Ellington

Rickie (Rick) Hunter

Rickie Hunter, 67, passed away on May 1 at Samaritan Hospital from complications with pneumonia. His daughter Tami, his son-in-law Matt and his very special friend Beth Donegan were by his side. Rick was born on Aug. 21, 1956, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to parents Gordon and Margarete Hunter. Rick lived in Germany in his younger years due to his father’s military service. He spent the majority of his life in Moses Lake after his father retired in 1969. Rick worked at Carnation for 18 years until he had a work accident that made him permanently disabled.

Raindrops and moonlight

Spring Festival parade marches on despite downpour

MOSES LAKE — For a bit, it didn’t look like there would be a Moonlight Parade down Third Avenue on Saturday night. “There’s going to be a parade,” said Spring Festival organizer Sean Salis as he sat in the cab of his truck between phone calls and text messages. Salis drove off, rain still falling. A downpour drenched the 6 p.m. Kiddie Parade, and students, staff and teachers from North Elementary School braved the wet and made their way down Third to Frontier Middle School as soggy spectators applauded.

Washington sports schedule May 31-June 6

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring professional and local events across the state. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald would like to congratulate all of the local athletes that made it to state competition the last two weeks...

Graduations in the Basin coming soon

COLUMBIA BASIN – Area high schools will be celebrating graduation the first two weeks of June. The Columbia Basin Herald will be attending each of the ceremonies listed below and will provide coverage in a keepsake edition of the paper on June 12 so that graduates can have one issue that brings all of their graduation celebrations together with their friends at nearby schools. Additionally, look in tomorrow’s edition for a commemorative insert with photos of this year’s grads...

Local schools represented among FFA district officers

MOSES LAKE — Future Farmers of America members from Quincy, Moses Lake, Ephrata and Lind-Ritzville were named District Nine officers for 2023-24 at the district meeting at Moses Lake High School May 24...

'Excited' and 'happy'

Wahluke life skills students off to college with a ROAR

MATTAWA — Getting accepted to college requires a lot of effort, some of it doing scary things. Three students in Wahluke High School’s life skills class didn’t let that stop them - they’re off to college next fall. “We’re going to (Washington State University) in Pullman,” said Juan Ramos...

Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Seaton

So, I’m Seaton and, as you can see, I’m quite adorable. I’m a younger dog and I’m not really sure what all my ancestors looked like, but somehow I won the gene pool lotto with these good looks. I enjoy walks and have a decent amount of energy, but after a long day, I do like a cuddle once I get to know my people. I’d love for you to be my people if you want to come meet me. I’ll even help you make sure you don’t get overstocked on treats. Come visit me at Adams County Pet Rescue at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. You can also see more adorable pets like me at adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter’s number is 509-488-5514 and it is open from noon to 6 p.m. each day except for Mondays and Thursdays.

‘The final reveille’

Short but reverent ceremony marks Memorial Day at Pioneer Memorial Gardens

MOSES LAKE — The Memorial Day ceremony at Pioneer Memorial Gardens in Moses Lake Monday wasn’t long, not more than about 20 minutes, but it was heartfelt. The ceremony was led by American Legion Service Officer Fil Rivera, a retired Green Beret master sergeant who served in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic...

Legals for May, 31 2023

‘Tranq dope’

Dangerous animal tranquilizer found in illegal fentanyl supplies

MOSES LAKE — An animal tranquilizer is increasingly being found in illegal opioids like fentanyl and heroin making it more difficult to treat people overdosing on opioids with Narcan, according to the Grant County Health District. “We haven’t seen anything in Grant County yet, and fortunately Washington state hasn’t had any deaths associated with it yet, but it is difficult because it doesn’t show up on a tox screen,” said Laina Mitchell, GCHD investigations and response manager...

Bergman sentenced to 15 years after guilty plea

DAVENPORT — Charles Bergman will be spending the next 15 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday morning in Lincoln County Superior Court to the murder of his wife in 2022...

Insurers seek rate increases in individual health plans for 2024

OLYMPIA — The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner announced on Tuesday that health insurers who offer individual plans in Washington are asking for a roughly 9% across-the-board increase in insurance premiums for 2024, according to an OIC press release...

120 flags in Ephrata

Memorial Day ceremony commemorates more than a century of military service

EPHRATA — Kimberly Thomas, commander of American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata, and the auxiliary president Mardi Carroll read off the names of the people commemorated in the Aisle of Flags set up to commemorate Memorial Day. “For those of you who weren’t counting, there were 120 of them,” said former Post 28 commander Mike Montaney when the two women had finished...

Huskies swing into 3rd

Othello places well in 2A state tourney

SELAH – After an opening-round loss to No. 12 seed Olympic, the No. 5 Othello Huskies rallied off five-straight wins to take home a third-place trophy at the 2A State Softball Tournament over the weekend. Othello notched its second-straight top-three finish with an 8-2 win over Aberdeen in the third/fourth-place game on Saturday at Carlon Park...

Warriors rally from early loss

ACH takes fourth on the diamond at 1B tournament

YAKIMA – The No. 5 seed Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors left the 1B State Softball Tournament with a fourth-place finish, rallying after a first-round loss to DeSales to reach the third/fourth-place contest against Mossyrock. “It’s pretty incredible,” ACH Head Coach Graham Grindy said. “It’s been a great season. They played very well in league in the regular season. In districts and regionals, we had to play through some adversity and lose a game, and do what was necessary to qualify. I think that was the most impressive thing about this group, is that they came together and fought and battled.” ...

