Ellington

Snow management

Here are how the county and cities manage snow accumulation in Grant County

GRANT CO. - Now that snow has arrived in Grant County, many residents are probably wondering how or why certain streets get plowed, get plowed faster than others or don’t get plowed at all. Each city as well as the county have snow and ice removal procedures. Below you will find those procedures for each city according to their official city website: Grant County Certain roads in the County have a greater volume of traffic and require a higher priority for maintenance to serve the users. The concern of safety, general welfare, and duration of travel...

Cold to stay

Chances of snow to diminish, but it’s going to stay cold

MOSES LAKE — Of course, it’s that time of year, and the first snowfall of the season Tuesday night closed schools, left people with driveways and sidewalks to shovel, discombobulated morning commutes, annoyed a lot of cats and delighted a lot of dogs. And while the snow might get cleared off the road and schools will get going again, the snow is here to stay, at least for a while. Jon Fox, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said Wednesday morning that snow showers might linger through Thursday, and possibly into Friday night. New snow amounts are forecast to be minimal, an inch or less. “It’s not going to melt though, unfortunately,” Fox said...

RECAP: ‘Hawks lose second-straight, Kraken keep winning

SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks dropped a second-straight game while the Kraken keep winning. Check out this week’s Washington pro sports recap for an update on the teams over the previous week. Seahawks Coming off of the bye week, the Seahawks hosted the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, in what turned out to be a shootout of a game with the Raiders winning 40-34 in overtime. Seattle’s defense struggled mightily against the Raiders, especially in the run game. The Seahawks gave up 283 yards on the ground in Sunday’s loss, 86 of which came on Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs’ game-sealing touchdown run in overtime...

Warden boys, girls hoops fall in season openers

CASHMERE – On a snowy night at the Cashmere High School gym, the Warden Cougar boys and girls basketball teams took to the court against the Bulldogs. Both teams fell in their season openers, with the girl's team losing 53-47 and the boy's team losing 56-48 in their matchups against 1A Cashmere. Girls match “We were excited to play, and we’ve got a tough schedule,” Warden girls basketball head coach Josh Madsen said. “We start out with a really tough opponent, and that’s what we talked about in the locker room. It’ll make us better, we could have scheduled easy and had a cupcake to start with and blown them out, but we don’t need that.” The Cougars left the court at halftime with a 28-21 lead in the girl’s game but came out flat in the third quarter. Warden’s only points of the third quarter came on two converted free throws by junior Lauryn Madsen...

Elroy Teterud

Elroy Teterud passed away at Samaritan Hospital on Nov. 28, 2022, with his wife by his side. He was born on Aug. 29, 1941 to Glen and Laura (Marquardt) Teterud in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Twin Valley, Minnesota, High School in 1959. During his senior year in high school he was chosen, along with his identical twin brother Leroy, for the All-Conference Football Team. The twins, along with three other classmates, joined the Air Force one week out of high school. Elroy spent three years of his military service time in Germany, which he relished and talked about frequently throughout his life. In May 1966, he married Mary Ellen Good and in August of that year they moved to the Seattle area from Minnesota.

Randall Parris

Randall C. “Randy” Parris, 75, passed away Saturday Nov. 19, 2022, surrounded by his family. Randy was the oldest of three children, born on Dec. 12, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland to Ruth and Jack Parris. He grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina, and joined the Navy in 1966. He served during the Vietnam war on two different aircraft carriers, the Yorktown (1966-1969) and the Bennington (1969-1972). One highlight of his military career is that he was aboard the Yorktown when they picked up the astronauts from the Apollo 8 mission. While in the Navy, Randy was stationed in San Diego California, where he met his wife of 37 years, and the love of his life, Sandee Fletcher. In 1972, after his service in the Navy, they moved to Ephrata Washington, where Sandee grew up, to raise their children and start their careers.

Join the kamp

Echternkamps Guide Services provide Columbia Basin hunting and fishing experiences

MOSES LAKE - Echternkamps Guide Services provides hunting and fishing experiences highlighting the abundance in the Columbia Basin. “We are more concerned about everybody’s experience, (we) want them to have a good time,” said Aaron Echternkamp, owner of Echternkamps Guide Services, which also goes by the name Eastern Washington Guides. The 50-year-old said he started his guide service when he was only 18. When he started, it was mainly focused on waterfowl hunting and later expanded to fishing, although he is focusing on waterfowl currently...

Kids Hope provides local advocacy center for children

Serves children suspected of being abused or neglected

MOSES LAKE — Kids Hope, a sister agency to New Hope, provides services for children who are suspected of being the victim of abuse, neglect or sexual abuse and in some cases, witnesses of a crime. “When you’re looking at dynamics of the cases, a large percentage of the cases we see over here are sexual abuse. However, we also are referred cases of neglect, witnesses of a crime and physical abuse. But the large percentage are sexual assault cases and in those cases, 90-plus percent are known abusers,” said Elisa Adolphsen, Children’s Advocacy Center Coordinator. Unlike New Hope, Kids Hope clients can only receive services from Kids Hope by referral from law enforcement or Child Protective Services, and Kids Hope focuses on services for children.

BBB advises caution, patience with holiday charity donationations

TACOMA — With the holiday season upon us, there will be a lot of charities asking for donations. The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), which also evaluates and accredits charities as well as businesses, wants people to know it’s okay to resist the emotional appeal and make sure the charity they give to will use the money wisely and well. “What we see quite often is these overly emotional appeals,” Hickle said of holiday charity fundraisers. “So you know, if an appeal is bringing tears to your eyes, just make sure it's also clear about what the charity intends to do to address those issues.

New Hope

Local organization offers support, way forward for domestic violence, sexual assault survivors

MOSES LAKE — Domestic violence and sexual assault leave a lot of damage and chaos behind them – that’s true of all crimes, in fact. The job of the advocates at New Hope is to help people who’ve survived domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes work through the chaos and deal with the damage. “We’re really proud of the fact our hotline is staffed by our advocates,” said New Hope Director Suzi Fode. “It’s not an answering service, it’s not a volunteer (service). It’s someone who’s trained as an advocate. It’s the same person you’d see if you walked through the door. We have 12 advocates here and they rotate that 24-hour shift.” New Hope’s main office is at 311 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake; Fode said there are offices in Quincy, Othello, Ephrata, Mattawa and Royal City as well.

‘Pretty drastic’

Food banks gear up for increased need

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the year winding down and the holidays looming, more and more people are counting on local food banks to make ends meet, especially in a struggling economy. “We had a 19% increase from Thanksgiving week last year,” said Peny Archer, executive director of Community Services of Moses Lake, which operates the Moses Lake Food Bank. “Our numbers are definitely climbing. It’s pretty drastic. I mean, any for-profit (organization) that had that 19% increase would be really excited.” Unfortunately, that kind of growth isn’t a good thing when you’re helping the needy. In the United States, more than 10% of households are food-insecure, according to a USDA study completed last year. The numbers are higher in rural areas: 11% of households have low or no food security, and 87% of the counties with the highest food insecurity rates are rural – in places like Grant and Adams counties.

Legals for November, 30 2022

Kriete sworn in as Grant Co. sheriff

EPHRATA - Joey Kriete took the oath of office and was sworn in as the new Grant County Sheriff by Superior Court Judge Tyson Hill on Tuesday at the Grant County Courthouse. “Standing in front and getting sworn in by Judge Hill, I think that's when it became real,” said Kriete. With 57.84% of the vote, Kriete was selected as the Grant County Sheriff in the Nov. 8 election over opponent Joe Harris...

QVMC contractor selection could start by mid-December

QUINCY — A request for bids from construction firms to build the new Quincy Valley Medical Center could be issued by mid-December. In addition, QVMC board members are scheduled to vote on a resolution to sell the bonds to finance the project at the Dec. 19 meeting. Hospital board members received an update on the project at the regular meeting Nov. 28. Joe Kunkel, the consultant working with QVMC officials on the project, said hospital officials will make a presentation Dec. 1 to the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board, asking that the hospital district be allowed to waive some of the requirements of the bid process. If the request is allowed, the district will be able to hire a contractor immediately, Kunkel said...

Mt. Rainier National Park changes access due to staffing

ASHFORD – Mount Rainier National Park announced updates Tuesday to winter 2022-23 recreational access due to staffing. “Mount Rainier National Park offers terrific winter recreational opportunities and making this access change will help visitors make plans knowing that weather permitting, the road to Paradise will be open on weekends when the most visitation typically occurs,” said Greg Dudgeon, park superintendent in the release. “The park did not make this decision lightly, but safety is at the forefront of everything we do. We believe these winter access changes are the safest choice for our staff and visitors during the winter season.” ...

CDC announces $60M given to Wash. agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it is awarding Washington state public health departments over $60 million in grants to strengthen the state’s public health workforce, infrastructure, and capacity. “This pandemic has made it painfully clear these are exactly the kind of investments we need to be making every year,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee...

Giving back

Law enforcement works to support community during holidays

COLUMBIA BASIN — Several local law enforcement agencies are putting on charitable drives for the upcoming holiday season. The Moses Lake Police Department’s Fifth Annual Tip-a-Cop night hosted at Rock Top Burgers and Brew in Moses Lake raises money for the department’s Shop with a Cop Program. Members of the MLPD, Warden Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office along with Columbia Basin...

Pedestrian killed in Moses Lake accident

MOSES LAKE — A pedestrian was struck and killed early Tuesday morning along SR 17 in Moses Lake...

Zags drop to No. 14 in AP poll

SPOKANE – The Gonzaga men's basketball team checked in at No. 14 in the Week 4 AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll this season after suffering its second double-digit early season loss. The Zags (5-2) fell out of the top 10 of the AP poll for the first time since the 2017-18 season. That year, Gonzaga was ranked No. 12 in Week 14 before finishing the season in the No. 2 spot...

Basin sports schedule for Nov. 30-Dec. 6

COLUMBIA BASIN – Welcome to winter sports season here in the Basin! Eleven of twelve local schools begin their quests to bring home state titles this winter season, with a full slate of games and meets on the basketball court, wrestling mat and in the pool. Check out this week’s sports schedule, including the final game of the 2022 fall sports season...

Pulisic goal advances US in World Cup with 1-0 win over Iran

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Christian Pulisic scored while crashing headfirst into the goalkeeper in the 38th minute and the United States advanced to the knockout round of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday in a politically charged rematch of their famous meeting a quarter-century ago. Pulisic sprawled on the field and was lying in the goal for about three minutes as he received treatment from the U.S. staff. He reentered the game but was replaced at the start of the second half.

Elroy Teterud

Elroy Teterud, 81, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital. Memorial service is set for 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Living Word Lutheran Church, 2609 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake.

Jeffrey Paul Scheib

Jeffrey (Jeff) Paul Scheib, 62, passed away Nov. 22 while visiting family in the Dallas, Texas area. Jeff was born Nov. 1, 1960, in Soap Lake, Washington, son of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Scheib. He attended Delancey Houghton Elementary, Soap Lake High School and the University of Washington. He worked for several public and private institutions as a software developer, including UW Medical School, Harborview Medical Center, Intel Corp, Qualcomm and Wells Fargo. His favorite pastimes were tennis, racquetball, badminton and living life to the fullest with his friends and family.

Jitka Garza takes over at Othello Anytime Fitness

OTHELLO — Jitka Garza said the goal of a fitness routine is to make life better, whatever that goal might be for each athlete. Garza is the new owner of Anytime Fitness in Othello, and she cut the ribbon at her business on Nov. 23. “That’s the goal, to get you better, in your movement, your mobility, whatever you need,” she said. “Very important for your daily life to do certain movements, to get better.”....

Winter sports season tips off

COLUMBIA BASIN – With 11 of 12 local schools stepping onto the basketball court, wrestling mat and in the pool this week, the 2022-2023 winter sports season is officially in full swing here in the Basin....

Legals for November, 29 2022

Bluegrass trio to play in George on Saturday

GEORGE — Three Northwestern bluegrass virtuosos will take the stage Saturday at the George Community Hall, according to a statement from the community center...

Tip a Cop fundraiser returns to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — As a matter of fact, yes, those are police officers and sheriff’s deputies cleaning tables, delivering hamburgers and drinks and occasionally breaking into song. The fifth annual Tip a Cop is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Rock Top Burgers & Brew, 930 N. Stratford Rd. in Moses Lake. Deputies from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Moses Lake Police Department officers will be working the floor for that two-and-a-half-hour stretch, handing out menus and delivering meals and drinks. The tips they earn go to the Shop with a Cop program sponsored by each department. Rock Top employees make a donation as well as sponsoring the event...

Collision causes delays on SR17 Monday

MOSES LAKE - A collision early Monday morning resulted in delays for travelers along SR 17 for several hours.

Winter storm watch issued for Basin

SPOKANE — The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch Monday for large parts of the Columbia Basin. A winter storm watch means that conditions are favorable for a winter storm event that is a threat to life or property, according to the National Weather Service website, but that the event’s occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain...

UW offense shines in Apple Cup

Huskies deliver as Coug's defense sputters in second half

PULLMAN – During WSU’s three-game win streak over Stanford, Arizona and Arizona State, the Cougars jumped out to early leads that held true despite only scoring 20 combined points in the second half of the wins. The second-half offensive woes reared their head again in the Cougs’ 51-33 loss to Washington in the Apple Cup, their eighth loss in the previous nine meetings of the rivalry. “Just not doing our job, individually,” WSU quarterback Cameron Ward said in a postgame press conference. “Whether that’s with me, like the third-and-19 I threw a (pass) for one yard, that’s completely on me. Everyone’s responsible for it, we all take accountability for it.” ...

Thin Blue Line

Mary and Joe Stoddard, right, pose with Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner, left, and a handmade thin blue line flag. Mary told department officials that it takes about six hours to create an item like the one that was donated.

Maxine Louise Bohn

Maxine Louise Bohn passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, following a sudden diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Upon learning this news, she lived her last wish to die surrounded by family at her son’s home in Spokane, Washington. She was 84. Born to Ray and Mary (Stussy) Tainter in Wisconsin on Aug. 23, 1938, she moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where she was a longtime resident of 78 years. She married her high school sweetheart Meredith “Porky” Bohn, who passed away in December 1982. They raised four sons: Michael Ray Bohn, who passed away in 2019; Mark Robert Bohn; and twins Monty Lee Bohn and Marty Dee Bohn (daughter-in-law Cindy Bohn). She has eight grandchildren: Mallory Bohn, Matthew Bohn, Brandi Bohn, Austin Bohn, Brittney Bohn, Kerrissa Bohn, Tamara Yurian, and Rochelle Yurian. Maxine has 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Kraken rally to beat Ducks 5-4 for 5th straight win

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Matty Beniers had a goal and two assists, Daniel Sprong scored the tiebreaking goal early in the third period and the Seattle Kraken tied a franchise record with their fifth consecutive victory, 5-4 over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. Jared McCann, Alex Wennberg and Vince Dunn scored in the first period for the streaking Kraken, who then blew a two-goal lead late in the second period before rallying for their 10th win in 12 games. Martin Jones made 25 saves in his 11th victory of the season for Seattle, which has lost in regulation just once over the past four weeks during a surge that began with the 2-year-old Kraken's first five-game winning streak.

Cognitive decline in aging dogs: What pup owners should know

Just as humans may develop neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease as they grow older, our aging canine friends also can develop dementia, also referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a complex of behavioral and neurological symptoms the prevalence of which increases with age. Dr. Brian Gray Barnett, a veterinary research fellow in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and member of the Dog Aging Project research team, says that as the level of veterinary care we are able to provide canine companions improves, the number of dogs affected by CCDS rises as well. This is because the biggest risk factor for developing CCDS is age, with onset usually occurring between 12 and 15 years old...

Making a community meal

Business people, volunteers serve holiday cheer on Thanksgiving

MOSES LAKE — Business owner Paul Carney knows a thing or two about being down and out. The owner of EDUBS C/S, which creates custom low-rider cars as well as sells clothing and low-rider lifestyle accessories, said there was a time in his life some years ago when the closest thing he had to home was the streets of Las Vegas. “As a former homeless addict, I remember those lonely, depressing, hopeless feelings and thoughts that came with the holidays when I was alone on the streets. A significant amount of my homeless friends back then were vets,” he said...

Pet of the Week: Wallee

As of Nov. 23, Wallee had an unfortunate anniversary at Adams County Pet Rescue - he’d been at the shelter for a year. His caretakers at ACPR say he has a playful disposition and is full of joy. He loves people and other dogs and enjoys walks and playing with his toys. Wallee will need a yard with a tall fence as he’s prone to climbing over them and should not be in a home with cats. Like all of the pets available for adoption at ACPR, Wallee is up to date on all of his shots and has been neutered and has a microchip. For more information on Wallee and his fellow furry friends at ACPR, visit www.adamscountypetrescue.com or call the shelter at 509-488-5514. The shelter is also welcoming donations to help support the four-legged members of the Columbia Basin community.

Adopting a shelter cat part 2: Purr-paring your home

After finding the perfect feline friend at a rescue or shelter to add to the family, many people cannot wait to bring their new addition home. Because cats from a shelter or rescue will need time to adjust to a new environment, Paula Plummer, a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional certified technician at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, offers some general guidelines to help ensure that everyone will start off on the right paw...

Weather forecast for Nov. 28

This week's weather looks to be cold again with lows in the teens and highs around 30.

Legals for November, 28 2022

Knights return to 1A title game with 57-21 win over Freeman

MOSES LAKE – On a cold and foggy evening at Lions Field in Moses Lake, the Royal Knights clinched their sixth state title game appearance since 2015 with a 57-21 win over Freeman on Saturday. “It feels great,” Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “Nerve-racking along the way sometimes, but great. These kids have been unbelievable. We were supposed to be a little bit down (this year), we had a great group of seniors and a great team last year. These kids have worked really hard to get to the position they’re in.” Quarterback Dylan Allred completed 13 of 20 passes for 198 yards in the first half alone, throwing three touchdowns to receiver Edgar De La Rosa of six, 52 and 10 yards through the first 24 minutes. Allred added a 33-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter to give him four total touchdowns before the half...

Business owners celebrate Small Business Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Mai Houvener wanted to make sure anyone looking for books to buy on Small Business Saturday knew exactly where to go. The owner of Sandbox Bookstore in downtown Moses Lake, Houvener posted a fairly creative sign in front of the Smith Martin Building she share’s with Mason’s Place coffee house, Ties That Bind Yarn, Ag World Support Systems and other local businesses. “This way books,” the sign said, with a big pink arrow pointing to the front entrance. Next to the arrow below pointing down Third Avenue, the sign read: “That way? Bears, maybe? We wouldn’t risk it.” ...

