HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4723, by Representatives Skinner, Clements, Lisk, Honeyford, Mulliken and Chandler

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize and honor those individuals that have made significant contributions to the well-being of the citizens of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Al Bell is retiring after thirty-nine years as news and sports announcer at radio station KIT in Yakima; and

      WHEREAS, Al Bell is beloved for his candid, to the point, just the facts, plain and simple approach to the giving the news, earning him the distinction as the "local Walter Cronkite"; and

      WHEREAS, Through the years Al Bell has become Yakima Valley's best known play-by-play announcer, covering everything from the Yakima Bears, the American Legion Baseball team, horse racing at Yakima Meadows, and high school sports; and

      WHEREAS, Al Bell served in the Army's military intelligence during the Korean War and began his radio career after the Korean War in 1953 at KREW, a Sunnyside radio station, and six years later began at KIT; and

      WHEREAS, Al Bell through his many years of service has become Yakima Valley's most trusted newsperson and is counted on to deliver to surrounding Yakima Valley the news, local events, sports, weather, and emergency information; and

      WHEREAS, Shortly after Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, Al Bell and KIT went on the air, without any interruptions for advertisements, to provide the Yakima Valley with continuous up-to-date reports, news, weather, and emergency information; and

      WHEREAS, Al Bell is a credit to the entire Yakima Valley and the State of Washington;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor Al Bell for his many years of service to the Yakima Valley and for his contribution to the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Al Bell and Rick McClary, KIT Operations Manager.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4723 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 11, 1998.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk