Saturday, December 31
Woman injured in Othello-area shooting
OTHELLO — One woman was seriously injured in a shooting Friday night in the 2200 block of W. Ranier Road near Othello, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. As of Saturday at press time, deputies were still searching for a suspect believed to be armed, according to the ACSO statement. According to the statement, a 52-year-old woman answered the front door of her home to be confronted by a masked suspect who was asking for the woman’s son. Following a brief conversation with the suspect, the woman was shot in the leg and in the head, the ACSO statement said. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the incident happened roughly between 10 and 10:30 p.m. The suspect then fled, with ACSO deputies calling for help from a Grant County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team. A search was conducted of the nearby area but was later called off, according to a separate statement. The victim, who was not named, was transported to Othello Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition, the ACSO statement said. The ACSO said it continues to investigate the shooting and is asking anyone with any information regarding the case to call the sheriff’s office at 509-659-1122. Callers can remain anonymous. Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com
Newhouse, Western Caucus blast Biden admin for new Clean Water Act rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Western Caucus are expressing shock and criticism at a recent change in federal rules defining which U.S. water bodies are subject to the Clean Water Act, which was announced by the administration of President Joe Biden on Friday, just before the New Year weekend. “This rule is yet another attack on rural America,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, chairman of the Western Caucus. “Western Caucus members and the rural communities we represent have consistently called on the administration to provide regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, small businesses and landowners.” Newhouse, in a statement issued by the caucus on Friday, said the rule was premature given the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case brought by an Idaho couple challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to define what constitutes “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act passed by Congress in 1972. According to a White House press release issued Friday, the EPA has issued a order final broadening the definition of “waters of the United States” by reimposing the definition in use in 2015, before the administration of President Donald J. Trump narrowed and restricted it. In the press release, the White House said the goal is to restore fundamental protections for all navigable waters in the United States as well as any tributaries and upstream water sources, to restore the protections Congress intended when it wrote the Clean Water Act.
Friday, December 30
Quincy city budget includes money for street revisions, indoor activity center
QUINCY— The city of Quincy will spend about $86 million in 2023. Quincy City Council members voted unanimously to approve the 2023 budget at the Dec. 20 council meeting. The budget includes a general fund of about $21.6 million. Most of the money for employee salaries and many city operations, like most parks and recreation and the Quincy Police Department, comes out of the general fund. The city has about $12 million in a separate fund to build a new indoor sports complex. City Administrator Pat Haley said in a separate interview that the project has been in the works for a while. “We still have the fieldhouse on the drawing board and we’re looking at funding sources for that,” Haley said. “We have been putting that money aside to do something.” Council members voted in November to look for funding for the rest of the project. Estimated total cost is about $23 million, which includes some provisions for inflation. Haley said he doesn’t expect construction to start in 2023.
“It’s just such an honor and pleasure to be here”
Moses Lake S&D coach Jason Hart shows commitment to swimmers
MOSES LAKE — Jason Hart had numerous stops on the road in his coaching career, which eventually led to him taking over as head coach of both the boys and girls Maverick swim teams. Having coached the Moses Lake Manta Rays from 2005-2006, Hart said his past experiences in the community, along with being good friends with Tony St. Onge, made coaching the Mavs an enticing opportunity. “When I coached up here before, it made me feel at home,” Hart said. “Even back then I didn’t live here, but I’d walk around and know people. Everyone was nice and friendly – you don’t get that in Tri-Cities. That small-town vibe is pretty cool.” Despite coaching Moses Lake, Hart doesn’t live in the area – he commutes to the school every day from Tri-Cities. “It’s interesting because I used to deal blackjack for so many years, so I worked graveyards, and now I wake up at 5:15 in the morning,” Hart joked. “And it’s okay because what I do is I get up and I get going, the drive goes and I have an hour to get ready to see people.” How does Hart keep himself entertained over the nearly three-hour commute each day? “I love sports, and I love Metallica,” he said. Along with being the swim and dive coach, Hart also teaches aquatics classes at Moses Lake High School. Hart teaches three aquatics classes that vary in experience levels, where he enjoys getting to know Moses Lake students who don't participate in school sports. “When you coach, you really get to know all the kids that are able to go out for a sport,” Hart said. “Not every kid can go out for a sport for various reasons, and for me, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the kids who don’t compete (in athletics).” Even on days when school is off and the Mavericks still practice in the pool, Hart makes the drive. “It’s been good so far – sometimes we don’t have school and we still have practice, I still come up for practice,” Hart said. “We have practice Saturday at 8:15, we don’t have school but I’m still coming because it’s part of the job.”
EHS wrestling team to hold Jan. 8 fundraiser
EPHRATA - Ephrata High School wrestlers will be holding a fundraiser on Jan. 8 to raise money for the wrestling program. Wrestlers will be serving brunch along with a bake sale at Pita Pit in Ephrata, located at 26 Basin St. Nw. The fundraiser will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 8 and while the brunch is no-cost, the wrestling team is asking for donations from diners.
Hearth and home
Warming your house while keeping your energy bill down
COLUMBIA BASIN — Winter is here and there are several things residents can do to lower their heating bill and keep themselves and their homes safe, all while staying toasty warm in the cold weather. “If (residents) have a central system, mini splits, or even those things on the wall, they get lint and everything in (the filter) so you want to check those,” said Ramon Garcia Jr., service technician for Home Electrical Services in Moses Lake. Garcia said one of the most important things that residents can do is to check the filter on their heating system. He said residents should check it every month if possible for dirt and dust buildup regardless of how long the filter is expected to last.
Legals for December, 30 2022
Thursday, December 29
Othello boys take 71-28 win over Warden
OTHELLO — An aggressive Othello defense and what Warden Coach Brent Erdman said was a depleted Warden bench combined to give the Huskies boys basketball team a decisive 71-28 victory Wednesday in Othello. “We’re still trying to get healthy as a team,” Erdman said. “We’re missing a lot of kids, so we’re not at full strength. So that’s tough.” Warden scored the game’s first two points, but once Othello took a 3-2 lead, they never trailed again. The Huskies led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter, and Othello Coach Roman Pruneda said his team picked up the tempo from there. “We came out a little flat. We weren’t playing as aggressive on defense as I wanted them to, being a little timid,” Pruneda said. “But as we started going in the quarter, the kids picked it up. They found more of a sense of urgency from there on.”
Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer wraps up today
MOSES LAKE — Sydney Macdonald (1) of Moses Lake brings the ball up the court against Addisyn Reffett (24) of Lake Stevens Thursday in the Mavericks’ second game of the Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer at Moses Lake High School. Lake Stevens defeated Moses Lake 49-29. Mavericks coach Matt Strophy said he was encouraged by the way the Mavericks stuck to the defensive game plan. “Even though we gave up some things, they did what we asked of them,” he said. Moses Lake is back in action tonight in the tournament finale, playing the Othello Huskies at 5:15 p.m. Woodinville takes on Sunnyside at 1:45 p.m., and Central Valley plays Lake Stevens at 3:30 p.m.
Warden defense powers Cougars to 52-42 win over Othello
OTHELLO — The Warden girls basketball team used a scrambling defense and an intense press to come away with a 52-42 win over the Othello Huskies in Othello Wednesday. Warden Head Coach Josh Madsen said the Cougar defense helped make the difference on a night when the offense went cold. “Tonight we had a really rough shooting game. Our defense needs to keep us in it, and it did,” Madsen said. “We were just a mess to start the game, mentally,” he said. “It took us a while to settle down. We shot terribly most of the game, but really bad in the first half. Finally settled down in the late first quarter, second quarter, and started playing our game a little bit.” Othello jumped out to an 11-0 lead, and led 16-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Cougar press started gaining in effectiveness in the second quarter, however, and Warden took its first lead of the game, 23-22, with about two minutes left in the second quarter. The Cougars led 25-24 at the half.
Othello’s Annalee Coronado reaches 1,000 career points
OTHELLO — Othello senior Annalee Coronado went to the free throw line late in the Huskies’ game with Warden with 999 points in her high school basketball career. The shot went up, the ball went in and Coronado joined Othello’s 1,000 points club. “It feels like a dream,” she said after the game. “I thought maybe I could do it when I was in seventh, eighth grade. It’s just been a dream forever. So it feels amazing.” Coronado said she knew she was getting close. On the court she worked to make sure it didn’t affect her team’s chances, she said.
Kindness is not forgotten
Moses Lake girl gives cards to MLPD for her birthday
MOSES LAKE — An act of kindness by a child caught the attention of the Moses Lake Police Department this past week. “I asked her why she did it,” said Kathryn Snyder, mother of the little girl. “I was like ‘Why wouldn’t you want any presents? Why did you want to do this?’ and she goes ‘Because I love them.’” On Wednesday, the Moses Lake Police Department put up a post on Facebook saying they needed the public’s help in locating a child who had come to the MLPD office the week before.
Rosalinda Uvalle
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rosalinda (Rosa) Segundo Uvalle writes this testimony to her life. Rosalinda (beautiful flower) was born (and raised) in Texas on Aug. 22, 1960. After a brave fight with cancer, Rosa left us to be with her Lord on the morning of Dec. 24, 2022. Rosa never met a stranger. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was a friend to and loved by so many. Rosa looked for the positive in people and in all situations even the one at hand. Rosa had an infectious smile (and a great sense of humor) and brought light to any room she found herself in. A strong woman, Rosa had a strong faith in her Lord. While she fought hard to stay on this earth for those she loved, due to that strong faith, she was not afraid to meet her maker. She would have wanted you to know that she went peacefully with her family constantly by her side; the second most important thing to her. Rosa could never have children of her own, but she found her family in her marriage to her husband. Rosa was an integral part of her stepchildren’s and grandchildren’s lives.
Michael Harris
Michael Eugene Harris, 69, died Dec. 7, 2022, in Spokane, Washington. He joined his beloved wife, Sharon Harris, with their Heavenly Father. Final arrangements are with Pioneer Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held later in spring 2023.
Kenneth Jones
Kenneth Jones, 80, died Dec. 27, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington. He will be cremated and services will be announced.
Blanket statement
Keri Perez uses creative skills to make new quilts from old jeans
MOSES LAKE — Keri Perez said what started it all was the quilt made out of old jeans. “I grew up with a blanket my dad had – it was a huge jean blanket,” she said. The fabric came from her dad’s jeans. It was denim on both sides, very heavy, and her dad really liked it. He liked it so much that he paid a quilt maker to take more of his old jeans and make quilts for each of his kids. “He gifted each of us a jean blanket. Then when I moved back home to Moses Lake, I wanted one for my kids, so I just made a couple for my kids,” she said. “Then my dad had more jeans, and rather than paying another gal to put them together, he had me start putting them together. And for him I probably did (about) 45 blankets.”
Legals for December, 29 2022
Wednesday, December 28
Warden council approves $7.1 million budget for 2023
WARDEN — So far in 2022, the city of Warden has spent around half of the $13,000 it budgeted this year for snow removal, according to City Administrator and Clerk/Treasurer Kristine Shuler. “The city had three snow removal days in January 2022, and three this month,” Shuler wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. According to the $7.1 million 2023 budget passed by the city council in late November, Warden had set aside $18,500 for snow and ice control in 2023, of which $10,000 will cover regular and overtime wages for city snow crews. In the city’s regular total budget, the council approved a general fund of $1.8 million, including $742,000 for law enforcement, as well as $2.6 million for water and sewer service citywide, and $713,000 to maintain and upgrade the city’s roads and streets. In addition, the city is receiving roughly $786,000 in American Rescue Plan Act monies as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress in 2021.
Under one roof
Couple launches roofing, tax preparation business in Ephrata
EPHRATA — In a little blue house on the corner of Division Street and E Street, Yuritzi Chavez and her husband Victor decided to take a chance. “I’ve been doing taxes for 12 years,” Yuritzi said as she sat behind the big desk in an office that still smelled of fresh woodwork and new paint. “My life has been in taxes and business.” However, Yuritzi said that while she worked preparing individual and business taxes and selling insurance, she was also looking for an opportunity to expand her business, but nothing presented itself. Then Victor found himself working for a roofing company that was no longer paying him. To the Chavezes, it all suddenly seemed like a heaven-sent opportunity.
Friday lotto drawing looms
OLYMPIA — The year’s final Mega Millions lotto drawing is set for Friday, with a total jackpot of $640 million at stake, according to an announcement Wednesday from Washington’s Lottery. Tickets for the nationwide drawing are available for $2 each at Lotto ticket sellers across the state, the press release said, and will be sold until 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 – 15 minutes before the drawing. To play Mega Millions, players pick five numbers between one and 70 and one Mega Ball number between one and 25. Players can also let the machine select their numbers. The more numbers a player matches, the more he or she can win, the press release said.
Bail set at $1 million for suspect in Othello shooting, victim hospitalized
OTHELLO — An Othello man was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the neck after a shooting at his home Tuesday evening. Another Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and assault in connection with the shooting, and two juveniles were booked on suspicion of assault. Freddy Gonzalez-Rodriguez, 20, was transported to Othello Community Hospital and then to an out-of-town medical facility for further treatment of his wound, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday. The shooting occurred about 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of Kristina Road, the ACSO statement said. Raphael Chavez-Hernandez, 22, was booked on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. He made an initial appearance in Adams County Superior Court Wednesday, and is being held on $1 million bail, according to an update from the ACSO. The two juveniles were booked on suspicion of first-degree assault and second-degree assault. They also made an initial appearance in Adams County Superior Court, and bail was set at $500,000 each. The ACSO statement said the third juvenile suspect was being sought on the same charges. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said in answer to a separate question from the Columbia Basin Herald that all suspects are from Othello. The ACSO said in the statement a search warrant was served in the 600 block of Eagle Road near Othello late Wednesday morning. The shooting appeared to be gang-related, the ACSO statement said, but as of Wednesday morning the motive was unknown. The case is still under investigation. The ACSO said more information will be released as it becomes available. Cheryl Schweizer can be reached at education@columbiabasinherald.com.
Mount up!
Grant Co. Mounted Posse has last training of 2022
GRANT CO. - According to a release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Mounted Posse enjoyed the last training of 2022. The Posse is looking forward to 2023 and is looking for new members join their team. For more information, contact the GCSO at 509-754-2011 or visit their website at www.grantcountywa.gov/375/Mounted-Posse-Unit.
