Ellington

Getting involved pays off

Basin Realtor honored for commitment to ethics, community

MOSES LAKE — No matter how you look at it, real estate is serious business. When you’re dealing with land, one of the most basic things a person can own, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars it costs, you have to place a lot of trust in the person who’s putting the deal together for you. That’s why Realtors go to great lengths to make sure their profession is viewed with trust. That word “Realtor” is capitalized for a reason. Not everybody who buys and sells land can call themselves that. In the United States, the word is trademarked by the National Association of Realtors, and that organization defines it as a “a real estate professional who is member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.” That Code of Ethics is eight pages long and details a Realtor’s obligations to their clients, the general public and other Realtors. These folks take their reputation seriously. Which is why it was such an honor for Moses Lake Realtor Kevin Burgess, of Windermere Real Estate in Moses Lake, to be named Realtor of the Year at the Washington Realtors Spring Conference in Yakima last week...

Moses Lake Mayor Dean Hankins listens to city residents

MOSES LAKE — Mayor Dean Hankins is clear about the power he has. “Before I became mayor, I was one vote out of seven on the city council,” Hankins said. “After I became mayor, I was one vote out of seven.” ...

Cherabella’s Salon

Local beauty shop owner looks to preserve history of new location.

EPHRATA – Clients of Cherabellas Salon at 142 W. Division Street in downtown Ephrata will soon have a different and larger venue to visit to get gussied up, according to shop owner Hannah Oliver. “Right now we have 900 square feet and the new building is 1,700,” Oliver said. “So, it’ll double the space, which will allow the last extension gal, Kiffen (Schulz, her own space.)” ...

NASA project coming to Moses Lake

Electric propulsion to be researched by AeroTEC

MOSES LAKE — Electric airplanes are coming back to Moses Lake. Everett-based electric aircraft engine maker MagniX announced on Thursday that it is partnering with aircraft testing and certification company AeroTEC to modify, certify and test a De Haviland Dash 7 aircraft as part of NASA’s Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration project. “It is a big deal,” said AeroTEC President and CEO Lee Human. “Developing this new technology for electric propulsion systems is not easy.” ...

Legals for April, 29 2022

Two injured in Mattawa area accident

MATTAWA — Two people were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland after the semi one of them was driving ran off the road and rolled off the highway about 12 miles south of Mattawa Thursday morning. Brandi Miller, 27, San Antonio, Texas, was driving south on State Route 243 about 7 a.m. when she ran her truck off the road, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. She overcorrected and the truck rolled, the memo said. Both Miller and her passenger, Zechariah Tuttle, 37, Springfield, Missouri, were injured. Miller was wearing a seatbelt, but Tuttle was not, the memo said. Miller was charged with driving with the truck’s wheels off the roadway.

Enrollment deadline approaching for WA college savings program

OLYMPIA — The annual enrollment period for people who want to start a 529 education savings plan will end May 31. The Guaranteed Education Tuition plan allows families to buy tuition units that can be used in the future to pay costs associated with college or post-secondary training. The current price is $114.01 per unit, and people have until June 25 to buy units at that price and add them to an existing account, according to a press release from WA529. The funds can be used to pay for college tuition, trade school fees and other expenses associated with post-secondary education. They can be used at most four-year universities, technical schools, community colleges or other continuing education institutions around the country.

Wahluke EP&O levy narrowly passing

Communication key to public funding for schools, superintendent says

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters are narrowly approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy proposal in unofficial results from the special election Tuesday. The levy proposal received 254 yes votes, 51.52%, and 239 no votes, 48.48%, in results released Tuesday night by the Grant County Auditor’s Office. About 77 votes were left to count as of Tuesday, according to the auditor’s website. Because it’s a school EP&O levy, it requires a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass...

ACSO training details dangers of fentanyl

OTHELLO — There are not necessarily an infinite number of ways to package and distribute fentanyl, but there are a lot. And law enforcement officers and corrections department staff encounter them all. U.S. Army first sergeant Maria Lepe of the Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center laid out some of the possibilities for deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office during a training session on the drug Wednesday...

Columbia Basin births March 18 - April 12

Othello Community Hospital March 18 Eliza G. Beliz,m Othello, daughter Journi Rose Beliz, 7 pounds 6 ounces. March 21 Antonia Duran Vazquez and Jose Alberto Diaz, Othello, son Elias Enoc Diaz Duran, 8 pounds 2 ounces. March 25 Shaughnessey Aguilar and Eduardo Chavez, Othello, son Aquilliez Eduardo Chavez, 8 pounds 12 ounces...

ACH leads the boards

COULEE CITY — Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball and softball teams are dominating the 1B category. Both teams are ranked in the top 5 in the state and are at the top of their leagues.

Longview, Kinder to be repaved in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake will spend nearly $3 million to rebuild Kinder Road NE and Longview Street and add sidewalks to the neighborhood just south of Longview Elementary School. At a regular meeting of the Moses Lake City Council on Tuesday, council members voted unanimously to accept a $2.97 million bid from Wheeler Excavation to rebuild the roads, add sidewalks and replace the area’s water main and water meters...

EHS gets two new basketball coaches

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District announced on April 26 the hiring of two new head coaches.

Legals for April, 28 2022

USDA Issues health alert for possibly tainted meat

WAHSINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service on Wednesday issued a health warning for ground beef produced by JBS Foods subsidiary Empire Packing and sold in Washington and Oregon in December 2021 after some of the meat tested positive for E. coli O26.

Quincy murder suspect turns himself in

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department has announced the arrest of Horacio Morales Perez, 18, of Quincy who turned himself in early Wednesday.

Basin teams dominate at Omak meet

OMAK - Omak was host to the Omak Small Meet on April 19. The track and field meet featured eight teams, three of which were from the Basin. Columbia Basin teams were Wilson Creek, Soap Lake and Quincy high schools all participated. The basin sent 35 boys, 27 girls and two girls relay teams to the top 10 for their respective competitions...

Public hearing set for proposed traffic revision on Quincy’s B Street

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members will hold a public hearing during the May 3 meeting to solicit public comment on a proposal to turn one block of B Street Southeast into a one-way street.

Saving the pygmy rabbit

Biologists work to save local threatened species

COLUMBIA BASIN — The pygmy rabbit, native to the land just north of Quincy, is just one of a number of threatened and endangered species in Washington. However, these little rabbits are part of a bigger story.

Local 10 and under fastpitch takes Invite

SELAH - This past weekend the Washington Rage 10u Fastpitch Club won the Sunshine Invite In Selah. The Rage went 5-0 over the course of the weekend beating Oregon East out of Pendelton, OR. in the championship by a score of 11-10. This is their second championship win in the last 5 tournaments. The team is composed of players from Ephrata and Moses Lake.

Main St. Hardware & Supply

Keeping it local and personal

WARDEN — Chris Campbell didn’t start out wanting to run a hardware store.

Police records for April 27, 2022

EPD, MLPD, jail

Columbia Basin sports schedule April 27-May 4

Baseball, softball, soccer

Legals for April, 27 2022

Parked WSP vehicle damaged by tractor trailer

HATTON — A semi-tractor trailer damaged a Washington State Patrol vehicle parked at an on-ramp at the junction of U.S. 395 and S.R. 26 on April 22, according to the Washington State Patrol. Trooper Kalib Hanson had pulled over to investigate a collision when a tractor-trailer failed to make a wide enough turn and clipped the rear of Hanson’s vehicle, according to WSP spokesperson Sgt. Greg Riddell...

Vekich appointed to Maritime Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Longshoreman and former Washington legislator Max Vekich has just been sworn in and the newest member of the Federal Maritime Commission, according to a press release from Sen. Maria Cantwell. According to the press release, Vekich in the first maritime commissioner to have served on the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s executive board and is also the first from Washington state. With Vekich’s swearing in, Democrats now hold a majority of seats on the Federal Maritime Commission, the news release said. The commission is responsible for regulating agreements between exporters and shipping companies, according to the press release. The U.S. Senate confirmed Vekich to the post in a 51-43 vote in February, Cantwell’s office said.

Wahluke students attend Outdoor Career Fair

Professionals help students consider options

MATTAWA — The Outdoor Career Fair sponsored by the Wahluke School District Friday gave students a look at careers they might not have considered otherwise. . .

