Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!

Articles written by olivia harnack


Sorted by date  Results 312 - 336 of 680

Page Up

  • From warzone to wheat zone: My campaign in homesteading

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Dec 30, 2025

    There are few things more humbling than a freshly graduated 23-year-old-lovingly called "Big City Girl" by her small-town friends-trying to become a homesteader after moving straight from college to Harrington. I like to joke that I "served" my time in Detroit before enlisting in the Army, but let's be honest: 8 Mile was a warzone long before basic training. These days, my biggest battles are with haybales and sourdough. Speaking of battles, let's talk garden warfare. I...

  • The red, white, and Blue Suede Shoes

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Dec 30, 2025

    “You remind me of the Fourth of July… makes me want a hot dog real bad.” – Jennifer Coolidge in Legally Blonde 2, and me, basically every summer. There’s something about the Fourth of July that just lights a firecracker in my soul. Maybe it’s the smell of grilled meat, the feeling of an explosion in your chest as colors fill the dark sky, or the sheer joy of watching someone try to relight a dud firework with a beer in hand like they are suddenly a demolition expert. Now...

  • Buzzkill: I took my bee emergency straight to the station

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Dec 30, 2025

    Lately, I’ve been taking full advantage of this summery weather here in my newly adopted hometown—soaking in the air, basking in the sun, and quite literally feeling on top of the world while zooming past semi-trucks on my Kawasaki Ninja like the main character in an action movie… only, you know, the law-abiding kind. No police calls have been made about me—yet—and that’s not for lack of opportunity, but rather because I revere the law like a cow reveres the herd. (Peacefully. Lovingly. Occasionally confused.) Now I know...

  • Moccassin Bay Burns

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 10, 2025

    MOCCASSIN BAY - Several cabins and other properties in the Moccassin Bay area have been destroyed by the Western Pines Fire. Fire officials reported the blaze had grown to 3,787.3 acres and was 0% contained at press time Thursday morning, July 10. Evacuation advisories had been issued for the area that borders Lake Roosevelt. The Western Pines Fire broke out in the early afternoon Wednesday, July 9, with dispatch receiving calls around 12:44 p.m. for the initial response, acco...

  • Deputy faces protection order petition in court

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 10, 2025

    DAVENPORT — A Lincoln County deputy is facing a petition for a protection order filed by his former partner, who alleges threats of violence and concerning behavior in court documents. Milea Jean Hudspeth, 43, filed the petition in Lincoln County Superior Court against Brian Scott Hudspeth, 43, citing concerns for her safety and that of their two children, Cayson Hudspeth, 11, and Emery Hudspeth, 7. In court filings, Milea stated that Brian “has threatened suicide by gun in more than one scenario,” and claimed he has “mili...

  • Rusty Vikings rock the historic stage

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 10, 2025

    HARRINGTON — The sounds of classic rock will fill the Harrington Opera House on Saturday, July 19, as The Rusty Vikings take the stage for an evening performance. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the historic opera house, located at 19 South Third Street. Admission is by donation at the door. The Rusty Vikings, known for their high-energy renditions of 1950s and 1960s rock and roll, originated in 1969 when several members were students at Sprague High School. The band reunited in 2010 for the Sprague High School Class of 1...

  • Burn bans expand across county

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 3, 2025

    DAVENPORT — As temperatures climb and wildfire risk intensifies, fire districts across Lincoln County are enacting burn bans, with the National Park Service imposing some of the most stringent restrictions leading into the Fourth of July weekend. A total fire ban will take effect at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area at 12:01 a.m. On Wednesday, July 3, the National Park Service announced. The ban prohibits all open flames, including those in designated fire rings and barbecue boxes. Shoreline fires, charcoal grills, t...

  • Strozyk sworn in as school leader

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    HARRINGTON — Harrington School alum, Lincoln County resident, mom of three, and longtime educator, Courtney Strozyk, is adding a new hat to her collection — this time as the dual-role superintendent and principal of Harrington School. Strozyk, 44, of Davenport, officially took her oath of office during the School Board meeting on Monday, June 30, bringing her full circle to the school she once walked as a student herself. Strozyk is signed on for a two-year contract with the school district. “I am super excited. It is totally...