Law enforcement records for Dec. 29
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Ephrata Police Department Dec. 20 Report of a catalytic converter stolen in the 2100 block of Basin Street Southwest. Report of a burglary in which numerous items including a firearm were stolen. Dec. 23 Report of a two-vehicle rear-end collision at the intersection of Basin Street Southwest and SR 282. Vehicle 2 stopped at the light and vehicle 1, which was behind vehicle 2, did not. Dec. 24 Report of a vehicle prowl in the 100 block of Crest Drive. A handgun was taken. Dec. 25 Report of a stolen vehicle recovered in the 1200 block of Cottage Street Southeast. A stolen motorcycle was also found at the location. Dec. 27 Report of theft from a business in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Juvenile subject was contacted and the merchandise recovered. Othello Police Department Dec. 23 Report of a catalytic converter stolen on West Covey Road. Dec. 24 Report of a phone stolen in the 300 block of South First Avenue. Dec. 25 Report of a gas can stolen. Report of a brake light and passenger side window broken on a vehicle. Dec. 26 Report of a catalytic converter stolen on South Danielle Road. Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision in the 400- block of East Main Street. Report of a vehicle prowl on North 10th Avenue. Unspecified items were taken. Dec. 27 Report of a vehicle prowl in the vicinity of Lions Park. Report of a gas can stolen on South Third Avenue. Report of a vehicle vandalized on East Main Street. Grant County Jail Dec. 20 Samuel Mendez Cantu, 40, Moses Lake, booked on DUI, operating a vehicle without ignition interlock and no valid operating license. Zachary Tyler Higgs, 21, Moses Lake, booked on Grant County District Court warrants relating to DUI, hit-and-run unattended property and first-degree negligent driving. Michael Motorhi Bensal, 46, Soap Lake, booked on fourth-degree assault – domestic violence. Dec. 21 Richard Lee Phillips, 43, Katy, booked on second-degree assault – domestic violence. Dec. 27 Tomas Quintanilla, 35, Moses Lake,booked on second-degree burglary and third-degree theft. Victoria Valerie Martinez, 28, Quincy, booked on third-degree assault and violation of a protection order. Cindy Perez Johnson, 56, Moses Lake, booked on violation of a no-contact order – domestic violence. Moses Lake Police Department Dec. 21 Report of two vehicles prowled in the 100 block of North Hamilton Road. One vehicle’s back window was broken out and a box containing personal documents stolen, while the other vehicle’s catalytic converter was stolen. Report of a catalytic converter stolen in the 500 block of West Broadway Avenue. Report of two subjects under-ringing items in the self-checkout of a business in the 1000 block of North Stratford Road. Report of a non-injury collision in the 500 block of North Dale Road. Vehicle 1 slid on a patch of ice and struck vehicle 2, which was parked and unoccupied. Dec. 22 Report of approximately $40 worth of merchandise stolen from a business in the 1000 block of North Stratford Road. Report of theft from a business in the 500 block of South Pioneer Way. Dec. 23 Report of a two-vehicle collision on the Alder Street Fill. Vehicle 1 slid on snow and rear-ended vehicle 2. No injuries were reported. Report of an assault in the 300 block of East Third Avenue. Victim, who was in his car at the time, was reportedly dating suspect’s ex-wife. Report of a three-vehicle collision in the area of South Lakeland and East Raymond drives. Vehicle 1 was unable to slow down at the intersection and struck vehicle 2, which then crashed into vehicle 3, which was parked on the side of the street. Report of a vehicle prowl in a parking lot in the 900 block of North Stratford Road. Approximately $250 worth of gifts was stolen. December 24 Report of a vehicle prowl in the 1100 block of East Saint Helens Street. Tools valued at $3,000-$4,000 were taken. Dec. 25 Report of an assault at a business in the 600 block of South Pioneer Way. Victim reported that two male subjects jumped him. One subject was contacted and admitted to the assault. Report of a stolen vehicle recovered in the 200 block of East Broadway Avenue. Occupants were taken into custody. Report of a DUI on Yonezawa Boulevard near Yonezawa Park. Officers observed vehicle stuck in the snow in the wrong lane, facing oncoming traffic. Upon contact, the driver was found to have four times the legal limit of blood alcohol. Driver was cited and released to a relative. Dec. 26 Report of a catalytic converter stolen in the 300 block of North Crestview Drive. Report of more than $4,500 worth of fishing equipment stolen from a boat parked in the 12000 block of North Frontage Road East. Report of boots stolen from a business in the 900 block of North Stratford Road.
Doing it all
ACH’s Brandon Walsh splits time with numerous job titles for the Warriors
COULEE CITY — Ever since Brandon Walsh was a student at Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School he’s been balancing multiple sports, being a lineman in football, wrestling and playing third base and catcher in baseball. Now he’s turned that into a career, coaching the same Warriors he once played for. “I was one of those kids that loved what I was doing when I was doing it,” Walsh said. “That’s probably why I can coach two sports now, and be an athletic director. If I’m in the moment, I’m going to do that the best I can.”
Dennis Hall
Dennis G. Hall, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 30. He was born in Tacoma, Washington on Oct. 19, 1957, to Anthony “Tony” J. and Gertrude “Trudy” A. Hall. A celebration of life will be held after the new year (date to be determined). Dennis was a loving father of five, grandfather of one and friend to many. He was always up before the sun and the first to say “Good morning” and give a smile; therefore, he had earned the nickname Mr. Morning. He married the love of his life Patsy L. Conner on Sept. 15, 1979, in Othello, Washington. Shortly after, they moved to Moses Lake, Washington to create a loving home and raise a beautiful family.
Dennis Paul Mickelsen
Surrounded by those who loved him most, Dennis Paul Mickelsen, 54, lost his three-year battle with cancer on Nov. 8. Denny was born to Dennis and Linda Mickelsen and spent his childhood in Winlock, Washington on their family dairy farm. Most of his childhood memories involved working and learning on the farm. Known then as Denny Paul, he loved working with his dad, grandpa Clayton and the crew. He loved the cows, fields, and equipment – farming was truly in his blood. After graduating from Winlock High School in 1986, Denny attended Washington State University in Pullman. He worked hard to balance his rigorous engineering classes, working on the campus dairy and enjoying a social life. After earning his BS in agricultural engineering in 1991, Denny spent four years working as an engineer for the USDA/SCS, earning his professional license before returning to his true passion on the Winlock farm.
Euan Loiseau
Euan Emiel Loiseau, 95, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Dec. 16, 2022, from natural causes. Born to Alma Leora Gentry and Lionel Aubry Loiseau on March 11, 1927, in Lewiston, Idaho, he is predeceased by his parents; siblings Janine Walters and Mitzi Hemsley; wife Linda Gudrun Allison Loiseau and daughter Tena Jean Loiseau. Euan is survived by his brother Armand Loiseau of Pasco, Washington, and his 11 living children Amiel Loiseau of Lehi, Utah; Wendy Parent of Eugene, Oregon; Jeret Loiseau of Des Moines, Washington; Lori Ortlinghaus of Oracle, Arizona; Michele Yoder of Tacoma, Washington; Trece Loiseau Simpson of Lyle, Washington; Trent Loiseau of Izmir, Turkey; Becca Atlee of Renton, Washington; Megen McBride of Oceanside, California; Ember Dimond of Centerville, Utah; and Briel Loiseau of Moses Lake, Washington; 38 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren.
'I want to just train'
Othello’s The Grind Gym offers small-group training
OTHELLO – Resting on a side street off of South Broadway Avenue in Othello is The Grind Gym, a family-run gym owned by Othello natives Jacob and Meghan Johnston. The Grind Gym offers numerous small-group training classes as well as other programs including spin classes and personal training. “Group training is probably my number one (program),” Jacob Johnston said. “I like to keep small groups, so you’ll never have more than 10 to a class.” ...
Donald Timlick
Donald Charles Timlick passed away Dec. 3, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington. He was 86 years old. Don was born in Rolla, North Dakota on Nov. 14, 1936, to the late William Robert Timlick and Hilda Louise Timlick (Saich). He has resided in Royal City, Washington since 1977 with his wife Betty Timlick, where they farmed many crops including apples, alfalfa and corn. Don moved from North Dakota to Lonepine, Montana at the age of 10, and at the age of 16 he married his wife, Betty Stratton. They celebrated their 69th year of marriage on Oct. 15 of this year. In 1957, after working several jobs including felling timber, Don moved from Montana to Seattle Washington in order to start work at Boeing. After working at Boeing for about a year, he purchased his first service station selling gasoline and performing small automotive repairs. His wife Betty learned how to handle all of the bookkeeping, and they continued to work as a self-employed team for all the years that followed.
City, health district seek input for trail improvements
MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake and the Grant County Health District are asking city residents for help as the two agencies prepare to update the city’s trails master plan. “The main goal is to look at current trails and identify areas of need and improvement,” said Reece Leavitt, a health educator with the Grant County Health District who sits on the Trails Planning Team. “The goal is to get the trails the community wants to see.” The city has a number of dedicated walking, running and bicycling trails, including a path connecting Big Bend Community College to downtown, recreation trails along both sides of the peninsula, dedicated bike lanes on Broadway Avenue and Division Street and a number of road shoulders widened for walking.
ESD 171 looks to promote student wellness event program
WENATCHEE — The North Central Educational Services District 171 is working on a new program to give school districts tools and resources to create an event focused on student wellness. “The idea is (we) have been putting together a platform of information, like a facilitator's guide, to how a district or building would put on a wellness event for their students,” said Shelley Seslar, managing director of Behavioral Health Services NCESD 171, in a Zoom interview that also included Elizabeth Moore, regional behavioral health educator for ESD 171. The program will help individual school districts create a “Wellness Event.” The program is a tool for guidings school districts as they implement a wellness event of their own, whether that event is only part of a day, an entire day or multiple days, that promotes the well being of all students in different ways. Seslar said it will be up to each district, if, when and how often they choose to hold a wellness event.
Grant County Health District receives grant to increase distribution of Narcan
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Health District officials are hoping to get a medication that helps fight narcotics overdoses into the hands of more people, with the aid of a grant from the North Central Accountable Community of Health. Mariah DeLeon, GCHD Harm Reduction Program coordinator, said the grant will provide Narcan kits, along with training in how to use them. “Our goal is to supply people who use drugs, or people who are affected by people who use drugs, with Narcan. Our goal is to get Narcan embedded into the community,” DeLeon said. Narcan inhibits the effect of an opioid overdose, she said.
Legals for December, 28 2022
Tuesday, December 27
Columbia Basin Sports Schedule
COLUMBIA BASIN — The last few days of winter break feature a full slate of basketball and wrestling tournaments for local teams. Basketball and wrestling return to league play throughout the Basin during the first week of January. Wednesday, Dec. 28 Moses Lake boys varsity swimming and diving at Walla Walla High School - noon. Ephrata girls basketball West Valley (Spokane) tournament - 1:30 p.m. Quincy girls basketball at Freeman Tournament - 2 p.m. Ephrata boys basketball at West Valley (Spokane) tournament - 5 p.m. Moses Lake boys basketball vs. Spanaway Lake at Fort Vancouver Tournament - 5:30 p.m. Othello boys, girls basketball vs. Warden - 6, 7:30 p.m. Quincy boys basketball at Freeman Tournament - 6:30 p.m. Moses Lake girls basketball vs. Pasco at Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer - 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 Royal boys basketball at Wilbur-Ellis Sundome Shootout, Yakima - opponent and time to be determined. Wahluke boys, girls basketball at Granger Christmas Tournament - opponent and time to be determined. Moses Lake boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Quincy boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Ephrata boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Wahluke boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Othello boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Royal boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Warden boys, girls wrestling at Hanford Winter Cup tournament - Hanford High School, 9 a.m. Moses Lake girls basketball vs. Lake Stevens at Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer - 1:30 p.m. Moses Lake boys basketball Fort Vancouver Tournament - opponent and time to be determined Warden girls basketball vs. Woodinville at Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer - 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30 Royal boys basketball at Wilbur-Ellis Sundome Shootout - opponent and time to be determined. Wahluke boys, girls basketball at Granger Christmas Tournament - opponent and time to be determined. Moses Lake girls basketball vs. Othello at Lady Mavericks Christmas Mixer - 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 Moses Lake girls varsity bowling at Eastmont - 2 p.m. Royal boys, girls basketball at Kiona-Benton City - 6, 7:30 p.n. Moses Lake boys, girls basketball at AC Davis - 5:45, 7:30 p.m. Quincy boys, girls basketball vs. Chelan - 5:45, 7:15 p.m. Wahluke boys, girls basketball at Toppenish - 6, 7:30 p.m. Othello boys, girls basketball vs. Selah - 6, 7:30 p.m. Ephrata boys, girls basketball at East Valley (Yakima) - 6, 7:30 p.m.
Othello 2023 budget includes park, city hall upgrades
OTHELLO — The city of Othello is projected to spend about $31.4 million on city services and projects in 2023. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said city officials have put together a long list of projects for next year. “This 2023 budget is an ambitious budget that’s designed to accomplish a lot of things,” Logan said. The city’s general fund was budgeted at about $8.3 million in 2023; the general fund pays for most city employee salaries and operations not funded through specific departments. The city’s sewer utility fund was budgeted at about $5.7 million, and the water utility fund at about $4.3 million. Operation of water and sewer services are paid for out of those funds. The street fund is budgeted at $2.175 million. The city also has about $1.25 million of the money the city received to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak.
How to read the range
Quincy High School’s Levi Kukes to compete in international rangeland management contest
QUINCY — An experienced observer – or somebody who’s done their homework – can study a piece of rangeland and find clues to its condition. The vegetation on a specific section of range, its distribution, the way the land slopes, the soil type – it all has something to say, at least to someone who’s done their homework. Levi Kukes has done his homework.
MLCA/CCS senior Kali Kast crosses the 1,000-point mark
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School senior Kali Kast knew she was nearing the 1,000 career point mark, but wasn’t sure how close she was as she entered the Lions’ Dec. 3 game against Mount Vernon Christian. “I didn’t really know I was that close,” Kali Kast said. “I really just wanted to win – I have a competitive nature, and Mount Vernon Christian is a really good team. I was just thinking ‘What do I have to do to help us win this game?’” Josh Kast, MLCA/CCS head coach and Kali’s father, broke the news to the senior player after the win over the Hurricanes.
Booking history
Carnegie library in Ritzville looks to serve community
RITZVILLE - It’s a long way from Dunfermline, Scotland to Ritzville, Washington. Four thousand, three hundred eighty miles as the crow flies, in fact. (A very, very determined and untiring crow.) So why is the name of a child laborer from Dunfermline engraved proudly above a building in Ritzville? Because Andrew Carnegie loved books and wanted other people to enjoy them. “Being an immigrant and being poor when he first got here, he was really into helping the working class work their way up,” said Millie Hopkins, circulation manager for the East Adams Library District, which operates the Ritzville Carnegie Library...