Moses Lake and Othello softball go head to head

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School and Othello High School softball teams went head to head on Saturday in a three team matchup with Marysville-Pilchuck High School at Moses Lake High School. To start the morning off, Othello took an 11-3 victory over Moses Lake. “I have a lot of respect for Moses Lake teams and it was no different this weekend. The game could easily have gone the other way. Moses Lake is well-coached and well-trained. Our girls were right on, there were some nice plays to put ends to threats,” wrote Othello head coach Rudy Ochoa in an email after the game...

WSU appionts new Ag dean

PULLMAN — Washington State University announced in a Monday press release that Wendy Powers was named the dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Discovery in this college touches all corners of Washington, and I am excited by the opportunity to harness that potential,” Powers said in the release. “What's really drawing me is the chance to make a difference for all Washingtonians by supporting advancements and sharing new ideas in agriculture, natural resources and the human sciences.” ...

AE Aircraft Services eyes move to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A Seattle-based aircraft maintenance and service company is looking to start operating in Moses Lake before the end of the year. Larry Molina, maintenance manager for AE Aircraft Services, told commissioners overseeing the Port of Moses Lake that the company — which specializes in repair, maintenance and federal certification work on business and cargo jets — hopes to have approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to start operations at the Grant County International Airport by June or July of this year. “Everyone is helpful and excited,” Molina said. “And we’re happy to bring in people that want to be part of it.” ...

W. Broadway accident snarls Moses Lake traffic

MOSES LAKE — A two-car accident at the intersection of W. Broadway and Dogwood in Downton Moses Lake left one person injured and snarled traffic for more than an hour, according to the Moses Lake Police Department. At around 11:45 a.m., MLPD Sgt. Juan Rodriguez said the accident happened when the driver of an eastbound Dodge Avenger swerved into the parking lane and hit a Dodge Durango parked along the eastbound side of W. Broadway, forcing the Durango to hit and topple a streetlight. “There were no injuries, though one person was transported as a precaution,” Rodriguez said...

Ephrata HS announces Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

EPHRATA — On April 22, The Ephrata School District announced that five individuals and one team were to be inducted to the Ephrata High School Athletic Hall of Fame for 2022. The inductees are Brandi (Evans) Faith, Troy Zerb, Greg Metcalf, Richard Mayer, Jacob Laird and the 1984 Girls Cross Country Team...

Jacquelyn Wanzer

Jacquelyn “Jackie” LaRainne Wanzer, 91, of Spokane, Washington went home to Jesus on April 16, 2022.

Leroy James Schaapman

Leroy James Schaapman, 58, of Quincy, Washington passed away Monday, April 18, 2022, at Quincy Valley Medical Center from heart failure.

Donald Walter Greenwalt

Donald Walter Greenwalt, 96, passed away on April 19, 2022.

Everett Cole

Everett Cole, 94, of Othello, Washington, has passed away.

Legals for April, 26 2022

Wahluke soccer cruises past La Salle

Coach, team grateful for community support

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School boys soccer team cruised past La Salle High School to win 5-0 this past Thursday. Head Coach Cele Lopez said because the first matchup against La Salle, on March 26, was such a huge win (10-0) he decided to give his bench players more playing time and try out some new formations...

Scratching the surface of Atopic Dermatitis

For many people and pets, spring (aka “allergy season”) is a time of excessive sneezing, itching, and scratching. For some pets, however, their allergy season is never ending, lasting into summer, fall, and winter. Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Adam Patterson, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses allergic skin disease and how to best relieve the itch for affected pets, which can include dogs, cats, horses, and other species...

Moses Lake baseball turns pink for wins against Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School baseball team took on a new color on April 22. Instead of the usual maroon and gold, the team took on custom pink jerseys for the game. The pink jerseys were simple, ‘M Lake’ logo on the front with a small ribbon sitting on the athletes’ left breast, above their hearts and their jersey numbers and last name on the back. They also sported tube socks with pink stripes at the top to match...

Georgie's Gently Used

Local shop owner aims to help community

EPHRATA – Georgie Youngers, owner of Georgie’s Gently Used at 506 C St. SW in Ephrata, said she knows what it’s like to need affordable options to take care of yourself and your family. Youngers moved to Ephrata after a divorce to be close to her mother, she said. While she was recovering financially from the divorce, she cleaned houses and turned to thrifting and yard sales to make ends meet...

Warden students run for fun

Community steps out to support student activities.

WARDEN — The giant practice field outside Warden Elementary School was full of loud, boisterous and energetic students on Friday — all running like many of them have never run before. And a number of them haven’t, actually, because despite this being the district’s ninth jog-a-thon, it’s been two years since the district’s roughly 375 elementary school students have been able to do this annual fundraiser...

Commercial building code updates set to reduce carbon emissions

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Code Council, which oversees the state’s building regulations, voted 11–3 on Friday to adopt a new commercial and multi-family building energy code that will be the “most climate-friendly in the country,” according to a press release from Seattle-based renewable energy advocacy group Climate Solutions...

Grant Co. PUD reopens visitor centers

WANAPUM DAM — After being closed for more than two years, the Grant County PUD has reopened its Wanapum Dam visitor center and the Wanapum Heritage Center to the public. The Wanapum Dam visitor center is located at the PUD office at the dam located at 14352 Highway 243 near Beverly. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from May 1 to Sept. 30...

Worth the trip: Used book sale at Mid-Columbia Libraries

KENNEWICK — The Friends of the Mid-Columbia Libraries is giving book lovers a chance at some bargains at the organization’s spring used book sale, continuing through May 1 at the Kennewick MCL branch, 1620 South Union St. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, according to a MCL press release. Sale items include CDs, DVDs and audiobooks on CD along with books. Debit and credit cards are accepted. Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags.

Basin Brief: Deadline for lodging tax grants extended

EPHRATA — Applications for the second round of grants from Grant County’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will be accepted through 5 p.m. May 6. Grant County Commissioners announced an extension of the deadline Friday.

Legals for April, 25 2022

Basin baseball weekend roundup

Ephrata takes Chelan 10-2

COLUMBIA BASIN — On April 21, the Ephrata High School Tigers traveled to Chelan where they took the game 10-2. Ephrata took an early lead of 3-0, before Chelan brought in two runs in the fourth inning. Both teams were scoreless in the fifth inning but the Tigers made quick work in the sixth inning to bring in two runs and hold Chelan from home plate. The seventh and final inning the Tigers brought in five runners and again held Chelan scoreless. The final score was 10-2, bringing the Tigers overall record to 15 - 3.

Mattress Matters

For a good night’s sleep, figure out what you need before you buy

COLUMBIA BASIN — The trick to buying a mattress is simple, according to local furniture dealers: Know what you want. “Everybody's body's different,” said Wendy Cox, general manager at Home Center in Moses Lake. “Everybody's sleep habits are different … So we have to try and figure out what works best for them. Do they have back problems? Are there issues? Health concerns? Do they prefer a firmer bed? Softer bed? What are their comfort levels?” Other local dealers agreed with Cox...

New Quincy fire truck increases firefighting capability

City saves money with timely buy

QUINCY — Quincy public works maintenance supervisor Howard Van Baugh said the city got lucky when it went looking for a new aerial fire truck. . .

Used car shopping

Local dealers offer tips to ensure a satisfactory experience

MOSES LAKE — Eric Gutierrez knows a thing or two about selling used cars. He ought to. The 25-year-old Gutierrez, owner of Wenatchee-based Mega Auto Sales, which has just opened a lot at 1230 W. Broadway Avenue in Moses Lake, has been buying and selling used cars for nearly a decade...

Quincy B Street Block Party seeks vendors, entertainers

QUINCY — The B Street Block Party committee and the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce are soliciting food vendors, entertainers, breweries and distilleries, as well as groups interested in doing activities like face painting, for a summer-long series of events on B Street. . .

Huskies take victory over Ellensburg on the pitch

ELLENSBURG - The Othello boys soccer team took a 3-0 victory over conference opponent Ellensburg High School on April 19. “Our defense did not allow very many shots on goal as junior Erick Sandoval made zero saves in the first half at goal and Freshman Ismael Torres had four saves in the second half for the shutout,” Othello Head Coach Bernie Garza wrote in an email to The Columbia Basin Herald...

Quincy soccer aiming for consistency, continued wins

QUINCY - The Quincy High School boys soccer team are on a roll to punch their ticket to the state tournament as they complete their final matchups of the season. “Once these boys actually just settle down and find their rhythm, their passing and build a play can just be so impressive,” said Head Coach Francisco Tafoya. “And that was the situation against Cashmere (April 14) and that's why you see that scoreline of eight to zero because we were just connecting and the vibe was just amazing.” ...

