Ellington

Grant County announces expanded property tax breaks

EPHRATA — More senior citizens and disabled people living on fixed incomes in Grant County could get a break on their property taxes, according to a press release from the Grant County Assessor’s Office.

WCOG settles suit with redistricting commission

OLYMPIA — The Washington Coalition for Open Government and the Washington State Redistricting Commission agreed Thursday to settle a lawsuit brought by WCOG over alleged violations of the Open Public Meetings Act, according to a press release from WCOG. The parties reached an agreement on a consent decree to present to Thurston County Superior Court for approval.

Henrietta 'Neke' Burns

Henrietta "Neke" Burns was 92 years old when she went to be with Jesus on Feb. 22, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital, with family at her side.

Colville tribes issue letter refusing use of all native terms

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School will have to find a new mascot. At the end of the Moses Lake School Board meeting on Thursday, Board Vice President Shannon Hintz said the governing council of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation wrote to the Moses Lake School District in a letter dated Feb. 24 “that all schools within the exterior boundaries and adjacent to the Colville Reservation cease from using Native American names, symbols or images as public mascots, logos or team names.”

State budget passes both chambers

Republicans urge Dems to improve tax relief

The Senate and House passed the Senate’s proposed supplemental budget which intends to spend billions on various sectors. The state’s spending bill is now awaiting a decision from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Santos Martinez Pruneda Jr.

Santos Martinez Pruneda Jr., 62, of Warden, Washington gained his wings Feb. 21, 2022.

Students, supporters protest mask requirement at MLSD meeting

MOSES LAKE — Several students and their supporters were asked to leave after they refused to wear masks at last Thursday’s Moses Lake School District Board of Directors meeting.

Armed man arrested after 4-hour standoff at Priest Rapids Dam

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man is in custody after a more-than-four-hour standoff with Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies at the Priest Rapids Dam on Saturday. At around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Bobby Tahmalwash, 33, of Mattawa, is alleged to have driven an older blue Ford Explorer SUV into a parking lot near the Priest Rapids Dam and threatened two contractors...

Moses Lake Distinguished Young Women contestants to take stage

MOSES LAKE — Six high school juniors will compete for the title of Moses Lake Distinguished Young Woman in the annual program scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12 at the Moses Lake High School theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave.

Farrell C. Trask Jr.

Farrell C. Trask Jr., 84, a former resident of Moses Lake, passed away Feb. 19 at his home in San Antonio, Texas.

Legals for February, 28 2022

Prayers and despair: Ukrainians in the US decry invasion

The Rev. Myron Myronyuk stayed up all night at home in Pennsylvania as his twin brother tried to flee Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, only to turn back because the road out was choked with traffic. His in-laws, also in Ukraine, told him they couldn't get basics like bread and milk.

James Yonko named CTE administrator of the year for FFA District 9

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School ag teacher Tony Kern said he nominated James Yonko for the FFA District 9 Administrator of the Year award because Yonko found ways to make things happen.

Washington House address homeless encampments

OLYMPIA — Homeless individuals may have an opportunity to move into permanent housing under legislation considered by a Washington House committee on Thursday.

Youth Outdoors Unlimited banquet March 5

MOSES LAKE — Tickets are on sale for the annual Youth Outdoors Unlimited fundraising banquet March 5. YOU is a Moses Lake organization that gives young people with physical challenges or life-threatening illnesses the chance to go on a fishing or hunting adventure.

Debbie Reynolds (Deborah Kay Maddox)

Debbie was born in Exeter, California to Glen and Jo Maddox.

Grantley Oberg Jr.

Grantley Kenneth Oberg Jr. went home to join his high school sweetheart on Oct. 31, 2021.

Jack Hendrix

Jack Hendrix passed away on Jan. 28, 2022.

Columbia River spring Chinook salmon fishing season looking up

OLYMPIA – A news release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on Feb. 23, shows that Columbia River Chinook salmon returns are up over 30,000 fish compared to last year.

Moses Lake Wrestling Club goes to state

TACOMA — Just after the high school state tournament, the Washington State Wrestling Association held a state wrestling tournament for club wrestlers at the Tacoma Dome on Feb. 20.

Fact or fiction? Who’s to say?

In the flurry of activity that always ensues when the Washington State Legislature is in session, one bill has flown largely under the radar, yet its implications are enormous.

Quincy’s Bierlink hits 1,000 points

QUINCY — Quincy High School senior TreyVaughn Bierlink has crossed a new line in his high school basketball career by surpassing 1,000 career points.