Monday, December 26
'He showed leadership qualities from the get-go'
Mavs athlete shines on court and field
MOSES LAKE — Being a leader is nothing new to Moses Lake junior Kyson Thomas. Whether on the football field or the basketball court, Thomas is helping to guide the Mavericks to wins. “Besides just his basketball ability, (he brings) his leadership,” Moses Lake boys basketball Head Coach Jake Hunt said. “I saw that pretty early on when he came up to us as an incoming freshman. I was able to see that over the summer when he was an eighth-grader… He showed leadership qualities from the get-go.” Thomas, who has two older brothers who also played sports at Moses Lake, said that growing up in a competitive environment has allowed him to now reap those benefits.
Car fire put out quickly
MOSES LAKE — A car fire Monday afternoon in the 4300 block of Miller Street Northeast was put out quickly thanks to Moses Lake Fire Department. “(When) we showed up it was in fact fully involved,” said Moses Lake Fire Department Battalion Chief J.R. Schwendeman. Schwendeman said they don’t know what started the fire but that it was probably accidental. There was video footage of the fire and Schwendeman said it appeared to have started inside the unoccupied car. He noted there were a couple of propane tanks inside the vehicle that were venting when firefighters arrived on the scene.
Planning for A Street next step for Quincy
QUINCY — Planning may start in 2023 for the next phase of a project designed to reroute semi-truck traffic away from Quincy’s Central Avenue and residential streets. The B Street Northeast phase of the project was the focus of the work in 2022, and prompted questions and concerns from residents and business owners along the street. Quincy administrator Pat Haley said city officials will be working on A Street Northeast, with no date for construction established, but hoping it can begin in 2024. “That’s the next step. That’s the next project,” Haley said.
SLPD brings smiles for Christmas
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Shop with a Cop kicked off right before Christmas on Dec. 23. “It was good and I look forward to doing it again next year,” said Soap Lake Police Department Chief Ryan Cox. The Shop with a Cop event was put on by the Soap Lake Police Department through donations made to its benevolent fund and fundraising at its Tip-a-Cop event earlier this month at The Busy Bean. They raised slightly more than $1,200 at this year’s Tip-a-Cop for the Shop With a Cop event.
Adams County Pet of the Week: Stallone
Meet Stallone. He is just a smidge older than six months. He’s full of puppy fun and has an incredibly sweet disposition. He enjoys playing with his toys but may not do well around a poultry farm as he sort of sees the chickens as toys. To be fair, they do run around and make a lot of clucking noises. Still, Stallone is ready to find a forever home that will offer him a chance to play and be active. He and his fellow pals at Adams County Pet Rescue look forward to meeting new families to love. Like all of the pets available for adoption, Stallone is up to date on his shots and general veterinary care. To schedule an appointment, call 509-488-5514. Interested pet lovers may also email the shelter at adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. Visit the shelter online at www.adamscountypetrescue.com.
Youth leadership
Warden’s Anthony Gutierrez, a sophomore captain, named Athlete of the Week
WARDEN – After a 43-point performance in Warden’s 86-80 win over Granger, Warden sophomore point guard Anthony Gutierrez was named Athlete of the Week by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association last week. “My teammates got me some open looks,” Gutierrez said. “(Granger) knew who I was, they knew I was going to shoot the three-ball. I was working off the ball, I really didn’t get that many layups. Most of my points were from threes.” ...
Grant County Pet of the Week: Sampson
Meet Sampson. Sampson is about three years old and is a German Shepherd mix. He came to Grant County Animal Outreach in February of 2022. Sampson is a very loving dog but prefers his friends to have two legs instead of four. He enjoys playing outside, especially in the water, and being brushed. He would make a wonderful addition to a family that had a large yard for him to play in with no other animals. He gladly accepts treats and affection. For more information about Sampson and his fellow furry friends at the shelter, visit www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org. More information is available by calling 509-762-9616 or emailing the shelter at gcaoadoptions@outlook.com. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake.
Quincy city service rates to increase in 2023
QUINCY — Quincy residents will see a 10% increase in their water, sewer and garbage rates in 2023. Quincy City Council members approved the rate increase by a unanimous vote at the regular meeting Dec. 20. “We haven’t had a rate increase for a couple of years,” City Administrator Pat Haley said....
Pets, New Years and fireworks
Keeping your fuzzy family members safe this holiday
With 2022 coming to a close, family and friends may be eager to celebrate the new year with fireworks. Many pets, however, may not welcome the loud noises or bright lights that accompany the celebratory event. Because these festivities may be more than a nuisance for animals, Dr. Audrey Cook, a professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains some dangers of using fireworks and solutions for keeping pets calm throughout the night.
Fuzzy friends of the Basin
Proud pet owners show off their companions
MOSES LAKE — Canine or feline, equine and even the occasional arachnid, people in the Columbia Basin love their pets. . .
Weather for Monday, Dec. 26, 2022
Weather report for Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 from the National Weather Service.
Legals for December, 26 2022
Friday, December 23
Power interrupted after truck hits pole
OTHELLO — A truck that slid off the road about three miles east of Othello Friday morning led to a brief power outage. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the collision occurred about 7 a.m. near the intersection of West Cunningham Road and South Billington Road. Slick road conditions contributed to the accident, according to a post from the ACSO. The truck came to rest on its side, knocking down a power pole and interrupting service. Power was restored before 4 p.m. No further information on the collision was available at press time.
School and holiday spirit
Ephrata High School student Eric O’Neel found a seasonally appropriate costume for the Ephrata-Quincy basketball game Dec. 21.
Masquers Theater announces ‘Sing On’ auditions
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will be holding auditions for the company’s production of “Sing On” Jan. 6 and 7. Auditions will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 and 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at the theater, 322 E. Main St., Soap Lake...
Moses Lake pushes through weather challenges
MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake has spent nearly all of the money it allocated in its 2022 budget for snow removal. “The city’s budget included funds for this snow event,” wrote Assistant City Manager Rich Huebner in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “If we have another significant snow event before the end of the year, the City Manager has the authority to authorize an emergency expense, and a subsequent budget allocation can be completed.” ...
Happy holidays from the Columbia Basin Herald
During the 2022 calendar year, the staff here at the Columbia Basin Herald have been blessed to serve an amazing community. We’ve had a chance to cover a wide variety of community events, from tragedies and deaths to blessings and births, we’ve been allowed inside of people’s lives. With humility and gratitude for your support, the team here at CBH wishes all of our community a joyous holiday season and a wonderful 2023....
Highway oasis
Java Bloom serves weary travelers and antique lovers
WASHTUCNA – For a lot of SR 26, there’s not a lot to see. One wheat field follows another as the interminable miles blur together. Then you dip into a small coulee and there before you, at the edge of Washtucna, is Java Bloom. “We wanted to do something at the corner here to help travelers since we're out in the middle of nowhere,” said Patricia Hulett, who owns Java Bloom with her husband Bill. “To give people a place to stop and refresh.” ...
Paul Gajewski
Paul was a very humorous and energetic person. He made friends wherever he went, whether to a convention full of hard-core salespeople in Chicago or a trattoria in a village in Italy. Paul was a natural entrepreneur. He was the owner of a Pacific Northwest regional office products representation company for over 30 years. However, the two most important things in his busy life are his beautiful wife Dannah and his adventurous son Jason. He built a rich, exciting and beautiful life with Dannah. Though they lived for decades in the Seattle area, they eventually chose to live in Soap Lake, Washington on the golf course, where you could find him nearly everyday. Paul was a proud and devoted dad. He thought his son Jason (welder, woodsman, master fisherman, traveler, Montana-sorta-homesteader), was the coolest dude ever. Paul was on a father-son vacation with Jason in Zihuatanejo when he was struck by a completely unexpected heart attack. Jason honored his dad through his own grief, navigating the bureaucracy of the Mexican government and bringing his dad’s ashes home to us over the course of more than a week.
Thursday, December 22
Defense powers Ephrata girls to 50-34 win over Quincy
EPHRATA — The Ephrata girls basketball team used aggressive defense to pull away from the Quincy Jacks and take the 50-34 win Wednesday night in Ephrata. Tigers coach Alain Black said she prefers a man-to-man defense, but Quincy forced the Tigers to switch...
‘One point and about three seconds’
Ephrata wins Battle of the Basin overtime thriller
EPHRATA — Ephrata boys basketball coach Rick Walter detailed the difference between the Tigers and the Quincy Jacks in Ephrata’s 61-60 overtime win Wednesday in Ephrata. “One point and about three seconds,” Walter said. Hayden Roberts hit the winning shot with about two seconds left, after Julian Ibarra had given the Jacks the lead, 60-59, with about eight seconds left. Quincy’s Pierce Bierlink got off a shot at the buzzer, but it bounced off the rim...
Japanese beetle quarantine area expanded
OLYMPIA — Officials with the Washington State Department of Agriculture are seeking the expansion of the state’s internal Japanese beetle quarantine area after a number of beetles were found outside the quarantine area, which was established earlier this year. According to a WSDA press release, while most beetles have been found in or just outside the Grandview quarantine area in Yakima County, a number of beetles have also been reported in Wapato and one was confirmed found as far east as Richland...
Snowdrift closes Quincy-area road, strands drivers
QUINCY — Snowdrifts closed sections of Road 8 NW and Road 9 NW and temporarily stranded some drivers late Wednesday night. No one was stranded overnight, although some vehicles were stuck in the snowdrift until morning. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office issued a travel advisory at about 11:47 p.m., asking drivers to avoid the two roads between Road M.7 NW and Adams Road North. Grant County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman wrote in a release that multiple vehicles were stuck, including a delivery truck blocking the roadway...
Ephrata adopts 2023 budget, cancels next city council meeting
EPHRATA - The Ephrata City Council adopted their 2023 budget and decided to cancel their next meeting set for Jan. 4 amongst other things at the meeting Wednesday evening...
Soap Lake considers creative district
SOAP LAKE - The City of Soap Lake announced Wednesday that they are holding a public meeting to get community feedback on pursuing the creation of a creative district in the city. The meeting will be held Jan. 5 at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center, located at 121 2nd Ave Se, at 6 p.m. Additional coverage to follow.
Ferguson sues pharmacies over opioid prescriptions
OLYMPIA — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is suing three major national pharmacy chains, claiming the three failed to do anything to prevent the state’s opioid epidemic. Ferguson filed suit in King County Superior Court against Albertsons, Kroger and Rite Aid, and includes Albertsons subsidiary Safeway, Rite Aid subsidiary Bartell Drugs, and Kroger subsidiaries QFC and Fred Meyer, according to the press release. In the lawsuit, Ferguson alleges the retail pharmacies ignored federal regulations and “put profits over safety” by oversupplying prescription opioids in Washington state, the press release said...
Douglas, Chelan unemployment rises
ELLENSBURG — Unemployment in Douglas and Chelan counties rose in November 2022 to 5.1% from 4.4% the previous year despite a decline in the two counties’ combined workforce, according to data published this week by the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Soap Lake adopts 2023 budget
SOAP LAKE - The City of Soap Lake’s final city council meeting for 2022 included adopting the 2023 annual budget.
PUD asks Crescent Bar residents to conserve power
EPHRATA — Officials with the Grant County Public Utility District took an unusual step late Wednesday and issued a request to its customers in the Crescent Bar and Trinidad areas to turn off unneeded appliances and limit their power use in order to avoid a blackout. “There was more demand than we thought we might be able to supply,” said Grant PUD spokesperson Christine Pratt. “There were no outages, but we just put that message out to get people to conserve.” ...
Larson Rec Center opens its doors to the public
MOSES LAKE — As she toured the city of Moses Lake’s new Larson Recreation Center, Arin Swinger had one request. “It would be cool if you could start a list,” Swinger told Recreation Superintendent Carrie Hoiness as she talked with a couple of friends about playing pickleball. “So people can connect.” City staff thought that was a worthwhile idea...
Donald Prentice
Donald J. Prentice, 87, passed away in his home in Marlin, Washington on Dec. 20, 2022. Donald (Don) was born Jan. 29, 1935, in Oakley, Idaho, the third child of George Albert Prentice and Lila Ostler Prentice. Don married the love of his life, Betty LuDean Wells, on Aug. 1, 1953, in Gooding, Idaho and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 23, 1954. More than anything on this earth Don loved LuDean, his family, his friends, and his Savior. Don was a hero, a loyal, loving husband, a devoted father, a playful grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, a caring brother, a true friend and the patriarch of our family. He was the most sincere and selfless person we have ever known. He set the bar very high for his posterity to follow along in his footsteps.
QVMC looks at rebranding
New logo, updated website possibilities for Quincy Valley Medical Center
QUINCY — A new logo and an updated website would be part of a possible rebranding campaign for Quincy Valley Medical Center, an option discussed at the regular commission meeting Monday. Shannon Durfee, QVMC community relations and marketing director, said the idea is still in the discussion phase; there’s nothing proposed for a new look yet. But with a new hospital being designed, Durfee said it was time to think about a new look...
Operation Friendship
Moses Lake Food Bank program works to help children in need have a great holiday.
MOSES LAKE — The volunteers circulated among the big cardboard boxes Saturday morning, consulting the notes on the clipboard, selecting a doll and a puzzle here, a game ball and toy cars there. The goal of Operation Friendship, sponsored by the Moses Lake Food Bank, is to empty the bins and get the toys into the hands of children for Christmas. Moses Lake Food Bank Operations Manager Peny Archer said Operation Friendship had more than 300 children registered...
Law enforcement records for Dec. 22
The reports below were provided by the police departments and sheriff’s offices indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...
Legals for December, 22 2022
Wednesday, December 21
WA fire marshal advises preparedness for winter storms
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Fire Marshal’s office is asking Washington residents to take precautions and prepare for winter weather emergencies such as wind-driven snow, extreme cold, downed power lines and icy roads. “Winter storms and extreme cold can cause dangerous and life-threatening conditions,” said a press release from Deputy Fire Marshal Gregory Baruso. “Taking preparedness actions now can make a big difference in protecting you and your family.” ...
Newhouse bill supports fight against fentanyl
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation co-authored by Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, extending the emergency scheduling of fentanyl and analogous substances has been included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus government funding bill being considered by Congress this week. “Fentanyl is wreaking havoc on our communities in Central Washington,” Newhouse said in a press release announcing the inclusion. “I am pleased this legislation was included in the final omnibus, meaning certainty and safety for our communities is just around the corner.” ...
BPA Chief receives presidential award
PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration announced on Wednesday that the agency’s chief administrator, Robin Furrer, is one of 18 Department of Energy executives receiving the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award in 2022 from President Joe Biden, according to a BPA press release.
RECAP: Seahawks suffer another loss, Kraken win two-straight
SEATTLE – While playoff chances for the Seattle Seahawks slip with each of their four recent losses, the Seattle Kraken have snapped their losing skid with back-to-back wins. Check out this week’s professional sports recap...
