Monday, October 31
Collision blocks SR 17 at Rocky Ford
MOSES LAKE — A two-vehicle collision Monday morning shut down traffic along SR 17 for several hours. Travis Hathaway, 43, of Moses Lake, was driving a blue 1999 Dodge Ram pickup truck and towing a trailer when heading southbound on SR 17. The trailer started to oscillate, according to the release by the Washington State Patrol, and struck a northbound 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Quincy resident Deborah Kennedy, 53. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway, blocking traffic at about 10 a.m. at Rocky Ford Creek. There were minor injuries reported by Kennedy and she was checked out and released at the scene. The roadway was cleared and open for both lanes of traffic just after 1 p.m. Hathaway will be cited for trailer whipping or weaving.
Badge discussion
Q&A with Grant County Sheriff candidates
GRANT COUNTY - With the general election a week away, the Columbia Basin Herald submitted some follow-up questions to candidates running for office in Grant and Adams counties. Grant County Sheriff’s Office candidates Joey Kriete and Joe Harris each received the same questions. Harris and Kriete are running to replace Tom Jones, who resigned as sheriff in July. Their answers are below and have been slightly edited for clarity and to fit the available space. The Herald appreciates the candidates’ taking the time to answer the questions...
Annual Mid-Columbia Libraries used book sale announced
KENNEWICK — The Friends of the Mid-Columbia Libraries will hold the group’s annual used book sale beginning Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the MCL Kennewick branch, 1620 S. Union St., Kennewick. The sale runs from Nov. 4 to 13, according to an MCL press release. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7-10. The library will be closed for Veteran’s Day. Debit and credit cards will be accepted. Customers are encouraged to bring their own box or bag, the press release said.
Tricky treats
Ice cream pumpkins, witch pumpkins, princess pumpkins and traditional pumpkins were among the entries in the pumpkin decorating contest at the Columbia Basin Herald on Halloween. We hope you and yours had a wonderful and safe holiday. Congrats to Jenny Herbert, our AWESOME custodian, who took home first place with her Cinderella pumpkin. Thank you for everything you do to take care of us here at the paper.
Mavs swim to success
MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks swam away with a win in the Columbia Basin Big 9 girls’ swim and dive district meet this weekend, scoring a combined 529 points. With the win, the Mavs advance to the 2022 state meet in Federal Way on Nov. 10-12. The Mavs had first-place finishes in the 50-yard, 100-yard, 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events and the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Moses Lake also earned a first-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke event...
Mavs place 5th in 4A
Freshman Ava Swett (6) and the Mavericks placed fifth at the 4A state slowpitch tournament in Yakima this weekend, first falling to Central Valley 10-7 before defeating Bothell 14-6 in the consolation bracket. Moses Lake was eliminated from the tournament with a 17-11 loss to West Valley (Yakima) on Saturday.
One killed in Sunday shooting in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Two males were shot at a Moses Lake residence Sunday morning, leaving one dead and one injured. A statement by the Moses Lake Police Department Sunday evening said that just before 6 a.m., MLPD officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 3000 block of Road H Northeast...
Area teams prep for state
A review of Columbia Basin sports results for Oct. 25-31
COLUMBIA BASIN – The area’s final district tournaments begin this week, with local teams beginning their final pushes toward state competitions. Read along below for updates on teams here in the Basin, along with records and results for each team...
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week
Social media users shared a range of false claims this week. Here are the facts: A graphic purporting to show House Republicans’ policy plan is fabricated and contains inaccurate information. The U.S. Postal Service says it won't reject or delay the delivery of mail-in ballots that are sent with insufficient postage. Colorado’s universal mail-in ballot system is legal and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Police in Southern California did not recently find fentanyl inside boxes of breakfast cereal. And the recent death of a red panda cub at Canada’s Toronto Zoo was not related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dorothianne B. McDowell
July 2, 1927 – October 18, 2022
Dorothianne B. McDowell was born July 2, 1927, in Dillon, MT to Michael D. and Katherine K. Boka. She died on October 18, 2022, at Coventry House in Othello, WA. She met and married Dean W. McDowell in Dillon, MT after he returned from WWII. She attended the University of Montana Western. She and her husband left their hometown to teach school in Eltopia, WA. She taught the lower grades while her husband, Dean, was in charge of the upper grades. After four years, they moved to Long Lake, WA. where they taught at Ford Elementary School...
Eric Howard Aslakson
May 11, 1961 – October 14, 2022
Eric Howard Aslakson, longtime resident of Poulsbo, Wash. passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 14, 2022. Services to be held at noon on Nov. 5 at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Eric was born May 11, 1961, in Soap Lake, Wash. to Howard Omar Aslakson and Dolly (Ferguson) Aslakson. He grew up hunting and fishing with many memories of doing so with his parents and brothers enjoying his mother's chukar casseroles. He attended WSU but auto body repair had already gotten in his blood at the age of 12 when he started sweeping floors at Dewey's Body Shop in Soap Lake. He learned the business from the ground up and became the owner, president, and leader of Uptown Auto...
Pet of the week: Siku
Siku is a roughly 3-year-old who gets along with most dogs. She likes toys, playing fetch and being with her people. She’s a smart girl who is willing to learn. She does get a bit jealous if another dog is getting more attention than her. To learn more about Siku, contact Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514 or visit the shelter at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello. All pets at ACPR that are eligible for adoption are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered.
Community calendar: Nov. 2022
November 1 Homeschoolers' Art Atelier: Drawing and Painting 9-11 a.m. first, second, third and fifth Tuesdays at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. New program to support our growing homeschool community, taught by a professional art instructor with years of experience and expertise ready to spread her knowledge. These workshops will provide your student with the opportunity to engage with their peers with the guidance of an experienced art instructor. Museum members eligible for discounts on classes. Info: (509) 764-3830. Tech help hour 2-3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Ephrata Library, 45 Alder St. NW. Basic computer and internet use assistance with the librarian. Online guided basic computer use tutorials through Northstar digital and WISC-Online. Info: (509) 754-3971 or ephrata@ncwlibraries.org. Lego Club 4-5 p.m. every other Tuesday at the Grand Coulee Library, 225 Federal Ave. Legos are provided and no registration is needed. This activity is geared toward children who are ages 6-12 years old, as there are small pieces. This is a great way for kids to meet other children and for parents to relax and browse the library. Info: 509-633-0972 or grandcoulee@ncwlibraries.org...
A message from Samaritan Healthcare
New hospital on the horizon
MOSES LAKE – Samaritan Hospital has a 75-year history as being a community hospital. Grant County Public Hospital District No. 1 was formed in 1947 and two years later, with the support of the community, Samaritan Hospital opened in a converted barracks. In 1952, as the area continued to grow, the hospital board of commissioners agreed to construct a new hospital on Samaritan’s current site and it opened in 1955, with an increase to fifty beds. Since the last major addition/renovation, more than 20 years ago, the delivery of healthcare has changed dramatically. Changes to healthcare today include requiring more room for patients, equipment for medical and technology needs, and supplies. There are also additional regulations, such as more efficient air handling, fulfilling the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as energy codes, and specs and preparedness for seismic activity. With modern infrastructure—from energy-efficient windows to up-to-date construction materials and design—the increased efficiency in terms of utility costs will easily exceed Washington State’s new energy standards...
Ruminating on grain overload
Avoiding Rumen Acidosis in cattle, sheep and goats
Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats have a unique digestive system that allows them to gain energy from forage such as mature pasture grass and hay. The carbohydrates found in these feeds help to provide ruminants with healthy energy, but did you know that consuming high amounts of certain other types of carbohydrates can be dangerous—and even deadly? Dr. Brian Shoemake, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses the physiology behind grain overload, treatment methods, and how to safely incorporate grain into ruminants’ diets. Ruminants are herbivores with four stomach chambers that each play a unique role in digestion. They get their name from the rumen—the first and largest chamber—which acts as a storage area and the location where microbes digest and ferment feed...
Adding perks to a Rose
Othello business owner adds new café to boutique
OTHELLO — Desert Rose Designs owner Melody Anguiano said she wants the new Desert Rose Cafe to be the kind of place where people can take their time. She had customers who already spent time browsing the Desert Rose boutique - and besides, she likes a cup of coffee and a conversation with friends, she said. “My dream was just to see people relaxing and meeting here,” Anguiano said. The new cafe, 745 E. Hemlock St., is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It’s inside the building that has housed Desert Rose Designs for more than a decade. Desert Rose was a floral and gift shop when Anguiano bought it in 2015, and she expanded the gift line and added clothing and accessories to the boutique. Adding a coffee bar seemed like a natural next step. “I wanted the opportunity to invest in the building, and expand,” she said. “It was like, okay, coffee (and) flowers - obvious. Shopping while you’re drinking your coffee.” ...
Moses Lake Community Coalition
Local organization works to strengthen families, reduce substance abuse
MOSES LAKE — Helping parents navigate some of the challenges of the job, and to keep children away from substance abuse, is the goal of a group working to recruit partners in pursuit of that task. Moses Lake Community Coalition Coordinator Megan Watson said the group sponsors classes periodically throughout the year to give parents and children a look at the world from each other’s point of view. It also sponsors periodic classes to give parents specific strategies they can use to help with the job of parenting. “A lot of times, we just go off how we were raised. Everybody just does what their parents did,” Watson said. “But now we’re starting to see, as we’re tracking more and more child behavior, (that) negative, aggressive, difficult child behavior has increased over the last 10 years.” ...
Washington state of emergency ends today
OLYMPIA — The state of emergency declared by Gov. Jay Inslee to fight the COVID–19 pandemic ends today at midnight. Inslee imposed the state of emergency in March 2020. A Washington Department of Health order mandating masks in healthcare and long-term care facilities will remain in effect, according to a press release from the governor’s office. The mask order also applies in some correctional facilities in communities with high levels of coronavirus transmission, the order said. Some rules governing workplace safety also will remain in effect. “Ending this order does not mean we take the pandemic less seriously or will lose focus on how the virus has changed the way we live,” Inslee wrote in the press release. “We will continue our commitment to (public health), but simply through different tools that are now more appropriate for the era we’ve entered.”
Weather report for Monday, Oct. 31.
Weather report for Monday, Oct. 31.
Legals for October, 31 2022
Sunday, October 30
One killed in Moses Lake home fire Sunday morning
MOSES LAKE - A fire Sunday morning left one person dead at Harvest Manor Mobile Home Park in Moses Lake. A report by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office stated that the fire was called in to MACC Dispatch about 8 a.m. to Harvest Manor Mobile Home Park, located at 4815 Airway Drive Northeast...
Saturday, October 29
Huskies’ season ends in 2-1 loss to Grandview in penalty kicks
OTHELLO – Tied at one entering overtime, Saturday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament match between Othello and Grandview couldn’t get any closer. Grandview had struck first early in the game, which Othello quickly answered with a goal by senior Serenity Peña. “On that play, we actually just passed past a through ball and scored,” Peña said. “That’s a matter of our style of play, that’s how we play.” Othello goalkeeper Bresais Ybarra saved three shots in the overtime period, setting up penalty kicks to decide which team would advance. Through five shots both Othello and Grandview were tied, but a shot by Grandview hit the back of the net, giving the Greyhounds a 2-1 win...
Maverick boy’s XC qualifies for first state meet
MOSES LAKE – For the first time in program history, the Moses Lake boys cross country team will pack their bags for state after the Mavs finished with a score of 86 points in Thursday’s Columbia Basin Big 9 District Meet at Franklin Park in Yakima, a top-two placement that qualified them for the 4A state meet. “We’ve come so close to getting into state before, and then when we started researching, no Moses Lake team has ever qualified,” Moses Lake head coach Larry Dagnon said. “Some had been there when it was the University of Washington Invitational from 1959-64, but in 1967 that’s when teams started to qualify.” ...
USDA recalls almost 150,000 pounds of chicken patties
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Saturday announced the recall of roughly 148,000 pounds of fully Foster Farms fully cooked and frozen chicken breast patties that may be contaminated with pieces of hard plastic, according to a USDA press release issued on Saturday. The contaminated breast patties were distributed to Costco distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and Washington, and may have been further distributed to Costco retail locations, the press release said...
The Day of the Dead
Moravida Festival comes to Grant County Fairgrounds
MOSES LAKE — In Mexico, it’s called Dia de los Muertos — The Day of the Dead. Celebrations of this traditional holiday, which normally fall on Nov. 1 and 2 — the Catholic Church’s All-Saints Day and All Souls Day respectively — formally came to the Grant County Fairgrounds this year with the first annual Moravida Festival, and included music, dancing, food, a lowrider car show, trunk or treating, a Halloween costume contest, and a large community altar, where organizers and participants could honor their departed loved ones. “We want to always remember them,” said Anita Reyna, one of the organizers of this year’s festival. “And this is the time that we do it.” ...
Huskies overcome rough start
Othello defeats East Valley 35-10 in season capper
OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies overcame a raggedy first half, shut down the East Valley (Yakima) offense in the second half and finished the regular season with a 35-10 win. “That’s about as ugly as you can play and still win,” said Othello defensive coach Kevin Hale. He attributed the rocky start in part to the two-week layoff since the team’s last game; the Oct. 21 game with Kelso was canceled at the last minute. But the Red Devils came out ready to play, Hale said. “I give East Valley credit, their hustle, their toughness,” Hale said. I’ve got a lot of respect for those guys.” ...
STUDIO BASIN: Wilbur-Ellis fire, increased pay and district tournaments
On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles H. Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss the Wilbur-Ellis fertilizer plant fire, Samaritan Healthcare increasing wages, the Moses Lake City Council voting to acquire a new irrigation water right and area tech facilities receiving federal grants. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona discusses recent news in both local and professional sports, including the Seattle Seahawks’ surprise start, the Seattle Kraken beginning their season, local district tournaments, a preview on Moses Lake’s football matchup against Eastmont and more. Listeners can find the Studio Basin podcast on their favorite podcast app, or can download the episode directly at https://bit.ly/3zsIMmB.
Othello man sought in assault case
OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is looking for an Othello man who allegedly threatened a woman with a firearm during a domestic assault, according to an ACSO statement. Deputies are looking for Nicholas Romero-Rivera, 34, of Othello, following a report on Friday from the 300 block of Reynolds Road of two men with a shotgun and a handgun threatening a woman, the statement said...
Health district expands Wilbur-Ellis advisory
GRANT COUNTY — The Grant County Health District announced late Friday that it is expanding its health advisory to two miles around the Wilbur-Ellis facility at Road 1.3 SE and Road O SE, southeast of Moses Lake, which caught fire on Sunday, Oct. 23. “There are several different agencies on-site monitoring the situation,” said GCHD spokesperson Lexi Smith. The GCHD is extending the advisory because work crews will begin excavating the smoldering remains of a company fertilizer facility which could stir up particulates and release additional sulfur dioxide and other pollutants into the air, according to a health district press release...
Moses Lake SD board approves state-required transgender policy
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board approved the addition of a policy governing district response to transgender students at the regular board meeting Thursday. A policy covering the issue is required per state law. “This is a requirement; our legal counsel is advising us to approve it,” Moses Lake Superintendent Monte Sabin said. “I know there are some strong feelings on both sides of this, but the law exists.” Board members Susan Freeman and Paul Hill voted against the measure in a 3-2 vote. Sabin brought the policy to the board at the Oct. 13 meeting, saying it had been discussed in June and July 2021, but that the board had not taken action. Hill and board member Alana DeGooyer asked for more information before taking a vote. Freeman asked if the proposed policy could be added to the district’s already-existing non-discrimination policy. That already included transgender students, she said...
Warden school board wary of S.R. 17 roundabout
WARDEN — Ar a regular meeting on Thursday, the Warden School Board mulled support for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of S.R. 17 and S.R. 170 west of town and the status of the ongoing upgrades to the heating and cooling systems at Warden Elementary School and the district’s middle and high schools. “I see some and some bad,” said Board Member Dave Whitney about the proposal to replace the intersection with a roundabout. “There are a few accidents there, but I don’t know any that were too serious.” ...
A tale of two comebacks
Mavs score 17 in 4th, lose to Eastmont 37-35 on hail mary
MOSES LAKE – The game was over. The stadium clock at Lions Field blared with the time reading triple zeroes. The Moses Lake Mavericks – who came back from 17 points down in the fourth quarter – rushed the field. Players jumped into the air and screams of cheer were let out from both the sideline and bleachers. Until it wasn’t. With the Mavs up 35-31, officials ruled that an Eastmont incomplete pass had left one second remaining on the clock, which the Wildcats used to pull off a 57-yard walk-off touchdown and win 37-35. “It’s why this sport is the most amazing sport in the history of the world,” Moses Lake head coach Brett Jay said. “Because one second you could feel on top, and the next second it rips your heart out.” ...
Friday, October 28
Fentanyl
What is it?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse. Fentanyl is added to heroin to increase its potency, or be disguised as highly potent heroin. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and actually don’t know that they are purchasing fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
'Rainbow fentanyl'
Drug panic obscures real dangers of contaminated drug supply, experts say
PHILADELPHIA — As Halloween approaches, the federal government has been warning parents of a spooky new danger: Drug cartels are using rainbow-colored pills and powders that look like candy to introduce children to highly addictive synthetic opioids. One taste could kill. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s press releases in recent months have warned that drug dealers are using the pills’ appealing bright colors to entice children and young adults into addiction. A slew of news outlets and national legislators have seized on the idea, with some advising parents to check their children’s Halloween candy, just in case...
Picture perfect
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center raises $43,000 for 3-D ultrasound machine
MOSES LAKE — Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center had an ambitious series of goals as it prepared for this year’s fundraising banquet. “This is the biggie. We need $43,000 for a new ultrasound machine,” said Marc Newman, author and president of Speaker for Life, during his keynote speech at Saturday’s fundraiser. “For $43,000, we can get a new ultrasound machine that will be a massive game changer. … You want to save more kids? We need the tech to do it.” It was a long list. In addition to raising the money to keep Crossroads going for the next year, the center was also seeking $1,000 for a new computer, $800 for chairs for consultation rooms, $5,000 for a conference table and $17,000 to finish covering the costs of hiring a bilingual client resource specialist. By itself, those things would be a big ask. But they weren’t everything the organization sought from attendees of its annual fundraising banquet in the 4-H Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Legals for October, 28 2022
Thursday, October 27
Devils, Lions advance in 1B district tourney
MOSES LAKE – Wilson Creek, Soap Lake and Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School all played in the second round of the 1B District 6 Tournament Thursday night, with the Devils and Lions both advancing to next week’s semi-final round at Entiat. The No. 4 seed Devils faced off against the No. 5 seed Soap Lake Eagles to begin the tournament, with Wilson Creek earning a 3-1 win. “The girls knew it was do-or-die, pretty much,” Wilson Creek head coach Christa Christopherson said. “You either go and play the best that you can, or you go home.” Wilson Creek jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the match, winning the first set 25-17 and the second set 25-18. The Devils were able to jump out to early leads in both sets, leading by as much as seven in Set 1 and as much as eight in Set 2...