Greater love hath no man ...

KELLOGG, Idaho –– There is a hill on the southeast side of Kellogg – at the top of that hill is Greenwood Cemetry. To find the headstone belonging to First Lieutenant Frank Stanley Reasoner, you’d have to make your way to the back of the cemetery where the veterans have their own special section...

Honoring heroes

Moses lake ceremony honors those who died in service.

MOSES LAKE — A small crowd gathered at the Port of Moses Lake on Monday to honor the 87 members of the U.S. military who died in a plane crash at Larson Air Force Base in 1952. “So many things go unnoticed or they get forgotten over the years,” said Larry Godden, general manager of Million Air at the Grant County International Airport and one of the people who helped get the memorial built in 2020. “We’re just here to keep the memory alive.” ...

The Massage Cottage

Massage therapist uses a variety of techniques to alleviate chronic pain, relax and soothe clients and help them live healthier lives

EPHRATA — Kathi Johnson, owner and operator of The Massage Cottage in Ephrata, makes it her mission to relieve stress, tension and pain in the body. She’s been doing it for 23 years, she said. “Get them feeling relaxed, less stressed and pain-free,” said Johnson...

Basin Business Journal looking for 40 standouts under 40

COLUMBIA BASIN — The squeaky wheel may get the grease, but sometimes the other wheels are working just as hard without making noise. That’s true in the business world, too: sometimes the people making the most difference are the quiet ones, flying under the radar. The Basin Business Journal would like to know about those people...

In memoriam

EPHRATA - American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata hosted a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. This was just one of multiple events in the area held to honor those killed in service to the nation. Additional coverage of these events will be included in Wednesday's edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

‘There were carp everywhere’

Carp bowhunters harvest 13,000 pounds from Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Ty Swartout said I came close to spearing a carp, but I honestly don’t think so. “Oh, that was close,” Swartout told me as we stood on the bow of his bass fishing boat as it slowly drifted across a very shallow portion of Moses Lake parallel to SR 17. “I think you got a piece of his tail.” I was holding a green compound bow with a reel attached by a long string to a big yellow arrow. It had been a long time since I shot a bow, and even longer since I went fishing. Standing on a boat trying to shoot fish? Well, this I’d never done before. “Remember to aim below the fish,” Swartout told me.

Jessica McLerran

Jessica Ruth McLerran, 40, suffered a major brain bleed and passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023, with her family by her side. Jessica was born on Dec. 24, 1982, to parents Ron and Debbie Kerkes. She grew up in Cheney, Washington with her three sisters Jana, Amy, and Mandy who were her best friends. She attended schools there and she graduated high school with honors in 2001 alongside her sweetheart Ethan McLerran. The two were married a year later in the Spokane Washington Temple on July 13, 2002. Jessica was a lifelong faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple’s first three children Evelyn, Brittany and Madison were born while Jessica was attending Eastern Washington University, where she graduated with honors. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in speech disorders, Jessica took a break from her education to focus on her children and her dream of having a large family. Ethan Jr., Alexis and Xander were born during this time.

Legals for May, 30 2023

Vivian Vetter-Gama

Vivian Vetter-Gama, 83, passed away March 25, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. Vivian was a 1959 graduate of Moses Lake High School. She raised her family in Othello where she was a billing agent for the city. Please join us for her memorial service on Saturday, June 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 616 E. Juniper St., Othello, Washington. The service will begin with a Rosary at 1:30 p.m. and Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. Everyone is also invited to attend a reception lunch beginning at 3 p.m. at the Othello Eagles, located at 127 E. Larch St., Othello, Washington.

Moses Lake School Board approves new elementary design

MOSES LAKE — The new Moses Lake elementary school scheduled for construction in Mae Valley should go to bid in late fall. Moses Lake School Board members approved a design for the building at the regular meeting Thursday. “The goal (is) to bid the project this year, before Christmas and the holidays,” said Matt Whitish of Design West, the lead architect on the project. “The construction schedule hasn’t changed. We’re looking to have a contractor on board at the very early start of 2024, and (to) still have construction completed in time for the school year in 2025.” ...

Warden Elementary cuts ribbon on new playground

WARDEN — The rules for using the new playground equipment at Warden Elementary School are fairly simple, according to Principal Curtis Weber. “When we’re on the swing, we have to sit on our bottoms only,” Weber said as he spoke to a large gathering of Warden Elementary students sitting outside. “You can face either direction if you want to, but you have to sit on your bottom.” ...

‘Beautiful cars’

Spring Festival car show fills the street with cool rides

MOSES LAKE — Two full blocks of cool cars. Their owners thought so, of course, and so did the spectators that filled West Third Avenue in front of Frontier Middle School for the Spring Festival car show Saturday. “Beautiful cars. Beautiful cars I haven’t seen in years,” said Noland Dominguez of the Lakesiders Car Club...

RECAP: State tennis results

COLUMBIA BASIN – Eight tennis players from the Columbia Basin advanced to state tournaments across the state, with four placing in the 4A and 2A classifications.

