March 30, 2025
March 30, 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 March 17 Traffic Stops: 2 9:46 a.m. - Lincoln County Public works called to report a semi stuck on a restricted road at Duck Lake Rd. and Groh Rd. 11:30 a.m.- A caller reported 2 people...
ALMIRA - A man charged in connection with the Almira burglary case pled guilty in Lincoln County Superior Court and was sentenced on Tuesday, March 25. Jose Rafael Medina Lomeli, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of residential burglary and one count of firearm theft in court, accepting a plea agreement that includes a 12-month and one-day sentence. Medina Lomeli, who initially faced multiple charges, including motor vehicle theft and multiple firearm theft counts, had his...
DAVENPORT – A local man accused in the death of a 5-month-old boy appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court, where attorneys scheduled a trial date for late September. Jordan Russell Mills-Jay, 30, is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree murder in connection with the June 21, 2023, death of an infant referred to as “Zander.” The trial is set to begin on Sept. 24, with a readiness hearing scheduled for Sept. 2. During a court hearing, Mills-Jay agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial...
REARDAN — A local man accused of threatening to kill his family and attempting arson is seeking a bond reduction as his trial date is pushed to May. Nicholas Gene Finch, 39, appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court, where his defense requested a reduction of his $20,000 bond to $10,000. The state opposed the motion, citing Finch’s history of warrant activity and concerns from the victims, who reportedly expressed fear over his potential release. Attorneys also requested a continuance in the case, with a new trial date...
DAVENPORT — Idaho State Police arrested a local fugitive over the weekend on a felony warrant. Troopers pulled over James Boss, 56, on Interstate 84 in Jerome County, Idaho, Friday, March 21. The arrest stemmed from a felony warrant issued in Lincoln County, Washington, for charges related to an ongoing investigation. Records show those charges include possession of depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree and sexual exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, Boss was...
GRAND COULEE – A Spokane woman was sentenced to 150 days in jail after pleading guilty to burglary and theft charges related to a break-in at a storage facility in Grand Coulee. Linda Ann Zargoza, 40, was identified as the driver of a gold 2006 Chevrolet HHR seen on surveillance footage during a burglary at State Route 174 Storage Units on Dec. 7, 2021. Judge Dan Johnson handed down the sentence, rejecting a lower-end sentencing request. Prosecutors had recommended three...
DAVENPORT – Lincoln County can expect variable precipitation and rising temperatures this spring, with stronger storms and early snowmelt impacting local waterways. Spring is officially here, having begun on Thursday, March 20. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center forecasts equal chances of above- or below-average precipitation from April through June, while temperatures are expected to rise with some areas experiencing brief cooldowns. “We will cool down pretty rapidly,” said Valerie Thayler, a...
DAVENPORT – The Lincoln County City Council was set to convene Wednesday evening to discuss key issues, including the city budget, infrastructure improvements, and upcoming community events. The agenda included reviewing proposed budget allocations for the next fiscal year, discussing road maintenance and other infrastructure projects, and considering updates to zoning regulations. Council members were also expected to address public concerns and hear reports from various city departments. The meeting took place after...
GRAND COULEE — A man accused of burglarizing an elderly resident’s home and committing financial fraud is moving toward a plea agreement as his trial date is rescheduled. Jake Keith Denning had previously undergone competency evaluations and was deemed fit for trial by both the state and their respective defenses. “We worked out a plea deal,” Denning’s defense attorney said during a recent superior court hearing on Tuesday, March 25. Denning, who faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree burglary,...
Democrat legislators claim there's a state-government budget shortfall of $12 to $15 billion, yet several of my colleagues in the state Senate just filed legislation to take much more than that through new and higher taxes -- nearly $20 billion. Only in Olympia would anyone think that makes sense. But as Republican leader on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, I can tell you how unnecessary and wrong their tax scheme is. This would be the largest tax increase in state...
When the Democrat-led Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act (other opponents and I prefer to call it “cap-and-tax”) a few years ago, one of the promises made by Democrats was that the state’s agriculture, shipping and aviation industries would be exempt from the fuel tax created under the law. However, as farmers in the 9th District can tell you, that promise has not been kept. Despite numerous meetings and repeated requests by me and other Eastern Washington...
Angela Kayanne Plasse Mar. 6, 1979 – Mar. 14, 2025 Angela Kayanne Plasse, a partner, daughter, mother, niece, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, was a woman who brought joy, love, and laughter to everyone she met. Born on March 6, 1979, Angie spent her early years in Kent, Washington creating magical worlds in the greenbelt-building forts, pretending to be a mermaid, princess, or even an alien. Her imagination knew no bounds, and that same sense of wonder would stay with her...
There are many ways to start a day, but locking myself out of my house with my car keys inside, before work, was not the ideal choice. Yet, I stood outside in the brisk morning air, watching my life choices flash before my eyes as I realized my door was locked, and so was my fate for the foreseeable future. It all started so innocently. I had taken Winnie outside, as responsible pet owners do. I locked the door behind me, because, you know, safety first. And then, just a few...