Samaritan approves wage increase, effective Sunday
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare employees, except hospital administrators and staff physicians, will receive a 3.5% raise, effective Oct. 30. Hospital commissioners approved a recommendation made by administrators at the regular commission meeting Tuesday. Steve Brooks, Samaritan’s chief human resources officer, said the raise will help retain current staff and make Samaritan a more attractive alternative in the search for employees. “We’re going to make sure we’re competitive with the local market,” he said. Brooks estimated the pay increase would cost Samaritan about $149,000 per month on an annualized basis. It would add up to about $1.8 million per year...
Boeing donates $5M to WSU for student success center
PULLMAN - Washington State University announced a $5 million investment from The Boeing Company to establish a new student success center in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture on WSU’s Pullman campus. “The impact of this generous commitment from Boeing is incalculable, accelerating the Voiland College’s ambitious plan to modernize its facilities to meet the current and future needs of WSU’s engineering and design students,” said WSU system president Kirk Schulz in the release. “We are grateful for Boeing’s remarkable investment and look forward to the Boeing Center for Student Success having a lasting impact on the academic experience and careers for generations of Voiland College students.” ...
Grant Co. emergency management coordinator talks safety, preparedness
SOAP LAKE - Emergency Management Specialist Kyle Foreman with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation about emergency preparedness in Soap Lake Wednesday evening to prompt residents to learn about emergencies they might encounter and how to be prepared for them. “Have an emergency plan,” Foreman said. “Know what they’re going to do if an emergency strikes.” The presentation had a small but curious crowd, who were engaged in knowing how to better prepare themselves and their families in case of an emergency. Foreman spoke about many important steps, tips and suggestions for people of different backgrounds, abilities and ages. “We encourage all citizens to be prepared and self-sufficient,” said Foreman...
New flag in Moses Lake
Moses Lake markes 40 with Yonezawa sister-city relationship
MOSES LAKE — There’s a new flag on display in the Moses Lake City Council chambers. During a regular meeting of the Moses Lake City Council on Tuesday, Ginny Hirai and Terry Moore, both members of the Moses Lake - Yonezawa Sister City Committee, formally unfurled a Yonezawa city flag that will now be on permanent display in Moses Lake City Hall. “I want to thank the city of Moses Lake for accepting this flag from our sister city Yonezawa, Japan,” Hirai told council members. “To have it displayed here in this room will have a special meaning too, and our future visitors from Japan will appreciate seeing it here.” ...
DEA sets prescription drug take back day
GRANT COUNTY — The Drug Enforcement Agency is encouraging people with old, expired or unused prescription drugs to bring them into their local police departments on Saturday, Oct. 29, as part of the agency’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The DEA, which is responsible for enforcing the nation’s federal drug laws, holds Take Back Days twice a year, according to an agency press release. During the last Take Back Day on April 22, the DEA said it collected more than 720,000 pounds of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medications. Since starting Drug Take Back Day in 2011, DEA said it has collected more than 15.9 million pounds — nearly 8,000 tons — of old and unneeded prescription drugs. The goal is to give people the opportunity to clean out medicine cabinets by giving them a safe and legal way to dispose of old and excess prescription drugs...
Q&A with Grant County Commissioner candidates
GRANT COUNTY - With the general election just days away, the Columbia Basin Herald submitted some follow-up questions to the candidates running for public office. Incumbent Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter and challenger Jeff Foster each got the same questions. Their answers are below and have been lightly edited for clarity and to fit in the available space. The Herald appreciates both candidates’ timely responses...
Collier off IR; Brown, Homer return to practice
SEATTLE – Seahawks defensive end L.J. Collier was activated off of Seattle’s injured reserve on Wednesday, and cornerback Tre Brown and running back Travis Homer both were designated to return to practice. Collier, who has an elbow injury, has been out since Seattle’s second preseason game against the Chicago Bears. The 2019 first-round pick out of TCU was designated to return to practice earlier this month but suffered a thumb injury which set him back. In Collier’s three seasons as a Seahawk, he has three sacks, 33 tackles and three passes defensed in 37 career games. Homer missed the previous four games with a rib injury that he suffered in Seattle’s loss to Atlanta on Sept. 25. Brown returns from the team’s physically unable to perform list after a knee injury from last season. Both Brown and Homer will not count toward Seattle’s 53-man roster until they are added to the active roster. Brown had elevated himself into a starting role with the Seahawks last season before his knee injury. In five games, the then-rookie out of Oklahoma had 10 total tackles and one pass defended. Homer is a former sixth-round pick out of Miami who had 16 yards on four carries in three games this season. The fourth-year veteran also has four catches for 33 yards this year.
New-look Cougs strive to push for NCAA tourney
SAN FRANCISCO – With all the turnover that the Cougars have faced this offseason, including bringing in six new players to replace four transfers, Efe Abogidi moving to the NBA’s G-League and Michael Flowers graduating, the Cougars remained excited about the upcoming season at Wednesday’s Pac-12 Media Day. “We talk about having great attitudes, working hard, guys having pride in being a Coug, and the group that's behind has done the same,” WSU head coach Kyle Smith said at Pac-12 Media Day on Wednesday. “We're just going to look a little different.” The Cougs lost their top-four scorers from a season ago, with Flowers graduation, guard Tyrell Roberts transferring to San Francisco, guard Noah Williams transferring to Washington and Agogidi in the G-League. “We're just a different team,” Smith said. “Despite our talent is different. We have a little bigger guards, I think. Our frontcourt is a little more skillful. I think our group's more skillful.” ...
Mavs look to break Big 9 tie
Moses Lake team works to recover from loss, prepare for ground-dominant Eastmont
MOSES LAKE – The 6-2 Mavericks return to Lions Field on Friday after a 41-35 road loss to West Valley (Yakima) last week, with the loss creating a three-way tie for the lead in the Columbia Basin Big 9 Conference. Joining Moses Lake with a 4-1 record in league play is Sunnyside, who the Mavericks defeated two weeks ago, and Eastmont, who they play on Friday. “Mondays suck after a loss, it is what it is,” Moses Lake head coach Brett Jay said. “You come in and it takes a while to shake it, and the only way to shake it is by getting back to work. We know that we feel the mistakes that were made were preventable by us playing our technique and our fundamentals better.” Freshman quarterback Brady Jay, Brett’s son, entered the game for the Mavericks on Friday, completing 15 of 27 passes for 172 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Senior quarterback Brock Clark, who also plays linebacker for the Mavericks, had two sacks against West Valley...
LETTER: Judges support Gigliotti for Superior Court Judge
Casting an informed vote in a judicial race is often challenging. Judges are required to be non-partisan and must refrain from making statements or promises that could compromise their ability to act as a neutral decision maker. Unless you know the candidates personally, or have the chance to watch them in court, it can be difficult to decide who to vote for...
Darrell J. Johnson
Darrell James Johnson, 70, lifetime Kittitas Valley resident, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family. Friends are invited to a drop-in reception on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the McIntosh Ranch outside of Ellensburg, bring your favorite Darrellism or story to write down and share with the family. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and Darrell will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery. Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Johnson and his family. You are invited to read his complete obituary and leave condolences for the family at www.johnston-williams.com.
Supporting Ben
Community steps up to help teen injured in car wreck
EPHRATA - After 17-year-old Ben Belino was injured in a wreck Oct. 10, the Columbia Basin community has stepped up to support Belino and his family. “It’s really overwhelming the support that we’re receiving from everybody,” said Ariel Belino, Ben’s father. “There are people that we don't know that know us (that have reached out and shown support) and we’re so thankful and grateful. It’s amazing how the community stepped up.” Ben was seriously injured when he was hit head-on while traveling on State Route 28 near Quincy. An oncoming car veered into Ben’s lane and hit him. The other driver died as a result and Ben was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.....
Legals for October, 27 2022
Wednesday, October 26
Soap Lake center to hold pancake fundraiser
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Community and Senior Center will be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser this Saturday. The fundraiser will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 121 Second Ave SE, and will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Soap Lake food bank holds Thanksgiving food drive
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Food Bank is holding a food drive for items it can use to provide a Thanksgiving meal to those it serves. According to a statement from the food bank, it serves on average 200 clients every week. The food bank’s service area includes Soap Lake, Marlin, Wilson Creek and Coulee City. The food bank is asking specifically for donations of instant potatoes, yams, beets, stuffing mix, cranberries, turkey or chicken broth, crispy fried onions, olives, pie filling, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups and evaporated milk. Items are needed by Nov. 22 and can be dropped off at the Soap Lake Food Bank, located at 325 Main Ave. E. The food bank is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and can also be reached at 509-246-0164 for any questions.
Preview: Cougars to take on No. 14 Utah, QB Rising
PULLMAN – Both No. 14 Utah and Washington State are coming off of bye weeks ahead of their Thursday night matchup in Pullman, something that allowed extra time for players and coaches on what would have been a short week. “We started last Wednesday, had a great practice in the snow on Saturday, and now we’re ready to go,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference Monday. Before the bye, the Utes defeated then-No. 7 USC in a 43-42 comeback win where quarterback Cameron Rising had a one-yard rushing touchdown to take the lead in the final minute. Rising, a two-year starter, is a dual-threat at the position with 1,855 yards and 15 touchdowns as a passer and 308 yards and six touchdowns as a runner. Against the Trojans, he threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns, adding 60 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. “This guy does it all,” Dickert said. “If they need to run him 20 times, he’ll do that and he’ll do it physically. If he needs to throw it 40 times, he’ll do it. If they need to (run a) play-action pass and run the ball, I think he can do that as well.”
Quincy seeks general contractor for hospital project
QUINCY — A request for proposals for a general contractor to build the new Quincy Valley Medical Center could be issued by early December. Joe Kunkel, the consultant working with hospital officials on the project, said whether or not the RFP goes out in December depends on approval of a district request to the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board. “This is a state agency that gives the opportunity to public agencies like yourself to use a construction management-general contractor approach in lieu of doing a hard bid,” Kunkel said. Normally a public works project is designed first, then is advertised for bid, Kunkel said. Quincy hospital district officials want to hire a general contractor to be part of the design process. “So they can help as you are (designing) this, they can do estimates throughout the project, they can do constructability reviews as your project is being designed,” he said.
Mavs fall to Wenatchee in final game of regular season
Moses Lake — The Moses Lake girls soccer team took a tough 1-0 loss to Wenatchee High School Tuesday night. It was senior night for the Moses Lake Mavericks and their last game of the regular season. “We’ve been working a lot in practice on little things that we’ve needed to correct this season and the puzzle pieces are starting to fall together,” said Head Coach Alysha Overland. Despite the hard work and several close drives to the goal by Moses Lake, with 19:30 left in the first half, Wenatchee’s Natalie Zacarias made a goal. The Mavs had several key stops that gave them the opportunity to attempt a comeback but were not able to follow through. The Mavs fell with a loss of 1-0 to Wenatchee.
ML City to acquire new water right
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council voted unanimously at a regular meeting on Tuesday to spend roughly $762,000 to acquire an irrigation water right for 50 acres located just north of the Port of Moses Lake. “That, unfortunately, is what water costs,” said City Council Member Mark Fancher. “I don’t think it’s a bad market price.” The council approved the purchase of the right, which comes from a shallow well and provides 220.9 acre-feet per year to 50 acres near the intersection of Stratford Road and Road 10 Northeast, as part of an ongoing effort to secure shallow well water rights to improve the city’s water supply and eventually reduce the amount of water the city draws from its deeper wells. City Engineer Richard Law said most of the city’s current wells are deep wells, drilled down into the basalt layer, and tap fossil water that is at least 10,000 years old and not being replenished. The shallower wells, which tap an aquifer just below the surface, were used extensively when the region was initially settled, but were replaced by the deeper wells because the quality of the deep water was better.
Knights girls soccer, volleyball celebrate senior nights
ROYAL CITY – Both the Royal girls soccer and volleyball teams honored their seniors on Tuesday night, with both teams facing La Salle in their final regular season home games of 2022. The Knights earned the win in girls soccer, defeating the Lightning 2-0. On the volleyball court, the Knights took RPI top-ten La Salle to five sets, eventually falling 3-2. “Any time you beat La Salle, I don’t care if they’re down, it makes no difference, we don’t get many of them,” Royal girls soccer head coach Jens Jensen said. “I think the girls that have scored on La Salle, that have scored in my time coaching, you could put on one hand. Tonight we got a goal from two seniors, on senior night.” Royal seniors Sam Fitzhugh and Ivy Delay both found the back of the net in the girls soccer win, with the goals being assisted by seniors as well. Delay assisted on Fitshugh’s goal, and Delay’s goal was assisted by senior Alondra Morales.
Police Logs for Oct. 27
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
LETTER: Why I support Anna Gigliotti for Superior Court judge
When I was in Family Court filing for divorce, Ms. Chlarson was the court commissioner (August 2009). She denied the protection order I asked for and rather than suggesting that my ex stay in our home in Soap Lake, she allowed him to live in the chapel building (not even a residence) on the cemetery grounds where I worked every day. I endured a 13-month reign of terror while he had access to me on a daily basis and could watch my every move. Ultimately, that access gave him the opportunity to attempt to take my life on as he had promised to do so many times (Sept. 26, 2010). Susan Freeman Moses Lake
Legals for October, 26 2022
Tuesday, October 25
Joyson seeks new lease from port
MOSES LAKE — Airbag explosive maker Joyson Safety Systems is asking the Port of Moses Lake for a new lease that would allow the company to sell its assets to a potential investor without needing port review, according to an attorney for the Port of Moses Lake. Seth Woolson, an attorney for the Bellingham-based law firm of Chmelik, Sitkin and Davis — the firm that represents the port — and port Director of Real Estate Carol Crapson told commissioners at a regular meeting Monday morning that the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based automotive safety manufacturer is considering selling its physical assets to a real estate management company in order to have cash on hand to improve and expand current operations...
Drivers urged to prepare for winter weather
OLYMPIA — Drivers can start installing studded tires on vehicles Nov. 1. The Washington State Department of Transportation said in a press release that studded tires are legal through March 31. All-weather tires without studs are legal year-round. Drivers should start preparing for bad weather before the snow starts to pile up, the press release said. Department of Transportation Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin wrote in the press release that WSDOT crews are prepared for winter conditions, but that drivers need to be ready also...
Bolton and Smith named to Jerry West Preseason Watch List
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Gonzaga's Rasir Bolton and Malachi Smith were named to the Jerry West Award Watch List Tuesday. Named after Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player Jerry West, the annual honor in its ninth year recognizes the top shooting guards in Division I men's college basketball. A national committee of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates.
Eagles season comes to a close against Vandals
Eastern Washington women's soccer played its final match of the 2022 season on Sunday against Idaho. After the score was even at halftime, the Vandals scored in the second half to get the 2-1 win over the Eagles.
Basin sports schedule Oct. 27-Nov. 1
Several district championships are beginning this week around the Basin as the fall sports season enters its final weeks. 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.
Fundraising raffle underway for Quincy PD’s Cops & Kids
QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is sponsoring a fundraising raffle and accepting donations for the department program that works to make the holiday season brighter for families in need. The winners in the QPD “Cops & Kids” raffle will be announced Nov. 3. Jazzlynn Silva, a detective with QPD and one of the organizers, said the department provides Thanksgiving meals for families as well as assisting the families at Christmas. “We aim to help eight to 10 (families),” Silva said. “It all depends on the money that we raise.”.....
RECAP: Seahawks win second straight, Kraken goaltending struggles
SEATTLE – Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks continued to prove doubters wrong on Sunday, and the Seattle Kraken continue on in their early season. Read along for recaps of both the Seahawks and Kraken from the past week.
Hay exports face pandemic recovery
Anderson CEO sells hay while the sun shines
ELLENSBURG — Agriculture exports for the state of Washington are in flux with some crops declining and others, such as apples and hay have climbed the value ladder. According to figures recently published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2021 apple exports totaled nearly $2.2 billion, up 4.3% from apple exports in 2020, and roughly one-fifth of the total value of state farm product exports of $10.2 billion. While a few farm commodities posted increases in 2021 from the previous year’s levels — the value of cattle and calf exports rose 13.6%, hop exports rose 8.4% — the USDA reported the value of most of the state’s farm exports fell in 2021, some by a little — the value of potato exports fell 5.4% — while wheat exports fell by a whopping 20.2%. That likely reflects 2021’s drought-ravaged wheat harvest, which fell 48% to 87.2 million bushels from 166.2 million in 2020, according to a USDA report published in January 2020....
Larry Dale Ploghoft
September 4, 1944 - August 8, 2022
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Dale Ploghoft on August 8th, 2022, in Bellingham, WA, after a difficult but short battle with cancer. He was 78 years old. At the time of his passing, Larry was a resident of Blaine, Washington. A memorial service will take place in November in Moses Lake, WA, which will be his final resting place. Larry was born in Bellingham, Washington on September 4th, 1944, to Mary Sheerer (Johnson) and Dale Ploghoft. He was raised in Bellingham and attended Bellingham schools. He married Judy Montague on July 20th,1963, in Moses Lake, WA, and they had two children, Brian and Mark. They were married for 59 years...
Frank M. Gleason
May 2, 1947 – October 9, 2022
Frank M. Gleason, 75, was born in Ellensburg, Washington, May 2, 1947, to Earl and Hazel (Blinston) Gleason. After a long battle with IPF (lung disease), he passed away at home on October 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. Frank attended Kittitas High School where he graduated in 1965. He signed up for the draft and enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas from 1966 to 1968. He later moved to Moses Lake in 1977 where he worked for Boeing, Basic American, Busby, Lamb Weston and he did heating and air conditioning on his own time. Most recently he worked for Western Polymer where he retired in 2017, working maintenance...
LETTER: Grant County Deputy Sheriff's Association endorses Gigliotti
The Grant County Deputy Sheriff’s Association has voted to endorse Anna Gigliotti for Superior Court Judge. She is best candidate for the position with her experience in prosecution, defense, civil practice, and her time on the bench. Judge Gigliotti currently is one of our Superior Court judges who works with Judge Hill. Judges Gigliotti and Hill have worked together to provide the Deputies with accessibility to the bench whenever search warrants are being requested....
