Ellington

Mariners outlast Rangers in 11, close in on playoff berth

SEATTLE (AP) — Mitch Haniger and Jarred Kelenic both homered twice, J.P. Crawford singled home the winning run in the 11th inning and the Seattle Mariners closed in on their first playoff berth in 21 years by beating the Texas Rangers 10-9 Thursday night. The Mariners moved a half-game ahead of Tampa Bay for the second of three AL wild cards and reduced their magic number to one for clinching a postseason spot.

Rockin’ the yard

Moses Lake homeowner shows there are more options than grass

MOSES LAKE — There’s more than one way to cover a yard. “I'm not a grass person,” said Teresa Fields of Moses Lake. “I mean, I love grass for the dogs, but, yeah, low maintenance and water conservation is my number one thing. So neighbors have rocks, I take them and I use them. We live here in the Basin, and that's just rocks.” Fields is in the process of turning the front lawn of the house she and her husband Ed own into a big rock garden. She’s already gotten rid of the grass and is staging stones in its place. Some of the rock involved is flat paving stones and gravel, but most of it is just medium-sized roundish rocks that other folks want to get rid of. “I just went near a neighbor's house and they're like, please take them, I'll pay. I said no, I'll take it,” she said. “But little did he know I scored a birdbath in one of the rocks, which is about $2,500.” ...

Fit business

Ephrata businessman keeps Ephrata fitness thriving

EPHRATA - Born and raised in Ephrata, Mike Scellick has operated several businesses in town and learned how to adapt and change over the years to keep them thriving. “You get to that point that you’ve got to have energy and you’ve got to be creative and keep evolving, programs and that kind of stuff, and once you stop, your business starts sliding,” he said. Scellick owns the Ephrata Athletic Club, Studio Fitness and the Nat Washington House. He also owned Sole Performance for many years before selling it to Kelsey Gribble recently. Scellick said when he first bought the Ephrata Athletic Club in the 70s, at only 23 years old, he had been an employee for the business in between attending classes at Big Bend Community College. “I was the boy that cleaned in the club,” Scellick said...

Legals for September, 30 2022

GCSO Posse walks for autism awareness

The Wenatchee Wild’s Walt the Wolf mounted up with the Grant County Sheriff’s Posse Wednesday at the Autism Awareness Walk in Ephrata Saturday. The event, hosted by the Autism Support Group of Grant County, included food trucks and a bounce house as well as a walk up Beezley Hill. From left: Breanna Wahl, Shelby Carter, Walt, Trisha Cox, Anne Carter and Ingrid Olsen.

MLSD unveils new middle school mascots

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District unveiled the new mascots and logos for both Columbia Middle School — the Red Hawks — and Frontier Middle School — the Spartans. According to a pair of MLSD press releases, the mascots and logos were selected by the district’s 15-member Mascot Committee, which consisted of students, parents, staff and district residents, and approved by the Moses Lake School Board. “Together, they weighed hundreds of ideas and submissions from a public survey,” the release said.

Gonzaga men’s XC reaches No. 12

SPOKANE — Gonzaga's men's cross country enters this week's U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) Coaches' Poll ranked the highest ever in program history, coming in at No. 12 after a strong outing at the Cowboy Jamboree over the weekend in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Zag men finished 10th overall with 245 points en route to beating six ranked teams in the most competitive meet so far in the NCAA this season. Yacine Guermali led the way for Gonzaga with a 15th place individual finish in a time of 23 minutes, 42.6 seconds over the 8,000 meter course on the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country Course.

Fish & Wildlife plans prescribed burns for Eastern Washington

SPOKANE- Annual prescribed fires on lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in eastern Washington are scheduled to start in October as conditions allow, according to a department press release. “These areas slated for prescribed fire in eastern Washington include only portions of wildlife areas, leaving thousands more acres available for public access,” said Matt Eberlein, Prescribed Fire Manager at WDFW, in the release. “In the long-term, the work will preserve ecosystems and continue to provide access to public lands.”

Homeowner shot in burglary, two men sought

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in a Sunday morning burglary-shooting, according to a statement from the GCSO. GCSO deputies and Moses Lake Police Department officers answered a call at about 6 a.m. at a house in the 12000 block of Road 4 Northeast, according to the statement. The occupants of the home told officers that two men had entered the home, shot the homeowner and fled, taking several of the victim’s firearms with them.

Ephrata HS moves to eTickets

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District issued a press release stating that electronic tickets would be required for regular season home high school sporting events, and cash would no longer be accepted. “Ephrata Schools, like many other schools in the Central Washington Athletic Conference, and the region, moved to eTickets for sporting events at the start of the 2022-2023 school year,” said Communications Director Sarah Morford. “By doing so, lines at our gates have become faster. Using eTickets also helps us simplify our accounting and auditing processes for more efficient use of school resources and time.”

Wildcats travel to New Mexico

PORTALES, N.M. — Coming off of a bye week, the Central Washington University football team travels to Eastern New Mexico University for a battle against the Greyhounds on Saturday at 5 p.m. The Wildcats enter the matchup with a 2-1, 2-0 record. Their last action came on the road at Simon Fraser on Sept. 17 as the team captured a 40-7 win. CWU is averaging 28 points per game while holding opposing offenses to under 19 points per game. Quincy Glasper continues to lead the team through the air with 34 completions for 556 yards and three touchdowns through three games played.

Retired MLPD chief detains suspect at CB Tech

MOSES LAKE — A former Moses Lake police chief on Wednesday detained a man who made threats to students at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Retired Police Chief Dave Ruffin, who teaches law enforcement at CB Tech, detained Leonel Balderas-Mondragon, 22, at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday after two students reported to staff they had been threatened in the school’s parking lot by a man with a gun, the MLPD statement said. As CB Tech went into lockdown, Ruffin walked into the parking lot and detained Balderas-Mondragon until MLPD officers arrived, the statement said.

Creating a new culture

Quincy looks to build off wins

QUINCY — Quincy head coach Russ Elliott, who is in his first year at the helm, said one of his goals this season was to change the mentality of the program. A year after going winless in 2021, the Quincy Jackrabbits evened their record at 2-2 with a 34-6 win over Brewster last Friday. “It’s (been going) good,” Elliott said. “Kids are working hard, coaches are working hard. The good part is we got some payoff – we won a couple games, which is unusual for us and a good feeling for the kids.”

Pet of the Week: Vesna

Meet Vesna, a female husky mix about 10 months old. Vesna was surrendered to us with her mother and three littermates, all of whom came in with mange and were not well socialized. She’s friendly and shy and likes toys. She plays well with other dogs her own size or bigger. She’s not very confident being on a leash yet, but she’s working on it. For more information, call Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5544 or by visiting us on the web at adamscountypetrescue.com. Vesna and other pets may be found at our shelter located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.

Seahawks' Diggs thankful for time in Detroit ahead of return

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Looking back on how his career started and the opportunity that was given has only strengthened the feelings Quandre Diggs has for the Detroit Lions. Maybe not so much the coaching regime that decided Diggs was expendable and led to his trade to Seattle. But in terms of the organization as a whole, Diggs still has a deep appreciation for Detroit.

UPDATED: Two semi accidents cause early morning road closures

WARDEN — Both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90 were closed after a semi-tractor trailer traveling westbound near the Road U exit flipped over, completely blocking the road’s two westbound lanes about 10 miles east of Moses Lake. According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Collin Cumaravel, Manvir Hayer, 27 of Abbotsford, British Columbia, was driving westbound on I-90 when at around 5:30 a.m. he fell asleep, drifted off the road, overcorrected and flipped his truck on its side. The driver was uninjured, Cumaravel said, but fire, ambulance and tow truck crews blocked I-90’s eastbound lanes in order to respond to the accident. ...

Patti Trujillo

The Herald pays tribute to a respected colleague who was a beloved part of our family

MOSES LAKE — Patti loved those Dairy Queen Blizzards, especially the mint chocolate chip. So when the Herald staff paid tribute to Patti with ice cream, of course, there was some mint chocolate chip. Because it was Patti. Patti Trujillo was in the advertising department here at the paper, but more than that she was an integral part of the Columbia Basin Herald, known to a generation of coworkers and customers. Patti passed away Sept. 9 while undergoing her first treatment for lung cancer. “She was like my second mom,” said CBH General Manager Bob Richardson...

A decade of heroes

Buddy Walk spotlights people with Down syndrome and their families

MOSES LAKE — The Centennial Amphitheater at McCosh Park was brimming with joy Saturday as the Down Syndrome Society of Grant County held its 10th annual Buddy Walk. “Watching the kids, it’s just so exciting and fun to see them out here enjoying themselves,” said Denise Ketola, one of the event’s organizers and the mother of a 19-year-old with Down syndrome. The event celebrated its first decade this year, and the commemorative T-shirts reflected that, with confetti incorporated into the design. The crowd also sang “Happy Birthday” to the Buddy Walk...

Washington pro sports recap for Sept. 29

SEATTLE – Washington’s professional sports have had an eventful week. The Mariners saw an epic collapse on Sunday, the Seahawks dropped their second-straight game and the Kraken entered the beginning of a new season. Mariners Prior to entering a series against the Texas Rangers this week, the previous 11 days of baseball hadn’t been kind to the Seattle Mariners – with 10 games against teams with losing records, the Mariners went a combined 3-7. Not exactly peaking at the right time, with the playoffs right around the corner. ... Seahawks After a road loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Seahawks returned home for a matchup against the 0-2 Atlanta Falcons. A week after allowing 189 rushing yards against the 49ers, the Falcons rushed for 179 yards on Sunday, led by Cordarrelle Patterson’s career-high 141 yards on 17 carries. ... Kraken With the beginning of the NHL season less than two weeks away, the Seattle Kraken opened preseason play with a 2-0 record. The preseason began with back-to-back home games, both being 3-0 wins over the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. ...

Law enforcement reports for Sept. 29

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...

Legals for September, 29 2022

Moses Lake city council looks to fill vacant seat

Council hears update on W. Valley Road at Tuesday meeting.

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake has received applications from 10 people seeking to fill the city council seat vacated when now-former Mayor Dean Hankins resigned sin late August — including from several former city council members — and is set to interview those candidates at a special meeting next week. The applicants are former council member (and mayor) David Curnel, Peter Steffens, Moses Lake Municipal Airport Commissioner Rod Richeson, Elisia Dalluge, former council member James Liebrecht, Andrew Ervin, David Skaug, Jeremy Nolan, current Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District Board Member Richard Teals and Sabrina Valdez. At a regular meeting on Tuesday, council members decided to hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, following a ceremony at the Moses Lake Civic Center to mark the 40th anniversary of the Moses Lake - Yonezawa sister city relationship, which is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. ...

Planning continues for new Quincy Valley Medical Center

QUINCY — Consultants and officials at Quincy Valley Medical Center are starting to establish a timeline for the construction of the new Quincy hospital. Joe Kunkel, the consultant working on the project, estimated the preparation, planning and design process would last about a year. “Our goal right now is that we should be turning dirt next summer, or this time next year,” Kunkel said during the regular meeting of the QVMC board Monday. Hospital district voters approved a construction bond proposal for a new hospital in August, authorizing up to $55 million for the project. Hospital officials chose Trinity: NAC, Spokane, in July as the project architects...

REC announces new CEO

OSLO — REC Silicon announced that Kurtis Levens has been named the new company’s chief executive officer. Levens, previously the company’s senior vice president and general manager of electronic grade polysilicon and silicon gasses, replaced James May II, who was named interim CEO in November following the retirement of Tore Torvund, according to an REC press release...

Moses Lake resident makes SCC honor roll

SPOKANE - Leticia Garcia of Moses Lake has earned a place on the Spokane Community College Honor Roll for Summer Quarter 2022, according to a release by the college. To make the SCC honor roll, students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or above.

EWU’s Martin earns Offensive Player of the Week

CHENEY – After leading Eastern Washington women's soccer to a 2-0 record, Gillian Martin is the Big Sky offensive Player of the Week as announced by the conference Wednesday. This is Martin's first career Player of the Week honor. Martin recorded two goals this past week that pushed Eastern to the top of the table in the Big Sky...

Maverick girls soccer aims to create chemistry

New coach takes reins at school she graduated from

MOSES LAKE — First-year Moses Lake girls soccer Head Coach Alysha Overland has put an emphasis on team bonding for the 2022 Mavericks, and the results are beginning to show on the field. “I knew I wanted to coach wherever I ended up,” Overland said. “Thankfully I ended up back here in town, and then got a position as one of the assistants my first year back. I worked my way in, and once Liz (Bigger) left and the position opened up I said ‘Hey, that’s what I want to do,’ and I knew I had a passion for it.” Overland, a Moses Lake native, played soccer at Moses Lake High School before going to play at the collegiate level at Washington State University. “I grew up here in Moses Lake, I was born and raised here,” Overland said. “I played soccer my entire life, went through the program here as a Chief when (the mascot) was still Chiefs.” ...

Gonzaga men’s soccer defeats St. Thomas

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gonzaga men's soccer team went on the road to St. Thomas and came out with a 3-2 win over the Tommies. This marked the second-straight year the two teams have played each other, and Gonzaga claimed both wins over St. Thomas. The Zags got on the board first in the 29th minute. The Bulldogs were awarded a corner kick and Wylie Trujillo had a short pass to Demitirus Kigeya, who then quickly passed it back to Trujillo. Trujillo made a long cross into the box and Diego Domenech headed the ball in for his first career goal as a Zag...

Twyla Marie Henderson

Twyla Marie Henderson, 84, passed away on Sept. 24, 2022, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are in care of the Neptune Society, Spokane.

Sainsbury fills Ephrata School Board position

EPHRATA - The Ephrata School Board Monday night unanimously selected Josh Sainsbury to fill the board’s vacant position. “We are happy to have Josh, employed as a public servant, be willing to do more for his community by serving on the school board,” said Anita Waller, Ephrata School Board Vice President in a release by the district. “We look forward to working with him.” The release states Sainsbury replaces Alain Black who stepped down in August to accept the varsity girls basketball head coaching position at Ephrata High School...

Washington fire update for Sept. 28

WASHINGTON STATE - There are seven large fires in Washington according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center as of Sept. 27. The site defines a large fire as any wildland fire in timber 100 acres or greater, and 300 acres or greater in grasslands/rangelands, or has an Incident Management Team assigned to it...

Umani Festival comes to downtown Moses Lake

Local celebration recognizes local diversity during Hispanic Heritage Month.

MOSES LAKE — Two blocks of downtown Moses Lake were blocked off Saturday afternoon for food, music, classic cars and a general celebration of the area’s Hispanic culture during the Umani Festival. “We have a huge Hispanic culture here,” said Derek Martinez, owner of The Favored Farmhouse. “So, I think to highlight that culture, I think that’s just awesome.” The festival, which featured Mexican-style mariachi music by Mariachi Huenachi, Andean-style folk music by Hermanos de los Andes, and Cuban-style acoustic dance music by Seattle-area band SuperSones, is a new one, and was organized as a joint effort of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, the Moses Lake Creative District, the Downtown Moses Lake Association and custom auto shop and clothing EDUB C/S...

Boys & Girls Club auction to sport a Hollywood theme Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The red carpet will be unrolled, the lights will be bright and the stars will be out in all their glittery glory Saturday night. The local stars, that is. The 27th annual Boys and Girls Club dinner and auction will start at 5:30 at the Big Bend Community College ATEC building. The theme is “A Night at the Oscars,” and attendees are invited to come decked out in their best Tinseltown finery...

Legals for September, 28 2022

Royal schools start year in almost-finished buildings

ROYAL CITY — School in Royal is off to a great start for the year, Superintendent Roger Trail told the Royal School Board Monday night. “We have opened school to what I would say probably the best we've done since pre-COVID,” Trail said. “Everyone just seemed to be in really fantastic spirits without all the extra rules and regulations that we've had to solve for the last couple of years. So that's been nice.”

Cox appointed interim Soap Lake city administrator

SOAP LAKE - Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox will be appointed at the next city council meeting as the Interim City Administrator for Soap Lake. “In reality, this is more of a city manager, a manager of projects, not really an administrator over everybody,” said Cox. Cox explained that while in other cities it could be considered a conflict of interest to have the police chief also be the city administrator, the City of Soap Lake is set up in a way that it is not. He further stated that he is already handling a lot of duties of the administrator since the city’s previous administrator departed at the end of June to pursue another position elsewhere...

