Sun Tribune expands to Othello

OTHELLO — As you can see by the newspaper you are reading, the Sun Tribune and I and the rest of our staff have expanded our coverage to Othello.

I’ve spoken with a few folks, and most were shocked by the closing of the Outlook. I was shocked.

But that decision presented us with an opportunity. I hope you become as excited as we are about our decision.

The good news is that the Othello story will continue to be told. The maybe not-so-good news is that Othello will have to share newspaper space with two other communities.

But hang in there. We’ll make it work to everybody’s benefit. With this new market we plan to grow in number of pages.

Sports coverage will be complete for Othello. I will continue to work Royal and Wahluke High Schools. Bob Barrett will be our sports reporter in Othello.

The Sun Tribune started as The Royal Register in October of 2010. Prior to that, all of my work was in the Yakima Valley. I was raised in Granger and still live in the home of my childhood.

I usually make two trips a week to Royal and Mattawa to gather news, do interviews and take photos. Because of the wonders of the Internet and smart phones, I prepare all of the content at home and then magically whisk it to our paginator Jill Baker in Moses Lake. She’s only the best ever.

I’ll bet you are thinking Granger is a long drive. You’re right, but it bothers me none. I’ve come to appreciate the people of Royal and Mattawa as much as the people of my hometown. Already Othelloites have treated me like an old friend.

I love the drive. I see something new every time. All I have to do now is adjust my route a little.

I was probably 13 the first time I came to Othello. I don’t remember why. Probably to visit someone Dad wanted to see.

I do remember driving onto the ferry at Vernita. This land lover’s eyes grew big as the ferry dipped into the water. I thought I was going to end up at the bottom of the Columbia or at McNary Dam.

This area wasn’t so green then. There was a lot of dry, brown vegetation. Now the green has expanded so much that you hardly notice the brown.

What has happened around Othello, Royal and Mattawa in the last 50 years is the result of an innovative, imaginative and hard-working people. I’m excited about what is yet to come.

All I ask is your help. An alternate term for weekly newspaper is community newspaper. You are the community.

Send me your news. I’ll use all that is family friendly. Call or text me at 509-952-7189 or email me at tedescobar@aol.com.

I’m going to have fun. I hope you do too.