Knights place second in 1A state tournament

Nearly 18-hour delay forces final three innings to be played on Sunday

RICHLAND – From the first pitch to the final out, It took 17 hours and 32 minutes to decide the winner of Saturday’s 1A State Fastpitch Softball Tournament, as the Montesano Bulldogs outlasted a weather delay that postponed the late innings to be played on Sunday morning, and defeated Royal 8-2.

Mavs fall to Richland, Eastmont in 4A tournament

RICHLAND – In its return to the 4A State Softball Tournament, the No. 13 Moses Lake Mavericks fell 7-1 to No. 4 Richland in the first round and 5-1 to No. 12 Eastmont in the first round of the consolation bracket at Columbia Playfield in Richland on Friday. Moses Lake was held to two hits against the Bombers and five hits against the Wildcats.

Ann Klobucher

Ann Frances (Schlaefer) Klobucher passed away on May 22, 2023, at the grand age of 102. Born to Boyd and Frances Schlaefer in Spokane, Washington on March 7, 1921, Ann moved with her family to Forks, Washington when she and her younger brother and sister were quite young. Her parents started the first telephone company on the Olympic Peninsula. She had many stories of operating the old-fashioned switchboard with party lines when she was in high school and home on break from Washington State College (now Washington State University). College was where she met her future husband, Victor W. Klobucher Jr., who happened to be the lab teaching assistant in her chemistry class. They were married on Febr. 6, 1945. She fell in love with dance during college and she and Vic enjoyed dancing throughout their marriage. Following Vic's discharge from the Army at the end of World War II, Ann and Vic moved around the United States to his various National Weather Service assignments, and then to medical school in Portland, Oregon.

Remembrance, Spring Festival mark Memorial Day weekend

MOSES LAKE — Memorial Day in the Columbia Basin will be marked with both remembrances and Spring Festival activities in Moses Lake. Memorial Day is first and foremost about honoring the fallen, and there will be solemn ceremonies around the Basin on Monday. The Ephrata American Legion post will sponsor ceremonies honoring veterans at three cemeteries Monday. Post members will gather at 10 a.m. at the Soap Lake cemetery, 11 a.m. at the Ephrata cemetery and at 12:30 p.m. at the Quincy Cemetery. “Each ceremony is a little different, with flag raising and lowering, speakers, color guard, gun salute and the playing of taps,” wrote Jane Montaney of the post auxiliary chapter.

Safe storage

Keeping household weapons secure

MOSES LAKE — It seems like guns and gun owners are in the news a lot these days. Plenty of people in the Basin keep firearms, both for personal protection and for recreational shooting. But when you have guns in the home, where you can access them, there’s always the risk that a child can too. So could a burglar or a friend or relative who, for whatever reason, shouldn’t be allowed access to a firearm. A recent study by experts at Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital indicated that if 20% more American households kept their guns securely stored, gun-related deaths among children and teens could be decreased by a third. It’s essential to make sure weapons are stored where the right people can get to them easily, but the wrong people can’t. That often means a gun safe. Household gun safes come in all sizes, from smaller 8-by-12-inch strongboxes to wardrobe-sized cabinets that can hold a dozen rifles or more. Prices range from $25 to about $2,500, according to Consumer Reports. The thing they all have in common is that they lock securely. When it comes to locking mechanisms there are several possibilities, said Moses Lake firearms safety instructor Edgar Salazar. Some use the traditional rotary lock, but others are more high-tech.

Legals for May, 26 2023

News Bites for May 26

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail Tuesday on suspicion of vehicular assault and DUI after he allegedly struck a motorcycle and left the scene of the accident...

State golf results; Round 2 - 2023

WASHINGTON – In this week’s state golf tournaments, nine Basin golfers qualified for Round 2 of their respective tournaments, including four with top-15 finishes...

Five Basin squads move on to state softball tournaments

COLUMBIA BASIN – State tournaments have finally arrived for five local softball teams, with ACH, Moses Lake, Othello, Royal and Warden all moving on to the final weekend of the season in their respective classifications. ...

Ephrata to host 2B,1B state baseball this weekend

EPHRATA – The 2B/1B State Baseball Tournament will be hosted at Ephrata High School on Friday and Saturday, the first time the school has hosted a state championship event, according to a release by the Ephrata School District. Semifinal games for both the 2B and 1B classifications are on Friday beginning at 10 a.m., with Mount Vernon Christian taking on Liberty Christian in the 1B semifinals. State championship games and third/fourth-place games will be held on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Each game will begin 45 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game.

Top students

Boeing honors regional science, technology students

MOSES LAKE — Rebecca Noftle said her son Carter has always had a thing for numbers. “He’s that kid. When he was in preschool when I was tucking him into bed, and he goes, ‘Mom, when you close your eyes, do you think about numbers?’” Rebecca said. “He always did. He was fascinated with math.” That fascination has led Carter, a student at Royal High School, to look forward to educational opportunities. “I plan on going to (Brigham Young University) to study,” said Carter. “I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I know it’s going to be related to computer science or engineering or something like that.”

Fuhr seeks additional officers for MLPD

Police chief seeks $1M in funding to ensure police force is adequate

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr is asking the city council to consider adding up to $1 million to the police department’s annual budget to hire as many as six new officers, citing the department’s workload. “We run six officers per shift per crew and any given time, but with education and training, simply we average between four and five officers at any given that are working,” Fuhr told members of the Moses Lake city council on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, we are busy enough that four or five officers just doesn’t cut it anymore,” added the chief, who is also interim city manager.