Electric flight

Eviation's Alice aircraft makes initial battery-powered test flight in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The very first test flight Tuesday morning of Eviation’s battery-powered Alice airplane only lasted about eight minutes. However, the implications for commercial flight could last for decades to come. “What we’ve done is made aviation history. This is about changing the way we fly,” said Eviation President and CEO Greg Davis as he stood with company test pilot Steven Crane on the ramp behind the main terminal at the Grant County International Airport. “And we are, well. obviously beaming with pride on this beautiful sunny day here at Moses Lake as we've just completed this flight.” Founded in Tel Aviv in 2015 by Omer Bar-Yohay and Aviv Tzidon, Eviation signed a deal with Seattle-based AeroTEC to test and certify the Alice at the Paris Airshow in 2019 and moved its headquarters to Arlington, Washington, in 2020. The company hopes to eventually produce passenger, cargo and executive transport versions of the all-electric, battery-powered aircraft for short-haul flights of 200 nautical miles (about 230 standard miles) or less...

Lions look to bounce back from season-opening loss

After relaunching soccer program, MLCA/CCS looks to team building.

MOSES LAKE – Following a season-opening 10-1 loss to Upper Columbia, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions are looking to rally together and grow as a team. The team, which is returning to the pitch for the first time in seven years, is a young one according to head coach Shaq Ledezma...

Joel Rossell

Joel Rossell, veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Moses Lake, passed away at home on Aug. 29, 2022, surrounded by family. Joel was born in Bremerton, Washington on Jan. 3, 1949, to Gerald and Irma Rossell. He spent his school years growing up in Flint, Michigan with his parents and siblings. This is where Joel’s passion for American-made muscle cars all began. His father was a vehicle transport semi driver and Joel ended up finding a job at Buick. His passion for cars was undeniable and stretched throughout his entire life.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 28-Oct. 4

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.

Mariners believe rotation set for future after Castillo deal

SEATTLE (AP) — In the middle of putting the finishing touches on the largest and most complex contract in franchise history, the Seattle Mariners began discussions about another impact deal. Would newly acquired right-hander Luis Castillo be interested in talking about calling Seattle home for the long haul?

Frustration growing after Seahawks stumble on defense

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — It's early but there is some clear frustration starting to show with the Seattle Seahawks. It's evident from the head coach. It's obvious from some veteran players. And none of it has to do with what most outsiders expected to be Seattle's biggest weakness entering the season — the quarterback.

Everything fabric focus of new Moses Lake shop

MOSES LAKE — If there is a needle and thread and material - doesn’t matter much what kind - involved, Sophie Mattson is pretty sure she can take it from there. “I’ve done a boat cover repair, I’ve done a golf cart cover repair,” she said Wednesday. “I did a chair repair today. And (the owner) was super stoked about that too.” “If it can be done on one of my machines, I’ll figure it out,” she said. Mattson and her husband Andrew are co-owners, with business partner Dave Johns, of Stitch N Time, 1626 W. Broadway Ave., Suite A, in Moses Lake. The shop opened July 1. Mattson said she’s still building her inventory, and for now the shop features a lot of quilting material; she also offers quilting classes. While quilting will always be a focus, Mattson already does more than quilting, and she said she plans to do a lot more.

Waterfight!

First responders get soaked for Special Olympics fundraiser

MOSES LAKE — Renae Stott and her 3-year-old son Emmett came a long way to squirt water at an Othello Police officer Friday. “We wanted to see some police cars, get them wet,” she said as her son filled a large squirt gun. “We were hoping to see some fire trucks but we might have to come back later.” Residents of Othello, the Stotts stood in the parking lot of the Staples on North Stratford Road in Moses Lake while OPD Officer Tyson Cox stood atop a lift, his uniform soaking wet. Emmett squealed with delight as he charged the lift, squirting Cox as Cox returned the favor. “It’s for a good cause,” Cox said between squirt gun assaults. “It’s something that I’ve always had a passion to help out with.” ...

Legals for September, 27 2022

Week in sports: Sept. 19-25

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out photos from this week’s athletic events here in the Basin, including a wild overtime win for Moses Lake and Quincy winning its second game of the season.

Pheasant Fruit Stand open near Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - Pheasant Fruit Stand is open for the season with several types of apples to enjoy.

Ephrata to interview city administrator finalists

EPHRATA - The City of Ephrata issued a press release Monday stating they will interview four candidates eligible to become the next city administrator.

Two hurt in Dodson Road crash

ROYAL CITY — Two people suffered serious injuries in a collision near Royal City early Monday afternoon. According to Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, a tire service truck was westbound on Road 12 SW when its driver failed to stop at the intersection with Dodson Road and collided with an unloaded potato truck. The two occupants of the tire service truck were taken to Samaritan Hospital with unspecified but serious injuries, Foreman said. The condition of the driver of the potato truck was unknown. The road was cleared and traffic had resumed as normal by 1:30 p.m., according to a GCSO statement.

GCFD7 receives $20,000 toward new truck

SOAP LAKE - Grant County Fire District 7 received $20,000 toward a new fire truck Friday afternoon courtesy of Teck American Inc. “I can't express my gratitude enough for (Teck American’s) commitment to our community and helping us to make sure we have the resources we need,” said GCFD7 Administrator Josh Chambers...

Joel Albert Hobson

Joel Albert Hobson, beloved son of John and Susan Hobson, passed away at his home in Wenatchee, Washington on Sept. 5, 2022. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother Brad Hobson, his daughter Allison Nichols and his grandson Wade Nichols.

Walking path completed, city to consider no-parking signs

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal for no-parking signs on a walking path on East Nelson Road on the route to Groff Elementary. The path was a joint project of the Moses Lake School District and the city of Moses Lake...

Local scores Sept. 19-23

Monday, Sept. 19 Wahluke volleyball 0, River View 3 Wilson Creek volleyball 0, Pateros 3 Tuesday, Sept. 20 ACH volleyball 0, Oakesdale 3 Ephrata girls soccer 2, Othello 0 Ephrata volleyball 3, Cashmere 1 Lind-Ritzville/Sprague/Washtucna/Harrington volleyball 3, Chewelah 0 Moses Lake volleyball 2, Sunnyside 3 Moses Lake slowpitch softball 10, Hermiston 0 Moses Lake slowpitch softball 10, Hermiston 0 Moses Lake girls soccer 8, Sunnyside 0 MLCA/CCS volleyball 3, Wilson Creek 0 Othello volleyball 0, Selah 3 Royal girls soccer 4, Wapato 1 Royal volleyball 3, Wapato 0 Wahluke girls soccer vs La Salle - 4 p.m. Wahluke volleyball 0, La Salle 3 Warden volleyball 3, Columbia (Burbank) 0

Grant Co. candidates face off in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The democratic process was on display Thursday evening, as candidates for countywide office faced off at Wahluke High School Thursday evening. The candidates forum, sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Wahluke School District and the Wahluke Community Coalition and moderated by Columbia Basin Herald Managing Editor Rob Miller, included candidates for the office of Grant County clerk, sheriff and commissioner, as well as for Grant County Superior Court judge. Candidates were given a few minutes to introduce themselves, and then asked a set of pre-selected questions. Joe Harris and Joey Kriete, candidates for Grant County Sheriff, both discussed their long careers in law enforcement. Kriete has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, he said, both on patrol and running the Corrections Division. Harris has been in law enforcement for 20 years, he said, at the city, county and state levels, including serving as Mattawa chief of police. Both candidates agreed that response times needed to be improved. The trouble is, they said, Grant County is a very large area to patrol and respond to...

Growing business

Busy Moses Lake vet puts expansion plans into action

MOSES LAKE — When Dick Maier started Pioneer Veterinary Clinic nearly 25 years ago, he had more than enough space in the building he owns on Sharon Avenue just down the road from Moses Lake High School. “I built this clinic in 1999 and we moved in, in the fall,” said Maier, Pioneer’s owner and senior veterinarian. “I was a solo practitioner, I was the only doctor in this practice. This building was plenty big for me.” Three exam rooms for one doctor was more than enough room then, Maier said. However, he always had in mind the possibility of expanding his business in the future, so when he built his current building, Maier said he had the architect design it with additions and expansion in mind. Just in case. “We put it up as far on the front as we could, so we could push out back,” he said...

What you need to know about protecting your dog from parvo

Pet owners know that their beloved furry companions are susceptible to various health problems, ranging from heart murmurs to parasites to contagious diseases. But for dogs and puppies, in particular, there is one diagnosis that is the last thing any pet parent wants to hear—that of parvovirus. According to Dr. Michael Hung, a second-year internal medicine resident at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is one of the most fatal viruses a dog can contract...

Bone’s 41-yard kick gives Mavs 25-22 OT win over Central Valley

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake senior kicker Iden Bone stepped onto the field after a stalled offensive drive in overtime not worrying about the upcoming kick, but rather enjoying the moment. “It was overtime, we’d never been in this position before,” Bone said. “I was just happy to go out there and put on for Moses Lake.” With the Mavericks tied with Central Valley at 22 in overtime, Bone’s 41-yard field goal gave Moses Lake a 25-22 lead. After the Maverick defense forced the Bears into a 40-yard field goal attempt, the Central Valley kick was no good. “I just want to thank my mom, and Super and my grandpa – just everyone that’s helped me, and my coach for believing in me in overtime,” Bone said. The game’s scoring opened on Central Valley’s first drive of the game, with quarterback Dylan Gravelle finding receiver Blaine Beard on a rollout for a 30 yard touchdown. On the ensuing Moses Lake drive, senior quarterback Brock Clark found junior receiver Joel Middleton on a go route for a 78-yard touchdown. After a two-point conversion, the Mavericks lead 8-7 in the first quarter.

Legals for September, 26 2022

Late touchdown seals Knights’ fate

ROYAL CITY – After a two-yard rushing score by Lynden-Christian, the Royal Knights received the ball with 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter, down 21-14 to the Lyncs at home. With a screen pass to receiver Edgar Delarosa only getting the Knights past midfield, the clock ran out and Royal’s 36-game win streak was snapped. “It’s more like a championship game today with two really good football teams,” Royal head coach Wiley Allred said. “Nothing was easy.” The power-running style of Lynden-Christian running back Kade Eldridge allowed the Lyncs to drive down the field on their first offensive drive, where quarterback Jeremiah Wright scampered in for a three-yard score. On the ensuing kickoff, Royal’s Ethan Ellis returned the kick for a touchdown to tie the game at seven. “It was great, it was awesome,” Allred said of the kickoff return for a touchdown. “I think we’ve got that type of team, we can pop a quick one in a hurry.”

Quincy defeats Brewster 34-6 for second win

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks football team evened its record at 2-2 with a convincing 34-6 win over the Brewster Bears Friday at the Quincy High School field. It was the first home win for Quincy in two years. “I thought it was a great group effort,” said Quincy head coach Russ Elliott. “The defense played really well, the offense got going - we had some great runs, and we threw the ball better tonight.” “They played sound fundamental football. And we did not,” said Brewster head coach Travis Todd. Quincy never trailed in the game, scoring first on a 35-yard touchdown run by Jackson Yeates with 11:21 left in the second quarter. The Jacks recovered a Brewster fumble and capitalized on it with a pass from quarterback Ethan Gregg to David Gudino that put the ball on the 2-yard line. Gregg scored from two yards out to put Quincy up 14-0 at the half. “I thought the kids came out and played hard from the start,” Elliot said. “We’d had an issue with that.” ...

Warden whoops Granger

WARDEN - The Warden High School Cougars took their first league victory of the season against Granger High School 25-8 Friday night. “We expected to move the ball and we moved it a little better than we had thought,” said head coach Robert Arredondo. “It was a good deal for the young kids.” Starters for the Cougars were junior Angel Lino Segoviano, junior Anthony Contreras, freshman Ryan Jorgensen, freshman Rhett Jorgensen, junior Derek Duarte, senior Ruben Becerra, senior Israel Hernandez, junior Jair Perez-Chavez, junior Jesus Tamayo, junior Rafael Elizarraraz and freshman Jesus Mejia. “I thought tonight our biggest opponent was ourselves,” said Arredondo.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognized with library programs

OTHELLO — Poet – and Othello native – Robert Ruiz will read selections of his works in a presentation at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Othello Public Library, 101 E. Main St. The poetry reading is sponsored by the Mid-Columbia Libraries and is part of the library system’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Ruiz will read selections of his works in English and Spanish. Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia will talk about her works in an appearance at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Gjerde Center at Columbia Basin College, 2600 N. 20th St., Pasco. Moreno-Garcia is the author of the 2020 novel “Mexican Gothic,” which appeared on multiple bestseller lists, as well as two short story collections.

Pedestrian killed near Royal City

ROYAL CITY — A Spokane man was struck and killed by a motorist while he was out running early Friday morning, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. According to the release, Sean Whisenhunt, 26, was running westbound in the eastbound lane of SR-26 near the intersection with Dodson Road east of Royal City at around 6 a.m. when he was hit by a 2017 Honda driven by Jorge Guevara Reyes, 43, of Othello. Whisenhunt was pronounced dead at the scene, the WSP report said, while Reyes was transported to Othello Community Hospital with minor injuries. His vehicle was towed from the scene. The WSP said no charges have currently been filed against Reyes.

Samaritan Healthcare commissioners reaffirm commitment to new hospital project

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare commissioners released a statement Friday affirming their commitment to building a new Samaritan Hospital. “We are committed to finding a solution to building the new hospital as planned,” according to the statement. Commissioners approved the construction of a new 50-bed hospital in October 2018, with design work taking up most of 2019. The project was almost ready to be advertised for bid when the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down. The new hospital was the subject of an extensive discussion at the July 26 commission meeting, with commission members ultimately turning down a “guaranteed maximum price” proposal. The GMP was about $31 million more than the available funding.

WSP seeks aid in fatal Othello hit and run investigation

OTHELLO — Washington State Patrol detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a car that struck and killed a man Sept. 18 in Othello. The victim’s body was discovered by an Othello Police Department officer at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 18, according to a WSP press release. “Around the male were various vehicle parts indicating the male had been struck by an unknown vehicle,” the press release said. “Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows a dark-colored SUV striking the male at approximately 11:35 p.m. and continuing westbound on State Route 24.” Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact WSP Detective Ben Borgman, Benjamin.Borgman@wsp.wa.gov.

State patrol looking for public’s help in fatal Othello hit and run

OTHELLO — Washington State Patrol detectives are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of a car that struck and killed a man Sept. 18 in Othello. The victim’s body was discovered by an Othello Police Department officer at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 18, according to a WSP press release. “Around the male were various vehicle parts indicating the male had been struck by an unknown vehicle,” the press release said. “Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows a dark colored SUV striking the male at approximately 11:35 p.m. and continuing westbound on State Route 24.” Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact WSP Detective Ben Borgman, Benjamin.Borgman@wsp.wa.gov.

Patricia Ann Trujillo

Patricia Ann Trujillo, 71, of Moses Lake passed away unexpectedly Sept. 9, 2022, at the hospital in Wenatchee, halfway through her first round of chemo and radiation. Patti grew up in Minnesota then moved to Moses Lake in 2000. Patti worked at Columbia Basin Herald for the last 21 years. When she wasn’t working she was spending time with family or friends, playing cribbage, having a barbecue or getting a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Patti had some health issues but in July 2022 she found out she had lung cancer. She was terrified because she had seen her own daughter fight and lose a battle to cancer in 2005, but she was determined and ready to fight. Sadly, her heart just wasn’t strong enough.

Huskies fall to East Valley 4-0

OTHELLO — After dropping their second match of conference play on Tuesday to Ephrata, the Othello Huskies entered a home match against East Valley on Thursday, losing to the Red Devils 4-0. “Didn’t go our way today, but hopefully it does in the next game,” Othello girls soccer head coach Juan Garcia said.

