January 17, 2025
January 17, 2025
SPRAGUE — Two duck hunters were found dead in Sprague Lake after their boat capsized Sunday, Jan. 12. The deceased were identified as Rock Dwayne Bass, 61, and Gary Thomas Myers, 69, both of Spokane. According to Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner, the two men left their homes to go duck hunting on Sprague Lake earlier that day were expected home around 5 p.m. Their last known communication with family was at 1:45 p.m. “on the lake somewhere,” Wagner said. Family members lost contact with the duo and could not get any...
SOAP LAKE — A 39-year-old woman from Soap Lake, Wash., was killed in a fatal traffic crash on Thursday, Jan. 9, when another struck her vehicle at an intersection near Ephrata. The deceased, identified as Jessica H. Oelke, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on State Route 28 approximately four miles east of Ephrata at 7:27 p.m. when her vehicle was hit on the driver’s side by a 2018 Ford Mustang traveling northbound on Road 19 NW. The Mustang, driven by George B. Martin, 59, of Moses Lake, failed to stop at a...
DAVENPORT - Adam Walser officially took his oath as the Superior Court judge for Lincoln County on Wednesday, Jan. 8, succeeding retiring Judge Jeff Barkdull. The swearing-in ceremony at the Lincoln County Courthouse was a bittersweet moment for Walser, who previously served as the county's elected prosecutor. "This job as a prosecutor has been the best job I have ever had," Walser said. "I remember four years ago I was in the same situation Ty is in. Jeff was swearing in as...
DAVENPORT — A California woman accused of causing a fatal Interstate 90 crash that killed 22-year-old Angel A. Cuevas of George, Wash., appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, January 14, through her attorney. Litzy Arvizo, 22, of Merced, Calif., faces charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault stemming from a Washington State Patrol investigation. Her defense attorney stated in court that they are “close to a resolution” in the case. Arvizo, who is currently in California, signed a waiver of...
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. As of press time there are no Incident reports or Jail logs available. District Court Judge Dan B. Johnson Criminal Benjamin Gerald Reitz, Hit/Run unattended property, Dismissed Jesse Randall Smith, Nine...
SPOKANE — Avista will begin lowering Lake Spokane, the reservoir formed by Long Lake Dam, starting Monday, Jan.6, depending on weather and river conditions. The reservoir is expected to drop by up to one foot per day, with a total drawdown of 13 to 14 feet below summer levels. The process will last three to six weeks, depending on precipitation and river flow. The drawdown aims to help control invasive aquatic weeds, including Eurasian watermilfoil if weather conditions allow. Sustained cold temperatures and limited...
DAVENPORT - The Davenport City Council on Wednesday, January 8, discussed adding new stop signs near the school and reviewed the first reading of a long-overdue franchise agreement renewal with Avista Utilities. The council reviewed an ordinance granting Avista Utilities a nonexclusive franchise to construct, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure within city limits. The agreement, which has not been updated in years, required clarification of the effective date and...
HARRINGTON – The Harrington City Council voted Saturday, Jan. 11, to approve the $26,000 purchase of a 2022 Kobelco Sk30 mini excavator. The excavator, to be purchased from a seller in Nine Mile Falls, Wash., was listed on Facebook Marketplace for $27,550. The used machine has approximately 1,400 hours of use and includes a 36-inch cleanout bucket and a 24-inch digging bucket. The meeting lasted seven minutes, during which the council unanimously approved the purchase. Mayor Joe Armond said the council must convene for...
DAVENPORT - After a legal career spanning nearly four decades, Superior Court Judge Jeffery "Jeff" Barkdull officially retired Friday, Jan. 10. His retirement party was held Wednesday, Jan. 8, celebrating his years of service as both a prosecutor and judge in Lincoln County. "I thank the citizens of Lincoln County. It has been an honor to serve them as both prosecutor and judge. I have enjoyed most of it," Barkdull said. Barkdull, who turns 73 next month, began his legal...