  • LCSO welcomes new patrol deputy

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    DAVENPORT - The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has welcomed a new member to its patrol division. Deputy Nicholas Pecheos, who graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Pasco last week, officially joined the department and moved to Lincoln County on Monday. Pecheos, whose last name is pronounced "Peaches," grew up in Moxee, Wash., and is a graduate of East Valley High School in Yakima. He served in the U.S. Army for six years before pursuing college in Moses Lake....

  • Harrington moves to four-day week

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    HARRINGTON - Harrington School District will shift to a four-day school week beginning this fall, according to action taken at the regular School Board meeting on Monday, June 30. Newly sworn-in Superintendent Courtney Strozyk, of Davenport, said preparations are well underway to ensure the new schedule does not affect core academic instruction, particularly for student athletes. "I have worked a ton on making sure student athletes aren't going to miss the core classes they...

  • Harrington Library launches summer reading program

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    HARRINGTON — The Harrington Library is launching its four-week summer reading program for children on Tuesday, July 15, while also preparing for updated hours set to take effect in August. The program, themed Steam into Action, will be held each Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. through August 5. The kickoff event on July 15 will feature a “battle bot” workshop presented by the Mobius Science Center, during which children will design and compete with their own robots. “This is a sciency STEM thing where the kids are going to design...

  • Tech repair returns to Odessa

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    ODESSA — Longtime technician and Odessa resident Marlon Schafer is bringing computer and device repair services back to town with the launch of his new mobile business, NorthWest Computer. Operating without a traditional storefront, Schafer will work out of 210 Birch Street and provide service directly to customers at their homes. The business offers computer sales and repair, as well as troubleshooting for tablets, televisions, lawnmowers and other small electronics and motor-powered items. Phones and vehicles are excluded....

  • OPD host 2025 Bike and Scooter Night

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jul 2, 2025

    ODESSA - The Odessa Police Department hosted its annual Bike and Scooter Night on Wednesday, June 25, drawing dozens of local families to an evening of road safety education, giveaways and community fun. "Wow! What a great bike/scooter night 2025," Odessa Police shared in a statement. "Thanks to all the kids and parents who attended and encouraged your kids to learn the rules of the road. Safety on the roads in Odessa is very important to us; we want you to Ride Safe." The...

  • Rodeo rookies ride to victory

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Jun 26, 2025

    The dust has settled on the 2025 Davenport Junior Rodeo, which brought two full days of grit, speed and showmanship to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, June 20–21. Youth contestants from across the region competed in a packed schedule of events ranging from barrel racing and dummy roping to steer wrestling and bull riding. In the Little People division, Stella Streeter dominated the leaderboard, taking first in barrel racing (21.701), Cal Stake (9.097), and dummy roping (6 p...

  • Vintage charm, community spirit shine

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Jun 26, 2025

    HARRINGTON - The annual Vintage Country Fair brought a full day of small-town tradition, family fun and historic celebration to the heart of downtown on Saturday, June 21, with cheerful crowds braving the weather to enjoy the festivities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair featured a variety of attractions, including live music, vintage market vendors, a tractor showcase, classic fair food, children's activities and community-wide yard sales. Residents and visitors were invited to...

  • County updates five-year homeless plan

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Jun 26, 2025

    DAVENPORT — Lincoln County has officially begun the process of updating its Five-Year Homeless Plan for 2025–2030, the Board of County Commissioners announced June 17. The update is being led by the Lincoln County Homeless Housing Taskforce and is required under RCW 43.185C. The current version of the plan is available for public review on the county website under the “Document Center – Board of County Commissioners” section. For more information on draft updates or upcoming public meetings, contact Cruze Thompson, housing d...

  • Vintage Country Fair on deck

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    HARRINGTON — Community members are invited to step back in time for a day of vintage charm, live music and family fun during the Harrington Vintage Country Fair on Saturday, June 21. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Harrington and will feature a vintage market, tractor showcase, community yard sales and a variety of activities for all ages. Two local bands are scheduled to perform live music, and vendors will offer classic fair food and homemade treats throughout the day. A children’s area will inc...