City of Moses Lake building permits for Feb. 25, 2022

January 2022

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Feb. 25, 2022

Feb. 12-18

Legals for February, 25 2022

Planning continues for new Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — A discombobulated construction market and construction material availability concerns are having an effect, or could have an effect, on the construction of the new Samaritan Hospital.

More than a remodel: Moses Lake examines new police station

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake could be getting a brand new police department headquarters.

On to state: Local teams shoot for championships

Four area basketball teams have punched their tickets to the state tournament while three others are still in the running to earn theirs.

Abbott Labs recalls infant formula

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Illinois-based Abbott Labs announced last week the voluntary recall of powdered infant formulas Similac produced at its manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan.

Ephrata man arrested after two-hour negotiation

EPHRATA — Glenn Bensch, 52, of Ephrata was arrested Wednesday afternoon after about two hours of negotiation with deputies from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, according to a GCSO statement.

Masquers auditions for next production announced

SOAP LAKE — Auditions are scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. March 4 and 5 at the Masquers Theater, 322 E. Main Ave. in Soap Lake, for the company’s next production. “These Shining Lives” opens April 22.

Ephrata Middle School students show their stuff at Math is Cool

The results for the Math Is Cool Competition earlier this month are in and the Ephrata Middle School math team did amazing!

Open air fare: A pod of food trucks proposed for downtown Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Dining in downtown Moses Lake is likely to get a great deal more interesting.

Legals for February, 24 2022

Anthony Efrain Valdez

Anthony Efrain Valdez (Tony V), 26, of Moses Lake, Washington was called home by his heavenly Father in February 2022.

WDFW seeks comment on wolf-livestock rules

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to submit written comments through April 11 regarding a new rule that will address wolf-livestock conflict deterrence measures, according to a WDFW press release.

Hearts of champions

TACOMA/FEDERAL WAY — Nearly 50 athletes from the Columbia Basin competed at the state wrestling and swimming competitions, five of them walking away as state champions.

Wahluke SD to run revised levy proposal while Othello SD defers bond decision

ATTAWA — The Wahluke School Board has decided to submit a revised educational programs and operations levy proposal to district voters in April.

Legislators consider ghost gun legislation

OLYMPIA — The manufacture, sale and distribution of “ghost guns,” often-homemade weapons that are untraceable by authorities, may soon become illegal in Washington under legislation proposed in the Senate on Monday.

Dorothy Downing

Dorothy Downing, 98, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great- grandmother passed into the arms of her Savior on Feb. 7, 2022.

Big Bend Power Cooperative issues refunds

RITZVILLE — Big Bend Electric Cooperative, which provides electricity to customers in Adams and Franklin counties, announced Tuesday it will pay refunds of around $2.2 million to its members.

Leading energy: Rich Wallen new head of Grant County PUD

EPHRATA — Rich Wallen didn’t take the traditional path to get to his new job as general manager and chief executive officer of the Grant County Public Utility District.

Richard C. (Dick) Weitman

Richard C. (Dick) Weitman peacefully passed away in his home on Jan. 26, 2022.

Lynn Falconer named Paramedic of the Year for Moses Lake Fire Department

MOSES LAKE — Lynn Falconer said she originally volunteered as a firefighter to get some experience with a fire department.

Royal girls wrestler wins state title, Othello boys team takes third at Mat Classic

TACOMA — Alondra Morales of Royal High School brought home a state championship and the Othello boys wrestling team placed third in Class 2A at Mat Classic XXXIII in Tacoma on Feb. 18 and 19.

Sniffed out: K-9 officer foils burglary

Roberto Robles Mejia, 41, of Othello was arrested in connection with a break-in at Commercial Tire on North Frontage Road just east of Moses Lake on Sunday, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Legals for February, 23 2022

EPA fines SGL for gas leaks

OLYMPIA — The Environmental Protection Agency has fined SGL Carbon about $139,000 for improperly reporting three hydrogen cyanide gas leaks beginning late 2017 at the company’s Moses Lake facility.

Lions girls outdo Waterville-Mansfield to take district title

WENATCHEE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School girls basketball team took on Waterville-Mansfield and, in a repeat of history, made a buzzer-beating three-pointer to take the district title on Feb. 17.

MLCA/CCS boys take district title from SL

WENATCHEE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys basketball team took the district title on Feb. 17 in a tight matchup with Soap Lake High School.

ECBID to turn on water

OTHELLO — The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District will begin filling the East Low Canal on Wednesday, March 23, announcing a formal start to the 2022 irrigation season.