Solar races

Energy lessons, racing and trying to set hot dogs afire at Solar Car STEM event

MOSES LAKE — Fifth-grader Rafaela Arnberg explained the principle behind the propulsion system on her solar race car. “Basically the energy from the sun hits the solar panel and the solar panel makes the motor move,” she said. Her Knolls Vista classmate Nathalia Anguiano showed the mechanism. “The motor is attached to this thing here that makes it go,” she said, pointing to the tiny car’s rear axle. “When the solar panel touches the sun, it goes.” Fifth-graders from schools throughout Grant County built solar cars from a kit and brought them to Big Bend Community College for a day of racing and learning about energy. The annual Solar Car STEM days were sponsored by the Grant County PUD, Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake School District and REC Silicon.

Quincy board, FFA boosters honored

WENATCHEE — The Quincy School Board was honored as the Board of the Year and the Quincy FFA Boosters received a Friends of Children award from the North Central Education Service District. The annual NCESD awards were announced May 22. “The Quincy School Board exemplifies a student-centered approach in all that they do,” wrote Quincy School District Superintendent Nik Bergman in answer to a question from the Herald. Bergman wrote that board members helped write the district’s updated strategic plan, and have worked to implement it throughout the school year.

Eight Basin tennis players move on to state

COLUMBIA BASIN – Eight Columbia Basin tennis players are heading to state tournaments across the state this weekend. See below for first-round matchups from each of the five tournaments...

WA building code update implementation delayed

OLYMPIA — The Washington Building Code Council voted this week to delay the implementation of the state’s 2021 building code to Oct. 29 as the council considers possible revisions for portions of the code, according to an announcement on the council’s website...

Bud (James) Williams

Bud (James D.) Williams, 78, was born July 22, 1944, to William and MaryJune Williams in Richmond, California. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 25, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Bill, his daughter Kathy and a great-grandson. He is survived by his wife Terri of 38 years; daughter and son-in-law Tami and Grant Torrey of Moses Lake, and son Michael O'Neil of Spokane Valley, 12 grandchildren and soon 25 great-grandchildren. Family was one of the most important things in Bud's life. Bud retired after 22 years from the Moses Lake School District as the plumber in 2015. Bud's work history prior to the district was in the construction trade. He completed the boilermaker apprenticeship program with Standard Oil in California. Bud was a man of exceptional talent in everything he did. He had numerous friends as well as his church family. Bud resisted the Lord for many years until one day he could resist no longer. We know Bud is in the loving arms of Jesus. He was a regular attendee of the Moses Lake Bible Church and the Living Water Baptist Church in Las Vegas.

Wood from existing Quincy Valley Medical Center site to become part of new hospital

QUINCY — A pair of trees that will come down as part of the construction of the new Quincy Valley Medical Center will be turned into a piece of furniture for the facility, with the help of students in the Quincy High School construction classes. Hospital board members accepted a proposal from QHS construction class instructor Nick Heuker to use the wood from the trees to build a conference table.

Moses Lake’s Araiza, Bone sign to play college football at Whitworth

MOSES LAKE – Maverick seniors Iden Bone and David Araiza signed their national letter of intent to play college football at Whitworth University on Tuesday, sending the Moses Lake duo to Spokane. “I’m happy,” Araiza said. “Here with my family, all the hard work for four years. It’s really exciting going to play at the next level.”

Council OKs changes to Moses Lake parking code

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved changes to the city ordinance governing when and how the city can impound vehicles, including those being used as residences and parked illegally. “What we’ve done is we’ve taken your nuisance and junk vehicle chapter and added to it the ability and the subsection revolving around them to impound unauthorized vehicles or those that are parked where they’re not supposed to be parked,” City Attorney Katherine Kenison told members of the city council at a lengthy regular meeting on Tuesday. Under the approved changes, Moses Lake Police officers may now impound vehicles illegally parked on public streets or rights of way or in city parking lots for longer than 24 hours unless the parking lot is governed by separate rules or the owners of the vehicle have obtained a parking permit from the city manager, according to the ordinance.

‘Big Bend Changed that for me’

Cellarbration! raises money for BBCC students

MOSES LAKE — The community once again showed its commitment to education Saturday with a full turnout at Big Bend Community College Foundation’s 22nd annual Cellarbration! For Education banquet and auction. The event, which brought in about 225 people, raised $167,000 to put toward scholarships for Big Bend Community College students, according to college spokesman Matt Killebrew.

Crash blocks Broadway Avenue

MOSES LAKE — A two-car accident blocked the westbound lanes of West Broadway Avenue Wednesday afternoon, snarling traffic for more than an hour, according to Moses Lake Police officers on the scene. According to MLPD Sgt. Juan Rodriguez, the driver of a white Range Rover tried crossing the eastbound lanes of West Broadway while leaving North 40 Outfitters and failed to yield to an eastbound blue Toyota Corolla. The Corolla hit the Range Rover and both vehicles spun out into the westbound lanes. Rodriguez said the driver of the Range Rover was arrested after MLPD officers on the scene determined her to be under the influence of intoxicants.

