Othello hires grant writing administrator

OTHELLO — Thalia Lemus DeLeon has been hired as the grant writing administrator for the city of Othello and started this week.

“I will be looking for additional funds and resources for the city,” Lemus DeLeon said.

Othello city officials also have been successful in obtaining grant funding, and the city must meet the requirements that come with that funding.

“I will be taking on that responsibility,” Lemus DeLeon said.

Othello officials have a long list of initiatives and projects, including applications for three separate grants, about $1.35 million total, to make improvements to Lions Park. There also are discussions for a city-sponsored farmers market.

City officials are working on a long-term project to recharge the city’s aquifer, which involves using water from outside sources, such as irrigation water and possibly recycled water from industrial uses.

“My goal right now is definitely to help the city bring lots of projects to fruition,” Lemus DeLeon said.

Previously, Lemus DeLeon was administrative assistant to Othello School District Superintendent Chris Hurst.

Lemus DeLeon was with the district four years, Hurst said.

“She is very skilled and talented and her contributions and impact will be missed. Although we are sad to see Thalia leave, we are excited about this new opportunity and her new work with the city of Othello as the grant administrator. We wish her the very best and look forward to hearing great things about her contributions to the city,” Hurst wrote.

Lemus DeLeon said the new job is a way to promote and serve Othello in a new capacity, which gives her a chance to do more for the town in a different way.

“I’m really excited to learn,” she said.