Legals for October, 25 2022
Monday, October 24
‘Aquifer rescue mission’
Leaders discuss water management in Columbia Basin
MOSES LAKE - A dozen leaders from across the Columbia Basin and Washington State came together in Moses Lake Monday morning to have a roundtable discussion about water management issues facing Columbia Basin growers and included the Columbia Basin Project and the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program. “We need to figure out which one of these avenues are the best,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D–Wash.). Points of conversation were about the importance of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, which was called an “aquifer rescue mission” by Columbia Basin Development League Executive Director Sara Higgins...
Local sports recap Oct. 17-22
COLUMBIA BASIN – Another week of high school athletics has wrapped up in the Basin, with many teams now preparing to make runs to state tournaments. Read along for updates on each team in the Basin, complete with results and win-loss records.
Basin Sports Gallery Oct. 17-22
Check out photos from some of this week’s sporting events, including Moses Lake, Warden, Royal, Wilson Creek and Lind-Ritzville.
Timme back as No. 2 Gonzaga seeks elusive national title
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Drew Timme wasn't ready to grow up, at least not without giving it one more shot at bringing an elusive national title to Gonzaga. "My heart's in Spokane," Timme said. "And I wasn't ready to be an adult yet, I guess."
MLPD seeks aid in identifying reckless cyclist
MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying the suspect in this photo. MLPD reports that the motorcyclist has been seen multiple times attempting to bait officers into chasing them while riding an dirt bike with distinctive white handles. Due to state law, officers have been unable to pursue the suspect who they say is driving in a reckless manner. A similar situation earlier this year ended in the death of another rider who was riding recklessly in a nearby jurisdiction. Evading officers is a felony offense. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call MLPD at 509-764-3887 and reference case 22ML16491.
LETTER: I’m just saying
When you are getting ready to mark your ballot for Superior Court judge, consider the following: Melissa Chlarson was born in Grant County, grew up in Grant County and, after graduating from Gonzaga Law School, has practiced law here in Grant County for the past 20 years, including eight-plus years on the bench as a court commissioner in both District and Superior court.
LETTER: Chlarson right choice for Superior Court
I have known Melissa Chlarson for over 30 years and I am proud to support her as our county’s next Superior Court judge. Melissa and I both grew up in the Columbia Basin and attended Moses Lake High School together. Years later we graduated from Gonzaga Law School and started our legal careers as young associate attorneys in the same law firm in Moses Lake.
LETTER: Judges endorse Melissa Chlarson
We are both judges, and we collectively have in excess of 60 years of experience as lawyers and judges. Based on our years of experience, we have both reached the same conclusion, which is that Melissa Chlarson is the better choice for the Grant County Superior Court.
LETTER: Support for Joey Kriete for Grant County Sheriff
With ballots being delivered in the mail this week, I would like to express my support and endorsement of Joey Kriete for Grant County Sheriff and share what I have learned about his character that I believe makes him a great candidate for sheriff.
Mary Helen Vasquez
Mary Helen Vasquez, 68, of Royal City died Oct. 19, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Washington. She was born July 11, 1954, in Moses Lake to Gilbert and Stella Vasquez. Mary was preceded in death by her father on Dec. 29, 2014, and her mother on Sept. 11, 2000. Surviving family members are two sisters Eloise and Roseann, both of Royal City; one brother Joseph (sister-in-law Kathy), one niece and two nephews, five great-nieces and two great-nephews, all of Ephrata; and many godchildren. Always with a camera at all family get-togethers making loving memories with all her photos, she was life and loved by all. She graduated with the Royal High Knights in 1973. She became a one-time caregiver and vineyard worker, and taught for Royal Red Rock Elementary for 27 years. She also taught religious ed for Holy Communion and Confirmation for 30-plus years.
Jose ‘Joe’ Agbisit
Joe Agbisit of Moses Lake went home to the Lord on Oct. 18, 2022. He was born Sept. 17, 1934, in Billings, Montana. When he was a young boy his parents and two sisters moved to Washington and settled in the Yakima Valley and turned to farming, raising vegetables for market. Joe attended school and graduated high school in Wapato, Washington. He was a member of the FFA club and farmed on his own, receiving many awards for his achievements. He was very active in the Filipino-American community in Wapato.
Brass quintet performs in Moses Lake Thursday
MOSES LAKE — Selections from the classical brass repertoire come to Moses Lake Oct 27 when the group Seraph Brass performs in concert. The five-woman ensemble will take the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wallenstien Theater on the Big Bend Community College campus. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association. It’s the second of the association’s four concerts for the season. The CBCAA returned to the Wallenstien Theater after a year away while the space was being renovated...
Pet of the Week: Bossy Boots
This is Bossy Boots. He is a ridge dog who has completed his training, knows how to walk on a leash, basic commands and is house trained. He plays well with other dogs and people and enjoys playtime. He isn’t fond of cats at all, but is up to date on all of his vaccinations and is looking for a family that will love him like crazy. For more information on Bossy Boots or any of his friends at Adams County Pet Rescue, call 509-488-5514. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello. Information is available online at www.adamscountypetrescue.com.
Veterinarian gives advice on what not to feed pets
Fall and winter holiday celebrations often include festive eats and treats—Halloween and candy are synonymous, as are Thanksgiving and turkey. As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember that increased candy and other holiday foods in the home may be cause for paw-se for pet parents. Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor of telehealth at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says there are several foods people should avoid giving their pets, but especially any foods containing xylitol...
Wahluke SD works to plug gaps with ‘Warrior Friday’
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District officials are using four days throughout the school year dedicated to classes, activities and games to help students fill some of the gaps left by the Covid-19 pandemic. The first “Warrior Friday” for the 2022-23 school year was held last week. District Superintendent Andy Harlow said it’s voluntary for children and staff members. It attracted a significant number of students and staff, he said. “Our students had activities like math Fear Factor, where they practiced solving math problems and had to look for the answers in mystery boxes,” wrote Lucy Tapia, district communications director. “(Other activities included) camp counseling, where students practiced reading with their counselors, math races, knowledge escape rooms, and more.” Elementary and junior high students did math and science through cooking lessons and ran obstacle courses in the gym. Wahluke High School students spent some time on special projects. Three additional Warrior Fridays are planned in January, March and May, Tapia wrote.
Legals for October, 24 2022
Sunday, October 23
Fire destroys Wilbur-Ellis fertilizer plant
MOSES LAKE - Sunday afternoon a building at the Wilbur-Ellis fertilizer and blending facility, located at 14903 Road 1.3 Southeast, caught fire and burned to the ground. “This facility is not very old and they built it specifically to where it is 100% wood construction so that it doesn’t have any corrosion issues with the fertilizer,” said Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Robert Horst. “Fertilizer will corrode metal so they built it 100% wood so that's why it went (up in flames) so fast and so quick. One, because of all of the fertilizer but two, because of being 100% wood construction.” Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said a call about black smoke coming from the elevator was placed at about 3:15 p.m...
Saturday, October 22
Strong court communication leads Devils to 3-1 win
WILSON CREEK – Coming off a 3-1 win over Pateros on Thursday, the Wilson Creek Devils used their on-court communication skills to bounce back after a first-set loss to defeat Riverside Christian 3-1 on Saturday. The Devils, 6-6 in league play, now prepare for a win-and-in game against Soap Lake on Thursday. “They realized that they knew they were capable of more,” Wilson Creek head coach Christa Christopherson said. Christopherson said that the Devils missed hits and serves in the first set, along with having a sense of miscommunication that led to Riverside Christian taking Set 1 25-16. “We came out slow, I don’t know what it was,” Christopherson said. “Maybe it’s because we played on Saturday, and we’ve never played in a Saturday game. We just did not come out with any sort of spark or fire.” ...
One dies in Moses Lake fire
MOSES LAKE – Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison has identified Rosalind Dickinson, 53, of Moses Lake as the victim of a house fire at 8927 Craw Lane in the Larson community, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “Dickinson’s remains will undergo an autopsy, which is a normal procedure. Her next of kin has been notified,” the statement read...
Mavericks host Big 9 tourney
One loss and one win as Moses Lake claws its way to 4A state tournament
MOSES LAKE – Hosting the Columbia Basin Big 9 district championship, the Moses Lake Mavericks lost to West Valley (Yakima) in the district title game 20-11 before defeating Davis 18-2 and advancing to the 4A state tournament. “That first game was disappointing,” Moses Lake head coach Mike Hofheins said. “You got to give credit to West Valley, they came out swinging. They just had hit, after hit, after hit.” The Rams certainly did come out swinging as Hofheins said, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning on RBIs by senior Haley Betterton, sophomore Maris Barbee and senior Sam Ostriem. Moses Lake answered with two runs of its own in the bottom of the second with RBI singles by junior Emmie Olsen and senior Jadelyn Balderas to make it 5-2. “When a team’s hot like that, that’s the kind of game you have to win 21-20,” Hofheins said. “Our bats weren’t hot.” ...
Tigers grab 20-17 win in OT
Final hustle on the field changes rough pass to victory against Mustangs
EPHRATA — With the game in overtime, the Prosser Mustangs leading 17-14 and the Ephrata Tigers down to their last couple of chances, Ephrata quarterback Travis Hendrick took the snap. The football bounced away on the wet turf. Kiwanis Field was in pandemonium, players from both teams were scrambling for the ball, but Hendrick got there first. He scooped up the ball, ran out to the left and threw downfield. Running back Hudson Sager was in the end zone and caught the pass for a touchdown and a 20-17 overtime win for Ephrata. “It wasn’t the perfect throw, but (Sager) made the perfect catch,” Hendrick said after the game. “... I just try to keep calm.” ...
Area tech companies receive fed grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Energy announced last week that Sila Nanotechnologies and Group14 Technologies will each receive $100 million grants to build silicon battery manufacturing facilities in Moses Lake under a program established as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. According to a press release from Sen. Maria Cantwell, both Woodinville-based Group14 and Alameda, California-based Sila Nanotechnologies will receive the grants under the Energy Department’s new Battery Materials Processing and Battery Component Manufacturing and Recycling Program. Both companies have developed proprietary technologies to use silicon in the anodes of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to improve their capacity and the speed at which they can be charged. “The historic investment Congress made over the past two years are helping solve the next-generation battery storage technology challenge right here in Washington,” Cantwell said in the press release. “These two cutting edge companies will not only use domestically sourced materials to make electric vehicles more affordable, they will be creating hundreds of high-paying jobs that will help transform Moses Lake into an epicenter of clean manufacturing.” ...
Mattawa council delays annexation vote again
MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council may decide whether or not to annex 40 acres of property into the city at its Dec. 8 meeting. Council members voted to continue the annexation application process to Dec. 8 at the regular meeting Thursday. The vote was 5-1, with council member Alex Heredia voting no. “I would ask that we make sure we stay to that date (for a decision), if at all possible,” Heredia said during the discussion before the vote. The annexation proposal was discussed at the Oct. 6 meeting, but council members delayed a vote after asking for more information. Rachelle Bradley of SCJ Alliance, the city’s planners, requested that the council delay the decision until Dec. 8 to allow planners to gather the information. Previously Bradley had recommended approving the application with the stipulation that an agreement be negotiated between the city and CAD Homes, the company requesting annexation...
Knights smash College Place
Success in all three phases leads to 69-0 win
ROYAL CITY – The Royal Knights got it done in all three phases of the game in their 69-0 win on senior night over College Place Friday night, scoring on offense, defense and special teams. “You never know how it’s going to go, but it’s always nice to see the returns and obviously the defense played well,” Royal head coach Wiley Allred said. The Knights were up 14-0 before the offense even took the field, courtesy of senior receiver Edgar Delarosa’s two punt return touchdowns. “It feels good, it sets the tone pretty high,” Delarosa said. “It set the expectation that we just gotta get to it every single play, and I feel like that set the bar pretty high.” ...
Grant Co. voters have minor ballot adjustment
EPHRATA —Voters in Grant County are going to have to do a little more work in order to vote thanks to an error made in preparing this November’s ballots, according to Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund...
STUDIO BASIN: Scam avoidance and running the distance...
For this week’s Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller, Senior Reporter Charles Featherstone and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona are joined by Logan Hickle, communications manager for the non-profit private organization, the Better Business Bureau, to talk about the BBB’s Scam Tracker report and website (www.bbb.org/scamtracker/) and the bureau’s upcoming online scam report. Hickle talked about the history of the BBB, that the organization was created to promote ethical business practices and help businesses meet the BBB’s eight standards of trust. He also said consumers who are concerned they might be scammed either online by a physical business can both look up scam efforts, report scams to the bureau — which works with law enforcement agencies — and always take time and do some research before responding to so-called urgent solicitations...
Friday, October 21
Washington hopes to take another step toward top of Pac-12
SEATTLE (AP) — By the end of last season, Washington coach Mike Hopkins believed the Huskies were on an upward trajectory. Washington won 11 conference games — the second-most by the Huskies in the previous 10 seasons — and finished tied for fifth in the Pac-12.
Washington State looks to build on best season in a decade
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Washington State had its best season in a decade last year, but coach Kyle Smith lost most of that team to graduations and transfers. No problem, Smith has recruited another deep roster of talented players for his fourth campaign on the Palouse.
Defenses under scrutiny when Chargers host Seahawks
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even though Sunday's matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Chargers features plenty of offensive weapons, Pete Carroll and Brandon Staley want to see if their defenses can put two solid games together.
Produce stands fill local niches
OTHELLO/QUINCY — Nature is said to abhor a vacuum; agriculture definitely does. Two produce stands, one in Othello and the other in Quincy, show how farmers saw a niche in the market and fashioned a product – a similar product, but not the same – to fill it. Pam Schmidt said her family’s Sunny Farms Fruit Stand, 2050 E. Main St., Othello, serves mostly local customers. “We get to do a lot of visiting, a lot of talking. We know our customers very well,” Schmidt said. White Trail Produce, 10024 Road U NW, Quincy, is located just off Highway 28, a main route to and from Wenatchee. Alejandra Toevs said the family fruit stand gets a lot of customers who are in transit.
Janie M. Ruiz
Janie M. Ruiz was born on Dec. 26,1951, in Edinburg, Texas to Elvira Burciaga and Alberto Morales. After a short battle with lung cancer, she died on Oct. 2, 2022, at Vallejo, California. There are not enough words to describe our beautiful sister Janie. She will be remembered as a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and G-Mom. She was a passionate pet lover and faithful to her parakeet Mr. Blue, cats Baby Girl and Baby and her late dog Chiquita. She had an amazing green thumb and could grow just about anything. Her “yard” was filled with colorful and fragrant plants and flowers such as jasmine, roses, cactuses and tropical plants. It was her private paradise. She had a great artistic talent with drawing and sewing. She could paint something and make it beautiful and colorful. She was an amazing seamstress and made her daughter’s clothes and elaborate Halloween costumes. She sewed her brother Benny’s eighth-grade promotion suit.
“The whole thing was fun”
Gathering raises money for Youth Dynamics
MOSES LAKE — Skylar McKinsey is one of the reasons over 200 people gathered in the 4-H Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds last Saturday. “Youth Dynamics is where kids get together and we all can have fun times together, or play games or offline games,” the 13-year-old McKinsey said. It’s not just that, he said. It’s also the summer trips — time in the wilderness, away from the world, going down a river or hiking or, as McKinsey noted, riding an inner tube down a huge hill. “It was very fun,” he said. “The whole thing was fun.” The gathering, according to Youth Dynamics Moses Lake Director Sean Sallis, was to raise money for those activities — the camping, the hiking, the river rafting, the downhill tubing, all the “very fun” things Youth Dynamics does — and according to Sallis, the Saturday banquet and auction is the organization’s primary fundraiser for the year, with all of the proceeds going to support Youth Dynamics’ outdoor ministries. “All this activity here, all these generous people that are here, the funds from this event go directly to general operations, adventure trips and special projects,” he said. Zero money goes to salaries. Our staff within the ministry raise their own support.” ...
Lnenicka recognized for certification accomplishment
EPHRATA – Ephrata City Clerk Leslie Trachsler, left, presents Carrie Lnenicka, Deputy City Clerk for the city, with her certificate for becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk as well as a pin. Lnenicka has been working on her certification since 2019.
Hearing aids to be available over-the-counter
Starting Monday, consumers will be able to buy hearing aids directly off store shelves and at dramatically lower prices as a 2017 federal law finally takes effect. Where for decades it cost thousands of dollars to get a device that could be purchased only with a prescription from an audiologist or other hearing professional, now a new category of over-the-counter aids are selling for hundreds of dollars. Walmart says it will sell a hearing aid for as little as $199. The over-the-counter aids are intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss — a market of tens of millions of people, many of whom have until now avoided getting help because devices were so expensive...
Legals for October, 21 2022
Thursday, October 20
Maverick volleyball celebrates senior night, falls to Davis
MOSES LAKE – Outside of the result of the Mavericks’ 3-2 loss to Davis on Thursday night, Moses Lake volleyball celebrated its seniors who had given years to the program. “Some of these girls we’ve had for years whether it was club or middle school,” Moses Lake head coach Krystal Trammell said. “Some of them we’ve had since they were 10 or 11 years old, so it was emotional, for sure.” Entering the gym were poster boards with photos of the soon-to-be graduating players, a picture booth with 2023 balloons and more. “It was a lot of fun,” Trammell said. “Our moms did a fantastic job. We had a photo area, they decorated the whole gym. They brought in boards for the girls.” ...
Mavs face Davis on the court
Moses Lake senior Sydney Macdonald serves to open the Maverick's matchup again Davis on Thursday night. Check out columbiabasinherald.com for full coverage of the game Friday morning.
Moses Lake man sentenced for drug, weapons charges
SPOKANE — A Moses Lake man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell. Guillermo Valdez, 34, was sentenced Tuesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. On April 20 he pled guilty to two counts of possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamines with intent to sell and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm...
Tater truck overturns at roundabout
OTHELLO — A major intersection on S.R. 24 south of Othello was blocked for several hours on Thursday after a semitractor-trailer overturned while traversing the roundabout with Bench Road and spilled its load of potatoes. According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Collin Cumaravel, driver Narcisco Cruz-Merida was driving a truck pulling a large trailer and a second pup trailer when the pup trailer tipped as he was crossing the roundabout, became unbalanced and rolled over...