UPDATE: U.S. Marshals arrest Moses Lake man wanted in connection with wife's death

DAVENPORT — A Moses Lake man wanted in connection with the death of his wife was arrested without incident by U.S. marshals in Pennsylvania, according to a Facebook post by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. According to the LCSO, Charles Bergman, 54, was been charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife Theresa, 53, whose body was found Thursday at a remote location in Lincoln County. Bergam was arrested without incident late Friday in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, and is awaiting extradition to Washington state, the LCSO posting said. His arrest was the result of a joint effort by the LCSO, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to track Bergman down, the post added. “While our hearts are heavy and remain with the family, we are pleased that he was taken into custody quickly and that nobody else was hurt in the process,” the LCSO posting said. In a previous posting on Friday, the LCSO said a farmer found a body late identified as Theresa Bergma in tall grass alongside Stolp Road off Kintschi Road northwest of Sprague around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Both Bergmans were last seen very early Sunday at Spokane International Airport, and were reported missing by family members the following Monday after failing to arrive home. The body is now in the custody of the Spokane County Coroner, the posting added, and an autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled. Cell phone data obtained by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said at one point the Bergmans were at a remote location in Lincoln County, according to previous reports. On Thursday, the GCSO posted a “recent” photo of Charles taken by an ATM camera. Anyone with information on Charles Bergman’s whereabouts is asked to call the LCSO at 509-725-3501, or GCSO Sgt. G. Mansford at 509-750-8805, Grant County MACC Dispatch at 509-762-1160, or email crimetips@grantcountywa.gov, reference case 22GS11284.

Soap Lake looks at adding new signs

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council discussed the possibility of putting up new information signs in town at its Wednesday evening meeting. “There’s no central place to go to find out what's happening in the city,” said Councilmember Bill Bratton. The agenda item was introduced by Bratton for three new signs.The first sign would advertise Soap Lake businesses as a sort of directory. The second two signs would be a bulletin board for citizens to use to post yard sales, events or even for the council to post notices of their upcoming meetings. Bratton noted he thinks it will help keep the community looking nice because there wouldn’t be as much of a need for yard sale boxes on road corners. A mock up of what the signage would look like was created by Marshall Signs and presented to the city council.

Healthcare facilities mask mandate to stay in place in Washington

OLYMPIA — While most emergency orders issued by Gov. Jay Inslee in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic will end Oct. 31, the order requiring masks in healthcare facilities, and in jails and prisons in some situations, will not. Washington Secretary of Health Umair Shah said in a briefing Thursday that conditions still don’t support ending that mandate. “We may simply not be there yet,” Shah said. Masks will still be mandatory in all healthcare facilities, and in jails when there’s a moderate to high risk of spreading coronavirus. Shah said the masking order for hospitals and jails came from the Secretary of Health, and as a result isn’t subject to the end of the governor’s orders. Connie Agenbroad, chief executive officer at Othello Community Hospital, said the hospital’s guidelines are being evaluated.

MLHS Class of ’62

Still calling Moses Lake 'home' after six decades

MOSES LAKE — They came from all over to share memories and see old friends. “We call ourselves the Spirits of ’62 because we are very spirited,” said Marilynn Hansen, a member of the Moses Lake High School Class of 1962 and one of the organizers of the class’s 60th reunion gathering last week. “We've had a reunion every five years since our 30th.” Wednesday, Sept. 14, found them gathering in the Moses Lake Civic Center — a building designed by Seattle-based architectural firm Miller Hull, whose founding partner Robert Hull grew up in Moses Lake and graduated from MLHS in 1963 — to swap stories and renew old friendships and spend some time together. “Tonight we’re expecting about 50 or 60 people,” Hansen said. “A lot of us went to kindergarten together.” ...

Legals for September, 23 2022

The Six to offer more training through academy

MOSES LAKE — Directly across the street from Big Bend Community College’s baseball stadium is The Six Training Facility, where local baseball and softball players are able to work and train through individual and group work. “We bought this property, probably, five years ago,” said Ryan Doumit, who owns The Six. “We talked about having something like this in this area for a long time. In central Washington, especially the Columbia Basin, there’s not really these big, indoor facilities that you see on the west side of the state.” Doumit said that the vision for The Six – which is named after his father Pete Doumit, a longtime coach at Big Bend and Moses Lake High School – was to create a space for baseball and softball players to be able to practice when outdoor conditions are rough, especially in the winter months.

Grant County email hit by phishing attack

EPHRATA — If you’ve received an email from anyone affiliated with Grant County government asking you to open an attachment, don’t. “If you receive an email asking you to open a proposal or the sender is sharing a file, delete the email. Do not open the email; do not input any username or password if requested,” wrote Grant County Director of Central Services Tom Gaines in an email alert sent out by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning...

GCSO continues search for missing ML couple

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday issued a statement featuring a recent picture of Charles Bergman, who along with his wife Theresa was reported missing on Monday. The photo reportedly shows Bergman at an ATM machine, though the GCSO did not say when or where the photo was taken, noting only that it is recent. The photo was being shared so that people would know what Charles Bergman looks like now, the post added. “For investigative reasons, where and when the photo was captured are not currently being disclosed,” the post said.

Churches unite in Grape Drive project

MOSES LAKE — The median strip running down the middle of a portion of Grape Drive got some new trees and gravel thanks to a joint effort by three local churches and the City of Moses Lake. About 65 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moses Lake Alliance Church and Patriot Church spent two Saturdays in September removing juniper bushes and dead trees and then conditioning the soil, laying landscape fabric, planting new trees and putting in a gravel bed in the median strip of Grape Drive from the intersection of Central Drive south to roughly the Vintage Apartments, according to Dennis Draleau, communications director for the LDS Church’s Moses Lake Stake. “It took two days because we could not do it all in one day,” Draleau said.

Cougars fall in three at 18th-ranked Washington

SEATTLE — In the midst of a nine-match road stretch, Washington State volleyball (8-4) fell 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-22) on the road at 18th-ranked Washington (9-2) Wednesday night in its Pac-12 conference opener on Wednesday night at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington State had five aces from the service line but Washington hit .412 as a team as the Cougars saw a streak of three-straight wins in conference openers snapped. Katy Ryan led the Cougars with seven kills while setter Argentina Ung was forced to hit more than usual and finished with six kills (6-0-16, .375) to go along with 14 assists and one block assist. Magda Jehlarova finished with a team-leading three block assists and had five kills on 12 swings (5-1-12, .333) but the Cougars hit just .146 as a team Wednesday night.

Gonzaga women’s XC reaches highest-ever USTFCCCA ranking at No. 21

SPOKANE — Gonzaga women's cross country earned its highest ranking in program history in this week's U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) Coaches' Poll, coming at No. 21 ahead of the Bulldogs' biggest race of the season so far on Friday at the Battle in Beantown in Boston, Massachusetts. The Zag women were inactive over the last week, but are coming off a dual meet win against Eastern Washington in which the Bulldogs' top six runners all broke the 4K program record, led by a 12:50.7 finish from Kristen Garcia that earned her West Coast Conference Runner of the Week honors.

L&I proposes workers comp rate increase

TUMWATER — The Washington Department of Labor & Industries is proposing to raise the price that employers will pay for workers compensation insurance next year, according to an L&I press release. The agency is proposing a 4.8% increase in workers compensation insurance rates for 2023, the press release said, citing general wage inflation and higher medical costs. In 2021 and 2022, L&I tapped its reserves in order to avoid raising insurance rates, according to the press release...

Grant Co. seeks Mosquito Board members

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners are seeking two volunteers to sit on the board overseeing Grant County Mosquito Control District 2, which covers the northern tip of the county.

Grant Co. seeks Mosquito Board members

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners are seeking two volunteers to sit on the board overseeing Grant County Mosquito Control District 2, which covers the northern tip of the county.

Ephrata narrows search for city administrator

EPHRATA - The Ephrata City Council has narrowed their search for a City Administrator down to four candidates. Former City Administrator Mike Warren left the position in June in order to retire. At their Wednesday meeting, the council looked ahead at their plans in selecting a new city administrator...

Carlene Mary (Oman) Lybbert

After struggling some months with health issues and surrounded by loving family and children, Carlene quietly and very peacefully concluded her mortal existence and returned to that eternal realm we call “Heaven.” Predeceasing her have been her numerous relatives, including her parents, one brother, and an infant son. Surviving her are her husband of 62 years Glade, eight children, 33 grandchildren and an ever-increasing number of great grandchildren, one sister, one brother and many more relatives. Carlene also leaves innumerable loving friends.

Law enforcement records for Sept. 22

The information below was provided by the corresponding law enforcement agency. Suspects named are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grant County Jail Sept. 11 Veronica Gomez Sandoval, 34, Royal City, booked on DUI, as well as a Grant County District Court warrant relating to counterfeiting. Ashlee Kae Schweiger, 27, Moses Lake, booked on fourth-degree assault – domestic violence. Johnny A., Leal, 42, Moses Lake, booked on fourth-degree assault – domestic violence...

State of the lake

Improving Moses Lake water quality will be a community effort

MOSES LAKE — Preventing future blooms of dangerous blue-green algae in the waters of Moses Lake is going to take a lot of slow and deliberate effort on the part of everyone who lives, works and plays on and around the lake, according to members of the Moses Lake Watershed Council during a “State of Our Lake” meeting Tuesday night. “We will deal with this on the lake forever, but it can be managed and monitored,” Harold Crose, a resource conservationist with the Columbia Basin Conservation District and the chair of the watershed council. Crose said during the public meeting that phosphorus levels in the lake are the main contributor to the problem of blue-green algae blooms in the lake, but the agencies responsible for the lake like the council, the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, and even lakeshore residents, can help keep phosphorus levels manageable. Doing so can help people keep boating and fishing on the lake...

Washington pro sports recap for Sept. 22

WASHINGTON STATE – As the MLB regular season comes to a close and the NFL regular season is off to a quick start, Washington’s professional teams have been in a slump over the past week. Mariners The Mariners entered the beginning of a series against the Los Angeles Angels in possession of the American League’s second wild-card spot, behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the wild card standings. Seattle lost the first three games of the road series against the Angels, with the first two games being one-run games. The Mariners were able to win the final game against Los Angeles 9-1, thanks to two home runs by veteran designated hitter Carlos Santana, whose first home run in the contest was a grand slam...

Coalitions focus on mental health, community support

GRANT COUNTY - Kayla Isaacson and Megan Watson are coalition specialists working to deter substance abuse and empower youth in Grant County communities.

Legals for September, 22 2022

Quincy council approves second school officer

QUINCY — The Quincy School District and Quincy Police Department will add a second school resource officer position, beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Quincy superintendent Nic Bergman told Quincy City Council members during the regular meeting Tuesday that QSD officials think it’s time for a second SRO. “Our district has grown such that we have about 740 students in the middle school,” Bergman said. “Our high school, we’re at about 860, and next year we’ll be over 900. So with the population that we have, especially at our secondary school, it really is essential to have two SROs, so that we can have a dedicated law enforcement presence at our high school and at our middle school.” The council approved the request on a 7-0 vote...

I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass to be diverted for repaving

HYAK – The Washington State Department of Transportation issued a release stating that a section of Interstate 90, 10 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass will be diverted for repaving on Sept. 27. The release states DOT maintenance crews need to repave the asphalt directly under the Cabin Creek interchange on Interstate 90 at exit 63. For the safety of crews, because the section is so narrow, both lanes of westbound I-90 at exit 63 will be diverted over the off- and on-ramps. The diversion will start at 3 a.m. on Sept. 27 and work is scheduled to be complete before 1 p.m. Travelers will need to plan for added travel time but cross-bridge traffic will be prohibited to improve traffic flow from I-90. Loads over 12 feet will also be prohibited. The speed limit will be reduced and enforced by Washington State Patrol who will be onsite during the work.

One killed in collision north of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — One person was killed and another was seriously injured when two vehicles collided Monday in the 6700 block of Randolph Road NE at the Port of Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

After delay, Lower Cascade River fall fishing season opener set

MILL CREEK — Fishing will open Saturday on the lower Cascade River in Skagit County, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The opening affects angling from the mouth of the Cascade upstream to the bridge on Rockport-Cascade Road. The rules for the fishery are the same as those in the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, except that no bait is allowed. Fishing will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays only. Night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect. Coho daily limit during this time is four fish with a minimum size of 12 inches, the release said. Anglers must release all other salmon. Sundays through Tuesdays are closed to all sport fishing to prevent gear conflicts with tribal fisheries, the release added. For more information, call the WDFW Mill Creek Regional Office at 425-775-1311.

Maverick slow pitch off to 4-0 start

Older student-athletes credited with strong leadership

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks have started 2022 with a 4-0 record in slow pitch softball, with sweeps of Chiawana and Hermiston in the first four games. The Mavericks opened the season with back-to-back wins over Chiawana, winning 4-2 and 7-6 last week. On Tuesday, Moses Lake won both games over Hermiston by a score of 10-0. “It feels good that we came out and played clean on defense,” Moses Lake head coach Mike Hofheins said. “We got the sweep last Thursday against a really good team, and didn’t play tremendous defense – so that’s one of the things we kind of talked about since then.” ...

Moses Lake man pleads guilty to PPP fraud

SPOKANE – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced on Sept. 21 that Dondre Charles Jackson, 29, Moses Lake, pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The release states that Jackson fraudulently obtained two Paycheck Protection Program loans for his purported catering and food service business, and submitted fraudulent tax documentation in support of his application. Jackson’s business was fictitious, the documentation he provided was false and fraudulent, and he was therefore not eligible for any PPP funding, the release states. District Judge Thomas Rice accepted Jackson’s guilty plea, and set sentencing for January 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. in Spokane.

Mattawa teens hit by car, one injured

MATTAWA — Mattawa Police officers are still investigating a collision involving two teenagers who were hit by a car while crossing Government Road Monday morning. “We’re looking at cameras in the area,” said Mattawa Police Chief Robert Salinas Wednesday. One teen was transported to a hospital, but Salinas said the injuries were not life-threatening...

Soap Lake Senior Center to hold fundraiser

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Community and Senior Center is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser this Saturday. The dinner will feature Spaghetti with meatballs, salad, garlic bread, dessert and coffee, tea and juice to drink. The dinner will be from 5 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center, located at 121 2nd Ave SE. The cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10 years old.

GCSO seeks help in locating missing ML couple

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies are seeking the public’s help in the search for a Moses Lake couple missing since Sunday, Sept. 18. According to a GCSO statement, Charles and Theresa Bergman, both of Moses Lake, were last seen at around 12:40 a.m. Sunday morning at the Spokane International Airport, where Charles had gone to pick Theresa up. The Bergmans were driving in a 2013 silver Chevrolet Impala bearing Washington license plate BLU5395 and were reported missing on Monday, Sept. 19, after they did not return home.

State kicks in $26.6 million for housing

OLYMPIA — Twenty-two affordable housing projects in Washington, including two in Central Washington, will be getting an extra boost thanks to supplemental funding by the state Department of Commerce, according to a press release from the department. The $26.6 million investment comes from the state Housing Trust Fund and will bridge the gap created by steep increases in construction costs and help support developers in maintaining a needed pipeline of affordable housing units, the release said. The projects in Central Washington that will benefit are Yakima Housing, which will receive $119,000 for 54 Fruitvale Housing units in Yakima, and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation in White Salmon, which will receive $1.4 million for 9 White Salmon Assisted Living units...

Patrick Marvin Graffe

Pat Graffe passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Pat is survived by his brother Randy and sister Marjorie. He has three nieces Crystal, Heidi and Heather; three nephews, Garrett, Gregg and Robert; and multiple great-nieces and -nephews. Pat attended and graduated from Ephrata High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army as a communication specialist. He attended Eastern Washington State University in Cheney studying for his bachelor’s degree. He had a variety of jobs through the years including working on a farm located in Harrington and driving truck. Pat loved riding his motorcycle, reading books, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Eltopia auctioneer wins international championship

ELTOPIA — A Central Washington auctioneer took top honors recently at the 2022 National Auctioneers Association International Auctioneer Championship, according to a press release from the NAA. Chantal Kimball, of Booker Auction Company in Eltopia, vied in the competition held among the top auctioneers in the world, according to the release. Kimball was one of two champions named; the other was Jerick Miller of Cambridge, Ohio.

A hand up: SLPD supports community with benevolent fund

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake Benevolent Fund provides ways for the Soap Lake Police Department to support the community and build a positive relationship with local residents at the same time.t. “A kid’s bike gets stolen, (if) we can’t find it, we have the ability to buy the kid a bike or a family’s house burns down, it gives us the ability to go buy clothes or basic supplies for somebody,” said Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox...

