Welcome to our town??

Ritzville has always been known as Eastern Washington's best kept secret. We'd like to change that. The Ritzville Public Development Authority (PDA) is hoping to do just that. Washington State University's Interdisciplinary Design Institute (WSU IDI) will present four proposed solutions to our signage and identity problem.

On Friday, December 12, the WSU IDI students will present their ideas to the community. Everyone is invited to attend. We are hoping to have a good group of community members present to stimulate some dialog.

By inviting visitors to our community and making them feel welcome when they get here, it is the hope of the PDA to stimulate some economic development opportunities.

Come join in the discussion. Be a part of the solution.

WSU IDI Partnership for Community and Economic Development

One of the many partners contributing to the success of the Horizons effort and the overall community and economic development work in Ritzville is the WSU Interdisciplinary Design Institute. Dr. Janetta McCoy and her graduate students have been worked with Ritzville to develop strategic plans, grant proposals and marketing materials, research and create presentations about tax credit incentives, historic preservation needs, training and job opportunities, etc. WSU IDI is the lead partner on a new Historic Preservation Trades Center in Ritzville which will provided both training and job opportunities in the community. Thanks Dr. McCoy and all your students for there invaluable assistance and support of Ritzville!

Ritzville Successful in $200,000 Heritage Fund Grant Request

Ritzville has received a $200,000 Heritage Capital Projects Fund (HCPF) grant to continue renovation on the building where the new learning center will be located. This is a very competitive grant process and we are thrilled to have been chosen to receive these funds. Thanks to Ann Olson for leading this effort and all those involved!

Family Swim Night a Great Success

The turnout was great with over 150 attending the Horizons Family Swim Night. The weather couldn't have been better!!! The ice cream hit the spot.

Drawings were held for free day passes, swimming lessions, and a family season pass. Several individuals won passes who already had purchased a family pass. They generously donated their passes to someone who could use the passes. What a great evening!!! Ritzville's sense of community was at its best.

Hospitality Training

Sue Price presented her hospitality training to over 40 eager citizens of Ritzville and Lind this past week. She came early and did some secret shopping. Ritzville received some good and some not so good comments. The critiques were well received by the attendees.

As evidenced by the amount of conversation in the parking lot, everyone went home energized and ready to create their WOW moments for Ritzville's visitors.

Ritzville Applies for Certified Local Government Funds

Ritzville with the assistance of WSU IDI applied for funding through the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for the development of design guidelines in downtown. This will help to ensure Ritzville is able to maintain and improve the downtown area so it can be a strong commercial and community district.

What's Your Dream for Ritzville

New Mayor, Linda Kadlec, has challenged the community to share their dream for Ritzville. Some really great dreams have been submitted. The Journal has printed many of the dreams and will continue to do so as long as they keep coming in.

What's your dream? Submit all of your dreams to the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce, City of Ritzville, or the Journal.

Together we can make a difference.

"If you don't have a dream, how ya gonna make a dream come true?"

WSU Extension Rural Bridges Joins Efforts to Assist with Historic Preservation Trades Center

WSU Rural Bridges staff has joined WSU IDI to assist Ritzville in efforts related to a new Historic Preservation Trades Center. This includes assistance with a market analysis, strategic plan, outreach to potential funders, curriculum developers, instructors, students, etc. This project will provide needed skills training and hopefully lead to job opportunities and economic development in Ritzville.