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
Baby Steps, Memorial Hospital Looking For A New Health Partner
Now Memorial is considering a new partnership with the announcement that they have signed a letter of intent to explore joining the MultiCare Health System.
Is This Justice? WA Supreme Court Turns Criminals Into Kids!
Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic is concerned about serious juvenile offenders being promoted to the status of "children" by the court system.
E-burg Cop Gives Time & TrainIng To Keep Kids Safe On Their Own
Going above and beyond for students puts a top cop in the Hall of Fame.
Get Ready For The Roof To Come Off-Selah Community Days In 2 Wks!
After 2 years of hiatus, it's time to once again, enjoy the traditional four-day Selah Community Days celebration at Carlon Park.
West Valley Early Learning Center Approach Earns An A For Awesome
Teachers in the WSVD know that getting a good start is critical to lifelong success in learning.
Heartbroke & Helpless,Yakima Lady Loses Brother To Fentanyl
His addiction was not to chase the euphoria of the high but to stave off the crippling hunger and incapacitating pain of the withdrawl.
Time To Show Some Appreciation For Teachers-They Change Lives
When surveyed, teachers felt the most appreciated by their students, but least appreciated by their school/school system.
Among The Worst- Washington Used Car Prices Up 34% Year To Date
A new study shows the surging demand for used vehicles has sent prices soaring, especially in Washington state where used car prices have increased 34% from March 2021 to 2022.
Where Do You Find The NW’s Coolest, Mosts Expensive Airbnbs?
What are the most expensive Airbnbs in the Pacific Northwest and in the Country?
Yakima’s Master Gardeners Hope You’ll Buy The Best -From Them!
Whether you're new to gardening or seasoned in matters of the soil, the Yakima County Master Gardeners have a sale for you.