The Everly Set to perform in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The sounds of the classic 1950s and 1960s duo the Everly Brothers will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday when the Everly Set takes the stage at the Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway NE, Moses Lake. .

Grant PUD fish hatchery production will remain unchanged

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD will not be required to build any new fish hatcheries over the next 10 years. Utility district officials renewed an agreement governing PUD hatchery production for the next decade with other parties involved in salmon and steelhead mitigation.

Othello Fair car show features sweet rides

OTHELLO — Johnny Suarez had the spray bottle out, polishing his Subaru WRX to a gleaming shine. The Subaru was among the entries in the second annual car show at the Othello Fair Saturday, and it’s been a work in progress for a while.

Legals for September, 21 2022

Eight large fires continue to burn in Washington

WASHINGTON - There are eight large fires in Washington according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center as of Sept. 20. The site defines a large fire as any wildland fire in timber 100 acres or greater, and 300 acres or greater in grasslands/rangelands, or has an Incident Management Team assigned to it.

Zags' Bosselmann earns third Defensive Player of the Week award

SAN MATEO, CALIF. – Gonzaga women’s soccer goalkeeper Lyza Bosselmann was named as the West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, following strong performances against Weber State and Idaho State. The award is the third of Bosselmann’s career, earning the Defensive Player of the Week last September as well as in the Spring 2021 season...

Bonneville Power names new VP

PORTLAND — The Bonneville Power Administration has named Bill Leady as the agency’s new vice president of Power Services Generation Asset Management, overseeing the BPA’s power marketing and sales operations and helping the BPA plan its future business development, according to a BPA press release. Leady joined the BPA in 2015 as an asset policy advisor overseeing the administration’s joint effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to develop a long-term strategic plan for U.S. government operations on the entire Columbia River system. Federal agencies operate 31 hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest, the press release said. According to the release, Leady is a U.S. Military Academy West Point graduate with a Masters of Science in engineering from Purdue University in Indiana and a U.S. Army veteran who has been deployed overseas on numerous occasions, including to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Haiti.

Henley’s 3-sack performance garners conference award

Cougar linebacker brings in new honors in old tradition

SAN FRANCISCO – Cougar linebacker Daiyan Henley was named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, following a career performance against Colorado State on Saturday. In the 38-7 win over the Rams, the graduate transfer from Nevada made a career-high in tackles (13)and sacks (3). Henley also forced two fumbles in the win. Henley’s three sacks were the most by a Cougar in a game since Hercules Mata’afa’s three sacks against Utah in 2017, the same season where Mata’afa was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. The three sacks are also the most by a Pac-12 player in a game this season, and Saturday’s performance boosted Henley to the Pac-12’s leader in sacks so far this season...

Basin sports schedule for Sept. 21-27

As local sports carry on in the Basin, many teams have begun to enter league play in their respective conferences. Check out this week’s high school sports schedule, featuring football, volleyball, soccer and multi-school events...

Sandra Braley

Sandra “Sandy” Margaret Braley, 85, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away on Sept. 13, 2022, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho. Sandy was born on July 18, 1937, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Cremation will take place and no services are planned at this time. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, Idaho, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Vernon Leroy Little

It is with great sadness that the family of Vernon Leroy Little announces his passing. Vernon passed away suddenly on the evening of Sept. 2, 2022, at his home. He was 77 years old. Vernon was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Brush, Colorado to Everett Leroy Little and Mary Jane (Massengale) Little. The family moved to Moses Lake, Washington from Kennewick, Washington in 1958. Vern attended Frontier and graduated from the Moses Lake High School in 1963. He attended Big Bend Community College and went to work at Basic American Foods where he worked for over 28 years before becoming a bus driver and later a bus mechanic for the Moses Lake School District, after which he retired. He was an avid fan of football, hunting, fishing, camping and racing. In his younger years he raced at the Ephrata Speedway in Car No. 44. He passed his love of racing onto his oldest nephew who continued his legacy in Car No. 44 and enjoyed being part of his nephew's pit crew.

Cheryl Marcella Andrews

Cheryl Marcella Andrews, 72 passed away on Sept. 17, 2022 at her home, surrounded by family. She was a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation and a lifelong resident of Moses Lake. Cheryl attended Moses Lake High School and Big Bend Community College. She graduated from Big Bend Nursing School in the ’70s and worked as an LPN before becoming medically retired. She loved her coworkers, especially the ones who became family, including Maureen, April, Twila, and Faye. She also loved reading, shopping and spending time with loved ones.

Larry Allen (Al) Merritt

On Sept. 14, 2022, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer, we lost our beloved Al. Larry Allen (Al) Merritt, of Moses Lake, Washington, was born May 31, 1957, to Larry Marinus Merritt and Lael Fullmer in Afton, Wyoming. He attended South Fremont High School in St. Anthony, Idaho, graduating in 1975. Al was blessed with many talents. He started working in farming while attending high school. After graduation he moved on as an auto mechanic for a dealership out of Rexburg, Idaho. He then tried his hand in the oil fields of Wyoming.

Quincy Middle School schedules presentations for parents

QUINCY — Quincy Middle School officials will sponsor a presentation to help parents and guardians supervise their children’s online activities Sept. 28. A separate presentation to help parents respond to a violent incident at school is scheduled for Oct. 12. . .

Donut time

Sweet and savory treats now freshly baked in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Danielle Bailey and her husband James had a simple idea: Moses Lake needed a donut shop. “I have lived in Moses Lake my whole life,” Bailey said as she sat in the very pink, blue and white interior of Corner St. Donuts. “I have very fond memories of Donut Depot back in the day. I used to go in there with my grandfather and play on the stools and hang out.” Donut Depot was a gathering place, Bailey said, the center of a community where people came to visit. And she wanted to create something like that, a place where grandparents and parents can bring their children and make those same kinds of memories. So when the old Taco Time at the corner of Third Avenue and Alder Street closed and the building became available, Bailey said the opportunity was too good to pass up. “This was a good location, and definitely a need for it in Moses Lake,” she said.

Othello PRCA Rodeo results

OTHELLO – The Othello PRCA Rodeo wrapped up Saturday evening at the Adams County Rodeo Grounds, with a total payoff of $35,269. Events included bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

Soap Lake says goodbye to the Sheppards

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 said goodbye on Friday to two long term members; Chief Kirk Sheppard and his wife Patricia, who was the secretary for the board of commissioners.

Week in sports: Sept. 13-19

COLUMBIA BASIN – From the gridiron to the rodeo arena, the Basin saw several athletic competitions throughout the past week. Check out some photos from athletic events over the past week.

Soap Lake opens new basketball courts

SOAP LAKE - After several years of challenges, Smokiam Park in Soap Lake has a new basketball court for community members to enjoy.

Legals for September, 20 2022

Toxic algae detected at Blue Heron Park boat launch

MOSES LAKE — On Sept. 16, Grant County Health District announced that blue-green algae was detected in Moses Lake at the Blue Heron Park boat launch. The release stated that in response, GCHD issued a closure for the swimming beach at the park and a warning for the rest of Moses Lake. Warning signs have been posted around the lake.

Unidentified pedestrian killed in Othello collision

OTHELLO — Identification is pending of a pedestrian struck and killed in a hit-and-run collision early Sunday morning in Othello. The collision occurred about 12:30 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of West Park Street and Highway 24, according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. State Patrol Trooper Collin Cumaravel said officials are still trying to determine the identity of the victim.

Unidentified driver killed, Mattawa couple injured in collision

RICHLAND — An unidentified driver was killed and a Mattawa couple were injured in a collision late Saturday night near Richland. Washington State Patrol trooper Chris Thorsen said Monday that officials have not yet been able to identify the deceased victim. Andres Negrete-Gonzalez, 63, and Irene Gonzalez, 61, of Mattawa were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.

A lot going on during Othello Fair finale

OTHELLO — The announcer ran down the list of events at the Othello Fair just after noon Saturday – the car show near the entrance, music on the brand-new main stage, the stock sale underway at the livestock barn. “We have so much going on today,” she said. There was in fact a lot going on during the fair’s finale Saturday, from the annual fair parade downtown on Saturday morning to the second performance of the Othello Rodeo Saturday night.

Pet of the week: Jurni

Jurni is a fun loving Pit Bull that came to Adams County Pet Rescue. Adams County Pet Rescue raised money for his hind leg amputation, however, being a tripod isn't slowing this boy down at all. He tries to jump up to get treats and his balance is getting better and better. We don't encourage the jumping and it will be something that his new people will need to work on. Jurni is very people oriented and enjoys getting out and walking. He also wants to play with other dogs but can be a little overbearing. Like all of our pets available for adoption, he has been neutered, microchipped and is up to date on vaccinations. For more information, call Adam’s County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5544 or by visiting us on the web at adamscountypetrescue.com. Jurni and other pets may be found at our shelter located at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello.

Mattawa annexation request reviewed in public hearing

MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council members will make a decision on Oct. 6 regarding a proposal to annex 40.5 acres of land near Wahluke High School into the city limits. The proposed annexation was the subject of a public hearing Thursday. “This proposal includes acreage that will be zoned for residential (use), and then there will be subdivision and residential components in the future if the applicant is successful in their annexation,” said Rachelle Bradley of SCJ Alliance, the city’s planners. The applicant, CAD Homes of Moses Lake, has announced a tentative plan to develop single-family and multifamily housing on the property. The first phase would include about 26 acres...

Legals for September, 19 2022

Scientists track how huckleberries fare in changing climate

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from 13 counties in a long-running $1 billion lawsuit over timber revenue and what constitutes “the greatest permanent value” when it comes to forest management. The denial ends a six-year legal battle over logging practices on 700,000 acres and is a victory for the state Department of Forestry and environmental groups. The decision leaves in place a lower court ruling saying that Oregon can manage forests for a range of values that include recreation, water quality and wildlife habitat — not just logging revenue. “It’s the end of the road for what has been a false narrative for far too long … that it’s the public forestland’s obligation to provide the bulk of the revenues for local communities,” Ralph Bloemers, who represented fishing and conservation groups in the case, told Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Bilingual story brings awareness to youth of Hanford Nuclear Site

A press release by Columbia Riverkeeper on Sept. 14 announces the launch of the Spanish version of “Water’s Walk Through Hanford”, an interactive story about the Hanford Nuclear Site's history. “Hanford is a multigenerational cleanup, and Latinx youth and family involvement is critical to decision-making,” said Lisa Muñoz, Outreach Coordinator for Columbia Riverkeeper in the release. “Hanford reading materials are often incredibly complex and intimidating to understand, which deters youth participation.” ...

Fire ban lifted at Mt. Rainier National Park

ASHFORD – Mount Rainier National Park has lifted the parkwide fire ban according to a release on Sept. 16. Campfires will be permitted at the park’s three campgrounds, the release said, the Ohanapecosh Campground, the Cougar Rock Campground and the White River Campground. The release states the ban was put in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire during critical weather conditions, ongoing unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke and increased concerns related to nearby wildfire activity...

GCSO investigates employee over August incident

EPHRATA — A Grant County Sheriff’s Office employee is being investigated after GCSO deputies responded to an incident at his home in early August, according to a GCSO statement issued Friday. According to the statement, on Aug. 6 at around 11:30 p.m., GCSO deputies responded to a call in the 10000 block of Dodson Road NW, south of Ephrata. The call was in response to reports of an altercation involving the GCSO employee and a separate incident not involving the deputy wherein an adult was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. No allegations of sexual misconduct were made against the GCSO staff member...

Local scores Sept. 12-16

A summary of Columbia Basin sports scores as of Sept. 16, 2022.

ACH levels record at 2-2, defeats Wellpinit in three sets

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors volleyball team evened their record at 2-2 on Thursday night, defeating Wellpinit in three sets.

Soap Lake loses 22-0 to Bridgeport

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles came close, but they couldn’t quite get into the end zone, losing to the Bridgeport Mustangs 22-0 Friday in Soap Lake.

Asu’s last-second touchdown pushes Othello to 14-13 win over Ephrata

EPHRATA – It was a windy night at Kiwanis Field in Ephrata on Friday night, where Othello senior kicker Brandon Garza stepped onto the field to attempt a game-winning extra point after a touchdown by senior running back Sonny Asu in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

Jeanette Egeland-Russell

Jeanette A. Egeland Russell, 75, of Richland, Washington passed away on Sept. 6, 2022, at Brookdale Richland. Jeanette was born June 10, 1947, in Grafton, North Dakota. the daughter of the late Florian and Sophie (Pokrzywinski) Kasprick. She attended Polaski Township Country School and graduated from Grafton High School in 1963. She enjoyed playing the accordion and even played on a Grand Forks TV concert. She was united in marriage to the late David Gary Egeland on Dec. 10, 1966. They moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1976. She worked for Skaug Brothers, a local family store, where she developed a reputation for customer service and interior design.

Material change

Lumber costs down somewhat, but still high

GRANT COUNTY — It’s the stuff that homes are made of. But lumber, like so many other things, has gotten harder to lay hands on the last few years, and costlier when you can. Unlike other commodities, however, the price of lumber has actually dipped a little in recent months. “They (lumber prices) are still up compared to historically, but they have gone down a little bit,” said Drew Scott, co-owner and manager of CAD Homes in Moses Lake, which currently has several housing developments under construction in the Basin. They have indeed gone down some. Five years ago, in September 2017, lumber futures were trading at $388 per thousand board-feet, according to the website TradingEconomics.com.

Down and dirty

Demolition Derby rides into Othello

OTHELLO – The Othello Rodeo Grounds was full of smoke, engines revving and cheers for the 2022 Othello Demolition Derby, held on Wednesday night, which brought in drivers for a variety of different events. Once time trials were completed, drivers were separated into different heats based on the time recorded during the preceding trials. Eight cars entered the arena for each heat, and completed eight laps before having a winner declared. Each heat saw smoke, dust and dirt fly through the air, with drivers maneuvering past other cars in an attempt to place first. Throughout the heat races, several cars had to be either pushed out by fellow competing drivers or towed out using a bulldozer – with some cars ending with their wheels displaced, rendering the vehicles unable to move. Spectators cheered on other events at the demolition derby as well, including a trophy dash, powder puff, Australian pursuit and more. Results from the 2022 Othello Demolition Derby were not made available at press deadline.

Summer’s work results in new stage, fresh look at Othello Fairgrounds

OTHELLO — Fresh paint, new sidewalks and a brand-new entertainment stage are the visible results of a summer’s worth of work by volunteers, and with the help of local companies and organizations, at the Othello Fairgrounds. “We’ve made a lot of improvements,” said Othello Fair Board Member Katy Stovern. Stovern said volunteers provided a lot of the labor to give the fairgrounds a general sprucing up. They were helped by donations of money, materials and labor from local businesses, and assistance from Adams County. The Othello Fair opened Wednesday and will continue through Saturday. The old entertainment stage next to the fair office was replaced with a brand-new stage, and a concrete pad added in front of the stage. Stovern said that’s the dance floor. The old stage was recycled, being moved across the grounds to the area where competitions are held.

Wake For Warriors brings peace to wounded veterans

CRESCENT BAR — Wake For Warriors held its fourth annual event at Crescent Bar over the weekend. The event brings military members and their families together through water recreation. “There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing another brother at peace,” said Matthew Hannon as he watched fellow Wake for Warriors participant Patrick Edlin wakesurf on Saturday. Hannon is a 43-year-old Marine Corps veteran living in Port Orchard who just got involved with Wake For Warriors this year. He said he heard about the event from his recreational therapist. He was confused at first at what they meant when they asked him if he wanted to wakesurf because he is wheelchair-bound, he said. Regardless, Hannon was willing to see what it was all about.

ML Fire Chief says city insurance rating has improved

MOSES LAKE — Renters and homeowners in Moses Lake are likely going to see their insurance rates go down in 2023 following an improvement in the city’s community rating, according to Moses Lake Fire Chief Brett Bastian. “They looked at everything, and we significantly improved from the last time,” Bastian told council members at a regular meeting on Tuesday. “We moved to a four from a five, mostly due to new equipment.” By “they,” Bastian was referring to the Seattle-based Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau, a private, nonprofit company that helps both insurance companies and policy holders evaluate risk. The company not only reviewed the city’s fire department and its training and equipment, but also examined the city’s water supply, the county’s 911 service and the city’s building code in order to reach its final community score.