New bathrooms going in at Grant Co. Fairgrounds
MOSES LAKE — The framing is up for a new bathroom and storage area in the space between the commercial and 4-H buildings at the Grant County Fairgrounds. Tom Gaines, Grant County Central Services Director, said completion is scheduled for January. Project cost will be about $1.6 million, he said, but that’s paying for more than a bathroom. The design has to tie together two buildings of different sizes, he said. “There’s a lot going on there,” Gaines said...
RDO celebrates new location
Local repair shop built from the ground up to meet demand
MOSES LAKE — RDO Equipment may have moved into its new location on N. Frontage Road at the end of May, but Store Manager Jacob Garza said the company wanted to wait a bit before formally celebrating its grand opening. “We waited just to get a better grasp of filling people and being more prepared, and having the parts on hand and everything to support the customers, really,” Garza said. The facility, which replaces the company’s cramped building located on S. Pioneer Drive in Moses Lake, is huge — 31,000 square feet with over 6,000 square feet devoted to spare parts storage, and 10 drive-in repair bays, including one with a giant, 50-foot door that will allow for even the biggest of combine harvest heads to enter for repairs...
A little R&R
Cougars look to rest, refocus over bye week
PULLMAN – Coming off of back-to-back losses to enter the bye week, the Washington State Cougars will look to rest and learn from mistakes before a home matchup against Utah next week. “We still got a lot to play for,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said in a press conference Thursday. “We want to extend our season, and that’s something that we’re out here preparing for each and every day.” Dickert said after Thursday’s practice that the team is off until Saturday afternoon for a light practice before preparation begins for No. 15 Utah...
Othello’s ground game leads to high-scoring win streak
Huskies 6-1 record a credit to player dedication
OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies have been lighting up the scoreboards as of late, averaging close to 56 points per game in their previous four matchups against Selah, Grandview, Prosser and Ellensburg. “We all bought in, I think we all think we can go far in state,” sophomore offensive lineman Mason Perez said. “Everyone’s been working really hard and bringing a lot more effort into it.” Othello, 6-1, has used their ground-and-pound style of offense to propel themselves into first place in the Central Washington Athletic Conference with two weeks remaining in the regular season...
Othello Food Bank receives donation
OTHELLO – Sharon Hampton presents a check for $300 for the Othello Food Bank from Beta Lambda. Also pictured are Facility Manager Jose Garza for the Food Bank and President Adam Janes.
Police logs for Oct. 20
The entries below were submitted by the indicated law enforcement agency. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...
Care Fair scheduled for Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — People will be able to learn about the services offered through a number of local nonprofit agencies at the Care Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Youth Dynamics, 106 E. 3rd Ave., Moses Lake. Organizer Michele Boetger, director of Care Moses Lake, wrote in a press release that the event is designed to make connections. “Care Fair is bringing together local non-profits and service organizations so they can share their message with the community,” Boetger wrote. “Attendees can learn more about them and how they can show their support.”
Legals for October, 20 2022
Wednesday, October 19
2 locals added to ag hall of fame
MOSES LAKE - Members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce gathered at Pillar Rock Grill Tuesday evening for the organization’s annual meeting which included the induction of Mike Laplant and Frank Martinez into the Grant County Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. “The Moses Lake Area Agricultural Hall of Fame was formed in the year 2010 to recognize and honor distinguished individuals that have made significant contributions to the ag industry in our community in the Greater Moses Lake Area,” said incoming Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce board chair and Grant County Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan before the awards were presented. Peter Dufault with the Grant County Farm Bureau gave out the awards to the two honorees after describing their contributions to agriculture in the region...
Moses Lake Cross Country hosts Big 9
MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School Cross Country team hosted the Big 9 at Blue Heron Park Tuesday for their last league meet before districts. The MLHS boys team took second in the meet to West Valley, while the MLHS girls team took third, behind West Valley and first place Wenatchee. Districts are set for Oct. 27 at Franklin Park in Yakima...
New officer joins Quincy PD
Quincy City Council approves additional SROs
QUINCY — Emily Pratt said she’s always been interested in helping the community, and being a police officer is the way she wants to do that. Pratt was sworn in as the newest Quincy Police Department officer at the regular Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday. “I’m very excited,” Pratt said about starting her new job. Quincy Police Chief Keith Siebert said Pratt started her field training with QPD Monday. Pratt said she worked for two years as a corrections deputy at the Chelan County Regional Jail in Wenatchee before applying for the position with QPD. Community service was something that always attracted her, she said, and joinin QPD gives her a chance to act on that ambition. “It’s a dream that I’ve had since I was very young,” she said...
Royal dog park fundraising complete
ROYAL CITY - Kristi Jenks, 10, of Royal City, accepts a check for $3,000 toward the Royal City dog park project from Northwest Farm Credit Services at a special assembly at Royal Intermediate School on Sept. 26. The donation brought the total Kristi had raised to $7,900, Heather said. On Monday, the Jenks family received a phone call from the Grant County Humane Society pledging another $15,000, which put the project over the top. Any money left over will be used for improvements to the park such as extra benches and trees, Heather said.
Red Leafs, #7 Vikings, await Wildcats in pivotal GNAC road trip
Burnaby, B.C. - The Wildcats face a key road trip in their quest for a GNAC championship berth. Currently sitting in 6th place, one game back from Simon Fraser and Western Oregon, the 'Cats need to close out the season strong in order to break into the top four and compete in GNAC postseason play. The Wildcats travel to Burnaby, B.C., and Bellingham, Washington, this week to face Simon Fraser and seventh-ranked Western Washington. Simon Fraser is 3-6-5 overall, and 2-5-3 in GNAC play. Earlier this season the teams battled for a 3-3 draw in Ellensburg, WA. On the day, Jordan Bartlow, Cassidie Andrews, and Kayla Gout, each scored for the Crimson and Black...
Washington pro sports recap: Mariners out, Seahawks lock it in, Kraken wind up
SEATTLE – A memorable season ended for the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, with their hopes at an ALCS appearance vanishing after a 1-0 loss to the Houston Astros in an 18-inning game over the weekend. Read below for what happened in that game, along with recaps for the Seahawks and Kraken. Mariners What a season it was for the Seattle Mariners – the team was 29-39 in the middle of June and turned it around into the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 21 seasons. After the many highlights, including the emergence of outfielder Julio Rodríguez, a 15-game win streak to close out the first half and so many more, it came to a sour end with a sweep in the ALDS to the division rival Houston Astros. The ALDS was about as close as a sweep could get, with Seattle having chances to win in each game. Game 1 ended with a walk-off, three-run home run by Houston’s Yordan Alvarez to give the Astros an 8-7 win. Game 2 saw Alvarez hit another crucial home run, this time a two-run homer to snatch the lead away from the Mariners, one they never reclaimed. Game 3, however, lasted as long as the first two games combined...
Basin sports schedule for Oct. 20-25
Check out this week’s local high school sports schedule, as many teams fight to push ahead before some district competitions begin next week around the Basin. Thursday, Oct. 20 ACH volleyball vs Odessa - 6 p.m. Ephrata girls soccer vs Ellensburg - 6 p.m. Ephrata volleyball at East Valley (Yakima) - 6:30 p.m. Moses Lake volleyball vs Davis - 7 p.m. MLCA/CCS volleyball at Easton - 6 p.m. Othello girls soccer vs Grandview - 6 p.m. Quincy girls soccer at Omak - 5:30 p.m. Quincy volleyball at Omak - 6:30 p.m...
Rock and a high place
Area offers variety of climbing options for climbing enthusiasts
GRANT CO. - For those who enjoy climbing, there are a few places in Grant County that might be familiar to them or interest them in a visit. “Especially when we meet people who have really traveled to get here and we get to say ‘oh, this is in our backyard, this is our gym, this is where we go’,” Michelle Koch said of rock climbing at Frenchman Coulee. “We’re very lucky.” Frenchman Coulee, located off Old Vantage Highway about eight miles from George, is a popular spot in the summer for rock climbers of all levels and from across the state...
Legals for October, 19 2022
Tuesday, October 18
Broncos hit 10-2 record with win over Davenport
RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna/Harrington volleyball team improved to 10-2 on the year with a 3-1 win over the Davenport Gorillas Tuesday night. The Broncos scored on 10 consecutive serves by senior Taylor Galbreath to take a sizeable lead in the fourth set en route to the team’s 3-1 win over the visiting Gorillas. “Having a big momentum run like that is huge,” Galbreath said. “It isn’t just me, I didn’t ace every point, obviously. It took our team to keep fighting every time and not letting the ball hit the ground.” The team came into Tuesday’s match riding a four-game win streak, with their last loss coming on Oct. 3 on the road to Upper Columbia Academy. With a league record of 5-1, the Broncos continue to push toward the top spot in the Northeast 2B league...
Moses Lake company fined for safety violations
TUMWATER — A company in Moses Lake has been hit with $192,620 in fines for safety and health violations, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Two Rivers Terminal LLC, which has plants in Pasco and Umatilla as well as in Moses Lake, was cited for 46 serious and 17 general safety and health violations, according to the release. L&I inspectors found 13 violations relating to confined space entry rules due to workers entering railcar hoppers, the release said. The employees were going in the hoppers to break up and dislodge ammonium nitrate without appropriate safety precautions.
Single car collision sends one to hospital
MOSES LAKE — A Monday evening collision temporarily shut down the on-ramp to the freeway at Exit 179 in Moses Lake and sent one passenger to the hospital. According to information from Washington State Patrol spokesperson Jeremy Weber, a car was traveling eastbound on Interstate 90 Monday evening and entered the off-ramp at Exit 179 to connect to state Route 17.
Othello man arrested for rape of a child
OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked into the Adams County Jail Monday on suspicion of first-degree rape of a child. Edgar Fermin Sales-Andres, 27, was arrested following an investigation into a report of child abuse involving a 3-year-old, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The child’s mother, Juana Santos-Gutierrez, 37, Othello was arrested on suspicion of first-degree rendering criminal assistance.
Grant County PUD 2023 budget includes recommended rate increase
EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners will consider a 3% overall rate increase for 2023, followed by a 2.5% increase in 2024 and a proposed 2% increase in 2025. That’s the recommendation of the PUD’s staff, presented to the commissioners at a budget hearing Oct. 11. Utility district rates have remained unchanged since 2019. John Mertlich, senior manager of financial planning and analysis, said the 3% rate increase next year, decreasing to 2.5% in 2024, best fits the PUD’s long-term goal of predictable rate increases, while taking into account the impact of inflation. And inflation is having a big impact.....
Sports schedule for Oct. 20-25
Check out this week’s local high school sports schedule, as many teams fight to push ahead before some district competitions begin next week around the Basin.
Mavericks swim and dive girls at 6-0
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake girls swim and dive team has gone a perfect 6-0 in league play, pushing the Mavericks to a regular season championship in the sport. Coming up for the Mavericks are the Big Nine championships Thursday and district championship Oct. 27 at home before the state meet on Nov. 9 and 10. For results from Moses Lake’s win over Sunnyside and West Valley last week, see below. In the 200-yard medley, Julia Heaps, Kathryn DuVall, Aniston Dana and Issabelle Parrish took first with a combined time of 1:58.28. The Mavericks took second in the event as well, with Lydia Jensen, Bria Bodenman, Makhaela Parrish and Madeline O’Neil combining for a time of 2:07.20.
'It's not a love story but it's a story about love’
Masquers to present ‘gut-wrenching’ musical starting this weekend
SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater will be presenting their first musical since the pandemic with “Once on this Island.” The play opens at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the theater, 322 E. Main Ave., Soap Lake. “I love the music and I love the characters but this story is timeless,” co-director Clifford Bresee said. “It’s full of foreshadowing. It's not a love story but it's a story about love.” “Once on this Island” tells the story of......
Warden falls in four to Walla Walla Valley Academy
WARDEN — The Warden volleyball team put up a tough fight against the Walla Walla Valley Academy Knights Monday evening but fell in a tight four sets. “Our girls didn’t come out with the right energy that they needed on our home court and WWVA definitely came out with the energy and it showed,” said Warden Head Coach Shanna Golladay. From the start, the Warden Cougars seemed to struggle to find their groove. In set one, WWVA scored two points before Warden could get on the board. When Warden returned the favor with two points, the Knights bit back with six consecutive points. Though the Cougars tried to work their way to catch up, they just couldn’t quite get there and fell in the first set 17-25.
Tiger volleyball looks to rebound to winning ways
EPHRATA — With a 2021 state tournament appearance under its belt, the 2022 Ephrata volleyball team will look to fall back on its early season success as the season enters its final stretch.
Rebecca 'Becci' Ann Jones
Rebecca "Becci" Ann Jones, 57, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Rebecca was born Feb. 16, 1965, to Clifford and Carol Spenst in Hillsboro, Oregon. She graduated high school from Methow Valley Christian Academy in 1983 and attended Treasure Valley Community College after. She had many passions in life, including her love for animals. She was known in her younger age for riding horses and directing the Grant County Animal Shelter for 11 years. She cared for others by doing foster care and adult caregiving for many years. Rebecca truly found life's simple pleasures through friends, family, nature and her lifelong love for laughter and being a jokester. She had a deep love for the cabin she and her husband built together.
Robert P. Flores
Robert P. Flores passed away at home Oct. 10, 2022. He was born Jan. 23, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Jose and Frances Flores (Zaragoza). Robert graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1968. He was inducted into the Army Sept. 18, 1969 until Sept. 1, 1971, and was proud of his time in the Army. He served as a nurse during the Vietnam era. He was stationed in Germany and traveled many countries while serving as a liaison. Robert worked as a commercial vehicle inspector for the Washington State Patrol for over 20 years.
Joel Hobson
Memorial Services for Joel Hobson will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in the Nazarene Church, 422 Balsam Street, Moses Lake, at 10 a.m.
Justin Thompson
Every day, a shattered family posts an obituary for a loved one lost to a drug overdose. Today it’s Justin M. Thompson’s family in Moses Lake, Washington. Justin was 11 days shy of his 32nd birthday and was “caught up in the drug epidemic and perished from an accidental overdose.” In choosing to disclose Justin’s cause of death, the Bersanti and Thompson family helps humanize the opioid epidemic. And putting a human face on things changes hearts and minds in powerful ways. Heroin, meth or fentanyl didn’t love Justin, it controlled him; it owned him. It skewed his reality and numbed his heart. It mocked his every attempt to be free, reeling him in like a fish, hooked by the hollow point of a disposable needle. Our family asks that you realize that no one is immune to the epidemic of opioid and heroin addiction that encumbers our culture.
Svechnikov scores twice, Hurricanes blow through Kraken 5-1
SEATTLE (AP) — Andrei Svechnikov scored two goals 70 seconds apart in the second period, Sebastian Aho had a goal and two assists, and the Carolina Hurricanes remained unbeaten with a 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night.
The Spooky Season Cometh
Halloween happenings around the region
GRANT COUNTY — With Halloween just around the corner, there are tons of Halloween events for the whole family to enjoy throughout Grant County, including trunk or treat gatherings, Moses Lake’s Downtown Harvest Festival and a big celebration of Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead. Here are some of the events: • Becerra Gardens in Quincy is hosting a straw maze and hayride every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 11235 Road 9 NW. • The Othello Straw Maze, every Friday and Saturday beginning on Oct. 7 and ending on Halloween, Oct. 31, at the Othello Rodeo Grounds, with the no-scare maze at 6-7 p.m. and the haunted maze 7-10 p.m. • The Moravida Festival, Oct. 29 at noon to 1 a.m. Oct 30, at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The festival commemorates Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, and includes a costume contest, traditional Mexican dancing, a screening of the movie Coco, a beer garden and live music from Banda Troyana. • The Downtown Harvest Festival in downtown Moses Lake, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (the first hour is set aside for children with special needs and sensory issues) • Downtown Ephrata Trick or Treating, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on C Street in front of the Grant County Courthouse • Grant County Sheriff’s Office Larson Community Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m., 1274 Lowry Drive • Soap Lake Police Department Trunk and Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Soap Lake Police Department and City Hall, 223 2nd Ave. SE • Halloween Trick or Treat, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at La Auto Rack Outlet Moses Lake (415 S Pioneer Way) • Quincy Downtown Trick or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. from Central Avenue to B Street SE • 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moses Lake Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1020 N. Stratford Road, Ste, D • Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church parking lot 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake • Trunk and Treat, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Moses Lake Alliance Church, 1100 N. Grape Drive
Legals for October, 18 2022
Monday, October 17
Basin sports results for Oct. 10-15
COLUMBIA BASIN – The Moses Lake slowpitch softball team became the first team to finish their regular season here in the Basin, as other schools look to push on before playoffs begin. Read along below to see how local schools have fared over the past week of play, along with team records. Almira/Coulee-Hartline The Warriors won their second consecutive game on the gridiron Friday, defeating Wilbur-Creston-Keller and mounting a 12-point comeback in the process. Sophomore quarterback Carter Pitts rushed for 346 of ACH’s 487 total yards on Friday, scoring 6 touchdowns along the way. With a 5-2 record, the Warriors now prepare for a road matchup against undefeated Odessa. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on Saturday for ACH...
Establishing accountability
Eagles work to set foundation for future seasons with young team
SOAP LAKE – First-year head coach Garrett Devine and the Soap Lake Eagles have encountered several roadblocks during the 2022 season, but the lessons will help to improve the program in the future. “It’s been a tough year, it’s been a growing year though,” Devine said. Soap Lake, 0-4, entered the season with many 2021 starters having graduated the year prior...
Passing offense
Penix's 516 yards latest sign of strength in Huskies' 5-2 record
SEATTLE – The University of Washington passing offense has been in full force through the first seven weeks of the season, with junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the FBS in passing yards after a program-high 516-yard performance in a 49-39 win over Arizona on Saturday. “It’s not just about what he did statistically, he just keeps putting the pressure on and really leading the charge to help us win the football game,” UW football head coach Kalen DeBoer said in Saturday’s postgame press conference. “We needed all those points and all those yards that he gave us.” Last week against Arizona State, Penix, a transfer from Indiana University where he was a three-year starter, became the first UW quarterback to throw for 300 yards in six-consecutive games since Cody Pickett did it in 2002...
Warden man arrested after roommate shot
WARDEN - A Warden man was arrested Saturday after reportedly shooting his roommate twice, once in the arm and once in the leg, and fleeing the scene. A press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states that at about 6 p.m. Saturday, GCSO was dispatched to the 7000 block of Road P SE for a report of an assault with a firearm...
