Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
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SPRAGUE - The Sprague Chamber of Commerce announced Gina and Ed Habbestad as its 2024 Citizen of the Year during its annual meeting and fundraising auction held on Monday, January 20. Habbestad and her husband, Ed, were recognized for their dedication to animal welfare as the founders of "Norm's World Animal Rescue and Sanctuary" and the "Lincoln County Lost and Found Pet Network." Together, they have provided critical support to lost and abandoned animals throughout Lincoln...
SPRAGUE — A 69-year-old man accused of threatening to kill people while armed with a loaded firearm at the Sprague Motel is set to face trial on Tuesday, March 19. Michael Gilstrap was charged with one count of felony harassment-threat to kill following his arrest on June 11, 2024, at the Sprague Motel, located at 312 East First Street. According to reports, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a man waving a gun and threatening to kill everyone. “There is a man walking around waving a gun around telling everyone tha...
ALMIRA - Three suspects have been charged in connection with a burglary reported on Tuesday, Jan. 9, where several firearms, a Liberty safe, household items and a Jeep were stolen from a residence and shop. Deputies responded to the burglary report at 9:48 a.m. after the homeowner discovered the break-in. Missing items included a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber, a Kimber Custom .45 caliber, and a Sig Sauer P365 XL .40 caliber, according to police records. Security footage from...
DAVENPORT — Washington State University Lincoln/Adams Extension will host two grower meetings this month, with each offering a unique agenda tailored to local producers. The first meeting will take place Tuesday, January 28, at the American Legion Hall, 106 W. Broadway Ave., Ritzville. The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 1601 Morgan Street. The Davenport meeting will also feature the WSU Extension Dryland Wheat Producer Meeting, which begins at 7:45 a.m. and runs u...
AIRWAY HEIGHTS — A second teenager has died following a crash last Wednesday on U.S. Highway 2 near Airway Heights. Shayanne Cicherski, 18, of Fruitland, died Monday, Jan. 13, from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash had earlier claimed the life of 16-year-old Sweeny Holt-Stearns of Wellpinit, who succumbed to his injuries shortly after being hospitalized. According to officials, Cicherski was driving south on Wood Road when her vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and e...
HARRINGTON — As temperatures continue to drop below freezing, the City of Harrington is asking residents to run a small trickle of water from their faucets to help prevent freezing pipes. In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Joe Armand reassured residents that extra water usage for this precautionary measure will not be charged, emphasizing the importance of avoiding costly damage to both private and city water lines. “Some of our supply lines are shallow, and we want to prevent your (and the City’s) lines from freez...
DAVENPORT - The case of Joseph Lee Cooper Sr., 43, was continued Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Lincoln County Superior Court for the final time. A readiness hearing is set for March 11, with the trial scheduled for April 2. "I won't object to this continuance, but it must be the last one. Mr. Cooper has been in jail for the last year waiting for this to happen," Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Albertson said during the hearing. Cooper Sr. was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023...
There are surprises in life you expect-like an offhand compliment or a change in the weather-and then there are surprises you don't. The night Dalton came running out of my house, boots half on and a look of worry on his face, fell squarely into the latter category. It all started with some playful teasing. Dalton had been hinting for days about a "surprise" he had for me at the ranch. Earlier that evening, over dinner, he'd mentioned part of the surprise was already in his...
SPRAGUE - The Sprague Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and fundraising auction on Monday, January 20, raising $2,309 to support community projects in Sprague. $1,130 of the total was raised from the live auction. Heather Rose led the evening's ceremonies, swearing in new officers and board members for 2025. The chamber's new leadership team includes President Tim Wilken, Vice President Lucas Becker, Secretary Kathleen Hayward, Co-Treasurers Terrie Barnum and Joy...
DAVENPORT - Arrow M. Saddlery, a new leather shop located at 505 1st Street, is now open in Davenport, offering custom leather goods, repair services, and a variety of Western-themed items. The shop, owned and operated by 27-year-old Mackenzie Crable of Edwall, officially opened on Friday, October 13. Crable, who has been crafting leatherwork for a decade, specializes in youth chaps, belts, accessories, home décor such as cowhide rugs and table runners, and functional gear...
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...
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 sto...
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 physi...
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...
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 snowfall...
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 any e...
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...
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 i...
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 obt...
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 stipend for...
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 laid it on my...
HARRINGTON - The Holiday Hoops event, hosted by former college athletes Janaye Wilkie, 21, of Harrington, and Landon Harrington, 24, of Reardan, was a slam dunk success on Saturday, Jan. 4, as more than 30 local youths attended to sharpen their basketball skills and ignite their passion for the sport. The event, organized in partnership with the Harrington School District and School Board, featured two tailored sessions at Harrington School. Students in grades 2-5...
DAVENPORT — The Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo is inviting artists of all ages to participate in its 2025 Premium Book Cover Contest. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights at the Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo,” and submissions are now being accepted. The fair and rodeo will take place from Thursday, August 21, to Saturday, August 23. The contest is divided into four age divisions: ages 1-6, ages 7-12, ages 13-18, and ages 19 and over. Submissions must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, oriented vertically, and incorpor...
ODESSA – The Odessa Tigers varsity basketball team faced a tough loss Tuesday night, falling to Almira-Coulee-Hartline (ACH) 47-25 in a home conference game at Odessa High School. The Tigers struggled to contain the Warriors, who have developed a reputation for dominant performances, including four victories this season by margins of 22 points or more. ACH's win on Tuesday marked their second victory over Odessa this season, underscoring the Tigers' continued challenges on t...
HARRINGTON – The Harrington Haus restaurant and bar has closed signups for its Ultimate Shuffleboard Showdown, with registration officially ending on Dec. 31. While the competition is underway, patrons can stop by the restaurant to enjoy pizza and beer and check out the scoreboard tracking the tournament’s progress....