DOH brings COVID vaccines to college campuses

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health issued a press release on Sept. 14 announcing that the DOH’s Care-A-Van program, in partnership with the Power of Providers Initiative, will be hosting a series of COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics at several college campuses across Washington state. “College students tend to find themselves in close proximity with others, in places like dorms and classrooms,” said POP member Ajay Mendoza, ANRP in the release. “That’s why COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are such a vital part of showing up as our healthiest and best selves on campus this year. Being vaccinated will lead to less severe illness from the virus, which will ensure students aren’t distracted from their academic work or social lives while at school and will help them stay healthier in the event that they still become infected.”

Help available to low-income residents for phone, internet

LACEY — The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission wants to remind Washington residents that help is available for low-income families with their phone and internet bills. Under the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program, eligible participants can receive a $9.25-per-month discount on broadband, up to $5.25 per month to help pay phone bills, and additional $25 per month for residents on tribal lands, according to a commission press release.

It's getting hard to breathe

Is increased wildfire smoke an early sign of climate change?

With fire season starting to ramp up, smoky skies are filling the Columbia Basin and creating unhealthy air. While fire season isn’t new to those in the Pacific Northwest, it has become more noticeable over the last few years. “I think a lot of folks have been impressed by just in the last 10 years, just how much smokier our summers have been,” said Nick Bond, Washington State Climatologist at the University of Washington-based Office of the Washington State Climatologist, and a UW affiliate associate professor of atmospheric sciences. There are several fires, mainly to the northwest of Grant County, contributing to the smoky air this week.

Building permits for Sept. 16, 2022

Unincorporated Grant County, City of Moses Lake

Legals for September, 16 2022

Mastodon fossil makes appearance at Grant PUD commission meeting

EPHRATA — The fossil found in the Hanford Reach of an extinct ancestor to the elephant will be on display at the Wanapum Heritage Center near Wanapum Dam for six months. The section of the jaw of a mastodon was displayed for Grant County PUD commissioners at the regular meeting Tuesday. “Now for some fun. Show and tell time,” said PUD Manager of Cultural Resources Brett Lenz, opening up a backpack he had stored under the table, according to a release from public information officer Christine Pratt. “(Lenz) reached inside and withdrew part of the toothy jawbone section of a Ringold mastodon, approximately 6 million years old,” Pratt wrote. “He set it on the table as commissioners and a few staff in the room gathered around, awestruck and fascinated.”

Moses Lake XC discusses Hawaii trip

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake boys and girls cross country teams returned from their trip to Hawaii last week, running in the Iolani Cross Country Invitational in Hawaii’s Kualoa Ranch. “The course was really hilly,” Head Coach Larry Dagnon said. “There were a lot of climbs, a lot of benches. Some longer downhills, but those downhills didn’t make up for the climbs.” The Maverick girls placed fifth out of 15 teams and the boys placed eighth out of 16 teams.

Fugitive arrested in rest room

MOSES LAKE — A man who ran away from law enforcement officers on Tuesday was captured Wednesday while using the bathroom. According to a release on Moses Lake Police Department social media, police officers had been trying to contact Modesto Valencia Aguilar, 38, in connection with felony warrants for unlawful imprisonment and making threats. Officers contacted him Tuesday near the RV, parked at the intersection of South Division Street and East Seventh Avenue, where he was staying. But he ran away, the release said, and was last seen in the wetland near McCosh Park.

Samaritan Foundation Desert Golf Classic draws full house

MOSES LAKE — The fundraising golf tournament sponsored by the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation drew a full field of 32 teams to The Links at Moses Pointe Thursday. Proceeds from the 21st Desert Golf Classic will go toward the “Build Community” project, the construction of a new Samaritan Hospital. “We are going ahead with that hospital,” said foundation board member Susan Carbon, who’s also a hospital district commissioner. Construction of the new hospital has been delayed while district officials work to address a funding shortfall, the result of steep increases in construction costs.

Former Mattawa chamber now South Grant County Chamber of Commerce

MATTAWA — Volunteers working to revitalize the Mattawa Chamber of Commerce have announced a name change that reflects what they see as part of its mission. Pam Thorsen, secretary/treasurer of the renamed South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, said the goal is to make the Chamber a place where business owners, government officials and regular citizens can make connections. “Everybody has been working individually for what they need to have done, but a collective umbrella is kind of what we’re looking for,” Thorsen said. “Because it will take all of us to get whatever we need done (to get) done.” The volunteers are recruiting a new Chamber president and vice-president, and hope to get some business owners in those roles, Thorsen said.

Don Myers named new Moses Lake mayor

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Moses Lake City Council elected a new mayor on Tuesday, but decided to wait until a new member of the city council is appointed before naming a deputy mayor. At a regular meeting on Tuesday, council members unanimously elected Don Myers, previously deputy mayor, as the city’s new mayor. Myers, who was elected to the city council in 2015, will serve out the remainder of Dean Hankins’ two-year term as mayor, which ends in December 2023. Hankins, who was appointed to a vacant city council seat in 2018 and then ran unopposed for election in 2019, resigned last week.

Monkeypox case confirmed in Grant County

EPHRATA — A case of monkeypox has been discovered in Grant County, the first confirmed case in the county, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District. The patient is in good health and quarantining at home, the release said. The CHD is now looking to identify others who may have been exposed to the virus. So far, nobody who was exposed is considered a possible positive case, the release added. MPV is rarely fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms may include fever; headache; muscle aches; respiratory symptoms; swollen lymph nodes; chills; exhaustion; and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts.

Soap Lake Special Olympian to compete in Spokane

SOAP LAKE – 64-year-old David Kenney spent years as a Special Olympics bowler and earning numerous medals in the process. Now, Kenney will head to Spokane this weekend for his first Special Olympics powerlifting competition. “I’d done bowling, and I’ve got every single medal they have,” Kenney said while pointing to the various Special Olympic medals around his neck. “And I’ve also been training at Anytime Fitness in Ephrata with my trainer” Kenney recalled a story from back when he lived in Maine, where his mother had come back into the house and heavier items in the kitchen had been moved. He said he’s always had a fascination with lifting and moving heavy items, something that continues to this day. “When I was younger, back in Maine, I was really interested in lifting heavy things,” Kenney said.

Ephrata asks residents to keep vegetation tidy

EPHRATA - The City of Ephrata is asking residents to prepare for fall and winter by keeping trees and vegetation tidy. A release from the City of Ephrata on Monday states that trees and vegetation should be at least seven feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets for safety. The release also notes that if residents live on a corner, they should pay attention to the “clear-view triangle” so drivers can see. The release states that if residents have questions, they can call the Ephrata City Shop at 754-4601 ext. 300 and a crew will come out and help assess the property.

Quincy veterans recognition wall always a work in progress

QUINCY — Mark Owens said his dad R. Judge Owens wanted the memorial to Quincy-area veterans to be something that could grow. And both Owens and his dad wanted a way to recognize all veterans. “Everybody deserves recognition, no matter when they served,” Owens said. Over time, people and events slipped out of living memory, he said, and as a result his dad didn’t like memorials for one era, or one war. That was part of the thinking behind their idea for the wall in Quincy, located in Memorial Park right next to State Route 28. The recognition wall has room for more names on its current walls, and room to grow when necessary. New names were added to the wall in a ceremony Saturday morning.

Police Reports for Sept. 15, 2022

Ephrata Police Department Sept. 7 Multiple reports of graffiti on Basin Street. Report of a vehicle prowl in the 1800 block of Basin Street Southwest. Unknown subject smashed the rear driver side window and took a bag full of items. Report of graffiti at Lions Park. Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision at Second Avenue and K Street Northeast. Report of attempted shoplifting at a business in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Suspect abandoned the stolen merchandise when confronted and fled. Sept. 8

Ships and piers

Following wheat's journey down the Snake and Columbia rivers

PORTLAND, Ore. — In 1976, Herschel Slavens, then nearly 80, sat down to write about his life, including the time he found himself nearly penniless and looking for work in the early 1920s. “We didn’t have hardly any money so we stopped in Kennewick, Washington, and I got a job working for my cousin … who had a trucking company hauling wheat from a field to a warehouse on the Columbia River,” Slavens wrote in an unpublished memoir he shared with members of his family. With the collapse of farm commodity prices following the end of World War I, it was a tough time to be a farmer, and Slavens — who served in Hawaii, not France, during the war — noted official estimates that as many as half the farmers in the United States went broke from between 1920 and 1922. Still, he was able to find farmwork, moving sacks of wheat in the Tri-Cities before moving on and eventually settling in Montana. “It was put on barges and hauled to Portland,” he wrote. “The combine was pulled by about 30 horses and the wheat was put in 120-pound bags and dropped on the ground for me to pick up.” ...

Legals for September, 15 2022

Cleaning up history

Remote cemetery shows where an immigrant community once thrived

HARTLINE — On a lonely gravel road somewhere between Hartline and Almira, there’s a small graveyard that is the only tangible evidence of a once-thriving community. “The whole Welsh settlement was about a 15-mile strip north of Hartline, Wilbur, Govan and Almira, just kind of a strip right through there,” said Judy Evans Lindhag, whose family homesteaded next to the cemetery. “In the old time, they called it the ‘Welsh township,’ but it was never a town.” Lindhag was one of about a dozen people who gathered at the Welsh Cemetery Saturday morning to clean up headstones and clear away brush. The work day was planned by Mary Lynne Evans, president of the Puget Sound Welsh Association in Seattle...

David Hathaway

David Lynn Hathaway, beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather passed away Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. David was born on Dec. 22, 1949, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Lynn and Irma Hathaway. He was the eldest of six children and was raised in Bothell, Washington. He attended and graduated from Bothell High School in the late ’60s where he was a state-level wrestler. After high school he married his first wife Patty and they relocated to Moses Lake, Washington where they raised three children: Mike, Sarah and Rachel. David enjoyed an extensive career in construction where he excelled at building homes, facilities, stores, and restaurants across Washington and Idaho.

Mitchel L. McDowell

Mitchel L. McDowell died Sept. 7, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital. He was born Feb. 5, 1952, to Bill and Alyne McDowell. He has a twin brother Mike McDowell (Connie) of Moxee, Washington and a sister Kelly Cara (Danny Ware) of California. He was married to Colleen Baker on April 17, 1976. He has one stepson Stephen Craig Baker (Cher), one stepdaughter Leeah June Baker (deceased), six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Warriors begin season 2-0, still looking to grow

COULEE CITY – With the 2022 season off to a hot start, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors begin the football season with a 2-0 record. The Warriors, who won the 2021 1B state title a season ago, entered 2022 with a much younger roster than last season. “It’s a young team,” head coach Brandon Walsh said. “The expectations are high because they have those expectations of themselves, but knowing what to expect because we’re so young, there’s some uncertainty. The fact that we’re 2-0 is great.” ACH kicked off its season with a 40-0 win over Columbia on the road, forcing four turnovers and rushing for 173 yards in the ground game. The second quarter of the Warriors’ opening game saw 26 points scored for the visiting team, with a receiving score by junior Jaxon Baergen and two rushing scores by sophomore Carter Pitts.

Othello council approves ordinance establishing municipal court

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will have its own municipal court beginning in January. Othello City Council members approved an ordinance establishing a court at the regular meeting Monday. “Earlier this summer Adams County informed us that they weren’t going to renew our contract for incarceration, adjudication and prosecution of adult misdemeanor crimes in the city of Othello,” City Attorney Kelly Konkright said. “And so that requires us to create our own municipal court.” Mayor Shawn Logan said after the meeting that city officials have hired a court administrator, and are working to hire a judge. The judge must be hired within 30 days of the passage of the ordinance. The court must be established by Dec. 31, when the city’s current contract with the Adams County District Court expires. Felony and juvenile cases will still be handled by Adams County.

Visitors fill Quincy

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day draws big crowd

QUINCY — Gigi Lowry was standing with a stack of plates on one side and an equally big stack of hamburger buns in front of her just after noon on Saturday. Lowry was in charge of preparing the plates for the crew on the chow line at the Quincy Rotary chapter’s barbecue lunch booth, a staple that goes back a quarter century or so at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day. It looked like a little bit of work, but Lowry said it was a perfectly good way to spend FCAD. “It is a blast,” she said. The Rotary barbecue was in high demand - the line snaked out the door at Quincy Middle School and stayed that way for at least 90 minutes. Quincy’s annual town celebration returned for the 41st time and drew a crowd for the parade, the quilt show, the dancing horses, the children’s soccer tournament, the tractor pull and the farmers market run by the Quincy High School Future Farmers of America chapter, among other events. Kacey Kiehn, a member of the QHS FFA alumni organization said the proceeds from the produce sale went back to the FFA chapter. “This is one of our two main fundraisers for the year,” Kiehn said...

Eagles clinch first win of year, defeat Wilson Creek 3-0

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Eagles earned their first win of the 2022 season on Monday night, sweeping Wilson Creek in three sets for a 3-0 win. The Eagles had a serving percentage of 84.5% and 16 aces over the three sets, with freshman Liana Sushik having five aces on 20 serves, senior Emily Stevens had four aces on 17 serves and junior Cierra Koski had three aces on 15 serves. “Just that we had to work hard for every point, and to keep our heads up,” Soap Lake head coach Nicole Noble said of what she told the team before the win. “We knew we had to work hard for it – that was actually our first win this year, but also that was my first win at Soap Lake.” Soap Lake ran away with the first set, winning 25-15 with the final point scored on an out of bounds volley by the Devils.

Council member says traffic, transparency top public concerns

MOSES LAKE — When he sits down two days every week at the Red Door Cafe to meet with constituents from across the city, Moses Lake City Council Member David Eck said one issue dominates the conversation more than any other. “Typically, it’s about something that’s been in the newspaper that relates to either traffic, or traffic, or traffic,” Eck said. “We get lots and lots of comments about traffic.” A semi-retired financial advisor who was elected to the city council in 2019, Eck, 75, has been sitting down at the Red Door Cafe on the corner of Third Avenue and Ash Street in downtown Moses Lake nearly every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and holding “Coffee with a Council Member” to talk with constituents, listen to complaints and suggestions, solicit opinions and information from the residents of Moses Lake and try to foster a better sense of how government works.

NCW Libraries Launches Fall Virtual Author Program

In a release NCW Libraries announced they will host award winning graphic novelist Malaka Gharib, for a virtual author program on Sept. 15 as part of NCW Virtual Reads. “While we are thrilled to resume in person programming, we are also excited to continue offering a number of virtual programs for adults. Virtual programming offers a way for us to uniquely fulfill our mission and connect the people of NCW to programs, services, and each other,” said Alicia O'Dell, Adult Services Manager, NCW Libraries in the release. “We are honored to host Malaka Gharib and look forward to hearing her share about her writing and experience.”

Sports schedule Sept. 14-20

From the gridiron to the volleyball court, check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local, regional and national events.

Where everybody knows your name ...

Rick Biery, the owner of Rick’s Eatery and Entertainment at 819 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake, formally cuts the ribbon with employees Kari Chapman (right), Linda Garcia (left) and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of the bar and restaurant formerly known as The Hang Out.

Legals for September, 14 2022

Dispute over bike ends in gunfire

MOSES LAKE — A man is in custody after allegedly shooting another man in a dispute over a bicycle, Moses Lake Police said in a social media post. Shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, police received a report of gunfire in the field in the homeless camp behind Safeway. When officers arrived, they learned that the 36-year-old victim had gone to the camp to confront Eric Walters, 30, about a bicycle that Walters had allegedly stolen from the victim’s friend, according to the post. In the course of the discussion. Walters reportedly pulled a gun on the suspect, and a fight broke out between the men. Walters shot the victim in the abdomen, the post said. Walters then took the victim’s backpack and fled into the brush to hide. The post also added that the gun was stolen.