Tigers take down Royal
Mills's 24 points push Ephrata girls to win over Knights girls on the court
ROYAL CITY – After beginning the season 3-0 then dropping back-to-back games to Shadle Park and Prosser, the Ephrata girls basketball team defeated Royal 54-32 on the road on Tuesday night. “It feels good, we just had to grind out some stuff in practice this week,” Ephrata Head Coach Alain Black said. “That’s been our focus. Prosser is a good team, and so we didn’t sit on it too long – we went past it and got ready for Royal.” Ephrata forced turnovers to feed its fast-paced offensive attack, utilizing fast breaks to catch the Royal defense flat-footed...
Sharon Moody
March 3, 1943 – December 7, 2022
Sharon Moody, 79, of Ephrata, WA went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. She was born March 3, 1943, in Tucson, Ariz. to Stephen Joseph Evans and Irene Darko Evans...
HTC pairs with Ardent Mills to continue chickpea legacy
OTHELLO – The Hinrichs Trading Company, a division of Ardent Mills, knows a lot about chickpeas, or garbanzo beans as they are also called. HTC manages the complete chickpea production from cleaning and packaging to shipping - to now chickpea flour. “Before, we ended our part of the supply chain at the whole chickpea,” said Kyle Hinrichs, Commercial Operations Manager of Hinrichs Trading Division - Pullman. “Now, as part of Ardent Mills, we have flour facilities. So now we're one more step along that supply chain.” ...
Hovde remembered for commitment to community
Former Soap Lake mayor passed away in late October at age 89
SOAP LAKE - Wayne Hovde, a 30-year resident of Soap Lake, passed away Oct. 29. During his time in the small town he served on the city council and as mayor, adding to a legacy of hard work, determination and service. “I think (he just wanted) to make Soap Lake great,” said Hovde’s daughter Elayne Hovde-Knudson. “He was a visionary for things, he was able to think outside the box and he really didn’t care what people might’ve thought of him.” ...
Basin sports schedule for Dec. 21-27
COLUMBIA BASIN – It’s a lighter week of sports here in the Basin, as schools are off for the holiday break. Check out this week’s sports schedule, including a few local holiday tournaments.
Legals for December, 21 2022
Tuesday, December 20
Bitterly cold weather, then freezing rain, in forecast
MOSES LAKE — A combination of cold air and even colder air will cause winds to start blowing and push temperatures to 25 to 30 degrees below zero in Grant County early Thursday morning. Steven Van Horn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said Tuesday night that temperatures are forecast to be about seven to 10 degrees below zero early Thursday morning. But the winds will be blowing out of the north, forecast to be about 10 to 12 miles per hour. “Those winds are going to have a significant impact,” Van Horn said...
DOH encourages caution in light of dangerous flu season
OLYMPIA — With this winter's flu season spreading faster and causing more death than in previous years, the Washington State Department of Health is advising all state residents aged 6 months and older get their flu shots as soon as possible, according to a department press release. DOH described this year’s flu season as arriving earlier than in previous years, noting that 40 people so far have died from this year’s H3N2 Influenza A strain — including three children...
Wreaths Across America visits the Basin
EPHRATA - Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and volunteers laid wreaths at the Ephrata, Quincy Valley and Soap Lake cemeteries Saturday in honor of Wreaths Across America Day. WAA Day’s purpose is to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom...
QVMC board authorizes bond sale
Proceeds to be used to build new Quincy hospital
QUINCY — A general contractor for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled to be hired by the end of January, with the goal of starting construction in the summer of 2023. Hospital district commissioners authorized the sale of $46 million in construction bonds at the regular meeting Monday. “That is a big deal,” said commissioner Anthony Gonzalez. The vote to authorize the bond sale was 4-0; commissioner Sherri Kooy was absent. “That is a huge deal,” commissioner Michelle Talley said in agreement with Gonzalez...
With new faces, Jackrabbits creating on-court chemistry
QUINCY – Sitting at 4-2 ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against Cascade (Leavenworth), the Quincy Jackrabbit boys basketball team has been using early-season games to create chemistry on the court. “I’ve been really happy with the way they’ve gelled and played together,” Quincy Head Coach Scott Bierlink said. “We certainly have some room to grow in that area, but overall I think they’re well above my expectations from when the season started.” ...
Mavs off to 3-1 start
Season looking promising despite recent close loss to Grizzlies
MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks suffered their first loss of the season on the road against Sunnyside on Saturday, a 62-59 double overtime loss to the Grizzlies. The 3-1 start to the year is the best start since the Mavs also went 3-1 to begin the 2015-16 season, according to the team’s MaxPreps page. “It does feel good for these guys to get the season rolling in the right direction,” Moses Lake Head Coach Jake Hunt said. “It’s really good for their confidence.” ...
OPINION: Libraries should prioritize availability over facelift
(The Dec. 6) Herald ran a story announcing a $10 million facelift for our area libraries. Nice, except spending money for facilities that have limited access hours since COVID reared its ugly head and because the system and because the system doesn’t have the money to pay to have the libraries open to pre-COVID hours. COVID has eased enough to reopen our libraries, but the hours are inconvenient for students and working people. Roberta Gibson Moses Lake
Jacks place fourth at Cashmere Invitational
CASHMERE – Four local teams competed at the Cashmere Invitational on Saturday, with Quincy, Warden, Wahluke and Royal all finishing inside the top ten...
‘I want my car to look cool, but I want to do it my way’
Customizing cars and turning wrenches is for women and girls too
OTHELLO — Jessica Preciado’s car is pretty much like she wants it. More or less. Of course, it still needs some work. A cool car usually needs some work. “I can’t say this car will ever be 100% done,” she said. “I’ll see where it goes.” The 2003 Mazda Protege has had a lot of work done already - a new wheel setup, engine modifications, a modified suspension, among other things. “I have started a list, but I lost track,” she said...
Othello PD, ACSO play Santa
Children fulfill their shopping lists with help of law enforcement at Shop With a Cop
OTHELLO — Even when kids have a shopping buddy - courtesy of the Othello Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office - that Christmas shopping thing is tough. Jesus Caramillo has a big family, and he had a budget. It was a pretty healthy budget. Caramillo was part of OPD’s annual Shop With a Cop day, and OPD Assistant Chief David Rehaume said the community was very generous in 2022...
Legals for December, 20 2022
Monday, December 19
Larson Rec Center open house set for Thursday
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents can come take a look at the Larson Recreation Center beginning Thursday. The rec center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and Dec. 27 through 30. “Holiday ornaments will be given out to the public on Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23 on a first come, first serve basis until supplies are exhausted,” wrote Carrie Hoiness, recreation superintendent for the city, in a press release...
Rock, paper, sportsmanship, trophy
BREMERTON – With both teams tied in second place with 126.5 points each after the HammerHead Invitational in Bremerton, the Othello Huskies and Moses Lake Mavericks participated in a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who would take home the second place trophy. Othello was the victor, Othello Head Coach Rafael Ruiz said.
ACH rebounds
After suffering a last-second loss to Manson last Tuesday, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors bounced back with a 48-25 win over Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame on Friday and a 63-60 win over previously undefeated Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School on Saturday. The Warriors are now 4-3 on the year and face off against Republic at home on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Huskies place ninth at Tri-State
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – After taking first at their home tournament last week, the Othello Huskies traveled to the 51st annual Tri-State Wrestling Tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, taking ninth place in a tournament of nearly 60 teams from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. “The kids were excited, they know how tough Tri-State is and I think they were up for the challenge,” Othello Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II said. “They wanted to test themselves, and they were pretty dialed in all week.” ...
Clasen earns degree from CSC
CHADRON, NE - Chase Clasen of Moses Lake earned a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Chadron State College.
GALLERY: Shop with a Cop 2022
MOSES LAKE – With collaboration between Moses Lake Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Warden Police Department and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Shop with a Cop 2022 was a huge success, officials said. Children and their families were served pizza before heading out to the Moses Lake Walmart sales floor to do their Christmas shopping. After all was said and done, the children were able to take home newly bought and wrapped gifts to place under the Christmas tree in anticipation of Christmas Day. Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiaasinherald.com.
Moses Lake Food Bank to move to new location
MOSES LAKE — Moving Day has arrived for the Moses Lake Food Bank, and as a result it will be closed for the week of Dec. 26. Food Bank Operations Manager Peny Archer said distribution this week will include enough food to cover two weeks. The food bank will reopen Jan. 3 in its new location at the intersection of Grape Drive and State Route 17.
Dent serving on Ag committee
OLYMPIA — State Rep. Tom Dent (R– Moses Lake) will have a new committee leadership role when the 2023 legislative session convenes next month, according to a statement from Dent’s office. He’ll be the ranking Republican member on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the statement said. "I have been very involved in many of the issues before this committee and I have a good relationship with the chair, so this is a good opportunity for me to step in and officially be the lead voice of the caucus on the committee," Dent wrote in the statement. "There may be some high-profile issues before the committee in the upcoming session including riparian buffers, water rights and storage, wildfires and forest management." ...
REC Silicon targeted by ransomware attack
LYSAKER, NORWAY - According to a press release Monday from REC Silicon ASA, the company’s virtual server environment suffered a ransomware attack that caused business systems to stop functioning for a brief period of time. The release also stated that all systems of the company have been successfully restored with only minor data loss of a limited amount that does not appear to include any significant intellectual property. REC has implemented increased security and is taking additional steps to ensure the protection of its information and server environment from any future incidents, the release states.
Mims, Haener lead Fresno St. past Washington St. in LA Bowl
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Jordan Mims and Jake Haener helped complete the biggest in-season turnaround in Football Bowl Subdivision history in their final game for Fresno State, Mims rushed for a career-high 205 yards and two scores, Haener threw two TD passes and the Bulldogs rolled to a 29-6 victory over Washington State in the LA Bowl on Saturday.
Walking path construction discussed by Mattawa Council
MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council wants to know when will work will resume on a walkway along Government Road. At a regular meeting on Thursday, Council Member Tony Acosta asked about the procedure for resuming work, which was halted in late November with the arrival of cold weather, and who is in charge of setting a date for the construction restart. “My concern is figuring out if we were going to put a date to start back up, so the clock can start ticking again,” Acosta said. “Are we going to leave it open-ended?” ...
‘This is such a wonderful season’
Gothard Sisters give Christmas a Celtic flavor
MOSES LAKE — The Wallenstien Theater took on a Celtic glow Tuesday evening, as the Gothard Sisters, Greta, Willow and Solana, brought their Christmas concert to Moses Lake. “This is such a wonderful season. I always love December when it comes around,” said Solana, the youngest of the trio...
Grant PUD commissioners vote to increase rates
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD customers will see an increase in their electrical rates, effective April 1, 2023. Utility district commissioners approved a 3% overall rate increase at the regular meeting Tuesday.
Decorating safely for the holidays with pets in the home
As the holiday season brings Christmas trees, decorations, and holiday foods, pets may take the opportunity to create mischief. Dr. Murl Bailey, a senior professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, provides some common dangers for pet owners to be aware of throughout the holiday season...
Grant County Pet of the Week: Dak
Meet Dak. He is about a year and a half old and has been at the shelter since April. Dak is very energetic and would love to go on hikes, walks or just hang out. Dak gets along with some dogs and is ok with cats. He likes to run and play so if a cat is running Dak wants to run and play. Dak was adopted and then returned, but for no reason of his own. Animals from the shelter really need time to decompress and get used to their new homes and families. That process can typically take about three months. Call Grant County Animal Outreach at 509-762-9616 to schedule a meet and greet with Dak or any of his fellow pets at GCAO. Visit the shelter online at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org or in person at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake.
Adams County Pet of the Week: Lemon
Meet Lemon. Lemon came to Adams County Pet Rescue with his brother, Lime, who has since been adopted. Lemon is a male Terrier mix and is about a year old. He’s a little guy at just a hair over 10 pounds. Like all animals available for adoption at ACPR, he is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations. He’s a feisty little guy that loves toys and people – and playing in the snow. Visit www.adamscountypetrescue.com to find more information about Lemon or his fellow Othello pups (and cats) or call 509-488-5514 to schedule a time to come in and visit Lemon and the other pets available at ACPR. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.
Weather for Monday, Dec. 19, 2022
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 15 and north winds of around 8 miles per hour. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 3. Tuesday: A 20% chance of snow and mostly cloudy, with a high near 15. Tuesday night is expected to stay mostly cloudy with a low of -1. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 13. Wednesday night should see a 20% chance of snow after 10 p.m. with mostly skies and a low around 0. Thursday: A 40% chance of snow and mostly cloudy, with a high near 16. Thursday night should see a continued 40% chance of snow with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 9. Friday: A 20% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.
Legals for December, 19 2022
Saturday, December 17
WA November unemployment rises slightly
OLYMPIA — Washington employers added 13,100 jobs in November, though the state’s unemployment rate also posted a slight increase to 4% from 3.8% in October, according to data published last week by the Washington State Employment Security Department. “Despite the uptick in the unemployment rate, unemployment is low by historic standards,” ESD State Economist Paul Turek said in the press release. “And while companies may be taking a more cautious approach to hiring, the number of jobs added in November indicates that we are still in a favorable environment for job seekers.” ...
Late morning fire damages Quincy shop Friday
QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 firefighters gain entry to a shop while fighting a fire in the building late Friday morning. The fire, in the 40 block of F Street SE, was reported at about 11:35 a.m., said GCFD 3 Assistant Chief Jim Kling. He added that the building sustained damage but was not destroyed. Kling said the cause of the fire was undetermined, but that an electrical issue was suspected. Firefighters were on the scene about an hour.
Underclassmen get valuable mat experience for Tigers
EPHRATA – With a roster full of underclassmen and varsity wrestlers with injuries, the younger Ephrata wrestlers have stepped into new roles as of late. “I feel like the kids are motivated, the kids are excited and they bring that same attention, same energy every day,” Ephrata Boys Wrestling Head Coach Austin Parker said. “They see the progress they’re making, even though they still may lose sometimes, they come back and want to keep working. They keep working hard, and you can see it in the way they fight in a match.” ...
Holding court: Stoyan’s 42 points leads Soap Lake to win
WILSON CREEK – Soap Lake junior Pavlo Stoyan felt like he let his Soap Lake teammates down after fouling out of Thursday’s win over Bridgeport, so he followed that up with a 42-point outing in a 68-37 win over Wilson Creek on Friday night. “It feels good after kind of disappointing my team and letting them down a bit yesterday,” Stoyan said. “It feels good to get back and get a win for them.” The Eagles hit 12 shots from beyond the arc against the Devils, with Stoyan getting things started by hitting four three-pointers in the first quarter...
