January 24, 2026
January 24, 2026
SPRAGE - A large crowd, fast-paced bidding and an emotional award presentation highlighted the Sprague Chamber of Commerce Auction and Dinner on Monday, Jan. 19. The annual fundraiser raised $4,438 to support Chamber efforts and local initiatives. Attendance was high enough that organizers ran out of several dinner items during the meal service. Chamber President Tim Wilken said the turnout was the best the organization has seen in years. The event was held in the Sprague...
DAVENPORT - A Wilbur man facing multiple felony charges pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Lincoln County Superior Court, where a judge ordered him to remain restrained and denied a request to lower his bond, citing public safety and flight risk. John Michael Beeler, 52, is charged with attempting to elude a police vehicle, first-degree malicious mischief, violation of a protection order and third-degree assault. Attorney Grant Riva represents him, following the...
DAVENPORT - Lincoln County commissioners met Tuesday, Jan. 20, to hear updates from the Public Works Department on staffing, road projects and upcoming contracts. Representing Public Works were Director David Orvis, Road Operations Manager Save Sanford and County Engineer James Wege. Orvis reported that one mechanic resigned last Monday but the department is caught up on work and does not plan to hire a replacement at this time. He also presented a synopsis of a new contract...
DAVENPORT - A local man accused of assaulting and strangling his wife entered a not guilty plea Tuesday, Jan. 20, during an appearance in Lincoln County Superior Court, where a judge imposed a no-contact order and set the case for trial. Zeth William Swanger, 29, pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree assault, domestic violence. He is represented by defense attorney Timothy Scott Note. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Bruce Cox requested standard release conditions....
HARRINGTON - The City Council discussed several infrastructure and community issues during their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14, including the city's water system, cemetery maintenance, and proposed ordinances. Council members voted against replacing the city's water main using a loan from the state, citing operational concerns with Well No. 1. Mayor Joe Armand said testing revealed a series of valves had failed and need replacement before the well can go online. Armand also...
WALLA WALLA – A retired colonel who served at Fairchild Air Force Base has announced his candidacy for the state's 5th Congressional District. David Womack, a former Medical Group commander at Fairchild and a former Whitman Hospital CEO in Colfax, announced his candidacy earlier this month, citing a need for a broader focus on the challenges facing rural communities across Eastern Washington. "Putting the people of Eastern Washington first means addressing the issues that...
Jan Pantoja, left, shares a moment with Gina Habbestad after receiving the Citizen of the Year award during the Sprague Chamber of Commerce event. Pantoja's heartfelt gratitude and tears were felt across the...
DAVENPORT — A man with multiple impaired-driving convictions was sentenced to more than three years in prison after a judge said public safety outweighed any leniency. Freddie Leeshell Franklin, 45, pleaded guilty in Lincoln County Superior Court to felony DUI stemming from a traffic stop on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Charges of first-degree driving while license suspended and violation of an ignition interlock device were dismissed under a plea agreement. Franklin’s criminal history includes DUI convictions in 2001, 2016...
HARRINGTON - The City Council discussed several infrastructure and community issues during their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14, including the city's water system, cemetery maintenance, and proposed ordinances. Council members voted against replacing the city's water main using a loan from the state, citing operational concerns with Well No. 1. Mayor Joe Armand said testing revealed a series of valves had failed and need replacement before the well can go online. Armand also...
DAVENPORT — A man with multiple impaired-driving convictions was sentenced to more than three years in prison after a judge said public safety outweighed any leniency. Freddie Leeshell Franklin, 45, of Spokane pleaded guilty in Lincoln County Superior Court to felony DUI stemming from a traffic stop on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Charges of first-degree driving while license suspended and violation of an ignition interlock device were dismissed under a plea agreement. Franklin’s criminal history includes DUI convictions in...
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 Jan. 12 Traffic Stops: 8 2:11 a.m. – A vehicle parked in the middle4 of Hawk Creek Rd was reported. 6:49 a.m. – A vehicle with someone sleeping in it was reported at Mountain View...
All parents in Washington and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges. That's why one-in-five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn - often referred to as school choice - reached a five-year high in 2025. Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents...
In the race to reshore manufacturing and stay ahead of foreign competition, America needs an abundance of added skilled workers and electricity sources. “Electrify Everything” has been our recent political mantra as key politicians race to replace natural gas and coal-fired generation with vast fields and wildlands of wind turbines and solar panels. However, that strategy has glaring glitches, which could derail our economic recovery and job creation. For example, it is bureaucratic nightmare siting power lines and...
