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Articles written by Derek Bilodeaux


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  • City approves Pioneer Days grant

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    DAVENPORT - The City Council on Wednesday approved an amended resolution granting $2,500 in tourism funds to Pioneer Days but deferred a decision on a $5,000 request for a new aviation and classic car festival over site-plan concerns. Mark and Lydia Vlk of Odessa presented the proposal for the Tailfeathers and Wheels Annual Swap Meet, a family-friendly non-profit event planned for Aug. 29-30 at Davenport Municipal Airport. The two-day gathering would feature hot air balloon...

  • 15 eateries checked; one stands out

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    DAVENPORT — A local Mexican restaurant racked up 63 violations during a recent health inspection. According to Lincoln County Public Health, El Ranchito had 43 "red points" after inspectors found a dirty ice machine, raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food, an expired food worker card and multiple temperature and storage problems. Public Health officials inspected 15 restaurant and food handling facilities countywide between Feb. 18 and March 11. While most passed with few or no violations, El Ranchito stood out and a f...

  • Burglary suspect admits theft during search

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    GRAND COULEE - A Grand Coulee man appeared in restraints Thursday in Lincoln County Superior Court for arraignment on a second-degree burglary charge after he allegedly stole cables from rural outbuildings and later admitted to the theft. Leonard Edwin Ethrington IV, 45, of Grand Coulee, had public defender David Hearrean appointed to represent him. Judge Adam Walser scheduled a jury trial for 9 a.m. May 13, with a readiness hearing at 10:30 a.m. April 14. Prosecuting...

  • Frostbite and White Knuckle races return

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    ODESSA — The 2026 motorcycle racing season kicks off this weekend with the Frostbite Grand Prix and White Knuckle Poker Run. The back-to-back Northwest Motorcycle Association events are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, a mile south of town on state Highway 21. Organized by the Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club, the Frostbite Grand Prix begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with the long course race, featuring classes such as senior, women and open. The short course follows at 9:30 a.m., long course at 11:45 p.m., with j...

  • Freeman girls sweep Reardan

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    REARDAN - The Freeman Scotties girls tennis team rolled to a 5-0 shutout over the host Reardan Screaming Eagles on Monday, March 23, while the boys squads played to a 1-1 tie in the nonleague match. In girls singles, Freeman's Avery Boswell cruised past Kaitlin Butterfield 6-0, 6-0. Maris Vernon and Ava Aylward each won by forfeit. In doubles, Kami Seubert and Jordyn Poston defeated Ely Craig and Morgan Leenheer 6-2, 6-4, and Nicci Exner and Avelinn Leavy topped Kinkee...

  • Davenport and Reardan tie 11-11

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    DAVENPORT - The Davenport Gorillas and visiting Reardan Screaming Eagles played to an 11-11 tie Wednesday at the sports complex in a high-scoring game that featured strong pitching, timely hitting and aggressive baserunning early in the season. The contest was originally scheduled for Tuesday but postponed by rain and rescheduled for the sunny day. Cooper Danekas turned in a standout all-around performance for the Gorillas. The right-hander pitched three innings, striking out...

  • Co-op golf starts strong in wet opener

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    LEWISTON — The Davenport/Reardan co-op golf team opened its league season with competitive individual scores despite steady rain at Bryden Canyon Golf Course. Mac Larmer led the Gorillas with an 81, followed closely by Bennett Wagner at 84, both earning Top 5 finishes. Caige Colbert shot 96, McGuire Knopp 99 and Jacob James 116. Karsten Farr shot 106 for Reardan. Fiona Strozyk paced the Lady Gorillas with a 117, while Kamryn Mann competed in her first individual tournament and shot 124. The week before, Larmer and Wagner comb...

  • Screaming Eagles weather storm

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 26, 2026

    DAVENPORT - Braving rain, mud and whipping winds that turned Jahns Field into a quagmire, the Reardan Screaming Eagles used sharp pitching and stout defense to roll past host Davenport 10-2 in a nonleague high school softball game Tuesday. Davenport took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on runs by Samantha Stiles and Emma Cash. Reardan responded with one run in the bottom of the first, then exploded for 3 runs each in the second and third innings before adding 3...