Warden SD updates procedures in response to audit findings

WARDEN — The Warden School District is reviewing changes to district accounting and contract procedures following the results of a state audit released in August 2021.

MLPD report shows ‘successful’ department, chief says

MOSES LAKE — In 2021, Moses Lake Police Department officers responded to 22,423 calls — 18,773 calls for service and 3,650 traffic stops, according to the MLPD’s 2021 annual report.

Powerball at about $400M

OLYMPIA — With no matching winning numbers following Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, the Powerball jackpot has reached roughly $400 million — the biggest jackpot since January, according to Washington’s Lottery. The next Powerball drawing is set for Saturday, April 23, at 7:59 p.m., with Powerball tickets on sale until 6:45 p.m. the day of the drawing. The Powerball drawing has not been won since Jan. 5, when the prize was $632 million. Tickets are $2 each, and can be purchased at locations across the state. To play, players pick five numbers between one and 69 and one final Powerball number between one and 26, or they may use Quick Pick and let the computer pick their playing numbers. Established in 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated over $4.5 billion in support for college scholarships and early childhood education and assistance programs, according to a state lottery press release.

Strange weather affects Potholes fishing

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1041.75 feet, rising 1.35 feet over the past week – finally!

Floral Lee Sonnenburg

Floral Lee Sonnenburg, 68, born Oct. 23, 1953, passed away after a short battle with Alzheimer’s on April 2, 2022, at McKay Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Soap Lake, Washington surrounded by her children and her sister Debby.

Legals for April, 22 2022

One arrested after initially escaping law enforcement

GEORGE — Oregon State Police have arrested a George-area man on Thursday who was wanted in connection with an assault on two Grant County Sheriff’s deputies earlier this week as well as for failing to register as a sex offender. Javier Nunez, 33, was the subject of an intense, six-hour-long search on Wednesday by GCSO deputies as well as members of the Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team and the Kittitas County Regional Tactical Response Team at a residence near S.R. 283 and Road 2 NW, according to GCSO Spokesperson Kyle Foreman...

Letter: Recognize military children in April

The American Legion Auxiliary, in fact, the whole American Legion Family, celebrates April as Children and Youth Month

Real events form basis of latest Masquers production

Directorial debut inspired by real life women of the 1920s

SOAP LAKE — A tale of exposure to hazardous materials at work and the tragedy and societal change that came from it will be presented at Masquers Theater beginning April 22. “These Shining Lives” will be presented for three weekends, with the curtain going up at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The play is a departure for director Cynthia Beyer, a Masquers veteran. “I’ve never directed in my life, but this play just spoke to me,” she said...

Future power demand looks ‘Insanely large’ for Grant Co.

Industrial need causes increased requests

MOSES LAKE — As Grant County grows and more businesses and industries locate production in the area, the Grant County Public Utility District said it is seeing record requests for future electricity. “We’re near system peak,” said Louis Szalbya, leader of Grant PUD’s large power solutions team and the 2022 president of the Grant County Economic Development Council. “It took us 75 years to get to 950 megawatts (of demand), and now we have requests for 1,700 megawatts (in total, with the existing 950 megawatts).”

Inslee visits Basin to support wildfire recovery, clean energy

COLUMBIA BASIN - Washington State Governor Jay Inslee spent Wednesday on the East side of the Cascades in Moses Lake and Ritzville to talk about renewable energy and wildlife conservation. “We need to have confidence in ourselves that we can replace dirty fossil fuels with clean energy,” said Inslee...

MLHS’s Molahiettes bring home trophies

Dance/drill team gives credit to family support and hard work for victories

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School Molahiettes dance team coach Jaylynn Hernandez said the 2022 state dance and drill championships were a bit more nerve-wracking than usual.

Dorothy J. Moore

Dorothy passed away Nov. 9, 2021, in Forest Grove, Oregon where she lived with her daughter Sharon (Moore) Atnip, son-in-law Ed Atnip and daughter Sue Moore.

Easter egg hunt at McCosh Park

Hundreds of kids gathered at McCosh Park in Moses Lake Saturday for the annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Lions Club.

Cougars track team set for first home meet of the outdoor season

PULLMAN — The Washington State men's and women's track and field teams will compete for the first time at the Mooberry Track and Field Complex since 2018, as the Cougars take on the University of Washington in the WSU-UW Dual Friday, April 22, as part of the Boeing Apple Cup Series...

Legals for April, 21 2022

Internet outages pepper Grant and Douglas counties Wednesday

COLUMBIA BASIN — A Douglas County Public Utility District work crew accidentally cut a fiber optic line feeding into Grant County on Wednesday, causing problems for Internet and cell phone service for some customers across Grant County. “A main fiber line that feeds into Grant County was cut in Douglas County,” wrote Grant County Public Utility District Ryan Holterhoff in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “Douglas County PUD’s fiber crews are on-site actively working to repair the issue.” “They will need to fix the conduit and pull and splice new fiber to restore service,” Holterhoff added. Holterhoff said the work should be completed and full Internet and cell phone service restored by 1 a.m. Thursday. The outages were patchy and sporadic, Holterhoff said, affecting some service providers but not others, and some areas of Grant County and not others.

City of Othello buys PJ Taggares Park

Added park space expected to be a boon for sports enthusiasts

OTHELLO — Othello city officials bought a park for $10 and closing costs last week, part of the city’s effort to expand recreation facilities. “It’s a great deal for the city. It comes at a time when we really need more park property,” Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said. “We know we’re going to have to put some money into that park, but this is worth it.” ...

Sand Scorpions bring family fun to sand dunes

MOSES LAKE — The Sand Scorpions ORV group held their annual Easter egg hunt at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes on Saturday. The event drew hundreds of area children to gather up about 20,000 hidden eggs.

Othello soccer shoots for state

Coach cites strong defense for successful season so far

OTHELLO — The Othello High School soccer team is on a roll with a nearly undefeated season and No. 7 state rating percentage index ranking. “We're a good quality team, we score a lot of goals and we defend,” said head coach Bernie Garza...