Council votes to accept outreach grant

Moses Lake could save tens of thousands by reaching out to frequent 911 callers.

MOSES LAKE — Last week, the Moses Lake City Council voted to accept a $108,000 grant from the Association of Washington Cities to help the city avoid the cost of sending out ambulance crews when medical help is not really required. According to Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian, the MLFD emergency medical service responded to 4,050 calls in 2021, of which 1,012 did not require transporting anyone. Under current Medicare rules, Bastian said ambulance calls in which no one is transported cannot be billed, and those runs cost the city roughly $1.4 million that cannot be recouped. “If the call volumes continue, we will need even more than the two new firefighters we’ve asked for,” Bastian told the city council. “We’ve seen an increase in EMS patient calls, and it’s 20% higher than it was two years ago.” ...

Zach Edey scores 23, No. 24 Purdue tops No. 6 Gonzaga 84-66

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Zach Edey and his Purdue teammates were admittedly too excited early on for the chance to compared themselves to one of the top teams in the country. Once the 24th-ranked Boilermakers calmed down, they showed they are worthy of their own consideration as a top team after a thorough 84-66 thumping of No. 6 Gonzaga in the semifinals of the Phil Knight Legacy tournament on Friday night.

Boyd pinned at MLFD

MOSES LALE - Dustin Boyd, pictured, has completed his year-long evaluation period with the Moses Lake Fire Department and was pinned as a full-time member of the department last week.

Wenatchee approves $142 million 2023 budget

WENATCHEE — The city of Wenatchee approved a $142 million budget for 2023 at a special council meeting. Council members on Nov. 17 had a public hearing before approving the general fund, the city's main operating fund — which includes $35.3 million of recurring expenses and $31.7 million in recurring revenues. Officials said they weren't concerned about the $3.6 million gap. "Our recurring expenses are barely more than our recurring revenues, but the budget is a conservative planning document, said Brad Posenjak, city finance director, in an interview. "We actually expect that our revenues to come in above budget and expect our expenses to come in under budget." ...

Studio Basin: Budgets, turkeys and high stakes sports

MOSES LAKE – Senior reporter Charles Featherstone and staff writer Joel Martin discuss the City of Moses Lake passing its 2023 budget along with a Thanksgiving celebration at Rick’s Eatery and Entertainment. In sports, sports reporter Ian Bivona joins to preview the 2022 Apple Cup and Royal’s 1A state football semifinals matchup against the Freeman Scotties. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at http://bit.ly/3XBde8g.

State AG calls for retail crime unit

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said Tuesday he is asking the state legislature for $1.5 million annually to fund the creation of a 10-member organized retail crime unit, according to a press release from the Attorney General’s office. The request follows Ferguson’s convening of an organized retail crime task force to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies in dealing with organized retail crime, which involves the theft of goods from retail stores for resale. Such criminal activity costs major retailers billions in losses every year, the press release noted...

Hanford Reach steelhead fishery closed

RICHLAND/PASCO — The Hanford Reach has closed its steelhead fishing and retention from Nov. 20 until further notice.

Maxine Bohn

Maxine Bohn (84)of Moses Lake passed away on 11/23 peacefully after being diagnosed with Leukemia in Spokane. She was surrounded by family members.

Merry and bright

All-out holiday decorating takes a lot of work, planning and holiday spirit

MOSES LAKE — Now that the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays are over, it’s time to prepare for the big one. For a lot of us, Christmas decorating means setting up the tree, dusting off the Nativity scene and maybe hanging some twinkling lights around the front window. But some folks like to take decorating to a whole different level, with lights upon lights upon lights and inflatable figures of every variety that can turn a neighborhood into a winter wonderland. For those who go full Griswold, there’s a lot of work that goes into it. “It's taken probably two and a half to three weeks this year to get everything up,” said Alan Coulter, whose holiday displays are considered legendary in Moses Lake. “When we moved here in the Montlake neighborhood about 20 years ago, we only had a couple of inflatables. This year, we have 75 inflatables, we’ve got 30 walk-through illuminated arches, three-quarters of a mile of extension cords laying out there and close to 15,000 lights. So yeah, it's grown.” ...

Legals for November, 25 2022

Vikings look to gel as season begins

Returning sophomores set foundation as team identity builds

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College men’s basketball team is looking to improve on its 7-17 finish from a year ago as the 2022-2023 season begins on Friday. With players from all around the country, the team had to wait out the off-season to practice together as a unit. Practices began in mid-September. “The talent’s there,” BBCC Head Coach Mingo Scott said. “The question with all teams is, it’s never about talent, it’s about them coming together and gel. Believe in one another and play together.” Scott, who played at Big Bend from 1991-92 and is in his sixth season at the helm of the program, brings a former player’s mentality to the Vikings...

MLFD honors grade schoolers who spotted fire

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department honored two elementary school students on Tuesday for their quick thinking in recognizing a house fire early and calling for help. “The Moses Lake Fire Department would like to recognize Johsua and Olive Hardy for quickly recognizing a dangerous situation and letting their parents step in and take action,” said Heidi Merritt, MLFD administrative coordinator, during a regular meeting of the Moses Lake City Council...

Icy roads result in increased accidents

GRANT COUNTY — Icy roads led to a busy day for first responders across Grant County on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, every year on the first day (of icy weather), there's always multiple accidents,” said Grant County Fire District 7 Administrator Josh Chambers. “Now, we don't usually see the fatalities we saw yesterday, but it's always pretty chaotic that first day; people have a hard time adjusting to the icy roads.” Chambers said they responded to two weather-related calls. The first call was a motor vehicle fatality and the second was a medical call because parents did not feel comfortable driving their child to the hospital on the icy roads. While they also responded to a second fatality, they do not believe that one was related to the weather...

ML Council OKs $111.5 million 2023 budget

MOSES LAKE — At a regular meeting on Tuesday, the Moses Lake City Council formally adopted the city’s $111.5 million 2023 budget, including $15 million to build a new police station on North Central Drive. The adopted budget is 33% greater than the $83.6 million the city approved for 2022. “There’s significant support for a new police station,” said City Manager Allison Williams, referring to a summer survey of residents the city conducted. The largest item in the city’s 2023 budget is the general fund, which pays for regular city operations like police and fire protection, administration, parks and recreation, the library and administration. The council approved a general fund budget of $35.1 million, a 13.3% increase from the 2022 budget, including $11.4 million for the Moses Lake Police Department (up 16.6% from 2022), $5.4 million for the Moses Lake Fire Department (up 9.2%) and $7.5 million for parks and recreation (up 3%)...

Knights prep for semifinal clash

ROYAL CITY — Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said playing in Saturday’s 1A state semifinal playoff game was normal for the Knights. “It’s more the norm than the exception, which is kind of fun,” Allred said. “Credit to the kids, we have been able to do it. We have a set structure and schedule for the week; I think that helps. It’s almost the expectation, that’s what we aim for and hopefully, we can finish this week off.” The No. 1 seed Knights, who have won five of the previous six state titles, now prepare for a matchup against No. 12 Freeman. Even with school closed on Wednesday due to icy weather and Thanksgiving Thursday, players will be focused on the task at hand...

Cougs prep for Apple Cup against UW

PULLMAN – Thanksgiving week means one thing in college football – rivalry week. Teams around the country are preparing to take on their rivals in the final week of the college football season, including the Washington State Cougars and the No. 13 Washington Huskies, who have their sights set on the Apple Cup. “Everything we do within this building, that’ll stay the same,” WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference on Monday. “But the energy, and what it means for everybody, obviously that gets raised quite a bit. Excited about the challenge of getting to face a really good team from the other side of the state in the Apple Cup.”

Man arrested after standoff in Grand Coulee

GRAND COULEE - A man is in jail for several charges after a standoff with police Monday evening. According to Grand Coulee Police Chief John Tufts, the incident started about 3:30 p.m. when two bail bondsmen went to a Grand Coulee residence to arrest Christopher Scott Morgan, 38, on a Spokane County warrant...

Fatality accident victims identified

SOAP LAKE - The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victimes in a fatality collission on Road B Northwest just north of Road 19 Northwest Tuesday...

At-home COVID-19 tests available free of charge

OLYMPIA – Washington State Department of Health will continue to provide free COVID-19 home test kits to residents at least through the end of 2022, despite the end of federal financial support for testing programs. With upper respiratory season at a high peak, at-home tests offer a way for individuals to check their COVID status without needing to access the healthcare system. Washingtonians can order up to 10 free at-home test kits per month through the “Say Yes! COVID Test” program. To order, visit sayyescovidhometest.org. The kits are delivered to the requester’s home or work address, free of charge...

Building permits for Oct. 15 - Nov. 4

GRANT COUNTY - The permits below have been issued for unincorporated Grant County in accordance with local regulations and permitting processes.

Basin sports schedule for Nov. 23-29

As fall sports enter its final two weeks of the season, winter sports competitions in the Basin begin as soon as next week. Check out this week’s sports schedule, including two state football semifinal games being played in Moses Lake. Saturday, Nov. 26 No. 1 Odessa vs No. 5 Liberty Bell - 1B state semifinals playoff game, kickoff at 12 p.m. at Lions Field in Moses Lake. No. 1 Royal football vs No. 12 Freeman - 1A state semifinals playoff game, kickoff at 3 p.m. at Lions Field in Moses Lake. Tuesday, Nov. 29 Royal girls basketball at Newport - 7:30 p.m. Warden girls and boys basketball at Cashmere - 5:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. This week’s tournaments 1A State Football - includes Royal.

Gathered in Gratitude

Community comes together to support seniors at McKay

LAKEVIEW — The McKay Foundation, partnered with the Columbia Basin Foundation, held the second annual Gathered in Gratitude fundraiser at the Lakeview Golf and Country Club on Sunday. “We’re really trying to focus on the needs of our senior residents and trying to build for the future, and so a project like this, it just kind of showcases for everyone what our potential is,” said Corinne Isaak, executive director of the Columbia Basin Foundation. The event raised money for McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and was also meant to raise awareness about the center and all that it does and has done over the last year to improve the lives of its residents. The evening started out with a silent auction and social time, followed by dinner and a live auction...

Law enforcement records for Nov. 23

The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Legals for November, 23 2022

Tips for helping those with dementia during the holiday season

Dementia doesn’t have to get in the way of the holidays. With some preparation and care, having a loved one who suffers from a condition such as Alzheimer’s Disease with the family for special occasions can be a rewarding experience. Involve your loved one in preparations as much as possible with tasks such as signing cards, decorating and filling stockings. Be patient and don’t expect them to “Know” like they used to before dementia. Evaluate the environment where you will celebrate and identify a place for quiet and rest. Educate guests in advance of changes since they last saw your loved one and use name tags and identifiers, like “Nick – Grant’s son”. Be mindful of noise, a child’s toy or video game or a football game and fans of the game can create over-stimulating background noises. Choose holiday traditions most important to your family and prioritize. Utilize your support system to get extra time for shopping and errands. Prepare ahead: ask for help, educate those close to you of your needs and most of all take care of yourself. Enjoy the holiday season and know we are here to support you. Call if you need additional advice or support: 509-764-1900.

Icy roads likely a factor in fatal collision

EPHRATA - Icy conditions Tuesday afternoon resulted in a collision just northeast of Ephrata where one person was injured and another was killed. A release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at 11:30 a.m. said the accident occurred on Road B NW between roads 18 and 20 NW. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the injured passenger was transported for non-life-threatening injuries. The release stated the road was to remain closed until 3 p.m. Tuesday. GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said investigators believe the icy canal bridge surface played a role in the collision.

SR 17 accident leaves one dead

SOAP LAKE - An Ephrata man is dead after a single-vehicle crash Monday night just south of Soap Lake. Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Collin Cumaravel said that David Neilan, 61 of Ephrata, was driving a 1997 Ford Ranger northbound along SR 17 when it left the roadway and rolled. The accident occurred at 10:15 p.m. at milepost 73 and blocked the roadway for several hours. Neilan was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The cause for the accident is still under investigation but the release said he was not wearing a seatbelt. Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.

Vaccinations encouraged in face of early flu season

SEATTLE — Physicians are bracing for a difficult winter, according to a statement from the Washington State Medical Association. In separate press releases, the Washington Department of Health and WSMA both advised Washington residents to get vaccinated for the flu. The number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus is rising steeply, especially in children, the statement said. Flu season has also come early this year, the WSMA wrote, and there is a danger of an increase in COVID-19 as well. Pediatric hospital beds are filling quickly, according to the statement, and sick children are boarding in emergency rooms.

Mosbrucker named WPUDA Legislative Champion

OLYMPIA — State Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, was recently named 2022 Legislative Champion by the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, according to a statement from the representative’s staff. The award honors a member from the Washington State Legislature or U.S. Congress for their commitment to public utility districts...

SLPD issues warning regarding catalytic converter thefts

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department issued a warning to the public that catalytic converter thefts in the area have been increasing and recommended that residents be extra vigilant. The SLPD advised the public that if they see a parked car that they don’t recognize late at night, they should call police. The thieves may also be on foot with backpacks and/or tools in hand. The release stated that the uptick in the thefts has happened in both Soap Lake and Ephrata.

Dept. of Education extends student loan pause

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has issued a 60-day extension of the pause on student loan repayments as officials in the administration of President Joe Biden consider how to respond to recent judicial rulings blocking the administration’s attempt to forgive a portion of student loans nationwide. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education, the current suspension of student loan payments is set to end on June 30, 2023. However, if current litigation challenging the president’s ability to forgive loans is resolved by that date, student loan payments will resume 60 days after that, the press release said...

Ephrata hosts active shooter roundtable exercise

First responders gather to learn preparedness tools and prep for what they hope never happens

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District hosted a number of first responders, emergency personnel and district staff Monday for a tabletop exercise to prepare involved agencies as well as identify any places for improvement in the case of an active shooter incident at the high school. “The worst time to be shaking hands is when you show up at the disaster,” said Kyle Foreman, Emergency Management Specialist with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “So we all took the effort to meet so we gain familiarity with not only each other but with what each other's policies are, what limitations we have and what strengths we can all bring to the effort because it takes an entire community to make this successful.” The Ephrata School District, Ephrata Fire Department, Ephrata Police Department, City of Ephrata Public Works, Grant County Sheriff's Office, American Medical Response Grant County, Washington State Department of Transportation Eastern Region HQ and Washington Emergency Management Division all participated in the event...

RECAP: Kraken get back in the win column, ‘Hawks rest over bye

SEATTLE – The Kraken got back to their winning ways, Seahawks rested over the bye week and the Mariners will have new faces next season. Check out this week’s pro sports recap for Washington’s teams...

Analysis: Russell Wilson trade looks like Herschel Walker's

DENVER (AP) — The most lopsided trade in NFL history sent Herschel Walker to Minnesota for two fistfuls of players and draft picks that served as the pillars of the Dallas Cowboys' dynasty of the 1990s. The Russell Wilson trade isn't quite so cockeyed, but eight months in it sure looks as one-sided as any deal since the Walker washout that Jerry Jones immediately dubbed "The Great Train Robbery."

New to the force

RITZVILLE - The Adams County Sheriff's Office welcomed four new staff last week. Pictured from left to right are Corrections Deputy Mason Boyes, Dispatcher meghan Allen, Corrections Deputy William Jawili and Corrections Deputy Cathrine Jawili.

Training day

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff's Office staff participated in training Tuesday that provided officers with updates on state laws and use of force when interacting with suspects.

Daiyan Henley named finalist for Butkus Award

CHICAGO - Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley was named a finalist for the 2022 Butkus Award, The Butkus Foundation announced Tuesday. The Butkus Award is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. Note on criteria: The Butkus Award is focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional LB form. (Outside linebackers primarily rushing the passer in 30 fronts are regarded as pass rushers, not linebackers.) Henley is one of five finalists, the only player from the Pac-12 Conference and is the first Butkus Award Finalist in program history.

William (Bill) Arthur Mackey

William (Bill) Arthur Mackey, 77, passed away Nov. 19 in the comfort of his own home. A funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Rose Street Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1036 W. Rose Ave. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration of his life. Interment to follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Bill was born Jan. 19, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, son of the late Arthur and Eleanor Mackey. The family moved to Moses Lake when he was 6 years old and he has called Moses Lake his home since then. Bill attended Knolls Vista Elementary and Frontier Middle School, and graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1963. After high school he attended Columbia Basin Technical College and earned his associate's degree. He worked for many years at A&H Printers, Biffanos, Webco, Walmart, and his favorite job, running the concession stands for Moses Lake High School and Big Bend Community College. He also enjoyed being a volunteer firefighter for many years as well as volunteering at the Grant County Fair, and as a 4-H leader for the 89ers 4-H club.

Legals for November, 22 2022

Drought aid deadline approaching

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The deadline to apply for aid from the Small Business Administration in Adams, Lincoln, Grant, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties is set for Dec. 19 for small nonfarm businesses who depend on agriculture-based communities for their livelihood, according to an SBA press release. “SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” SBA Director Tany N. Garfield said in the release...

State increases revenue projection by $762M

OLYMPIA - The state is increasing its projections to $63.9 billion as of Nov. 18 – an increase of about $762 million when compared to initial projections released in July, according to a press release from the Washington Office of Financial Management...

CenturyLink penalized for rate increases

LACEY – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has upheld a $226,000 penalty assessed against CenturyLink and its five subsidiaries for raising rates without informing the UTC, according to a UTC press release...

Moses Lake Food Bank delivers Thanksgiving meals in drive-thru fashion

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank kicked off Thanksgiving week Monday by serving patrons through a drive-thru style pick up of their Thanksgiving meals. “It works wonderfully,” said Peny Archer, Operations Manager for Community Services of Moses Lake. Archer said this way of distributing food allows the clients to be able to stay in their cars, stay warm and not have to struggle to get several boxes of food to their vehicles. She also noted Monday before Thanksgiving is usually their busiest day and they expected to serve 1,000 meals by the end of the week...

Basin athletes make all-league lists for accomplishments

COLUMBIA BASIN – Congratulations to all the local athletes here in the Basin on garnering all-league honors. For a full list of all the athletes in the Basin’s 12 schools to make all-league lists, see below.

Huskies’ season ends at Enumclaw

Othello football finishes year with 9-2 record

ENUMCLAW – The No. 5 seed Othello Huskies traveled to Washington’s west side for a state quarterfinals matchup against Enumclaw, with the Hornets eventually prevailing in a physical, 20-17 win. “It was pretty intense,” Othello Defensive Coordinator Kevin Hale said. “State quarterfinal matchup, the weather was absolutely beautiful – about 50 degrees at game time. The support from the Othello community, our stands were completely full. It was a real intense environment.” Senior running back Julian Alegria found the end zone early in the game, and a field goal by senior Brandon Garza gave Othello its first nine points of the afternoon. Still, Enumclaw’s high-powered offense kept them in the game against a stout Othello defense. With the Hornets up 13-9 and facing a fourth-and-two in the fourth quarter, Enumclaw was able to convert and score a touchdown to go up 20-9 late in the game...