DAVENPORT — The Davenport City Council discussed adjustments to cemetery fees on Wednesday, January 8, addressing increases to grave-related services. Councilmember Daniel Coriell introduced the proposed changes, emphasizing the need to update prices to reflect the cost of labor and services. The price for grave plots will remain at $500, but fees for opening and closing graves will significantly increase. The cost of opening and closing a grave on weekdays will rise from $100 to $650, matching the new fee for Saturdays....
ODESSA — A local man changed his not-guilty plea to guilty for unlawful firearm possession in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, January 14. Jesus M. Soto, 37, of Odessa, was arrested on January 26, 2024, after authorities found firearms and drug paraphernalia at his residence on East 3rd Avenue. The investigation began after a December 2023 interview with a witness who reported seeing firearms at Soto’s home, including a pink rifle, and noted his felony status prohibited him from possessing them. Authorities...
As you sit at home watching video footage of the wildfires currently burning in California, it makes you wonder could happen here. Well, yes, it could. As California goes, so goes Washington. Our state politicians and bureaucrats in Olympia have a long history of copying California. Our politicos have gotten so lazy, they’ve even sponsored, supported, pushed and/or passed laws that say if California enacts a policy, Washington state will follow (cap and trade, vehicle...
The mood heading into Washington state’s 2025 legislative session Jan. 13 was not exactly hopeful. According to the Cascade PBS/Elway poll, a majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Many Democrats and Republicans agree, with more than half of those surveyed saying things are getting worse with high taxes, budget shortfalls and the rising cost of living. Voters want their pocketbooks prioritized. The poll found 66% of respondents preferred cutting...
Katherine (Kathy) Ann Johnson July 8, 1949 –Jan. 1, 2025 Long time Davenport resident passed away Jan. 1, 2025. Kathy was born July 8, 1949 in Spokane, Wash. to Vernon and Lois (Lyse) Sautter. She was raised in Harrington, Wash. until graduating HS in 1967. Her family moved to Davenport, Wash. She lived in Spokane while attending college before returning to Davenport where she later met R.E. (Gene) Johnson. They married on Sept. 27, 1975 joining their families while staying...
Sprague School Board seeks applicants SPRAGUE — The Sprague School District Board is accepting applications for the vacant Director Position #2. The appointed candidate will serve the remainder of the current term, which ends in November 2027. Applicants must reside within the Sprague School District. To apply, visit the district’s website at www.spraguelamont.org under the employment and director’s listings. The vacancy will remain open until filled through an application and selection process, in accordance with...
There's a certain hilarity in being a 22-year-old managing editor for a small-town paper. It's not just the job title that makes me chuckle -it's the moments that remind me I'm somehow both "too young" and "too old" all at once. This week, I attended the Davenport City Council meeting, a staple in my routine now. I'm making it a point to show up to every local meeting, not just because it's my job, but because, oddly enough, I enjoy them. Where else can you witness democracy...
HARRINGTON — Residents gathered on Saturday, Jan. 11, for an informational meeting about Community Heart & Soul, a resident-driven program aimed at fostering connections and guiding the future of the town. The initiative, led by Kathie Matthews, seeks to bring people together to share stories, identify what they love most about Harrington, and develop plans for the town’s future. Harrington was awarded a $30,000 grant through Innovia Foundation to support the program. The funding will cover coaching, tools, and a...
100 years ago • Lincoln County Commissioners have decided to purchase a quarter section of land adjoining the poor farm. This will be funded by the sale of wheat from the previous two years. • The Odessa High Debate team was victorious over Harrington recently. The topic of the debate was the independence of the Philippine Islands. Speakers for Odessa were Lenora Richardson and Henry Praetorius and the Harrington speakers were May Starlin and Edward Ring. 75 years ago • Fred Stumpf and his children got caught in a...
DAVENPORT — Residents are invited to the weekly Harvest Table Community Dinner, held every Wednesday at Harvest Community Church, 310 7th St., across the street north of the post office. The event offers a free meal to anyone who wishes to attend. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the first gathering of 2025 scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8. Local husband-and-wife duo Christina “Chris” and Richard “Dick” Denson, of Davenport, have partnered with fellow church members to host the dinners. “God just...