Columbia Basin sports schedule April 20-26

Wednesday April 20 2:30 p.m./4:30 p.m. Moses Lake fastpitch doubleheader vs Lake City at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 4 p.m. ACH baseball vs Columbia (Hunters) at Hunters Thursday April 21 3 p.m./5 p.m. Quincy baseball doubleheader vs Cashmere at Quincy 3 p.m./5 p.m. Quincy fastpitch doubleheader vs Cashmere at Quincy 3 p.m./5 p.m. Ephrata fastpitch doubleheader vs Prosser at Prosser 3:30 p.m. Ephrata boys and girls track at Selah 3:30 p.m. Othello boys and girls track at Grandview 3:30 p.m. Royal, Wahluke boys and girls track at Zillah 3:30 p.m. Moses Lake boys and girls track at West Valley (Yakima) 4 p.m. Wahluke soccer vs La Salle at Wahluke 4 p.m. MLCA baseball vs Riverside Christian at Yakima 4:30 p.m. Soap Lake fastpitch vs Pateros at Pateros 4:30 p.m. Ephrata baseball vs Chelan at Chelan 5 p.m. Ephrata Unified soccer vs Wenatchee at Ephrata 5 p.m. Moses Lake Unified soccer vs Quincy at Moses Lake 6 p.m. Ephrata soccer vs Grandview at Ephrata 6 p.m. Othello Unified soccer vs Eastmont at Othello Friday April 22 3 p.m./5 p.m. Royal fastpitch doubleheader vs Naches Valley at Royal 3 p.m./5 p.m. Royal baseball doubleheader vs Naches Valley at Royal 4 p.m./6 p.m. Moses Lake baseball doubleheader vs Wenatchee at Moses Lake 4 p.m./6 p.m. Moses Lake fastpitch doubleheader vs Wenatchee at Wenatchee 6 p.m. Royal soccer vs Warden at Royal 7 p.m. Moses Lake soccer vs Davis at Moses Lake 7:30 p.m. Quincy soccer vs Kamiak at Mukilteo Saturday April 23 10 a.m. Moses Lake, Othello boys and girls track at Prosser 10:30 a.m. Quincy, Ephrata, Othello, Royal, ACH, Wahluke boys and girls track at Quincy 11 a.m. Royal soccer vs Kiona Benton at Royal 11 a.m./12:30 p.m. MLCA baseball doubleheader vs Riverside Christian at Moses Lake 11 a.m./1 p.m. Soap Lake fastpitch doubleheader vs Lake Roosevelt at Grand Coulee 11 a.m. Othello fastpitch vs Moses Lake at Moses Lake 11 a.m./1 p.m. Othello baseball doubleheader vs Brewster at Brewster 11 a.m./1 p.m. Wahluke fastpitch doubleheader vs Kiona Benton at Kiona Benton 11 a.m./1 p.m. Wahluke baseball doubleheader vs Kiona Benton at Kiona Benton 11 a.m./1 p.m. Ephrata baseball doubleheader vs Prosser at Prosser 11 a.m./1 p.m. Warden baseball doubleheader vs Columbia (Burbank) at Warden 11 a.m./1 p.m. Warden fastpitch doubleheader vs Columbia (Burbank) at Warden 12 p.m. Ephrata Soccer vs Cashmere at Ephrata 12 p.m. Othello soccer vs East Valley (Yakima) at Othello 12:30 p.m. Othello fastpitch vs Marysville-Pilchuck at Moses Lake 2 p.m. Moses Lake fastpitch vs Marysville-Pilchuck at Moses Lake 3 p.m. Quincy soccer vs Glacier Peak at Snohomish 3 p.m./5 p.m. ACH baseball doubleheader vs Odessa at Odessa Monday April 25 3:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Ephrata fastpitch doubleheader vs Grandview at Ephrata Tuesday April 26 2 p.m./4 p.m. ACH baseball doubleheader vs Mary Walker (Springdale) at Hartline 2 p.m./4 p.m. ACH fastpitch doubleheader vs Mary Walker (Springdale) at Hartline 3 p.m./5 p.m. Warden baseball doubleheader vs Walla Walla Valley Academy at Warden 4 p.m./5:30 p.m. Quincy fastpitch doubleheader vs Okanogan at Okanogan 4 p.m. Royal soccer vs Mabton at Mabton 4 p.m. Wahluke baseball vs Grandview at Grandview 4:30 p.m. Quincy baseball vs Okanogan at Quincy 4:30 p.m. MLCA baseball vs Bridgeport at Moses Lake 4:30 p.m. Soap Lake fastpitch vs Waterville-Mansfield at Waterville 5 p.m. Moses Lake baseball vs West Valley (Yakima) at Moses Lake 6 p.m. Quincy soccer vs Omak at Quincy 6 p.m. Ephrata soccer vs Othello at Ephrata 6 p.m. Wahluke soccer vs Kiona Benton at Wahluke 6 p.m. Othello fastpitch vs Eisenhower at Eisenhower SOURCES: Information above was obtained from the respective school district’s published sports schedules and consolidated here. Schedules are subject to change at the discretion of event organizers.

WIAA updates RPI standings - Basin schools ranked in top 10

COLUMBIA BASIN — The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association updated their Rating Percentage Index standings via Facebook on April 19. Nine Columbia Basin teams have made the top 10. The Rating Percentage Index is a statistical system used to comparatively rank teams. RPI will be one tool utilized by the seeding committees to determine first round bracket pairings into state tournaments...

Dorothy Ann Stacy

Dorothy Stacy, 81, surrounded by family, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2022.

Tire disposal event scheduled

QUINCY — Grant County residents can dispose of old tires for free in Quincy, April 22-23. The event allows Grant County residents to dispose of passenger or light truck tires for free. Tires must be 35 inches or less, with or without rims but rims alone will not be accepted...

Area libraries offering Ohme Gardens and museum passes

WENATCHEE — Residents of the North Central Washington Libraries District now can check out passes to the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center and Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee through the NWCL system...

Othello SD asking for input on in-district boundaries

OTHELLO — Othello School District residents will get the chance to give their opinions on revised boundaries for school director districts during a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the district office, 1025 South 4th St. District officials are required to review Othello School Board member districts every 10 years, after the federal census. By state law school director districts must have about the same number of residents in each district. The OSD has four director districts, with one at-large seat. The at-large board member can live anywhere in the district, but people who represent a district must live within that district. Mike Garza is the current at-large board member. The changes to director districts would not affect the elementary school boundaries, according to a district press release.

Michael (Mike) Stevens

Truck driving legend Michael Wallace Stevens, aka “Big Mike,” passed away at 79 years of age Monday, March 28, 2022, in Richland, Washington after a rough bout with transverse myelitis and kidney decline.

Prom dress giveaway scheduled for this weekend

WENATCHEE — The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington will hold the club’s annual Prom Dress Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Wenatchee High School, 1101 Millerdale Ave. The giveaway is sponsored by the Peoples Bank. Club members have collected more than 1,000 prom dresses, both new and used, to be given away, according to a WSL press release. Girls must show current high school identification to participate. Shoes and jewelry will be available as well. The last giveaway was in 2019 and drew about 315 young ladies from throughout north central Washington, from Brewster and Omak to Quincy, according to the press release. People who want to donate prom dresses, shoes or jewelry can drop them off at the Wenatchee Banner Bank branch, 501 North Mission St.

Watershed council meets in person for first time in 2 years

Members of the Moses Lake Watershed Council listen to a presentation from Grant County Health District Environmental Health Manager Stephanie Shopbell (right) during the council’s first in-person meeting in two years. The council, which is comprised of representatives from the City of Moses Lake, the GCHD, the Grant County Conservation District, the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, the Washington State Department of Ecology, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Grant County Tourism, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and several interested citizens, was established to find ways to improve the quality of the lake water and reduce the number of potentially dangerous blue-green algae blooms that make the lake difficult to use in the summer.

WA unemployment falls, local rate above average

OLYMPIA — While Washington state’s unemployment rate continues to fall, it’s still higher than the nation as a whole, according to data published Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Washington State Employment Security Department...

Police reports for April 20, 2022

EPD, OPD, MLPD, jail

Peoples Bank cuts ribbon in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Griselda Lopez, vice president and a commercial banking officer with Bellingham-based Peoples Bank, cuts the ribbon on the bank’s new Moses Lake loan office Monday afternoon. She is flanked by mortgage loan officer Jacob Compton (left) and commercial loan officer Teddy Bakke (right). Located at 1426 W. Pioneer Drive, Peoples Bank is currently open to prospective borrowers by appointment only, though Compton said if they can generate enough business, they will hire more staff and establish local office hours. For more information, contact them at 509-293-4024 for commercial loans and 509-667-1783 for real estate loans.

Legals for April, 20 2022

‘Seatbelt Convincer’ comes to Soap Lake

Education efforts hoped to reduce the rise in unbelted driving

SOAP LAKE — When it comes to traffic collisions, certain rules of physics apply. “We all know here (that) in a traffic crash, the more you move, the more you will be injured,” said Alison Mitchell, Region 15 manager for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero program...

Hit and run near East Wenatchee kills man

WENATCHEE — A Leavenworth man was arrested for felony hit and run following an accident that left an unidentified man dead early Sunday on S.R. 28 between Rock Island and East Wenatchee, according to the Washington State Patrol...

Columbia Basin sports scores for April 11-18

Columbia Basin sports scores for April 11-18...

Moses Lake parade welcomes teams to the diamond

Local teams highlight of 63rd Annual Dick Kelly Memorial Youth Day Parade

MOSES LAKE — It didn’t really look much like baseball weather, with temperatures around 40 degrees and a chilly breeze making cheeks sting and eyes water. But there was no way to cool the enthusiasm of the young athletes at the 63rd annual Dick Kelly Memorial Youth Day Parade Saturday morning in Moses Lake...

Federal funding set aside for wildfire management

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Forest Service on Monday announced $31 million for landscape improvement and forestry health projects across the United States, including roughly $4.4 million in Washington...

Tire collection scheduled for Grant County residents

QUINCY — Grant County residents who have passenger car or small truck tires hanging around will have a chance to dispose of them Friday and Saturday. A tire collection event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at Grant County Road District Shop 3, 4718 Road P NW, Quincy. Passenger car and light truck tires measuring 38 inches or less will be accepted, with or without rims. Rims alone will not be accepted, according to information from Grant County Public Works. No commercial tires will be accepted. There’s a 12-tire maximum...

Soap Lake takes tough loss to Pateros

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake High School softball team took a tough loss Friday night in a league match against Pateros High School. The Lady Eagles fell 22-4.

Marvin Kyle Craig

Marvin Kyle Craig, 78, departed this life on April 12, 2022, after a short and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer in Moses Lake, Washington.