NCW Libraries kick off winter reading program

CENTRAL WASHINGTON - With the weather getting colder, it’s a good time to curl up in front of the fire with a good book, and North Central Washington Libraries has just the thing. The library district’s annual all-ages Winter Reading Program kicks off Dec. 1 with a goal of collectively reading 1,000 books across North Central Washington through the end of January, according to a statement from NCW Libraries. The winter program is designed to motivate people to read by setting goals, logging their completed books or minutes read, and getting ideas from library staff and other library patrons, the statement said...

Soap Lake suspends search for city administrator

SOAP LAKE - At the Nov. 16 city council meeting, the mayor of Soap Lake announced that she was stopping her search for a permanent city administrator. “After looking at our budget, a proposed budget for 2023, I cannot in good conscience recommend a city administrator at this time,” said Soap Lake Mayor Michelle Agliano in the meeting. In an interview after the meeting, Agliano said she is trying to be a fiscally responsible mayor and felt that there was no room in the budget for 2023 to hire a full-time city administrator. She said the funds would be better used to pay off some of the loans or debts the city has. That move, she said, would put Soap Lake in better financial standing...

Stoking industry

Local aerospace firm Stoke Technologies looks to remake rocketry in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — On roughly 23.5 acres of what used to be sagebrush-covered scrubland north of Moses Lake, engineers with Stoke Space Technologies are working to build the future of spaceflight. “Moses Lake is where we do our engine develop testing,” said Andy Lapsa, Stoke CEO and co-founder of the company with Tom Feldman. “We’ve started with our second-stage rocket engine. And, you know, as we need to grow our testing needs, we are hopeful that we can do that in Moses Lake as well.” Both Lapsa and Feldman are veteran rocket engine and propulsion engineers with Blue Origin, the Kent, Washington-based reusable rocket company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, whose single-stage, reusable New Glenn rocket took actor William Shatner on a 10-minute ride to the very edge of space in October 2022. In addition to the New Glenn suborbital rocket, Blue Origin is working on its New Shepard launch vehicle, the company’s counterpart to SpaceX’s reusable first-stage-to-orbit Falcon 9 and rocket. Making rocket stages reusable reduces the cost of sending things like satellites, people and Tesla Roadsters into orbit and then across the solar system...

Anatoliy Mikhaylik

On Nov. 20, 2022, Anatoliy Mikhaylik, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went to be with our Lord at the age of 74. He was a devoted husband and father-caring, kind and hard-working. Born to Anna and Michail in Vapnyarka, he selflessly gave up his life in Ukraine to provide a better future for his five daughters. In 1991, Anatoliy brought his family to Moses Lake as a refugee seeking religious freedom and, without any knowledge of the English language or the new country, he started working right away to provide for his family. Anatoliy was a history buff and a mathematics genius. He had a love for all things aviation and fishing which he relished sharing with his grandchildren, who were the light of his world. After retirement, Anatoliy enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with his family. Many have been blessed by Anatoliy’s care and got to know his selfless spirit and keen humor.

Washington State defense paces 31-20 win at Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Nakia Watson scored two touchdowns and Washington State intercepted former quarterback Jayden de Laura four times in a 31-20 Pac-12 road victory over Arizona on Saturday. Watson scored on a 4-yard pass from Cameron Ward in the first quarter and on a 2-yard run in the second, giving him six scores in the past three games. He finished with 86 all-purpose yards for the Cougars (7-4, 4-4 Pac-12).

Eberle scores in OT, Kraken beat Kings 3-2 for 7th win in 9

SEATTLE (AP) — Jordan Eberle scored at 2:23 of overtime to lift the Seattle Kraken to a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night. Jared McCann and Daniel Sprong also scored for Seattle, which has played in three straight overtime games —winning the last two. Martin Jones had 27 saves to help the Kraken improve to 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

Loris Sidwell

Loris Sidwell was born April 3, 1932, in Richmond, Cache County, Utah. She married Ervin Holger Sidwell at Shelley, Bingham County, Idaho on Feb. 22, 1950. Ervin passed away Oct. 10, 1995, in Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada. She passed away Nov. 11, 2022 in Moses Lake, Washington. Loris attended grade school in Richmond, Utah and Riverside School in Idaho Falls, Idaho and also junior high and high school in Idaho Falls. Loris worked for Modern Café and Rio Theatre when young, before marrying, as well as babysitting for several people.

Betty Jane Kulm

Betty Jane Kulm passed away at Orchard Crest Retirement Community on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Spokane, Washington at the age of 96. She was born on Nov. 5, 1926, in Libby, Montana. She was one of four children and lived there for 10 years. Her family moved to Eastern Washington where they lived in Waverly, Sprague and Lind, Washington. Following high school she worked at Spokane Air Technical Service Command (now Fairchild AFB) for two years as a mail clerk. She returned to Lind in 1946 when she married Fred J. Kulm, a dryland wheat farmer. She loved the farm and living in the country. Moving to the farm was a new experience as she was without electricity, indoor plumbing and telephone service for the first four years. She resided there for 68 years.

Bolton's 24 points lead No. 2 Gonzaga over No. 4 Kentucky

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Gonzaga coach Mark Few wasn't sure how the No. 2 Bulldogs would play against No. 4 Kentucky after losing at No. 11 Texas earlier in the week. He needn't have worried. Rasir Bolton scored 24 points, Drew Timme added 22, and Gonzaga beat cold-shooting Kentucky 88-72 on Sunday night in the off-campus Spokane Arena.

Weather Report for Monday, Nov. 21

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35 and calm wind. Monday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 21 and continued calm wind. Tuesday: A slight chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a slight chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Mostly cloudy in the evening with a low around 22. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Wednesday evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Thanksgiving Day Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. The evening is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42. SOURCE: National Weather Service

‘That’s what I heard about Moses Lake, the strength was in the people’

Moses Lake School District Superintendent sees challenge, opportunity ahead

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District Superintendent Monty Sabin said transparency and visibility are important, both in themselves and because they help build trust. Sabin was hired as the new superintendent in March, replacing former superintendent Josh Meek, who parted ways with the district in 2021. Sabin’s hiring also followed two years of turmoil as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The relationship between school districts throughout the country and their communities was damaged as a result. “I’m really hopeful of trying to earn the trust back. We don’t always agree on everything - which is understandable, it would be a boring world if we all thought alike,” Sabin said. “But no matter what we do as a district, I hope that people know we’re acting with integrity and with people’s best interest at heart, no matter what we’re doing. “You can disagree on an issue, a policy or a decision, but as long as you can do that knowing that the information was out there (and) that people understand why you did it, you can respect each other,” he said.

Knights on to semi-finals with 41-9 win over Montesano

ROYAL CITY – Even with being down 9-7 early in the first quarter, the No. 1 seed Royal Knights were unfazed by the situation. The No. 8 Montesano Bulldogs had broken off big plays to reach scoring position through the first seven minutes of game time, something they wouldn’t be able to do again in Royal’s 41-9 win on Saturday. “It was great,” Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “We knew they would be a good team, I thought they were underseeded at No. 8. I was really happy with the first half, I was really happy with the second half.” Montesano could not recreate its first-quarter offense throughout the rest of the game on Saturday, only totaling 152 total yards over its next 10 drives. Thirty-eight of those yards came on a fourth-quarter run while Royal was down by 32 points. “Our defense settled into what they were doing, and I didn’t think we were going to give up the big play all day long,” Allred said. “Once we settled into what we were supposed to do, that’s what helped our defense.” This isn’t the first time that the Knights and Montesano have squared off late in the season, with Royal having lost to the Bulldogs in the 1994 and 2012 state title games.

BPA to hold line on 2024-25 power rates

PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration, which markets and sells electricity generated by 31 federally owned and operated dams in the Pacific Northwest, is not going to increase power rates in 2024 and 2025, according to a BPA press release. According to the press release, the BPA does not need to raise rates for the next two years because of the organization’s strong financial performance in fiscal year 2022, which ended on Sept. 30. “This is one of those bountiful years where all the elements and timing came together is such a manner that we can consider staving off inflation for another two years by keeping rates flat for our power and transmission customers,” said BPA Administrator John Hairston in the press release. The BPA provides wholesale electricity to utilities in Washington, Idaho and Oregon as well as parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. The agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, is a nonprofit entity and is allowed to charge rates that cover power generation, maintenance and upkeep, the press release said. The agency sets power rates for commercial customers in two-year increments, with the current rate cycle scheduled to last through fiscal year 2023, which ends on Sept. 30, 2023.

Nothing disturbed after break in at Adams County Auditor’s Office

RITZVILLE — County officials said nothing was missing or disturbed following an apparent attempt to break into the Adams County Auditor’s Office Nov. 11. Auditor Heidi Hunt wrote in a press release that the county’s elections administrator was summoned to the office at about 3:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The Adams County Courthouse was closed on Veterans Day. “The Ritzville Police Department was already on the scene, as they had responded to an active intruder alarm,” Hunt wrote. “Nothing was found to be missing or disturbed. Because of the security system in place, all ballots remained secure at all times.” The case is still under investigation, Hunt wrote.

‘You don’t need to be alone on Thanksgiving’

Moses Lake bar and grill offers a little bit of home for the holiday

MOSES LAKE — If you need a place to go for thanksgiving, Rick Biery will have a hot meal and some company for you. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Biery said he will be serving Thanksgiving dinners — complete with turkey and ham — to anyone who comes by his business, Rick’s Eatery and Entertainment at 819 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake. “The focus is on veterans, folks from broken homes, if you’re having trouble or have no place to go if you’re alone,” said Biery. “You don’t need to be alone on Thanksgiving.” There will also be free haircuts for anyone in need, provided for by Blessed Barbershop, though a free haircut requires a referral letter from a community outreach agency, Biery said. Officially, Biery said Rick’s will be closed that day, and because the Thanksgiving dinner is a family meal, alcohol will not be served. So anyone wanting a meal needs to come in the side entrance on Holly Street across from the OIC of Washington office. But he’s hoping to see many people there who need company and a meal. “No one will be turned away. We’ll go until we run out of food,” he said. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Paul Carney at EDUBS C/S at (702)539-6538.

Holiday cheer comes to CBTech

MOSES LAKE — It got as low as 9 degrees Fahrenheit at the Grant County International Airport early Saturday morning, according to data from the National Weather Service. Which means that winter is well and truly here, even if it doesn’t officially arrive for another month. That also means the first of the area’s indoor seasonal markets have arrived too, with the P.E.O. Sisterhood’s Holiday Bazaar at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center kicking off cold-weather shopping refuge and a chance for anyone with something to sell — caramel popcorn, beeswax candles, leather bags and purses, assorted Christmas tchotchkes, abandoned art altered to include Bigfoot — the chance to get out of the cold and find some customers. “This is one of our big fundraisers for the year,” said Brittany Courtright, a P.E.O. Sisterhood member and one of the organizers of this year’s bazaar. “We collect our vendors and they come in and we give them a place to sell their goods.” The Des Moines, Iowa-based P.E.O. — Philanthropic Educational Organization — was founded in 1869 to help provide scholarship and support to young women across the world, according to the organization’s web page. Courtright said all of the proceeds from the bazaar, which includes a bake sale and a soup lunch, will go for local scholarships to high school students and women studying at Big Bend Community College. The organization also has an emergency fund, Courtright added. “We are a women’s Christian sorority,” she added. “All of this goes directly back into scholarships.”

Devils look to improve this season

WILSON CREEK – Finishing the 2021-2022 season 5-12, the Wilson Creek boys basketball team will look to improve on their record as this season comes around. The Devils tip off their year on the road against Riverside Christian on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Wilson Creek Boy’s Basketball Schedule Dec. 9 - @ Riverside Christian - 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 - vs Entiat - 5 p.m. Dec. 16 - vs Soap Lake - 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 - @ Pateros - 6 p.m. Jan. 3 - vs Thorp - 6 p.m. Jan. 6 - vs Waterville-Mansfield - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 - @ Oroville - 6 p.m. Jan. 10 - vs Cascade Christian Academy - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 - @ Entiat - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 - vs MLCA/CCS - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 - vs Thorp - 6 p.m. Jan. 20 - @ Soap Lake - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 - vs Riverside Christian - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 - vs Pateros - 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 - @ Waterville-Mansfield - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 - @ Cascade Christian Academy - 7:30 p.m.

Bringing the energy

New Ephrata coach aims to amp up wrestling season

EPHRATA – After a whirling off-season where two head coaches were hired, the Ephrata boys wrestling team is ready to bring the energy to the mats this season under first-year head coach Austin Parker. “Honestly, as a whole, I was very surprised with how motivated and how disciplined these kids already are,” Parker said. “It trickled in from my intensity coming in the room, the seniors’ intensity, and it went down to the freshman. The whole room is just ready to work and give it 110%.” Parker got involved with wrestling at a young age at the USA Everett Wrestling Club, where he competed in tournaments with his brother through high school and continued even after joining the military.

Shooting for the top

Warden girls basketball looks to repeat state title

WARDEN – After the 2021-22 season ended in a 26-1 record and a state championship, this year’s Warden girls basketball team will look to keep the momentum going under fifth-year head coach Josh Madsen and make their third straight state tournament appearance. Dating back to the 2019-20 season, Warden has only lost four games in the previous three years. “We finished 14-0 (in 2020-21), they had a summer state tournament, kind of an invite of the top teams, and they invited us to that,” Madsen said. “We went and won that, and so we had a really solid year that year too. The year before that we were at the 1A level and we took sixth at state that year.”

Becoming recognizable

Wahluke coach wants to make mark on wrestling landscape

MATTAWA — Wahluke boy’s wrestling Head Coach Jose Marin wants the program to be recognizable not just around Mattawa, but around the region and state. “We wanted to make sure that the team is recognized throughout the state, and that at all levels of district, regional and state, we get kids participating in all those three tournaments because they’re really important to us,” Marin said. Marin, who is in his second year as head coach of the Warrior boys wrestling program, said this has been a goal of his since he began working at the Wahluke Junior High School in 2018.

Quick turnaround for Royal

Many hoops players have brief layoff between football and basketball seasons

ROYAL CITY — Athletes playing multiple sports at a school is nothing new, but the difference at Royal is that many of its basketball players also play football, and with the Knights frequently making deep playoff runs it leaves a short turnaround between football and basketball seasons. “Almost everybody that plays basketball also plays football,” Royal boys basketball Head Coach Greg Jenks said. “Those 90% of players, we don’t see until Dec. 5., so that to me is pretty neat if I get to be coaching state champions.” Instead of seeing this as a negative, Jenks is flipping the situation into a positive.

ACH looks forward to ‘regular’ wrestling season

COULEE CITY - The Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School wrestling team is looking forward to making the most of a regular season. “I’m looking forward to having a normal season,” said Head Coach Brandon Walsh. Walsh explained that over the last couple of years, all the regulations and testing requirements for COVID-19 created a lot of stress and work for the athletes which he feels may not have given some of them the opportunity to grow to their potential. “And not having that hang over our heads, which I think will just be a real benefit to the kids in terms of being able to prepare the right way for wrestling and then along with that I’m really just looking forward to seeing how they all develop,” Walsh said.

Quincy girls look to get more wrestlers to state, despite format changes

QUINCY — Changes are coming to Washington girls high school wrestling in 2022-23, but Quincy coach Devan Silva said he’s optimistic about his team’s chances no matter how the changes shake out. “Really high expectations for the team,” Silva said. “And I think our (returning wrestlers) have really expectations for themselves.” Girls wrestling has been split into two classifications for 2022-23; 4A and 3A schools will be in one classification, with 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B schools in the other. Previously wrestlers in all classifications competed in one state tournament. Quincy tied for 13th at the 2022 Mat Classic, with Shannon Workinger winning a state title and Gloria Ramirez finishing sixth.

Quincy boys basketball team wants to exceed expectations

QUINCY — Quincy High School boys basketball coach Scott Bierlink said the Jacks may very well exceed expectations in the 2022-23 season. “I’m optimistic that we can give ourselves a chance to win another league title, and win another district title and go back to state,” Bierlink said. The Jacks went 21-5 in 2021-22, winning the Caribou Trail League with a 13-1 record, winning the district title and advancing to the state tournament for the first time since 2009. They won their first game at the state tournament before losing to eventual state champion Lynden Christian.

Othello girls basketball team works to build on success

OTHELLO — Othello High School girls basketball coach Adolfo Coronado said he expects the Huskies to maintain, and even build on, the work they did last season. Othello finished third in the Central Washington Athletic Conference for the 2021-22 season with a 15-9 record, with eight wins and four losses in the CWAC. The team won their first 2021-22 playoff game. “My honest opinion is, I think we’ll be just as competitive as we were last year. I think we have the players (with) a little more experience,” he said. “We do have a couple holes to fill, but I do think we have some players who can come close to filling those holes.”

Othello boys wrestling looks to keep on improving

OTHELLO — The Othello High School boys wrestling team came a long way last season, and coach Rudy Ochoa II said he hopes to build on that success for the 2022-23 season. “Last year was a unique year, in that we started the season with only one state participant on our team,” Ochoa said. The Huskies made up for that lack of experience – Othello finished third in class 2A at the 2022 Mat Classic after winning the district and regional championships.

Lions aim to improve on state placing

MOSES LAKE — After placing sixth at last year’s state tournament, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys’ basketball team is looking to improve on its placing in the 2022-2023 season. “We’re going to set our sights on accomplishing what we did last year, but improving our results,” Head Coach Emerson Ferguson said. “Last year our goals were to be district champs, win our regional game and then place at state. We accomplished all of that, and this year we want to repeat that as well as improve on placing at state.” The Lions won 23 games last season, clinching a league title and their first state appearance since 2012.

MLHS girls wrestling creates a legacy

MOSES LAKE — When David Peralez, a 2010 graduate of Moses Lake High School, signed on to coach the Maverick girls wrestling team last season, he had the idea in mind to create a program similar to what boys wrestling is in Moses Lake. After a sixth-place finish at state last year, the Moses Lake girls wrestling team is off to a strong start in building its legacy. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have the girls have a program similar to the guys,” Peralez said. “Where it has a great degree of wrestlers coming back, I was more drawn to the idea of building this historic program much similar to the guys, and I think that wrestling is now starting to move towards having more girls participate, which I love seeing.”