'Barnyard chic': The Southern Gypsie boutique opens in Ephrata

EPHRATA — Erin Fruge opened The Southern Gypsie boutique in Ephrata at 444 Basin St. NW in Ephrata on Feb. 5. The business specializes in gifts, clothing and décor made by Columbia Basin artisans with what Fruge calls a “barnyard chic” style.

Legals for February, 22 2022

Taking their lead from Canada

MOSES LAKE — Around 200 truck drivers, farmers, family members and others came from across Grant County — many in vehicles flying U.S. flags, Gadsden “Don’t tread on Me” flags, and Trump 2024 flags — to gather in a bean field west of Moses Lake on Saturday to support Canadian truckers and call for an immediate end to all COVID-19-related mandates.

REC Silicon still committed to 2023 reopening

OSLO, Norway — Senior executives with embattled REC Silicon still hope to resume production in Moses Lake sometime in 2023, but admit that uncertainties over proposed legislation — including a tax-incentive authored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake — could change the timing of any restart.

24 Columbia Basin wrestlers place at state

TACOMA — Out of the nearly 40 wrestlers from the Columbia Basin that went to the WIAA Mat Classic XXXIII tournament at the Tacoma Dome over the weekend, 24 walked away with top-eight placements in their weight classes.

Births for Feb. 21, 2022

Samaritan Hospital

MLCA/CCS boys and girls take district titles

The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys and girls teams each earned district titles Feb. 17 at Wenatchee High School

Ephrata Lions like the friends they’ve made and service to community

EPHRATA — Ephrata Lions Club President Mark Wanke said the club offers its members two important advantages - Camaraderie among members and working for something bigger.

MLHS and QHS participate at state swim meet, bring home one championship

FEDERAL WAY — The Moses Lake and Quincy high schools swim and dive teams participated in the state meet at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way Feb. 17-19.

District 13 legislators address local constituents

OLYMPIA — Local legislators set out the 2022 state legislative session with the safety of their constituents in mind, said Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, during a District 13 town hall on Thursday.

Ralph Donald Laws

Ralph Donald Laws was born April 2, 1936, in Hamilton, Ravalli County, Montana.

Most, but not all, school levies approved in final election results

EPHRATA — Elections results for Feb. 8 special elections for all counties in the state of Washington were canvassed and adopted as final on Friday.

Legals for February, 21 2022

Inslee: Masks off on March 21

OLYMPIA — As COVID-19 infection rates continue to fall, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state’s mask mandate for schools and public places will end on March 21.

Grant County December unemployment rate lowest in more than 30 years

MOSES LAKE — Employment in Grant County is beginning to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BBCC leader seeks more student aid, higher teacher salaries

MOSES LAKE — Financial aid for students and higher, more competitive salaries for faculty and staff at the state’s community colleges were among the concerns expressed Thursday morning as Big Bend Community College trustees and officials met online with Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

Local teams battle for titles and tickets to state competition

COLUMBIA BASIN — As basketball teams move into the postseason and compete for their chance at district titles and a ticket to the state tournament, Columbia Basin hoops fanatics have had a diverse season to watch.

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 5-11, 2022

Tunes to heal: Local physician wants to spread the healing power of music

MOSES LAKE — Larry Birger said he has experienced the support that music can provide in hard times, and wanted to pass it on to others. That’s why he founded the Learn from the Masters Music Outreach.

Lawmakers discuss salmon recovery

OLYMPIA — Legislators in the Washington Senate considered a solution to recovering the state's declining salmon population during a public hearing on Monday.

Two injured in Moses Lake hit-and-run collision Thursday

MOSES LAKE — Two people were transported to Samaritan Hospital after the car they were riding in was hit by a vehicle Thursday evening.

Lavonne 'Kay' Carrell

Lavonne “Kay” Carrell, 64, sadly passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington.

Betty Jean Crompton

Betty Jean Crompton was born in Flint, Michigan, on July 29, 1932, and was called home to the Lord on Feb. 3, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington.

Legals for February, 18 2022

Training day: Quincy cops hone their skills at Ephrata airport

EPHRATA — Turns out, there’s a proper technique for throwing a spike strip in front of a speeding automobile.

Irrigation utility could benefit lake water quality

MOSES LAKE — Using water from Moses Lake to irrigate parks, lawns and gardens across the city will likely benefit both the lake and underground water currently used for drinking, according to members of the Moses Lake Watershed Council.

Most school EP&O proposals passing in special election

COLUMBIA BASIN — School district levy proposals are passing in Quincy, Wilson Creek, Grand Coulee, Warden and Royal City but failing in the Wahluke School District in Mattawa.