Police records for May 25, 2023

MLPD, EPD, Grant County Jail

Woman arrested for stealing, selling metal pump parts

MOSES LAKE — Deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Moses Lake woman on Tuesday accused of stealing metal from an irrigation equipment retailer and selling it for scrap to a local metal dealer, according to a GCSO statement. According to the statement, 38-year-old Magaly Diaz Luna was arrested after staff at Moses Lake Iron & Metal became suspicious of the brass pump impellers Luna was trying to sell them. Staff had recently been informed by Irrigators Inc. that pump impellers had been stolen from their Moses Lake property, the statement said, after Irrigators Inc. staff found a hole in their fence and several impellers missing from a pallet. Diaz had reportedly sold brass impellers to Moses Lake Iron & Metal six different times since mid-March, the statement said, and was paid the scrap rate of roughly $1,900. According to the GCSO statement, employees with Irrigators Inc. were able to identify the impellers as belonging to the company.

Letter: Exit from highway unsafe again

To all the folks who use Highway 17, Baseline Road and Potato Frontage Road, we had it made for a little while, didn’t we? After last summer of traffic tie-ups and slowdowns during construction, using those roads seemed too good to be true. And of course, it was. The state spent all summer in 2022 resurfacing Highway 17, and at Baseline even put a nice long right lane to exit onto Baseline. It was great. You had plenty of room to get into the far right lane and begin to slow down for a sharp right turn without having to worry about being run over. It was wonderful.

Running on

Basin athletes move on to state championships

COLUMBIA BASIN – Sixty-seven Columbia Basin track and field athletes are moving on to state championships in Yakima and Tacoma starting on Thursday. See below for a full list of student-athletes moving on to state competitions. 2A/3A/4A State Track and Field Championships - Mount Tahoma Stadium at Mount Tahoma High School. 4A Moses Lake Ty Rimple - boys 200-meter dash, Heat 3; boys 400-meter dash, Heat 2. Boys 4x400-meter relay (Niko Rimple, Ty Rimple, Logan LaBonte, Ethan LaBonte, Jake Goude, Joseph Fitts and Blazer Luiten), Heat 1. Jason Byers - boys high jump. Hunter Blackman - boys javelin, Flight 2. Sydney Macdonald - girls 100-meter hurdles, Heat 1; girls high jump; girls triple jump, Flight 1. Girls 4x100-meter relay (Kaiya Char, Kailee Kellum, Miciah Higley, Addy Burns, Macdonald, Madison Bond and Ingrid De La Rosa), Heat 2. Girls 4x200-meter relay (Higley, Burns, Bond, Char, Macdonald, Kellum and De La Rosa), Heat 1.

City, DAR honor Miyo Koba

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake on Tuesday, along with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, honored longtime Moses Lake resident and businessperson Miyo Koba with a special award and a key to the city in a ceremony at Tuesday’s regular Moses Lake City Council meeting. “As far as I know, this is the first of its kind,” said Mayor Don Myers. “We created the key to the city and I will be presenting it to Miyo to acknowledge the recognition by the Karneetsa chapter of women in history.” According to Stephanie Massart, regent of the local Karneetsa Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the society was recognizing Koba for her place in local and national history as a Japanese-American who was interned in a camp during World War II, as well as helping her husband Frank to run Frank’s Market on Nelson Road for many years.

Legals for May, 25 2023

Arlo Payne

Arlo Dean Payne, born Aug. 16, 1932, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2023, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family. He will be laid to rest at a later date at Tahoma National Cemetery, located in Covington, Washington. Arlo is survived by one brother, three daughters, one son and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce Lund

Joyce Stella Lund passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on Oct. 11, 1929, in Benge, Washington, to Dick and Marion Parish. She was the oldest of four children, having two brothers and one sister. She attended Benge Elementary School and graduated from Washtucna High School in 1948. Joyce grew up in Benge, far removed from today, in a house with no indoor plumbing and a wood stove for heat and cooking. She learned to garden, cook, sew and can and, being the oldest sister, helped to care for her younger siblings. She worked in many different jobs throughout her life, from being switchboard operator out of her home to working summers cooking for the wheat harvest crews. She married Ralph Lund, a dairy farmer from Benge, on May 18, 1951, and lived at the Lund dairy until 1964, when they moved to Othello, Washington and Ralph became an alfalfa farmer. Together they had a son, Eric Anders Lund, in 1954.

Clinton Anderson

Clinton Emil Anderson, a longtime Royal Slope resident, passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 77. Born in Spokane on Nov. 10, 1945, he was the only child of Columbia Basin pioneers Clinton Eugene Anderson and Ethel Elizabeth Reynolds. In 1958 Clint’s dad brought Clint and his mother back to the family farm on Royal Slope where he finished high school. Clint was proud to be a member of the Othello High School Class of 1964. After graduation he began his 47-year career as a surveyor for the Bureau of Reclamation. The greatest joy in his life came in February of 2010 when his only grandchild, Benjamin Joseph Anderson, was born. Although Clint was an only child, he had close relationships with many extended family members, especially his in-laws and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, cousins Dick German and Karen Spellman and a sister-in-law Lavina Landauer. He is survived by his daughter Corrine and grandson Ben; five cousins Sally Gentch, Susan McAdams, Sandra Lara, Nadine Palmer and Sharon Gillahan and two brothers-in-law, Robert and Richard Landauer.