Broncos ride with experience into 2022-2023 season

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville boy’s basketball team will be full of familiar faces. With the Broncos not having any seniors on the roster last year, much of the team will remain the same when they take the court for the 2022-2023 campaign. “We have everyone returning from last year; as a varsity team we didn’t graduate any seniors,” Head Coach Dustan Arlt said. “So we have all those kids back, plus we have a pretty big freshman class.”

Mike Christian

Mike Christian, 69, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Nov. 16, 2022. He was born in Hollywood, California on Feb. 3, 1953, to Edwin and Janice Christian. Mike graduated from La Mirada High School, Class of 1971, before enrolling at Cal State L.A. He graduated in 1975 with a major in biology. In 1975 he attended law enforcement academy in California and went to work as a police officer for the City of Montebello, California, resigning in 1976 after an injury. Mike attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1982 to 1986, graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

Keeping Warm

Take steps now to winterize your house inside and out

COLUMBIA BASIN — As perceptive observers may have noticed, the weather has recently changed. Here in the Basin, we’ve had our brief annual visit from fall and winter is now pounding at our door like a battering ram. Which means it’s time to seal up, wrap up and warm up the house. “One of the things obviously, when you're coming into the winter, is that people at home should definitely be checking all their air filters,” said Logan Hickle, a spokesman for the Better Business Bureau. “They should be checking their windows and their doors, making sure all the correct sealants are in place, if anything's cracking, getting that replaced, because that can one help keep you warm and to save on energy bills.” “When you're worried about winterization, the biggest issues are the pipes, and then things like insulation,” said McLain Fanning, general manager of Ace Hardware in Royal City. “Of course, it's nice to have a good space heater. But that's not worth all that much if you have all these cracks in your home, if there's any spaces where you can see daylight through like a door frame or a window, or sometimes people will put a hole in their garage to run an air compressor hose into their shop or something. If there's any place where air can freely travel, basically that makes it so you're heating the world instead of just your home.”

‘Enriching lives’

Entrust Community Services helps people with disabilities be included

MOSES LAKE — Entrust Community Services’ slogan is “Enriching lives thorough opportunity,” and that’s what they’ve been doing, without a lot of fanfare or publicity. “We do four things,” said Entrust CEO Tom Gaulke. “We work with high school students with disabilities to try to help them get jobs before they graduate school. So they graduate into something not nothing. We work with folks with disabilities of all kinds in our employment program. And our employment program serves folks with a wide range of disabilities ... We do housing for folks who are living on the streets or are at risk of losing their homes. We help them find places to live ... And then the last thing we do is community inclusion, which is working with our families who have those adult children who maybe work is not something they want to pursue. And we work to connect them up to their community. So we engage in in clubs and classes and social activities within the community to give the parents a break, but then also to develop skills in those folks so they can gain some more independence and move throughout the community.”

Building permits for Nov. 18, 2022

City of Moses Lake, unincorporated Grant County

‘At the end of the day, I’m a teacher first’

For Rudy Ochoa II, teaching way to give back

OTHELLO — Rudy Ochoa II said the influences that led him to a teaching career were all around him. His mom Gloria Ochoa was, and is, a counselor who works for Adams County, and his dad Rudy Ochoa Sr. works at Scootney Springs Elementary, and as a coach in Othello, Rudy Sr. is something of a legend. “My dad, he coached all of us,” Ochoa said. Ochoa’s wife Eden is a teacher at Scootney Springs. His brother is a teacher and coach too; his sister was a teacher and coach, and still coaches. Another sister also is a coach, and so are two of this brothers-in-law, while his sister-in-law works in education too.

‘Special and moving’

Warden teacher loves her little community

WARDEN — Jessica Galster still can’t believe she’s a teacher sometimes. Even though she’s been teaching first grade at Warden Elementary School for five years. “It is truly the most fulfilling job in the world. I drive to and from school every day thinking, ‘this is my job? Really? I get to do this with the coolest kids ever?” Galster said. “It still feels surreal.” A Central Washington University graduate who grew up in Ephrata, Galster — like a lot of teachers — describes teaching first grade as the best job in the world, one she feels called to because she was influenced by teachers when she was in school. “I wanted to become a teacher to help teach and advocate for students,” she said. “I want them to leave my room remembering how amazing and special they all are. … I am here to give the Warden students exactly the same — an advocate who will believe in them, love them and root for them for the rest of their lives.” “Also, hearing them sing the songs that I teach them is the cutest thing ever,” Galster added.

Legals for November, 18 2022

Royal City considers 2023 budget

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council tentatively approved the city’s budget for 2023 at its meeting Tuesday evening. The first part of the meeting was the last public hearing on the budget, city Finance Director Shilo Christensen said, although no members of the public turned up to comment on it. “We're required to have so many public hearings before we adopt it,” Christensen said. “So this is our final public hearing. We can continue to talk about as much as we want, we just have to adopt it before the end of the year. So my assumption is, the first or second council meeting in December it will be adopted.”

‘Lead, serve and support’

NCESD gets schools the things they need

WENATCHEE — North Central Educational Service District, or ESD 171, supports school districts in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. “Our mantra as an ESD is that our responsibility is to lead, serve and support (the districts we serve),” said Michelle Price, Superintendent of ESD 171 and a former Moses Lake School District superintendent. ESD 171’s service area covers 29 school districts, a tribal school, a charter school and some private schools. The district’s website states its coverage area includes 12,600 square miles or approximately 20% of the geographical area of the state.

‘It was the kiddos’

MLCA teacher came to her dream job in roundabout way

Julie Carvo said she didn’t plan from the outset to become a teacher. It just sort of crept up on her. Carvo, who’s been teaching fourth grade at Moses Lake Christian Academy for 10 years, started out home-schooling her own kids. While she was doing that, her husband suggested she put that experience to another use. “He said, ‘Honey, I know you love what you're doing, but would you like to go get the paperwork that says you're qualified to do what you're doing?’” Carvo recalled. “So I said, ‘Sure, no problem.’ So that's when I went to school to get the paperwork that said I'm qualified to do what I'm already doing.” At first, Carvo was helping out students at Moses Lake High School who were in danger of missing graduation because of a behavioral or medical problem.

‘This is what I love to do’

Royal teacher wants to help kids overcome adversity

Middle school is a tough time for most kids. Some thrive in those years, some just survive, but they all change one way or another. Jesus Santiago came out of it knowing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. “When I was in junior high, I was having a difficult time. I was having bad influences in my life. And then there was a teacher who guided me to do better, to be better, and to overcome those obstacles to academic goals.”

City of Othello receives planning grant

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will receive a $50,000 grant to help in planning for economic development. The grant was announced Thursday by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The city will contribute $12,500 to the project, according to a WSDOC press release. Othello is one of three cities to receive money through the Community Economic Revitalization Board. Three port districts also received funding for projects. The board awarded grants or loans, and sometimes both to the same project.. Othello city officials will use the money to help prepare an economic feasibility study and marketing plan for the city and surrounding area.

Bone named Athlete of the Week

Moses Lake senior kicker Iden Bone was named to the Week 10 WIAA Athlete of the Week list on Thursday. Against Gonzaga Prep on Nov. 4, Bone converted two of three field goals and both of his extra point attempts while also recording a touchback on three of six kickoffs of an estimated 65, 71 and 75 yards, according to the WIAA release.

Cougars to face off against Wildcats, de Laura

PULLMAN – A familiar face awaits the Washington State Cougars on their road trip to face the Arizona Wildcats this weekend, as they prepare to take on a pass-happy offense led by former Cougar quarterback Jayden de Laura. “He’s a fierce competitor, we knew that when he was here,” WSU edge Brennan Jackson said. “I wish the best of luck to him; I hope he’s doing great over there. He’s doing really good this season and we’re excited for a great challenge.”

Huskies travel to the west side for quarterfinals matchup

OTHELLO – Coming off a 49-12 win over No. 12 seed Washington High School, the No. 5 Othello Huskies now prepare to travel to an undefeated No. 4 Enumclaw team, whose high-scoring offense has averaged 51.6 points per game this season. “They’ve got multiple weapons. They’ve got a running back that’s really, really good,” Othello defensive coordinator Kevin Hale said. “Their quarterback is solid, they’ve got very athletic playmakers at wide receiver. Certainly, we’re going to have our hands full, but we feel like they haven’t faced a defense like ours that’s as athletic and physical and can match their physicality and athleticism.” Riding high after a big win in the first round of the playoffs, the first for the Huskies in nine years, energy has been strong in practices this week.

Pet of the Week: Golden Ticket

Meet Golden Ticket. He’s nine weeks old. He came in as part of a litter of super fun pups that are ready for a new home so they can start a life of adventure with their new people. His father is a red heeler and his mom is a tri-color border collie, probably. Adams County Pet Rescue staff saw photos of them, but you never know for sure. Golden Ticket and his siblings Wonka Bar, Lickable Wallpaper, Chocolate Factory and Everlasting Gobstopper are all available for adoption at the ACPR shelter. Contact them at 509-488-5514 or visit their website at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello.

Purr-paring your home

Adopting a shelter or rescue cat part 2

After finding the perfect feline friend at a rescue or shelter to add to the family, many people cannot wait to bring their new addition home. Because cats from a shelter or rescue will need time to adjust to a new environment, Paula Plummer, a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional certified technician at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, offers some general guidelines to help ensure that everyone will start off on the right paw. Importantly, owners adopting a new cat should consider preparing for the pet’s arrival.

Parades, celebrations mark start of holiday season

MOSES LAKE — The first two weeks of December will be filled with parades, visits with Santa, tree lighting - lots of lights everywhere, in fact – as local communities celebrate the season. The annual Ag Appreciation Parade will roll down Third Avenue in Moses Lake at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. The parade is preceded by a street party beginning at 5 p.m. in Sinkiuse Square, at the intersection of Third and Ash streets. The ag parade is sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association and is a way to recognize one of the most important economic sectors of the community, according to the DMLA.

Michael L. Christian

Michael L. Christian, 69, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away at home on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. A full obituary will run in next week’s Columbia Basin Herald with service details. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

First and foremost cowgirls

Young women vie to become Miss Moses Lake Roundup 2023

MOSES LAKE — Annabelle Booth said she was a great deal more confident going into this year’s Miss Moses Lake Roundup competition than she was in 2021. “I ran flags for the Moses Lake Roundup and this is my second year running for Miss Moses Lake Roundup queen,” said Booth, 23, before the roundup’s annual queen pageant on Saturday. “I’m definitely more prepared than I was last year, and I knew exactly what to expect.” Booth, who was Miss Last Stand Coulee City Rodeo in 2019, was one of four contestants — along with Milie Cobb, 19, of Ephrata; Jenna Penrose, 20, of Moses Lake; and Alexis Shoults, 19, of East Wenatchee — vying to wear the crown of Miss Moses Lake Roundup 2023. The four young women spent the day riding patterns on their own and other contestants’ horses, giving speeches, being interviewed by judges and answering questions about their favorite part of the Moses Lake Roundup and what they would do if they were thrown from a horse during a rodeo. “I’d get back up and say ‘rodeo on!’” Booth told pageant emcee Emma Gunderson, herself a former Miss Moses Lake Roundup in 2017.

Legals for November, 17 2022

‘We belong to the land’

Ceremony acknowledges Moses Lake’s original people

MOSES LAKE — At an hour-long ceremony on Tuesday, officials with the city of Moses Lake formally recognized the city sits on the homeland of the Moses-Columbia, or Škwáxčenex, people of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. “We acknowledge that the City of Moses Lake is encompassed by the historical homeland of the Škwáxčenex people (Moses-Columbia or Sinkiuse) of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. These lands were once a major trading center for the tribes of the Columbia Plateau. The Moses-Columbia shared this place by welcoming other tribes through their relations, history, trade and ceremony,” the land acknowledgment reads.

Suspect in custody in Othello shooting

OTHELLO — A juvenile suspect was taken into custody in the Tri-Cities Wednesday in connection with an early-morning shooting in Othello that left a Coulee Dam man with life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred at about 12:43 a.m. at the Pik-a-Pop convenience store, 1235 S. 1st Ave. in Othello, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. David Rehaume, OPD assistant chief, said the motive for the shooting is still unclear. “That has yet to be determined,” he said. Neither the victim nor the suspect are from Othello, he said. According to the evidence available so far, the two did not not have a physical altercation. “There was some sort of conversation between the 25-year-old and the juvenile,” Rehaume said. The victim was transported by a private vehicle to Othello Community Hospital, and later transported to an outside medical facility in critical condition, the release said. The suspect was located later Wednesday morning in Tri-Cities and is being returned to Adams County, Rehaume said. The case is still under investigation.

County, Port to cooperate in Larson improvements

MOSES LAKE — Grant County officials have proposed working with the Port of Moses Lake on a series of improvements on sidewalks and streets in the Larson community — including formally sealing off the old base entrance near North Elementary School. Speaking to a meeting of the commission overseeing the Port of Moses Lake on Monday, Grant County Engineer Dave Bren said the old base entrance near the intersection of Larson Boulevard and West Craig Street, not far from SR 17 and North Elementary, is in disrepair and something of a nuisance. The entrance was fenced and blocked off when the base was closed in the 1960s.

Dolores (Dee) Mary Braun

Dolores Mary Braun, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away Nov. 12, 2022. Born Aug. 20, 1935, to Jose and Pomposa Gomez in San Bernardino, California, she was the first of four children for the Gomez family. Dolores married Joseph A. Braun in early 1956, moved to Spokane, Washington and began their family. In the years following they had five children together, and moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1960. Dolores loved her family. She loved having children around, and in a neighborhood full of kids, there was never any lack of childhood goings-on. While social media had yet to be imagined, it didn't take long for word to get around about warm homemade cookies coming out of Mrs. B's oven. While she was always Mother to us, she was also willing to be a mom to others as well, offering love and advice as she could. After retiring, Dee enjoyed trips to the casino for a little bit of gaming action, the Mariners and Seahawks, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Makayla and Cassie Jo.

Donald Larson

Donald D. Larson, 87, passed away quietly at home on Nov. 12, 2022. Don was born at his grandparents’ homestead in Snow, North Dakota to Albert and Elizabeth Larson. He was big brother to Bob, Gail, and Melody. Family was a joyous passion to “Grampy” Don Larson and he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Don earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and his master’s degree at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. In 1962, he became an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Larson, as many knew him, had a huge heart for serving God.

Shawn Lynch

It is with great sadness that we announce that on Oct. 14, 2022, Shawn Lynch of Spokane passed away unexpectedly of acute bacterial meningitis. Shawn was born on June 4, 1980, in Moses Lake to Mary and Brian Lynch. Shawn was a 1999 graduate of Othello High School. After graduation Shawn worked various jobs before finding his calling as a chef. His spark for cooking began while working in Desert Aire and he went on to become an accomplished chef. He spent many years in the culinary field, including working in Alaska as a chef on oil rigs. This took him all over the world and he loved meeting and working with people from many different cultures. He also worked in refinery camps in remote places of the state, always sharing pictures of the amazing animals and landscape.

Record-breaking family

Moses Lake’s DuVall surpasses records set by mother

MOSES LAKE – Competitive swimming is nothing new in the DuVall family, with Hollie DuVall – a 1998 graduate of Moses Lake High School who swam for the school’s swim team – and current Maverick sophomore Kathryn DuVall swimming for Moses Lake on the girl’s swim team that just placed fourth at state. Kathryn DuVall’s first two seasons with the Mavs have seen record-breaking performances, some of which were set by the teams Hollie DuVall was on. “It was awesome because that was my generation of swimming with the girls that I swam with, and to know how exciting it was for me when our group made the board, and it lasted 20 years before it was broken, and it was done by both of our swim teams,” Hollie DuVall said. The Mavericks broke the 200-yard medley relay record last season and broke the same record again. Hollie DuVall was an alternate on the 200-yard medley relay team that set the previous record in 1996.

RECAP: Seahawks, Kraken look to bounce back after losses; Rodríguez wins ROTY

SEATTLE – Both the Seattle Seahawks and Kraken saw their win streaks snapped last week, while the Seattle Mariners found themselves back in the headlines with an award for a certain star rookie outfielder. Check out this week’s professional sports recap for Washington’s team, with updates for the Seahawks, Kraken and Mariners.

Quincy to look for funding for indoor recreation facility project

QUINCY — Quincy city officials will be looking for funding options in 2023 to build an indoor recreation facility. Quincy City Council members directed city employees to start looking for money for the project on a 6-0 vote during the regular meeting Tuesday. With no discussion, council members decided to look for funding to build a facility of approximately 143,000 square feet, the largest of the four options presented to the council in late 2021. When it’s completed the Quincy Field House will be located in a currently-undeveloped section of Lauzier Park, just off 13th Avenue Northwest. City Administrator Pat Haley said in a later interview that preliminary plans for the project included the option of building the facility in phases or all at once. ‘“They chose the full buildout option,” Haley said. “The council decided they didn’t want to phase it.” Quincy Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said in a later interview that the field house would be part of a larger project of both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in the park. “It’s about 30 acres that we’re going to develop out there,” Harrington said.

Retelling meth's challenges

Local author writes book detailing drug abuse and recovery

EPHRATA - Patrick Durkin, also known by his pen name, Boston Bornagain, recently published a book called “Fire & Ice: The Meth Bible” depicting the struggles of a methamphetamine addict and his road to redemption. “That book, it's a book I wrote for the kid who’s trying drugs for the first time, (but) it's also a book about people looking for answers,” said Durkin. “I think everybody, even here in Grant County, everybody is affected by methamphetamine substance abuse.” Durkin also used his pen name to represent the main character in his book. As the story unfolds, Boston lives through a lot of the same or similar experiences that Durkin has had over the last 25 years. As Durkin put it, the story is based on 98% of the truth. Durkin’s book tells of the bad, the ugly and the scary that comes with illicit drug use. He brings to light what the “meth lifestyle” is really like. “There’s a whole underworld in the shadows of the places we live and it’s all over this country,” said Durkin...

Legals for November, 16 2022

Law enforcement reports for Nov. 16, 2022

EPD, MLPD, jail

Martinez joins Big Bend CC Board of Trustees

MOSES LAKE — Bethany Martinez of Mattawa has been appointed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees. Martinez is the director of multilingual and multicultural services for the Wahluke School District. Her first meeting will be Dec. 6. She replaces Tom Stredwick, who resigned his seat earlier this fall. Stredwick served on the board for five years.