Basin football teams bring home victories

The Sept. 9 sports shakedown on the Studio Basin podcast looked at Basin football and other Washington sports last week. In high school football the Moses Lake Mavericks beat the Ephrata Tigers 21-14, Almira/Coulee-Hartline shut out Columbia 40-0, Royal beat Toppenish 30-46, Wahluke edged out Grandview 21-19 and Othello thumped Connell 55-0. In baseball, the Mariners played their last games against teams with winning records last week, and head into series against the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres, both of which will be played at home. In WNBA action the Seattle Storm were bounced out of the WNBA playoffs last week, in a series that culminated in an overtime game against the Las Vegas Aces. To listen to the Studio Basin podcast, simply click the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2017652

Celeste Holm

Celeste Ann Holm, 70, was born on June 11, 1952, to Hans and Bonnie Holm in La Junta, Colorado. She passed away on Aug. 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alvin Ray Burgess

Alvin Burgess passed away with his family by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa and brother.

Week in sports: Sept. 6-12

COLUMBIA BASIN - Check out some photos from last week’s sporting events here in the Basin.

Legals for September, 13 2022

Gonzaga comes up short on the pitch against Sacramento State

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Despite two second-half goals, the Gonzaga men's soccer team came up just short at Sacramento State on Sunday afternoon, 3-2. The Hornets got on the board first in the 20th minute as Francisco Magana headed the ball into the back of the net after passes from Christo Cervantes and Cody Sundquist. The goal gave Sacramento State the 1-0 lead, which ended up being the only score in the opening half...

Cougars begin season 3-2 on the court

Warden coach works to encourage 'energy-momentum' attitudes

WARDEN – Under new head coach Shanna Golladay, the Warden Cougars have started the volleyball season 3-2, defeating Cle Elum-Roslyn at home and Mabton on the road to begin the year and going 1-2 in a tournament on Saturday. Golladay, who began coaching in the Warden School District in 1997 and is a Warden volleyball alum, credited her players for improving one aspect in particular. “Definitely the energy of the team,” Golladay said. “We were a really quiet team (against Cle Elum-Roslyn), they had a hard time talking, cheering, the high-fives – that energy that you need. Volleyball is very much an energy-momentum game.” The Cougars began 2022 with back-to-back wins last week.

Henry takes title, wins Tri-Cities Classic

KENNEWICK – The Professional Bull Rider’s Tri-Cities Classic concluded on Saturday with the Kansas City Outlaws’ Bill Henry taking home a win, with no other rider able to surpass his flawless runs on Friday. Henry finished with a combined score of 168.5 in his two runs, scoring 83.5 points in Round 1 and 85 points in Round 2. With the win, Henry was awarded with 34 points in the Challenger Series. Finishing in second place was Wyatt Rogers, who scored 168 points in his two runs. Placing in second garnered Rogers 25.5 Challenger Series points. Conner Halverson of the Austin Gamblers finished in third place with a total score of 167 points on his rides. His runs were rewarded by 18 Challenger Series points...

Two indicted for pandemic relief fraud

RICHLAND — A federal grand jury has indicted two West Richland business owners for making fraudulent claims for $800,000 in COVID-19 relief under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. The press release stated the grand jury indicted Jimia Rae Cain, 52, of seven counts of fraud in connection with Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, alleging Cain used false statements to obtain roughly $330,000 in loans in 2020. Separately, the grand jury also indicted Andrei Borgheriu, 45, with three counts of fraud in connection with $500,000 in EIDL loans that Borgheriu used to purchase a house, the press release said.

Othello Fair, Rodeo return for 2022

OTHELLO — Exhibits, rides, rodeo, a demolition derby, the annual parade; there’s going to be a lot to do at the annual Othello Fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby which begin Wednesday. Events get started early Wednesday with market class livestock judging at 9 a.m. for all participants. Market class will continue all day. The exception is the poultry class, according to information on the fair website. Following recommendations from the Washington State Veterinarian’s Office, waterfowl will not be allowed on the grounds, and all market-class birds will be terminated at the end of the fair. No birds will be returned to their owners, according to the announcement from fair organizers. Children who want to participate but not bring a bird to the fairgrounds can substitute a stuffed animal with a circus theme. Organizers also are planning a “purdie birdie” photo contest, where participants dress up their animals and submit a photograph for judging.

First responders observe Patriot Day

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake Fire Department firefighter Dustin Boyd rings a bell Sunday morning to sound “the Four Fives” to honor the 2,977 victims — including 343 New York City firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers — who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. Boyd was one of a group of Moses Lake Firefighters, Grant County Fire District 5 firefighters, Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Moses Lake Police Department officers at a ceremony Sunday at the city 9/11 Memorial in front of the library to mark the anniversary of the attack. The “Four Fives” custom began with the Fire Department of New York in the 19th century as a way of honoring firefighters who died in the line of duty, according to the website of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains.

Warden celebrates Community Days

Grand marshal checks off bucket list item

WARDEN — Gary Olson always wanted to be the grand marshal of the Warden Community Days Parade.

Sandra Elaine Kisler

With her beautiful, generous smile, Sandra Elaine Kisler, affectionately known as Sandy, welcomed and embraced students, friends and family for over 84 years. In the early morning hours of July 13, 2022, though, heaven’s choir of angels must have needed another voice and called Sandy to join them.

Idolina Cristela (Chela) Ortiz

On Sept. 9, 2022, Idolina Cristela (Chela) Ortiz, 91, loving mother, grandmother and all-around amazing woman, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Moses Lake, Washington.

Bessie McCarter

Bessie McCarter, 86, passed away Aug. 30, 2022 in Moses Lake.

Preventing monkeypox transmission between people and pets

The 2022 outbreak of monkeypox has caught the attention of healthcare professionals worldwide, especially after the World Health Organization’s declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern in late July. Additionally, the first confirmed case of monkeypox in a 4-year-old greyhound appears to confirm that the viral disease can also be transmitted from humans to dogs...

Pet of the Week: Revel

Revel is a beautiful girl that will make a great family dog. She’s super sweet and likes going for walks. Revel is house trained, good on a leash and is so excited to see people. She is a German Shepherd about 5 years of age and up-to-date on vaccines, microchipped and spayed. Contact Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514 for more information about Revel, or stop by at 1961 W Bench Road in Othello. Additional information is available online at adamscountypetrescue.com.

‘If I can do it to help others, I’m going to do it’

Longtime Grant County Fire District 8 volunteer puts on chief's helmet

MATTAWA — Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman said he liked the job of a firefighter from his first fire, back in 1993 when he was a teenager. But it was a long time, he said before he knew why he liked it. “At the time, it was just like, ‘this is something fun to do. And it’s awesome.’ You feel that adrenaline rush on fires and some glory and everything - and of course there were some hard things,” he said. “But over time, and it wasn’t for a long time, I learned that basically, it’s my God-given talent. It’s something that I can do, I feel I can do it well, and if I can do it to help others, I’m going to do it.” Hyndman was named district fire chief earlier this year, taking over the department in his hometown, the one he joined while a student at Wahluke High School...

High note

Bluegrass festival to fill George with old-fashioned music

GEORGE — The air around George will be filled with a different sound this week, emanating from fiddles, banjos, mandolins and dobros. It will be high, it will be lonesome, and it will be played from the heart. “It's simple in a lot of respects, and in some respects bluegrass is way more complicated than pop music,” said Stan Hall, who plays guitar with the bluegrass band Heartbreak Pass. The George Bluegrass Festival is entering its 15th year, and it looks to be a good one, said organizer Debby Kooy. There are six bands from around the Northwest, as well as workshops, “learn ‘n share” sessions and good old down-home fun. “It's not huge, and it probably never will be numbered among the really big festivals,” Kooy said. “But it's a good little small-town festival. At the peak, which will be on the weekend, we usually have about 150 people. It's not huge, but it's for everybody.”

Friday’s results of Tri-Cities Classic

KENNEWICK – Bill Henry, a rider for the Kansas City Outlaws, went two-for-two on rides on Friday’s opening night of the Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series’ Tri-Cities Classic in Kennewick, a flawless performance on the evening.

Moses Lake mounts comeback but still falls

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Mavericks football team fought back from a 14-point deficit but the Kamiakin Braves scored late to take the win, 36-29, in Moses Lake’s first home game of the season.

Wahluke takes down Quincy on the pitch

QUINCY – The Wahluke girls soccer team earned its second win of the season on Thursday night, defeating Quincy 1-0 on the road.

Ephrata takes Battle of the Basin

QUINCY - The annual Battle of the Basin football matchup between Quincy High School and Ephrata High School was fought Friday night in Quincy. The Ephrata Tigers came out on top, keeping the trophy another year until the battle will be fought again.

Knights start 2-0, defeat Othello 14-0

OTHELLO – After a first half full of strong defense, the Royal Knights used the second half to pull away on the road in a 14-0 win over Othello on Friday night.

Local sports scores Sept. 6-10

COLUMBIA BASIN – High school sports are back in full swing here in the Basin, with teams taking to courts and fields throughout the week. Check out last week’s local scores from Sept. 6 through Sept. 10.

Legals for September, 12 2022

Ephrata honors longtime resident and business owner

EPHRATA - The Ephrata City Council gave out the first ever Spirit of Ephrata Award at Wednesday night’s meeting to longtime resident and business owner Mike Scellick. “We think that the recipient of the first-time award is a very appropriate recognition for what the criteria and expectations are,” said Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim. During the award presentation, Reim read the letter that recommended Scellick. The letter spoke of Scellick’s generosity, especially towards homeless and transient individuals in the community. In many instances, Scellick gave those individuals new shoes. Scellick attributed his tendency for service to the example his parents set and the generosity of the Ephrata community...

MLHS class of 1962 reunion

Moses Lake High School class of 1962, 60th reunion Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 South Balsam St. Coralee Gill, one of the organizers, said drop-ins, from 1962 or any other class, are welcome. More information: Coralee Gill, 509-760-7161.

Burn ban issued on Yakama Reservation

SEATTLE — The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a ban on open burning on the Yakama Reservation, according to a press release from the EPA. An air quality advisory is also in effect. The burn ban beganFriday at 8 a.m. and is in effect until further notice, the release said. The ban was triggered by elevated pollution levels caused by fires in the region. The burn ban applies to all outdoor burning – including agricultural, camping and recreational fires – in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban. Local conditions may be found at  https://fire.airnow.gov.

MLSD, teachers union approve three-year contract

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District personnel with instructional certification will receive a 7.5% pay raise for the 2022-23 school year. Moses Lake School Board members approved a three-year contract with the Moses Lake Education Association at the regular board meeting Thursday. The contract was approved on a unanimous vote with no discussion. Michelle Musso, the district’s human resources director, said in a Friday email that the MLEA ratified the contract Aug. 29. “It was quite a challenge getting to where we are,” Musso said.

EHS gets first athletic trainer

EPHRATA - On Sept. 9, Ephrata School District announced the hiring of Marissa Cox who will be the district’s first certified athletic trainer and will also teach sports medicine at the high school. “We are extremely excited to welcome Marissa to our team,” wrote Bryan Johnson, Ephrata High School Athletic Director, in the release. “Pairing her skills as a certified athletic trainer with hands-on learning provides a huge benefit for our students, our student-athletes and our school district.” ...

ACSO seeks help in Othello hit-and-run death

OTHELLO - The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding the car and driver involved in a hit-and-run collision that killed an Othello man riding his bicycle Friday evening near Othello. Artemio Cortez Cortez, 59, was riding north on his bike on the eastern edge of South Taylor Road when he was struck from behind, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The impact threw Cortez Cortez off the bike and he died at the scene, the release said. An autopsy is pending. ACSO Is asking anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them, and people with information may remain anonymous.

Larson man injured in late-night shooting

MOSES LAKE — A man was injured in a shooting in the Larson community early Friday morning, according to a Facebook post from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. According to the post, the 31-year-old victim told GCSO deputies an unidentified man came in through the back door of his home in the 1000 block of Vandenberg Loop at around 12:30 a.m. Friday morning and shot him. The victim was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake and his injuries were not life-threatening, the GCSO statement said. GCSO spokesperson Kyle Foreman said in addition to GCSO deputies, Moses Lake Police officers responded as well.

Davenport-area fire partially contained

DAVENPORT — A Davenport-area wildfire was about 40% contained as of Friday morning. The Seven Bays Fire started Sunday about 15 miles northwest of Davenport, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. As of Friday the fire had burned about 1,175 acres, the press release said. The fire is burning in a mix of rangeland, stubble and scattered forest. No evacuations had been issued and no roads were closed. “(During Thursday) firefighters worked on mopup along a 75-foot perimeter around the fire edge,” the press release said. “This increased fire containment to 40%.” Some fire crews may begin demobilizing Friday, the press release said. Firefighters continued working the fire perimeter and repairing interior bulldozer lines, it said. As of Friday there were 169 people fighting the fire, with 21 fire engines, three water tenders, five hand crews and one bulldozer. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Mary Crowder

Mary Crowder was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She gained her angel wings and was taken into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 7 at age 70 surrounded by her family.

Washington pro-sports summary for Sept. 9

Mariners wrapping up, Storm winding down and Seahawks ready for kick-off

WASHINGTON STATE – Washington’s sports teams have been busy over the past week, with the Mariners entering the final stretch of the regular season, the Storm battling against the Las Vegas Aces and the Seahawks preparing for kickoff of the 2022 season.

Staying put

Housing worries rise, but there’s help

MOSES LAKE — It’s the nagging fear every homeowner has when economic times become hard: What if I can’t keep my home? That’s something quite a lot of people are worried about, said Nik VinZant, an analyst with QuoteWizard in Seattle. According to a survey done by QuoteWizard, 17% of people in Washington state are worried about losing their homes in the near future. “Basically, what we did is we looked into US Census Bureau data,” VinZant said. “This is part of the household pulse survey that goes out every couple of weeks and has been going out ever since the beginning of the pandemic. We were actually able to figure out, how many people are behind on their mortgage, how many people are behind on their rent? And then, of those people who are behind on either rent or their mortgage, how many of them feel that they should be either evicted or face foreclosure within the next two months?” That’s not to say that those people are objectively in imminent danger. The same survey showed that only 2% of Washingtonians are actually behind in mortgage payments. But sometimes, perception looms large and can help bring about the very thing people are worried about, Vinzant said...

Adams Co. Fire District 5 keeps busy

Three Wednesday fires keep first responders moving in Adams County

OTHELLO — Adams County Fire District 5 crews responded to two house fires, one of which destroyed the house, and a brush fire in the space of about 12 hours Wednesday. Strong winds rekindled the brush fire briefly Thursday morning. . .

Legals for September, 9 2022

Washington receives $1.4M for small business exports

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has been awarded $1.4 million to help small businesses in the state grow through exporting, according to a press release from the Commerce Department.

Big Bend receives $1.16 million EOC grant

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will make use of a $1.16 million grant to open a TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, according to a press release from the college.

ACSO to take concealed carry applications at fair

RITZVILLE — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting applications for concealed pistol permits at the Othello Fair next week, according to a social media post by the ACSO. Applicants can stop by the Sheriff’s Office booth at the fair with a completed, unsigned application, a state-issued photo ID and the appropriate fee, the post said. Fingerprints will be taken on-site. The fee is $49.25 for a new paper permit and $59.25 for a hard card, according to the post. Only Adams County residents are eligible, the post added. Residents of other counties must apply in their own jurisdiction. The Washington CPL application can be found at https://bit.ly/WACPL.

Yakama Nation gets funds for sex offender registration

YAKIMA — The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have been awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to keep sex offender registrations current, according to a press release.

Police records for Sept. 9, 2022

EPD, MLPD, Grant County Jail

Beverly L. Anderson

Beverly L. Anderson, 89, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Sept. 3 surrounded by her loving family.

Grant Co. development remains active

Applications 'ebb and flow' year over year

EPHRATA — Building development in the unincorporated areas of Grant County through the end of August is a little slower than it was through the same period in 2021, but is still fairly lively, according to county officials. “(Development) is still going strong, not only in the county but our partner cities, too,” Grant County Director of Development Services Chris Young said. The development services department provides a monthly update of building permit applications in the unincorporated areas, which Young presented to the Grant County Commissioners Tuesday. As of the end of August 2022, the county had received 144 applications for new residences in unincorporated areas. That compared to 181 applications in the same period in 2021. The report showed some variations in the number of applications received each month, compared year over year. There were 27 residential construction permit applications submitted in March 2022, compared to 21 in March 2021. There were 14 submitted in April 2022, compared to 27 in April 2021...

Birth records for Sept. 8

Samaritan Hospital provided the following birth announcement information to the Columbia Basin Herald...

