The Year in Review

June

Odessa High School graduated 17 students on June 6, an ambitious group of young people who collectively were offered a total of $354,336 in scholarships and grants.

Carol Green retired and closed the beauty shop behind her home that she had operated for many years. She and her husband, retired high school history teacher Dick Green, were planning a move to Spokane.

The Odessa-Harrington Titan track and field team sent several members to the state meet in Cheney, where Sam Schafer had first-place finishes in the 100 m, 200 m and long jump and a second-place in the triple jump. Jordan Tanke was second in both the 100 m and 200 m and Lanessa Simon placed third in both the long jump and triple jump.

The tennis team sent only one person to the state competition. Katie DeWulf did not place but qualified for state in only her second year of competitive tennis.

The Odessa Lions Club put a new metal roof on the picnic shelter at Reiman Park and continued its work on the public restroom being completely refurbished in the downtown public works building.

Alumni banquet reservations continued to arrive as the class of 2005 made the arrangements for honoring various classes from past years.

Odessa alum Jon Heimbigner, who has been involved in establishing halls of fame for various sports entities in Spokane, was approached by Odessa people about spearheading an effort to create an athletic hall of fame for Odessa athletes. A committee was formed and is holding regular meetings.

Vacation Bible School was held for one week after school had adjourned for the summer. It was staffed by volunteers from all of Odessa’s churches and open to all children in the community. The youngsters put on a program for the community at Reiman Park at the close of the week’s Bible lessons and activities.

Odessa High School sophomore Cole Kissler, son of Troy and Denise Kissler of Marlin, presented his science research project at the State University of New York at Oswego. Based on his presentation, he was offered a $5,000 annually renewable scholarship to SUNY Oswego.

July

A wildfire of undetermined origin started near the town limits on Laney Brothers Road. Firefighters put it out, but it flared up again on two subsequent days due to high temperatures and dry conditions.

The Odessa school board met in the presence of several parents and interested persons from the community to discuss the ag program at the school. Following debate about cost and other relevant details, community members urged the board to hire a full-time ag teacher rather than the 3/4-time position that had been planned. The board did so. The board also hired Dan Read as the new superintendent to replace Suellen White, who retired.

At the National Leadership Conference held in Chicago, the Business Ethics team from Odessa High School placed first in the nation with its presentation. Four other Odessa teams (Business Plan, Partnership with Business, Business and Financial Plan and Local Chapter Annual Business Report) finished within the top five, as OHS sent a record number of students to the national conference.

Drought conditions over the previous winter, as well as during the spring and summer led to an early harvest and a lower than average crop.

Dr. Troy Eldridge sold Eldridge Chiropractic to Dr. Ty Trexler of Moses Lake who now has offices in Odessa, Wilbur, Coulee City and Davenport. Eldridge continues to work for Trexler in the Davenport office two days per week.

Triple-digit temperatures brought people to the pool for relief from the heat.

August

Another wildfire near Odessa blackened about 4,000 acres of sagebrush, grassland and wheat stubble.

The summer reading program at the Odessa Public Library had a program on local heroes and what they do for the community. Members of the police department, fire department and EMTs were involved.

Don Frick, 86, now largely retired and living in Ephrata, returned to the Marlin-area farm operated by his son to participate in his 75th harvest by driving combine.

US Bank in Harrington moved its neon sign from one front corner of its building to the other for safety reasons. A truck-mounted crane was used to make the move.

National Night Out, organized in Odessa by police chief Helen Coubra, brought community members together with police, firemen, EMTs and sheriff’s deputies for a picnic in the park.

Food preparation began for the upcoming Deutschesfest.