Ribbon-cutting celebrates Othello Walmart remodel

OTHELLO — Anthony Briceno, Othello Walmart store manager, was the designated cutter of the ribbon recognizing the store’s remodeling June 20. But he handed the scissors off to someone he wanted to recognize. 

“Long before I got here, and long after I leave, this lady will be making a lasting impression on the community,” Briceno said. “I would like her to do the honor of cutting the ribbon.” 

Silvia Martinez is one of three employees who have been working at the store since it opened in 2001. Briceno said the other two longest-term employees couldn’t attend, so Martinez did the honors. And it was an honor, she said. She remembered when it opened its doors.  

“I helped put this store together,” Martinez said.  

The ribbon-cutting also included donations to six local charities. The Othello Food Bank, Othello Chamber of Commerce, the Othello Chamber of Commerce and the Lighthouse Community Center each received $1,000. Lutacaga Elementary School and Adams County Pet Rescue each received $750. 

Briceno said the remodeling was designed to update and improve services for store customers. 

“We updated our pharmacy, gave it a little more space to make it a little bit more customer-friendly,” Briceno said. “We expanded our garden center, (and) we expanded some of our food categories to make a bigger selection for the town.” 

The entrance was remodeled, and curbside pickup parking was expanded, he said.  

“We moved (some services) around so that it’s better for customers,” Briceno said. 

He has been the Othello store manager for about two years but has been with Walmart for 15 years, he said. Originally from Yakima, he started on the night shift. 

“Hourly overnight associate and worked my way through,” he said.  

Jake Federwisch, Walmart’s North Central Washington market manager representative, gave credit to the employees for their contributions to the project – and for making it possible.  

“The associates in the store worked so hard to earn this, and they wanted to invest in their community,” he said. “They serve you guys well.” 

    Othello-area grant recipients gather for a photo during the ribbon-cutting for the Othello Walmart remodel.