'A best friend who won't tell anyone your secrets'

Horse lovers head to Ritzville for the Wheat Land Communities' Fair

RITZVILLE — Briger Peterson has a short and pithy description of what a horse is. “A best friend who won’t tell anyone your secrets,” the 14-year-old said, ready to demonstrate her bareback riding skills during the second day of the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair in Ritzville on Friday. Phil Peterson, who manages the Iron Legacy Ranch south of Ritzville along with Heidi Tracy, leaned against the wire around the equestrian pen. Many of the horses in Friday’s competition came through Iron Legacy, Tracy explained, as she too leaned on the wire to watch the kids fit and show their animals. “They’re just so good for the kids,” Tracy said. “They teach them how to think outside themselves, teaching them to be selfless.” ...

Legals for September, 8 2022

Othello Huskies Sports Schedules 2022

Othello Huskies sports schedules for fall 2022.

Royal Knights Sports Schedules 2022

Fall 2022 sports schedule for the Royal Knights, including football, volleyball, girls soccer and cross country.

COVID-19 update

Additional death reported in Adams County

RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Department administrators have reported another death related to COVID-19, raising to 39 the number of coronavirus-related deaths in Adams County since the pandemic began in 2020. “A male, age 83, died of cardiac arrest and pneumonia secondary to the COVID-19 virus,” according to an ACHD press release. “According to the available records, of the 15 most recent COVID-19 deaths in Adams County none were fully vaccinated against this disease,” the release said. The last reported coronavirus-related death reported in Grant County was announced Aug. 18 in a weekly update from the Grant County Health District. The patient was a woman in her 80s who had an underlying health condition, according to the health district release...

RCPD gains officer, opts to buy patrol car

ROYAL CITY — Royal City got a new police officer Tuesday evening and will be getting another patrol vehicle as well. Officer Hanna Soelter was sworn in at the Royal City City Council meeting Tuesday by Mayor Kent Anderson. Soelter spent three weeks starting in late July in training with the Moses Lake Police Department, then spent another three weeks with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Royal City Police Chief Rey Rodriguez said at the meeting. She’s spent the last two weeks riding with Rodriguez, he said, and will do so for about three more before going on patrol on her own. “She's doing very well,” Rodriguez said. “I'm just kind of riding along and guiding her. She's very up-to-date with her revised codes, her laws (and) procedures. So (she’s) just getting the experience out there.” ...

Quincy Jacks Sports Schedules 2022

Fall 2022 Quincy Jackrabbits sports schedules including football, volleyball, girls varsity soccer and cross country.

SLHS Eagles Sports Schedules 2022

Fall 2022 sports schedules for the Soap Lake, Washington Eagles.

Wahluke Warriors Sports Schedules 2022

Wahluke Warriors sports schedules for fall 2022 including football, volleyball, girls soccer and cross country.

MLHS Mavericks Sports Schedule 2022

Moses Lake High School Mavericks sports schedules for fall 2022.

MLCA Lions Sports Schedule 2022

Moses Lake Christian Academy Lions sports schedule for fall 2022.

Warden Cougars Sports Schedule 2022

Fall 2022 sports schedule for the Warden Cougars, including football, volleyball, and girls soccer.

Wilson Creek Devils Sports Schedule 2022

Volleyball schedule for Wilson Creek for the fall season of 2022.

Lind-Ritzville Broncos Sports Schedule 2022

Fall 2022 sports schedule for the Lind-Ritzville Broncos.

Ephrata Tigers Sports Schedules 2022

Sports schedules for Ephrata Tigers for fall 2022.

ACH Warriors Sports Schedule 2022

Football and volleyball schedules for the ACH Warriors.

‘Two Goofy Dogs’

Ephrata author’s children’s book celebrates rescued pets

EPHRATA — Denver Morford is just wild about Harry. And Charlie. Morford, the former owner of Barry Chevrolet in Ephrata, recently published “Two Goofy Dogs,” a children’s book about his experiences with two pooches named Charlie and Harry. Morford had always liked golden retrievers and found them to be well-behaved and trainable. “They were grownups,” he said. “They were mature animals that didn't require a leash. I taught them hand signals so that … I could run my business and they wouldn't be in the way.” Then in 2016 his wife Sarah Morford - who also serves as the public information officer for the Ephrata School District - brought home Charlie, an English cream golden retriever, and everything changed...

John Manuel Cardona

John Manuel Cardona was called home in the early morning of Sept. 6, 2022, surrounded by his children after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.

Lasaro G. Juarez

Lasaro G. Juarez, 58, has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2022, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington.

Gilbert Alvarado

We are sad to announce the passing of Gilbert Alvarado of Lincoln, Montana. He died at the age of 83 on July 22, 2022.

Jill Elaine McLane

Jill Elaine McLane unexpectedly lost her battle with mast cell disease on July 20, 2022.

William Cummings Newell

William Cummings Newell passed away on March 8, 2022, holding the hand of a very attractive doctor at St. Michael Hospital in Silverdale – a lady’s man to the end.

Glen Smith

Glen Smith, 76, passed away peacefully on Aug. 30, 2022, at his home after an unexpected illness from cancer.

Larson Playfield to host Summer Sizzle this weekend

Softball tournament set to 'cap' summer season

MOSES LAKE – The Summer Sizzle softball tournament will return to Moses Lake this weekend, giving teams a chance at a final tournament during summer ball. “It’s the off-season, pretty much everybody has done their state tournaments, their national tournaments, so what we try to do is put on a little fun tournament to put a cap on the whole (summer),” Tournament Director Willie Holmes said. Holmes said that most of the teams that participate in off-season tournaments are travel teams, who are taking a look at their rosters for the next season. “Also, it gives coaches on the travel teams a chance to try out new players and get an idea what they’re going to have for the coming season,” Holmes said. “Not everybody has the tendency to play softball and practice year-round now.” To help coaches with this examination process, the Summer Sizzle features alternated rules allowing more players to enter the game...

Tigers sweep in season opener

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers opened the 2022 campaign with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-10) sweep over Cascade (Leavenworth). Coming off an appearance in the 2A state tournament, the Tigers look to stay their momentum entering a new season. “(It feels) good,” head coach Britney MacLeod said of the season-opening win. “We’re coming off of a really strong team, strong season last year. They did a good job.” After Ephrata scored on the opening rally, the Kodiaks bounced back, taking a 4-2 lead. Once the set was tied at six, the Tigers went on a six-point run to double Cascade. Ephrata never looked back, eventually winning the first set 25-14. “We made some mistakes, we made the mistakes we thought we were going to make, but it feels good for them to settle in and know they can do it,” MacLeod said...

Information sought in dog incident

The Wenatchee Valley Animal Care & Control are seeking information about a dog that was involved in an incident with another dog over the weekend and bit a person on Sept. 5.

Sports schedule Sept. 7-13

With high school sports firing back up, sports fans have quite a few options in the Columbia Basin. When student-athletes aren’t competing on the gridiron, the volleyball court, soccer field or various tracks - pro sports teams are here to keep the action moving. Here’s a look at sporting events coming up this week...

FCAD celebrates 41

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day returns to Quincy

QUINCY — A parade, antique tractors, a car show, a quilt show, a memorial for military veterans and games for children are among the events - but by no means all the events - scheduled for the 41st Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday in Quincy. “A lot going on, oh yes,” said FCAD President Wyman Duggan. Farmer Consumer Awareness Day started as a way to show consumers the contributions made by farmers, and that’s still FCAD’s foundation. Bierlink Farms and its owners will be recognized as the farm family of the year, and a longtime community volunteer, the late Grace Kok, will be honored for her contributions to Quincy. Kok was named the honorary farmer of the year. “She did many, many, many things for this community,” Duggan said...

“A great way to start”

Ephrata girls soccer looks to improve in 2022

EPHRATA – Following a “struggled” 2021 season, the Ephrata girls soccer team returns to the pitch in 2022 as a closer-knit unit, according to head coach Gary Klepec. The Tigers opened the 2022 campaign with a 6-0 home win over Cascade (Leavenworth), with three goals scored in each half. “We struggled last year, so we’ve got some ground to make up – this is a great way to start,” Klepec said after the team’s season-opening 6-0 win...

Bird lovers

Central Basin Audubon Society looking for new members in the Basin

MOSES LAKE — The hills are alive with the sound of chirping - and twitttering, and chittering, and cheeping and hooting. The Columbia Basin is filled with birds, and the Central Basin Audubon Society wants to help folks enjoy them all and is looking for new members to join the birding community. “We have quite a few activities that we do, and we're trying to get more,” said Gayle Talbot of Moses Lake, the organization’s newly-elected president. CBAS is a chapter of Audubon Washington, which in turn is a state field office of the National Audubon Society. The nationwide organization was established in 1950 and named for the 19th-century naturalist John James Audubon, The goal of the society is to protect birds and the environments they thrive in using science, advocacy, education and conservation efforts, according to the organization’s website...

Back on the pitch

MLCA/CCS restarts soccer program

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School will field a boys soccer team this fall, returning to the pitch after a long hiatus. . .

Letter: Audubon Society celebrates local birds

As the recently elected President of the Central Basin Audubon Society, I would like to thank the Columbia Basin Herald for printing the excellent AP article, "What's a Garden Without Birds?" in the Friday, Aug. 5 Columbia Basin Homes section.

K-9 Nado serves residents of Adams Co.

RITZVILLE - Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office has a new K-9 after K-9 Garrett was medically retired this past year. The new K-9, Nado, is a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. ACSO Deputy Joe Phillips is Nado’s handler and was also the handler for K-9 Garrett. Nado is two years old and originally from Hungary. He has been trained in both suspect tracking and apprehension and narcotic detection.

Legals for September, 7 2022

‘Young and talented’

ACH volleyball looks to build on young team

COULEE CITY - The Almira/Coulee-Hartline volleyball team is young but ready for what the season ahead will bring. “Our volleyball team is very young and talented,” said Athletic Director Brandon Walsh. “They had a productive off-season and they're really looking forward to this fall.” The team went 10-7 last season and their most recent state appearance was in the 2019-2020 season where they took third place. From the 2021-22 season to this year...

‘It’s a growing year’

Soap Lake volleyball looks to make strides in 2022 season

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake volleyball team is looking to make strides with a fresh set of faces as it moves into the season. “It’s a growing year,” said Head coach Nicole Noble. Noble explained that she has only three returning players from the 2021 season - two juniors and a freshman. The rest of her 13-girl team is made up of six freshmen, two juniors and two seniors. Despite half her team being freshmen, she is very optimistic about their athletic abilities. “We have a good, strong, athletic freshman class,” said Noble...

Challenging but exciting

Othello girls soccer looks to build on success

OTHELLO — The Othello High School girls soccer team had a good 2021, and Coach Juan Garcia said the goal is to keep building on that success in 2022. “This is going to be a challenging year, but exciting,” Garcia said. The Huskies finished third in the Central Washington Athletic Conference in 2021, advancing to the state playoffs before losing 1-0 in the first round. Garcia said that’s the starting point for 2022. “We want to make it our goal to finish again in the top three in league. We want to be able to start consistently keeping up with Ellensburg and Selah - those are kind of the model schools for the CWAC,” he said...

A tune-up

Wilson Creek looks to refine skills on the court with new coach

WILSON CREEK - The Wilson Creek volleyball team has a new coach looking to build the team's skill levels and fine-tune the fundamentals. “Obviously winning is nice but I want the girls to develop as players more than anything,” said first-year head coach Christa Christopherson. Christopherson said she started off the season with only six girls but has grown in just the last week to 10...

Committed to improvement

Using experience to earn wins is goal for Quincy volleyball

QUINCY — A challenging 2021 season is expected to yield some dividends for the Quincy High School volleyball team in 2022. “They’re a good group of kids,” Jacks Coach Dean Pratt said. “They don’t stop learning and they don’t stop competing.” Quincy started five freshmen and one sophomore in 2021, and Pratt said the inexperience showed. The Jacks finished 0-8 in the Caribou Trail League and 0-15 for the season. “We had a tough year last year,” he said...

‘That gave these girls hope’

Cougars look to build off of 2021 season

WARDEN – Coming off a 2021 season where the Cougars were one game shy of state, Warden girls soccer welcomes the return of standard soccer season in the Basin. “It’s good,” Warden girls soccer head coach BryLee Pruneda said of the return of the season. “Especially without COVID, you don’t have to wear the mask. I’m so happy to be back to normal.” Pruneda, who is in her fourth year as head coach of the Cougars, said that the previous two seasons were difficult for the players due to COVID-19 restrictions...

Local pet rescue to hold food, supply drive

SOAP LAKE - The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry will be holding their third annual fundraiser yard sale and animal supply drive from Sept. 16 to 18 in Soap Lake. They will be accepting donations of new and gently used leashes, pet beds, toys, cat litter, food and other pet-related supplies. Donations will be accepted before or during the event...

Accident causes manure spill, minor injuries

SOAP LAKE - A smelly situation occurred Tuesday afternoon when a semi-truck carrying manure tipped over, spilling the manure into a ditch. Just two miles east of Soap Lake a single vehicle, minor injury collision occurred when a semi-truck carrying manure swerved to miss a couple of dogs on the road. The driver of the semi was traveling on State Route 28 when he swerved right to avoid the dogs and then rode the ditch before the truck tipped on its side, spilling the dung beside the roadway.. Soap Lake Police Department assisted Washington State Patrol on the scene. SR 28 was closed for a short time to remove the semi and clean up the spill. Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabaisnherald.com.

A new defense for the Warriors

Wahluke hopes for state-qualifying team on the pitch

MATTAWA – The 2021 Wahluke girls soccer season ended in the first round of the 1A State Tournament for the Warriors, finishing with an 11-6-1 record last fall.

Bulking offense

Royal soccer works to maintain strong defense, build O-game

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School girls soccer team isn’t a bunch of beginners. “We actually have a decent group of seniors,” said Head Coach Jens Jensen. “There's eight, I believe, we may have added a ninth, but we’ve got a decent group of seniors.” Most of his girls haven’t played club soccer, meaning in youth leagues outside of school, he added. The roster is indeed skewed toward upperclassmen; of 19 players, only three are freshmen and one a sophomore. That experience looks likely to pay off, said senior defender Haley Piercy. “I think our forwards are really strong,” she said. “And then we also have experienced defenders.”...

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week.

Seven Bays Fire 0% contained, evacuations issued

DAVENPORT - A press release on Sept. 6 by the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team brought an update on the Seven Bays Fire just north of Davenport. The Seven Bays Fire, started on Sept. 4, is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Davenport and has burned approximately 1,000 acres of rangeland, stubble and scattered forest lands, the release said...

Aloha summer

Marvericks cross country runners start the year with a lei up

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Cross Country team will begin the season out of its home state, traveling to the Iolani XC Invite hosted on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. “My seniors started planning this trip when they were freshmen,” Moses Lake Cross Country head coach Larry Dagnon said. “They started a year ahead of time, almost all of them had their money, and then it got canceled last year and the year before, and now we’re finally going.” Before the pandemic, the trip sent runners to Hawaii every two years for the meet, before the meet was canceled in 2020 and 2021...

Creating team chemistry

Broncos build new roster on the court

RITZVILLE – After losing seven seniors to graduation from last year’s team, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos are entering the 2022 season with a roster full of new faces. The Broncos finished 2021 with a 13-7 record, qualifying for the 2B State Tournament in the process. Now, coming into the 2022 campaign, head coach Cari Galbreath has her work cut out for her...

Senior activities calendar for September 2022

Seniors around the Basin can get out of the house and have fun with friends by participating in the activities below.

Quincy man killed in Monday collision identified

QUINCY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has identified a Quincy man who died when the car he was driving ran off the road and hit a utility pole Monday. Eduardo Diaz Magana, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which was reported at about 3:30 p.m. Monday in the 20500 block of Road 6 NW, according to a GCSO statement. Diaz Magana was driving east when he apparently lost control, skidded off the road and hit the utility pole. His car then hit a car parked in front of a residence, rolled and came to rest on its top against a commercial flatbed trailer...

Paul Robert Ulrich

Paul (Bud) Robert Ulrich was born Oct. 23, 1949, in Flint, Michigan to Eldor and Julia Ulrich.