STUDIO BASIN: Funding the future, getting artsy, hoops and mats
COLUMBIA BASIN – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss recent traffic accidents, funding for Moses Lake's new police station and the possibility of a hospital construction bond. Next, Shawn Cardwell, director of the Columbia Basin Allied Arts, joins the show to discuss local arts in the Basin. Lastly, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps local sporting events over the past week including Moses Lake basketball and Othello wrestling...
State examining youth attitudes on tobacco, vaping
WASHINGTON - The Washington State Department of Health is looking for young people aged 13 to 17 to participate in an online discussion board to explore knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco and vaping to test creative concepts for a statewide tobacco and vaping prevention campaign. The discussion board will be open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15...
Friday, December 16
Purdy, 49ers topple Seahawks 21-13, win NFC West
SEATTLE (AP) — Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy never doubted he'd take the field for the 49ers with a chance at winning a division title. But how long Purdy would be able to play through his oblique injury lingered all night in the mind of San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan.
The Lights of Christmas brightens Quincy area
QUINCY - Folks around the Columbia Basin are excited to celebrate the holiday season with hot cocoa, decorated trees and plenty of Christmas lights and ornaments. That includes the people around Quincy that put on The Lights of Christmas, a display of spirit near Quincy...
Port of Othello looks to expand water in Bruce Industrial Park
OTHELLO — The Port of Othello’s industrial park out at Bruce isn’t lacking for water. “We have plenty of water available and plenty of water rights,” said Chris Faix, the port’s executive director. “We actually have enough storage, we have plenty of pressure and everything.” ...
Weekend events for Dec. 16-18
COLUMBIA BASIN - The events below offer local entertainment in the Basin to those who are getting a little cabin-feverish. Events are subject to change at the organizers' discretion...
Police records for Dec. 16
The reports below were provided by the police departments and sheriff’s offices indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday, December 15
Warming centers open
GRANT COUNTY - With cold and frigid temperatures on their way, there are warming locations around the Columbia Basin available to help keep people safe from the elements. All 30 NCW Libraries locations serve as warming centers during their regular open hours. NCW Libraries’ 10 Grant County locations include Coulee City, Ephrata, George, Grand Coulee, Mattawa, Moses Lake, Quincy, Royal City, Soap Lake, and Warden. Visit ncwlibraries.org/locations for more information. The Open Doors Sleep Center at the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and SR 17 in Moses Lake will be open as well. More Information at https://hopesource.us/moses-lake-1.
911 outage affects Mattawa
MONITOR — The former Collins Fruit warehouse in Monitor is a total loss after an early morning fire today. A report of a fire visible from the highway came in at 1 a.m. for the fire on Main Street, according to Wenatchee Valley Fire Department spokeswoman Kay McKellar...
Moses Lake wrestling brings home big wins
Both the Moses Lake boys and girls wrestling teams took home dual wins over Eastmont on Wednesday night, with the boys winning 65-12 and the girls winning 74-12 over the Wildcats. The Maverick boys won their first dual of the year, while the girls improved to 2-0 in duals this season.
Gutierrez named Athlete of the Week
Warden sophomore guard Anthony Gutierrez (3) was named a Week 14 Athlete of the Week by the WIAA on Thursday. Gutierrez scored 42 points in Warden’s 86-80 win over Granger on Dec 2, according to a release by the WIAA.
Caution encouraged
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office warned on Thursday that roads were icy all over the county and asked that drivers slow down, in a brief statement. The release said only minor injuries resulted from this single vehicle rollover crash at Road 3-NE near Road Q-NE, seven miles east of Moses Lake, Thursday.
Bulldog men’s, women’s teams off to winning starts
SPOKANE – As the Gonzaga men prepare for their final three games of non-conference play and the women tip off conference games, both squads find themselves in the AP Top 25 rankings. The men’s team (8-3) checks in at No. 15 while the women’s team (9-2) ranks at No. 23 through their first nine games this season...
Cougs prep for Fresno State in LA Bowl
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — There will be many new faces on the field and calling plays for the Washington State offense in their bowl matchup against Fresno State in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl on Saturday. WSU’s offensive coordinator Eric Morris was announced as the new head coach at North Texas on Tuesday, leaving the Cougars with a playcalling-by-committee approach against the Bulldogs. Head Coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference on Wednesday that offensive line coach Clay McGuire and wide receivers coach Joel Filani will head the playcalling responsibilities...
Bennie Brown
Bennie (Ben) L. Brown, 92, most recently of Gresham, Oregon, passed away at Portland Adventist Medical Center Nov. 25, 2022, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke eight days prior. Clear-headed and full of his iconic humor, he joked with the medical staff early in the process when preparing for a brain scan to determine the extent of his stroke; he expressed hope that they would come back with the good news and confirmation that, indeed, he had a brain. He provided us all with laughter to the end. As a naive and enthusiastic young man, Ben accepted a position at Samaritan Hospital as one of two CRNA anesthesia providers, not only covering Samaritan Hospital’s anesthesia needs but also moonlighting in Othello, Quincy and Ephrata.
'Cream of the crop'
Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron celebrates accomplishments
EPHRATA - The Columbia Basin Composite Squadron held its annual Holiday and Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 to celebrate 81 years of the Civil Air Patrol. They will also be visiting area cemeteries this weekend to place fresh wreaths on veterans’ graves. “Support of the community has been huge,” said Squadron Commander Maj. Jerome Bonneville at the banquet. “We used to be the best-kept secret in the country.” ...
On Ukraine and the Orthodox Church
“Breaking: Zelensky Announces he is banning the Orthodox Church in Ukraine” I have a number of Russian and Ukrainian friends, and we all agree that the war in Ukraine is a terrible thing. As an Orthodox Christian, it saddens me especially, to see two Orthodox Countries fighting each other. Saddest of all is that this war didn’t need to be! What I’ve come to understand however over my years both in politics and in the ministry is that I only know part of the story. I don’t want to discuss why the war is happening or stand up for one side or the other. I pray, as all of us should, for peace! ...
Legals for December, 15 2022
Wednesday, December 14
SR 17 collision closes highway Wednesday
MOSES LAKE - A collision on SR 17, between Stratford Road and East Broadway Ave, led to the highway being closed for over an hour. Just before 9 a.m. Wednesday a southbound vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle, according to a release by the Moses Lake Police Department. Another northbound vehicle was unable to avoid the collision and struck one of the vehicles as well...
State plans 2023 SR17 project in Moses Lake
Moses Lake examines particulars associated with new MLPD building
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Department of Transportation is planning on resurfacing a lengthy stretch of State Route 17 through Moses Lake next summer, Moses Lake City Engineer Richard Law told members of the city council at a regular meeting on Tuesday. “They are going to be resurfacing SR 17 from I-90 to Randolph Road,” Law told council members...
Taylor sworn into MLPD
Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr swears in the Moses Lake Police Department’s newest patrol officer Isaac Taylor at a city council meeting on Tuesday. Both Taylor, a recent graduate of Eastern Washington University’s criminal justice program, and his fiance, Madison Krogh, are Moses Lake natives who met during their sophomore year at Moses Lake High School. Fuhr said he likes hiring the sons and daughters of Moses Lake. “It’s how you keep them 30 years,” he said.
Bond question: Samaritan commissioners weighing construction bond for new hospital
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare commissioners will sponsor a public forum Jan. 18 to get input from district patrons on a possible proposal for a construction bond to pay some of the costs of building a new Samaritan Hospital. “We are committed to moving forward in some way,” Christian said. “We are (discussing) what the best way is. We’re still gathering data, evaluating our community. We’re not ready to make a decision yet, because we want to make sure the decision is the correct one.” ...
PRO RECAP: Losing skids in Seattle
SEATTLE – Both the Seattle Kraken and Seahawks are in the midst of losing skids, with the Seahawks losing three of four and Kraken dropping four of five. Check out this week’s professional sports recap for updates on the two teams...
ACH girls dominate, boys fall to Manson
COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline girls and boys basketball teams took to the court against Manson on Tuesday, with the girls taking home a dominating 53-15 win, and the boys’ squad suffering a heartbreaking 52-50 loss. Both teams entered their games against Manson 2-2, with the girls moving to 3-2 on the year and the boys dropping to 2-3...
Esther Cruz
Mrs. Esther Cruz (nee Cerna), a strong and loving wife and mother who devoted her life to family and friends, died peacefully in Othello, Washington on Dec. 10, 2022, with loved ones at her side. At the age of 96, Esther, who has been preceded in death by her husband Fausto and daughter Mary, is survived by sons John, and his wife Carol, Daniel, and his wife Kathy, Joe and his wife Peggy, and Richard, along with dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her cheerful smile, hearty cooking, joyful laughter and sincere kindness. Esther was the youngest of 13 siblings, born to Tomás and Felicitas Cerna on July 28, 1926, in Minitare, Nebraska. She and Fausto were married in 1946 in Pasco, Washington and raised their family in various towns in central Washington. In the Moses Lake area, the Cruzes settled into the farming community, saw their daughter and boys marry and have their own kids, frequented wrestling matches and baseball games and maintained a garden large enough to sell truckloads of corn, beans, and raspberries at the farmers market. In addition to being a regular parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima, Esther was a friendly face behind the grocery deli counter for many years and an active volunteer at the senior center. Going into town with “Grandma Esther” was sure to involve numerous spontaneous conversations with people passing in the aisles, as she was well-known and respected by many.
Masquers to hold auditions for ‘Almost, Maine’
SOAP LAKE - Masquers Theater is calling for auditioners for their upcoming show “Almost, Maine.” “Almost, Maine” is set in a remote, mythical Maine town. As the play unfolds, the residents of the town find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways, according to a Masquers press release...
GALLERY: Knights hit the gridiron
The 2022 football season ended in yet another state championship for the Royal Knights, their 11th WIAA title in school history.
EHS raises more than $5,000 for Toys for Teens
‘Everybody gives what they can, and look what it turns into’
EPHRATA - For more than 10 years, Ephrata High School has held an annual Toys for Teens drive to benefit local teenagers in the Ephrata area. “The kids raise the money (themselves),” said junior class Associated Student Body advisor Michelle Derr. “It’s all on them.” For one week, the EHS holds class competitions to see who can raise the most money which will then be spent on buying gifts for the teens that have been referred to them by local organizations...
Going back-to-back-to-back
Knights navigate exit of 2021 seniors to win 1A state title
LAKEWOOD – Playing late in the season has become second nature for the Royal Knights, who took on Mount Baker in the 1A Gridiron Classic championship game, their sixth appearance in a state title game since 2015 and 14th time overall. The Knights once again left the field victorious, taking down the No. 10 seed Mountaineers 35-20 to finish the 2022 season with a 12-1 record and another trophy. “It feels awesome,” junior tight end Bennett Brown said. “We’ve been working for this forever, we lost all those seniors (from last year), and just to come back and do it again, it’s awesome.” ...
Legals for December, 14 2022
Tuesday, December 13
Ritzville Shop with a Cop brings community partners together
RITZVILLE - The Ritzville Shop with a Cop was held on Dec. 10, bringing together Ritzville businesses, organizations and children for an afternoon of Christmas gift shopping. “I think that's what the satisfaction for us is,” said Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick about the joy of watching children having the opportunity to be independent in choosing Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. The event is put on by Ritzville Police Department in collaboration with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Ritzville Fire Department and community donations.
Berry elected as House Labor and Workplace Standards chair
OLYMPIA — Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, has been elected to chair the Washington State House of Representatives Labor & Workplace Standards Committed for the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, according to a press release from the Washington House Democrats on Tuesday...
Property owners cast ballots in MLIRD board race
MOSES LAKE — It’s a rare sight in Washington — a polling place and a ballot box. “We’ve only been open an hour, and It’s been quiet so far,” said Beth Yonko, the interim manager of the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, which held an election for one of five board of director seats on Tuesday...
Tentative date set for opening new Othello District Court
OTHELLO — Othello city officials have established Jan. 13 as the tentative date for the first hearings before the new municipal court. Jessica Melo, the court administrator, gave Othello City Council members a timeline for opening the court at the regular meeting Dec. 12. “Currently, we intend on having court once a week,” Melo said...
Kennewick man injured in Othello-area wreck
OTHELLO — A Kennewick man was transported to Othello Community Hospital after his car was hit by another car that crossed the centerline near Othello early Saturday morning. Stanislav Semenyuk, 53, was driving south on State Route 17 about one mile east of Othello when he was hit by a car driven by Santos Sontay Hernandez, 21, Othello. The collision occurred at about 2:40 a.m., according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol issued Monday. Sontay Hernandez crossed the centerline, the WSP release said. Semenyuk’s vehicle came to rest on the northbound shoulder, while Sontay Hernandez’s car stopped on the southbound shoulder. Sontay Hernandez was not injured. The collision is still under investigation.
Cold hunting
MARDON - The duck hunting has been tough this week with a lot of the small waters icing over, according to MarDon Resort’s Pete Fisher. Goose hunting has gone well for area sportsmen, as shown by the photo above.
Bells on Basin '22
Colorful Christmas parade makes holidays bright in Ephrata
EPHRATA — It may not have gotten all that much above freezing on Saturday, but that didn’t stop folks from lining Basin Street to watch this year’s tree lighting and Christmas parade. “It was longer than last year,” said long-time Ephrata resident Diane Clark. “Traditionally, we’re here every year.” “I like everything about living in Ephrata,” Clark added...
Basin sports schedule Dec. 14-20
COLUMBIA BASIN – Winter sports continue over the next week before teams begin to rest over the holiday break. Check out this week’s Basin sports schedule...
“Everything matters”
Royal’s Wiley Allred continues to lead Knights to success
ROYAL CITY – After spending 17 years as an assistant coach with the Royal Knights, Wiley Allred decided to “put my name in the hat” for head coach after Washington State Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Bob Nielsen retired after the 1998 season. “I was a little apprehensive because I wasn’t sure,” Allred said. “Anyway, I knew that things would change. Responsibilities-wise, I’d have to get there on time every day and put a little more into it. There were more changes because it’s different than being an assistant coach.” ...
Andrew Layne Hall
Andrew Layne Hall, 63, died Dec. 9, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.
Former WSU coach Mike Leach dies at 61
Mike Leach, the gruff, pioneering and unfiltered college football coach who helped revolutionize the game with the Air Raid offense, has died following complications from a heart condition, Mississippi State said Tuesday. He was 61. Leach, who was in his third season as head coach at Mississippi State, fell ill Sunday at his home in Starkville, Mississippi. He was treated at a local hospital before being airlifted to University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, about 120 miles (200 kilometers) away. He died Monday night.