Tracey Lyn (Schenck) Enzler

Tracey Lyn (Schenck) Enzler finished her time on earth with her husband and daughter by her side on Nov. 20, 2021, after years of giving it her all to overcome pancreatic cancer. Her cancer journey started in 2005 as thyroid cancer.

Rev. Klockers: If a person has just one job to do, can they get it right?

In the sport of American football, there is an on-field position called the long snapper.

Critter champion: New Grant County Animal Outreach chief accepts challenge to make things better

MOSES LAKE — Darrin Hein said there’s been a learning curve in his new job at Grant County Animal Outreach.

Patricia Mae Honsowetz

Patricia Mae Honsowetz, born Oct. 29, 1952, died Feb. 10, 2022, was a true follower of Christ, devoted wife, beautiful daughter and sister, beloved mother, cherished Nana and true friend to all those in need.

Multi-agency effort leads to DUI arrest

SOAP LAKE — Michael Butterly, 39, who lives near Soap Lake, has been charged with a DUI after two incidents in which officers encountered him driving dangerously in Soap Lake and Ephrata, respectively.

Legals for February, 17 2022

MLSD holds preschool art show

The Moses Lake School District held an art show to highlight artwork created by preschoolers from Moses Lake schools.

Warnick-sponsored bill looks to involve families in behavioral health outcomes

OLYMPIA — Families of state hospital patients may have opportunities to receive training and more support under legislation moved into the Washington State House of Representatives on Saturday.

Trust potatoes to be your comfort food

KENNEWICK — Chef RJ Harvey said he’s never met anyone who doesn’t like potatoes.

Othello girls wrestling team qualifies three for state tournament

EPHRATA — The Othello High School girls wrestling team qualified three wrestlers for the state tournament and finished second in regional competition Saturday in Ephrata.

Royal, Wahluke qualify wrestlers for boys state tournament

ROYAL — Two Royal High School wrestlers and one Wahluke High School wrestler will be going to the state tournament Friday and Saturday.

Columbia Basin sends 37 wrestlers to state tournament

TACOMA — The Columbia Basin will be sending 37 wrestlers plus alternates to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Mat Classic XXXIII that will run from Feb. 18-19 at the Tacoma Dome.

Clarkston man injured in collision near Quincy

QUINCY — A Clarkston man was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane after his pickup collided with a semi-truck about two miles west of Quincy Monday afternoon.

Frank A. Timm

Frank A. Timm, 84, of Moses Lake, passed away at home on Jan. 26, 2022.

DeAnna LaVoie

DeAnna LaVoie passed away on Feb. 7, 2022, due to medical complications.

Grant will help expand broadband availability in Adams County

RITZVILLE — An expanded fiber optic network is coming to Adams County with the help of a $10.3 million grant from the Washington Department of Commerce.

Royal, Wahluke wrestlers advance to girls state tournament

EPHRATA — Royal wrestler Alondra Morales won a regional championship, and the Knights qualified a second wrestler for the girls state wrestling tournament in regional competition Saturday in Ephrata.

Othello boys wrestlers qualify 12 for state, win regional title

ELLENSBURG — The Othello High School boys wrestling team qualified 12 wrestlers for the state tournament and edged out Selah High School for the Region 4 title in regional competition Saturday in Ellensburg.

CBH gains new editor

MOSES LAKE — Robert Miller, or as many Columbia Basin Herald readers may know him, R. Hans Miller, was promoted from senior reporter to managing editor on Feb. 14.

Legals for February, 16 2022

Grant County works to establish drug court

EPHRATA — Grant County is in the process of implementing a drug court aimed at reducing recidivism among defendants with a history of drug use associated with their alleged crimes.

Solar bill could provide tax breaks to panel manufacturers

MOSES LAKE — A bill proposed by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, to give tax breaks to companies seeking to build solar panels in Washington is expected to get a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday.

Basin swimmers head to state

FEDERAL WAY — Fifteen Columbia Basin swimmers and divers will be headed to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state swim and dive meet Feb. 17-19 in Federal Way.

Warden High School locked down due to gas leak

Warden High School was put into a shelter-in-place scenario Monday morning after construction crews working nearby damaged an underground natural gas line.

Moses Lake, MLIRD look to partner on irrigation utility

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District is proposing to work with the City of Moses Lake to jointly study the development of a municipal irrigation utility to use lake water on parks, lawns and gardens within city limits.

Susie Bensal (Sue)

Sue was welcomed home by the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 after a short illness.

Sweet meet: CB Tech students show their kitchen expertise

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center (CB Tech) saw nine bakers compete in the SkillsUSA regional commercial baking contest on Friday.

