The great leaders who forged the future of Washington's forests and fish

GUEST EDITORIAL

Billy Frank, Jr. and Stu Bledsoe came from very different backgrounds, yet their friendship and determination laid the groundwork for what today is known as Washington's historic Forests and Fish agreement. Those accords paved the way to revitalized wild salmon habitats, cleaner water and better forest management.

More presidential candidates needed

Hillary for president! Jeb Bush for president! The mostly liberal media have all but crowned Hillary. The old guard Republicans are trying to give us arguably the best of the Bush family men. At least he has true executive experience and proven leadership as governor of Florida.

Ag markets ended the week in decidedly mixed fashion

Improved planting prospects depressed corn futures Friday. The grain and soy markets bounced Thursday night, but corn turned lower in Friday action. Talk of improved planting weather apparently triggered fresh selling, since farmers could get a great deal of grain planted during the prospective window expected next week. July corn tumbled 7.5 cents to $4.995/bushel at its Friday settlement, while December lost 5.5 cents to $4.94.

Ag markets proved generally weak Tuesday night

Profit-taking reportedly hit the crop markets Tuesday night. The crop markets posted impressive gains Tuesday, with the nearby contracts making multi-month highs. Their rallies may persist, especially if country prices remain strong, but the markets apparently suffered from widespread profit-taking in overnight action. May corn sank 4.0 cents to $5.1175/bushel early Wednesday morning, while December slumped 3.75 cents to $5.085.

Ag market proved generally mixed Monday

Corn was supported by slow planting prospects Monday. Although some farmers may have been able to rush some corn planting late last week, the advent of wet, chilly weather over the Corn Belt over the weekend reportedly encouraged buying. Little corn is likely to get planted during the next two weeks, which suggests diminished harvest potential next fall. May corn inched up 0.75 cent to $5.0775/bushel as Monday’s pit session ended, while December added 0.75 cent to $5.07.

After long wait, ranchers find relief from USDA

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gary Cammack wondered if his state's ranching community could recover.

Soy, wheat markets surged Tuesday

Spillover strength supported corn futures Tuesday. The latest forecasts point to cool mid-April temperatures, but they also imply a stretch of dryness. That may allow farmers to take advantage of the dry spell and get lots of corn planted, which weighed upon prices late this morning. However, strength spilling over from the wheat and soy markets apparently pulled prices upward. May corn settled up 0.75 cent to $5.0375/bushel Tuesday afternoon, while December skidded 0.25 to $5.0325.

Ag markets seemingly weakened as Monday morning passed

Corn futures started the week on a soft note. Ongoing rains over parts of the Corn Belt and improved weather forecasts for the central U.S. seemed to weigh upon corn future Sunday night. Traders reportedly expect late-week dryness to allow a big surge in plantings. Early losses were likely limited by soy and wheat firmness, as well as a favorable result on the weekly Export Inspections report. May corn slumped 3.5 cents to $4.9825/bushel Monday morning, while December lost 3.5 to $5.0325.

Experienced campaigner Dani Bolyard to seek seat

COULEE CITY - After several years of supporting, even campaigning for others, well-known Grant County Republican Party activist Dani Bolyard has decided to run for an office of her own.

Tom Dent declares for Warnick's seat

MOSES LAKE - Long time Moses Lake area businessman Tom Dent has announced he will run for the 13th District House of Representatives seat being vacated by Rep. Judy Warnick, who has opted to run for the state senate.

Hawaii and the electric cow

Normally, you wouldn't think the cost of electricity would clobber ranchers, but in Hawaii, high power rates are the central competitiveness issue. In fact, the owners of the mammoth Parker Ranch on Hawaii's big island have calculated their "per cow" electricity costs.

Tom Dent declares for Warnick's seat

MOSES LAKE - Long time Moses Lake area businessman Tom Dent has announced he will run for the 13th District House of Representatives seat being vacated by Rep. Judy Warnick, who has opted to run for the state senate.

Ag markets proved rather volatile Wednesday morning

Corn futures followed wheat higher Wednesday morning. The corn market has bounced from technical support this week with a big assist from surging wheat prices. Wheat gains and talk of potential spring dryness in the U.S. and Black Sea appear to be boosting prices, but traders were probably encouraged by the reported drop in domestic ethanol inventories. May corn gained 2.0 cents to $4.8525/bushel around midsession Wednesday, while December added 2.0 to $4.8325. .

Not just a farmer's daughter

Seventh-generation farmer Heather Darby to speak at Women in Ag conference

Bolyard runs for state rep seat

COULEE CITY - Coulee City resident and former Grant County Republican Party Chairwoman Dani Bolyard officially announced Thursday she is running for the 13th District House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Judy Warnick, who is seeking a state Senate seat.

Dent announces candidacy for Warnick's seat

MOSES LAKE - Long-time Moses Lake businessman and former chair of the Grant County Republican Party Tom Dent announced this week his candidacy for the 13th District seat in the state House of Representatives.

David Wayne Long

In the early morning hours on February 3rd, 2014, as a new day was dawning, the soul of a warrior entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

Dennis Wayne Starkweather Sr.

Dennis Wayne Starkweather Sr. passed away in his home Sunday evening, surrounded by friends and family, on his favorite "holiday" of the year. Being a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he threw in his "terrible towel" on Feb. 2nd, 2014 during this year's Super Bowl, which was held in his home state of New York.

Bill aims to modify effects of manure pollution ruling

OLYMPIA - Legislators are trying to determine the impact of last fall's Supreme Court decision to side with the state Department of Ecology against Columbia County rancher Joseph Lemire.

Isabelle Anna (Van Nice) Winship

Isabelle Anna (Van Nice) Winship, age 97, a resident of Warden, WA since 1955, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, WA, surrounded by her family. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Kayser's Chapel, followed by interment in Warden's Sunset Memorial Gardens. After a brief graveside service, there will be an informal reception nearby in Warden, with the location to be announced at the service and also on Kayser's website at www.kayserschapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moses Lake Public Library Foundation. Details will be available on Kayser's website or by phone.