Property tax reminder for Grant Co.
EPHRATA — Grant County property owners have through October 31 to pay any remaining property taxes for 2022. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant said in a press release that the treasurer’s office will remain open during the noon hour from Oct. 24 through 31; normally it’s closed. A drop box for payments has been set up outside the Grant County Courthouse, 35 C St. SW. Another drop box is available inside the treasurer’s office, Pheasant wrote...
George man arrested after standoff
GEORGE - A 60-year-old George resident was arrested Sunday morning after a several-hour standoff after law enforcement attempted to arrest him for assault, according to a Grant County Sheriff's Office statement. A release by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states responders were called around 8 p.m. Saturday to E. Montmorency Blvd. in George...
Hometown Harvest
Quincy celebrates first annual festival with a look at its diversity and history
QUINCY — Jose Machado and Juliana Sandoval both said tradition matters, and tradition and history were on display Saturday at the Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum. Machado is the leader of Mariachi Imperio, based in Wenatchee, and he said the band members play mariachi as a way to remember their family roots. “It’s mostly the tradition for me,” Machado said. “It’s more of a feeling.” “For us, it’s about the music,” Sandoval said...
One hospitalized after early Monday shooting in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE - Monday morning an Ephrata resident was shot in Soap Lake, resulting in a two-hour search for the suspected shooter. A release by the Soap Lake Police Department states that at approximately 1:17 a.m., MACC Dispatch received a 911 call indicating a male had been shot in the 100 block of Main Ave E. Officers arrived in the area and located the victim, identified as 33-year-old Levi Dean Rishky of Ephrata, lying on the ground at the intersection of Main Ave E and Daisy Street S. The release states the SLPD, along with mutual aid from the Ephrata Police Department, provided first aid to Rishky who was able to tell officers the location of the assault and description of the suspect...
Evelyn Mae Smith Fabian
Evelyn Mae Smith Fabian went to be with our Lord Oct. 9, 2022, after extended health issues and a battle with cancer. Evelyn was a longtime resident of Ephrata Washington and later resided in East Wenatchee, Washington to be closer to family. Evelyn was born in Fairfield, Iowa, then moved to Palmdale, California. Following high school Evelyn went on to college at Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon where she graduated with her degree as a nursing assistant. She then married Larry Fabian in December 1958. In 1965 Larry and Evelyn and family moved to Block 71, Grant County, Washington where they farmed until retirement with Evelyn’s parents Clayton and Dee Smith, brother Andrew and family. While working on the farm and raising a family, she was also a telephone operator for Pacific Northwest Bell.
Mary Burgess
Mary Burgess passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 24. She looked forward to joining her husband in their eternal home. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Mary was born March 25, 1943, to Hazel and Earl Groeper in Tacoma, Washington. Mary grew up in Tacoma until her family moved to Chewelah, Washington. Mary attended school for a time and met the love of her life, Alvin Burgess. She was the eldest of nine siblings and enjoyed being a big sister. She remembered everyone’s birthday and would call her siblings, children, grandchildren and friends, without fail, to wish them a happy birthday.
Manuel Joseph Silva Jr.
Manuel was born May 15, 1937, in Tulare, California to Manuel J. Silva Sr. and Laura Ann Gastineau Silva. He was the oldest of four children and was raised on his parents’ dairy farm. Manuel married the love of his life on Feb. 13, 1957. In 1972 he came to Washington state to start his own dairy farm. Manuel was proud of his Portuguese heritage and spoke the language fluently. Manuel enjoyed many hobbies through life. He played quarterback in high school and enjoyed boxing. After high school he and two friends started following PBR rodeos and riding bulls. Manuel placed fourth in the nationals at LA Grand Nationals. He raced modified jalopies up and down the California coast. Later in life, he rode cutting horses throughout the Northwest. Manuel rebuilt his father's 1972 truck and showed it at events across the Northwest.
Jewell Jensen Iverson
Jewell Jensen Iverson, 88, of Royal City, Washington, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington from complications of a stroke. Jewell was born on Oct. 31, 1933, in Mantua, Utah, to Isaac H. and Martha Call Jensen. She grew up as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained a faithful member throughout her life. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time with her 12 siblings, going to church dances and family reunions. She graduated from Box Elder High in 1951. She was a member of the Girls League, which provided her with the opportunity to develop important social and life skills. Her joyful spirit drew others to her and she had a great talent for turning strangers into friends. After high school, Jewell worked as an operator for the telephone company in Brigham City, Utah.
GCFD 3 celebrates oak anniversary
Fire station in Quincy has been protecting area for 80 years
QUINCY — The plaque outside the Grant County Fire District 3 hall lists names of longtime district firefighters, and in the process makes a point about the fire service. Sometimes it’s something that families do for generations. Jake Hardt’s father and brothers volunteered with GCFD 3, and so did Jake, back in the day. Hardt works for the Washington Department of Natural Resources now, but he started fighting fires in his hometown of Quincy. “I believe either you or (former assistant chief Jim) Stucky is on my firefighter certification. From 2001,” Hardt told current GCFD chief Tony Leibelt during a conversation at the district’s open house Oct. 11. Liebelt too is a second-generation firefighter at GCFD 3. His dad was a volunteer with the district, he said...
Should you keep dogs away from acorns?
Every dog owner knows the difficulty of keeping their curious canines from eating just about anything they can find, and, with fall in full swing, scattered acorns are likely to catch plenty of pets’ attention. So, does eating acorns pose a risk to a dog’s health? Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that, generally, acorns are not toxic to dogs. “Most dogs would need to ingest large quantities of acorns over a long period of time to become sick,” Ray said...
Pet of the Week: Callula
Callula is a sweet Heeler mix that is currently in the Ridge Dog Training Program at Coyote Ridge where she is learning basic commands. She does well with other dogs and is very friendly. Callula, is approx. 1.5 yrs old, spayed, microchipped and up to date on her vaccinations, including rabies. Please call ACPR for more information at 509-488-5514, visit us on the web at adamscountypetrescue.com or email us at adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com.
Legals for October, 17 2022
Sunday, October 16
MLSD examines transgender requirements
Board seeks efficient ways to meet requirements of state law
MOSES LAKE — The first reading of a policy designed to address possible discrimination against transgender students generated discussion and a request for additional information at the Thursday meeting of the Moses Lake School Board. Board members Alana DeGooyer and Paul Hill asked district Superintendent Monte Sabin to research the district’s existing non-discrimination policies and see if state requirements could be met by amending what the district already has, or if a separate policy is needed. Sabin said the policy had been discussed in June and July 2021, but the board had not taken action at that time...
Community breakfast
MLFD, supporters host fundraiser to support charitable programs
MOSES LAKE — Six-year-old Sloane Hickok danced happily as she stood in the back seat of the Moses Lake Fire Department fire truck and looked at all the equipment. “They’ve even got headphones!” she clapped. “This is so exciting!” Hickok climbed over the seat with her sister Mabel, 4, and the two girls then played with the steering wheel of the giant MLFD fire truck parked out behind the main fire station at 701 E. Third Ave. The Hickoks were only one of many families that came for the annual Pancake Breakfast, a joint community building and fundraising effort of Local 1258 of the International Association of Firefighters and the Moses Lake Lions Club...
ACH runs to 60-58 win
Warriors grab 487 rushing yards in win over Wildcats
COULEE CITY – The rushing attack of the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors was in full force on Friday night, running for nearly 500 yards in their 60-58 league win over Wilbur-Creston-Keller. Sophomore quarterback Carter Pitts had 346 of the Warriors’ 487 rushing yards on 34 carries and scored six touchdowns. “He’s a great runner,” ACH head coach Brandon Walsh said. “He’s shifty, he’s strong, he doesn’t go down on one tackle very often. An arm tackle, he runs through those. He did a great job last night.” ...
2nd suspect in custody following Thursday burglary
MOSES LAKE/EPHRATA - A second suspect is now in custody following a Thursday-morning break-in at a Moses Lake home, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “Investigators tracked 26-year-old Carlos Silva of Moses Lake to a home in the 1200 block of Mather Drive. Silva bolted out the back door when the team of law officers arrived at the front door. K9 Edo and handler Deputy Tyson Voss were covering the back and Silva quickly surrendered as Edo rapidly approached,” the statement said.
“Dog mentality”
Strong character leads Mavs to 21-19 win over Sunnyside
MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks’ three defensive stands on a fourth down played a significant role in their 21-19 win over Sunnyside on Friday, with head coach Brett Jay calling the performance character-revealing. “The fourth quarter’s not a time where you build character I believe, I think that’s built throughout the week, throughout the process. Our character was revealed with those fourth-down stops,” Jay said. Junior receiver/defensive back Kyson Thomas, who laid out two big hits on the Grizzlies’ second-to-last drive in Moses Lake territory, shared a similar thought to Jay’s. “I think we found our personality as a team tonight,” Thomas said. “I think it’s just dogs, dog mentality – all of us.”
Eagles win fourth-straight, sweep Thorp
SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Eagles stretched their winning streak to four games on Thursday night, defeating Thorp in a sweep. Soap Lake improved to 8-5 with the win, including 7-3 in league play. “This is the tail end of our season, so being to put wins on the board and stay in the similar ranking as we have been all season is pretty motivating for these girls,” Soap Lake head coach Nicole Noble said. The Eagles took the first set in dominant fashion, winning 25-8 over the visiting Tigers. Noble said that the team had six freshmen play Thursday night, hoping to garner experience in the team for the coming years...
Friday, October 14
Cindy Ann Romseth
Cindy Ann Romseth, born Sept. 26, 1955, to parents John and Betty Romseth, passed away Oct. 18, 2021. She is survived by her children Shawn (Misha), Carrie, Brooks and Shilo (Eric); her grandchildren Trenton, Dayton, Meghen, Braiden, Ashton, Samantha, Ethan, Kellen, Landen and Bennett and her siblings Peggy, Barb, and Chris. Mom, you left this earth too soon but we know you are with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We love and miss you and you will always be in our hearts!
Cheryl K. Macy
Cheryl K. Macy, 79, of Moses Lake, Washington, surrounded by family in the days preceding her passing, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 11, 2022. Cheryl was born to Florabelle Dorothy Smith in Ottumwa, Iowa on June 26, 1943. She lived in several towns in the Midwest before moving with her family to Bremerton, Washington in 1951. Her mother married Edward Smith in 1962, blending their family of eight children, with Cheryl being the oldest. They bought a home in Ballard, where Cheryl graduated high school.
Audubon Society takes bird walk, presents award
MOSES LAKE — September 2022 was a very active month for the Central Basin Audubon Society. CBAS held successful events in two of their newest programs, bird walks and backyard habitats. On Sept. 24, CBAS Field Trip Coordinator Margaret Heming led a group of interested participants in the first bird walk. Heming chose North Potholes Reserve for this initial hike. The weather was perfect and spirits high as 11 people gathered with binoculars and cameras at the ready...
Bulding permits for Oct. 14, 2022
City of Moses Lake September 2022
Scaling down
Moving into assisted living takes some adjustments
MOSES LAKE — It’s a time families dread. Mom, or Dad, or Grandma, is slowing down a little, becoming forgetful, maybe having some health problems, and it’s getting to be more than they and their family can keep up with alone. As hard as it is to think about, it’s time to look into assisted living. So how do you make that transition? “We see two very common types of situations,” said Joe Ketterer, executive director of Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake, an assisted living facility. “One is the senior living by themselves. It's an unsafe environment, you don't have the housekeeping, the basic assistance with daily living activities ... So it's the solo senior type of situation. Or what's very common is they're living with an adult child, or adult nephew or something like that, and the burden on the family has gone above what they can handle.”
Legals for October, 14 2022
Thursday, October 13
One in custody after early morning burglary
MOSES LAKE - One man is in custody and another is being sought after the pair broke into a Moses Lake woman’s home in the 1200 block of Adair Street, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office staff. The woman was not injured, nor were law enforcement officials who responded to the incident. “(The resident) was pretty shaken up. She kept her head under some really terrible circumstances – having two men armed with knives come into her home, and she was able to call 9-1-1 and then escape to them to the safety of law enforcement officers,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman...
Alvarez hits 2-run homer, Mariners lose to Houston again
HOUSTON — Two days after stealing Game 1 on a walk-off, three-run home run on Tuesday, Houston outfielder Yordan Alvarez once again delivered on a home run that the Seattle Mariners were unable to recover from. Alvarez’s two-run shot to left field gave the Astros a 3-2 lead over the Mariners on Thursday, which they would eventually ride out to a 4-2 win in Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series.
Making it happen
Manufacturing Week tour stops in Moses Lake, focused on area facilities
MOSES LAKE — Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson said the Manufacturing Week tour that stopped in Moses Lake Thursday is designed to demonstrate that the manufacturing sector is alive and well. Johnson said Grant County is an example. “There are 93 companies in Grant County, 4,300 women and men who go to work for them every day,” Johnson said...
CWU trustees to meet next week
ELLENSBURG, Wash. — The Central Washington University Board of Trustees’ quarterly meeting will take place Oct. 20-21 in Ellensburg, according to a statement from the university. The meeting is open to the public. The board will convene at 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Wellington Event Center. There will be time set aside for public comment. To participate in the public comment period, speakers must identify themselves and the topic to be addressed via email to cwu.president@cwu.edu by 5 p.m. Oct. 18. Also on that day’s agenda will be discussions of brand development; enrollment marketing; diversity, equity and inclusion plans as well as a values and strategic planning workshop. The regular business meeting will convene at 9 a.m. Oct. 21, also at the Wellington Event Center. The agenda may be viewed at cwu.edu/trustees.
Cougar offense looks to improve against Oregon State
PULLMAN – The Cougars scored 14 points in the first half against the University of Southern California Trojans, but failed to add on in the second half. A concoction of dropped passes, penalties and lost yardage played a significant role in the 30-14 loss to the Trojans.
Driver dies in I-90 rollover
GEORGE — A 24-year-old Quincy woman died in a single-vehicle collision west of George Wednesday night. The driver, whose name was not released pending notification of family, was driving east on South Frontage Road West in a 2009 Pontiac, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The car went off the pavement and onto the soft shoulder, whereupon the driver overcorrected, causing the car to spin. The car struck a barbed wire fence, then rolled several times across the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90, coming to rest on the median cable barrier, according to the GCSO. The victim, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car and died at the scene. The GCSO’s Motor Traffic Unit is investigating.
EWU Women’s Tennis Set for ITA Regionals This Weekend
CHENEY – Eastern Washington women's tennis is on the road this weekend for the ITA Northwest Regionals. The tournament will take place from Friday, Oct. 14 through Tuesday, Oct. 18 in Stanford, Calif. The doubles round will begin at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, with the singles round starting at 10 a.m. "Our regional tournament always provides great competition and Stanford is a great place to play," head coach Dustin Hinson said. "We have been training hard over the past couple of weeks to build upon what we started at our first tournament at home. We will enjoy competing against some tough players from our region. I'm hopeful that we can grow on the court and as a team throughout the weekend." ...
Skaug sworn in as Moses Lake council member
MOSES LAKE — New Moses Lake City Council member Dave Skaug was formally sworn in as a member of the council and Deanna Martinez was named the city’s new deputy mayor at a regular council meeting on Tuesday. Skaug was sworn in by Grant County Superior Court Judge Anna Gigliotti, who also formally administered the oath of office to Mayor Don Myers. Council members also voted to retain the requirement that mayors have two years of experience on the city council before being eligible to serve as mayor. However, the council did vote to do away with the two-year requirement for the town’s deputy mayor...
Sean D. Whisenhunt
In the early morning hours of Sept. 23, 2022, Sean D. Whisenhunt, loving son, brother and grandson, passed away tragically at the age of 26. Sean was born on a beautiful August morning in 1996 to his loving mother Melisa and father Norman in Moses Lake, Washington. Soon after, he became a big brother to Celeste, his lifelong protector and friend. He was very close to his siblings, with a bond that will never be forgotten. Sean was the boy who saved the day with a pocket knife and a grin, a man with a ready heart and smile. He spent a lot of time with his Gramma and Papa, whom he loved very much. He graduated in 2019 and had an interest and knowledge about languages, specifically Spanish, which he wished to pursue in college.
Marc Bryan Entz
Marc Bryan Entz passed away at his home on Oct. 6, 2022. Marc was born on Oct. 12, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington. Marc was raised in Moses Lake by his parents, Ned and Jeanette, where he attended Moses Lake schools K-12. He attended Central Washington University and received a BA in Business. At a young age, Marc was inquisitive and full of adventure. Marc was a handsome and intelligent young man who excelled in everything from academics to sports. He was a socially active youth who enjoyed a broad association of friends across many different "walks of life." He was always engaging and shared his love of life with his friends and siblings.
Law enforcement logs for Oct. 13
The reports below were provided by the agencies indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Most excellent animals
Alpaca owners gather at Grant County Fairgrounds
MOSES LAKE — It was, on the face of it, just another Saturday in which the sounds and smells of agriculture wafted from the Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds. But the bleats and the grunts filling the pavilion came from animals you don’t often see in the Columbia Basin — alpacas. And there were scores of the South American camelids at the fairgrounds on Saturday. They were part of a two-day long Alpacafest show organized by the Alpaca Association of Western Washington along with the Alpaca Owners Association and the Pacific Northwest Alpaca Association that brought ranchers to Moses Lake from as far away as California, Colorado and Montana. “There’s actually about 400 alpaca ranches in Washington state,” said Mark Dodrill, an Auburn resident and head of the AAWW. “It’s the number two state for alpacas in the country behind Ohio.” ...
Legals for October, 13 2022
Wednesday, October 12
Moses Lake sees strong swim season
The Moses Lake High School Girls Swim and Dive team are undefeated this season. They most recently took on Sunnyside High School and West Valley High School at the Tony St. Onge Pool of Dreams on Tuesday where they won, securing their spot as Big 9 League Champions. The full results from the meet will be released as soon as they are available.
Mavs allow 3 second-half goals, lose to Eastmont 3-1
MOSES LAKE – Despite a strong first half where Moses Lake shut out the visiting Eastmont Wildcats, the Mavericks allowed three goals in the second half and fell 3-1 to Eastmont. The loss is the fourth consecutive for Moses Lake, but head coach Alysha Overland said that the energy has still been there for the team during practices and going into games. “Our practices are still coming out high-pressure, everybody wants to be there, we’re getting excited,” Overland said. “We are well prepared for the upcoming games. The girls are getting ready to go, they’re excited to play whenever gameday comes around.” ...