MLCA/CCS, Soap Lake to battle for district title

The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School and Soap Lake High School boys basketball teams are set to battle for the district title on Thursday at Wenatchee High School

Esther Darlene Dibble

Darlene was born in Lake Stevens, Washington, on Dec. 28, 1937.

Legals for February, 15 2022

Moses Lake High School cheer team wins two state championships

MOSES LAKE — No question about it, there were expectations for the Moses Lake High School cheer team going into the state championship.

Quincy boys take district championship

WENATCHEE — The Quincy boys basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with this year, taking the league title and now the district title.

Warden girls take second district win

WARDEN — The Warden High School girls basketball team took its second district victory with a 66-26 win over Tri-Cities Prep High School.

John (Jack) Hetherington

John (Jack) Hetherington, longtime resident of Moses Lake, Washington, has passed away with his family by his side.

Births for Feb. 14, 2021

Samaritan, Othello Community hospitals

Tax pro: Filers should know about some changes this year

EPHRATA — As you get ready to file your 2021 tax return, Sam Barnes has a word of advice.

100-year-old Moses Lake woman lives remarkable life

Delight Morrison Leas is one of those people who didn’t talk much about her life. But her son Terry Leas said he wishes she’d reminisced a little more, since it’s been a remarkable life.

Lois Shinn

Lois Ann Shinn was born to Charles F. and Anna (Dunham) Schimmels on Feb. 3, 1927, in Spokane, Washington and died peacefully on Feb. 1, 2022, at her home in Moses Lake, Washington.

John William Wagner

Coach John Wagner, 88, passed away at home under hospice care Dec. 13, 2021.

Two Moses Lake men arrested in connection with Carl’s Jr. robbery

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the Jan. 30 armed robbery of the Carl’s Jr. on Kittleson Road in Moses Lake, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Police Department.

Legals for February, 14 2022

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Feb. 12, 2022

Jan. 29-Feb. 4

Dollar General under construction in Soap Lake

Construction along state Route 28, next to Sigrist Mini Storage, is confirmed to be the location of a new Dollar General store.

Democrats propose $16.8 billion transportation package

Legislation intended to funnel $16.8 billion in the next 16 years into the state’s transportation infrastructure was proposed by Washington Democrats this week.

MLCA/CCS boys basketball team takes first win in district tournament

The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) boys basketball team won its first game in the district tournament Wednesday night.

Feeding frenzy

Looking for fodder

Moses Lake artist finds unlimited possibility in acrylic medium

Phyllis PuFahl said her exploration of jewelry making started as a way to use acrylic pouring paintings that hadn’t turned out like she planned.

Ice fishing could end soon

The ice fishing season is probably the shortest season we see here in north central Washington.

Free concert to feature electric, acoustic guitar

An Ellensburg-based musical education organization will sponsor a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Huck Fuller building at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Dr. NE in Moses Lake.

Lucinda Rodriguez

Beloved and devoted mom Lucinda Rodriguez passed away surrounded by her only child Deborah and some extended family at Samaritan Hospital on Feb. 4, 2022. She had just turned 80, a few weeks prior.

Realtors association swears in new officers

Real estate agents across Grant County gathered Jan. 29 for the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors’ annual awards banquet to swear in the association’s new president and honor local realtors.

New homeowners need checklists when moving in

The finances have been secured, the place has been inspected, the papers are signed and the keys are in hand.

MLCA/CCS girls basketball team takes league title

The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) girls basketball team won a league title this season.

Blanca Alvarado

Blanca Alvarado, longtime resident of Moses Lake, passed away at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane on Friday Feb. 4, 2022.

Legals for February, 11 2022

Moses Lake woman dies from injuries in suspected medical emergency-caused collision

A Moses Lake woman died Thursday morning from injuries in a collision Wednesday night on Road 4 Northeast, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office social media post.

The search is on: Consultant says MLSD to get quality candidates for superintendent

Moses Lake School Board members met with representatives of their superintendent search consultant, Northwest Leadership Associates during a special Wednesday afternoon meeting.

Bill would support veterans in crises

Veterans experiencing mental health crises could soon receive additional support under legislation given executive action by the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday.

Othello girls sweep Ephrata in first round of playoffs

Othello High School (OHS) girls basketball team swept past Ephrata High School (EHS) in the first round of district playoffs on Tuesday.

Carl Harry Cook

Carl Harry Cook, 72, went on to glory Jan. 31, 2022, after an unexpected heart attack.

‘It is not a job to me’: Shuttle driver loves meeting interesting people

MOSES LAKE — Ray Mayo said Moses Lake, and central Washington in general, are full of interesting people.