MLIRD looks at assessment changes following new law

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District hopes to have its new assessment structure ready for the public by Sept. 1, according to MLIRD Board President Bill Bailey. “We will decide how these rates will be determined and then publish them and make them available,” Bailey said. “There are a lot of factors that need to be considered.” Bailey spoke following passage by the Washington State Legislature during the regular spring session of a measure supported by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, to clarify the MLIRD’s legal status and ability to levy assessments on property within the district. In 2020, a Grant County Superior Court judge found in favor of property owner and former MLIRD board member Mick Hansen when he challenged the district’s method of levying assessments on property, noting the district could not levy an irrigation assessment because it has no way of delivering irrigation water to properties in the district.

Ritzville mayor, Lind council races attract multiple candidates

RITZVILLE — The mayor’s job in Ritzville, Ritzville City Council and Lind Town Council positions will be on the August primary ballot, some having attracted five candidates. The filing period for elected offices open in 2023 was last week. The two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the primary will advance to the general election in November.

Warriors fall in 1B state tournament

MOSES LAKE — A five-run top of the second inning was enough for Naselle to defeat Almira/Coulee-Hartline in the second round of the 1B State Baseball Tournament on Saturday, leaving Larson Playfield with a 5-3 win over the Warriors. ACH added three runs of its own in the bottom of the third, but couldn’t add on any additional runs over the final four innings.

Ephrata Parks & Rec seeks summer movie sponsors

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department is looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of presenting its series of outdoor “movies under the stars” this summer. According to a letter from Parks and Recreation Director Traci Bennett, the department is planning on showing four movies this summer — one as a “dive in” feature at Splash Zone, the city’s water park, and three in Patrick Park — as part of a nice night out for families.

Council to consider housing plan

MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council members will vote June 1 on a plan designed to help address growth and housing availability. Council members held a public hearing on the draft housing action plan Thursday; there was no public comment. Rachelle Bradley of SCJ Alliance, the city’s planner, reviewed the plan for the council, and said it had been updated based on previous comments from residents. Information on the plan was reviewed at a March public meeting and at a couple of community events. “We added (a new section) based on feedback, which is to implement a citywide code enforcement program,” Bradley told council members.

Basin golfers swing on at state

WASHINGTON – Twenty-eight golfers began competing at eight state tournaments across Washington, vying to make the cut for a second day of play. See below for scores from the first day of the 4A Boys, 4A Girls, 2A Boys, 2A Girls, 1A Boys, 1A Girls, 1B/2B Boys and 1B/2B Girls State Golf Tournaments. All scores are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. 4A Boys - Qualchan Golf Course in Spokane Moses Lake’s Mason Bradford - 83. Moses Lake’s Quinten Whittall - 90. Girls - Indian Canyon Golf Course in Spokane Moses Lake’s Rhylee Humphrey - 108. Moses Lake’s Addison Nighswonger - 109.

Learning to fly

Drones still looking for that perfect place on the farm

PASCO — It’s not too hard to learn to fly a drone, according to Washington State University smart farming expert Jake Schraeder. “Any kid who grew up playing video games would get it pretty quickly. It's fairly intuitive,” Schraeder said on a recent Friday in a cherry orchard north of Pasco. “The kids, when they crash, they can start their game over,” responded orchard owner Denny Hayden, pointing at one of the larger WSU drones sitting on the ground near Schraeder. “How much are those?”

Basin sports schedule May 24-30

COLUMBIA BASIN – It’s the final week of WIAA athletics for teams all around the Basin, several of which are still active and competing for state championships. Check out this week’s sports schedule for a list of state tournaments, meets and matches. Wednesday, May 24 4A State Boys Golf Tournament - hosted at Qualchan Golf Course, includes Moses Lake. 4A State Girls Golf Tournament - hosted at Indian Canyon Golf Course, includes Moses Lake. 2A State Boys Golf Tournament - hosted at Liberty Lake Golf Course, includes Ephrata and Othello.

Legals for May, 24 2023

Mavs bounce back from CBBN title loss, advance to state

Balderas’ walk-off gives ML a 9-8 win over West Valley

EAST WENATCHEE – Despite a 5-3 loss to Eastmont in the Columbia Basin Big-Nine district title game on Saturday, the Moses Lake Mavericks rallied with a 9-8 extra-innings win over West Valley (Yakima) later in the day to move on to the 4A state tournament. “We’re super excited to have qualified for the tournament,” Moses Lake Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “We feel like we underachieved last year, felt like we should have been there last year and didn’t make that happen. For us to make it happen this year was one of our goals that we have checked off.”

CWAC track and field athletes compete at regional meet

EPHRATA – Boys and girls track and field teams gathered at Kiwanis Field at Ephrata High School for the Central Washington Athletic Conference/Greater Spokane League Regional Championships on Friday, vying to qualify for the 2A state championships at Mt. Tahoma High School later this week. See below for results on how Basin athletes fared at last week’s regional meet. Athletes advancing to state are marked with an asterisk.

Tee times for state golf

COLUMBIA BASIN – Twenty-eight local golfers are hitting the course for state tournaments beginning on Tuesday. See below for locations and tee times where these Basin golfers will be competing.

Candidate filing period generates multiple primary races

EPHRATA — The August primary ballot will include races for the Moses Lake, Quincy, Warden and Ephrata city councils, Grand Coulee mayor, and the Ephrata School Board. The city of Warden and the town of George each will have a new mayor. One race on the Samaritan Healthcare Board of Commissioners will go to the primary, but not the same one that looked like it would be on the primary ballot. Three seats on the Coulee City Town Council will be on the primary ballot.