Randy Puetz

Local golf pro encourages consistent practice

MOSES LAKE — It turns out golf is in Randy Puetz’s blood.

Legals for April, 19 2022

Focusing on fundamentals, Ephrata baseballers ranked third in 2A

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School baseball team, ranked No. 3 in the 2A classification, took three wins in their matches against West Valley (Spokane) and Grandview over the weekend. The Tigers took on West Valley on April 14 and won 5-2. “It was a good outcome. I'm happy with what the boys did coming back off of a three-game skid and getting back on the winning ways,” said Ephrata head coach Jason Laugen after the game against West Valley...

DMLA seeks out Adopt a Pot participants

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association is soliciting business owners and volunteers for its Adopt a Pot program for summer 2022. Association director Lexi Smith estimated there are about 200 flower pots downtown, and some are still orphans. “There are plenty left,” Smith said...

Forum set for Quincy SD assistant superintendent candidates

QUINCY — Quincy School District patrons will have the chance to talk to the finalists for the assistant superintendent’s job during a community forum from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Quincy High School library, 403 Jackrabbit St. NE. The finalists are David Garza, director of student support services for the Wahluke School District; Jeff Dillon, superintendent of the Wilder School District in Wilder, Idaho; Teresa Rensch, director of curriculum and instruction for the Konocti Unified School District in Lower Lake, California and John Parker, director of innovation and educational technology at the Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogota, Columbia. Participants will have the chance to submit written reactions to the candidates for consideration as part of the selection process. The new assistant superintendent will replace Nik Bergman, who was selected as the district’s superintendent in February.

As war in Ukraine threatens global wheat supply, Washington farmers 'pray for rain' and good harvest

WASHINGTON — Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sent global food prices soaring, but Washington wheat farmers like Marci Green aren't celebrating. Green, a sixth-generation farmer who grows wheat outside Fairfield, is concerned rising costs of supplies like fuel and fertilizer will whittling away at this year's profits even after wheat prices hit a record high in March. She's also worried about the threat of a global food crisis as the war threatens to cut the supply of wheat and other crops from Ukraine and Russia...

Man Injured in I-90 Rollover Near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — An Enumclaw man was injured after being thrown from his vehicle on Tuesday, April 12, when the truck he was driving rolled over on westbound I-90 about five miles west of Ritzville, according to the Washington State Patrol. William Winstead, 58, was traveling west...

Friday morning fire destroys shed, chicken coop

MOSES LAKE — A Friday morning fire in the backyard of a residence destroyed a shed containing a chicken coop but caused no injuries and only slight damage to permanent structures, according to Moses Lake Fire Department Deputy Chief Pete Kunjara. The fire in the 300 block of W. Loop Drive was reported at about 8:40 a.m., Kunjara said, and city fire crews responded quickly, dousing the fire by 9 a.m. “When we got there, the shed was fully involved,” Kunjara said. “Our crew did a very good job on it.” Kunjara said no one was at home at the time, and the MLFD had been unable to contact the residents yet. Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com

Care Moses Lake

‘Everything is care — care sacks, care bowls, care snacks.’

MOSES LAKE — Ten jars. That’s how much peanut butter Michaelle Boetger went through on one Tuesday evening in mid-April as she was making sandwiches. One-hundred and seventy sandwiches. For 170 sack lunches. It’s something Boetger and a group of volunteers that call themselves Care Moses Moses Lake has done nearly every Tuesday since 2017...

Local birds enjoy unexpected runoff

SOAP LAKE — An American Robin enjoys a nice dip in a puddle in Soap Lake on April 14. Two House Sparrows, to the left of the Robin, are also taking advantage of the water created by the rain and snow of the days prior. Last week’s unseasonably cold temperatures brought unexpected snow to the area, surprising wildlife and residents alike.

The ins and outs of pet feeding tubes

In certain cases, because a lack of nutrition can lead to serious health complications, veterinarians can suggest using a feeding tube until the pet begins to eat on its own again.

Lenora D'Arcy

Memorial services for Lenora D'Arcy will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Ephrata Church of Christ, located at 31 Crest Drive in Ephrata.

Legals for April, 18 2022

CBRR eyes Warden for expansion opportunities

WARDEN — The Columbia Basin Railroad is in talks with the Port of Warden and the city of Warden to buy about 20 acres of city-owned and port-owned land and subsequently expand the railroad’s operations in Warden. According to CBRR President Brig Temple, the railroad has been eyeing a roughly 300-foot by 2,800-foot patch of land just south of its current operations in Warden for some time as a good place to build a switching yard and park rail cars...

Quincy tennis players stay positive despite weather interruptions

QUINCY - The Quincy High School boys and girls tennis teams have experienced a lot of weather-related challenges this season, but aren’t letting it keep their spirits down. Quincy head tennis coach Matthew See said his girls and boys teams are very different. While his boys team has fewer members, about 20 players versus the girls 40 players, the boys have more experience than the girls...

California man dies in collision near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A Eureka, California man died when his car traveled over an embankment and landed on a road under Interstate 90 about eight miles east of Ritzville Wednesday afternoon, according to an announcement from the Washington State Patrol. Thomas Hosford, 73, was driving westbound on I-90 about 3:15 p.m. when his car entered the median for an unknown reason, the announcement said. Hosford’s car vaulted off an embankment and landed on Hills Road where the road crosses under the freeway, the memo said. The collision is still under investigation.

Warden receives grant for walkability safety

WARDEN — The city of Warden has received a $75,000 grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board to create a pair of signaled crosswalks on S. County Road...

Chinook salmon fishing rules change on Snake River

OLYMPIA — The spring Chinook salmon fishing season will open in early May with some restrictions along the Snake River, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Starting May 3, the area below Little Goose Dam...

Starting a garden from scratch

Tips from a local pro

MOSES LAKE — So you have some lawn just sitting there in the sun. Maybe the kids are too old to play in the backyard, or maybe you knocked down a shed or sold the car that had been sitting there forever. Whatever the reason, you’d like to put it to good use and raise some veggies. How do you start? “To tackle a garden where you have an existing lawn, what I do is I build a raised bed on the existing patch of grass,“ said Kim Ries Ashley, a passionate gardener and owner of Blue Rouge Garden and Nursery in Moses Lake. Pressure-treated 2x6s work well...

‘Soil Your Undies’ campaign builds healthy dirt

MOSES LAKE - Few of us realize or even think about the fact that healthy soil has billions upon billions of microscopic organisms in it. Though it may be hard to imagine, one teaspoon of healthy soil has more microbes than there are people on earth! Soil microbes are important because they feed on organic matter like the cotton in clothing. So, the more the cotton in a garment, say a pair of underwear, breaks down and disappears, the healthier your soil is. Soil microbes also help soils...

Basin students make Spokane CC honor roll

SPOKANE - Spokane Community College released its winter quarter honor roll list on April 14. Ten students from the Columbia Basin were recognized by the campus for academic excellence. SCC listed 1,986 students on its honor roll for the 2022 winter quarter, which ended in March. The honor roll lists those students who achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or above, according to the release...

Cold weather means tough fishing at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1040.4 feet, dropping 0.35 feet over the past week.

James 'Jim' Lee Stillwell

James “Jim” Lee Stillwell of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 86.

Basin Brief: Quincy to sponsor spring cleanup day

QUINCY — Quincy residents will have the chance to get rid of some of that stuff that’s accumulated around the place during the annual Spring Cleanup Day, scheduled ffrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 23 according to an announcement from the city...

Unusual April weather pattern responsible for unusual snowstorm

MOSES LAKE — What the - ? Was that - was that a snowstorm in the Columbia Basin Thursday morning?

MLHS goalie leads the way

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School boys soccer team goalkeeper, senior Samuel Rebuelta, is a great leader, head coach Derrick Gonzales said. However, the senior is not just a great leader on the field, but off the field as well.

Legals for April, 15 2022

Boys and Girls Club holds virtual egg hunt

MOSES LAKE — The weather may have turned wonky for Easter weekend, but that won’t stop the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin from having their Easter egg hunt, according to an announcement by Rich Comeaux of Moses Lake. That’s because the whole event is virtual. Participants can start the hunt by going to https://satellitestreet.com/bngclub, which leads to a virtual tour of the club’s McGraw Clubhouse on Paxson Drive in Moses Lake. There they can navigate the classrooms, halls and grounds of the clubhouse and find little hidden eggs. Clicking on an egg will reveal a piece of a 21-letter password. Once the password has been unraveled, the victorious egg seeker can enter it at https://satellitestreet.com/bng-photos to see some photos taken by club members. Comeaux created the hunt as a way of showcasing the work the Boys and Girls Club ids doing in the community, the announcement said. Check out our Friday Lifestyle section (Page B2) for more Easter events for the family.

