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  3. Hats off to Dry Fly, and to the WSU design students for rethinking Ritzville

Hats off to Dry Fly, and to the WSU design students for rethinking Ritzville

Ritzville Mayor Linda Kadlec, left, and city clerk Kris Robbins, who’s also a member of the Ritzville Public Development Authority, are among proponents of a plan to build a small roadside wheat farm connected to a museum, shopping complex and visitors center. (Jesse Tinsley)
Ritzville Mayor Linda Kadlec, left, and city clerk Kris Robbins, who’s also a member of the Ritzville Public Development Authority, are among proponents of a plan to build a small roadside wheat farm connected to a museum, shopping complex and visitors center. (Jesse Tinsley)

We found one wheat-related business in Spokane eager to take part in a proposed ag-themed development in Ritzville, located about 60 miles west of Spokane.

That business is Dry Fly Distilling, one of the state's best-regarded craft distillers. The Dry Fly people have been using area grains in all their spirits, including an all-wheat whiskey released last year.

Ritzville residents have concluded it's better to love the freeway than hate it. This story in today's SR sums up the effort, which includes work done for Ritzville by WSU Spokane design students.

A footnote that didn't make it into today's story. After this year, the entire design program at WSU Spokane will be moved to Pullman. Officials say the decision is budget-based.

The Spokesman-Review business team follows economic development in Spokane and the Inland Northwest.