Timme scores 26 as Gonzaga beats Northern Illinois 88-67
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Drew Timme scored 26 points and No. 15 Gonzaga beat Northern Illinois 88-67 on Monday night, extending the nation's longest home win streak to 71 games. Ben Gregg had a career-high 18 points and seven rebounds for the Zags (8-3), and fellow reserve Malachi Smith finished with 14 points. Timme went 9 for 15 from the field and 8 for 9 at the line.
Screen test
Royal High School News team keeps students in the loop
ROYAL CITY — Royal High School students can’t say they don’t know what’s going on in their school. “Hello, and welcome to this … edition of Royal High School News,” says a young anchorperson, holding a printed script and flanked by a classmate and a coffee mug that says “RHS News.” The edition changes according to whatever is being recognized on that particular day: National Education Week on Dec. 2, National Zipper Day on April 29. The teenage journalists go on to introduce themselves and the happenings of the day at Royal High School before launching into an interview with a teacher or an athlete...
Local teams compete at Warden Girls Wrestling Invitational
WARDEN — Four local teams traveled to the Warden Girls Wrestling Invitational on Saturday, with the Othello Huskies taking home a tournament win followed by Moses Lake in second place. . .
Monday, December 12
Othello voters to decide fate of Educational Programs and Operations levy
OTHELLO — Othello School District voters will be asked to approve or reject a three-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election on Feb. 14. The levy would replace one approved by district voters in 2020. If it is approved, the OSD would collect slightly more than $2.8 million in 2024, $3.05 million in 2025 and $3.3 million in 2026. Because it’s a school levy, the proposal requires a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass. If it’s approved, property owners would pay an estimated $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That’s unchanged from the current levy. The Washington Legislature changed the way levies are funded in 2018, and $1.50 is the maximum levy amount.
Huskies place first at Leonard Schutte tournament
OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies returned to their home mat on Saturday for the 25th Leonard Schutte tournament, where the Huskies hosted numerous teams from around the Basin and Eastern Washington. “The energy felt good, it was nice to see some good quality matches early in the tournament,” Othello Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II said. “We had some pretty tough competition early in the brackets that we were excited about.” Othello finished atop the tournament with a score of 233 points, 66.5 points more than the second-place finishing Ellensburg.
Ziply Fiber announces purchase of iFiber
EPHRATA — Local internet provider iFiber has been sold to Kirkland-based Ziply Fiber. The sale was announced Dec. 12 via a Ziply Fiber press release. “Today’s agreement with IFiber not only expedites our ability to bring fiber internet to more customers but also supports our belief in building effective public-private partnerships,” wrote Ziply Fiber Chief Executive Officer Harold Zeitz...
Burakovsky helps Kraken beat Panthers 5-2
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Andre Burakovsky scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and the Seattle Kraken beat the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Sunday night. Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, Daniel Sprong and Yanni Gourde also scored to help Seattle snap a three-game losing streak. Martin Jones finished with 23 saves as the Kraken improved to 3-1 all-time against the Panthers — including 2-0 in Florida.
Bad day from Geno Smith, shaky run defense doom Seahawks
SEATTLE (AP) — For most of this season, the Seattle Seahawks have not faced a day where Geno Smith was unable to make up for whatever issues were on the other side of the ball. This time was the exception, and it might have been the final blow in Seattle's hopes of a division title.
Georgia Ann Rice
Georgia Ann Rice, 70, died Dec. 6, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington. There will be no services per her wishes.
Grant County Pet of the Week: Sammi
Sammi’s been at the Grant County Animal Outreach shelter for nearly a year now and is about four years old. He gets along with some dogs but should probably meet any potential sibling canines ahead of time. He’s good with cats and absolutely adores most people. Sammi has a history of being abused. He does have a fear of men with beards and hats and would be best off in a home without small children. Sammi and his fellow four-legged friends are looking for homes and waiting at GCAO’s shelter located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. For more information on adoptions call the shelter at 509-762-9616 or visit them online at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.
Adams County Pet of the Week: Andorian
Meet Andorian. Andorian came in with ringworm but is on the mend now and done with his medications. He’s got a bit of a bald spot as a result but he’s completely healthy and ready for a chance to find a home with a loving family or go on adventures with a single pup-parent. He’s about four months old and a little on the shy side for now. For more information about Andorian or his kennel pals at Adams County Pet Rescue, call 509-488-5514 or visit the shelter online at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello.
Graduation Day
Columbia Basin Job Corps hosts first public ceremony since pandemic
MOSES LAKE — A last chance for success in life. That’s how Columbia Basin Job Corps Civilian Conservative Center Director Maynard Spell described what the center does as it trains young people for work in the construction trades, building maintenance, managing offices, cooking in professional kitchens, and being nurses and caregivers. It’s also one reason he said Friday’s public graduation ceremony — the first since lockdowns and restrictions were imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 — was so important. “The graduation symbolizes the burden of hardship that (our students) dealt with prior to coming here,” Spell said. “Upon arriving here, succeeding and meeting their goals, this graduation is the closure of a successful chapter and the start of another chapter in their lives.” ...
Operation Warm
Firefighters help children get through winter with new coats
MOSES LAKE — it’s cold out there, and not every child has a new coat to see them through the snow, ice and 20-degree temperatures. About 100 children at four Moses Lake elementary schools now have a new coat with the help of Operation Warm. Jason Koziol, a firefighter with the Moses Lake Fire Department, said it’s a longtime project. “Operation Warm is a program that has been set up through the (firefighters union Local 1258), for basically purchasing new coats for kids in need in the community that we serve,” he said...
Coats for the winter
Rotary Club of Moses Lake provides jackets to children in need
MOSES LAKE — If there was a perfect day to give away winter clothes to needy kids, Saturday — with its freezing rain atop two weeks of snow — was it. It was quite a change from Nov. 5, when the event was originally scheduled. Then, the temperature averaged in the 40s, and no snow was on the ground. “You know, when we first started, in comparison with last year, the weather was really warm,” said Alex Town, one of the organizers of this year’s Coats For Kids drive overseen by the Rotary Club of Moses Lake. “So we felt that a lot of families probably weren’t digging into their closets and looking at what coats they had.” ...
Weather forecast for Dec. 12, 2022
Weather for Dec. 12, 2022
Saturday, December 10
Going up
Othello senior Forrest Roylance lifts up an Ellensburg wrestler during Saturday’s Leonard Schutte Roundup at Othello High School. Full coverage of the meet will be in Tuesday's edition of the CBH.
Crash near Royal City claims one
ROYAL CITY — One person is dead following a collision near Royal City Thursday, according to the Washington State Patrol. According to WSP Trooper Collin Cumaravel, the deceased driver was westbound on SR 26 about nine miles east of Royal City, lost control and struck the other vehicle head-on. The driver of the vehicle that was struck was transported to Othello with minor injuries, Cumaravel said. SR 26 was closed briefly but was reopened by 4:15 p.m. No further information was immeidately available, Cumaravel said. The identities of the drivers involved were withheld pending notification of family.
Mat matchup
Moses Lake’s Nyellie Martinez (right) and Warden’s Alona Castro (left) take to the mat during Warden’s home wrestling tournament on Saturday. For a full story on the tournament, check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.
STUDIO BASIN: Cop tipping, gas guzzling and gridiron glory
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, managing editor Rob Miller and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer were on the show to discuss local law enforcement’s charitable programs during the holiday season and fuel prices. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps Royal’s 35-20 win over Mount Baker in the 1A state football championship as well as a full week of winter sports action. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3UKm8xN.
Prescott on the mat
Reese Prescott (black) of Moses Lake works to turn Jocelyn Herrera of Sunnyside in Moses Lake’s dual meet with Sunnyside Wednesday.
Semi blocks road near Mattawa
MATTAWA — A jackknifed semi and trailer blocked State Route 243 for a time about 12 miles south of Mattawa Friday night. The incident occurred about 9:15 p.m., according to information from the Washington State Patrol. No one was injured. The semi fully blocked all lanes. The WSP did not respond to an inquiry asking when the road was reopened.
Fuhr reelected as Moses Lake School Board chair
MOSES LAKE — Kevin Fuhr has been reelected for a new term as Moses Lake School Board president. Shannon Hintz was reelected as vice president. Board members voted 4-0 to retain the current officers without discussion during the regular meeting Thursday. Paul Hill is the board’s legislative representative and also retained his position. In other business, Stefanie Lowry, the district’s director of finance, gave the board a budget update through the end of October...
Friday, December 9
Late basket sends Mavs to 58-56 win over Ellensburg
MOSES LAKE – Tied at 56 points to Ellensburg with under 10 seconds remaining, Moses Lake junior Kyson Thomas drove into the paint against his defender, stepped back, and took a short jump shot from the right of the basket. “(Moses Lake Head Coach Jake Hunt) said ‘We have one play,’” Thomas said. “It was supposed to go to Joel (Middleton). He said, ‘If you don’t get it to him, go iso.” Thomas’ shot dropped through the rim, putting the Mavs up 58-36 with 5.7 seconds remaining on the clock. The Bulldogs were fouled on their ensuing position, but a missed free throw clinched a 58-56 win over Ellensburg and a 2-0 start for Moses Lake...
Gladys Marie Strader
On Dec. 3, 2022, Gladys Marie Strader, 82, passed away at home surrounded by her four children. Gladys was born in North Dakota May 11, 1941, but lived most of her life in the Columbia Basin. She married the love of her life Warren Lawson Strader on June 19, 1959. They spent 52 wonderful years together raising their children and watching their grandchildren grow into adults. Gladys dedicated her entire life to her family and all their friends. For those of you that knew her you probably knew her as “Grandma.” She loved every single person in her life with her entire heart. She greeted everybody with a huge smile and a hug. Her hugs were one of a kind and could melt away any presence of a bad day.
Huskies defeat Vikings in dual
OTHELLO – With wintry weather outside of Othello High School, fans and wrestlers were in the holiday spirit inside of Othello’s gym for the team’s Ugly Sweater Night dual against Selah. Wrestlers warmed up in ugly Christmas sweaters before taking to the mat, where the Huskies took a 48-12 win over the visiting Vikings. “We’ve done it a few years now, we just like to have a good time,” Othello Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II said...
Tips for cops and kids
Officers serve food, drink, hospitality to raise money for Christmas
MOSES LAKE — There was hardly a place to park at Rock Top Burgers and Brew Wednesday evening as diners gathered to have law enforcement officers from three local agencies take their orders, get their drinks, and bus their tables – all to help some needy families get a little Christmas cheer. “We were trying to come up with a fundraising idea to help Shop With a Cop,” said Rock Top Marketing Coordinator Lindsey Crothers. “And one night this kind of just came into play. And now this is our fifth annual and it’s become a tradition.” ...
Home prices up, sales down for November
MOSES LAKE — Home sales were down across Washington compared to November 2021, according to a statement from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, with rural East Side counties showing some of the heaviest declines. At the same time, median prices rose slightly, also with the exception of some rural counties. “Determined buyers are purchasing homes, with pent-up demand driving the market,” said Dean Rebhuhn, owner of Village Homes and Properties in Woodinville, in the statement. “Sellers who price to the market are attracting showings and receiving good offers.” ...
Coffee by Cops
Soap Lake police host tip-a-cop event at local coffee stand
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Tip-a-Cop event was held for the fourth year in a row at The Busy Bean coffee stand, located at 320 Sixth Ave. SE, Tuesday. “It helps us raise money to support the families and kids of our community but it's also a way for us to work with the community,” said Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox. With Tip-a-Cop, local law enforcement helps the business serve patrons for one day and is given all the tips they earn during that time...
Births for Dec. 9, 2022
Samaritan, Othello Community hospitals
Thursday, December 8
Finding stink bugs in your home?
Here's why the smelly bugs are still in WA this winter
WASHINGTON - Brown marmorated stink bugs seem to be creeping back into Washingtonian's homes as the smelly bugs are seeking warm temperatures during the winter season. Stink bugs are commonly found in Washington homes during the fall and winter months, according to Washington State University, as the bugs desire to be in warmer weather and seek shelter during cold temperatures...
Wash. Dept. of Commerce seeks resident help to preserve broadband funding
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce is asking state residents to help check the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission’s new National Broadband Map, which notes which parts of the country have and do not have access to broadband internet service. According to a press release issued Thursday by the Washington State Department of Commerce, at stake is the state’s share of $900 million in federal funding to help expand broadband service...
Ephrata seeks community input
City developing comprehensive plan updates to serve residents
EPHRATA - The City of Ephrata is asking for responses to a community survey that will help direct the city in decisions for updating its comprehensive plan. “Our goal is to have as many (surveys) as we can,” said Ron Sell, the City of Ephrata community development director. There are 16 questions on the survey that include topics of housing priorities and needs, transportation, economic development, downtown revitalization, parks and recreation...
Broncos off to 2-0 start
Veteran-heavy team begins winter with success on the court
RITZVILLE — Led by a veteran senior class, the Lind-Ritzville Broncos have started the 2022-2023 season 2-0 with high-scoring wins to begin the year. The Broncos opened their regular season with a 79-39 win over Almira/Coulee-Hartline on Saturday and a 73-31 win over Asotin on Wednesday. “It’s been a great start; I really have not much to complain about at all,” Arlt said. “We played two definitely younger teams so far, and our experience and athleticism have shown against those younger teams.” ...
Lady Jacks take down Chelan for the first time since 1996
QUINCY — It’s been a long time – 26 years, to be exact – since the Quincy girls basketball team defeated Chelan, which they did on Tuesday night in a 48-44 overtime victory over the Mountain Goats. Senior Ruth Flores led the Jacks in scoring with 17 points, followed by senior Joceline Schaapman with 12 and freshman Chloe Medina with 11. “It’s always been close, but we’ve definitely haven’t had a lead on them,” Quincy Head Coach Micaiah McCreary said. “I think the closest we’ve stayed is 6-8 points, but other than that we’ve lost by about 16 or so. This was a much better outcome than before, obviously.” ...
Two sides of a coin
mavs girls win, boys fall in dual meet with Sunnyside
MOSES LAKE — The first Columbia Basin Big Nine dual meet of the young 2022-23 wrestling season ended in a 54-24 win over Sunnyside for the Moses Lake girls wrestling team, and a 55-18 loss to Sunnyside for the boys wrestlers...
Mary Anne Owen
March 13, 1944 – December 5, 2022
Mary Anne Owen passed away on Dec. 5, 2022, in Lamar, Ark., where she was a long-time resident. She was born March 13, 1944, in Concrete, Wash., to John Thomas and Peggy Lucille (Dillard) Kienzle. She graduated from Warden High School in 1962 and attended college at Washington State University, the University of Idaho and Central Washington University. Later, she moved to California, met Shannon Owen and married him on July 19, 1968, in Alameda, Cali. They later moved to Lamar, Ark. where they have resided since 1973...
