Rankin reflects on small town life

RITZVILLE – Local proprietor John Rankin didn't plan to spend three decades of his life in this small farming community.

"If you told me 35 years ago that I would end up in Ritzville, I'd have said you were crazy," he said.

Rankin, 69, started life in southern California.

At age 10, Rankin, his parents and three brothers moved from his birthplace in Whittier, Calif., to Spokane Valley where his father worked for Kaiser Aluminum.

During his high school years in Spokane, Rankin developed an interest in mechanical drawing and history. Based on his early skills and interests, an adviser recommende...