Commentary: Gov. Inslee should drop his ill-considered assault on natural gas

Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee attempted an end run around the legislature by banning natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings via the state’s building codes.

Rev. Klockers: Has Christ called us to become more intelligent?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Quincy students make dean’s list at George Fox

NEWBERG, Ore. — Bryn Heikes and Ethan Royer, both of Quincy, earned Dean’s List recognition at George Fox University for the fall 2021 semester

Proposed law could shorten sentences

Incarcerated individuals who serve 15, 20, or 25 years of total confinement would have the opportunity to apply for a conditional commutation under Senate Bill 5036, passed by the Washington State Senate and now being considered in the House.

Legals for February, 10 2022

Moses Lake moves forward with study to address shelterlessness

In a split vote, the Moses Lake City Council passed a motion to move forward with a feasibility study to identify what steps need to be taken to address shelterlessness in the city. Council members also voted unanimously to terminate a contract with Wenatchee-based Pacific Security, the company that patrols the city’s sleep center.

Moses Lake High School awaits final word on Chiefs moniker

With the enactment of a new state law last year, legislators in Olympia made it illegal for a school to inappropriately use a Native American word or image as a logo or mascot – but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Moses Lake High School will be changing its moniker, Chiefs, anytime soon, says Moses Lake School Board member Shannon Hintz.

Special election preliminary results show few school levies failing

Preliminary results were in Tuesday night for a special election, which saw a handful of communities across the region casting ballots on school levies and tax increases.

ACSO deputies arrest Arizona man for alleged drug, weapon possession

Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Michael C. Hernandez, 25, of Yuma, Arizona, after a Feb. 2 traffic stop revealed he had no driver’s license and was wanted in his home state.

Othello wrestlers take CWAC title; co-recipients of sportsmanship award

OTHELLO — The Othello High School boys wrestling team upset No. 2-ranked Selah High School to take the Central Washington Athletic Conference district title Saturday in Grandview.

Three MLHS bowlers qualify at districts, one moves to state championship

The Moses Lake High School girls bowling team had a busy couple of weeks with districts and state championship games.

Gloria Crawford

Gloria Crawford left this world Feb. 1, 2022.

Ora Ferl Steffler

Beloved Ora Ferl (Dye) Steffler passed away quietly at her home on Feb. 3, 2022.

Columbia Basin Rodeo Association Banquet recognizes key figures

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Jill Tonne, queen director for the Columbia Basin Rodeo Association, were recognized for their contributions to the CBRA during the association’s annual banquet Saturday.

Bryce Prince Adame

Bryce Prince Adame, 18, passed away from an auto accident on Jan. 23, 2022, in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Quincy basketball teams receive league honors

The Quincy High School (QHS) girls and boys basketball teams received several awards and honors from the Caribou Trail League (CTL).

Lady Huskies wrestlers take Sub-Regional tournament title

OTHELLO — The Othello High School girls wrestling team brought home the team title from the North Girls Sub-Regional tournament Saturday in Spangle.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office seeks alleged robbery suspects

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two suspects after a robbery Monday at the Country Travel Plaza at 790 Pence Road in Lind, Washington.

Othello to consider updated park master plan

OTHELLO — With any luck, Othello’s Lions Park will have a new playground and expanded basketball courts by the end of 2022.

Grant County PUD commissioners choose new general manager/CEO

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to elect interim Grant County PUD General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Rich Wallen for the permanent GM/CEO position.

Legals for February, 9 2022

Othello man dies in collision south of Warden

An Othello man died Saturday morning in a collision on Road U Southeast, near Road 10 Southeast, south of Warden, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office social media post.

Funding the fight: Annual auction raises more than $170,000 for local cancer patients

MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation’s 13th annual Country Sweethearts Benefit Auction returned in-person Saturday, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the event to be virtual last year, and raised more than $170,000.

Help wanted: GCSO begins recruitment measures to fill more than a dozen positions

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office wants quality candidates to know GCSO has opportunities for experienced and green recruits, according to Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones.

Legislators advance new tax exemption for ADUs

Legislation, which could expand affordable housing and ease tax burdens, was advanced and referred to the review stage by the House Finance Committee on Thursday.

PUD commissioners to vote on permanent general manager

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will have a vote today to determine whether to appoint current interim general manager/chief executive officer Rich Wallen to the job permanently.

Republican group to host congressional candidate

The Washington Federation of Republican Women in Grant County will have Washington State’s 4th Congressional District candidate Corey Gibson as its guest speaker at 6 p.m. today at Lake City Foursquare Church, 333 N. Central Drive, in Moses Lake.

