Looking Back

100 years ago

Henry Schafer, an Edwall man, who is suspected of being the firebug that set three fires at Edwall during the past six weeks, was given an insanity hearing in the Superior court and was committed to the Medical Lake hospital for the insane.

Marion Johnson, age 87, of Davenport passed away at his home. Mr. Johnson was born in Pennsylvania and served with the Union army during the civil war. He came to Lincoln county about 41 years ago and served as a soldier at Ft. Spokane.

A fire completely destroyed 2 barns and 11 other outbuildings at the Henry Wolsborn ranch between Odessa and Ritzville. With the buildings some machinery, wheat and harness went up in smoke. Only timely help from neighbors and a shift in wind direction saved the house.

75 years ago

The mobile X-ray unit of the Eastern Washington Tuberculosis unit will be in Davenport July 6 through 8 to give free chest X-rays. The unit is under the auspices of the Lincoln County Tuberculosis association and began a three week tour of the county Monday. Anyone is entitled to a free X-ray and undressing is not required.

Dust laden winds which lashed Davenport and surrounding area reached velocities of 40 to 70 mile an hour and played havoc with local power and communication facilities. The local telephone company reports approximately 150 poles are down.

The first load of wheat to the Odessa elevators was delivered by Emanuel Dormaier. The test showed 61 pounds to the bushel. Cornelius Jantz and Sam Homberg had started the next day.

50 years ago

Fidelity Mutual Saving Bank announced that it has applied for a permit to open a savings and loan at 633 Morgan St. Davenport. Bank officials had considered branches in several other Lincoln County towns. Davenport was chosen to let Fidelity expand its services into this area.

At their meeting, city council members approved a resolution that restricts residential and commercial hose watering. Residents may water every other day between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Those living West of 7th street are to water on odd numbered day and those living east of 7th St. on even numbered days.

Three fire calls were answered when hot boxes on trains caused grass fires all along the railroad right of way between Odessa and Lamona. The new rural fire truck stationed in Odessa answered the calls.

25 years ago

Merit Truck Stop Inc. of Boise Idaho was identified as a “potentially liable person” for the closed Priceless Gas station in Davenport where a fuel spill was discovered last year, according to an enforcement order issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Dustin Wynne, age 17, of Reardan has spent the last few months riding bulls in the Washington State High School Rodeo Association. Wynne is advancing from the State finals as one of four athletes in the bull riding division from Washington.

The Odessa school board heard a report from Supt. Warren Reeves about determining the best size for a committee to interview coaches of school athletics. Ultimately the board decided to continue with a 3 member committee.

10 years ago

A Washington state industrial appeals judge has denied on appeal former Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy Jesse Allen’s claim that his neck and back problems were a result of the patrol car he was assigned to drive.

A concert being planned for Pioneer Days will feature two Davenport Alums. Greta (Van Pevenage) Utigard and Tim Coley. The show will benefit the Davenport Theatrical’s scholarship fund and charities selected by the artists.

Danny L Jones, PA-C better known as “DJ”, joined the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center in May. He has been kept busy seeing patients since his arrival and has been well received.