Malea Tetzlaff (Kerr)
December 28, 1987 – December 1, 2022
Malea Beverly Tetzlaff (Kerr) passed away at home on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 in Renton, Wash. at the age of 34. She was born in Spokane, Wash. to Barbara Kerr (Simpson) and Bud Kerr. She moved to Moses Lake in 1988...
Bowman named GNAC player of the week for the second time this season
PORTLAND, Ore. – Central Washington University women's basketball team has earned another Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) player of the week honor. Samantha Bowman has been named the GNAC player of the week for the second time this season which marks the third time a Wildcat has earned the award so far this season.
Brushing up for shedding season
While some dogs shed year-round, others shed seasonally during fall and spring months, in preparation for winter and summer weather. Although shedding is a natural process, there are ways to reduce shedding and keep loose hair to a minimum, which can improve your dog’s skin and coat health. Harmony Diers, a veterinary technician at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that reducing a dog’s shedding begins with grooming. “Ideally, brushing your dog at least three to four times a week for 5 to 10 minutes can help soften your dog’s coat and reduce the amount of hair that is shed,” Diers said. “You should also consider bathing your dog weekly during shedding season and two to three times a month during the months they shed less.” ...
Hector R. Hernandez
Hector R. Hernandez, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. He lived in Moses Lake, Washington for 57 years. Viewing in repose will be Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Kayser’s Chapel, 831 S Pioneer Way. Rosary followed by Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road. Interment will follow at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L NE, Moses Lake, Washington.
Dent tours Ephrata schools renovation projects
EPHRATA - Washington State Representative Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) received a tour of the construction projects underway at Ephrata Schools with Ephrata School District administration, school board members and the district's construction teams. The group toured progress being made on the revitalization of Ephrata Middle School and Columbia Ridge Elementary. These two projects are part of nearly $90 million in capital improvements in progress or planned throughout the school district. Though the projects will cost almost $90 million to complete, only about one-third or $27.89 million will come from local bond dollars. The remainder will be paid in matching funds from the State of Washington. For more information about the projects, visit www.EphrataSchools.org.
Fun times at Othello's Christmas Miracle on Main Street
Residents brave cold temps to celebrate the holiday
OTHELLO — It was cold, but not cold enough to keep people from watching the parade, playing in the beanbag tournament, attending the children’s carnival and taking part in all the activities in the Christmas Miracle on Main Street in Othello Saturday. The parade and other events are sponsored by the Othello Holiday Committee...
Grant County seeks Fair Board volunteer
EPHRATA — Grant County is looking for a volunteer from the western portion of the county to help oversee the Grant County Fair. In a press release issued Wednesday, Grant County commissioners said they are looking for someone who resides in or around Quincy, Royal City, Mattawa or Desert Aire to serve a three-year term on the Grant County Fair Advisory Committee, which assists and advises county commissioners and the fair director prepare and run the county fair...
‘Hawks win despite recent defensive struggles, Kraken drop two-straight
SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks escaped Los Angeles against the Rams on Sunday, and the Seattle Kraken saw their franchise record seven-game win streak snapped with back-to-back losses. . .
Law enforcement logs for Dec. 8
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law....
Legals for December, 8 2022
Wednesday, December 7
Icy road conditions trigger 38-vehicle pileup
RYEGRASS — A truck that lost control on Interstate 90 started a chain reaction that resulted in a 38-vehicle pileup about 14 miles west of Vantage early Wednesday morning. The freeway was closed for about 10 hours. There were no serious injuries, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. The pileup occurred about 5:15 a.m., the memo said. Jose Palacios, 51, Yakima, was driving east when his semi lost traction and slid to a stop, blocking all eastbound lanes, it said.
Boeing, chamber team up for gift to firefighter Christmas charity
OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday he is suing a Federal Way gun retailer for allegedly illegally selling high-capacity gun magazines in violation of state law and is asking a King County Superior Court judge to issue an injunction preventing Federal Way Discount Guns from selling any more high-capacity magazines, according to a press release...
Analyst: Gas prices likely to continue falling
MOSES LAKE — It may be the welcome Christmas surprise this season is steeply falling gasoline prices, which have fallen more than $1.30 per gallon in the last six months and look to fall even more, according to Patrick DeHaan, the head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. “It could fall another 50 cents per gallon if nothing changes,” DeHaan said...
George collision victims identified
GEORGE - The seven people involved in the collision just east of George Tuesday morning have been identified by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...
Ferguson sues Federal Way gun store over illegal magazine sales
OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday he is suing a Federal Way gun retailer for allegedly illegally selling high-capacity gun magazines in violation of state law and is asking a King County Superior Court judge to issue an injunction preventing Federal Way Discount Guns from selling any more high-capacity magazines, according to a press release. The lawsuit follows an enforcement investigation of 25 gun retailers statewide to confirm that the law, which bans the sale of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, was being complied with, according to the press release. Investigators were successful at purchasing the magazines at two retailers, including Federal Way Discount Guns.
Donations sought for Othello Shop With a Cop
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department is looking for monetary donations to help bring a little Christmas cheer to some Othello children. Donations for the department’s Shop With a Cop program can be dropped off at the OPD office, 500 E. Main St.. People who can’t make it to the office can call 509-488-3314 to make arrangements to donate. Othello Police Chief Phil Schenck said Shop With a Cop 2022 got a boost from Adams County Fire District 5, whose cooks won about $2,000 in the Chili Cook-Off at the Othello Fair in September. The prize money is donated to a charity of the winner’s choice.
Sandra Elaine Fox
December 29, 1965 – November 29, 2022
MOSES LAKE – On Tuesday November 29, 2022, Sandra Elaine Fox, beloved wife of Stephen Fox and mother to Karla Kay Fox, passed away at the age 57. Sandra was born in Carson, Cali. but made Moses Lake, Wash. her home for the majority of her life. Sandra graduated from Moses Lake High school in 1984, was married to Stephen in 1985, and had her daughter Karla Kay in 1986.
Charles Chuck Martin
March 29, 1936 – December 6, 2022
Charles Chuck Martin, 86, passed away on Dec 6, 2022. He was born March 29, 1936 in San Diego, CA. to Hazel and Harold Martin, deceased, of Sunnyside, Wash.
GCFD3 food drive creates a tradition of community support
QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 held its annual food drive to support the Quincy Community Food Bank Sunday afternoon. “I would just like to thank the community (for its) support, every year coming out in the cold and providing definitely a necessary need for the community,” said GCFD3 Deputy Chief David Durfee. The food drive is held every year in December, except in 2021 when it was moved to April due to COVID-19. The drive has been held for over a decade, Durfee said....
Legals for December, 7 2022
Tuesday, December 6
Lions earn two dominant wins
MLCA/CCS boys and girls defeat Trojans on the court
MOSES LAKE – Tuesday night saw two dominant wins for the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions on the basketball court, with the boys and girls basketball teams both taking home dominant wins against Manson...
Two killed in wreck east of George
GEORGE — A collision east of George Tuesday morning left two dead and three injured according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement. GCSO Spokesman Kyle Foreman said the collision occurred just before 7 a.m. along Adams Road South between Baseline Road and South Frontage Road West...
MLFD, MLPD receive community grants
MOSES LAKE — Both the Moses Lake Fire Department and the Moses Lake Police Department have received significant grants to help the two agencies improve non-emergency community service. The MLFD has received a grant of $108,688 from the Association of Washington Cities to fund an alternative response to 911 ambulance calls that don’t require transporting a patient. Under current insurance regulations, the city – which runs an ambulance service – cannot bill to cover the cost of sending EMTs out on a medical call if they do not transport anyone to a hospital or other care facility...
Apple processing plant sprouting in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Apple processing is coming to Moses Lake. “We performed a substantial evaluation process and selected the site in Moses Lake for a variety of reasons, including proximity to our orchards, access to I-90 and other transportation aspects, available utilities and an energetic, growing community,” wrote Third Security CEO Julian Kirk in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Radford, Virginia-based Third Security, an investment fund specializing in biotechnology companies, is building a $22 million, 66,000-square foot apple processing plant at 7571 N. Randolph Road, across from lift-maker Genie, at the Port of Moses Lake, according to engineering plans and building permits filed with the city of Moses Lake’s Community Development Department...
Hanford national park site gets new superintendent
DENVER — The National Park Service has appointed Wendy Berhman the new superintendent for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which includes the Hanford site, according to a statement from the NPS. “Wendy has vast experience working with both long-range and strategic planning,” said Acting Regional Director Kate Hammond in the statement. “Her commitment to stakeholder and employee engagement and partnerships, her expertise in visitor use management and tourism, and her passion for the Manhattan Project story will be excellent assets in the park’s next chapter.” ...
Registration open for Light Up Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents and businesses are being invited to light up the town in celebration of the holiday season at Light Up Moses Lake, returning for its third year. Registration is $25 and is open to businesses and residences in Moses Lake. Participants must register by Dec. 15 at https://bit.ly/LUML2022. Pretty lights are only part of it – organizers will be collecting donations of money, non-perishable food and new and unwrapped toys for local charities. The 2022 beneficiaries are Moses Lake Youth Dynamics, the People for People transportation service and CARE Moses Lake, which provides food to organizations that serve people in need, and sponsors an information fair for local nonprofits. The Moses Lake Food Bank will receive the donated food items...
Huskies place second at Bob Mars tourney
KENNEWICK – The Othello Huskies placed second at Saturday’s Bob Mars tournament at Kennewick High School, the team’s first tournament of the 2022-2023 season. “We like to start off strong,” Othello Assistant Coach Jacob Johnston said. “We have a lot of young guys, and five state returners and five state alternates. Then, just a lot of young talent after that, but we like to start off at Bob Mars. It’s a good first tournament of the year, you get a lot of that wrestling pool from the Tri-Cities area.” ...
Basin sports schedule Dec. 7-13
COLUMBIA BASIN – Winter sports season is in full swing here in the Basin, with all 12 local schools back in action this week. Check out this week’s sports schedule below.
WSU’s Stribling, Ollie enter transfer portal
PULLMAN – Washington State receivers De’Zhaun Stribling and Donovan Ollie announced they would enter the NCAA’s transfer portal Monday on social media. Stribling started all 12 regular season games for the Cougars this season, and Ollie started every game but WSU’s road trip to Arizona, according to the school.
Basin events for Dec. 10-15
Events Dec. 9-15
Senior calendar for Dec. 2022
Moses Lake Senior Center Monday SAIL Exercise - 9:30 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Bridge lessons - 10-11:30 a.m. Bridge - 12:30-4:30 p.m. Dance - 7-9 p.m. Tuesday Needlecrafters - 9-11 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Pinochle - 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday Exercise - 10-11 a..m Bingo - 5:15 p.n. Thursday Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Music - 11 a.m.- noon Pinochle - 12:45 p.m. Friday Breakfast - 7-8:30 a.m. Exercise - 10-11 a.m. Music - 11 a.m. Quilters - 1 p.m. Ephrata Senior Center Monday Dancing - 9:30 a.m. Exercise class - 2 p.m. Tuesday Dominoes - 12:45 p.m. Wednesday Dancing - 9:30 a.m. Exercise - 2 p.m. Quincy Senior Center Monday Coffee social - 10-11 a.m. Lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday Dinner - 5:30 p.m. at Senior Center To-go dinner pickup - 5:30-6 p.m. Wednesday Lunch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Chat & Stitch - 1-2 p.m. Thursday SAIL Exercise class - 1-2 p.m. Dinner - 5:30 p.m. at Senior Center To-go dinner pickup - 5:30-6 p.m.
Gladys Marie Strader
Gladys Marie Strader, 81, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away Dec. 3, 2022. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.
GALLERY: Winter fun in the Basin
COLUMBIA BASIN – With last week’s winter snow came a whole lot of winter fun in the Columbia Basin. Children and families from throughout the area took advantage of the fresh-fallen powder to enjoy a little time outdoors throwing snowballs, creating snowmen and just having a good time in general. The photos included here are some of the highlights submitted by Columbia Basin Herald readers via social media. We appreciate readers sharing their memories with us and the rest of the Basin community.
Legals for December, 6 2022
Monday, December 5
Area libraries to be redesigned
WENATCHEE — Libraries in the region will be getting a facelift, according to a statement from North Central Washington Libraries. The NCW Libraries Reimagining Spaces Project represents a $10 million, multi-year redesign of all the libraries in the NCWL system, NCWL spokesperson Amanda Brack told the Herald. Twenty-seven of those libraries, including all the branches in Grant County, will be redesigned by Library Forward, out of San Francisco, in conjunction with Wenatchee-based Forte Architects. Work is already underway at the remaining three libraries, in Wenatchee, Winthrop and Brewster, also funded by the Reimagining Spaces Project...
UW’s Penix Jr. to return for 2023
SEATTLE – University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced on social media Sunday that he will be returning for the 2023 season with the Huskies. Penix finished the 2022 season as the nation’s leading passer with 4,354 yards. 2023 will be Penix’s sixth collegiate season. He spent his first four seasons at Indiana University before transferring to Washington after the 2021 season...
Mavs, Huskies place second at weekend tournaments
MOSES LAKE — Both the Moses Lake and Othello girls wrestling teams placed second at separate tournaments over the weekend, kickstarting the early season. The Moses Lake girls wrestling team began its season with a second-place finish at the Lady Cat Invite hosted at Eastmont High School on Saturday, guided by four first-place finishes by wrestlers in the 100, 120, 130 and 135 weight classes. Maverick senior Jhaile De Guzman finished first in the 100, junior Ashley Dayana Naranjo in the 120, freshman Reese Prescott in the 130 and senior Bianca Johnson in the 135. ...
Winterfest brings Christmas to downtown Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE - Soap Lake celebrated its annual Winterfest Saturday afternoon with a number of activities for attendees of all ages. Winterfest brought guests and residents to downtown Soap Lake to highlight local businesses and celebrate the winter season. The Soap Lake Food Bank held an open house serving cookies and hot chocolate, Grant County Department of Health handed out free COVID-19 test kits, the Del Red Pub had bingo where participants could win a turkey, carolers sang Christmas carols courtesy of Masquers theater actors, a live youth concert was given by Soap Lake students and Fire on Main had an open house...
Public’s help sought in finding stolen food bank truck
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Food Bank officials are asking for the public’s help in finding a food bank truck stolen early Saturday morning. Food bank director Peny Archer said the pickup truck was used to pick up food and make deliveries around town. The food bank’s security system caught the thief, one person working alone, stealing the truck at about 1 a.m. Saturday...
Washington lottery prizes go unclaimed
OLYMPIA — More than $2.4 million in lottery prizes is currently unclaimed and will expire soon, according to a statement from Washington’s Lottery. Currently, there are 29 unclaimed prizes in the state, the statement said, three of which were sold in eastern Washington. One prize, a $10,000 jackpot, was sold in Redmond and expires on Dec. 12...