Othello traffic circles influenced traffic flows, study finds

OTHELLO — Traffic circles installed at intersections in a number of Othello neighborhoods apparently have slowed down drivers in those neighborhoods. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien talked about some of the results from a year-long test project at the Othello City Council meeting Monday. “We’re trying to accomplish three things: lower speeds, trying to reduce the amount of traffic coming through those residential areas and get them onto our collector streets, and reduce accidents,” O’Brien said. The traffic circles – actually shaped like diamonds – were installed in fall 2021 in 20 intersections in the test area, between East Ash and Main streets, from South Seventh to South 14th avenues.

Watson provides spark to Cougar rushing attack

PULLMAN – After exiting Washington State’s Oct. 8 matchup against USC with an injury, redshirt junior running back Nakia Watson has returned to give the Cougar run game a spark, resulting in the best two-game stretch of Watson’s collegiate career. “I’m really proud of that kid, I really have (been),” WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference Monday. “All the way remembering back to Wisconsin and how hard he played there, to getting some tough yards. To going through an injury, to battle back, to push through.” Watson, who transferred to Pullman from Wisconsin in 2021, rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against Stanford two weeks ago and 116 yards and three scores on 20 carries against Arizona State last week, a career-high for carries and touchdowns. “This is definitely one of the best parts of my career, having those games,” Watson said at a press conference on Tuesday. “It feels good knowing that everything is coming together, and it feels like my time has come.”

Sports schedule Nov. 16-22

COLUMBIA BASIN – It’s a lighter week of sports here in the Columbia Basin, but the stakes are still high. Three local teams are still competing for state titles, both across the state on the gridiron and in Yakima on the volleyball court. Check out this week’s sports schedule, which includes the football teams from Othello and Royal and the Ephrata volleyball team. Friday, Nov. 18 No. 15 Ephrata volleyball vs No. 2 Columbia River - state tournament game played at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Game begins at 10:45 a.m. Tournament runs through Saturday evening. Saturday, Nov. 19 No. 1 Royal football vs No. 8 Montesano - state quarterfinals playoff game, kickoff at 1 p.m. No. 5 Othello football at No. 4 Enumclaw - state quarterfinals playoff game, kickoff at 3 p.m. This week’s tournaments 1A State Football - includes Royal. 2A State Football - includes Othello. 2A State Volleyball - includes Ephrata

Honoring those who served

Ephrata holds 25th annual Veterans Day parade

EPHRATA — It may have been a short parade that wound through the streets of downtown Ephrata, but for those who both marched and watched in the town’s Veterans Day parade, it was a meaningful one. “They love seeing all the people,” said Tess Guillemette as she waited with her two granddaughters on the side of C Street Northwest near the Grant County Courthouse. “It’s important to honor veterans because Grandpa is a veteran. And I think it’s something that every child should learn to know.” The parade brought together members of American Legion Post 28 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 24 along with cadets from the Civil Air Patrol’s Columbia Basin Composite Squadron and members of the Royal Rangers USA youth group to march down several blocks of C and Basin streets.

RECAP: Local teams compete for state titles

COLUMBIA BASIN – State championship season is in full swing for local teams here in the Columbia Basin, with seven schools sending teams off to state competition. Check out this week’s local sports recap for an update on how teams have fared in last week’s competitions...

Broncos place sixth at state

YAKIMA – The Lind-Ritzville Broncos placed sixth at last week’s 2B State Volleyball Tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome, beginning their run with a sweep of No. 6 Goldendale. The Broncos entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed, knocking off two higher-seeded opponents on their journey to placing sixth. “I think they proved to themselves that when you set goals, and you have the mentality to work and earn what you want, it can be done,” Head Coach Cari Galbreath said. “I think this team really set out to accomplish something at state and to compete and work together. They did that and they came out medaling, so that was really rewarding.” Lind-Ritzville first took on Goldendale, who finished the regular season undefeated in league play. They finished the first game in sweeping fashion, winning 26-24, 25-21 and 25-21...

GALLERY: Winners podium

FEDERAL WAY – Moses Lake High School swimmers performed well in the state meet Friday and Saturday with multiple young athletes receiving medals for their efforts.

Full house

Quincy Chamber, Rotary banquet supported by community

QUINCY — The crowd filled the Quincy Business and Event Center as the fundraising auction and dinner sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce and Quincy Rotary Club returned after a pandemic-induced break. “This is the first one in three years,” said Rotary president Gigi Lowry. Normally it’s held every other year, she said. “There’s always been pretty good attendance. It’s kind of like the event of the year,” she said. Chamber executive director Cari Mathews said the dinner sold out. “Salute to Service” was the 2022 theme, in recognition of active-duty military, veterans and first responders including the Quincy Police Department, Grant County Fire District 3 and Protection 1 EMS...

OSPI looks at additional educational supports

Reykdall discusses transitional kindergarten and free school supplies and books

OLYMPIA — Washington’s youngest learners need an extra boost, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said Thursday in a press conference. “Roughly 20 to 25% of Washington students enter kindergarten needing additional supports in literacy. That's a big number. We obviously get 70%, 80% of those students to important standards by the end, and we graduate 85-plus (percent) or more of our students. So we make great progress. But the work involved in the challenges for young people when they come not quite prepared for kindergarten is significant. And we can do something about that.” One thing Reykdal said Washington is doing about that is partnering with singer/actress Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Children who sign up for the Imagination Library can have one age-appropriate book mailed to them every month from birth to age 5, according to the Imagination Library Washington website. The Washington Legislature has entered into an agreement with Imagination Library to provide matching funds to local organizations to expand the program statewide, Reeykdal said, using surplus money from emergency relief funds...

Katherine Lynn Cornwell

Katherine Lynn Cornwell, 69, of Warden, Washington passed away Nov. 9, 2022. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

Pet of the Week: Shecky

Meet Shecky. This adorable mixed breed may be an Anatolian-Chihuahua mix, but it isn’t certain. Shecky and his two sisters came to Adams County Pet Rescue very emaciated with their ribs and pelvises showing. Since arriving at the shelter he’s filled out and now weighs in at just more than 28 pounds. He’s about six months old, so it’s uncertain how large he’ll be when he’s fully grown. Shecky is incredibly friendly and is available for adoption at the ACPR shelter. Contact them at 509-488-5514 or visit their website at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello.

No place like Moses Lake for the holidays

Residents gather for annual tree lighting in Sinkiuse Square on Friday

MOSES LAKE — Four-year-old Ruth Gladieux-Smith sipped happily on her hot chocolate Friday evening as she stood with her mother Robin and her five-year-old brother Weyllyn near a blazing fire pit in Sinkiuse Square as they waited for the annual lighting of the Moses Lake Christmas tree. She grinned and her eyes lit up when asked if she liked her hot chocolate, piled high with whipped cream and slowly melting marshmallows. It’s exactly why Robin said her family recently moved to Moses Lake from Bakersfield, California. Because a community tree lighting ceremony, complete with a visit from Santa and hot chocolate, isn’t something they do in Bakersfield, Robin said. “My husband’s actually originally from here and he has family here. We just wanted to come back. We know it’s a quiet town and that’s what we want coming from a crazy town like Bakersfield,” she said. “People kind of look out for each other. It’s a tight-knit community, and that’s what we wanted.” ...

Weather report for Monday, Nov. 14

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind around 6 mph. Mostly clear in the evening, with a low around 18. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Partly cloudy evening, with a low around 17. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Mostly cloudy that night, with a low around 21. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Partly cloudy, with a low around 16 that night. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. SOURCE: National Weather Service

Finding a feline friend

Adopting a shelter or rescue cat part 1

Adopting a shelter or rescue cat is a great way to establish a lasting friendship with an animal in need of a forever home. If the adoption process seems daunting, however, there are a few considerations to make beforehand to ensure an easy experience. Paula Plummer, a veterinary technician at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and certified Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, says that the first step when considering adoption is to examine your work schedule and home life...

Legals for November, 14 2022

UPDATED: Two recovered, two missing after canoe capsizes

OTHELLO - One child is dead, another was treated for hypothermia and a third is missing along with the father of the children after an accident on a lake on Veteran’s Day. A release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states that a man and his three sons went fishing Friday afternoon around 1 p.m. at a small lake within the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge south of SR 262. The Othello resident in his early 30s and his sons – ages 6, 8 and 10 – went into the water after their canoe capsized sometime before dark. The 10-year-old was able to swim to shore, but none of his other family members surfaced. When the four did not return like they were expected to that evening, other family members went to look for them. The family found the 10-year-old on the shore and called emergency services around 11 p.m. “We believe that after he swam to shore, he endured up to seven hours outside in the cold before being found by family members,” the release stated...

Royal takes 41-7 win in first 2022 playoff game

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School football team advanced to the state quarterfinals with a convincing - but hard-fought - 41-7 win over the Cascade Christian Cougars Saturday afternoon in Royal. Royal had a 27-0 lead at the half, but the Knights had to work for it. Royal Coach Wiley Allred gave credit to the Cougars. “It was on them,” Allred said. “I told the kids they weren’t a normal 16th seed, because they had won their league and they had played tough against some pretty tough teams...

Alegria’s four touchdowns lead Huskies to 49-12 win

OTHELLO – Led by senior running back Julian Alegria’s four total touchdowns and a dominant defensive performance, the No. 5 seed Othello Huskies took down the No. 12 Washington Patriots 49-12 in the first round of the 2A State Playoffs on Saturday afternoon. “For Othello, we haven’t won a state playoff game in nine years,” Othello defensive coordinator Kevin Hale said. “We know that we’ve got a good football team.” The Huskies rushed for 259 yards and five touchdowns in the win, with Alegria scoring three on the ground and senior Sonny Asu and junior Alex Mendez both reaching the end zone once. “That's Othello football, that’s what we want to do,” Hale said...

‘This is probably the happiest day of my life’

Moses Lake pitcher inks NLI with Zags

MOSES LAKE – Friends, family, fellow classmates and coaches gathered inside the gymnasium at Moses Lake High School on Friday for senior Michael Getzinger’s ceremonial signing of his National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Gonzaga University. “This is probably the happiest day of my life,” Getzinger said. “I’m excited to start something new, and I’m really ready to go make some memories and go win some games with Gonzaga.” Getzinger, a right-handed starting pitcher, said he’s been committed to the Zags since he was 15 years old, having started to take the game seriously when he was 14. The Bulldogs began recruiting Getzinger when he was entering his sophomore year with Moses Lake. “It’s a long time coming – I’ve been committed since I was 15, this is surreal,” Getzinger said. “I’m just ecstatic about everything. I’m very excited and very thankful to be in this position that I’m in." ...

Mavs take 4th at state swim meet

FEDERAL WAY - The second and final day of the WIAA 4A State swim competition wrapped up with Moses Lake High School taking home a fourth-place trophy as a team and several individual top-eight finishes. “I feel like, especially with Tony (St. Onge) being inaugurated to the (Washington Interscholastic Aquatics Coaches Association) Hall of Fame today, (taking fourth place) was really important and a good reflection of what he had taught the team and how far he had brought us,” said senior Aniston Dana...

STUDIO BASIN: Planning a new Samaritan and sports recap

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare Commissioner Alan White and Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan joined the Studio Basin podcast to discuss the status of the project to build a new Samaritan Hospital ansome of the financial challenges the hospital has faced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In sports, reporter Ian Bivona discusses recent matchups in the sports world, both local and national. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at http://bit.ly/3GfiEzT.

PNW may become 'hydrogen hub'

SEATTLE — The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association — a coalition of companies, local and tribal governments, labor unions and environmental organizations — has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to consider the possibility of funding a hydrogen hub in the Pacific Northwest. The request is being made as part of the Energy Department’s $8 billion program to promote the use of hydrogen as a fuel under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Commerce...

Bikers collect donations

Road Brother Twinkie, a member of the Road Brothers Northwest Motorcycle Club, holds up a sign as he stands on N. Stratford Road on Saturday during the club’s annual food drive. “I’ve been out here since 7 a.m.,” he said. “We’re doing pretty well. Getting more cash donations than food, but it all works.”

Soap Lake honors vets

A display at the Soap Lake library honoring Veterans Day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Nov. 11 was originally known as Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I and was first recognized in 1918. In 1947, Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran and resident of Birmingham, Ala., organized what he called “National Veterans Day.” In 1954, U.S. Rep. Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor of all veterans. Weeks was presented the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan in November of 1982. Today, the holiday recognizes all veterans for their service to the nation. Memorial Day is a separate holiday which honors servicemen and women who died in service to the nation.

Royal City soldier takes recruiting to the screen

ROYAL CITY — Royal City native Pedro Popoca is helping to recruit the next generation of soldiers. Popoca, a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard now living in Seattle, appeared recently in videos for the Army’s “Decide to Lead” promotion campaign to increase officer training participation. “It was actually one of my friends that's also an officer in the program with me (that got me into it),” Popoca said. “She was pictured in another video and she was telling me that they were looking for more people to be part of that campaign video. I ended up interviewing for this campaign and they liked me, so they put me into the video.” Popoca has roles in two videos, both of which can be found on YouTube. In “So Early,” he is shown helping a cadet climb a structure in an obstacle course, then being helped up in turn. In “Together,” he is seen carrying a map and leading cadets into a forest clearing for night training...

Two men found dead in Warden home

WARDEN — Detectives with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Warden Police Department are investigating the deaths of two men found inside a Warden home Thursday night. According to a GCSO statement, police were called at roughly 11 p.m. to a residence at 508 Ash St. and found two men in their late 20s dead inside the home. Both men were occupants of the house, according to the statement. WPD Chief Rick Martin said there were no signs anybody had broken into or entered the house and no signs of foul play in the deaths of the two men. “The comunity doesn’t have to worry,” he said. The bodies are currently in the custody of Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison, who is expected to notify next of kin as soon as the bodies are identified, the statement said.

Mavs perform well in swim prelims

Moses Lake athletes to swim in Saturday finals

FEDERAL WAY - The Moses Lake Girls Swim Team completed the preliminaries Friday for the WIAA 4A State Swimming and Diving Competition. “I think we had a good prelims,” said head coach Jason Hart. “I think tomorrow is going to be pretty awesome.” In each event of the state preliminaries, the top 16 swimmers move on to finals on Saturday. “We swam faster than we did in prelims at districts,” said Hart. “We had two best times today which was pretty awesome.” ...

LuDean Allen Andersen

LuDean Allen Andersen, 90, of Othello, Washington, died on Nov. 6, 2022. LuDean was born at the family home on Sept. 3, 1932, in Hyrum, Utah. She was the fourth child of Milton A. Allen and Loraine Rose Allen. She graduated from South Cache High School, married Larry D. Andersen and they spent 72 years together. They moved to Wendover, Utah in 1952, then to Quincy, Washington in 1955. In 1961, Larry and LuDean took the opportunity to pioneer the newly opened Royal Slope by breaking out sagebrush and building a productive irrigated farm in the desert. In 1978 they purchased a ranch in Imnaha, Oregon and continued to farm while ranching 250 miles away. They moved to Othello, Washington in 1992 and eventually moved Andersen Ranches to Gurdane, Oregon. Over the years LuDean enjoyed knitting, family history and having her grandkids visit.

Richard Schoessler

Richard Dean Schoessler was born in Lind, Washington on Sept. 28, 1934, to Reuben Schoessler and Ella Biermann Schoessler. Dick found eternal peace and comfort on July 23, 2022, after a short illness. Dick was preceded in death by his wife Marge of 59 years and his parents. Dick is survived by his son Jay, daughter Jill (Stuart), eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Dick graduated from Lind High School and began a career in the food industry and he worked at many potato processing plants in the Columbia Basin until his retirement from Nestle-Carnation in 1999. Dick loved meeting people, making friends and helping others. He was always willing to volunteer whenever he could.

'Kind of like big dogs'

Young people show off cattle in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Kelli Nelson is no stranger to showing animals. “I’ve been showing since I was about two years old,” the 17-year-old said as she leaned on a bleacher inside the Ardell Pavillion at the Grant County Fairgrounds. A native of Pendelton, Oregon, Nelson holds the lead of an eight-month-old buff-colored Charolais-cross steer she calls Sid. He’s been washed and groomed and his fur has been fluffed up, and he looks as good as a bovine will ever look in or out of a showing ring. “I usually show sheep and goats. This year is new with the whole steers and cattle,” she said. She scratches Sid behind one ear, and the steer drools slightly. “He did pretty well this morning, and he’s getting used to it,” Nelson said. “They’re kind of like big dogs.” ...

Quilted service

Seamsters recognize veterans' service to nation

MOSES LAKE — The quilts come in a variety of designs and sometimes in different colors. They all have the same purpose - to recognize military veterans for their service to the country. The Basin Piecemakers make the quilts, and their members took some of them to Brookdale Hearthstone in Moses Lake on Nov. 9 for the facility’s veterans. Guild member Nancy Latham said the group has donated 24 quilts in the Moses Lake area this year, and sent another five to the VA hospital in Spokane. “We’ve wanted to cover the local veterans, and especially the Vietnam veterans because they weren’t recognized at all,” Latham said...

Fall in!

Post commander looks to bring new members to Ephrata legion

EPHRATA - American Legion Art Semro Post 28 Commander Kim Thomas hopes to bring awareness about the American Legion and increase their membership, particularly with younger generations, during her time as Post Commander. “My goal is to increase the membership of younger vets or vets with families so that we can keep it going and provide them (with) the resources that we can offer,” said Thomas. “(We) provide a sense of community, a place to go, a place for kids to learn about the American Legion and history of the vets and build that connection.” ...

Comedy tour stops in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - The Del Red Pub in Soap Lake had some laughs and a touch of magic Friday night with a performance by the Jokers and Jester Comedy Tour. “There is no better feeling than performing for people in a small town,” said Jake Daniels. The Jokers and Jester Comedy Tour features four entertainers namely Daniels, Dan Ellison, Steve Mazan and Mark Gee, who travel across the United States to bring comedic entertainment to towns of all sizes but tends to focus on small towns...

Acing it

New Royal City store lets area residents shop locally

When it comes to business, small towns often face kind of a vicious cycle. Many chains won’t locate in a community below a certain population, which means people have to drive to a larger city to shop. And the more shopping they do out of town, the fewer things they buy in their hometown. That’s been a problem in Royal City, where there are only so many things you can buy without driving to Othello (24 miles away) or Moses Lake (31 miles) or the Tri-Cities (75 miles). The new Ace Hardware store, which opened in September, could go a long way toward easing that problem. “We saw the need for it here in the community,” said Josh Fanning, one of the owners. “And we just believe that we can be a source for all of South Grant County to find lumber, feed and hardware goods.”

Legals for November, 11 2022

Bikers to solicit food, cash for locals in need

MOSES LAKE — Despite the cold, the wind and the looming snow, members of the Road Brothers Northwest motorcycle club will be out along N. Stratford Road on Saturday soliciting donations of cash and non-perishable food to help the area’s hungry families. “We do it to help our community out,” said the club’s current president, who goes by the name Road Brother Even. “It’s just about giving back to the community.” ...