Apartment building burns down in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — One person was injured and five were left homeless when an early morning fire gutted an apartment building at the corner of North Grape Drive and West Luta Street on Wednesday, according to Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian. “It’s damaged pretty much beyond repair,” Bastian said of the apartment building. “The four apartments are not livable.”...

2022 Basin Easter events guide

With Easter weekend now upon us, there is a lot to do in the Columbia Basin, between the churches holding special worship services and the community Easter egg hunts. The noncomprehensive list of events below are just a portion of what the Columbia Basin will be doing in honor of the holiday. Please note that events are subject to change at the discretion of the event organizers.

Bell Event Studio

New event venue aims to offer customized celebrations

MOSES LAKE — Some people really love to plan parties. And some people, well, really don’t. The ladies at Bell Event Studio aim to take the stress off the latter group. “We want to be a one-stop-shop,” said Christine Villareal-Ontiveros, co-owner of the business, located at 108 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake. “We decided to offer … a party venue that also offered full decorating and staff services such as cleaning, security, and waitstaff.” In other words, she explained...

Fire district commissioner has seen Mattawa grow, change

Paul Parker talks about grass-roots efforts to build community

MATTAWA — Paul Parker’s introduction to the fire service in Mattawa came not long after he and his wife Bonnie moved to town. “When I got here in 1957, into the trailer court, a guy came over to welcome us and told me, ‘You’re on the fire department and you’ve got to have a shovel and a garden hose in your car at all times,’” he said...

Ephrata man injured in one-vehicle rollover

RITZVILLE — An Ephrata man was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane after he rolled his car near Ritzville Tuesday night and was ejected. Ricky Bensch, 59, was driving west on Interstate 90 about five miles west of Ritzville at about 8:15 p.m. when he drifted into the median, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Bensch overcorrected and rolled into the north embankment, the memo said. Bensch was transported to East Adams Rural Healthcare in Ritzville, then to Sacred Heart. Greg Riddell, WSP public information officer, said Wednesday afternoon that Bensch was reported to be in stable condition. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, Riddell said.

Columbia Basin teams measure up

Now that it is nearly halfway through the spring sports season, let’s see how the teams in the Columbia Basin are doing.

Gonzaga goes 2 for 3 against San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Gonzaga University won two of a three game series over the weekend against the University of San Francisco Dons.

Cecil Lee Newkirk

Cecil Newkirk, 73, passed away April 1, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Washington.

Quincy opens up kindergarten registration

QUINCY — Registration is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 14 and 19 for children entering kindergarten in the Quincy School District in the 2022-23 school year. Parents or guardians are required to furnish documents confirming the child’s age and residency, immunization records and proof of address, according to information from QSD...

Police records for April 14, 2022

EPD, jail

A letter from the editor

Working in a newsroom isn’t always a fun adventure like my generation watched on “Murphy Brown.” The people we write about are real and what we write impacts those real people in real ways. Last Friday, we published a story regarding Moses Lake School District’s new and former superintendents. In that story, we covered the hiring of Superintendent Monty Sabin...

Wash. Salmon seasons tentatively set for 2022-23

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in cooperation with treaty tribal co-managers, has tentatively set the 2022-23 salmon fishing seasons, according to a press release from WDFW Tuesday...

Letter: Thanks to lawmakers for supporting health care

With the state legislative session wrapped up, we at Moses Lake Community Health Center want to acknowledge our state leaders, including Sen. Warnick, for their investments to restore and strengthen our health care system.

Legals for April, 14 2022

ML Council creates commission to oversee municipal airport

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to turn the Airport Advisory Board, which oversees the city’s municipal airport, into a commission that can make its own decisions.

High school sports schedule, April 13 through 20

Wednesday, April 13 3 p.m./5 p.m. - Quincy JV softball vs. Waterville-Mansfield at Waterville High School

Ephrata American Legion swap meet sees big turnout

EPHRATA - The parking lot at American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata was the spot to be on April 9. The parking lot was host to a vendor market and swap meet that drew visitors from all over the Columbia Basin.

Ephrata SD looks to hire girls wrestling coach

New position set to support 'long legacy of excellence'

EPHRATA - Ephrata High School announced in a press release on April 7 that they are looking for their school’s first girls wrestling coach. The release states that Ephrata High School is seeing a rising number of young women turning out for its wrestling program. To meet the growing demand, the Ephrata School District is searching for its first varsity head coach for its girls wrestling program...

Wahluke SD screening for highly capable program

MATTAWA — Screening for students to determine if they qualify for the Wahluke School District’s highly-capable program will begin April 18. The screening process will be open through May 22, according to a district press release...

Wahluke SD asks voters for EP&O levy in special election

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election April 26. . .

Aerospace Alliance names new Ops director

REDMOND — The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance has named Lisa Childs as the organization’s new director of operations. Childs previously worked as the PNAA’s events manager, and joined the association 13 years ago, according to an association press release.

Forest Service steps up efforts to manage firesheds in western states

LYONS, Colo. — The U.S. Forest Services announced on Monday it will spend $131 million as part of a 10-year plan to reduce wildfire risk on 208,000 across eight western states. In a press release Monday...

Legals for April, 13 2022

Grant Co. non-farm employment picture improving

Improvements ‘across the board’ for Moses Lake in particular

GRANT COUNTY — Non-farm employment in Grant County in February rose nearly 8% when compared with 2021 as manufacturing employment expanded and the hospitality sector continued to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report from the Washington State Employment Security Department. The Monthly Employment Report, compiled by ESD Regional Labor Economist Don Meseck and released in early April, said non-farm employment in Grant County rose 7.7% to 31,720 in February 2022 versus 29,440 in February 2021...

Wash. AG, FCC solidify stance against robocall scammers

OLYMPIA — Washington is battening down on robocall scammers with a new partnership between the Attorney General’s office and the Federal Communications Commission. Robocalls come in many forms, some legal and others illegal. Many people are familiar with automated calls from the local school district or appointment reminders for a medical...

Andrea Elena Jesse ‘Shorty’ Gonzales

Andrea Elena Jesse Gonzales was born on Jan. 28, 2003. She was called to heaven on March 27, 2022 at the age of 19.

Low temperatures this week may cause harvest issues

MOSES LAKE — The calendar says it’s almost mid-April, but a cold low-pressure system passing through the Pacific Northwest has left it feeling more like it’s early March. . .

Police records for April 12, 2022

EPD, MLPD, jail

Ancient Lakes draws 500 runners over weekend

QUINCY — The Run Super Series Ancient Lake Trail Run returned to Quincy on April 9-10 and hosted 500 runners over the two days.

Sewing a community together

Quincy Valley Museum hosts Community Sew Day

QUINCY — It was a good day to get together and work on a sewing project.

Legals for April, 12 2022

This doctor makes house calls

Mobile vet works to provide convenient care

MOSES LAKE — It’s the rare doctor these days that makes house calls. But Jesyka Morrison is one of them. She won’t see you, though, or treat you for what ails you — aches, pains, or give you a shot — but she will see your pet. So if you see her big white van...

Moses Lake track and field takes on Hanford

HANFORD - The Moses Lake High School track and field team took on a dozen schools at the annual Clay Lewis Invite at Hanford Stadium on April 2. Several MLHS athletes and teams placed in the top 10...

Quincy fields see tournament over spring break

QUINCY - The Quincy High School softball and baseball fields were abuzz with players and spectators on April 8 when the Jacks hosted Warden, Blaine, Nooksack Valley and Montesano. The Warden High School fastpitch softball team took on two non-league opponents that day and walked away with a split...

New Mattawa police chief focused on community

Transparency, solutions for all are top priorities

MATTAWA — Robert Salinas said transparency and making connections are a big part of successful law enforcement. “If I see somebody in a convenience store, (if) I’m pumping gas, I’m talking to them. I’m asking them what their perception is of the police department, what their experience is. Because I’m trying to find out what concerns they have,” he said. Salinas is the new chief of the Mattawa Police Department. Prior to coming to Mattawa he was a sergeant with the Granger Police Department. He was selected for the role by the Mattawa City Council...