Masquers season finale opens June 2

SOAP LAKE — A pair of comedy shorts on wages of deceit will be the season finale for the Masquers Theater troupe for 2022-23. “White Liars” and “The Black Comedy” open June 2 at the theater, 322 E. Main Ave., Soap Lake. The shows will be on stage for three consecutive weekends. Tickets can be purchased online at the Masquers website, www.masquers.com.

City seeks port help for water cleanup funds

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake is looking for assistance from the Port of Moses Lake to lobby for state and federal funding to help deal with the chemical contamination found in three of the city’s wells located in and around the port on the grounds of the former Larson Air Force Base. “As we look at putting in requests to the state and federal legislatures for funding support for treatment, support from the port for these requests is probably among the most important and biggest things you could do for us,” said Assistant City Manager Rich Huebner during a port commission meeting on Monday.

CWU receives $130m for new construction, salaries, expanded programs

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University has secured roughly $130 million over the next two years to begin construction on two major university projects as well as increase staff salaries, expand its College in the High School program, and improve teacher preparedness, according to a CWU press release.

Legals for May, 23 2023

Vivian Gama

Vivian Gama, 83, passed away March 25, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. Please join us on Saturday, June 17, 2023, for Rosary at 1:30 p.m. and Mass at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 616 E. Juniper St., Othello, Washington. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. at the Othello Eagles, 127 E. Larch St., Othello, Washington.

Carl Marcher

Carl Lee Marcher, beloved husband, father and grandpa, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023. Carl was born June 16, 1941, to Alfred Mikkal Marcher and Eva Grace Bennett Marcher in Columbus, Montana. Carl married Bonita J. Spencer on Sept. 13, 1958. Together they moved to the Grant County area in 1962 where he was employed at the U&I Sugar factory for several years, then Carnation/Simplot until his retirement in 2003. Carl is survived by his wife, his sister Anna, one daughter Cheryl Rubio, two sons Danny and Robbie, eight grandkids and 22 great- and great-great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Ronnie and seven brothers and sisters.

Quincy set to break ground on new park in 2024

QUINCY — Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2024 on a new park along Quincy’s Sixth Avenue NE. Quincy City Council members approved a contract with Michael Terrell Landscape Architects, Deer Park, for a design during their regular meeting May 16. “The park property is located near the Quincy Animal Shelter,” wrote Public Works Director Carl Worley in response to an email from the Herald. “It was property dedicated by the developers of the nearby apartments as the requirement for open space.” ...

Weather for Monday, May 22

Monday: The workweek will begin sunny with a high around 73 and a 13-15 mph west wind with gusts of 23 mph. Cooling to around 46 in the evening and breezy...

News Bites for May 22

The news bites below were provided in statements by the associated law enforcement agencies. Any suspects mentioned are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Identifying safe toys for pets

It is never desirable to leave a pet at home alone, but when it is necessary, it is nice to know the pet will be entertained. But the price of entertainment can be high when the pet is left with inappropriate toys; some toys may cause choking or even require surgery to eliminate the problem...

Hot career

Fire science class shows path to an occupation of service

QUINCY — Yanetzi Gonzalez said the fire science class at Quincy High School helped her make up her mind about her future. Marcelo Moreno said he had a good idea what he wanted to do after high school, but the fire science class showed him there were even more opportunities. Gonzalez, Moreno, Genesis Franco and Mario Guerrero, all QHS juniors, were among the participants in fire science state competition sponsored by SkillsUSA, and all four of them finished in the top 10. Gonzalez and Moreno qualified for SkillsUSA national competition; Moreno had other commitments, so Franco will be taking his place...

Grant Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Chewbacca

Hey there. I’m Chewbacca, and just like my namesake, I’m fuzzy and loveable. The folks at Grant County Animal Outreach say I’m a Terrier and American Pit Bull mix, but I think I’m just a really suave pupper. I’m a bit larger than some of the pets at GCAO, so I’d like a home with a bit of extra room. I’m about 6 and a half years old and I’d love to have a home with someone who appreciates my energy and having my head on their lap. Like all of my furry friends at GCAO, I am up to date on vaccinations and have been neutered and microchipped. Come see me at the shelter at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. The shelter is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Call ahead at 509-762-9616.

Legals for May, 22 2023

Examining the benefits of a local port district

Port of Moses Lake executive director talks about the economic benefits of the port

MOSES LAKE — Don Kersey, executive director of the Port of Moses Lakes, sat in his corner office overlooking the Grant County International Airport thinking about a line he heard a lot growing up here. “We always knew that Moses Lake was going to grow, going to pop. It was always that’ll be next year and the next five years, but it’s gonna happen. It’s gonna happen,” Kersey said. “And we all sound like broken records.” ...

Ephrata hosts track meet

EPHRATA – Track and field athletes from Ephrata and Othello competed at the 2A District 5/6/8 Regionals at Ephrata High School on Friday, hoping to qualify for the 2A state meet. See the Tuesday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for more photos and results from Friday’s meet.

Jacks fall to Connell in 1A playoffs

QUINCY – Despite a late goal to tie the game in the second half, Quincy fell 3-2 to Connell in penalty kicks in the first round of the 1A State Boys Soccer Tournament on Friday. Connell and Quincy were tied 1-1 at the end of the first half, and both sides traded goals in the second half to force overtime. With no goals in either overtime, Connell outshot the Jacks 4-2 in the penalty shootout...