Moses Lake taking first steps on new police station

MOSES LAKE — It looks like Moses Lake is going to get a new police department building on Central Drive. In a 5-2 vote, members of the city council approved a plan seeking a design to build a new, two-story, 23,000-square-foot police department headquarters along Central Drive on a five-acre lot the city owns across from Smulligan’s Pizza and BBQ. “I felt that we’ve discussed this at length,” said Council Member and Deputy Mayor Deanna Martinez, referring to several previous meetings in which the council was given proposals for both remodeling the current police station and building anew on Central Drive. “We need to bring this forward for the budget and for long-term planning.” ...

National forest fees waived on Veterans Day

PORTLAND, Ore. — National forests and grasslands will be open free of charge for everyone Friday, according to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service. In observance of Veterans Day, the Forest Service is waiving standard amenity fees for all visitors to national forest and grassland day-use areas. “Many veterans spend time with their families and connect with nature while hiking, hunting, boating, and exploring the range of outdoor recreation opportunities national forests and grasslands have to offer,” Tracy Calizon, regional assistant director of recreation for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, said in the statement. In addition, the statement said, public lands access passes are available year-round at no cost for service members, veterans, and Gold Star families. On fee-free days, standard amenity fees normally charged for day use sites, such as picnic areas, developed trailheads and destination visitor centers, are waived, the statement said. The waiver does not apply to special recreation permits, cabin rentals, or campground reservations, nor does it include expanded amenity fees charged for certain highly-developed sites, service charges, or fees assessed by independent concessionaires operating on national forest land. More information can be found at www.fs.usda.gov.

Traffic collision leads to new path for Quincy veteran

QUINCY — Nicole O’Shea said she had planned out at least some of her future, starting with her enlistment in the U.S. Army. And then all of a sudden everything changed. It was the winter of 2004, and she was on her way from Quincy to Yakima for training. “It was February and it was super-foggy,” O’Shea said. “I had to pull over to clean my windshield off, so I could see. I got rear-ended at 70 miles an hour; I was almost at a complete stop. Rocked my world, in a not-so-good way.” At the time O’Shea said she thought she was okay...

Broncos, Lions hit state volleyball tournaments in Yakima

YAKIMA – The 1B/2B/1A State Volleyball Tournaments got off to a hot start at the Yakima Valley SunDome on Thursday, with No. 11 seed Lind-Ritzville and No. 13 seed Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School both making the trip to state in the 2B and 1B brackets, respectively. “Getting out of districts, in our league, is a huge success,” Lind-Ritzville Head Coach Cari Galbreath said. “We have a highly competitive league, and so that road isn’t always easy for us, and getting out of that was a great success.” ...

“Competitive” Cougar receiver room looks to keep improving

PULLMAN – Nine different players, seven of them being wide receivers, caught passes in Washington State’s 52-14 win over Stanford last week, the sixth time that at least nine Cougs have caught passes in a game this season. Head coach Jake Dickert said that the bye week prompted self-reflection in terms of creating a “competitive atmosphere” in all position groups on the team, with the wide receiver room showing those results on Saturday. “In the bye week we really kind of looked hard in the mirror and thought ‘What’s the best to keep guys fresh and to keep a really competitive atmosphere in the room?’” Dickert said at a press conference on Wednesday. “No one’s performing at a level that just deserves to be out there all the time, and that was the reality of it. So, we challenged those guys, but I think when you give some guys opportunities I think they practice harder, they’re more focused and I think the guys in front of them never get settled.” ...

Veteran services in the Basin

The resources below are available in the Columbia Basin to assist veterans and their families with services and opportunities to connect with other veterans...

Royal's Hernandez named WIAA Athlete of the Week

ROYAL CITY – Royal running back Kaleb Hernandez was named a Week 9 Athlete of the Week by the WIAA on Thursday. The senior had five total touchdows in Royal’s 51-6 win over Naches Valley on Friday, finishing with 131 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 10 carries. Hernandez added one reception for 12 yards and a touchdown in the win and has scored eight total touchdowns in the past two weeks.

12U Rage take second at indoor tournament

CENTRALIA – The 12U Washington Rage placed second at the 4th Annual Indoor Opener in Centralia last weekend, hosted at the NW Sports Hub. The Rage played five games throughout the tournament, finishing 3-2 with an appearance in the championship game. “The girls were a little scared to be in this tournament considering it’s indoors and something new for them, but I’m just super proud of them and excited for the rest of the season,” Rage Head Coach Brooke Richardson said...

Focused on one-on-one

Vanguard Academy holds long-awaited ribbon-cutting

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s newest school had its long-awaited ribbon-cutting Wednesday evening. “It's been some time in the making,” said Moses Lake School District Superintendent Monty Sabin, as he welcomed parents, students and community members to the event at Vanguard Academy. “We're just really excited that we're to this day. We delayed it a little bit because they're still working on the building, and we wanted them to have just a little bit more done before we had the ribbon cutting so you can see what it really looks like instead of with pieces missing.” Classes at Vanguard started in August along with the other schools, with parts of the building still under construction. There was still work in progress Wednesday night, but that didn’t stop the students and faculty from showing it off...

Stanley Albert Brittain

On Nov. 8, 2022, Stanley Albert Brittain, a beloved husband and father, passed away at the age of 73. Born to Ross and Thora Brittain in Emmett, Idaho, he spent the majority of his childhood in the Columbia Basin, graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1968. He began his career at American Potato as a teenage father and ended it working for more than 30 years at CED Inland Electric. Stan had three loves: his family, his Christian faith, and muscle cars.

Police logs for Nov. 10, 2022

The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Ephrata PD Nov. 1 Reports of vehicles egged in the neighborhood of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues between Hilltop Drive and F Street Southeast. One victim captured a suspect on video; the suspect was contacted by law enforcement and admitted to the eggings. Report of graffiti in an alleyway in the 600 block of Sixth Avenue Northwest. Nov. 2 Report of storage units broken into in the 300 block of Basin Street Northwest...

Native voices

Area library challenge brings Indigenous voices to the fore

WENATCHEE — The North Central Washington Libraries will mark Native American Heritage Month with a virtual reading challenge focusing on books at all age levels by Native American authors. “As part of our online reading app Beanstack, we do different reading challenges each month,” said Teen Services Director Jessica Lynch. “And this month, the challenge is aligned with Native American Heritage Month.” November was first designated Native American History Month in 1990, with a proclamation by President George Bush, according to the government website nativeamericanhistorymonth.gov. Similar presidential proclamations have been issued every year since 1994.

Legals for November, 10 2022

Ephrata school levies pass

EPHRATA - Both Ephrata School District Propositions 1 and 2 passed Tuesday night, according to unofficial election results. “We look forward to getting to work on the projects these levies support,” said ESD Superintendent Tim Payne. “This funding will help us continue to serve the needs of our students and our community." ...

Wagner leads in ACSO race

RITZVILLE — With an estimated 800 ballots left to count, incumbent Dale Wagner is leading challenger Matthew Carlson in the race for Adams County Sheriff. In vote totals released Tuesday night, Wagner had 1,091 votes (56.24%) to 832 (42.89%) for Carlson. To date, there are 17 write-in votes. Wagner is running for his third term. “I am happy with the results thus far,” Wagner wrote in response to an email from the Herald. “I am excited to continue to press forward with the work of our office. Our campaign support has been great.” ...

Carter wins another term as commissioner

GRANT COUNTY — County Commissioner Cindy Carter thanked county voters for sending her back for another four years on the Grant County Commission but said this term would be her last. “I’m relieved the campaign is over and humbled the voters have exercised their faith in me to serve another four years,” Carter wrote in a short email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “My last four years.” ...

GCFD7 EMS levy passes

SOAP LAKE - The Grant County Fire District 7 EMS Levy passed with a nearly 69% ‘yes’ vote in initial tallies. Some ballots are still being counted and results are not yet certified. “(I feel) great relief knowing that we'll have the EMS budget to work with now,” said GCFD7 Chief Viktor Bragar. The vote.wa.gov website states the proposition received a total of 781 votes. 538 voted ‘yes’ and 243 voted ‘no’ for a passing percentage of 68.89% to 31.11%. “There was definitely uncertainty with the current times we live in and where people kind of stand with giving more but definitely it was necessary for us to make that request known so that we can support the community better,” said Bragar...

Warden council OKs annexation

Financial help sought for Second Harvest Market

WARDEN — Warden is getting 34 acres bigger thanks to a unanimous vote of the Warden City Council on Tuesday. During a regular meeting, the Warden City Council voted to annex 33.89 acres currently owned by the Port of Warden immediately west of Madison Avenue between 8th Street and 11th Street. The land is currently part of Warden’s urban growth area and is zoned residential. The land, which the port bought from a local farmer several years ago, sits between the city and the port’s Industrial Park 5, which is currently landlocked and cannot be developed. “We’d prefer to have it annexed,” Port of Warden Executive Director Pat Millard told the council before the vote. “We can’t do anything with it, and we would like to sell it and continue to have it zoned residential.” ...

New Americans

25 people take oath of citizenship in Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — It was an emotional, ebullient moment when 25 immigrants to the United States took their oaths of citizenship Tuesday in Wenatchee. “Citizenship is a unique bond that unites people around the civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution,” said Patrick Molitoris, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services officer in his opening remarks. “So today, we will we celebrate citizenship and the bond we will soon share as fellow Americans.” The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center was the venue for the ceremony, and it was filled with not just prospective citizens but their families and friends as well. Members of the local community came to welcome the new citizens as well including the mayors of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, police officers, teachers and volunteers...

Pro sports recap: Seahawks, Kraken continue successful seasons

SEATTLE – Both the Seattle Seahawks and Kraken are currently riding winning streaks as of late, advancing toward the top in their respective conferences. Check out this week’s professional sports update for Washington’s teams. Seahawks Winners of four straight, the Seattle Seahawks increased their lead over the NFC West with a 31-21 road win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday to improve to 6-3 on the season. The Seattle defense impressed again on Sunday, only allowing the Cardinals to score two touchdowns in the win. Outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who signed with the Seahawks this off-season, recorded his sixth and seventh sack of the season against Arizona, tied for the seventh-most by a player this season...

Tigers prep for CWAC title against Ellensburg

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers find themselves in a similar situation as they prepare to face off against Ellensburg for the Central Washington Athletic Conference title game on Thursday, having defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in the 2021 CWAC title game. “It’s always a good game against Ellensburg,” Ephrata senior Kacie Shannon said. “Long rallies, good plays on our side and theirs. I think that’s the exciting part.” Ephrata advanced to the title game after defeating Prosser 3-1 in the first round and knocking off No. 2 seed Selah 3-2 on their home court. Both Shannon and senior Halee Moore said that the energy of the team played a significant role in their wins to open the tournament. “I think that our energy, especially playing our last two games, was out of the roof,” Moore said. “We had so much energy, and that’s really how can excel in volleyball. Energy is really important, and if you don’t have that energy as a team sometimes it’s hard to work together.” ...

Doreen Barlow Iverson

Doreen Barlow Iverson, 91, passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Doreen was born June 15, 1931, in Tremonton, Utah to Fielding Burton and Ona Barlow. Doreen grew up on a small family chicken farm and in her teenage years she worked with her father at the tire store in Logan, Utah. After high school Doreen worked as a telephone operator at Utah Power and Light Company in Tremonton. Doreen married Lee on Sept. 18, 1950, in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They moved to Royal Slope in 1956 where they cleared the sagebrush, built their home and raised their four children.

Debra Zeiler

Debra Dawn Zeiler was born in Odessa on May 23, 1955, to Donald and Ione (Tootie) Zeiler. Debbie went to Odessa schools for 12 years and graduated in 1973. According to her sisters, Deb was the queen or princess of many dances. She loved wrestling where she kept score for four years. She played tennis for four years. It was said you didn’t want to be on the receiving end of her serve when she was mad. After graduation she enrolled at Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington and graduated with a degree in data processing. After completing her college degree, she moved to Moses Lake and was employed at the sugar beet factory. After a number of years, she went to work for the Washington State Potato Commission in Moses Lake where she worked for 24 years.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to open in Othello

OTHELLO — A story of young men who deceive, and the romantic trouble it causes them, comes to the stage in Othello this weekend. The Othello High School production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 through 12 on the stage at McFarland Middle School, 790 S. 10th Ave. The Oscar Wilde play premiered in 1895, and director and OHS theater arts teacher Thomas Christesen said that for him it hasn’t lost its appeal. “I love the show,” Christensen said. “And this particular batch of kids, I felt were up to the challenge. Because it’s not easy.” ...

State competitions set for this week

Basin sports schedule for Nov. 10-15

COLUMBIA BASIN – That time of the season is here, as local teams enter the state playoffs. Of the 12 schools here in the Basin, three have teams vying to bring home a state championship this weekend and four begin the road to a championship. Check out this week’s sports schedule, and check online at www.columbiabasinherald.com for updates as teams progress through brackets...

‘He brings a lot to the team’

Royal’s De La Rosa helps lead Knights to another winning season

ROYAL CITY – Seen running down the football field at Royal High School is senior Edgar De La Rosa, a six-foot, four-and-a-half-inch receiver/linebacker who has helped lead the Knights to impressive victories throughout the 2022 season. In his second year as a starter for Royal, De La Rosa said he leaves it all out on the field, every play. “Just playing with urgency, playing to the whistle, and just going 110% every time,” De La Rosa said. “I feel like I transitioned well from last year to this year, so I feel like if I keep doing that we’ll be pretty successful as a team.” In Royal’s regular season, the senior receiver amassed 627 yards and 10 touchdowns on 38 receptions. He uses his frame to snag away 50-50 passes, something that he had demonstrated at off-season camps...

Big Bend has big plans with new bachelors program

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College now offers a bachelor’s degree, with its first cohort of students set to graduate this coming spring. “I have nothing bad to say about this program,” said BBCC student Devin Elvin. “It's honestly amazing. There's nothing I could critique or (have been) done better. It's just been amazing.” The Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management degree, BAS-AM for short, builds upon any two-year degree by adding junior and senior-year courses focused on applied management...

Legals for November, 9 2022

Grant and Adams county tentative election results for Nov. 2022

The results below are not official until confirmed. Only opposed races are indicated. Additional election results will be provided as they are available. Counts below are as of 8:12 p.m. from the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Additional ballots may be outstanding and counted provided they were postmarked by Nov. 8, 2022...

Valdez appointed to Othello City Council

OTHELLO — Danae Valdez has been appointed to fill the empty position on the Othello City Council. Linden was appointed to the seat after council members interviewed four candidates at the regular meeting Monday. Linden replaces Maria Quezada, who resigned Oct. 24. In her resignation letter, Quezada said her job made it difficult for her to give the council position the time it warranted. Linden is an Othello native, she said, and the branch manager and loan officer for the Columbia Bank branch. She has three children, one each in high school, middle school and elementary school...

Adkinson takes interim city administrator role in Ephrata

Koch promoted to chief

EPHRATA - The City of Ephrata experienced a few changes Monday as Ephrata Police Chief Kurt Adkinson stepped down as chief and took over the role as interim City Administrator for the City of Ephrata. Captain Erik Koch was appointed as the new Chief of Police. “My life has been spent in law enforcement so I am excited to put my eyes on a new challenge,” said Adkinson...

Moses Lake woman arrested for possession of stolen car

OTHELLO — A Moses Lake woman was booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle after an Adams County Sheriff’s deputy stopped the car she was driving Monday morning...

Fatal medical emergency causes Othello-area crash

OTHELLO — A Benton City man’s car crashed after the man suffered a fatal medical emergency Monday morning. Troy Wilson, 61, was driving north on State Route 17 about one mile northeast of Othello when he suffered an unknown medical emergency, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol. The incident occurred at about 6:47 a.m. Wilson’s car ran off the road to the right, coming to rest in the northbound ditch, the press release said. He was transported to Othello Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Dept. of Ecology to host water webinars

SOAP LAKE - According to a city of Soap Lake press release, the Department of Ecology is inviting the public to two upcoming webinars about rulemaking and to consider designating Soap Lake and three rivers as an outstanding resource water. An outstanding resource water is a subset of high quality waters under Environmental Protection Agency guidelines...

Suspect barricades himself in RV outside Ephrata Walmart

EPHRATA - A man is in custody after a several-hour-long standoff at the Ephrata Walmart parking lot Monday night. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Kyle Foreman said Ephrata Police Officers responded to a call of a disturbance at the Dollar Tree, 1551 Nat Washington Way Ste A in Ephrata at about 6:30 p.m. When officers responded, Foreman said, the suspect, identified as Paul Cardwell, 62, of Bremerton, pulled a knife on officers and then proceeded to barricade himself inside his RV parked in the Walmart parking lot, neighboring the Dollar Tree. Over the course of about three to four hours, law enforcement requested the Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team and tried to negotiate with Cardwell to comply and surrender, according to a GCSO statement. Officers detonated a flash bang at about 10 p.m. in an effort to get him to leave the RV. Later, tear gas was deployed in the RV. When that failed to work, GCSO K-9 Edo, whose handler is Deputy Tyson Voss, entered the RV and took Cardwell into custody at about 11:10 p.m. Cardwell was transported to Columbia Basin Hospital for treatment and was lodged in the Grant County Jail upon release from medical care. Cardwell has been booked on suspicion of intimidating a public servant, harassment (threats to kill), criminal trespassing and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He is being held without bail. Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.

Patricia Jean Teitzel

Patricia Jean Teitzel, 76, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away Oct. 31, 2022. A service will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake, Washington with Rosary beginning at 12:30 p.m. and Mass at 1 p.m.

Ben Leroy McKeehan Jr.

Born Jan. 5, 1935, in Ephrata, Washington to Ben Leroy McKeehan Sr., and Elsie Eleanor Shodeen, Ben Leroy McKeehan Jr. passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Otis Orchards, Washington. A longtime, 45-year resident of Otis Orchards, Ben had also lived in the town of Ephrata, Washington and several communities throughout Alaska. After graduating from Wilson Creek High School, Ben joined the United States Coast Guard in 1953, serving four years until he was honorably discharged in 1957. On June 18, 1955, Ben married Pamela Anne Schmierer. In 2011 Ben married the next love of his life, Thuy Kim Nguyen. Ben was a carpenter and construction worker by trade and an avid fisherman.

RECAP: Local teams prepare for state competitions

COLUMBIA BASIN – Many area teams are off to state competitions after last week’s results, all vying to bring home hardware. Check out this week’s local sports recap with updates on team records and placement through the season...