WSDA looks to improve ag industry with new training program

Improving management for farming key to reaching 'next level'

WENATCHEE — Ofelio Borges will tell you that a lot of farm work supervisors are promoted because they are good, reliable workers - not because they know very much about managing workers or complying with state law. “Prior to me coming to work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, I worked as a farm supervisor and management,” said Borges, now the manager of WSDA’s Technical Service and Education Program. “After coming to work for WSDA, I was inspecting different farms and found out that many supervisors, managers like me back in the day, we lacked a lot of training, especially in the leadership aspect of things.” Fast workers tend to be promoted into supervisory...

Runners sprint for Quincy

QUINCY - 500 runners returned to Quincy for the Run Super Series Ancient Lake Trail Run on April 9-10. Pick up a copy of tomorrow’s edition of the Herald for the full story.

Aurora Z. Gonzales

Aurora Z. Gonzales was born on Oct. 3, 1935, to Fernanda and Pedro Zarate.

Planning ahead to feed problem newborn calves

While we all hope that every dam will claim her calf and provide it with what it needs to thrive, the reality is that some will not. Hopefully orphaned or problem calves are not a common or regular occurrence...

Births for April 11, 2022

Samaritan Hospital March 25-31

Water a precious commodity this spring according to NOAA report

It’s likely going to be another dry year across the western United States, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate outlook for spring 2022. In its U.S. Spring Outlook, NOAA researchers say...

Rita Marie Carson

Rita Marie Carson, 69, passed away Jan. 12, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Washington with her daughter, sisters Eileen and Virginia and niece Tarisa at her side.

Ephrata turns out for swap meet

The Ephrata American Legion parking lot was the spot to be on April 9. The parking lot was host to a vendor market and swap meet that drew a lot of attention. A wide array of items could be found at the many tables that filled the lot; from food to handcrafted decor to second hand trinkets. Read more about the swap meet in our Lifestyle section later this week.

Legals for April, 11 2022

Beer run turns into armed robbery

MOSES LAKE — Police are looking for two alleged armed robbers who stole beer from a local convenience store Wednesday night, according to the Moses Lake Police Department.

State income tax rejected by workgroup

OLYMPIA — Washington residents will not be paying state income taxes any time soon if the state legislature listens to the recommendation of a group created to advise the state legislature on future taxation. In a meeting in late March, the bi-partisan Washington Tax Structure Workgroup, which was formed in 2017...

MLSD has new superintendent after long path

MOSES LAKE — It’s official: Monty Sabin is now the new superintendent of the Moses Lake School District. At the end of a regular meeting of the Moses Lake School Board on Thursday, March 24, Sabin — accompanied by his wife Sonia — signed a three-year contract to serve as the district’s next superintendent...

Basin communities receive grants

SPOKANE — Organizations in Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties will receive over $40,000 in grants through the Innovia Foundation, according to a press release from the foundation.

Coulee City hosts April Fools Art Walk

Small town hosts ‘a helluva show’

COULEE CITY — About 400 people visited Coulee City on April 1 to wander through downtown businesses and look over art. That’s pretty impressive for a town of fewer than 600.

Seven tips for managing caregiver stress during national stress awareness month this April

NEW YORK — Stress can damage your health if you do not manage it properly — especially if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness.

Washington a good partner with railroads

OLYMPIA — Washington has been very proactive at addressing infrastructure problems and keeping both people and freight moving across the state, according to French Thompson, general director for public and private infrastructure development for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad...

Soap Lake approves water, sewer rate study

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council unanimously approved a water and sewer rate study during their April 6 regular meeting. The city’s last study was completed in 2017. The new contract...

Stumpjumpers race results released

ODESSA — Results of the 50th annual Stumpjumpers Desert 100 have been announced.

Building permits for April 8, 2022

Unincorporated Grant County, March 26-April 1, 2022

Time to start planting early veggies

Cold veggies planted properly will prosper in early spring

QUINCY — Spring has finally arrived in earnest, and that means it’s time to start getting some vegetables in the ground, but choosing the right ones and planting them according to their respective needs is important.

Cougars win 8 events at Hayward Premiere track meet

EUGENE, Ore.— The Washington State men's and women's track and field team recorded eight event wins and posted 16 top-three finishes as multiple Cougs turned in record-setting performances at the Hayward Premiere in Eugene, Oregon this past Friday and Saturday.

Legals for April, 8 2022

USDA seeks pollinator experts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that it is looking for people to serve on a new committee intended to direct future pollinator research.

Quincy Valley Medical Center free of debt to Grant County

QUINCY — For years Quincy Valley Medical Center commissioners and hospital officials have been working to pay back the debt QVMC owes to Grant County. . .

Quincy council asks for design, cost estimate for pump track expansion

QUINCY — A bike-skateboard-scooter track - known as a pump track - slated for construction in Quincy’s East Park could be expanded, either this year or in 2023. . .

Cougs compete in Silverado Showdown

NAPA, Calif. - Washington State Cougar senior Darcy Habgood and junior Jiye Ham each finished inside the top-35 on the player leaderboard to highlight the week at the 2022 Silverado Showdown for the Washington State women's golf team...

Police records for April 7, 2022

EPD, OPD, MLPD, jail

Daniel 'Danny' Jay Spies

Daniel “Danny” Jay Spies passed away March 23, 2022.

Liberate & Lather

Local shop offers a chance to wash and write off stress

MOSES LAKE — Soapmaker and candlemaker Angela Clay says that often times, scrubbing the dirt off our bodies is the easy part.

Prep roundup: Tigers defeat Colville, 9-3

Staff Report/MaxPreps/WIAA

The Ephrata High School Tigers beat the Colville High School Crimson Hawks 9-3 in a non-conference game Monday. Garet Hagy and Cody Black made three hits apiece. Seth Chamberlain led the Tigers in runs batted in with three.

Legals for April, 7 2022

Semi driver dies in rollover accident

DOUGLAS COUNTY — A truck driver died in a rollover accident in northern Douglas County Monday, according to a press release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. At about 11:36 a.m. deputies responded to a report that a semi was lying on its top on McNeil Canyon Road and that the semi’s brakes were on fire. According to DCSO, Daniel E. Heberer, 57, of Spokane, had been driving...

National Public Health Week recognizes outstanding work in Washington

OLYMPIA — April 3-8 is National Public Health Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated people working to improve public health across the country and here in Washington, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Health. This year’s theme is “Public Health is Where You Are,” recognizing ways we can make our communities healthier and stronger. Each day this week, the Washington Department of Health has focused on various issues crucial to promoting better health and wellness, including accessibility, combating climate change, dealing with the ongoing public health crisis of systemic racism, and understanding the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on public health workers. “From the shores of Puget Sound to the summit of Mount Rainier, our public health workers protect and improve the health of all people and places,” said Dr. Anthony L-T Chen, director of health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “Where we live, work, learn, pray, and play determines our health. Together, we strive for healthy people in healthy communities.”

‘Nailed it’

Othello Dance and Drill team wins state title

OTHELLO — Othello Dance and Drill team leader Bridget Maldonado said she wasn’t ready for the announcement when it came ...

Utility officials push for safe digging

COLUMBIA BASIN — April is National Safe Digging Month, and a recent national survey revealed that 49% of homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without calling 811 beforehand to learn the approximate location of underground utilities, according to a press release from Cascade Natural Gas. Additionally, 58% of homeowners reported experiencing a utility service interruption in the last 12 months, a direct result of damaging an underground utility line...

Washington Nitro National returns in May

Multiple competitions set for event

SUNNYSIDE – The Washington Nitro Nationals, formerly Northwest Nitro Nationals, is returning to the Rattlesnake Ridge ORV Park, about 18 miles north of Sunnyside, May 6-8 after a two-year hiatus, according to a press release from event organizers.. “This is hillclimbing at its best,” spokesman John Nyboer said. “Come watch...

Mi Cocinita pushes through the pandemic

‘Together, we are stronger’

Emerita Villafana said the pandemic has been challenging for her as a business owner and she is looking forward to having business pick back up as the weather warms and the pandemic winds down.

MLHS fastpitch battles Eastmont

EAST WENATCHEE — The Moses Lake High School girls fastpitch team took on Eastmont High School on April 1 and walked away with one loss and a tie.

Hearings set on hunting seasons and net use policy

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking public comment in a series of public hearings at the end of this week to discuss the 2022-23 hunting season, a land deal and the use of commercial pound nets on the Columbia River. According to a press release, the commission will meet online from April 7-9, ...

