Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
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DAVENPORT — Most major banks, post offices, and shipping services will be closed on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. National retailers, grocery stores, and restaurant chains will largely remain open, though some may operate with reduced hours. Exceptions include Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Texas Roadhouse, which will be closed. The Lincoln County Record-Times will also be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, and will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2. The Lincoln County Courthouse will also be closed in observance of the holid...
INCIDENT LOG Editor’s note: Most items in this section reflect the starting point for response by local police and emergency agencies. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) does not release names of individuals who report possible criminal or suspicious activities to dispatchers or alleged victims for this column. December 15 Traffic Stops: 14 At 4:24 a.m., a man called, reporting he had recently left a resident in the Look Lake area where an altercation had occurred between himself and a female friend. He advised tha...
DAVENPORT - Lincoln County commissioners and community members gathered Wednesday, Dec. 18, for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds to celebrate the start of construction on a new indoor rodeo arena. The $2 million project, funded through state capital grants, will provide a multi-use indoor space for events such as barrel racing, rodeos, dog shows and even weddings. "We got a grant from the state capital for $1 million, and we've allocated $970,000...
DAVENPORT — The Lincoln County Commissioners appointed Ty Albertson, 41, as the new prosecuting attorney during their meeting on Monday, December 16. Albertson will officially assume the role on January 13, following the resignation of current Prosecuting Attorney Adam Walser, who will assume Lincoln County Superior Court Judge. “I am very excited and very grateful that they selected me,” said Albertson. “It shows a lot of faith in me, and I appreciate that. I am excited for the challenge.” “The commissioners picked my s...
DAVENPORT — County Commissioners Scott Hutsell and Jo Gilchrist will officially be sworn into their elected positions on Monday, Dec. 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Courthouse. Gilchrist, who was appointed in 2023 after the retirement of Commissioner Mark Stedman, ran for a full four-year term this year and successfully secured the seat. “I ran alongside Scott Hutsell, and now I’m excited to begin my full term. Scott is beginning his fifth term as commissioner, and there are only a few commissioners in their fifth ter...
DAVENPORT — The Davenport City Council has approved a $7.8 million budget for 2025, including adjustments to water and sewer rates to ensure sustainable operations and financial stability. The $7.8 million budget outlines estimated revenues of $8,854,290 and proposed expenditures totaling $7,810,500, covering the city’s financial needs for the coming fiscal year. City Administrator Steve Goemmel explained that water and sewer rate adjustments were initially approved in early November, but changes were made after add...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $300 million in assistance to distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. The funding announced Friday, Dec. 20, is expected to provide assistance to more than 12,800 distressed direct and guaranteed Farm Loan Programs borrowers, officials said. “USDA has always been committed to standing by our nation’s farmers and ranchers, especially in their most challenging times,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “At USDA, we are not only addressin...
SPOKANE — Avista Corporation has announced changes to electric and natural gas rates following the conclusion of its general rate cases filed in January 2024. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved a two-year rate plan set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. For electric operations, the approved rates include a 0.1 percent, or $0.8 million, increase in base revenue for the first year and an 11.6 percent, or $68.9 million, increase in the second year. For natural gas operations, r...
DAVENPORT — Care and Share, a local nonprofit, recently received a record donation of 2,340lbs of food from Davenport School. The donation, which included various items, will help support the organization’s ongoing food distribution efforts. “We’ve had a great year of support,” said Cindy Warner, president of Care and Share. “In addition to the school’s generous contribution, Safeway has provided recovery food, and several local churches have donated. The community has been wonderful.” Care and Share distributes foo...
ODESSA — The local man who was arrested and pleaded guilty to felony harassment charges with threats to kill was released from custody. Arthur James Banko, 68, was released from custody after pleading guilty to felony harassment with threats to kill. The decision followed a lengthy legal process, which included competency evaluation and treatment at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake. Banko was initially arrested on August 29, 2024, after allegedly threatening to shoot another man, cut his head off and place it on a f...
ODESSA – The Town Council has entered into a partnership with the town of Reardan to gain additional staffing for their respective police departments. In October, the towns' councils agreed to hire officer Melissa Foust. They will pay an equal share of her $63,321 salary and she will split her time between the two communities. In 2023, the Reardan Police Department and Reardan-Edwall School District shared Foust's services and salary. When the school district did not renew F...
DAVENPORT - If a new friendly face with a miniature dachshund is spotted in tow, chances are she's already planning the next front-page headline. Olivia Harnack, 22, of Harrington, has been named the new managing editor of the Lincoln County Record-Times. Harnack, a recent University of Idaho graduate with a bachelor of science in digital filmmaking, returns to Lincoln County to take on the role. She previously filled in over the summer after former managing editor Drew...
DAVENPORT — A new pizza parlor in town has already made a big impression, drawing large crowds on its opening day, Nov. 11. The family-owned restaurant, 6th Street Cafe & Pizza, is operated by the Colbert family; it is the latest addition to the local dining scene. The owners were too busy to talk before press time this week. Located in the heart of downtown Davenport on Sixth Street, the restaurant offers more than just pizza — it also serves wings, salads, ice cream, and has a full coffee bar. For those looking for a dri...