Legals for November, 8 2022

CWU honoring veterans this week

ELLENSBURG - The Central Washington University Veterans Center is hosting a series of events all week in honor of Veterans Day. “It’s a great chance for our servicemen and women to get out there and feel recognized,” said Veterans Center Director Ruben Cardenas in a CWU press release. “That’s what RED Week is all about.” ...

MLCA auction supports Christian education

MOSES LAKE — The event center at Moses Lake Christian Academy was packed to the gills with 200 attendees plus volunteers Saturday night, as the school held its annual fundraiser banquet and auction. “We actually sold exactly 200 seats, said Janeil Koethke, the auction committee chairman. “That's as many as we can fit in, so we had to cut it off. We had some volunteers who didn't have a seat.” The auction raised a little less than $130,000, Koethke said, a dramatic increase over last year’s auction, which she estimated brought in around $80,000.

'A buddy bench

Larson Elementary hosts dedication of memorial honoring late student

MOSES LAKE — Ella’s Nana Lana Redal said purple was Ella’s favorite color. So the butterfly bench Redal commissioned in Ella’s memory reflects that. Sarah Steffler and her daughter Ella Muongmany were killed in a traffic accident in August of 2018, just before Ella was to start first grade at Larson Heights Elementary. Redal wanted to add a memorial for her daughter and granddaughter at Larson, where she is a first-grade teacher. The bench was dedicated Friday afternoon...

Zags Clinch Three Championship in Finale of the Gonzaga Invitational

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Gonzaga men's tennis team concluded their 2022 fall tournament season with their performance in the final day of the Gonzaga Invitational earlier today. This was the second consecutive season that the Zags clinched three championships in their respective brackets.

Big Plays Not Enough for Eagles Against No. 15 Idaho

Eastern Washington football made the short road trip to Moscow to play No. 15 Idaho today (Nov. 5). Eastern put up two scoring plays of 70+ yards, but the Vandals would win the game, 48-16. The Eagles fall to 1-5 in the Big Sky and 2-7 overall this season. Idaho improves to 5-1 in conference and 6-3 overall. The start of the game was promising for Eastern, as Wyatt Hawkins kicked a 35-yard field goal and Keshaun King picked off Idaho inside their own territory. The Eagles were unable to take advantage of the turnover and were stopped on fourth down at 5:56 in the first quarter. Idaho then scored 21 straight points between the first and second

Cougars split season series at No. 16 Oregon as comeback falls short

EUGENE, Ore. -- Pia Timmer had 19 kills, Laura Jansen added 17 and Katy Ryan finished with a team-leading five blocks, but Washington State volleyball (17-8, 9-5 Pac-12) fell in four sets at 16th-ranked Oregon (17-6, 10-3 Pac-12), 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-23, on Sunday at Matthew Knight Arena. The loss snapped a three-match winning streak for WSU against the Ducks and was the first of the season in which the Cougars finished with more blocks (7-4) and a higher hitting percentage (.313-.307) than their opponents.

Betty Hankins

Betty Hankins, 69, of Wauconda, Washington went to be with our Lord Nov. 1, 2022. She was born Sept. 17, 1953, in Fayetteville Arkansas to Charles and Edith (Fitts) Clark. Betty married her high-school sweetheart Robert and they moved out to Washington and lived in several small towns over the years. She worked at Lamb Weston and as an in-home caregiver over the years, finally retiring to Wauconda. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Edith Clark, brother Billy Clark, sisters Vivian Mayhan and Carolyn Dersam, and granddaughter Desiderata Lynn Schols.

Terri D’Avis

Terri D’Avis, 84, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away on Nov. 2, 2022. Terri was born on July 19, 1938, to Peter and Agnes Caspar in Fairview, Alberta, Canada. After graduating high school, Terri attended nursing school in Vegreville, Alberta. She graduated as a registered nurse. After moving to Moses Lake in 1967 she continued her career as a registered nurse at Samaritan Hospital. She found her true calling once she started working in the surgery department, where she worked until retiring in 2011. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband Douglas D’Avis, two sons Cameron D’Avis and Aaron D’Avis, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Beryl Elaine Pool

Beryl Elaine Pool passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Nov. 1, 2022, at the age of 85. She was born on July 7, 1937, to her parents Lawrence William and Garnet Bernice Libengood in Burley, Idaho. They moved to Union Gap, Washington in 1946. She graduated from Yakima High School in 1956. She met Ernie “Chuck” Pool in high school and they married in the Union Gap Church of the Nazarene on Oct. 12, 1957. She was a proud Navy wife and loving mother for 20 years. She and Ernie raised their family all over the United States, but wherever they moved she always maintained a happy and healthy home for her family and often on her own while her husband was deployed overseas. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1974, they moved to Yakima for a short time. They then moved to Cheney, Washington in 1976, where she worked at the Ben Franklin Department Store. In 1991 after their children graduated high school they moved to Moses Lake where she worked at Kmart until the store closed its doors.

James Joseph Nelson

James Joseph Nelson of Whidbey Island, Washington passed peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 31, 2022, in Everett, Washington at the age of 79. Jim is survived by his wife Linda; daughter Heidi (Don) Sherman; son Christopher Nelson; stepsons Eric Dufur and Alan Dufur Petrick; grandchildren Shelby Nelson, Elizabeth Dufur, Andrew Dufur and Kylie Sherman; brother Mike Nelson and sister Mary (Dick) Niemeyer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was greeted in heaven by his father OT, mother Dawn Ann, brother Rex and sister-in-law Karen Nelson. Jim graduated from Moses Lake High School, attended Big Bend Community College, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, and was a combat veteran, Vietnam.

Pet of the Week: Fernley

Fernley is a beautiful husky mix. She is good with other dogs and children but isn’t overly fond of cats. Her vaccinations are up to date and she is ready for adoption by a family that will love her. She is also house-trained and spayed. She and dozens of other pets are available at Adams County Pet Rescue located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. The shelter is open from 12-6 p.m. but closed Mondays and Thursdays. For more information n Fernley or other pets, contact ACPR at 509-488-5514 or email them at adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com.

Legals for November, 7 2022

Alvarez blasts Baker, Astros to World Series title vs Phils

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez hit a towering go-ahead homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons and got Dusty Baker his first crown as a manager with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 on Saturday night. As Alvarez's 450-foot blast in the sixth inning disappeared, Astros starter Framber Valdez jumped and wildly screamed in the dugout as fans in the crowd of 42,948 went into a frenzy waving their orange rally towels.

Local runners compete at state cross country meets

PASCO – The WIAA State Cross Country Championships were held in Tri-Cities this weekend, with several Basin teams and individual runners making the trip. See how local athletes fared in state competitions below.

Devils fall, Lions on to state

WENATCHEE – The MLCA/CCS Lions punched their ticket to state with an appearance in Thursday’s 1B District 6 Championship game against Entiat, while the Wilson Creek Devils were eliminated in the consolation bracket to Waterville-Mansfield. The Lions had defeated Waterville-Mansfield in the semi-finals to advance to the title game, while Wilson Creek had lost to No. 1 seed Entiat in the semis. “We played well against Waterville, and we had our shot,” MLCA/CCS head coach Dean Spurbeck said. MLCA/CCS took the first set 25-23 to take a 1-0 lead in the match, but the Tigers fought back to win the next three sets for a 3-1 win and a district title. Both teams qualified for state solely by making the championship game.

State Bound

Late touchdown sends Warriors to 1B State Tournament

COULEE CITY – Down by four to Wilbur-Creston-Keller with under a minute remaining and a trip to state on the line, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors took the field on their own 49-yard line. On the game’s final offensive play, freshman quarterback Caden Correia rolled out to his left and flipped a pass about 10 feet into the air, which fell into the hands of sophomore running back Grayson Beal to put ACH up – and eventually win – 38-34. “I’m still processing what happened,” Beal said. “I saw Caden roll out, and I’m like, ‘Aw, they stopped it.’ Then I saw him flip it up in the air. I thought Kallen Maioho, from Wilbur, is gonna pick it, (he) slipped, I come down with it. Still in denial on what happened.” Correia said his inspiration for the pass, which was lobbed over several Wildcat defenders, came from the video game “Madden” as well as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Tigers on Top

Ephrata bounces back from 1-4 start to make 2A State Playoffs

CLARKSTON – The Ephrata Tigers began their season with a 1-4 record through the first month of the season. Now, that same Tiger team is off to the 2A State Tournament after a 17-7 win over Clarkston on Friday in the District 5/6/8 Crossover. “We played lights out on defense the whole game and held their really good passing attack in check for the most part except for one drive,” said Ephrata Head Coach Patrick Mitchell. “The kids played great and they prepared really hard all week for that moment and that atmosphere.” A 17-point second quarter was enough for the Tigers to hold on to the win over the Bantams, who finished second in the Greater Spokane League. Ephrata quarterback/linebacker Travis Hendrick first scored on a two-yard rush and followed up with a 35-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Mitchell said that the weather tailored to the run-heavy approach of the Tiger offense.

Othello advances to round of 16 with 48-14 win over Shadle Park

OTHELLO — With the Othello Huskies leading 21-14 after a competitive first half, the Shadle Park Highlanders kicked off to start the second half. The ball went to Othello’s Sonny Asu. Asu said he told his teammates at halftime that he would angle for the sideline if the ball came to him on the second half kickoff. It did, and he did. “I saw my blockers spread out in front of me, pushing back,” Asu said. He worked his way down the sideline and cut back about midfield. “And it was off to the races,” Asu said. 80 yards later Asu crossed the goal line, increasing Othello’s lead to 28-14 on the way to a convincing 48-14 win. With the win Othello advances to the round of 16 in the 2022 2A state football playoffs.

Weather Forecast for Monday, Nov. 7

Monday: A chance of rain and snow before 8 a.m., then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. By Monday night, A 20% chance of snow before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31, while Tuesday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. By Wednesday night, it is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. By Thursday night, it is forecast to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Friday, Veterans Day: Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Source: National Weather Service

WSU develops new biogas process

RICHLAND — A Washington State University research team has developed a new method to treat sewage sludge and turn it into biogas – methane – that could help reduce the cost of waste treatment and help the environment, according to a WSU press release. The process involves adding oxygen-rich, high-pressure steam to help break down and convert as much as 85% of the sludge to biogas, which can be burned in the same way natural gas is burned, to generate heat and electricity, the press release said. Most wastewater treatment plants in the United States utilize an anaerobic digestion process in which bacteria, with no oxygen present, break down sewage waste. However, according to the press release, the process is inefficient and creates a fair amount of sludge, much of which is dried and carted to landfills. The high-pressure steam is added before anaerobic digestion, the press said, allowing oxygen to act as a catalyst in breaking down complex molecules. “This is not a very high-tech solution,” said Birgitte Ahring, an engineering professor at WSU. “It’s actually a solution that can be useful even at small scale. The efficiency has to be high or else you cannot warrant adding the extra costs to the process.” WSU is working with Richland-area clean-tech startup Clean-Vantage to help further develop and commercialize the technology, which was funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Power lines downed as fierce windstorm blows across basin

MOSES LAKE — Damage was minimal in the Columbia Basin following Friday night’s windstorm even as recorded gusts topped 50 miles per hour in some parts of the region, according to the National Weather Service office in Spokane. NWS meteorologist Charlotte Dewey said the high wind recorded at the Grant County International Airport was 49 miles per hour, while the NWS recorded winds of 66 miles per hour in Mattawa — the highest speed in the county. Gusts of up to 51 miles per hour were recorded in Quincy, with winds reaching 41 miles per hour in Othello, 49 miles per hour in Ritzville, and 40 miles per hour in Lind. “The storm was pretty potent,” Dewey said. Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kyle Foreman said damage in Grant County was restricted to downed power lines, though there was a chimney fire in the 10000 block of Kory Lane north of Moses Lake that the wind pushed down the chimney. Foreman said crews from Grant County Fire District 5 responded and took care of the fire quickly.

Mattawa Council approves well rehabilitation

MATTAWA — Water, and ensuring there’s enough of it, was a subject of discussion at the Mattawa City Council meeting Thursday. Council members voted unanimously to rehabilitate one of the city’s three wells, following a recommendation from Nancy Wetch of Gray & Osborne, the city’s engineers. The well is located in Hund Park. “This well is your oldest well - I think it dates back to the late Seventies, early Eighties,” Wetch said. “At this time, it’s not running at all.” Engineers and city employees reviewed Mattawa’s existing water system in 2020, and from that came a recommendation to update the electronic systems on the Hund Park well, and if necessary do some work on the well itself. “It needs an updated warning system, updated controls, everything updated,” Wetch said.

Fire and power

Utility companies discuss fire season with UTC

LACEY - The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission held a virtual post-fire-season update with three utility companies; Puget Sound Energy, Avista Utilities and Pacific Power Thursday morning. “I know as late as October, we were dealing with wildfires in the state of Washington and this has become something of the new normal and it is imperative that our electric utilities make sure their infrastructure is safe and that their customers are safe during the risky fire seasons in our state,” said UTC Chair David Danner said in his opening remarks. The meeting allowed a representative from each utility company to give a presentation about how they prepared for fire season, what they faced this fire season, community outreach and education and plans for preparing for the 2023 fire season. UTC commissioners Danner, Milt Doumit and Ann Rendahl were active in asking each representative more in-depth questions about information in their presentations.

Dwight Allan Teitzel

Dwight Allan Teitzel, 78, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away July 30, 2022. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, 831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, Washington.

‘It’s happening’

New Moses Lake Food Bank facility to open in December

MOSES LAKE — After eight years of effort, donations and fundraising efforts throughout the community, it’s here. Moses Lake Food Bank Director Peny Archer said Moving Day is about a month away. “The official move-in date is Dec. 5,” Archer said. The building, about 10,000 square feet, will house the food bank’s local distribution area; a separate building refurbished in 2020 houses food to be distributed to other regional food banks. Food is delivered to the Moses Lake food bank and then redistributed to 34 food banks in central Washington.

Jean Marie Draxton

Jean Marie Draxton, 85, of Moses Lake, Washington died peacefully in Central Washington Hospital. Jean was born in San Francisco, California where she lived most of her life before moving to Vacaville, California and marrying Elroy (Drax) Draxton in January 1960. There they began raising a family until they moved to South Lake Tahoe, California in April 1975. Jean and Drax owned and ran the Green Lantern Motel for 27 years. Jean loved being hospitable. She always welcomed many guests into her home for celebrating holidays and friendly gatherings. You couldn’t find a better New Year’s Eve party. After selling the motel Jean and Drax moved to Moses Lake, Washington where she worked a variety of different jobs, enjoyed traveling, and was committed to volunteering at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Raymond Everette Appling Sr.

Raymond Everette Appling Sr. passed away in Yakima, Washington on Oct. 22, 2022. He was born Nov. 10, 1943, in Rogers, Arkansas, the oldest of six children born to Everett and Ovie (Hass) Appling. In 1961, he joined the U.S. Army. He was discharged in 1962 due to the residual effects of a farming accident at age 16. In the fall of 1963, Ray was rousted out of bed to “Go help that pretty little girl with her car.” On March 9, 1964, he married that pretty little girl, Alcenia Turner, in Exeter, California.

Gladys Para

Gladys Para was born Gladys Cecilia Hutchinson on Sept. 25, 1928, in Spokane, Washington (in the early morning hours) at Sacred Heart Hospital, to Mildred Kohlhagen Hutchinson, German and second generation, and George Clement Hutchinson, British and first generation from New Zealand. Her father worked at the dam at Little Falls in Spokane when mom was born, and after briefly moving back to her mother’s family in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, they returned to Spokane where she and her brother George Ronald grew up until she passed fifth grade.

‘It’s a people business’

Moses Lake real estate professional focuses on people, hometown

MOSES LAKE — For Ben Sellen, it’s not primarily about the houses or the land. “It's a people business,” he said. “It's not about selling somebody a house, it's helping your client with the problem that they have. They need to sell it? Okay, what are we looking at? What exactly do they need? They need to buy something? Let's figure out what they need to buy.” Sellen, an agent with Seattle-based eXp Realty, grew up in Moses Lake and handles properties in the Moses Lake area. His family has deep roots in construction, he said, which contributed to his love of real estate...

Legals for November, 4 2022

Lions face Tigers

WENATCHEE - The MLCA/CCS Lions faced off against the Entiat Tigers in Wenatchee for the 1B District 6 Championship on Thursday night. Final results were not available by press time. Check online at www.columbiabasinherald.com for a full story on the game Friday.

Royal City drug takeback removes unneeded drugs from circulation

ROYAL CITY — The prescription drug take-back program in Royal City brought in 46 pounds of unused prescription medicines this month, even if the take-back events themselves aren’t overwhelming, the Royal City City Council heard at its meeting Tuesday. “At our first event, we collected about 20 pounds (of prescription medicines), which we thought was a huge success for our first event,” Royal Community Prevention Coalition Coordinator Brisa Sanchez told the council. “And then the second event, we only collected about 15, so just a small amount. This event we collected a little bit less.” The events are held twice a year, and the first was in October 2021, Sanchez told the Herald in an interview Wednesday...

Total Auto Care cuts ribbon in Moses Lake

Total Auto Care owner Eric Wedum, accompanied by members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, prepares to cut the ribbon at the formal grand opening of his business at 1706 W. Broadway Ave., the former location of OK Tires, in Moses Lake.

Keeping it out of the landfill

Household hazardous waste collection helps keep homes, environment safe

MOSES LAKE — On a recent Saturday in late October, Joan Sieverkropp stood in the parking lot of the Grant County Public Works Department’s road service building on Wheeler Road asking people what kind of toxic chemicals they had in the backs of their cars. And then taking those chemicals off their hands. It’s something Sieverkropp, solid waste program coordinator for Grant County Solid Waste, does regularly at various locations across the county, including twice a year in Moses Lake. “People can bring the hazardous waste that they’ve collected,” Sieverkropp said. “Sometimes people come yearly, it’s like a social event for some people.” ...

Hawks’ Smith, Walker III and Woolen earn October awards

SEATTLE – Three Seattle Seahawks were named to player of the month awards for the month of October this week, with quarterback Geno Smith, running back Kenneth Walker III and cornerback Tariq Woolen all being honored. Smith was named the October NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his performances in five games last month. The 10-year pro lead the Seahawks to a 4-1 record in October, completing 102 of 147 passes for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns. As a rusher, Smith added 143 yards and a score in October, giving him 10 total touchdowns which led all NFC quarterbacks in October...