Bradley "Brad" Dale Frederick Sept. 1, 1962 –Jan. 10, 2026 Bradley "Brad" Dale Frederick, 63, of Chewelah, Wash., passed away on Jan. 10, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Brad was born on Sep.1, 1962, in Spokane, Wash., to Ronald Eugene and Shirley Ann Frederick. He grew up in Odessa, Wash., where he attended school and earned his high school diploma. He later continued his education at Spokane Community...
Bernita "Bea" Aurelia Teel Sept. 19, 1927- Jan. 1, 2026 Bea was born in Havre, Montana, the daughter of Henrietta and Bernard Robeck. She had three brothers: Robert, Clinton and George. At the age of 13 her family moved to Everett, Wash. One of the hardest things for Bea to adjust to was going to school with over 100 students in her grade, when she came from a little country school with less then 10 students. She graduated from Everett High School and then the University of...
DAVENPORT — Academic achievement across Lincoln County was recognized this term as students from several local communities earned spots on Eastern Washington University’s Dean’s List. The following students were named to the Dean’s List for Eastern Washington University: Almira: Terri Bohnet, Emily Hurt Creston: Ethan Lembcke Davenport: Alayna Matthews, Abe Nelson, Samantha Odenrider, Tanner Zaugg, Victor Zitacuaro Edwall: Salem Shuman Electric City: David Borden Grand Coulee: Grace Young Lamont: Daphne Hill...
Left to right, Gregory Overstreet, Myah Atkinson, and Mark Bunch serve hot drinks at Sprague High School's yearbook coffee and cocoa fundraiser on Sunday, Jan. 18. Not pictured is Kye...
100 years ago The banks of Lincoln County made the usual quarterly statement of business as the date of December 31, 1925. The deposits show $3,959,757 as compared with $4,424,659 on the previous call of September 30, 1925. Scarlet Fever has again made its appearance around Harrington. Fred Wagner's six children have it and the little son of Emery Bumgardner came down with it Monday. Both families are under quarantine. Not knowing she was heiress to a $12,000 estate, Miss...
Davenport birthdays Jan. 22: Trevor King Jan. 23: Lisa Prewitt, Tyler Zaugg Jan. 24: Sam Graber, Asia Hardin, Debbie Roemer, Loren Ensor, Ayron Easley, Mark Mandere Jan. 25: Aayla Hubbard Jan. 26: Lance Strite, Asher Petersen Jan. 27: Curtis Guhlke, Seyler Lacy, Ezri Lacy, Jacob Taylor, Juniper Bilodeaux, Karson Glick Jan. 28: Jacob Harvey Reardan birthdays Jan. 23: Amanda Bonstrom-Meier Jan. 25: Doris Dormaier Jan. 27: Jenny Cesaratto, Rylee Holwegner Jan. 28: Paul Whitmore Harrington birthdays Jan. 22: Jim Knapp Jan. 24:...
Some people collect memories. Others collect auction paddles. I, your local editor, appear to be collecting fundraising events, and this year's Sprague Chamber of Commerce auction did not disappoint. First, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the margarita machine that I did not accidentally win this year. For those still emotionally recovering from the Odessa Hospital semi-formal soirée of last year, rest assured: no one pulled their own name this time....
DAVENPORT - The Davenport Gorillas girls basketball team dominated from the opening tip, building a commanding lead by halftime and cruising to a lopsided victory over the Medical Lake Cardinals on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Davenport. The Gorillas outscored the Cardinals 19-11 in the first quarter and extended the margin with a 11-3 run in the second for a 30-14 halftime advantage. Davenport then exploded for 23 points in the third quarter while holding Medical Lake to three,...
REARDAN - The Screaming Eagles girls basketball team turned in a dominant performance Tuesday, Jan. 20, rolling past Kettle Falls 58-20 to remain atop the NE2B-North standings. Reardan set the tone early with an up-tempo offense and relentless defense. The Screaming Eagles jumped out to an 18-1 lead after the first quarter. Although the Bulldogs showed some fight in the second quarter, they still trailed 33-13 at halftime. Tenice Waters scored 14 first-half points for...
DAVENPORT - The Davenport/Liberty Launch Academy Gorillas rallied for a 37-29 nonleague boys wrestling victory over Northwest Christian on Thursday, overcoming forfeits at 150 and 157 pounds that surrendered 12 team points. Northwest Christian built an early lead with pins from Kyler Parry (106, 1:28 over Lincoln Holmberg), Roman Goulet (120, 2:26 over Parker Bundy) and Micah Rocha (126, 1:07 over Lincoln Hoff), plus a 18-0 technical fall by Nakoa Rocha (132, 4:40 over Daman...
