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
Yakima’s Challenge : City Among The Poorest In The State
Uncover the top ten poorest cities in Washington, with Pullman topping the list and Yakima ranking tenth.
Not The Spot You Want: Pullman #1 Poorest City In Washington
The intriguing story of Pullman's economic contradictions--significant poverty struggles amidst its reputation as a safe haven.
Hate Lizards? Good News – Deforestation Threatens 80% of WA Lizards
Uncover the University of Colorado's study showing 8 out of 10 lizards at risk due to deforestation. Nature Climate Change warns of dire consequences.
Deadly and Rare Mountain Lion Attack In El Dorado County
Tragic mountain lion attack in El Dorado County leaves one brother dead, another injured in incident near Darling Ridge Road , 70 miles from Sacramento, California.
Breakfast Bonanza: Best In The U.S. Revealed in Oregon
Explore the vibrant breakfast scene in the Pacific Northwest with a visit to the highly-rated Family Cafe in Beaverton, Oregon.
Debunking Myths: Long-Term Health Risks Of 16-Hour Fasting
Is intermittent fasting really safe? New research shows a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death with an 8-hour eating window. Find out more.
A Salute To Service: Washington State’s Vietnam Vets Recognized
Join us in honoring Vietnam War veterans at the Welcome Home Ceremony in Olympia on March 30. Let's show gratitude together!
Desperation And Dollars: Washington’s Depression Dance Marathons
Step back in time to the Great Depression era and learn about the endurance and determination of participants in grueling dance marathon competitions.
Where Washington Ranks: Revealing America’s Most Promising Cities
Uncover the secrets behind successful city investments and find out which cities are considered the top picks by investors in a hypothetical City Exchange scenario.
Washington Study Reveals Best Personality Traits For Great Teachers
New study from Washington State University reveals the power of teacher mindset on student learning outcomes.
Never Ending Story – Saving For A Seattle Home
Explore the financial strain of buying a home in Seattle. Couples must save for 27 months, singles for 42 months, significantly higher than the national average.
Protecting Washington’s Shrubsteppe: Saving Unique Birds & Animals
Discover Washington's ambitious plan to safeguard the precious shrubsteppe ecosystem for the iconic sage-grouse and other unique wildlife.