Legals for April, 6 2022

USDA Says National, Regional Grain Stocks Down

OLYMPIA — Grain stocks in the Pacific Northwest are half of what they were last year, while a lack of soil moisture in portions of Adams County does not bode well for this year’s winter wheat crop, according to a pair of reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistic Service.

Columbia Basin sports schedule April 6-13

High school sports schedule for the week of April 6-13

Ephrata SD receives $110K grant for digital whiteboards

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District Board of Directors accepted a $110,000 federal grant which will be used to purchase Promethean digital boards and training for teachers to integrate them into their classrooms. “With this grant, we will be able to fulfill that vision of having an interactive Promethean panel in every single classroom,” said Ephrata SD Technology, Career and Technical Education Director Sarah Vasquez...

Stumpjumpers Desert 100 celebrates 50

Event celebrates motocross sense of community

ODESSA — The 50th annual Stumpjumpers Desert 100 was held over the weekend just outside of Odessa. The event drew thousands of people to watch and participate as well as plenty of dust. The event, an annual dirt bike rally featuring six separate races, has had many homes since it began in 1970. Originally in Mattawa from 1970 to 1983, it then moved to Vantage from 1985 to 2002 before coming to its current location...

High winds raise dust, cause prep

COLUMBIA BASIN — The powerful gusts tearing across the Columbia Basin this week are the result of a cold front moving through Washington State, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Miranda Cote. “There’s a strong system pushing into the area and a cold front pushing through,” Cote said. Cote said Monday saw wind gusts of...

Broadway coming to the MLSD stage

'Oklahoma!' set for April 15 debut

MOSES LAKE — A classic Broadway tale of love, loneliness, jealousy and their consequences comes to the Moses Lake High School stage next week. The MLHS Drama production of “Oklahoma!” opens April 15 at the MLHS theater, 803 East Sharon Ave. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. April 15 through 19, with a matinee at 2 p.m. April 16. “Oklahoma!” is always described as a classic of American theater, and being a classic also means...

Birth announcements for March in the Columbia Basin

Samaritan Hospital March 11 Brenda Botello and Eduardo Garcia-Gonzalez, Moses Lake, daughter Petra Guadalupe Garcia-Gonzalez, 7 pounds 5 ounces. Karen Gibbins Castro and Wesley Gibbins, Moses Lake, daughter Leticia Isabella Gibbins, 7 pounds 6 ounces. March 12 Dania and Levi Bisnett Cyrus...

Grant Co. looks to fill spots on planning commission

EPHRATA – The Grant County Board of Commissioners is looking for two county residents to serve on the county’s planning commission, according to a press release from the commissioners Friday. The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the board of commissioners for changes and updates in the comprehensive plan and the zoning code, as well as rezoning actions, the release said...

Royal soccer works on basics

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School boys soccer team is going back to the basics to build up the team for a shot at the postseason.

Flu activity rising in Grant Co.

GRANT COUNTY — Grant County Health District officials have issued an advisory recommending people take precautions against influenza following reports of increasing influenza activity in the county. “(The health district) currently is monitoring an influenza outbreak among residents in an assisted living facility,” read a statement from the GCHD. “Communicable disease investigators are reporting an increased number of influenza cases among school-aged children, as well as children under the age of 5.” Cases of the flu and influenza-like illnesses are on the rise...

Legals for April, 5 2022

Accessible security

Calzadillas uses diverse skillset to keep Mattawa students safe

MATTAWA — JJ Calzadillas said school security is a team effort, one that takes diligence, some practice and building relationships with students and the community. Calzadillas is the safety and security coordinator for the Wahluke School District. He gave credit to the student body for being an asset in keeping the schools safe. “We have kids that are willing to...

MLHS boys soccer takes split in weekend games

Camaraderie key in team's goals

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School boys soccer team took a split this past week with a win over Othello High School and a loss to Lake Stevens High School. “What caught me off guard (this season) is the amount of joy that the game has brought (to everyone involved) just in the small amount of time that we've been playing for this last month,” said Moses Lake High School boys soccer coach Derrick Gonzales. On Thursday, Moses Lake took on non-league...

Desert 100 draws crowd

The Stumpjumpers 50th annual Desert 100 was held Sunday, just outside of Odessa. The weekend full of races drew thousands of riders and spectators. Pick up tomorrow’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald to read the full story.

Jonathan Rice

On March 25, 2022, at 82 years of age, Elbert Jonathan Rice passed away peacefully in his sleep in Moses Lake, Wash.

Positions open on Grant County Health District Board

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District is soliciting applications for open positions on the Grant County Board of Health. Applications must be submitted by April 29.

MLHS tennis beats Eastmont

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School boys and girls tennis teams took on Eastmont High School on Friday, both Moses Lake teams won with team scores of 5-2.

Gordon Ellestad

In the morning of March 17, 2022, Gordon Ellestad passed peacefully from this world into the loving arms of the Heavenly Father.

Bomb hoax closes ACH

COULEE CITY — Students at Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School got an early start on their spring break Friday when the school was closed due to a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax.

Cheri Louise Schumann Coleman Taylor

Cheri Louise Schumann Coleman Taylor passed away April 14, 2020.

Moses Lake incubator space celebrates grand opening

Small businesses get a boost with local support

MOSES LAKE — It was a busy Saturday in the little storefront at 205 S. Division St. as the Downtown Moses Lake Association formally opened its small business incubator, the Obra Project.

Legals for April, 4 2022

Division Street to close intermittently starting Monday

MOSES LAKE — If your commute takes you along Division Street in Moses Lake, you will be facing some delays caused by construction over the next two weeks, according to an announcement from the city of Moses Lake. City crews have already been busy replacing sewer lines underneath Sixth Avenue, and will move the work on Division Street beginning Monday, April 4. The work is expected to go on for about the next two weeks. The construction work means lanes of traffic will be blocked off and detours posted, the city said in a statement on its website. This project is part of a series of sewer replacements and upgrades that have kept city crews busy in and around the center of town for nearly a month and was budgeted at around $437,000.

Othello man arrested after chase with stolen car, firing gun

OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked into the Franklin County Corrections Center on suspicion of possession of stolen property and felony assault after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Othello Friday and fired a gun at the vehicle’s owner

Ephrata fastpitch falls to East Valley

EPHRATA - The Ephrata girls fastpitch softball team took two tough losses Tuesday in a doubleheader against East Valley.

Moses Lake seeks federal funding

Aid for water infrastructure and homelessness programs prioritized

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council is seeking funds from Congress in 2023 to help pay for expanded sewer and water in Mae Valley and help to relocate the city’s sleep center and create more permanent affordable housing following a special meeting Wednesday.

City of Moses Lake building permits for April 1, 2022

February 2022

Two decades of deals

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market owners celebrate 20 years in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — There’s no shortage of grocery shopping options in Moses Lake. Several large, well-known chains have big stores in town. And then, tucked away near the Stratford Road exit from SR-17, is the much smaller Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, which opened in 1994 and this month marked two decades under the ownership of Kris and Paul Emerson. The Emersons have spent most of their adult lives...

Quincy softball falls to Omak in hard-fought doubleheader

OMAK - Quincy High School junior Cloe Westra pitches during the doubleheader against Omak High School on March 29. The Quincy High School girls fastpitch team lost both games in a doubleheader against Omak High School on March 29. In the first game, at Omak the Quincy Lady Jacks fell 10-11 and 3-17 in the second. The Lady Jacks are now 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference.

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for April 1, 2022

March 19-25, 2022

Jesse Manuel Puente

Jesse Manuel Puente, 74, of Quincy, Washington passed away following a brief illness on Feb. 11, 2022, in Yuma, Arizona.

3 Adams Co. roads scheduled for repair

OTHELLO — Three sections of road in Adams County will be the focus of construction projects this summer, according to county officials. Work will start on 3.98 miles of Booker Road, east of Othello, about May 25. Adams County Engineer Scott Yeager...

An updated option: Manufactured homes may be an option in tight market

MOSES LAKE — “It’s not Grandma’s trailer house anymore.”

Nancy Lee Bromiley

Nancy Lee Bromiley, 82, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away March 27, 2022.

Soap Lake students take on Orca Bowl

SEATTLE - The Soap Lake High School took a handful of students to participate in the Orca Bowl on March 26 at the University of Washington. Orca Bowl is Washington State’s ocean knowledge competition, similar to Knowledge Bowl but...

Legals for April, 1 2022