DAVENPORT — A local man accused of first-degree voyeurism will face trial in Lincoln County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 9. Austin Andrew Anderson, 24, of Davenport, appeared before the court as a readiness hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, March 18. The trial date was set following delays requested by his defense attorney, citing ongoing case preparations. “For an emergency situation, we would wait until May 9 of next year,” Anderson’s defense attorney said during the hearing. Anderson faces allegations stemmin...
INCIDENT LOG Editor’s note: Most items in this section reflect the starting point for response by local police and emergency agencies. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) does not release names of individuals who report possible criminal or suspicious activities to dispatchers or alleged victims for this column. Dispatch Log December 8 Traffic Stops: 5 The LCSO received an anonymous letter at 1:06 a.m. at the door to Wilbur PD. The letter stated that the writer has lived in Wilbur for some time and noticed the bla...
ALMIRA - A local man was evaluated and found fit to stand trial against several charges involving child molestation and rape. Kenneth E. Burda, 72, is charged with first-degree child molestation, fourth-degree child molestation and two counts of first-degree rape of a child. Records show that a status conference was continued at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. Burda was evaluated for competency and found fit to stand trial. The order was signed confirming his competency in court,...
ODESSA — A March 19 trial date was set Monday in Lincoln County Superior Court for a burglary case involving a property near the Adams County line. Shannon D. Awtry, 55, of Othello, is charged with second-degree burglary. A readiness hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25. The defendant waived her right to a speedy trial in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The case stems from a Dec. 29, 2023, investigation when Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy C. Stei responded to assist Adams County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Lane with...
DAVENPORT — Reports have surfaced of a local business and a county resident receiving phone calls from an individual claiming to be a “lieutenant,” giving commands and making unusual demands. The incidents, although unrelated, share several similarities. Authorities have clarified that neither the FBI, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, nor any other law enforcement agency will make phone calls to give verbal commands or issue demands. While it is not uncommon to receive follow-up calls from law enforcement agencies, such ca...
DAVENPORT — The county received 3 to 4 inches of total snowfall on Monday, Dec. 16, and Tuesday, Dec. 17, but the National Weather Service says the snow will not last long. According to National Weather Service Meteorologist Steven VanHorn, only mountainous areas are expected to snow this Christmas, as current and ongoing snowfall will likely melt in lower elevations and valley regions. “We did get some snow across a lot of the Inland Northwest, mostly north of I-90 and in the basin,” VanHorn said. “We got snow from [Highwa...
DAVENPORT — A man convicted of second-degree theft in Lincoln County Superior Court pleaded for his release, citing urgent medical concerns during a hearing Tuesday, Dec. 17. Shaun Michael Willhite, 44, apologized for his actions and asked the court for immediate release due to a serious medical condition. “I would like to apologize for the situation,” Willhite said. “My name will never come across your desks again. That is a promise on my word. I will never be in a situation like this again.” Willhite also told the court...
SPRAGUE — One of three Oregonians convicted of burglarizing a cell tower site Oct. 22 has been sentenced. Justin Curtis Himes, 48, of Irrigon, Ore., was sentenced in Lincoln County Superior Court to one month in jail and a $500 victim assessment fee, records show. He previously pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary. His alleged accomplices, Joshua Mason True, 44, of Irrigon, Ore., and Jason John Trickel, 44, of Hermiston, Ore., will be tried on the same charge Dec. 18. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, a S...
DAVENPORT — A man connected to a May 24 theft case will face trial in January in Lincoln County Superior Court. Shaun Michael Willhite, 45, will be tried for second-degree theft at 9 a.m. Jan. 8; a readiness hearing is set for Dec. 17. Willhite was arrested Nov. 14, records show. Deputies had tracked him to Whitman and Spokane counties. Willhite because the subject of an arrest warrant after his DNA was found on a Mountain Dew bottle at the scene of a May 24 theft at 19501 N. Boyk Road, records show. The arrest warrant was i...
INCIDENT LOG Editor’s note: Most items in this section reflect the starting point for response by local police and emergency agencies. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office does not release names of individuals who report possible criminal or suspicious activities to dispatchers or alleged victims for this column. Dispatch Log DAVENPORT — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service on Dec. 1: Traffic stops: 8 9:29 a.m. — Suspicious circumstances; location not reported. 10:13 a.m. —Black an...
DAVENPORT — A teenager charged with a sex crime after kissing a younger girl has changed his plea to guilty. Charged with fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, the 16-year-old Sprague boy was subsequently sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to attend counseling during a Nov. 26 hearing. The Record-Times made the decision not to print the boy’s name even though it is public record. The sentence stems from an Aug. 20 “peck” on the lips between the teenager and an 11-year-old girl, records show. Accordi...
ALMIRA — A local man will be evaluated to see if he is fit to stand trial in a child rape and molestation case. Kenneth E. Burda, 72, is charged with first-degree child molestation, fourth-degree child molestation and two counts of first-degree rape of a child. A status conference last week in his case has been continued until 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17, records show. Burda will be evaluated for competency, with records showing he may have dementia. Arrested Nov. 18, he is being held in the Lincoln County Jail on $150,000 bail. B...