Grant County Fair youth ag competition results

MOSES LAKE — While the week of the Grant County Fair means many things to many people, for lots of young people across Grant and Adams counties, fair time is about competition. Hundreds of young people entered animals at the year’s county fair. Young ag enthusiasts brought everything from pigs to rabbits, to show off their skills in raising animals for food and for show. Below is a list of all the grand champions, reserve grand champions, judges' choice and best of section awards given out to FFA, 4-H and Grange students at this year’s fair, courtesy of the Grant County Fairgrounds...

Meet the Herald part 1:

Leadership and Administration

The Columbia Basin Herald is made up of local staff that work hard to keep the community informed on local issues and events. We value transparency and, with that in mind, we thought we would introduce ourselves to our readers. Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing introductions like those below for all of our staff. We want you to know us and why we care about the communities we live in here in Grant and Adams counties. Our first set of introductions is for our leadership team and those staff that assist readers directly with distribution and customer service.

Spokane Aerial Performance Arts comes to Wheat Land

RITZVILLE - The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair hosted a performance by the Spokane Aerial Performance Arts on Friday. “You’re lifting your body with the finest muscles in your body,” said owner Sherrie Martin as she pointed to her wrists. “As opposed to your legs that normally lift you.” The group had several performers who awed the crowd with their skills. With a couple of long and thick yellow silk ribbons, suspended from a stand similar to those that hold swings on playgrounds, performers climbed up the silk to about 20 feet in the air and dangle in different positions. Climbing up the silk and each position was held, through wrapping or tying of the silk...

Grape Dr. roundabout nears completion

MOSES LAKE — Construction of the roughly $2.3 million roundabout at State Route 17 and Grape Drive is scheduled for completion this week. “Crews will return later in the fall for beautification work,” wrote Justin Hammond, engineer on the project for the Washington State Department of Transportation, in response to an emailed question from the Columbia Basin Herald. “The project is moving forward and there haven’t been any holdups,” Hammond wrote. “Work was paused during the week of the (Grant County) Fair. Since then there has been a lot of ‘invisible’ work happening outside the roadway on items like sidewalk and electrical systems.” As of Friday, most but not all of the sidewalks have been completed. Some but not all of the road has been paved. The two lanes on SR 17 are partially open. The roundabout itself has a pile of rocks in the middle, and those will stay where they are. Hammond wrote and added that the rocks have a purpose. “The mound of rocks in the center is actually working as intended to limit visibility. The idea is that the driver entering the roundabout shouldn’t need to see any vehicles beyond the mound, since they only need to check their left side for vehicles to yield to,” Hammond wrote. “Any car making a left turn would be traveling slow enough that the entering driver won’t have a conflict.” The roundabout replaces the traffic light at the intersection. When completed it will have two lanes in each direction on SR 17 and one lane in each direction on Grape Drive. Two roundabouts are tentatively planned for the region in 2023, one at the intersection of White Trail Road and State Route 28 west of Quincy, and one at SR 17 and Cunningham Road at the entrance to Othello. Cheryl Schweizer may be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com. ...

Mavericks earn first win of the year

Tigers fall with 21-14 final score on Friday

EPHRATA – The Moses Lake Mavericks earned their first win of the 2022 campaign, defeating Ephrata on the road 21-14 on Friday night. “Ephrata played a great football game,” Maverick head coach Brett Jay said. “Coach (Patrick) Mitchell, had them coached up. No. 4, Hendrick, he’s a dude, man. He made play after play.” Moses Lake tight end/defensive end Tell Rathbun, receiver/defensive back Joel Middleton and running back/linebacker Jonah Robertson all reached the end zone in the win, with quarterback Travis Hendrick scoring both of Ephrata’s touchdowns. Following a bad snap on fourth down for Ephrata, Moses Lake began their first offensive drive on the Ephrata 33-yard line. The Mavericks opened scoring with quarterback Brock Clark finding Rathbun in the right side of the end zone for a 7-0 lead after the converted extra point.

Legals for September, 6 2022

Broncos beat Colfax

Lind-Ritzville brings home the W for season opener

RITZVILLE - The Lind-Ritzville Broncos brought the heat Friday night in their season opener against Colfax, running away with a 35-12 victory. “We have a lot to work on but we're very happy to start the season with a win,” said junior running back Brock Kinch. Despite the big victory, the beginning of the game saw Colfax and Lind-Ritzville neck and neck. Lind-Ritzville started the game, pushing little by little toward the end zone before an interception by Colfax about two and a half minutes into the game foiled the Broncos' progress. Colfax made several pushes before making a touchdown with six and a half minutes left in the game. The two-point conversion failed however for Colfax when their quarterback was sacked but gave them a 6-0 lead over Lind-Ritzville. Kinch leveled the playing field with a touchdown three minutes later but took a one-point lead with a successful extra kick by senior quarterback Chase Galbreath. The Broncos were leading 7-6 when Colfax’s JJ Bodey made an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown. Again, Colfax’s two-point conversion failed but left them 12-7 over the Broncos going into the second quarter...

Desert Golf Classic coming Sept. 15

Fundraising tourney set to raise funds for new Samaritan campus

MOSES LAKE – The Samaritan Healthcare Foundations’ annual Desert Golf Classic will see its 21st showing on Sept. 16 at the Links at Moses Pointe, raising money for the foundation’s BuildCommunity campaign “It's one of our annual fundraiser events to raise money for whichever campaign we're doing that year,” Samaritan Healthcare Donation Specialist Alayna Webb said. “So this year, and last year, this is for our BuildCommunity campaign for a new medical campus.” As the local community continues to grow, Webb said that Samaritan Healthcare hopes that the medical campus will help alleviate some of the stress that comes with operating in a smaller location...

Wahluke football wins season opener, 21-19

Team tears apart Grandview’s early lead

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School football team stopped Grandview’s extra-point attempt on the next-to-last play of the game to win its season opener, 21-19 during their first at-home game Friday. “We fought back and did what we needed to do,” Coach Anfernee Cortez said. “I was really pleased with my team continuing to fight.” The Warriors came back from a 13-0 deficit against a 2A team, and Cortez said he liked the team’s reaction when they fell behind...

Fire fought near Washtucna over weekend

WASHTUCNA - Firefighters work to put out a fire about two miles east of the city of Washtucna on Sunday. The fire had a portion of State Route 26 for part of the weekend. As of Sunday, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office reported that the highway was reopened and crews were working to put out hotspots as part of mop up efforts. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the fire had started in Franklin County and moved across the county line and crews from both counties were on-hand to fight the blaze.

Two killed in I-90 accident on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Two people were killed in a head-on collision on I-90 late Saturday when a vehicle going the wrong way in the eastbound lanes slammed into an eastbound car just before 8 p.m., according to the Washington State Patrol. In a press release issued late Saturday, the WSP said Duane Lamotte, 54, of Spokane, was driving a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup westbound in one of the eastbound lanes of I-90 when he collided head-on with a semi driven by Hoa Duong, 54, of Medical Lake. According to the WSP, Huong changed lanes in an attempt to avoid a collision but failed to avoid being struck...

Upcoming election dates of note

Grant County Sheriff candidates Joe Harris, left, and Joey Kriete addressed a meeting of the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors on Sept. 1. The candidates spoke on subjects including drugs and theft problems, logistical ways to make the Grant County Sheriff’s Office operate more effectively and the need for more deputies.

Warden relaunches Community Days

WARDEN - Gary Olson, grand marshal of this year’s Warden Community​​​ Days parade, waves from the back of his 1964 Cadillac convertible — “The last year they made them with fins!” he said. The owner of a small farm and a local construction company, Olson was the grand marshal for the first Community Days parade and festival in 2019, prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s festivities included a car show, a talent show, a community meal, a fireman’s breakfast, the parade, and an afternoon of fun and volleyball in Warden Volunteer Park.

Pet Talk: Reptile emotions

When thinking of reptiles, the image that comes to the minds of most people can vary from a garter snake slithering through the grass to lizards of Jurassic proportions roaming the earth. The idea of bonding with such creatures may seem creepy, or even impossible, yet some people insist that their reptiles know them and enjoy being with them. Can reptiles feel or portray emotions? ...

Pet of the Week: Shika

Shika is a female, Border Collie-Pit mix. She is a lovely dog, plays well with other pups and when she was a puppy, she was around cats and children. She would make a great dog to go on walks with and she can also chill out with you when you’re watching tv. Shika is spayed, microchipped and utd on vaccinations. For more information please call Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514

Grant PUD examining rate increase

EPHRATA — Rising costs for the Grant County PUD may lead to customer rate increases for 2023. Utility district commissioners asked for more information on costs and budget impacts before making a decision. . .

Knights win season opener 34-6

Delarosa hauls in three touchdowns

TOPPENISH – The 2021 Class 1A state champion Royal Knights kicked off the 2022 season with a 34-6 win over the Toppenish Wildcats, courtesy of an offensive outpour by receiver Edgar Delarosa and quarterback Dylan Allred. “It feels good,” Royal head coach Wiley Allred said. “It feels nice to play a tough, quality opponent, and we got plenty to work on and plenty to learn from.” The game began with a fumble by the Wildcats, recovered by Royal defensive back Caden Allred. On the Knights' ensuing drive, quarterback Dylan Allred threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage...

Curt Lovins

Curt Lovins, a resident of Bellevue, Washington passed away on Aug. 22, 2022, after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Stephen Paul Ferrill II

Steve passed away peacefully from pneumonia at Wenatchee Valley Hospital with his beloved wife, children and brother by his side. He was 57 years old.

'Far West' art show headed to Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - Artist Mihail Kivachitsky will be returning to Soap Lake Sept. 2-5 to host another art show, this time featuring new pieces. “This is special,” Kivachitsky said. “This is a document of real time.” The art show, “Far West,” will feature some pieces from the previous show that was held in Soap Lake over the Fourth of July weekend along with new pieces inspired by the landscape of the Columbia Basin and West Coast of the United States...

GCSO candidates speak at Realtors association

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff candidates Joey Kriete and Joe Harris addressed a meeting of the Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors on Thursday, covering a range of topics including drugs and theft, as well as administrative and structural ideas for improving the function of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Realtor Tara Zerbo introduced the two candidates to an audience of 25 people over lunch at the Porterhouse in Moses Lake. Each candidate spoke for about 15 minutes, then the two fielded questions from the audience. Both discussed their history in law enforcement and agreed that more deputies are needed to cover Grant County as it continues to grow...

Going fast in Moses Lake

Maple Grove homes selling faster than construction

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot happening in a little area by Highway 17 and Grape Drive, just a little north of the new roundabout. Houses are going up fast, and being snapped up even faster.

Legals for September, 2 2022

Cattlemen's Association convention announced

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual meeting and Cattle Producer’s Forum in Nashville this year on Dec. 8-10, according to a press release from the organization. The annual meeting is the association’s 15th, and gives ranchers from across the opportunity to review the past year and set the association’s agenda for the upcoming year as well, particularly with legislation reforming U.S. cattle markets currently making its way slowly through Congress, the press release said...

Lands commissioner calls for fire caution during Labor Day weekend

OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz is asking members of the public to help prevent wildfires during Labor Day weekend. “Fire season is not over. Over the 2020 Labor Day weekend, more than 500,000 acres of land burned in just 36 hours,” Franz said in the release. “We’ve seen firsthand that a single spark, in the right conditions, can make or break an entire fire season. Let’s all make sure we’re not that spark this holiday weekend.” The release said there have been 445 Department of Natural Resources fires across Washington so far this season – the lowest number of ignitions in the last decade – burning approximately 40,000 acres. However, hot and dry conditions are projected east of the Cascades and parts of the western side of the state over the weekend. “Thanks to a wet spring, and the hard work of our firefighters and aviation crews, we’ve largely been fortunate so far this fire season,” Franz said in the release. “But we’re not out of the woods yet. Washingtonians must continue to be vigilant and responsible.”

Grant Co. looking for Tourism Commission volunteer

EPHRATA – The Grant County Board of Commissioners announced on Aug. 31 that they are looking for citizens to serve on the Grant County Tourism Commission. The announcement stated that the selected applicants will act as a member of the commission that will plan, organize and implement the tourism marketing and promotion plan for Grant County Tourism for a three-year term...

Ritzville event more than just a fair

Wheat Land Community Fair kicks off in Ritzville

RITZVILLE — Hannah Towne was rushing to get her steer, Chuck, ready to show at this year’s Wheat Land Communities’ Fair on Thursday. “So I bought this steer in October, and I’ve been working on getting him tamed and leading him around our pen, washing him, clipping him, making sure he’s all prepped and ready for the chaos of the show,” Towne, 14, said. Her dad Gordon Towne, who farms and ranches a small herd near Ritzville, gave her a few pointers on how best to use the electric razor to shape the hair on the cow’s tail just right. “I have a lot of fun showing with these people around me. They’re all my friends,” Hannah said. “I really enjoy coming here. It’s a big community and everybody’s willing to support (us) and I just really love showing here.” ...

GCSO investigating possible DUI

MOSES LAKE - The Grant County Sheriff’s Office said in a release Wednesday that they are investigating a possible DUI after a car collided with a house in the Larson Community. The collision occurred at Vandenberg Loop and Halsey Drive. The driver, identified as 58-year-old Richland resident Abel Ramos, has been charged with a DUI and was cited and released, GCSO Spokesman Kyle Foreman said...

Ahoy matey: Pirate-themed regatta takes to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Boaters dressed in pirate garb will take to the waters of Moses Lake this Sunday, dressed in theme for the 6th Annual Pirates of Camas Cove Regatta. The regatta, hosted by Camas Cove Cellars, sees human-powered vessels decorated in pirate-themed decor for a fun day of races, music and more. “We have a race, and people bring water cannons and so they shoot each other and race for different prizes,” Camas Cove Co-owner Nancy Parr said. “So, we have prizes for the events. And we have a lot of people come in boats, and they line the course. Last year we got almost 30 boaters out there and they all brought water cannons and they were shooting each other. It was really (fun)...

Juanita Lorene (Nance) Ottestad

Juanita Lorene (Nance) Ottestad of Moses Lake was taken into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 30, 2022 in the presence of family.

Letter to the editor: Patriotism and gratitude

Dear Editor, On Dec. 18, 2001, Congress passed Public Law No. 107-89 designating September 11th as “Patriot Day”. It’s a shame a law had to be passed to ensure patriotism is kept alive. We should always remember sacrifices have been made by many for our freedoms – military, law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics – some have given the ultimate sacrifice...

Masquers Theater gala to kick off 2022-23 season

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater troupe will announce the plays for the 2022-23 season and present the annual Masquers awards at its membership gala, scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at the theater, 322 E. Main St., Soap Lake. Admission is free. “A Nautical Night Out” is the gala theme for 2023. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most sea-worthy costumes, according to a Masquers press release. The program will be preceded by a social hour. The program includes a preview of the 2022 musical, “Once on this Island,” a review of the 2021-22 season, recognition of Masquers members and a panel of directors for the 2022-23 productions.

Washington pro sports summary for Sept. 1

M’s enter final stretch, Storm fight in playoffs and a new quarterback for the Seahawks

SEATTLE – With the Storm making waves in the playoffs, Mariners nearing the regular season’s final stretch and the Seahawks entering the regular season, Washington’s professional teams have been busy over the past week. Mariners Seattle began a four-game home stand against the Cleveland Guardians last Thursday, winning the first two games 3-1 and 3-2 before losing 4-3 in the third game. In the final game of the series, the Mariners shut out Cleveland for a 4-0 win. Pitchers Marco Gonzales, Penn Murfee and Robbie Ray all earned wins in the series. Along with the series win against the Guardians at home, the Mariners locked up their prized rookie Julio Rodríguez last week. The 21-year-old rookie’s deal is difficult and drawn out, but it can be briefed as a 12-year extension worth, at minimum, $209.3 million over that span. The deal can move upwards in value to nearly $470 million with incentives. If Rodríguez were to win an MVP over the span of the contract extension, it increases in value to $280 million and up to $350 million if he wins two MVP awards according to spotrac.com...

Hay King Travis Herring excels despite bad season

MOSES LAKE — There’s always plenty of work to do on a farm.

‘My honor and pleasure’

Grant Co. Fire District 7 chief set to retire

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Kirk Sheppard is set to retire on Sept. 16. Sheppard is hanging up his helmet after a total of 28 years in fire service, 24 of those as chief of GCFD7.

Legals for September, 1 2022