Davenport birthdays Jan. 17: Dylan Carruth, Travis Telecky, Micah Choate, Hunter Wilkie Jan. 18: Chris Jenness, Doug Booth Jan. 19: Denise Hayes, Pat Mandere Jan. 20: Jackson Sorensen, Nathan Mielke, Liberty Mielke Jan. 21: Hannah Mielke, Richelle Kowalkowski, Kay Zellmer Jan. 22: Trevor King Reardan birthdays Jan. 20: Matt McDonald Reardan anniversaries Jan. 20: Dale and Arlene Swant Harrington birthdays Jan. 18: Sarah Dryden Jan. 20: Wayne Mahrenholz Jan. 21: JJ Tyrrell, Teale Zeller, Hannah Mielke Jan. 22: Jim Knapp...
Fresh potatoes, a staple in most kitchen pantries, have a shelf life. You may have them correctly stored in a cool dark place, but nature is telling them to begin sprouting, prepare for the new season of planting and growing. Time to make potato soup. The potatoes may be a bit soft and sprouts are started, but they will make a nice soup. Simply remove the sprouts, peel and remove any areas starting to green and you are ready chop, slice or dice for your favorite soup recipe....
Davenport's Mya Harden shoots a single-leg on Karis Butller of Almira/Coulee-Hartline during the Deer Park Mix-and-Match on Thursday, Jan. 7. Davenport, Reardan and Wilbur-Creston all competed in the event. For more girls wrestling, see Page...
DEER PARK - Davenport and Reardan girls wrestled Jan. 7 at a mix-and-match at Deer Park High School. Davenport girls finished 15th overall as a team with 30 points; Reardan finished 18th with 22.0. Cheney won the event with 103.5 team points, followed by Lewis and Clark with 96.5 and Republic in third with 66.5. Wilbur-Creston rounded out the Top 4 teams with 57.0 points. Here are the local results from the event: Davenport 120B - Gracelynn Woosley was pinned by Jeanne Coloma...
REARDAN – Rysen Soliday reached the 1,000 point plateau in the Screaming Eagles' 91-49 non-conference basketball win over Medical Lake Saturday, Jan. 11. Soliday was one of four players to score in double figures for the Screaming Eagles. Medical Lake came into the contest having won nine of its previous 10 games. The surging Cardinals started four freshmen against the Screaming Eagles, the #3 ranked 2B team in the state. The Cardinals gave Reardan all it could handle in...
MEDICAL LAKE – The Davenport girls basketball team won their sixth out of their last seven games, this time defeating the Cardinal 57-15 Thursday, Jan. 9. It was the eighth time this season the Gorillas won a game by 20 points or more. So far this season Davenport has shown the ability to jump on its opponents early with demoralizing scoring runs. Against the Cardinals, they opened the game 12-0 and led 22-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Gorillas extended their lead...
MEDICAL LAKE – Freshmen Gabe Smith and Hudson Gilbert scored 53 points between them to lead the Cardinals' boys basketball team to a 75-59 win over Davenport, Thursday, Jan. 9. Gilbert had the hot hand early in the game for the Cardinals. He hit three 3-point shots in the game's opening minutes to spearhead a scoring run that saw Medical Lake jump to a 16-2 lead. Davenport's Caige Colbert found his rhythm and within minutes scored 10 points to prevent an early blowout. At...
REARDAN – After being tested early by Medical Lake, the Screaming Eagles' girls basketball team raced to a 51-17 win Saturday, Jan. 11. It was the 10th straight win for the #4 ranked Screaming Eagles. In an atypical start, Reardan's potent offense was held to only nine first quarter points by Medical Lake. "We started the game slow," Reardan head coach Bob Swannack said. "Our offense was undisciplined, and we did a poor job taking care of the ball. We couldn't make shots or...