Giving sports a voice: Ephrata High School announcer fills stands with energy

EPHRATA – Many members of the Ephrata community might recognize Ryan Shannon’s voice quicker than they would his face.

Legals for February, 8 2022

Vanguard Academy staff get a peek at new spaces

Vanguard Academy staff toured Moses Lake School District’s newest campus, Vanguard Academy, Thursday afternoon.

Legislators consider bill to legalize psilocybin

Adults could legally purchase and consume psilocybin products as soon as 2024 under legislation heard by the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday.

ACH boys basketball team beats Odessa

The Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School boys basketball team flew past Odessa High School on Thursday, 66-37.

Lyle Deforrest Nichols

Lyle was born in February of 1953 in Kirkland, Washington. After a long battle with cancer, Lyle has gone to be with the Lord on Jan. 31, 2022.

The Washington Outdoors Report: Spring bear hunt, new commissioners, fishing

In November, half of the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission went against the advice of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind and his staff and postponed the 2022 spring bear hunt, an event that has occurred for decades in our state.

Quincy Valley Allied Arts returns to stage with ‘Sister Act’

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Allied Arts is telling the story of a murder witness on the lam, a nunnery, learning from others and making music.

Basin athletes shine

Six more Columbia Basin athletes have been named Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Athletes of the week in the past few weeks.

Larry Ellestad

Larry Allen Ellestad passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on Jan. 29, 2022, after a battle with terminal COPD.

Legals for February, 7 2022

City of Ephrata building permits for Feb. 6, 2021

January 2022

Drug crisis: Officials look for ways to combat opioid epidemic

Medical providers and health officials in Grant County say they are concerned about the ongoing opioid epidemic as they try to help those facing addiction get clean and avoid overdoses.

Bills to restore police authority move forward

Several bills restoring law enforcement agencies’ authority to use physical force and engage in vehicular pursuits were advanced during executive sessions in the state House and Senate on Thursday.

Ephrata raises construction fees to fund parks

EPHRATA — It’s going to cost a little bit more to build a house in Ephrata.

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Feb. 6, 2022

Jan. 22-28, 2022

Federal broadband grants awarded to area school districts

Moses Lake, Othello, Ephrata, Royal City, Ritzville and Washtucna school districts have been awarded grants through the American Rescue Plan Act, according to a press release Jan. 21 from the office of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA.

COVID-19 testing shortage affects athletics

The COVID-19 test supply issues were a big concern in recent weeks in relation to high school sports.

A glass of comedy: Masquers Theater to present ‘Beer for Breakfast’

SOAP LAKE — The tale of three old friends, an all-night battle of the sexes and the impact of passing time comes to the Masquers Theater stage starting Feb. 11.

Lenora D’Arcy

It is with great sadness but also with great rejoicing, that Lenora D’Arcy passed from this world to rest in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 28, 2022, at the age of 92.

Growing viral: Pandemic contributes to collectible plants

MOSES LAKE — Roost Lifestyle owner Bruce Bailey said he brought some of his plants from home to his shop, just to decorate and soften the look.

Taking flight

A bald eagle flies from a tree at West Beach Park in Soap Lake on Jan. 20. This photo was captured as it flew toward the north end of Soap Lake.

Legals for February, 4 2022

Training day: Marines assault warehouse

MOSES LAKE — Sgt. Cleveland Whiteside III may be from Jackson, Mississippi, but he doesn’t find Moses Lake in January all that cold.

Sheriff discusses jail, legislation, crime at town hall

Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones had a town hall – the first in more than two years – at the Larson community sheriff’s substation in Moses Lake Tuesday evening.

Warden girls basketball continues undefeated

WARDEN – The Warden High School girls basketball team is undefeated and solidified its status as league champions Tuesday after defeating Dayton/Waitsburg High School.

Changing times: Othello High School to start new schedule in 2022-23 school year

OTHELLO — A whole new class schedule will come to Othello High School for the 2022-23 school year.

Frank Karas

Frankie Harry Karas was born on Oct. 6, 1940, to Haralompos Constantinos Karles (Harry Karas Sr.) and Helen Brown in Ephrata, Washington.

Wilson Creek school levy goes to voters

A two-year replacement educational programs and operation (EP&O) levy proposed by the Wilson Creek School District could bring in a little more than $527,000 total in 2023 and 2024 combined, if passed Tuesday, to replace the existing levy, which is set to expire at the end of 2022.

Sometimes you need ‘risk management,’ tree well

A Geo Metro is really an egg with a stick shift and little toy wheels, not fit for the mountains.

