The Year in Review

September

Odessa’s newest business, Odessa Glass, and its Internet-based counterpart, “Etched Dreams,” opened for business in the building that formerly housed the NAPA store and Empire Electric. It was a welcome addition to the downtown business corridor and filled an empty storefront.

Ryan Carpenter, son of Lori (Zeiler) Carpenter formerly of Odessa, was hired by the physical therapy department at the hospital.

The Odessa community float sported a theme of “Fun in the Sun” and was ready for its run in the Deutschesfest parade. The information booth for Fest has been refurbished with various repairs and a new paint job reminiscent of a lady’s dirndl dress. A carnival out of Post Falls, Idaho agreed to attend the Fest at the last minute.

Odessa area state legislators Tom Dent, Matt Mannweller and Judy Warnick visited The Odessa Record’s office to provide updates on current legislation and issues affecting the local area.

HaLee Walter became the reigning “Pickle Queen” at this year’s Fest, as judged by a panel of local pickle “experts.” A large crowd enjoyed watching the judging.

October

Odessa resident Kelly Watkins became the newest member of the town council, filling the position vacated by Lois Hubbard who resigned due to illness.

The Harrington Fall Festival drew crowds of visitors to its annual celebration which included a parade, a car show, garage/yard/rummage sales, a beer garden and vendors throughout the downtown area.

School enrollment in Odessa ballooned to 229 this fall after several years in a row of declining numbers.

The Odessa chapter of Future Business Leaders of America gathered donations ($2,500 cash, plus several pounds of hamburger, stew meat and chicken) and spent many after-school hours cooking in the school cafeteria to supply meals for the firefighters battling record blazes to the north. Parents and other volunteers drove the meals north to the fire command center.

Linda Goodman joined the staff of The Odessa Record.

The Odessa-Harrington junior-high football team celebrated an undefeated season.

A rural area resident reported that his pet dog was shot and killed on the opening day of hunting season on property well-posted with “No Hunting” and “No Trespassing” signs.

The annual Women’s Health Night, sponsored by the medical community in Odessa and Lincoln County, filled the basement social hall of Heritage Church for a banquet catered by the local FBLA chapter at the high school.

November

Odessa Office Equipment has expanded its high-speed wireless Internet business into Harrington, Davenport and Reardan, according to owner Marlon Schafer.

The O-H girls volleyball team qualified for the state tournament in Yakima’s Sundome and came home with the 8th-place trophy.

The OH Booster Club’s steak dinner and auction was held in the community center in Odessa with a large crowd on hand.

Veterans Day was celebrated at school a day early and with a community dinner held on the actual day at the Heritage Church.

The Odessa Healthcare Foundation purchased a portable X-ray machine for use at the hospital using funds raised at the annual winetasting and auction.

December

Odessa junior-high age students who achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the first school semester were treated to a lunch at Chiefs Bar & Grill.

Danny “DJ” Jones, PA-C, was given a going-away party by the medical staff and community members. He resigned his position to return to work in the Spokane area.

Christmas Fest was held the first Wednesday in December and filled the community center with vendors and shoppers kicking off the holiday gift-giving season. Music was provided all day on stage, door prizes were awarded and Santa came to visit and hear wish-lists.

The Town of Odessa received a $171,470 grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board to provide sidewalks and curbs along First Street all the way from the school, down past the community center and on to Reiman Park.

The Floch family announced that the final “Floch Games” would be held this winter in Moses Lake.

Zach Schafer was elected as president of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.