As a sports and recreation reporter for the Lincoln County Record-Times, I often share stories from the field. Today, I want to offer a personal note rooted in my heritage. My Bilodeaux family traces its Acadian roots to Île d’Orléans in the St. Lawrence River of Quebec, where ancestors settled as early as 1656. Generations of Bilodeaus have been known for their skills in fishing and hunting. One tradition I cherish is making fresh sausages—uncured and undried—from...
The Reardan High School wrestling team competed at Jenkins High School in Chewelah on Jan. 15. Reardan won several key matches by fall, including pins from Owen Pendell (138 pounds, 1:08 over Brody King), Avdii Pozdeev (144, 1:04 over Blaine Gibson-Gothmann) and others via forfeit at 113 (Terry Ough), 150 (Parker Gralapp) and additional weights. Jenkins (Chewelah) secured victories including a pin by Trevin Stauffer (132, 1:03 over Christian Miller), Jamason Erickson (132, 2:16 over Miller in another bout), Dakota Katzer...
Davenport seniors Beau Copenhaver, left, and Kyler Davenport hold up a quilt made by Jan Saxton, grandmother of senior Josie Wynecoop, during a hometown basketball game. The quilt is being raffled off at home games to raise funds for senior sports posters to be displayed on street lamps in...
ODESSA - The Mary Walker Chargers rallied in the second half to overcome an early deficit and defeat the Odessa Tigers 37-33 in a girls varsity basketball game Wednesday.. The Chargers trailed 17-9 at halftime but outscored the Tigers 28-16 after the break to secure the road victory in a league matchup. Mary Walker coach Drew Curry credited his team's adjustment after struggling against Odessa's box-and-one defense early. "We played a lot better in the second half," Curry...
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION February 10, 2026 Lincoln County, Washington Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Lincoln County, State of Washington, with: Creston School District No. 73; Odessa School District No. 105, joint with Adams County No. 157 and Grant County No. 166; Wilbur School District No. 200: Harrington School District No. 204: Ritzville School District No 160-67: Wilson Creek School District No. 167-202: Public Hospital District No. 1 and Park and Recreation District No. 2. There will...
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on February 17, 2026, for the purpose of receiving public testimony and making written findings as to whether the proposed contract is in the public interest, is financially sound, and is advantageous to the County regarding the selection of a vendor for Solid Waste Disposal Services pursuant to RCW 36.58.090. TIME AND LOCATION: The hearing will be held in the...
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SPOKANE COUNTY No: 25-4-00266-32 ESTATE OF JOHN D. SIMPSON, JR. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The personal representatives named below have been appointed as co-personal representatives of the Estate of John D. Simpson, Jr. Any person having a claim against the decedent 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 on or mailing by...
PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETINGS The 2026 regular Lincoln Hospital District #3 Board Meetings are scheduled as follows: January 22, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; February 26, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; March 26, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; April 30, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; May 28, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; June 25, 2026 @ 1:30 pm; July 30, 2026 @ 1:30pm; August 27, 2026@ 3:30 pm; September 24, 2026 @ 3:30 pm October 22, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; November 13, 2026@ 12:00pm, Public Hearing for 2027 Budget; November 19, 2026 @ 3:30 pm; December 17, 2026 @ 3:30 pm. The regularly...
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS City of Sprague 4th Street Sidewalk Project Sealed bids will be received at Sprague City Hall, 119 West Second Street, PO Box 264, Sprague, WA 99032, until 11:00:00 am, Friday, February 6, 2026, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Base Bid: The base bid work generally consists of constructing approximately 1,020 linear feet of cement concrete sidewalk along 4th Street including curb ramps, traffic curb, and crosswalk markings. Work shall also include installation of...
PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM No. 25-4-01189-37 In Re Estate of: Ley Ann Belisle, Deceased. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent 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 on or mailing to the...
To submit a legal or public notice, please email legals@odessarecord.com. 1. Put your Notice in a Word format. There is an additional fee of 10% for PDF submissions. 2. Deadline for publication is Monday by 5pm for publication on Thursday of that same week. 3. Cost. There is a flat rate for Notice to Creditors and Probate Notice to Creditors of $140. This fee includes a three consecutive week publication, an original affidavit and a searchable internet. There is a flat rate...