Cougs look to win down the stretch

PULLMAN – Beginning the season 4-1, the Washington State Cougars have dropped their previous three games and now are forced to scratch and claw their way to a second-straight bowl-eligible season. “Everybody’s fighting for those last bowl eligibility spaces, and we’re one of them,” WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert said. “Stanford’s fighting their tail off, ASU, Arizona, that other school on the other side of the state – everyone wants those spots,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference Monday. The Cougs are 4-4 after last Thursday’s 21-17 home loss to No. 14 Utah, a game where backup quarterback Bryson Barnes led the Utes to a win in Pullman. Down by 14 in the fourth quarter, WSU was able to put 10 points on the board with a seven-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cameron Ward and a 42-yard field goal but was unable to take the lead...

Ancient ways

Wanapum Archaeology Days shines light on milennia-old culture

PRIEST RAPIDS DAM — Inside the Wanapum Heritage Center at Priest Rapids Dam, there’s a sign that says, “We are Wanapum, we are here, we never signed a treaty, we never gave away our land, we never left, we are going to be here tomorrow.” That timelessness was out for all to see during Archaeology Days Oct. 25-26. “It's just kind of a combination of fun and education,” said Christine Pratt, public affairs officer for the Grant PUD. “Kind of visual and fun and face to face with the people who know about things, the Columbia Basin Plateau peoples. You can hear their story in their own words, from them, live while you're learning how to do their craft. It's pretty amazing.” Nobody seems to be certain exactly when the first Archaeology Days was held, but Pratt said it was in the early 2000s. The event, like so much else, went on hiatus during the pandemic, so this year’s was a welcome return. Tuesday was kids’ day, with nearly 500 students from central Washington schools bused in to learn about Wanapum and other Native tribes’ customs, crafts and history...

Q&A with Adams Co. Sheriff candidates

With the general election next Tuesday, the Columbia Basin Herald submitted some follow-up questions to candidates running for office in Grant and Adams counties. Incumbent Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner and challenger Matthew Carlson each received the same questions. The Herald appreciates the candidates’ taking the time to answer the questions...

Focusing on equine dental care

February is National Pet Dental Health month, a time when pet owners are reminded that routine oral care is an important aspect of their animal’s well-being. Just like their small animal counterparts, large animals such as horses also require veterinary attention to keep their mouths in top shape. A white and brown horse stand next to a hitching post; equine dental care pet talk..

Javier, Astros pitch 2nd no-hitter in World Series history

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Hammered the night before, Cristian Javier and the Houston Astros desperately needed to figure how to keep Bryce Harper and the Phillies in the ballpark. How about a no-hitter, would that do? Javier and Houston's bullpen combined on just the second no-hitter in World Series history, silencing a booming lineup and boisterous fans as the Astros blanked Philadelphia 5-0 Wednesday night to even the matchup at two games each.

LETTER: Voting for Patty Murray

For U.S. Senator, I am voting once again for Senator Patty Murray. I won’t – and just can’t – take a chance on anyone else. Since 1992, Patty Murray has helped community leaders, myself included, in showing farmworker and other poor families a pathway toward living a safer and healthy and better-educated way of life by maintaining funding for community health clinics and the WIC family nutritional program, and educational training for more medical doctors and nurses and dentists.

Law enforcement reports for Nov. 4, 2022

EPD, MLPD, jail

'Opportunity to do a little bit more'

Downtown Moses Lake celebrates Halloween

MOSES LAKE — There were kids in costumes. Adults in costumes. Live music in Sinkiuse Square. Trunk or treating all along Third Avenue. Simplot even handed out baskets of free fried potatoes. That’s how the city’s first annual Harvest Festival went on Saturday as hundreds of people gathered in downtown Moses Lake for three hours to enjoy the sun and celebrate the season. “It went great,” said Rosenda Henley, the new executive director of the Downtown Moses Lake Association, which organized this year’s festival. “It was a great day, and it turned out to be nice and sunny.” ...

Legals for November, 3 2022

Ferguson files suit to block Albertsons payout

SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court on Tuesday to block a $4 billion special dividend payout to shareholders by Boise-based Albertsons in advance of the company’s proposed merger with Cincinnati-based Kroger, saying the payout is more than the company can afford to pay and will put the company’s ability to operate in Washington at risk. In a press release, Ferguson’s office said Albertsons — which also owns Safeway — recently revealed to the Securities and Exchange Commission that the special dividend would be made from $2.5 billion in cash on hand, with the company borrowing the rest. According to data available from Charles Schwab, Albertsons was valued at roughly $10.9 billion at the end of trading on Wednesday...

Juveniles in custody in connection with homicide

One dead, one injured after Sunday shooting in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Two juveniles wanted in connection with a Sunday morning homicide in Moses Lake have been arrested, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. According to the MLPD statement, one juvenile was arrested early Monday morning on Westshore Drive in Moses Lake while the second was arrested Wednesday morning in Ephrata after he turned himself in to officials at the county’s juvenile court...

Talbot puts on QPD badge

QUINCY — Alan Talbot was sworn in as the newest patrol officer for the Quincy Police Department during the regular Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday. Talbot was the city’s animal control and community service officer before becoming a patrol officer...

GCFD 7 EMS levy on ballot

SOAP LAKE - Grant County Fire District 7 Proposition No. 1 is a six-year EMS levy that will go to fund the department’s EMS program. “Every penny of our budget has and will always go back to the people in service whether that service is the fire side or EMS side,” said GCFD7 Fire Chief Viktor Bragar. “And for us to be able to support them to our best ability, we need to be able to have the funds for it.” The levy rate is .25 per $1,000 of assessed property value, he said. “It was us going with the bare minimum of what we could ask for to not burden the citizens of the community,” said Bragar...

Bomb squad responds to suspicious device near Othello

OTHELLO — The discovery of a suspicious device in a vehicle belonging to a fugitive led to the evacuation of some residences in the 300 block of South Reynolds Road north of Othello Wednesday afternoon. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the suspect, Nicholas Romero-Rivera, 34, Othello was still at large as of Wednesday. He is being sought in connection with an incident Oct. 28. “We’re still looking for him,” Wagner said in a later interview...

Quincy shows economic development promise, officials say

QUINCY — Grant County, including Quincy, is drawing a lot of interest from businesses looking for new or additional locations, according to local economic development officials. Grant County Economic Development Commission Director Brant Mayo and economic development consultant Pat Boss talked to Quincy City Council members about some of the possibilities at the regular meeting Tuesday. “With Grant County, we are seeing an unprecedented amount of businesses wanting to come into our area, through all sectors – data centers, manufacturing, ag, aerospace,” Mayo said. “In fact, our liaison with the Washington Department of Commerce (said) we are the busiest EDC in the state. We have more live projects going on than any other county at this point in time.” ...

Othello playground design could begin this month

OTHELLO — Construction should begin next spring or early summer on upgrades to the playground at Othello’s Lions Park. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan estimated the project cost will increase by about $800,000 from the original $1 million estimate. Logan said city officials should receive construction contracts for the project this week, and design can begin once those contracts are in hand. Once the design is completed the project will go out to bid, he said. “That anticipates we would begin the project sometime in May or June,” Logan said. “Those (estimates) are in perfect worlds.” ...

County commissioners approve REC rezone, UGA expansion

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a rezone from agricultural to industrial of roughly 163 acres near REC Silicon. The zoning change extended the Moses Lake Urban Growth Area to include that land. “We got the rezones,” said Chuck Sutton, REC Silicon vice president for fluid bed reactor sales. The rezoned areas include two parcels of land currently owned by Jenks Holding Company — one 18.8 acres and another 144 acres — that REC would like to be able to expand to in the future if conditions work out, Sutton said. The rezoning allows the company to consider future power and water needs, as well as the tax burden, on industrial property in the event the company expands, he explained. “This is just another step in the whole process,” he said...

Daiyan Henley named 2022 Butkus Award semifinalist

CHICAGO - Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley is one of 15 players named a semifinalist for the 2022 Butkus Award, The Butkus Foundation announced Tuesday. The Butkus Award is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. Note on criteria: The Butkus Award is focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional LB form. (Outside linebackers primarily rushing the passer in 30 fronts are regarded as pass rushers, not linebackers.) Henley is one of two semifinalists from the Pac-12 (Noah Sewell, Oregon) and is the first Cougar linebacker named a Butkus Award semifinalist in program history...

EWU women's tennis shows growth in doubles at Gozaga invite

Eastern Washington women's tennis competed at the Gonzaga Invitational this past weekend and put together multiple strong performances against numerous opponents from Big Sky schools. "We had a good weekend at the Gonzaga Invite. I was really impressed with how far we've progressed with our doubles play," head coach Dustin Hinson said. "We played smart and aggressive at the right time and won six out of seven doubles matches all weekend. We also had some impressive performances in singles. The whole team played with the desire and intensity that makes a difference in the critical moments of matches. Scout Mathews played her first tournament of the fall and won some great matches in the top singles flight. She played with intensity, focus and played to her strengths to get some nice victories. We look forward to our last tournament of the fall in a couple of weeks at San Diego State." ...

Mavs fall to Eastmont

Moses Lake team ends fall on the court with 7-9 record for the season

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School volleyball team fell to Eastmont in three sets Tuesday night. The loss ends the Mavs' season. “We were just a step or two off,” said head coach Krystal Trammell. “Instead of anticipating, I think we reacted.” Despite a tough fight, Moses Lake lost all three sets; 19-25, 24-26 and 22-25...

RECAP: ‘Hawks, Kraken look to continue winning ways

SEATTLE – Both the Seahawks and the Kraken have won three of their last four games. Read along for updates on both teams’ performances over the past week of their regular seasons. Seahawks The Seattle Seahawks just keep on winning. Projected by many to be among the NFL’s bottom-tier teams in the 2022 season, Seattle notched yet another win in a 27-13 defeat of the New York Giants on Sunday, giving New York just its second loss of the season...

October 2022 birth records

The Columbia Basin had several new residents show up in October. Congratulations to the new parents and thank yo uto Samaritan Hospital for sharing the good news with the Herald and the community. ...

Haunted on Halloween

Annual attraction provides free scares to community

LAKEVIEW - The Living Nightmare Haunted Attraction celebrated its 14th year of scaring with a haunted maze in Lakeview on Halloween. “We strive to be as family-friendly as possible,” said owner and organizer Tristan Jones. “We’re just trying to give back to the community and show these younger kids the importance of giving back.” This year Living Nightmare Haunted Attraction was a maze held in Lakeview at Jone’s home but the attraction is usually held at a property off Road 10.8 just outside of Ephrata. It has been held in Lakeview for the last few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and has also been held on Stratford Road once in the past as well...

Sharron Gayle Gumfory Woodlief

Sharron Gayle Gumfory Woodlief, 81, of Fort Mohave, Arizona passed into the arms of the Lord peacefully on Oct. 25, 2022. Sharron was born June 26, 1941, in Seminole, Oklahoma. Her mother referred to her as the perfect daughter. Sharron loved our Lord Jesus Christ, her family and the Los Angeles Rams (she hated the Dallas Cowboys). Sharron was an optimist who loved life and truly lived every day of her life to the fullest. She was a social butterfly who made friends wherever she went.

Research recommended when making Medicare decisions

MOSES LAKE — Rolling up on retirement - or even just rolling up on 65 - brings with it certain rituals, among them deciding what to do about Medicare. Medicare, of course, is health insurance for people 65 years of age and older, although it can be available to people younger than 65 if they meet qualifying criteria. “When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) it also serves as your application for Medicare,” according to information on the Medicare website. “Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage, without having to pay a premium for it, once you’re eligible for Medicare.” ...

Paving the way

Local climbers featured in museum as mountain climbing pioneers

YAKAMA/EPHRATA – An exhibit in the Yakima Valley Museum called “Let’s Take the Sporting Route: Mountaineering in Central Washington 1949-1970” features pioneers from Central Washington who trail-blazed many first ascents of major mountain climbing routes. “This particular exhibit showcased these people that we’ve identified who’ve had singular achievements in one way or another and they came from this side of the mountains,” said Peter Arnold, Executive Director of the Yakima Valley Museum...

Busy week ahead

Basin sports schedule for Nov. 2-9

District championship season is in full swing here in the Basin, with many area schools competing to make it to state competitions. Check out this week’s sports schedule for teams around the Basin, and check online at columbiabasinherald.com for updates to the schedule as teams progress through their respective brackets. As for this week’s set schedule as of Tuesday, read along below...

A leader by example

Mavs' Torres keeps an eye out for teammates

MOSES LAKE – On the court this year for the Mavericks is a leader who leads her teammates not by raising her voice, but through the example she sets. Senior Jazlynn Torres has helped guide the Mavs to a successful season through her leadership-by-example approach, according to her coach and teammates. “It’s been really exciting to see this new energy we all have and the connection we all have this year,” Torres said. “I just love this team.” As a multi-sport athlete who also plays softball for the Mavericks, Torres has gained attention from teammates and coaches alike for her dedication both as an athlete and in the classroom. “Working with Jaz for a number of years, she’s a quiet leader,” Moses Lake head coach Krystal Trammell said. “She excels in the classroom, she’s a multi-sport athlete. She embodies what Moses Lake High School wants.” ...

Climbing high

This K2 plaque can be found at Sun Basin Plaza which is also known as Rock Park Plaza, is dedicated to the K2 endevor made by Fred Dunham and Jim Wickwire in 1975. The plaza is located at 32 Basin St NW In Ephrata. Both Dunham and Wickwire grew up in Ephrata. See page C1 of today's paper for more about Dunham’s mountaineering career along with a few of his companions from the Basin.

Legals for November, 2 2022

Huskies complete season sweep of Prosser

OTHELLO – Entering Tuesday night’s match with a 7-7 record, the Othello Huskies regained a positive win-loss record with a 3-1 win over Prosser, their second win over the Mustangs this season. The Huskies dropped the first set but rallied to win the final three for a senior night win. “Our kids are doing a great job of playing for each other and not being selfish or about themselves,” Othello head coach Steve Parris said. “It’s been a very enjoyable group, for me. We were a little worried at the start (of the season), but we really pulled together. We have some kids that have really stepped up into leadership positions.”...

Judge fines company for fraudulent business letters

SEATTLE — A King County Superior Court ordered two companies and their owners on Tuesday to pay $24.8 million in penalties after sending over 230,000 deceptive letters to small business owners in violation of the state’s Consumer Protection Act, according to a press release from Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. According to the press release, Florida-based Certificate Service and Labor Poster Compliance sent 232,091 letters — which were designed to look like they were from government agencies — to business owners across the state demanding payment for state-required posters and certificates...

Halloween fire guts ML home

MOSES LAKE — A fire Monday night gutted a home on W. Peninsula Drive and posed risks to firefighters who responded, according to a city of Moses Lake press release...

Spooky fun

Ephrata trick or treat brings loads of children to downtown

EPHRATA - The Ephrata Trick-Or-Treat, sponsored by the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, was a huge success Monday night. “I think it went off really really well,” said Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Director Rita Witte. “The kids were having a great time and it was busy.” The trick-or-treat event was held along First Ave SW between Alder Street and Basin Street. Businesses and organizations set up tables along the edges of the street as ghouls, goblins, witches and many other creatures and characters received their candy stipend...

County seeks volunteer to serve on MLIRD board

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commissioners are looking for a volunteer to fill out a vacancy in the board that oversees the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District following the resignation of board member Kaj Selman. The successful volunteer must live and own property within the district and if appointed, will serve the remainder of Selman’s term, which ends in January 2024, the press release said...

GET Prepaid Tuition Program open for new enrollment

WASHINGTON - Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition program is open for new enrollments, providing families an opportunity to start saving for future college and career training costs while their children are young. “This year, savers can literally buy tomorrow’s education at today’s price, whether they plan to use those funds five, 10, or even 18 years from now,” said Washington College Savings Plans director, Luke Minor in a release by WA529...

WSU researchers develop test for toxic produce residues

PULLMAN — A team of researchers from Washington State University have developed a test for the residue of toxic herbicides in fruit and vegetables using relatively simple nanoparticles, according to a WSU press release...

Othello seeks applicants for open council seat

OTHELLO — Othello city officials are accepting applications through 5 p.m. Friday from residents interested in filling an open position on the Othello City Council. Council member Maria Quezada announced her resignation effective Oct. 24. “Though I pictured being able to serve my community in this position for a longer amount of time, I have to recognize that my career has taken a much bigger role in my life over the last year,” Quezada wrote in her resignation letter. She had served on the council for four years.

Record setters

Maverick girls swim and dive team members support one another on the way to state

MOSES LAKE – Boasting a perfect record in meets this season and a district championship crown, the Moses Lake girls swim and dive team was rewarded with seven swimmers qualifying for state competition in Federal Way in 12 events. “It took everybody on our team to win districts,” Moses Lake swim and dive head coach Jason Hart said. “Every single person, because Eastmont is also very good. We beat them every single time we went up against them, but it took every single person on our team. If we’re missing one or two people – we aren’t district champions.” At the district meet, the Mavericks scored 529 points, finishing 26.5 points above second-place Eastmont (502.5). Districts began with Moses Lake setting a new school record in the 200-yard medley relay, which senior captain Makhaela Parrish said set the tone for the remainder of the meet...

LETTER: I have a concern

When my great-granddaughter turned 16 and got her driver’s license, she registered to vote, as the instructions in the voters pamphlet directed. I received my ballot – she didn’t receive hers. I called the elections office – 509-754-2011, extension 2732 – on Oct. 25 and explained the situation. After I gave my great-granddaughter’s personal information, the clerk found her record and stated she was sending out her ballot directly. I wonder how many others are in this same situation and do not know how to remedy it. Joan Green Moses Lake

5 misconceptions about prostate health

(Family Features) Prostate health may be an intimidating subject for some men, which can lead to misconceptions about conditions and treatments. Some men may even avoid visiting a doctor because of what they might learn. Breaking this stigma around prostate issues could help prevent complications from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. Under a doctor’s care, BPH can be effectively treated; over 14 million men in the U.S. seek treatment every year.1 To help clear up some of the confusion and fear around prostate health, here is a breakdown of five common misconceptions about BPH...

Top brass

Quintet brings fun, variety to classical music

MOSES LAKE — When the words “brass music” are mentioned, most people picture a marching band, rows on rows of uniformed players belting out marches and school fight songs. Not five women on a stage pushing the boundaries of classical music. Yet that’s just what was happening at the Wallenstein Theater Thursday evening when Seraph Brass took the stage. The all-female brass quintet made Moses Lake the final stop on its Washington tour, invited by the Central Basin Community Concert Association. Before arriving at the Wallenstein, the group had made a stop at Moses Lake High School. “I had the opportunity today to hear the lovely ladies of Seraph Brass play at the high school in the band room,” said Frances Irwin, president of CBCCA. “If only you could have heard them, the students, you would have known why we're here.” ...

Legals for November, 1 2022