WA Fires continue into October
WASHINGTON STATE — There are six large fires in Washington according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center as of Oct. 12. “It may be October, but it’s clear we’re not out of the woods when it comes to wildfire smoke and the dangers it can bring,” said Kaitlyn Kelly, Air Quality Policy Specialist in a release by the Washington Department of Health. The NICC defines a large fire as any wildland fire in timber 100 acres or greater, and 300 acres or greater in grasslands/rangelands, or that has an Incident Management Team assigned to it...
ACSO seizes thousands of fentanyl pills in Othello bust
OTHELLO - The Adams County Sheriff’s Office seized over 2,000 fentanyl pills from an Othello resident during a narcotics search warrant on Oct. 10. A release by ACSO states that at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 10, a team from ACSO served a narcotics search warrant in the 600 Block of Wagon Road in Othello...
Training for tragedy
Area first responders, medical facilities hold active shooter drill
MOSES LAKE/WENATCHEE – Passers-by may have seen a flurry of activity at the Confluence Health Moses Lake Clinic and Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee this past Saturday as first responders and medical providers held a full-scale active shooter drill, according to a joint press release from Samaritan Healthcare and Confluence Health. “While we hope the training will never need to be used in any real scenario, our job is to be prepared for whatever might occur and this exercise helps us to continue to provide the kind of excellence our communities deserve,” said Doug Jones, security and emergency preparedness director for Confluence Health...
Quincy schools discipline policy undergoing changes
QUINCY — Quincy School District officials are working on a program designed to improve discipline while keeping students in school. Assistant Superintendent DJ Garza discussed the district’s “Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports” plan with Quincy School Board members at the regular meeting Tuesday. “(The program) is a framework for building better habits for students,” Garza said. “We’re all creatures of habit, and all students come to us with a set of habits, good or bad.” The goal is to change bad habits, hopefully before student behavior becomes a problem in the classroom. The program starts with a set of behavior expectations that are the same at all five elementary schools, Quincy Middle School and Quincy High School, Garza said...
Moses Lake resident earns scholarship for Ohio college
BEREA, OHIO - In a release by Baldwin Wallace University, Moses Lake High School graduate Stephanie Foryan earned the Norman & Edna Sartor Scholarship. Foryan is majoring in psychology and philosophy.
Warden preps for N. County Road improvements
WARDEN — Work is set to start next week on a major improvement of North County Road, the major route north out of Warden, according to Warden City Administrator Kristine Shuler. Speaking at a regular meeting of the Warden City Council on Tuesday, Shuler said the work to rebuild and repave roughly a third of a mile of North County Road — Road U north of Warden — from the intersection of W. 1st Street (S.R. 170) to just south of Road 7.5 needs to begin soon before colder weather forces the state’s asphalt plants to close...
Candidates discuss policies at candidate forum
MOSES LAKE — Candidates for several county-level races responded to questions at a candidate forum at the Moses Lake Civic Center Monday evening. Races represented included those for sheriff, clerk, commissioner, assessor and superior court judge – all on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election. “We sponsor the candidates forum to give voters an opportunity to better understand a candidate and their positions on the issues pertinent to the position they are running for, so voters can select a candidate that best reflects their views and values. Every candidate in contested races are invited to attend and we monitor the amount of time given to each candidate so that is fair and impartial,” said Debbie Martinez, president and CEO of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce...
Bobby Odgen
Bob was born July 21, 1940, and passed away on Oct. 6, 2022. Bob married his sweetheart Arlene in December 1966 and between them they had five children: Pamela K. Dunning, Brenda Kay Maynard, Eugene Wade, Sally D. Ogden-Foster and Diane Williamson. Bob requested no formal services.
Meet the Herald Part 2:
The news crew
Back in September, we began introducing the members of our team to our readers, starting with the administrative team. Today, we continue with the editorial department. Lots of people read the news every day. But who are the people who write it? Here’s a look at the names and faces behind the stories.
CBH receives multiple WNPA awards
BELLINGHAM - The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association 2022 Better Newspaper Contest was held over the weekend in Bellingham and had the Columbia Basin Herald honored in several categories for their work in the last year. "I am extremely proud of the work our editorial team does on a daily basis to bring local news to the Columbia Basin,” said General Manager Bob Richardson, general manager at the Herald. “Our goal is to bring quality content to our friends and neighbors. These awards exemplify our commitment to that goal.” Richardson applauded the efforts of the editorial and design teams. “Our design team had a successful year as well,” he said. “They are creative and they really put out quality work to help our businesses stand out. I couldn't be happier than I am with our team here at the Columbia Basin Herald." ...
Weekend celebration: Quincy Hometown Harvest Fest features history, culture
QUINCY — Three Quincy organizations are working together on a weekend of art, music, cultural recognition, historical demonstrations, hay rides and a host of activities at the first Hometown Harvest Fest, beginning Friday. “I think it’s going to be a phenomenal weekend,” said Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum Director Harriet Weber. Entry into most events is free; the exceptions are the Art, Wine and Brews Walk at the Quincy Public Market Saturday night and the straw maze at Becerra Farms Saturday and Sunday...
UK investment fund asks REC to delay corporate board meeting
LONDON — A U.K.-based investment group is asking Norway-based REC Silicon to delay an upcoming board of directors meeting after expressing concern about the board’s makeup and future arrangements to supply the company’s products to its largest shareholder, South Korea-based Hanwha Solutions, according to a letter made public on Monday. In a letter made public on Businesswire, London-based Lodbrok Capital — which states it owns 5.2 million shares in REC and holds close to 20% of the company’s outstanding secured debt — has asked REC to delay its upcoming Oct. 21 board of directors meeting out of concern that the South Korean company, which is the largest shareholder in REC, could secure a majority of the company’s board of directors...
A heartbeat in Soap Lake
Drum circle organizers look to foster community
SOAP LAKE - A drum circle in Soap Lake is the gathering point to foster community and reconnect with nature, according to two locals who are heading up the circle. “That’s the biggest part of why we are doing this, just to bring the community together, especially after two years of COVID-19,” said Dusty Bolyard. Bolyard and Blayne Walsh are two of four owners of Cloudview Kitchen in Soap Lake that have taken up the task of hosting the drum circle each time it is held. The circle drums from sunset to the rising of the moon, which is about an hour, at the sundial at East Beach Park...
Legals for October, 12 2022
Tuesday, October 11
Mavs mount nine-run comeback
Wins over West Valley have ML slowpitch poised to take championship
MOSES LAKE – Down nine runs in the second game of a doubleheader, the Moses Lake Mavericks mounted a comeback to defeat the West Valley (Yakima) Rams in both games on Tuesday. The Mavericks won the first game 15-5 before their 15-14 walk-off win over the Rams. With the wins, Moses Lake takes first place in the Columbia Basin Big 9 conference with two remaining regular season games. “It’s tough being down nine, and all you have to do is you have to pass the bat,” Moses Lake senior Allison Stanley said. “Line drives, props to the team for keeping the momentum going even though we were down nine runs.” ...
WDFW seeks comment on sheep, goat rule
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a release inviting public comment on a proposed rule that would prohibit visitors from bringing domestic sheep or goats onto wildlife area units of 12 WDFW-managed wildlife areas. “We want to protect wild sheep while preserving opportunities for people who enjoy hiking and hunting with pack goats,” said Joel Sisolak, WDFW lands planning, recreation and outreach section manager in the release. “We are proposing a targeted approach to ensure those opportunities remain available in other parts of the state.” ...
Washington pro sports recap for Oct. 12
SEATTLE – Three of Washington’s professional sports teams are all in different parts of their respective seasons – the Seattle Kraken will begin the regular season tonight, the Seahawks get in the groove of the NFL regular season while the Mariners continue on in their postseason run. Read on for updates on each team.
Moses Lake Rotarians recognize public service
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Rotary Club honored a local firefighter, a police officer and a Samaritan physician with one of its highest awards at a regular luncheon on Tuesday. “We took five months' worth of time to evaluate this,” Rotary Club of Moses Lake President Paul Hochstatter told club members at their regular weekly luncheon at the Pillar Rock Grill. “Thanks to all of you in the community for all that you do.” ...
Suspicious flames
Soap Lake sees 4th fire in same field
SOAP LAKE — Monday evening saw the fourth suspicious fire in the same field in Soap Lake this year. “There was nothing that suggested it (was naturally caused),” Grant County Fire District 7 Interim Fire Chief Viktor Bragar said. Bragar said the fire was called in at about 8 p.m. Oct. 10...
‘Ups and downs’
Lions fall to Entiat 3-1, look to rebound
MOSES LAKE – Entering a match against Entiat on Monday, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions had posted a 10-1 record, with their lone loss coming to the Tigers earlier this season. The match had a similar result for the Lions on Monday, falling to Entiat 3-1 after the Tigers took the first two sets...
Sports schedule Oct. 13-18
COLUMBIA BASIN - The fall sports season is beginning to come to a close for the regular season, with some state competitions beginning in as soon as two weeks. Check out this week’s sports schedule for the 12 high schools here in the Basin...
One dead in collision east of Quincy
QUINCY — One person is dead and another injured after a head-on collision near Quincy Tuesday night. According to a press release by the Washington State Patrol, a 23-year-old Ephrata resident was driving a 2015 Subaru Impreza westbound on state Route 28 at about 9 p.m. The driver of the Impreza veered into the eastbound lane at milepost 32, near Road O east of Quincy, colliding head-on with a 2002 Honda Accord driven by a 17-year-old Ephrata resident...
Frank Melvin Gleason
Frank Melvin Gleason, 75, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away Oct. 9, 2022. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.
Nicanor Gonzalez Valdez (Nick)
Nicanor Gonzalez Valdez (Nick), 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loving wife, on Oct. 9, 2022. He was a longtime resident of Moses Lake and a retired Grant County deputy sheriff. Nicanor is survived by his wife Olga Cecilia Pardo Valdez and his six children Rachel Valdez (Tamara), Becky Valdez, Anita De Leon (Alex), Nicanor Valdez Jr. (Tami), Veronica Garcia (Josue), and Marcos Valdez. He had 10 grandchildren: Nicanor Christian, Phillip Christian, Alejandro De Leon, Aliana De Leon, Ezekiel Valdez, Angelina Valdez, Matilde Valdez, Evenica Valdez, Emiliano Garcia and Maribel Garcia. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren and three stepchildren, Cecilia, Enrique and Andres.
Potato harvest looking up
COLUMBIA BASIN — The state of the taters is, well, pretty darn good this year. “The potato harvest is definitely a lighter crop than what we’re historically used to,” said Dale Lathim, executive director of Potato Growers of Washington. “It’s actually a little bit better than last year in terms of yield. But it’s a lot better than last year in terms of quality.” One reason for this, Lathim said, was the unusual weather in the Northwest earlier in the year. The unusually cool spring delayed the crop’s maturation, he explained.”
Legals for October, 11 2022
Monday, October 10
Mavs defeat Davis 42-8, look on to Sunnyside
MOSES LAKE – After a home win against Wenatchee in Week 4, the Moses Lake Mavericks returned to the road for a trip to Davis, coming away with a 42-8 win over the Pirates. With the win, the Mavericks improved to 5-1 and 3-0 in league play, setting up a clash of the top two teams in the Columbia Basin Big 9 conference on Friday against Sunnyside.
Donations sought for coat, boot drive
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Rotary and Cobie’s Fine Dry Cleaning are collecting donations of coats and winter boots for children - which will indeed include boots this year. The annual Coats and Boots for Kids distribution will be Nov. 5 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the cafeteria at Columbia Middle School, 1111 E. Nelson Rd. There is a limit of four free coats or pairs of boots per family...
Basin sports results for Oct. 3-10
COLUMBIA BASIN – Five-and-a-half weeks since the beginning of the fall sports season, high schools in the Columbia Basin can see the season's final weeks on the horizon. Results from last week’s games can be found below...
Grant Co. resident sought to serve on Hanford board
EPHRATA – The Grant County Board of Commissioners issued a press release that they are looking for one interested citizen, residing in Grant County, to serve on the Hanford Advisory Board. The release states members appointed to the HAB assist the Washington State Department of Ecology, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Department of Energy to develop consensus policy recommendations and advice in regard to the short and long-term Hanford cleanup process. ...
World's largest radioactive waste melter starts in Eastern WA
Oct. 9/HANFORD — There's no turning back at the Hanford site's vitrification plant after the heat up of the world's largest melter for radioactive waste started Saturday, 20 years after construction of the plant began. The 300-ton melter now must remain hot continuously around the clock as it initially makes practice glass and eventually starts glassifying radioactive waste for the first time at the nuclear reservation. Glassification prepares the waste for permanent disposal.
Basin sports gallery Oct. 3-10
Check out photos from this past week’s sporting events here in the Basin, including teams from Moses Lake, Ephrata, Warden, Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna/Harrington, Wahluke and Othello.
East Columbia Basin Irrigation District seeks director applicants
COLUMBIA BASIN - The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District announced there are two open positions in the district and they will now accept filings for those interested in being directors for the respective divisions...
Clyde C. Vela
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the last senior member of our family. Clyde C. Vela, 87, formerly of Sprague, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 22, 2022. He had recently been living at the Bishop Place Enhanced Care facility in Pullman, Washington after living with his daughter since his wife's passing in November 2021. Clyde was born on April 29, 1935, in Harlingen, Texas to Clyde Claro Vela and Sophie Castillo. He was one of nine children. Clyde left home at a very young age and traveled wherever work took him. He joined the Army during the Korean War and worked in the motor pool division. Clyde found his way to the Moses Lake area after his military service was complete where he met his wife of 61 years.
Grant Co. Jail project planning moves forward
EPHRATA — A request for proposals for site preparation for the new Grant County Jail is tentatively scheduled to be issued in December. A preliminary plan for the new facility is in the works and is still subject to change due to construction costs, among other factors. “That’s why it’s important for us to get this general contractor on board,” Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said. “Because as we start to really detail all this stuff out, we’ll start getting pricing. And we’ll start to get a real idea of what our budget is going to look like, and then we’ll know if we’re overextended or not. We have a plan that we want to stick to.” County voters approved a three-tenths of 1% increase in the county’s sales tax in 2019, with the money going toward law and justice projects including a new jail. Grant County Commissioners approved the sale of up to $90 million in limited tax general obligation bonds for the project in July...
Linda Weyns
Linda Lu Weyns of Othello, Washington passed away at her home in the loving company of her husband, Gerard, on the morning of their 55th wedding anniversary. She went to rest in the arms of her Lord on Oct. 6, 2022, at the age of 74. Linda was born in Nyssa, Oregon to Ervin and Elsie Easterday on March 14, 1948. They lived in Parma, Idaho, where she attended Ten Davis Elementary. Ten years later her family moved to Basin City, Washington, where Linda was active with 4-H and enjoyed horse riding and helping her dad irrigate the farm. In 1966, during Linda’s senior year, she met Gerard Weyns, a foreign exchange student from the Netherlands. After Linda graduated from Connell High School, she and Gerard worked together during wheat harvest and enjoyed boating together and getting to know each other.
Linda Weyns
Longtime Royal Slope resident Linda Weyns passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 6, while at her home, at the age of 74. The funeral will be held at the Othello First Presbyterian Church on Friday Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. It will be followed by the burial and a reception. Stevens Funeral Chapel in Othello will be handling the arrangements.
An absolute doll
Late Moses Lake nurse recognized for generosity after collection donated
MOSES LAKE — Delphie Bifano was always busy, always working on a project, always adding to her collections and always on the go. “She just couldn’t sit still,” said her daughter Beth Smith. Bifano, who died in May 2021, was a nurse as well as a ranch wife and mother of eight and spent many years working at Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake. “She loved it up here,” her daughter Sylvia Carlson said. “She loved it. She was involved; she’d come to do activities. She’d bring her dolls. She had this ‘Mother’s Love’ series, and I remember, she’d bring it up and display it for Mother’s Day. At Christmas, she’d bring up some of her Santas.” “She loved to share her dolls,” Smith said...
Chronic pain in pets
Causes, symptoms and prevention
Pets can develop chronic pain for a variety of reasons, but because they cannot verbally tell us when they’re hurting, overcoming the communication barrier can quickly become challenging for pet owners who want to alleviate any and all pain in their four-legged friends. Dr. Daniel Eckman, a staff veterinarian at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, discusses some of the most common causes and symptoms of chronic pain in pets...
Legals for October, 10 2022
Sunday, October 9
12-year-old injured in bicycle-car collision
LAKEVIEW - A 12-year-old child was injured Friday evening after their bicycle collided with a car in Lakeview. A press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office states that responders were called around 6 p.m. to Grant Street NW and Ephrata Avenue NW in Lakeview where a 12-year-old had been riding her bicycle and collided with a car...
Mattawa Council delays annexation decision
MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council members deferred a decision on annexing 40 acres into the city limits, asking for more information before taking a vote. The decision followed a half-hour discussion at the regular council meeting Thursday. The applicant, CAD Homes, Moses Lake, has announced plans to build housing on the site, known as the Bodrero property. Council member Fabiola Hernandez said she hesitated to make a decision until she had more information about the impact of the project to the city’s water system. Council member Sylvia Barajas said she was concerned about water, and about the impact to the city in general. “I’m also concerned with the schools - 100 houses, that’s a lot of families that are going to have children. It’s going to impact the school, it’s going to impact the police department because that’s a new addition that they have to patrol. We’re just barely making it right now. So I would like a little more information about how we’re going to meet all those demands before I think I can make a decision,” Barajas said...
New culture pays off for Mavs
Moses Lake takes home 3-1 win over Eisenhower
MOSES LAKE – Having gone winless a year ago, new Moses Lake volleyball head coach Krystal Trammell and the Mavericks have been putting together a new culture around the team, which has translated to wins like Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Eisenhower. “It was high,” Trammell said of the energy entering Thursday’s match. “We are in our second round of league (games); we know what we have to do. So we tell the girls, ‘That was a great practice,’ or ‘That was a great set,’ Great effort, better effort next. We do one set at a time, we do not look over anyone.” ...
Othello defeats Prosser 28-17
Huskies take home the W against Mustangs for first time since 2017
OTHELLO — With about nine minutes left in the third quarter and the Othello Huskies leading 21-10, Prosser quarterback Kory McClure rolled to his right and threw the football downfield. Between the Prosser receiver and the ball was Othello linebacker Ezra Gonzalez. . .
