Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee … wait, that was that other Davy. This one was born on a cattle and wheat farm on the Great Plains of North Dakota. Farm-fresh common sense, work ethic and imagination forged in the fields of great grains. Like spaghetti? Thank my dad. After an Honor Society high school career in Lakota, N.D., I attended junior college on a basketball scholarship where I repeatedly demonstrated that white men indeed can’t jump. But I did manage an associate’s degree in wildlife management. From there, a semester at the University of North Dakota, where I started to pursue a background in broadcasting and a minor in goofing off, so… To further educational opportunities and real-world experience, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974 and eventually became part of the first all-volunteer army. I served three years as a radio/TV information specialist with extra training in newsprint and leadership. The bulk of my tour was at Fort Lewis, Wash., and I made a note to return to the great state of Washington one day. Honorably discharged in 1977 I returned to North Dakota and Minot State University, where I received degrees in communications and psychology. While attending school I worked as a radio DJ and a TV news reporter at a local combo operation. It was there that I discovered that what was taught in classroom didn’t always square with what was going on in the real world. Good to know. From there I moved to Blacksburg, Va., and a radio/TV producer job for Virginia Tech University -- Go, Gobblers! Go, Hokies! Two years on the East Coast was enough and I headed west to the hippie enclave of Eureka, Calif., for my first TV news director/anchorman gig. Yes, I had a mustache and comparisons to Ron Burgundy would one day be appropriate … just keep them “classy.” At a news guy conference in Las Vegas I met legendary newsman T.J. Close, who was from Washington state! Here was my callback to the Evergreen State, but I wound up on the never-green side of the Cascades. T.J hired me to come to Yakima and KIMA-TV in the winter of 1982. I worked a couple of years there, then spent 10 years across town as news director/anchor at KAPP-TV. I tried my hand at TV sales and radio sales and ultimately got a morning talk show radio gig for about two years on KCHT. (K-chat. Get it? Me, neither) By then KNDO-TV, the only TV station in town I hadn’t worked for, was looking for a news director/anchorman and they came calling based on my track record of past success and the fact that I work cheap. That was a successful five-year run, but the station was sold and the new owners wanted their own people in place, so early in 2001 I was about to be out of a job when KIT’s manager called and asked me to breakfast. Best meal ever! LOTS of bacon. Sixteen years later the Morning News with Dave and Lance rolls on as Yakima’s most popular morning radio show, presenting a variety of news , sports, weather, talk and fun -- Information and good conversation wrapped in our tell-it-like-it-is kinda style. We champion our advertisers, we pull for the underdogs, we love kids, veterans, seniors, animals, America and everything else that’s good and true that list doesn’t cover. We are A.M Proud with conservative values and a love for the people of the Yakima Valley. And it sure beats working on the farm.
Dave Ettl
Are The Days Of The Discover Pass Numbered?
With the state budget flush with cash, Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler wants to return to those golden days of yesteryear and make access to state parks free once again.
Yoga and the Body-Brain Connection
Yoga’s movements, meditation and breathing are linked to an increase in the size of brain areas involved in thinking, decision-making, memory and emotions.
Here’s a Bright Idea: Never Give Up in the New Year!
Positive attitude. Never give up. Whatever your challenge, it sounds like a pretty good approach to take in 2020.
The Icy Debate Rages: Hoar Frost or Rime Ice? [POLL]
On these cold, fresh mornings when you step outside, the chill takes your breath away and you see the world encased in ice, just what are you looking at?
What Is the Right Amount to Spend on Christmas Gifts?
The National Retail Federation conducted its annual survey this year, and found the average American plans to spend $659 on gifts for loved ones.
Yakima’s Holiday Lighted Parade Is Dec. 8
For 20 years Yakima has kicked off the Christmas season with the annual Lighted Holiday Parade, and this year it rolls out on Dec. 8 starting at 6 p.m.
Here’s Your Hangover Cure And It’s No Hair Of the Dog!
Researchers also found that coffee is the worst idea for a hangover, and can actually prolong it, while drinking green or black tea could potentially help at least a little.
Just Exactly Where Does Santa Live?
For the first time ever, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has revealed Santa's address, which is: 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.
Yakima: Least Healthy of Washington’s Major Cities
A new report says Yakima is Washington's least healthy city, based on comparing the numbers.
Jaycee Dugard Brings Her Amazing Story Of Survival And Resilience To Yakima
Jaycee Dugard made national news when she was kidnapped by a convicted sex offender in 1991 and was finally discovered and returned to freedom 18 years later!
Rabid Bat Found In Yakima County Near Moxee
Staff from a local vet clinic delivered the bat to the Yakima Health District (YHD) who shipped it to the state virology/epidemiology lab which confirmed that the bat was infected with rabies.
Central Washington State Fair Holds Job Fair at State Fair Park
Hundreds of Yakima Valley residents make some part-time cash during the 10-day run of the fair working in maintenance, admissions, food service and security.