  • Lincoln County wages trail State, Nation

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    DAVENPORT — Lincoln County workers earned significantly less than their state and national counterparts at the end of 2024, according to new data released Tuesday, June 17, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the fourth quarter, Lincoln County reported an average weekly wage of $1,064—nearly $450 less than the national average of $1,507 and more than $800 below Washington’s statewide average of $1,897. The data includes workers covered by unemployment insurance programs, accounting for 2,687 total jobs acros...

  • Drivers' ed age expansion approved

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    OLYMPIA — More young adults in Washington will soon be required to complete driver’s education under a new law signed by Governor Bob Ferguson earlier this year. Senate Bill 5583 directs the state Department of Licensing to expand mandatory driver’s education to include new drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. Currently, only 16- and 17-year-olds are required to complete a driver training program before receiving a license. Lawmakers cited crash data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission showing that, over the p...

  • From camo to combines: Trading kevlar for cowgirl boots

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    Last Thursday, I was packing my large green duffle bag and brushing sand out of my boots after a week of frolicking-yes, frolicking-in the southern Idaho desert during National Guard duty. I was sunburned, dust-covered, and dreaming of a long shower, when my phone rang. It wasn't a call for R&R, or even to ask if I'd made it out alive. No, it was an editor assignment-one I didn't realize would involve dust, denim, and the wildest bunch of folks this side of the Mississippi...

  • Crash, smash, repeat in Lind

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    LIND - Engines roared and dust clouds rose over the Lind Lions Club Arena on Saturday, June 14, as 15 machines slammed and crashed their way through the 2025 Lind Combine Derby. The weekend-long event kicked off Friday, June 13, and featured a town parade Saturday morning, starting with the kids parade, followed by at least 22 entries in the Grand Parade downtown. In the muddy main event, Tyran Doyle, of Lind, took first place behind the wheel of The Extinguisher. Kyle Young,...

  • Davenport Junior Rodeo returns

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 18, 2025

    DAVENPORT — The Davenport Junior Rodeo is set to return June 20-21, bringing two days of youth rodeo action to town with new prize offerings and expanded sanctioning. This year’s event is sanctioned by both the Eastern Washington Junior Rodeo Association (EWJRA) and the Columbia Tie-Down Junior Rodeo Association (CTJRA), drawing contestants from across the region to compete in a full slate of events. A new prize format debuts this year, offering awards to top performers across all age divisions. One saddle will be awa...

  • Davenport yard sale set for Saturday

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 12, 2025

    DAVENPORT — The annual Davenport Community-wide Yard Sale is set for this Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with dozens of households expected to participate. Sponsored by Davenport High School FBLA, the event features a map of registered yard sales throughout town. FBLA students have handled advertising and placed signs to help shoppers find participating locations. Shoppers can expect a wide range of items, from furniture and home goods to clothes, books and toys. Maps will be available online and at various l...

  • Gunpowder, CPO, and a side of chocolate milk

    Olivia Harnack|Updated Jun 12, 2025

    Nothing flavors a burger better than gunpowder and CPO. That's what my sergeant told me the other day while I was elbow-deep in rifle grime, scrubbing carbon off like I was auditioning for an Army version of Mr. Clean. We're back in Lewiston, Idaho, for the final stretch of annual training and our June drill weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with the time-honored military tradition of weapons cleaning, let me break it down for you: imagine cleaning the same rifle over and...

  • Deadline nears for yard sale

    Olivia Harnack, The Record-Times|Updated Jun 5, 2025

    DAVENPORT — The deadline is approaching for residents who want to participate in this year’s Davenport Community-wide Yard Sale. Participants can register by Friday, June 6, to be included on the official yard sale map. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a fee, sellers will have their addresses listed on the map, receive a yard sign and benefit from advertising handled by Davenport High School FBLA students. The group will promote the event across Lincoln County and in surrounding com...

Page Down