Two injured near Soap Lake in Sunday collision
SOAP LAKE - Two people were injured in a collision Sunday afternoon at the intersection of SR 17 and SR 28 just outside Soap Lake, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol...
Toys and financial donations sought for Operation Friendship
MOSES LAKE — Distribution is scheduled Dec. 17 for Operation Friendship, sponsored by the Moses Lake Food Bank. Operation Friendship is the annual toy drive that provides new toys to families in need. Food bank director Peny Archer said signups started Monday. “We’ll do signups the first two weeks of December,” she said...
Getting to the heart of the matter: Canine cardiac murmurs
Dog owners do not need to be veterinarians to know that a healthy heart is as important for our furry friends as it is for humans. Yet there can be a lot of confusion surrounding cardiac issues in animals, especially when it comes to heart murmurs. Dr. Sonya Wesselowski, an assistant professor of cardiology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers insight on murmurs, given her expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in animals...
Pet of the Week: Doomley
Doomley came to Adams County Pet Rescue when a relative of her previous owner stepped in to prevent her and her siblings from being dumped somewhere at random. She and her two siblings were very skinny and hungry. The three thrived, gained weight and Doomley now weighs in at 35 pounds, and is about half-grown at six months old. She only weighted in at 15 pounds when she first arrived at the shelter. While interest has been expressed for Doomley, she has a lot of friends at the shelter that also need good homes. Visit adamscountypetrescue.com for more information on Doomley and her shelter friends. ACPR is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. The shelter is currently in need of adult dog food, adult small breed dog food and kitten chow.
Celtic celebration coming
Gothard Sisters return to Moses Lake for holiday concert
MOSES LAKE — A Celtic take on Christmas music comes to Moses Lake when the Gothard Sisters perform in concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Wallenstien Theater on the Big Bend Community College campus. The concert is part of the Central Basin Community Concert Association series, and is sponsored with the help of Moses Lake Steel, according to information from the CBCCA. The sisters are familiar to Moses Lake audiences; they have performed in town on multiple occasions, including earlier Christmas concerts. Sisters Greta, Solana and Willow are Puget Sound-area natives who’ve been performing together for more than a decade, starting at a local farmers market...
Weather forecast for Dec. 5
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Light north wind. Low around 16. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27 and a low of about 16...
Legals for December, 5 2022
Saturday, December 3
Three-peat
Knights surge in fourth quarter to win third-straight 1A title
LAKEWOOD – Tied at 14 entering the fourth quarter, the Royal Knights rallied off three-straight touchdown scoring drives to pull away from Mount Baker in Saturday’s 1A state championship game, all of which within eight minutes of each other. “It just started in the off-season, where we had to come together and lift weights and just working together,” Royal quarterback Dylan Allred said of what helped the Knights pull away. “It built a bond that’s hard to break.” Mount Baker scored a late touchdown to cut the lead to 15, but Royal receiver Lance Allred recovered an onside kick attempt to seal Royal’s third-straight state title victory. The win was Royal’s 11th state title in program history. “It’s incredible,” Dylan Allred said. “It’s just been the goal that I’ve been working for, for so long, just every day thinking about it and trying to put in work. To have it finally be accomplished, with my team, my brothers, it’s incredible. Just super thankful.” ...
Quincy girls defeat Wahluke, 47-32
QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks girls basketball team defeated the Wahluke Warriors 47-32 in the season opener for both teams Friday at Quincy High School Micaiah McCreary, Quincy head coach, said she saw some improvement between the team’s first time on the court earlier in the week. “I thought we were hustling a lot better. We had a jamboree on Monday and it was - not good. They threw that away, and they came out ready to play,” she said. First-year Wahluke Coach Everardo Corrales said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the first game...
Quincy boys defeat Wahluke 71-53 in season opener
QUINCY — With Aiden Bews leading the way, the Quincy Jacks boys basketball team defeated the Wahluke Warriors 71-53 Friday at Quincy High School in the season opener for both teams. Quincy Coach Scott Bierlink said he knew the Warriors would be a quality opponent. “I knew Wahluke was a good team. They bring some guys back that they had last year when they were a game away from going to state. So we knew they were going to be a good scrappy team, and we’ve got a bunch of new guys. I thought we came out and played nervous - there’s no doubt about that. We looked a little rough. For a minute there I thought, ‘Boy, this is going to be a long season.’ But we righted the ship. I think some of our young guys kind of figured it out a little bit.” ...
Ritzville pair arrested after alleged break-in
LIND — Two Ritzville residents were arrested on suspicion of burglary after a report of a break-in at a property near Lind Thursday afternoon. Stuart McKenney, 32, and Shaylene Stoyak, 37, were arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, residential burglary, second-degree malicious mischief and second-degree vehicle prowling, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Hoefel Road...
Wagner talks safety
OTHELLO - Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner stopped by Anytime Fitness to deliver a presentation on personal safety Friday evening. During the presentation, Wagner discussed the need to mitigate distractions and be more aware of what is happening around you while in public. Wagner and his team expressed their appreciation to Anytime Fitness staff for their willingness to host the safety session.
SLSD to hold state of the district meeting
SOAP LAKE - Soap Lake School District Superintendent Kim Casey is inviting the community to a state of the district town hall. Casey said the meeting topics of discussion include attendance, a balanced calendar, discipline, facility needs and improvements and CB Tech and Running Start. There will also be a question-and-answer portion of the meeting to clarify or address any other needs or concerns. Along with the superintendent, representatives from the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition and WSU Gear Up will be in attendance as well. The meeting will be held Dec. 6 at the Soap Lake Middle/High School cafeteria. Free dinner will be served to attendees as well.
Celebrating agriculture
Ag Parade shines brightly through bitter cold
MOSES LAKE — It was chillier than a penguin’s toes Friday evening, but that didn’t deter the crowds at the annual Ag Appreciation Parade in Moses Lake. “I have never been so cold,” said Denise Kinder, president of the Downtown Moses Lake Association, as she organized parade floats in the Surf ‘n Slide Water Park parking lot. The temperature was somewhere in the teens and there was still snow on the ground from earlier in the week. Kinder wasn’t sure off the top of her head how many entrants there were, but she estimated 50 or 60, about in line with last year...
Mattawa City Council to consider annexation in January
Access points to planned development a sticking point for council members
MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council members may decide Jan. 5 to accept or reject a petition to annex 40 acres into the city. Setting a tentative date followed a two-hour discussion of the development agreement stipulations at the council’s regular meeting Thursday. Rachelle Bradley of SPJ Alliance, the city planners, laid out a timeline. “We still need to go through the negotiation side with the developer, and there’s a public comment period,” Bradley said. “Right now, I want to get this agreement into the developer’s hands (Friday), and we’ll give them about a two-week period to negotiate.” If the negotiations are successful, city officials will advertise the annexation petition and ask for the opinions of city residents...
STUDIO BASIN: Quincy medicine and labor, a new sheriff in town and Knights quest for the title
MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss Joey Kriete being sworn in as Grant County’s new sheriff, Quincy’s hospital project and a new union contract in Quincy. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona joins to talk about the new winter sports season as well as preview Royal’s 1A state title game on Saturday. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3Ut1T7u.
Friday, December 2
Tigers begin wrestling season
EPHRATA – The 2022-2023 wrestling season started off with wins for both the boys and girls Ephrata wrestling teams on Thursday night, who both defeated Cashmere at home. Along with the debut of a new season, girls Head Coach Raul Tejeda and boys Head Coach Austin Parker made their head coaching debuts for the Tigers.
Basin events for Dec. 2-8
The events below are subject to change, postponement or cancellation at the organizers' discretion. Friday Second Annual Members Art Exhibition 4-7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Gallery, 401 S. Balsam St. Featuring the works of museum members in nearly all art media. Info: www.moseslakemuseum,com. 27th Annual Agricultural Parade Join the Downtown Moses Lake Association and other sponsors for the annual street party and ag parade in downtown Moses Lake. Care Moses Lake will be serving up hot soup for $5 per bowl. The street party begins at 5 p.m. and the parade will roll out at 7 p.m. The street party will be centered around Sinkiuse Square and floats will line up in the Surf N’ Slide parking lot. Free admission. Info: /bit.ly/3gQUilr...
Sandra Dodge
Sandra D. Dodge passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Nov. 29, 2022, at the age of 75. Sandi was born in Tekoa, Washington on March 31, 1947, to R.A. (Bud) Hampton and Naomi Hampton. The family moved to Othello, Washington in 1959 and became very active in the community. Sandi married her soulmate in 1971 and together they embarked on many amazing adventures in life that lasted 51 wonderful years. Sandi was faithful and devoted to her family. She always knew how to make every occasion so special and memorable. She never met a stranger and would help anyone. She was the sweetest, most caring lady you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. She always had a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Dixie Lee Flores
Dixie Lee Flores left us Nov. 24, 2022, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 71. She was a wonderful mother who was always there for us. She loved to crochet and making homemade jelly/jam. She also had many friends and family who loved her dearly.
Legals for December, 2 2022
Thursday, December 1
New sheriff's cabinet members sworn in as Rectenwald retires
EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete (foreground) swears in members of his administrative team Thursday at the GCSO office in Ephrata. They included (from left) Undersheriff John McMillan, Chief Deputy for Investigations Gary Mansford and Chief Deputy of Field Operations Beau Lamens.
Ball movement opens Cougar three-point game
PULLMAN – After a 1-2 start to the season, the Washington State men’s basketball team rallied off back-to-back wins in dominant fashion over Eastern Washington and Detroit Mercy last week, where ball movement reigned supreme. “I think it was a recruiting issue in the past, but we’ve got some between (Justin) Powell, Dylan (Darling), Kymany (Houinsou), Jabe (Mullins), Andrej (Jakimovski), we’ve added some guys that really share the ball, and that gets contagious,” WSU Head Coach Kyle Smith said in a press conference on Tuesday...
Alegria named Athlete of the Week
Othello senior running back Julian Alegria was named a Week 12 WIAA Athlete of the Week on Thursday after his two-touchdown performance against Enumclaw in the 2A state quarterfinals. Alegria had six touchdowns in Othello’s two playoff games, according to the WIAA.
Knights prep for ‘tough’ Mount Baker team in 1A state title
ROYAL CITY – Playing in a state championship game is nothing new for the Roya Knights, who prepare to take on the Mount Baker Mountaineers in this weekend’s 1A State Football Championship in Lakewood. “They’re fast, they’re quick, they’ve got a good football team,” Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “They’re really aggressive on defense, they run their Wing-T offense really well like a lot of Wing-T teams that play this long in the season. They run the ball well, we’ll have to be really disciplined.” The Mountaineers finished the regular season with a 6-4 record but tied with Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley atop the Northwest 1A league to force a Kansas tiebreaker, where Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley advanced to the 1A state playoffs...
Gesa CU to collect toy donations
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union will collect for its seventh annual Stock-the-Sock toy drive until Dec. 19, the company announced Thursday. Gesa will partner with Local Heroes groups statewide for the drive, according to the company’s statement. Community members are encouraged to drop by the credit union to donate toys to an oversized stocking at the branch, the statement said. Locally, Gesa Credit Union is located at 712 S. Pioneer Way in Moses Lake...
Potato sales up over last year
DENVER — Potato sales rose almost 18% this year compared to last year, according to a report from advocacy organization Potatoes USA. Total sales for all forms of potatoes – fresh, frozen, canned and so forth – were nearly $4 billion in July-September 2022, an increase of 17.8% over July-September 2021. Frozen potatoes, which is where the bulk of the Basin’s potato crop goes, saw the largest leap, coming in 22.8% more than last year. Frozen potatoes constitute 15% of total dollar sales in the potato market, according to Potatoes USA. Potato chips, comprising 51% of sales, rose 19% while fresh spuds, 23% of the market, were up 19.2%...
Masqing up for Christmas
Masquers Theater to present 'An Enchanted Bookshop Christmas' starting this weekend
SOAP LAKE - Masquers Theater will present their Christmas show, “An Enchanted Bookshop Christmas”, starting this weekend, to run only two weekends in December. “It's a hilarious, heartwarming tale that reminds us that the best gifts don't come wrapped in pretty paper and bows,” Masquers Theater’s website states about the play...
Quincy approves contract with employee union
QUINCY — Quincy city officials and the Teamsters Union local representing the city’s public works employees have reached an agreement on a new three-year contract. The Quincy City Council approved the contract on a 4-0 vote during a special meeting Nov. 28. City administrator Pat Haley said in a later interview that the contract replaces one that expired at the end of 2021 and was extended a year while city and union representatives worked on a new one...
Jane Rossie Palmer
Our beloved mother Jane Rossie Palmer died at home in Moses Lake on Saturday, Nov. 26. She was born Aug. 4, 1926, in Highland Park, Michigan to Bill and Bernice (Sanders) Hauter. Jane grew up in the suburbs of Detroit with her much-loved brother Bill. She graduated in 1944 from Lincoln High School in Ferndale and went immediately to work for the FBI in Detroit. The FBI years were filled with parties, epic road trips, and laughter as the gals in the “Clerk’s Clique” became lifelong friends.
Michael Leonard Keeling
Michael Leonard Keeling was born in Moses Lake, Washington on Dec. 30, 1967, and passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, at 54 years old. He married Janet Keeling on Aug. 28, 2021. They had seven kids total, four children and three stepchildren: Alfonso Chavez, Jose Chavez, Amy Chavez, Mike Keeling Jr., Jim Keeling, John Keeling and Jean Keeling, all of Moses Lake. He is survived by his dad Albert Keeling Sr. in Crescent City, California, one sister Pam Keeling of Centralia, Washington and one brother, of Moses Lake, Washington. He also had numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Moses Lake man arrested, charged with weapon theft
MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man was arrested Monday morning after allegedly threatening a person with a pistol to then stealing their rifle. Eric Applegate, 45, was arrested on armed robbery and a multitude of other charges according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department...
Columbia Basin events calendar for December 2022
Note: The events below are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the organizers. Readers are encouraged to visit the associated websites and call ahead if necessary in order to verify details that may not have been available at press time. Only those legally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages should participate in such events and all event attendees should avoid drinking and driving. Dec. 2 27th Annual Agricultural Parade Join the Downtown Moses Lake Association and other sponsors for the annual street party and ag parade in downtown Moses Lake. Entry is free though vendors will charge for goodies and wares. The street party begins at 5 p.m. and the parade will roll out at 7 p.m. The street party will be centered around Sinkiuse Square and floats will line up in the Surf N’ Slide parking lot. Free admission. For more info, visit http://bit.ly/3gQUilr.
Police logs for Dec. 1, 2022
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...