  • Teacher formally arraigned in student-sex case

    Derek Bilodeaux, Lincoln County Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    SPRAGUE - A local teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage student pleaded not guilty Thursday and was released on reduced bail. Madeline Marie Gregory Scoon, 29, of Cheney, was arraigned on charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. She will face trial at 9 a.m. June 17; a 10:30 a.m. readiness hearing is set for May 26. Court records show Gregory, the teacher's maiden name, has been...

  • Teacher jailed for student-sex allegations

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    SPRAGUE - A Sprague-Lamont High School teacher is being held in the Lincoln County Jail accused of having an illegal sexual relationship with one of her students. Madeline Marie Gregory Scoon, 29, of Cheney, appeared before Lincoln County District Court Judge Dan B. Johnson on Tuesday, March 17, for her first appearance on charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. At press time, a time and day for formal...

  • District prioritizes students

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    SPRAGUE — Students and staff at Sprague-Lamont High School are receiving counseling support and maintaining normal learning routines as the district works to minimize disruption from a science teacher’s sudden departure. Superintendent Ray Leaver said his top priority since the position became vacant Monday after school has been caring for students and staff. Counselors from the Educational Service District in Spokane were available Tuesday for anyone who needed to talk. Leaver said the district sent another com...

  • Grocers retire after three decades

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    DAVENPORT - The small-town grocery store that stayed open through wildfires, supply shortages and a pandemic hosted its owners' retirement reception Friday. Kevin and Sherrill Hansen purchased Davenport Family Foods in 1994 when the previous owners were just one week from shutting down. They recently sold the business, though the buyer was not recorded as of presstime. Kevin Hansen said the most rewarding moments came from the community's support during tough times. "We had...

  • No one attends surplus vehicle hearing

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    DAVENPORT - No members of the public showed up Monday for a hearing on selling a high-mileage sheriff's SUV, allowing Lincoln County commissioners to quickly declare the vehicle surplus. The Board of County Commissioners opened the public hearing at 8:45 a.m. Only one vehicle was on the list: a 2020 SUV from the Sheriff's Office valued at $3,500 and described as being in poor condition with 164,950 miles. Chairman Scott Hutsell commented on the empty room. "We'll see if...

  • Warrant issued for driver who swallowed meth

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    DAVENPORT — A Cashmere man accused of driving a stolen pickup truck while under the influence of methamphetamine after swallowing a bag of the drug during the arrest failed to appear for arraignment Tuesday in Lincoln County Superior Court, according to court records. Mark Alan Reeves, 58, of Cashmere, did not appear before Judge Walser. Prosecutor Ty Albertson and public defender Dave Hearrean were assigned to the case, court records show. A bench warrant was issued with $10,000 bail set, according to the records. Reeves f...

  • Unique crafts shine at two-day sale

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    DAVENPORT - From permanent jewelry that never needs removing to fair-trade African baskets supporting Ghanaian villages, vendors offered a variety of unique handmade and specialty goods at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds this weekend. The annual Craft and Direct Sale event drew shoppers to the fair and event center Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15. Troy Hildebrand of Spokane, who sells under Galaxy Sunglasses and Hats, used the two-day event to test new products. "I basically c...

  • Danekas steps in as new Gorillas baseball coach

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 19, 2026

    DAVENPORT - A local father and longtime youth sports coach is stepping into the Gorillas dugout this spring, taking over the Davenport baseball program while coaching his own sons and aiming for the program's first playoff berth in years. Darin Danekas, 51, of Davenport said the opportunity to lead as head coach - with senior son Cooper on the varsity roster and junior high son Travis nearby - made the move an easy one. "It's exciting," Danekas said. "I felt that I could step...

  • Lions Club, Das Kraut Haus snag chamber honors

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    ODESSA - In a spirited nod to March Madness, a small-town chamber banquet turned into a casual bash with game-day grub, comedy and a lively auction, uniting locals for awards and fun. The Odessa event Saturday at Old Town Hall highlighted community honors, as Vice President Zach Schafer, 45, of Odessa, touted its role in building ties under a "big game day" theme. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce named Das Kraut Haus Business of the Year, praising owners Alyssa and Winston Wade...

