Looking Back

100 years ago

A jack rabbit drive was held in the Odessa area. Nearby property owner Joe Silva followed along with a hack to pick up the white tails, blacks tails were left where they fell. The hunt was so successful that Silva couldn’t pick up even a fifth of the rabbits. At the close of the drive the rabbits were loaded up and taken to Spokane to be divided up among the missions to help feed the poor.

Sand Flat, WA - The fall rains have penetrated from 20 to 36 inches in the soil in this area. This is more moisture than there was in the soil last year at any given time. Farmers have completed their fall work and there is every indication of a good crop next year.

75 years ago

A goose on the loose kept citizens of Davenport running outside with shotguns in hand. Evidently the bird had got lost from his flock and spent the night flying back and forth over town with his honker going full tilt.

A basketball game held in Davenport recently was made up of coaches and staff members from area schools. The “Southside” made up of Wilbur, Odessa, Sprague, Creston and Almira edged out the “Northside” made up of Davenport, Harrington, Edwall, Little Falls and Long Lake.

A Polio outbreak has hit Harrington. All night activities were cancelled. Three children were sent to the hospital and a fourth student is being tested. Parents are encouraged to see that their children have rest time between school and dinner.

50 years ago

Ernie Lawson said he figured he’d bought enough beers and he’d like to try the tavern business from the other side of the counter. This is why he’s been running Roy’s Tavern since the first of November.

Al Hardt, newly appointed manager of Odessa Grange Supply, traveled to the CENEX home office in St. Paul Minnesota. Hardt met with managers of different products and toured the 7 acre indoor distribution center.

The Bi-County Music Festival concert held recently in Ritzville was considered a success. Students were led by Odessa band and choir director Monte Swenson. Swenson contributes the quality of the performance to more rehearsal time than was available in previous years.

25 years ago

Judge Jack Buck announced his retirement from the bench after more than 30 years. Buck was appointed to the bench on Jan 1, 1968 and has served the county with integrity according to county commissioner Ted Hopkins. Buck’s last day on the bench will be Dec. 31 1999.

Lake St. in Reardan will be under construction come spring. The funding is in place and bids have been accepted for new pavement and sidewalks. The city had hoped to have the $125,000 project completed in 1999 but ran into delays with the grant that will fund the project.

With the approach of Basketball season, Odessa parent volunteers are needed to staff the concession stand which provides spectators and participants with dinner and snacks. Profits from the stand helps fund various ASB programs.

10 years ago

Titan Volleyball went to State 1B volleyball tournament as number one from their district. After handily defeating Providence Classical Christian in the first round the Lady Titans lost to Pomeroy in the second round and were eventually out of the tournament after losing to Quilcene. Pomeroy went on to take the title.

The Gorilla Football team will advance to State 2B Quarterfinals after defeating White Swan last week in a bitterly cold 3 degree game. The Gorillas will face Okanogan in Moses Lake. Coach Justin Young describes Okanogan as a tough team but says the Gorillas “will be bringing their A game.”

Reardan High School FFA students have earned their second “watato” award for judging Washington potatoes. Students were scored on their ability to grade 100 russet potatoes, identify blemishes and sort seed potatoes.