Saturday, October 8
Warden Port Commission solicits support for SR17 improvements
WARDEN — The Port of Warden is soliciting letters of support to the Washington State Department of Transportation for safety improvements at the intersection of S.R. 17 and S.R. 170, just west of Warden, which likely means replacing the intersection with a roundabout. “We’re waiting for support letters, we should 15 or 16 when done,” said Pat Boss, director of government affairs with the Columbia Basin Railroad, during a regular meeting of the Port of Warden Commission on Thursday. “Most of the Warden community agrees, something needs to be done about that intersection.” Pat Millard, executive director of the Port of Warden, said that the wait time to make left turns either from southbound S.R. 17 onto S.R. 170 east to Warden, or from westbound S.R. 170 south toward Othello, can sometimes result in waiting traffic back up all to the to Road R, about 1,000 feet. Millard also said a roughly seven mile stretch of S.R. 17 from Road 5 south to Road 12 — the Adams County line — has averaged around nine accidents per year since 2018.
Praying for the peace of the city
Pastors, law enforcement gather to promote cooperation, community building
MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement cannot, on its own, keep the peace and enforce the law, according to Grant County Interim Sheriff Ryan Rectenwald. “It takes a village,” Rectenwald told an audience attending Saturday’s Faith and Blue event at McCosh Park. “Policing is only as good as the will of the people, and it’s as simple as that. In order to get that engagement, you have to be with the people. You have to stop your car, get out, have conversations and be present.” Rectenwald was one of 10 speakers on Saturday’s event, which brought the Grant County Sheriff’s Office together with the Moses Lake Police Department and local pastors Sabrina Valdez of Restore City Church, Andry Grenier of First Baptist Church in Moses Lake, Glen Hughes of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Dan Dufner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish, local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints High Council member Josh Dale, Eric Frey of Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, and Peter Fendich of Source of Life Church in Moses Lake at McCosh Park for a time of fellowship and food and to show that the community and law enforcement officers stand together, support each other and help keep the peace.
Ephrata soccer falls to Selah in penalty shootout
EPHRATA - The Ephrata girls soccer team fell after a hard-fought battle against Selah Thursday night. “By far the best we have ever played against Selah,” said Ephrata head coach Gary Klepec.
Broncos mount comeback, defeat Chewelah 25-18
RITZVILLE – Late in the fourth quarter on homecoming night, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna/Harrington Broncos saw themselves with the ball, down 18-17 to the Chewelah Cougars. The ensuing 11-play, 97-yard drive ended with Bronco quarterback Chase Galbreath diving into the end zone, where the home team eventually earned a 25-18 comeback victory.
Friday, October 7
One 16-year-old girl killed, second injured in Othello shooting
OTHELLO — A 16-year-old girl was killed and a second 16-year-old girl sustained life-threatening injuries when occupants of a car opened fire on the car one of the girls was driving late Thursday night. A release from the Othello Police Department said officers believe the shooting may be gang-related.
Clifford (Nick) Nicholas
Clifford (Nick) Nicholas passed away on Oct. 5, 2022, at the age of 76 in Seattle, Washington. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, his health, which he has not seen in a long time. If you asked a hundred people who Nick was, they’d all give you a different story. A skier. A cowboy. The service mechanic. An animal lover. The world’s oldest kid. A father. An athlete. A Winter Olympics enthusiast. An outdoorsman.
Market change
Home prices drop statewide, but Basin still holding steady – for now
MOSES LAKE — Things are beginning to shift in the world of real estate, but it’s hard to know how much of that shift will come to the Basin. Home prices have dropped 0.8% in Washington since June, according to a study by QuoteWizard, a Seattle-based online insurance comparison platform. “Less than 1% may not sound like a huge amount, but you're talking about tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases,” said Nick VinZant, an analyst with QuoteWizard, a Seattle-based online market research company. “That can be a huge difference.” VinZant has a theory as to the reason for the shift. “I think what is happening is two things that are related to one thing,” he said. “And that is that interest rates are starting to rise. That ultimately means that money isn't cheap anymore; you're going to have to pay more interest, it costs you a lot more. So a $500,000 house, the interest that you're going to pay on that is suddenly a lot more than you would have been paying before.”
WorkSource to hold hiring event Thursday
MOSES LAKE — WorkSource will hold its annual hiring event at the WorkSource Center in Moses Lake on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to an announcement from WorkSource, this year’s event will bring together job seekers with 30 local employers looking to hire immediately. Job seekers should come prepared with their employment history and copies of their resume and wear professional attire, the announcement said. WorkSource staff are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to help with resume writing and interview preparation and to answer questions about the upcoming event...
Birth announcements for the month of September 2022
The Columbia Basin Herald and the hospitals listed below congratulate the families on their new arrivals. Samaritan Hospital Aug. 11 Olivia Jensen and Jared Hubbard, Ephrata, son Owen Micheal Hubbard, 6 pounds 8 ounces. Aug. 17 Jessica and Cale Russell, Moses Lake, daughter Millie Marie Russell, 6 pounds 8 ounces...
Legals for October, 7 2022
Thursday, October 6
Warden falls to Mabton 3-2 in penalties
WARDEN – After defeating Mabton 2-1 last Friday, the Warden Cougars once again faced off against the Vikings in a 3-2 loss on Thursday evening. With the loss, Warden drops to 4-6 on the year and 4-4 in conference play. “We were excited, we were ready,” Warden head coach BryLee Pruneda said of the team coming into the game on Thursday. “We have injuries, which happens with every team especially late in the season.” ...
State to expand apprenticeship programs
OLYMPIA — Thanks to a federal grant, the Washington State Department of Employment Security will be expanding paid apprenticeship and training programs over the next four years, according to a department press release...
Motorcyclist sent to hospital after being struck by car
MOSES LAKE — A motorcyclist was sent to the hospital Thursday morning after being hit by a car in the Mae Valley area, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office release. GCSO alerted the public to the accident via social media and asked that the public stay clear of the area until the accident was cleared if possible...
Faith & Blue coming to McCosh Park
Local law enforcement and clergy host BBQ to build community relationships
MOSES LAKE — Pastors from a number of local churches will be joining Moses Lake Police officers and Grant County Sheriff’s deputies at McCosh Park on Saturday for grilled hot dogs, a time of fellowship and to show support for local law enforcement. According to Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr, both the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office will mark Faith & Blue on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Police officers will grill hot dogs and serve them up with chips and drinks, and there will be short presentations from the pastors of up to eight local churches, as well as brief speeches from Fuhr and Grant County Interim Sheriff Ryan Rectenwald. “It’s to help build trust and understanding with all members of the community,” Fuhr said.
Soap Lake council votes to replace downtown holiday decor
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council passed a motion Wednesday night to approve the use of tourism funds to pay for the replacement of holiday lights and decorations for the downtown area. “You saw what Ephrata looked like last year, you guys; we can't let them do this to us,” said council member Kayleen Bryson in the meeting. Bryson introduced the agenda item to attendees of the meeting. She explained that the lights they put up on the poles last for about three years before needing to be replaced...
Cougs to face off against new-look USC
PULLMAN — With a 4-1 start to the year, Washington State University will now take on its toughest opponent to date – the sixth-ranked University of Southern California Trojans – on Saturday. The Trojans, 5-0 on the year and 3-0 in Pac-12 play, revamped their team with the additions of head coach Lincoln Riley along with an array of transfers headlined by quarterback Caleb Williams. “They have used the portal, and I think the biggest thing that doesn’t get enough attention is portal usage of quality for defensive players,” WSU head coach Jake Dickert said of the USC transfers in a press conference Wednesday.
JoAn Edwards Daniels-Brown Forsyth
JoAn Edwards Daniels-Brown Forsyth, 82, passed away from the effects of cancer at her home in Magnolia, Washington on Oct. 4, 2022. She was born on November 6, 1939, to Charlie J. Edwards and Ada Winn Edwards in Havre, Montana. JoAn spent her high school years in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and developed many cherished and lifetime friendships with people she kept in contact with her entire life. She returned there often throughout the years to attend class reunions and show her children the beauties of the Black Hills. JoAn attended Brigham Young University, studying nursing. It was at BYU that she met and fell in love with Arnie Richard Daniels-Brown and the two of them were married in Idaho Falls, Idaho on June 3, 1960. Soon after being married, they traveled to Mexico City, Mexico where Arnie studied Spanish for six months. On June 2, 1961, they were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Legals for October, 6 2022
Wednesday, October 5
GCFD3 to hold open house
QUINCY - Grant County Fire District 3 will be holding a fire prevention and open house on Oct. 11. The event will feature balloons, a junior firefighter obstacle course, halloween bags, Sparky the mascot and residents can order address markers for $20. There will also be free refreshments including hot dogs, chips and cake. The event will be held in the main firehouse located at 1201 Central Ave S in Quincy from 3 to 6 p.m.
Simulated shooter drill coming to Confluence
MOSES LAKE — Confluence Health and Samaritan Healthcare will conduct a joint full-scale active shooter exercise in Moses Lake on Saturday, according to a statement from the two companies. The exercise will focus on a simulated active shooter threat at the Confluence Health clinic in Moses Lake, the statement said. Local first responders, including Moses Lake fire, police, and EMS departments, will all participate in the exercise and respond to the incident. The exercise will also involve a simulated mass casualty incident in which “patients” – volunteers playing a part – will first be taken to Samaritan Hospital to be stabilized and, if needed, transported to other regional hospitals including Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Confluence Health will also activate its Hospital Incident Command System for the exercise to help manage the fictional incident in Moses Lake as well as coordinating with CWH to receive patients as part of their MCI plan. The exercise seeks to allow healthcare workers, first responders, and others involved in such real-life incidents to have an opportunity to practice, discover areas to improve and to better prepare to provide the best service and response possible should the need ever arise, the statement said.
Red Cross blood drive comes to Ephrata
EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Ephrata in the middle of October, hosted by the American Legion Family of Art Semro Post and Unit 28. According to a release by the Legion, the blood drive will be held Oct. 19 at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Yonezawa, Moses Lake mark 40 years of sister city ties
MOSES LAKE — Residents of both Moses Lake and its Japanese sister city Yonezawa were finally able to formally commemorate the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship during a short ceremony held on Tuesday and live streamed to and from both cities. Current and former elected officials gathered in the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium Tuesday afternoon to mark the 40-year relationship — officially established in May 1981 — a year late after delays imposed by COVID-19 restrictions forced a halt to person-to-person exchanges between Japan and the United States and the cancelation of a long-planned joint celebration.
Quincy council approves special events application ordinance
QUINCY — Organizations and individuals planning special events in Quincy will be required to obtain a permit. Quincy City Council members approved adding the requirement to the city code during the regular meeting Tuesday. The proposal was approved on a unanimous vote with no discussion. The ordinance will not apply to events that have already been approved by the city but haven’t happened yet. In a memo to the council, Municipal Services Director Carl Worley wrote that the permit would make it easier to manage special events. “The permit will allow the city to manage festivals, parades, athletic and other special events that have the potential of impacting city services and public safety,” Worley wrote.
Health insurance premium assistance program launched
OLYMPIA — Washington residents who get health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder may qualify for a subsidy to help them pay the premiums in 2023. “Cascade Care Savings” may be available to Washington residents with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level but who do not qualify for coverage through other programs like Medicaid or Washington Apple Health. People must buy a Gold or Silver insurance plan to qualify for the subsidy, according to a press release from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. People can switch or change their plans during the open enrollment period from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. Washington residents can determine their eligibility for the program on the Washington Healthplanfinder website, www.WAHBExchange.org.
OIC enrollment opens for winter
COLUMBIA BASIN — OIC of Washington Utility and Rental Assistance Program started its open enrollment for the winter season on Oct. 1. To be eligible clients must live within the Upper Yakima Valley or Grant or Adams counties, fall within the income guidelines, show proof of income for the previous three months and provide proof of identification for every member of the home.
Masquers to hold auditions this weekend
SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater will be holding auditions this weekend for their early December show “The Enchanted Bookshop.” A press release by the theater said auditions will be held on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the theater in Soap Lake. Director Marla Allsopp will be looking for cast members ages 12 and older to play book characters that come to life.
Council names David Skaug to fill vacant seat
MOSES LAKE — At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Moses Lake City Council appointed David Skaug to fill a council seat left vacant when former Mayor Dean Hankins resigned at the end of August. Skaug was one of 10 residents to submit applications to the council to fill the open position, with council members voting 5-1 to approve his appointment. Skaug, 69, is a lifelong resident of Moses Lake who, along with his brothers, runs a clutch of businesses. “I just decided it was time to get involved in a more positive way,” he said after the meeting. “I’ve been here all my life, so I kind of have a good feel for where Moses Lake has been. And I want to have a commitment to where it’s going. I’m excited about that, to be a part of that process. Skaug will serve the rest of Hankins’ term, which expires at the end of 2023, meaning he will need to run for election next fall if he wishes to keep the seat.
Washington pro sports recap for Oct. 6
SEATTLE – The drought is over. The Seattle Mariners ended the longest active playoff drought in American sports on Friday, when they clinched a wild card in the American League. The Seahawks joined the Mariners’ winning ways with a win of their own on Sunday, and the Kraken inch closer to the beginning of the NHL season.
Building permits for Oct. 7, 2022
Unincorporated Grant County, Sept. 10-30
Late comeback falls short, Wahluke falls 2-1 to Connell
MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors entered Tuesday’s match against Connell with a 6-1-1 record through eight games, and trying to pick up the team’s third conference win of the season. The attempt fell through, as Connell walked off the field with a 2-1 win over Wahluke. Coaches and players alike said that the team came out flat in the game against the Eagles. “We came in strong,“ Wahluke senior defender Michelle Miranda said of the team entering the game. “Don’t know what happened during the game. We had a positive mindset that today was going to be a good game, and we just didn’t show up.”
To the wire
PUD linemen participate in state competition
EPHRATA — Two Grant County Public Utility District employees showcased their skills at a state competition this past week. “It's good experience, especially just in case something were to ever happen,” said Grant PUD journeyman lineman Carson Fisk. Fisk, along with apprentice lineman Sheldon Kosa, participated in a local rescue competition where they came out on top before going on to the Washington State Pole Top Rescue Competition.
Jacqueline Kay Whitmore
Jacqueline Kay Whitmore, born March 8, 1938, in Corning, New York, to Hank and Marcella Daisley, passed away Sept. 19, 2022, at Lake Ridge Convalescent Center, Moses Lake, Washington. Known to all as “Jackie,” she was a dear beloved friend. We will always remember her beautiful smile and her laugh. Everyone who met her loved her and her personality. She will be greatly missed.
George I. Zucker
September 16, 1942 - September 16, 2022 George Zucker of Pasco, Washington passed away on Sept. 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by family members on his 80th birthday. He was born in Spokane, Washington on Sept. 16, 1942, to Leland and Lillian Caudill. His father passed away on July 5, 1943. His mother later married George Zucker. Early in his career he worked with his family in the cattle industry, later joining the construction industry working as a member of Operating Engineers. In the earlier 1970s he purchased his own equipment and began operating his own business, mainly in developing agricultural farmland. In 1985 he was involved in an industrial accident, leading him to retire due to the injuries received.
‘Wicked Spokane’
New book explores the dark underbelly of the Lilac City
EASTERN WASHINGTON — Around the turn of the 20th century, most of the Columbia Basin was little more than miles and miles of sagebrush, coulees and coyotes. There were a few little hamlets dotting the landscape, but nothing you could really call a city. Spokane, on the other hand, was the commercial hub between the Cascades and the Rockies, and it sprang up fast, fueled by mining, railroads and the fertile farmlands surrounding it. Between 1900 and 1910 the city’s population nearly tripled to well over 100,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census records. This brought money, prestige, arts, culture, all the good things that come with urban life. It also brought some, well, unsavory people.
Legals for October, 5 2022
Tuesday, October 4
Four injured in collision near Warden
WARDEN — Four people were injured when a semi truck rear-ended a car that had slowed for traffic on state Route 17 early Tuesday afternoon, pushing it into another car. According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol, Javier Sanchez-Zepeda, 27, Othello, was driving north on SR-17 at about 2 p.m. Tuesday when he ran into a car driven by Matthew Bobbitt, 41, College Place. Bobbitt had slowed for traffic, the memo said. The collision pushed Bobbitt’s car into a car driven by Steven Booth, 57, Warden. The press memo said Sanchez-Zepeda was following too closely.
Farm close-up
Animals, tractors, lessons, fun at First Grade Farm Day
MOSES LAKE — The first graders pleaded, and they commanded, but that pig refused to listen. “Pig, come here,” the first graders shouted. “Please come here. Wake up, pig.” The pig was lazing in his pen, enjoying a warm fall afternoon, and he was not interested in being petted by the first-graders. It took a nudge from his owner to persuade him to cross the pen.
Benzel hired as Othello municipal court judge
OTHELLO — Current Adams County District Court Judge Carolyn Benzel will be the judge for the new Othello Municipal Court, which will begin operation in January. Currently Benzel is also the judge for the Othello District Court branch. Othello City Council members approved the contract at the regular meeting Monday. “I think we have a contract,” said Mayor Shawn Logan. “Other than maybe a couple of minor changes, all the major stuff is in there.” Hiring the judge, Logan said, will allow state officials to start the necessary procedures to get the new court connected to the proper agencies. “They’re going to get this actually started. Once we hired the judge, then they know we’re serious, I guess,” Logan said.
Wildfires continue to burn in Washington
WASHINGTON STATE — There are five large fires in Washington according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center as of Oct. 4. The NICC defines a large fire as any wildland fire in timber 100 acres or greater, and 300 acres or greater in grasslands/rangelands, or that has an Incident Management Team assigned to it. There are five fires currently on the Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map:
Simulated shooter drill coming to Confluence
MOSES LAKE — Confluence Health and Samaritan Healthcare will conduct a joint full-scale active shooter exercise in Moses Lake on Saturday, according to a statement from the two companies. The exercise will focus on a simulated active shooter threat at the Confluence Health clinic in Moses Lake, the statement said. Local first responders, including Moses Lake fire, police, and EMS departments, will all participate in the exercise and respond to the incident. The exercise will also involve a simulated mass casualty incident in which “patients” – volunteers playing a part – will first be taken to Samaritan Hospital to be stabilized and, if needed, transported to other regional hospitals including Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Confluence Health will also activate its Hospital Incident Command System for the exercise to help manage the fictional incident in Moses Lake as well as coordinating with CWH to receive patients as part of their MCI plan.