  • Iowa truck theft ends in local jail sentence

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    SPRAGUE - A Kelso woman was sentenced to two months in jail for possessing a stolen pickup truck in a cross-country case that ended in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, March 9. Courtney Mae Currera, 35, of Kelso, appeared in restraints Tuesday in court and entered a guilty plea on one count of possessing a stolen vehicle, a Class B felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, according to court records. Superior Court Judge Adam Walser...

  • Divisions exposed in Reardan council

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    REARDAN — In a fiery clash that exposed raw divisions in Reardan, a resident publicly branded a council member as “radical” during a city council meeting, sparking heated demands for apologies and debates over transparency in the town’s governance. The Thursday, March 5 session at the fire department featured sharp exchanges among officials and the public. Mayor Kathy Eastman presided, with council members Rocky Kidder, Dan Graham and Leanne Merkel present. Clerk-treasurer Sam Mathis attended, while Wayne Terry and Pat Hog...

  • Council approves airport grant

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    ODESSA — The Odessa Town Council voted Monday to deny a request to vacate a portion of an alley in Block 5 between East Fifth and East Sixth avenues, citing concerns over access costs and safety after a public hearing drew opposition from residents worried about utility maintenance and vehicle navigation. The decision followed a letter from resident Dennis Bergquist’s attorney, who supported the closure as long as it didn’t restrict his access. Council members debated the undeveloped west end, filled with rocks and trees, est...

  • Becker: Local grocers retiring; party planned

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    DAVENPORT — The City Council approved aid for an indigent resident, upheld an infrastructure fee for new development and saluted retiring local grocers, closing with light chatter on snow plows and sparse police patrols. The council, led by Mayor Brad Sweet remotely from Seattle, met Wednesday with members Patrick Katz, Michael Wilkinson, Chris Stein, Heath Becker and Cory Hollis present. Michael Strite was absent. City Administrator Steve Goemmel, Clerk-Treasurer David Leath and Sabrina Warwick were present. During the s...

  • Judge lifts no-contact order

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    A superior court judge granted a woman’s request to rescind a no-contact order against her estranged husband in a domestic violence case involving alleged threats to kill their family and burn down their home, but kept a previous parenting plan in place as a safeguard for the child’s safety. Michelle Edgerton, the victim, and the defendant’s father appeared Tuesday at the motion hearing in Lincoln County Superior Court, where Judge Adam Walser approved the request against Nicholas Gene Finch, 39, who also was present accordin...

  • Patriotic stitches salute local Vietnam warrior

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 12, 2026

    REARDAN - In a touching moment that evoked tears of gratitude amid a routine City Council meeting, a Vietnam veteran and local leader was surprised with a handmade quilt last week, honoring his wartime sacrifices and lifelong community service. The emotional presentation unfolded Thursday when Councilman Raymond "Rocky" Kidder received the tribute from the greater Spokane chapter of Quilts of Valor. Presenters Cheryl Moriarty and Glenda Haddican, representing the national...

  • Reardan upsets Okanogan in 2B regional basketball

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 5, 2026

    OMAK - Maveric Sobotta scored 10 points in the fourth quarter as Reardan pulled away to upset Okanogan 60-48 in a WIAA Class 2B boys basketball regional game on Feb. 28. The sixth-seeded Screaming Eagles built a double-digit halftime lead before the third-seeded Bulldogs rallied to tie the score at 40 entering the final period. Reardan ran off to a 17-point lead in the first half and held Okanogan to nine points in the first quarter, leading 35-24 at halftime. Okanogan closed...

  • Young Tigers target mental toughness

    Derek Bilodeaux, The Record-Times|Updated Mar 5, 2026

    ODESSA - The Odessa Tigers are gearing up for a youthful baseball and softball season, aiming to instill a stronger will to win amid thin pitching and motivational challenges. Head coach Joe Schlomer said the roster will feature 12 to 13 players, leaning on returning standouts Miller Stout, Aiden Villanueva and Travis Scherer for leadership. "We're going to be a little young and a little short in numbers," Schlomer said. He highlighted Sophia Martinez as a potential pitching...

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