and fantastic - the house was absolutely packed," said...

  • Old Town Hall flooring funded

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 25, 2025

    ODESSA - A $1,000 grant from the Columbia Basin Foundation helped fund recent upgrades to Odessa's Old Town Hall, where the Odessa Lions Club removed worn vinyl flooring in preparation for new hardwood floors. The project was sponsored by the Old Town Hall Rejuvenation Society and aimed at improving safety and functionality, particularly for seniors, as the building also serves as the town's senior center. The renovation is now complete. In related community news, the Odessa...

  • Flour power and thread terror: My first Pioneer Days

    Olivia Harnack | Jul 25, 2025

    There are a few emails in life that change you. College admissions. Job offers. And one from Brian Curtis - Vice President of the Davenport Road Knights - personally inviting you to ride in his 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster for the Pioneer Days Parade. That, dear readers, is what we in the industry call a hard yes. I didn't even finish reading the message before I was mentally picking out my parade-day sunglasses. With that, I handed over the Parade photography assignment to our...

  • Looking Back

    Jul 24, 2025

    100 Years Ago Losses estimated to near $100,000 resulted from a fire that swept the business section of Creston. The fire started in dry grasses under the platform at the Milwaukee elevator and were swept by terrific winds. The first load of new wheat was brought to Big Bend Mill today from the Jake Reinbold farm near Egypt. The wheat was forty-fold. John Hoff Sr. sold 575 sacks of Baart wheat yesterday for $1,804.13 or $3.20 a sack. The wheat averaged 19 bushels to the acre and tested 60 pounds to the bushel and 153 pounds...

  • Birthdays and Anniversaries

    Jul 24, 2025

    Davenport birthdays July 24: Zeke Tareski, Ed Johnston, Kyra Bowdish, Pam Zeiler, Wade Sand July 25: Ryan Janke, Mallory Kragt, John Sawyer, Andy Miller, Alvin Johnson, Brantley Wilkie July 26: Krista Becker, Amy Crandell July 27: Kathy Podowicz, Brian Buck July 28: Josh Dodson, Gerry Hein, Grace Lilje, Carmelyn Choate July 29: Rawleigh Fisk, Halie Ropp July 30: Dawn Hale, Lily Harden, Brielle Ballance Davenport anniversaries July 24: Bryan and Paula Furman, Evan and Ericka Johnson, John and Patsy Brown July 27: Anthony and...

  • Kids fishing derby reels in record crowd

    Derek Bilodeaux | Jul 25, 2025

    DAVENPORT - The annual Kids Fishing Derby at Cottonwood Creek drew 127 registered children, along with an estimated 10 additional young anglers, on Friday, July 18, according to coordinator Bob Guhlke. Hosted by the Davenport Lions Club, the derby offered children the chance to fish for trout, some of which were tagged for a chance to win new fishing poles. This year, the event focused on participation and fun rather than recording fish sizes or weights, a change from...

  • Waters' basketball talent lands multiple D1 offers

    Derek Bilodeaux | Jul 24, 2025

    REARDAN - Tenice Waters, a 16-year-old junior at Reardan High School, has garnered attention from Division I basketball programs at Idaho State University, Utah, and UC Santa Barbara. The Wellpinit native and member of the Colville Tribes has not yet committed but is weighing her options after a standout spring and summer on the AAU circuit and at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago. "I cried on the phone," she said. "Everything I dreamed of and worked for started to...

  • Davenport teen reflects on tenure

    Derek Bilodeaux | Jul 25, 2025

    DAVENPORT- A local teen recently earned one of the highest honors in Washington's high school rodeo community. Elly Bageant, a 16-year-old at Davenport High School's Virtual Academy, was crowned Miss High School Rodeo Washington 2024-25 during Memorial Day week 2024, serving in the prestigious role until Memorial Day 2025. The title marked a significant chapter in her journey with the Washington State High School Rodeo Association, where she had been an active member since...

  • NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE OF COMMERCIAL LOAN JONES

    Liz Powell, Lincoln County Record-Times | Jul 24, 2025

    NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE OF COMMERCIAL LOAN Grantor: Todd P. Jones Current Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust: RiverBank Current Trustee of the Deed of Trust: Lukins & Annis, P.S. Current Mortgage Servicer of the Deed of Trust: RiverBank Reference Number of the Deed of Trust: 2022 0490902 Parcel Number: 2833-020-900090 Abbreviated Legal Description: PTN OF W2 OF NW OF SEC 20 T28N R33EWM GRANTOR/BORROWER: Todd P. Jones 4212 John Deere Lane Pasco, WA 99301 OCCUPANTS/PARTIES IN POSSESSION: 44892 State Route 21 N Wilbur, WA...

  • NOTICE OF STATE'S INTENT TO NEGOTIATE LEASE

    Liz Powell, Lincoln County Record-Times | Jul 24, 2025

    NOTICE OF STATE'S INTENT TO NEGOTIATE LEASE Department of Natural Resources will begin negotiation of expiring leases with existing lessees on the following parcels. All leases are subject to third party bids by interested parties. Lease terms and bidding information is available by calling the Southeast Region at 1-800-527-3305 or by appointment at the Region Office at 713 Bowers Road, Ellensburg, Washington 98926. The lease expires December 31, 2025. Grazing Lease All/Part Sec Twp Rge 10-C57275 All 16 23.0 34.0E 10-C59647...

  • PUBLIC NOTICE SURPLUS PROPERTY

    Liz Powell, Lincoln County Record-Times | Jul 24, 2025

    PUBLIC NOTICE SURPLUS PROPERTY Lincoln County Fire Protection District # 3, Odessa WA, has declared the following to be surplus property: 1) 2011 Altec 40ft. bucket attachment. The attachment is currently mounted on a 2011 International truck. The successful bidder will be responsible for removing bucket attachment from said truck in a professional manner, and will be required to provide all tools and equipment to perform removal. Removal shall occur in LCFPD #3’s yard located at 108 East Railroad ave. in Odessa WA,...

  • NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF PROBATE BY PUBLICATION

    Liz Powell, Lincoln County Record-Times | Jul 24, 2025

    NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF PROBATE BY PUBLICATION (RCW 11.28.237) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN NO. 25-4-00026-22 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD R. MORSE, Deceased. TO: RHONDA L. MORSE, all heirs, legatees, devisees, and any other persons claiming by or through RHONDA L. MORSE, and all other unknown persons or parties claiming any right, title, or interest in the ESTATE OF RONALD R. MORSE, deceased. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 24, 2025, the undersigned, LES MORSE,...

  • Submit a Legal/Public Notice

    Jul 24, 2025

    To submit a legal advertisement or public notice, please email legals@cheneyfreepress.com. Include "Legal/Public Notice for the Record Times" in the subject... Full story

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