Law enforcement reports for Oct. 5. 2022
The reports below were provided by the respective law enforcement agencies as noted. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
SLPD says goodbye to Officer Gallaher
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake Police Department said goodbye to Officer Jeff Gallaher after he patrolled his last shift for the agency on Sept. 29. “His worth ethic was top-notch,” said SLPD Officer Trevor Jones. “Any task he had in front of him, he did it to his fullest and saw it through to fruition.” A release from the SLPD said Gallaher is leaving the department because he accepted a position with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department. During his three years with SLPD, Gallaher had been a field training officer, child seat technician, UAS (drone) operator, patrol officer and motor officer, among others.
Sports schedule Oct. 5-11
As the calendar shifts to October, local high schools have entered conference play here in the Basin. Check out this week’s high school sports schedule, featuring football, volleyball, soccer and more.
Devils fall in three sets to Waterville-Mansfield
WILSON CREEK — After winning their first two games of the season last week, the Wilson Creek Devils entered a home conference matchup against the Waterville-Mansfield Shockers on Monday. Despite running high after the wins, Wilson Creek fell to the Shockers in three sets on Monday. “We were really excited coming into the night, but we knew that it would be a tough game,” Wilson Creek head coach Christa Christopherson said. “It’s also really hard to come off of a weekend (game) and play a Monday game, especially against one of the better teams in the league.”
Quilts, sausage and service
Mennonite Country Auction goes all-out for disaster relief
RITZVILLE — According to Pastor Bryce Miller, on an ordinary worship day, there are at most 40 or 50 people gathered at Menno Mennonite Church about 22 miles west of Ritzville. “Menno is a long-established congregation that dates back to about 1900,” Miller said. But last Saturday, Oct. 1, hundreds of people gathered at this little church situated amid the rolling, wheat-covered hills of Adams County for the 45th annual Mennonite Country Auction, to help raise money to support the domestic and international relief efforts of the Mennonite Church USA.
Mariners to start playoffs on road, Haggerty hurts leg
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners will start their first playoff trip in two decades on the road after a costly 4-3 loss Monday night to the Detroit Tigers, who got a two-run homer from Javier Báez. Sam Haggerty singled with two outs in the ninth inning and hurt his left groin while sliding into second base on a successful steal. He needed assistance to leave the field, an arm draped over manager Scott Servais and an athletic trainer.
50 horses hath October
Miss Rodeo Washington rides, eyes national title
RITZVILLE — Lexy Hibbs is on a mission. On Sunday, Hibbs stood underneath the high ceiling of the indoor riding facility at the Iron Legacy Ranch south of Ritzville. People are arriving with their horses, tying them up and getting them ready. Hibbs, Miss Rodeo Washington, is looking to ride as many of them as she can as part of a fundraiser for breast cancer as well as the upcoming Miss Rodeo America competition in Las Vegas in November. “So, today I am doing the Pink 50 Horse Challenge,” she said. “It’s for all of the state contestants.”
Richard J. Childress
Richard J. Childress, 74, left his earthly home on Sept. 27, 2022, surrounded by his wife of 47 years, Robin, their children and grandchildren. He was born on Nov. 1, 1947, in Yakima, Washington to Jack and Doreen Childress. When he was quite young, Richard and his family moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where he attended school from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1966. Richard was always active in his church as a boy and spent many happy summers at Camp Lutherhaven. He was also quite athletic and always played a variety of sports while growing up. He attended Central Washington State College, where he played college football, as a tackle, and earned bachelor’s degrees both in secondary education and in health and fitness.
Ronnie Robert Smith
Ronnie Robert Smith of Royal City, Washington, was called home to our Lord on Sunday morning, Oct. 2, at the age of 76. Ronnie passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane following a courageous battle to recover from aorta surgery in early September. Ronnie was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1945, to Robert and Dorothy Smith. Ronnie’s family moved to California in the early 1950s, where he graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fresno in 1964. He met his future bride, Joyce, in church and they married in December of 1967, after he and Joyce’s family moved to Washington state. Ronnie and Joyce settled in Washington state, where he worked in the logging industry for Weyerhauser, as a scaler, retiring in 2009, after 41 years of honorable employment.
Generous Garden
Moses Lake teacher cultivates vacant lot for food pantry
MOSES LAKE — Don Key is always busy with something. “I’ve always got projects,” he said as he stood in the vacant lot next to his house on West Basin Street. It’s a vacant lot Key said he bought some years ago after the owner died. Key turned it into a garden, which in late summer was filled with purple tomatoes ripening to red on trellised vines, Armenian cucumbers curling low and hanging heavy, rhubarb growing leafy and tall, and melon vines wrapped around the chain link fence enclosing the garden. While he keeps some of the produce for himself, and allows neighbors who need some to pick what they like, Key said he really grows this produce for the Moses Lake Food Bank.
Legals for October, 4 2022
Monday, October 3
Slices Brick Oven House owners cut ribbon
Ashton, left, and Alivia Boyer cut the ribbon on Slices Brick Oven House, 2707 W. Broadway Ave. in Moses Lake, accompanied by family and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Their parents, John and Becky Boyer, assumed ownership of the restaurant in April, Becky Boyer said. Ashton and Alivia’s brother Trevor is the manager. The restaurant features wings, sandwiches, calzones and sandwiches as well as pizza.
Suspects sought in Othello-area burglaries
OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who may be involved in a number of burglaries in the Othello area. The ACSO released pictures of the men and a black car that may be associated with them Saturday. Sheriff Dale Wagner said they had not been identified as of Monday. “They have not been caught,” Wagner said Monday. “We have several leads.” Sheriff’s deputies are still trying to identify the men, Wagner said.
Week in local sports: Sept. 27-Oct. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out photos from this past week’s sporting events, including Moses Lake girls soccer, Royal and Wahluke football, Quincy volleyball and Moses Lake football.
Local sports recap Sept. 26-Oct. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN – As local teams around the Basin enter the second month of play, the competition has been heating up. Check out recaps for each school below, from the gridiron to the volleyball court.
ESD levies planned for November ballot
EPHRATA — Ephrata School District voters will decide the fate of two school district levies on the November ballot. If approved, these measures will purchase four new yellow school buses and provide capital needed to address facility and infrastructure improvements throughout the district, according to a press release from the district. “When I stepped in as superintendent, I committed to uphold the tax plan of those that held my position before me,” Tim Payne, Ephrata School District superintendent said in the release. “We are moving forward on a long-term capital plan that includes the building of a new high school in the near future. We’re sensitive to the impact we have on our community and its taxpayers, and are working hard to anticipate the needs of Ephrata’s future while keeping tax rates as stable as possible.”
ESD 105 receives nearly $4 million in grants for student mental health
YAKIMA — Educational Service District 105 officials announced on Sept. 29 that they will receive federal grant funds totaling almost $4 million to support student mental health. The ESD covers 25 school districts including Wahluke and Royal. "We are beyond excited to be one of the few recipients of this grant,” ESD 105 Student Supports Program Director Emily Nelson said in the release. “This essential funding will be used to fill a much needed gap in mental healthcare services that face students and their families across our region.”
Glamor for a cause
Boys & Girls Club auction raises funds for kids
MOSES LAKE — The glitterati were out in full force at dinner and auction Saturday night. About 300 people turned out to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin at the organization’s annual dinner and auction. The theme for the evening was “A Night at the Oscars,” and the organizers went all out. There was a red carpet at the entrance to the Big Bend Community College ATEC building, and paparazzi snapping photos of attendees as they entered. The dinner and auction were sold out. “I am always honored that so many of my friends in the community share my passion for caring about our club kids,” said Boys & Girls Club Director Kim Pope.
GC Fair attendance down from 2021, up from 2019
MOSES LAKE — Attendance at the 2022 Grant County Fair was lower than 2021, but higher than 2019. Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan estimated about 68,000 people came through the gate over the 2022 fair’s five-day run. That was about 16% lower than the 2021 fair, but higher than 2019, the last pre-pandemic year. “Overall, the (2022) fair went very well,” McKiernan said. The annual stock sale, where 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants sell the animals they raised for competition, may have set a record. McKiernan said the sale generated about $876,000 for the participants.
Class gives donation to Moses Lake Food Bank
MOSES LAKE — Graduates in the Moses Lake High School Class of 1972 donated the remaining money in the class treasury to a good cause Thursday, presenting a check for $1,700 to the Moses Lake Food Bank. The MLHS Class of 1972 held its 50th reunion this summer, and members of the organizing committee said they think it will be the last one that requires a treasury. Jerry Fisher, who’s on the organizing committee, said classmates have been putting together a reunion every five years, and plan to keep on going. But 2022 is the end of reunions that require a committee.
Robert Quinlivan
Robert lost his battle with cancer and went to his heavenly home on Sept 27 1922. He was 74 years old, and will be missed by his family and friends. Robert will be interred at Tahoma Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
Donald (Don) Stephenson
Donald (Don) Stephenson was born to Earl and Wilhelmina Stephenson on July 22, 1946, in Garden City, Kansas. Don grew up in Abilene, Texas where he gave his life to the Lord at a young age. Don loved music and played the trombone throughout his time in school. His cousin, famous country singer Jeannie C. Riley, even dedicated a song title, “Plain Vanilla,” to Don, inspired by his favorite ice cream flavor. Don enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after high school where he spent one year stationed in San Diego, California, one year in Kodiak, Alaska and one year in Vietnam, before accepting an honorable discharge in 1969. Don came back home shortly after and met his soon-to-be-wife, Bea, who had just gotten a job at Grissom’s, the same department store Don worked at before his enrollment in the Navy.
Geno Smith, Rashaad Penny star as Seahawks beat Lions 48-45
DETROIT (AP) — Geno Smith and Rashaad Penny were so good the Seattle Seahawks never needed their punter. Smith accounted for three touchdowns in the first half and Penny had a pair of long second-half scoring runs, helping Seattle hold off the Detroit Lions for a 48-45 win Sunday.
Robbie Ray gives up 3 HRs as Athletics topple Mariners 10-3
SEATTLE (AP) — While the Seattle Mariners' top task all along was just getting into the postseason, playing home games in the wild-card round was a very close second. Accomplishing that will now take some significant help from others following Seattle's 10-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.
Spotting depression in pets
For pets accustomed to a certain routine or way of life, having to adjust to great or sudden changes can be extremely difficult. For some pets, these changes can even result in a depressive state. Dr. Ashley Navarrette, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that depression in pets is usually associated with a major change or event. “The most common event associated with depression in pets is the death of a family member—either a human or another pet,” Navarrette said. “However, it can also be caused by other events, such as a major change in routine; for example, a pet may have difficulty adjusting if a family member who was previously working from home has returned to work on-site.” Pets that are depressed often act unlike themselves. Common symptoms of depression include hiding, acting reserved or unsociable, and experiencing a low appetite. Owners may also notice that pets no longer seem interested in activities they used to enjoy...
Grapes and timing
Slow but solid harvest, say wine growers
QUINCY — The 2022 Washington wine grape harvest is just getting underway, but wine growers are optimistic it’s going to be a good year. Vicky Scharlau, executive director of the Washington Winegrowers Association, said Sept. 14 that harvest was just gearing up. “It’s just barely starting in some areas,” she said. “Which is very late. About two weeks later than normal.”...
Fall fun in Grant Co.
GRANT COUNTY — With October right around the corner, fall and Halloween activities will be in full swing, including local pumpkin picking and corn mazes. There are several pumpkin patches and mazes for Grant County residents to enjoy this season. Some of the offerings:
Huffmans mark 60 years of marriage
MOSES LAKE — Mira and Eddie Huffman celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary today. The Huffmans were married on Oct. 3, 1962, in Quincy. Now retired, they formerly owned Perkins Family Restaurant in Moses Lake. The couple has two children, Jackie Huffman of Tarpon Springs, Florida and Kelly and John Hanold of Moses Lake. The Huffmans also have two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Legals for October, 3 2022
Saturday, October 1
ML to hold candidate forum
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a candidate forum and has invited all candidates running in contested local, district and statewide races, for Monday, Oct. 10, starting at 6 p.m. in the Moses Lake Civic Center. Invited to participate in the forum are: Grant County Sheriff candidates Joey Kriete and Joe Harris, Grant County Clerk candidates Kimberly Allen and Marla Rodunner, Grant County Commission candidates Jeff Foster and Cindy Carter, Superior Court Judge candidates Anna Gigliotti and Melissa Chlarson, Grant County Assessor candidates Melissa McKnight and James Liebrecht, Grant County Auditor candidates Michele Jaderlund and Richard Stevens, U.S. House of Representatives Fourth District candidates Dan Newhouse and Doug White, and U.S. Senate candidates Patty Murray and Tiffany Smiley. The forum is free and open to the public.
Basin cross country teams face off
QUINCY - Several Basin teams faced off Thursday at the second annual Windermere Central Basin Colockum Clash in Quincy. The meet was held at Colockum Ridge Golf Course and featured six teams; Brewster, Cashmere, Moses Lake, Omak, Quincy and Soap Lake. Moses Lake came out on top in both the girls and boys races. Quincy, as a team, placed third in the boys and fourth in the girls.
A cup of joe and a classic car with the MLPD
MOSES LAKE — For Rob Roemer, the reasons for being out in the parking lot across from the Moses Lake Civic Center at 8 a.m. on a Saturday were self explanatory. “Who doesn’t like coffee and donuts?” he said. Roemer stood next to the open hood of his 1971 Plymouth Valiant Scamp, which he’s cleaned up and kept in fairly good condition. It’s one of several cars displayed by members of the Classic Car Club of Moses Lake (including a 1948 Kaiser) and the Diverse Society Car Club as part of a Moses Lake Police Department’s Cops, Cars and Coffee fundraiser for the BlueBridge Program, which allows individual police officers to help people in need of everything from a meal to a place to stay. It was a bring-your-coffee event, with The Favored Farmhouse — located just on the other side of the alley from the civic center parking lot — donating a portion of the proceeds from every cup of coffee sold Saturday morning to help the program, according to MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr, with the MLPD also accepting donations to help with the program. “That's what today is all about,” Fuhr said.
Grant Co. seeks tourism funding applicants
EPHRATA - The Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee announced in a press release that they are seeking grant applicants for qualifying tourism-promotion campaigns for events only. The application period is open from October 3 through 21. The release states applications must be received in the County Commissioners Office no later than 5 p.m., on Oct. 21. Postmark for mailed in applications must be prior to 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 21. Late applications will not be accepted.
Mavs push past Wenatchee
MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Mavericks swept the Wenatchee High School Panthers 28-7 Friday night. Despite the big win, the head coach and players for Moses Lake say they still have improvements to make. “Just because we won doesn’t mean we’re happy with it,” said Moses Lake senior Tell Rathbun. An interception and return touchdown by Moses Lake junior Kyson Thomas halfway through the first quarter seemed to drive the tide for the Mavericks, who went on to score another touchdown before the first quarter was up. The Mavs added a third touchdown in the second quarter and their final touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter.
“It just seemed like the right thing to do”
CB Tech teacher and ex-MLPD chief on detaining suspect
MOSES LAKE — Dave Ruffin does not teach his law enforcement students at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center to do what he did on Wednesday when he detained a male suspect believed to have a gun in the school’s parking lot. “Absolutely not,” Ruffin said. “We don’t teach civilians to intervene in short, dangerous situations. But you know, it just seemed like the right thing to do.” A former Moses Lake Police Chief who teaches law enforcement at CB Tech, Ruffin responded on Wednesday when two students reported they were threatened by a man with a gun who had been driving white Mercedes in the CB Tech parking lot. The school went into lockdown and Ruffin said he instructed staff to call 911 while he went out to look for the suspect, later identified as Leonel Balderas-Mondragon, 22, who had apparently come to campus to pick up relative.
Kidding around
Assisted living residents spend morning with baby goats
MOSES LAKE — It’s been a long time since Ken Gregory has seen a goat. “When I was 10 years old, we always had 15 or 20 goats,” said Gregory, 93, and a resident of Brookdale Hearthstone Assisted Living in Moses Lake. “It was out in the middle of nowhere, we had an acre or two, but it was hardly a farm for us. But we raised goats and rabbits.” As Gregory spoke, a small tan goat hopped around, licking hands and looking for whoever has a bottle. There were two goats at Brookdale Hearthstone last Friday morning, both five months old and denizens of Brookdale Hearthstone Administrator Joe Ketterer’s farm. They’re here because Ketterer believes animals are an important way to help keep Brookdale Hearthstone’s residents connected to each other and to the world.
Jacks rally to defeat Mabton 3-1
QUINCY – The Quincy volleyball team got back in the win column on Saturday, defeating Mabton at home in four sets. Despite dropping the first set 25-20 to the Vikings, the Jackrabbits rallied off three consecutive set wins for the 3-1 victory. “We had a good practice (Friday),” Quincy head coach Dean Pratt said. “That did not carry over in that first set, but they took upon themselves and did a little pushing on their own.” The second set saw both teams fight back and forth, with a tied score at 21 before Quincy began to pull away for the set win 25-22. “We came off of a loss, and we wanted to get this win (today),” sophomore Emma Galloway said. “We had a couple of girls gone, so I think we really wanted to push for them and get another win under our belt.”
Knights bounce back, defeat Wahluke 51-3
ROYAL CITY – It didn’t take long to see how Royal would bounce back since its first loss in nearly four years. The Knights, who defeated Wahluke 51-3 on Friday night, scored 23 points in the first five minutes of the first quarter en route to a dominant win. “We just wanted to refocus after (the loss),” Royal head coach WIley Allred said. “Just get back to working on improving and reset some of our habits. Whether we won or lost that game, we could see there were some areas of improvement needed.” Scoring opened with Royal senior quarterback Dylan Allred finding receiver Edgar Delarosa on a crossing route, where the senior receiver ran 43 yards to give the Knights a 7-0 lead following the extra point. “That set the tone pretty good – everybody got hyped after that,” Delarosa said. “It boosted energy.”
Green growth: Cannabis celebrates 10 legal years
WASHINGTON STATE — In 2012, Washington voters approved ballot Initiative 502, which allowed for the legal production, sale and consumption of recreational cannabis. In the 10 years since its passing, the cannabis industry has created a robust industry that has contributed millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state and thousands of jobs. “As we were approaching the 10 year anniversary of I-502’s passing, we wanted to be able to wrap our arms around the actual quantitative scope on the market,” said Washington Cannabusiness Association spokesperson Aaron Pickus. Pickus explained that WACA had been asked over the years by different groups about the scope of the cannabis industry in Washington. As a result, the first Washington Cannabusiness Association Economic Impact Analysis was published in December 2021.