Davenport birthdays March 27: Caleb Bowdish, Florence Fitzsimmons, Colleen McCowan, Codie Linstrum, Michaela Goetz March 28: Mark Patterson, Andee Jacobsen, Kristine Reinbold, Josie Wynecoop, Stetson Sanford March 29: Craig Hardin, Buck Badgley, Lauren Fenn March 30: Jaeger Jacobsen, Jensyn Jacobsen, Tracy Rosman, Monte Tucker, Jordan Alspach, Debbie Cunningham March 31: Ann Johnston, Steve Bodeau, Sarah Guhlke, Cael Collins, Chad Shaver April 1: Karen Carruth, TyAnn Cate, Denton Deal, Tanner Deal, Kevin Hupp, Kevin Morcom...
ODESSA – A local Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members achieved outstanding results at the recent Regional Conference, held at Spokane Falls Community College. Fifteen students represented Odessa, with several earning top placements and qualifying for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Bellevue, Wash., from April 23-26. Students who placed in their events include: Mackenzie Lutz, 1st place, Job Interview; 2nd place, Electronic Career Portfolio; Viet Tran,...
Recent windy weather around the Inland Northwest is a reminder that March is attempting to go out like a lion. Roaring winds and ice filled rain storms make a hot bowl of soup a comforting meal. Some folks like anything called soup, others are more particular. Some prefer broth based soups and others a creamy or stew style soup. Then there are those who won’t eat soup, but chili is a favorite. Cheesy Enchilada Chili, brought by Kim Powers to a recent soup supper is a creamy...
100 years ago Sealed bids for a fire siren will be received by the town of Odessa, until April 20th 1925. Bids should be addressed to the Town Clerk. A lecture on the Klu Klux Klan was delivered a the Blue Mouse Hall by by Judge Jeffrey of that organization. Approximately 60 people attended. Grape Nuts cereal $0.17 Bulk Raisins $0.12 per pound. 75 years ago The dedication of The Veteran’s Memorial hospital had most of the town of Odessa shut down to participate. The hospital will be open for use in ten days, following the...
This will be the first in a series of articles discussing what I have been warning the public about for years. The fact that the 1% cap, on the amount of property tax collected, is simply not sustainable for small, rural counties or other small taxing entities. First and foremost, as a result of these articles, I hope to provide a better, more in-depth understanding of how your local governments are funded. I also hope to provide some insight into why money gets spent on...
REARDAN – Tysen Finch and Jacob Bodeau struck out 13 batters and limited Davenport to five hits in the Screaming Eagles 11-1 win, Tuesday, March 25. The Gorillas took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning on a run scored by Colby Kiser. In the bottom of the inning, Reardan scored two of its own on Hunter Flaa's double, making the score 2-1. From then on, the game belonged to the Screaming Eagles, who picked up three runs in the fourth inning, four in the fifth and two...
REARDAN – The Screaming Eagles scored five runs in the last two innings to beat Davenport 8-7 in a Northeast 2B softball matchup Tuesday, March 25. Fans from both schools basked in the sun to watch Reardan's home opener against its biggest rival on the season's first short-sleeved day. In the first inning, Davenport's Samantha Stiles was just as hot. On the second pitch of the game, she launched Shyla Nortz's pitch into right field and raced around the bases to score on an...
ODESSA - The Oroville varsity baseball team and the Odessa Tigers each secured a victory in a non-conference doubleheader Tuesday, March 25. In the first game, Oroville defeated Odessa 14-8. Oroville took an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second. Despite a late five-run push by Odessa in the seventh inning, Oroville held on for the win. Oroville recorded 12 hits and one error, while Odessa finished with 11 hits and two errors. In...
ODESSA — Riders and spectators alike are gearing up for the return of the Frostbite Grand Prix and White Knuckle Poker Run, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, in Odessa. The annual off-road racing event, part of the NMA racing series, is expected to draw competitors of all skill levels to the rugged desert terrain of Eastern Washington. The Frostbite Grand Prix kicks off Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the long course race, featuring various classes including Senior, Women, and Open. The short course follows...
Reardan seniors Amelia Ray and Rysen Soliday receive a scholarship award from Reardan Booster Club president Justine Winn at the club's annual dinner and auction on March...
COLFAX, Wash. - In the first games of the season, the Reardan Screaming Eagles softball team dropped a pair of matchups against the Colfax Bulldogs on Thursday, March 20. The Screaming Eagles fell to the Bulldogs, 18-10, in Game 1 and lost Game 2, 25-1. In the first game of the day, Colfax jumped to a 10-1 lead, scoring three runs in the first inning and seven in the second while holding Reardan to one run in the second frame. Reardan scored one run in the fourth, three in...
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