The opponent within: Othello athlete comes back from chronic illness

OTHELLO — Ethan Medina said his experiences taught him life can change in an instant. And he also learned to deal with setbacks.

Letter: Schools teach kids to think of themselves as gods

If I thought I was God Almighty I could be a real pain from the time I got on the school bus until they packed me off to detention.

Commentary: Resilience and innovation on display in Central Washington

If you’ve been paying any attention to the news over the last year, you’ve probably been hearing more and more about the supply chain issues facing our country.

Voters to decide on proposed Coulee-Hartline enrichment levy

The Coulee-Hartline School District has an enrichment levy, formally known as a maintenance and operation (M&O) levy on Tuesday’s special election ballot, which, if passed, would fund a number of activities and services for the district, such as clubs and sports, as well as building maintenance.

Physical therapy clinic open

Physical therapist Steve Roylance, flanked by Columbia Physical Therapy co-owners David Jensen, left, and Kevin Hodgson, right, and clinic aide Serenity Franz (purple sweater), office manager Lindsey Rosenow (blue jacket) and Rachel Nichols (white shirt, to the right), as well as members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon on his new business location at 1800 S. Clover Drive – not far from Moses Lake High School — in a small ceremony on Wednesday.

Legals for February, 3 2022

Two injured in rollover collision southeast of Quincy

Two men were injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision on state Route 283, southeast of Quincy, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Safeway begins online programs to fight food insecurity

Safeway announced on Jan. 6 it is accepting online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in addition to several other measures meant to fight food insecurity under its newly-dubbed Nourish Everyone Campaign.

Legislators hear bill regarding vape regulation

The Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee had a public hearing Monday for a bill, which if passed, would give the state authority to regulate vapor products found to pose a significant risk to public health.

Quincy school EP&O levy to be on ballot

QUINCY — The Quincy School District (QSD) is asking voters to approve an educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy in the special election Tuesday that is expected to bring in more than $34 million between 2023 and 2026.

Pet project: Donations help organizations, animals in need

MOSES LAKE — There likely are a lot of lost and stray dogs and cats in Grant and Adams counties.

Othello boys wrestling team wins three dual meets

OTHELLO — The Othello High School boys wrestling team finished the regular season Thursday with wins in two dual matches on Senior Night at OHS.

Open for business

Omar Robles, co-owner of Best Buy Auto Sales, along with his brother Roman and surrounded by family members, employees and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon Tuesday to formally inaugurate Best Buy Auto Sales’ new location at 520 S. Pioneer Way.

Deloris Winona Dayett

Deloris Winona Dayett passed away peacefully in her sleep Jan. 16, 2022.

View from the top

A hawk perches on a frosty, snow-covered branch in a pine tree south of Moses Lake.

Lady Huskies take East Valley dual

OTHELLO — The Othello High School girls wrestling team defeated East Valley High School Thursday in a dual match on Senior Night at Othello High School.

PUD to offer open houses on Quincy area improvements

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) will hold a series of open house meetings in February and early March to talk about upcoming power improvements in the Quincy area, according to a PUD release.

Legals for February, 2 2022

Moses Lake Carl’s Jr. allegedly robbed by armed men

Two female Carl’s Jr. employees are okay, if a bit shaken, after two men armed with a pistol allegedly robbed the restaurant at 1765 Kittelson Road in Moses Lake at about 10 p.m. Sunday.

Cold call: Marines touch down in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — When United States Marine Corps Cpl. Jianna Hernandez first saw the snow of Moses Lake, she thought of home.

Soap Lake to vote on sales tax

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake might have had the worst streets of any town or city in the state of Washington.

Legislators to consider bill on realtor disclosure

The House Consumer Protection & Business Committee will consider, during an executive session Wednesday, legislation holding real estate sellers accountable for nondisclosure of damages to a buyer.

MLHS wrestling teams battle Eisenhower

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake wrestling teams went up against Eisenhower High School on Thursday.

Quincy boys basketball team adds two wins

The Quincy High School boys basketball team was on the road, taking two more victories last week.

Schools get mastery-based learning grants

The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) recently an­nounced the award of tens of thousands of dollars in funding for mastery-based learning programs to 14 Washington school districts, including those serving Quincy and Moses Lake.

Shooting for the top: MLCA/CCS player exceeds 1,000-point mark

MOSES LAKE – Pierre Boorman, a senior at Moses Lake Christian Academy, has been tearing up the court – averaging more than 20 points per game for the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) boys basketball team.

Darrell Moss

Darrell Fay Moss, 92, died in Moses Lake, Washington, on Oct. 30, 2021, after a six-month battle with cancer.