DAVENPORT – Brock Gustaveson won five matches to place 4th at the Gut Check Wrestling Tournament Jan. 3-4 in Kent, Washington. Gustaveson and teammates Wayland Holmberg and Malachi Hoff scored 37 points for the Gorillas which earned Davenport 54th place out of 97 schools. The Gut Check Wrestling Tournament is billed as “The Northwest’s Elite High School Wrestling Tournament,” and one in which athletes compete against each other regardless of school size. Holmberg, wrestling at 126 pounds, won one of his three...
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lincoln County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in the Lincoln County Courthouse Commissioners’ Chambers, at the hour of 8:45 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard by the Commission. The agenda will include consideration of a grant application from the Washington State Department of Commerce Broadband Office. The application will be for Broadband...
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) LINCOLN COUNTY FOR AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of County Commissioners of Lincoln County, Washington that proposals will be received until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025 at one of the following locations: by mail to the Board of Lincoln County Commissioners P.O. Box28, Davenport WA 99122-0028 OR in person: Office of the Board of County Commissioners Clerk of the Board’s desk at 450 Logan Street, lower level of the County Courthouse, Davenport WA....
Summary of Ordinance No. 739 On Monday, Dec 9th, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Odessa, Washington approved and adopted Ordinance No. 739, the main point of which may be summarized as by its Title: AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2025 BUDGET FOR TOWN OF ODESSA A full text of this ordinance is available for reading at the Clerk’s Office and may be viewed on the website, www.odessawa.org/clerk-1 Dated this 10th Day of Dec 2024 Jamie Nelson Clerk-Treasurer Published: January 16,...
Summary of Ordinance No. 738 On Monday, Dec 9th, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Odessa, Washington approved and adopted Ordinance No. 738, the main point of which may be summarized as by its Title: AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE 2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR TOWN OF ODESSA A full text of this ordinance is available for reading at the Clerk’s Office and may be viewed on the website, www.odessawa.org/clerk-1 Dated this 10th Day of Dec 2024 Jamie Nelson Clerk-Treasurer Published: January 16,...
PUBLIC NOTICES 2025 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETINGS The 2025 regular Lincoln Hospital District #3 Board Meetings are scheduled as follows: January 23, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; February 27, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; March 27, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; April 24, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; May 22, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; June 26, 2025 @ 1:30 pm; July 24, 2025 @ 1:30pm; August 28, 2025@ 3:30 pm; September 25, 2025 @ 3:30 pm October 23, 2025 @ 3:30 pm; November 20, 2025 @ 3:30pm, Public Hearing for 2026 Budget; November 14, 2025 @ 12:00 pm unless otherwise posted; December 18, 2025...
PUBLIC NOTICE TAKE NOTICE: That Don Stahlberg of Mount Vernon, WA on December 3, 2024, under Water Right Application No. S3-30999, filed for a permit to appropriate public surface water, subject to existing rights, from an unnamed spring for seasonal use in the amount of .02 cubic feet per second (cfs) and for irrigation of two acres. The source of the proposed appropriation and place of use is located within the N½ of Section 7, T. 27 N., R. 36, E.W.M., within Lincoln County, WA. To view this application as well as the...
CITY OF SPRAGUE NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE (DNS) STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA) (RCW 43.21C) SEPA RULES (WAC 197-11) AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FILE NO. Rezone 2024-1 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL: Request a rezone from residential to commercial to build a mixed animal Veterinary clinic. Facility will handle small and large animal care indoors. Main clinic building will be 6000 sq. ft. main floor with a partial second story used for housing, storage, offices and meeting rooms. Housing...
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR LINCOLN COUNTY No. 24-4-00062-22 In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS L. LUITEN, Deceased. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent that arose before the decedent’s death must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving...
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS #: 23-66567 Title Order #: TSG2310-WA-3856682 Grantor: TRE SCHALK AND KAITLIN COOPER, HUSBAND AND WIFE Current beneficiary of the deed of trust: Planet Home Lending, LLC Current trustee of the deed of trust: North Star Trustee, LLC Current mortgage servicer for the deed of trust: Planet Home Lending, LLC Reference number of the deed of trust: 2022 0492498 Parcel Number(s): 0702015001020 I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Trustee, North Star Trustee, LLC will on 1/24/2025, at 9:00 AM...
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