Othello's Mayor Shawn Logan on the Studio Basin Podcast

MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer talks with Othello Mayor Shawn Logan about some of the challenges and opportunities facing the city. Logan discusses some of the things city officials are doing to attract new business, and how the city plans to accommodate growth when it comes. Logan also talks about some of the challenges the city faces, such as making sure there’s adequate housing and water for current and future residents. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps last week's district playoff games and previews upcoming state tournaments. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3OprrTK.

Mavs’ Moore signs on to swim at Willamette

MOSES LAKE – Maverick senior Nicholas Moore signed on to continue his swim career at the collegiate level on Friday, signing with Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. “I’m definitely excited to get more into the upper distance that you don’t see that often in high school or club,” Moore said. “When you swim in college, you swim (events) like the mile.” ...

Moses Lake water demand to outstrip supply by 2034

MOSES LAKE — If the city of Moses Lake keeps growing at its current rate, demand for water will exceed the city’s current supply, according to Jill Van Hulle, a senior water resource specialist with Aspect Consulting told the Moses Lake City Council during a special study meeting on Thursday. “You currently have water rights for 13,104 acre-feet per year from 18 wells, and you used 9,461 in 2021,” Van Hulle said...

Moses Lake city manager resigns

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake city council accepted the resignation of City Manager Allison Williams at a special meeting on Friday and named Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr as acting city manager. “The council decided we are going to go in a different direction and elected with Allison’s approval to exercise separation,” said Mayor Don Myers after the five-minute-long council meeting...

Keeping the Basin eventful

How to list your community event with the Columbia Basin Herald

So you have an event planned. Maybe it’s a business seminar, maybe it’s a crafting class, maybe it’s a black tie fundraiser. No matter what it is, it’s only going to be successful if people know it’s happening. You need to get the word out somehow...

Robert Sieverkropp

Robert Sieverkropp, 94, returned to his Heavenly home on May 16, 2023, surrounded by his family who cherished him so much. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him during struggles and ultimately gave him peace. Robert Henry Sieverkropp was born on April 29, 1929, in Puyallup, Washington to Herman and Millie Sieverkropp. In 1940, Robert along with his parents and five siblings moved to Odessa, Washington. In eighth grade Robert “quit-uated” school to work on the family farm. If Robert had one regret, it was that he did not graduate from high school. In 1941, the family harvested its first crop off the land and the hard work Robert learned during that time would be instrumental to the successes in his life. In 1950, Robert was drafted into the Korean War, where he proudly served as a mechanic in the United States Army. After the war, Robert returned to the family farm in Odessa and worked alongside his family until a wheat and cattle farm west of Ephrata became available. In 1953, Robert and his twin brother, Raymond, purchased the farm and moved to Ephrata to begin their life as farmers and ranchers. The brothers Robert and Raymond were inseparable and what one didn’t think of, the other did.

News Bites for May 19

The information for the news briefs below were gathered from statements made by the agencies indicated.

Moses Lake to move forward with RV tenant evictions

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake announced Thursday it will enforce a trespass request next week on any vehicles parked on private property along N. Central Drive between the Goodwill and Home Depot. “Our hope is that people will follow the trespass order and they will be gone,” said Police Chief Kevin Fuhr. “But if not, we will take enforcement measures and impound the vehicles.” ...

Built to spec

Home construction loans offer home buyers lots of options

MOSES LAKE — One of the peculiarities of the Columbia Basin is that, even in a housing crunch, we’ve got tons of land waiting to be built on. There’s space for housing, just not the homes themselves. One solution to that is for would-be homeowners to look into a home construction loan. “Because of the limited inventory that we're seeing in the existing home market, a construction loan gives (home buyers) the option to build a new home on a lot,” said Terran Brown, a sales manager with Churchill Mortgage, which recently held an online informational seminar in Moses Lake on home construction loans. “Specifically in the Moses Lake area, you have plenty of land, plenty of lots available for a good price where you don't have a ton of existing resale inventory.”

Building permits for May 19, 2023

City of Moses Lake, Unincorporated Grant County

GALLERY: District tournaments

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local baseball and softball teams have been battling over the previous weeks for a chance to qualify for upcoming state tournaments. Check out these photos from games over the past week that show a great effort by local student athletes.

Legals for May, 19 2023

Soap Lake City Hall to reopen Fridays

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Hall will return to Monday through Friday hours beginning May 22. Soap Lake City Council members approved reopening city hall on Fridays after an extensive discussion at the regular council meeting Wednesday. The vote was unanimous...

Entertainment to help you close out May

The local events listed below may help you close out May with a bit of fun.

Making connections

OTHELLO - Othello Police Department SRO Sgt. Aaron Garza speaks with kindergarten students at Lutacaga Dual Language Elementary in Othello about law enforcement.

Races shaping up as candidate filing continues

EPHRATA — Mattawa Mayor Maria Celaya will face at least one challenger for her office, and the race for an at-large seat on the Samaritan Healthcare board will be on the primary election ballot. One race on the Moses Lake City Council also will go to the primary election. Filing for offices up for election in 2023 began Monday and ends today...

WSDOT ends 511 traffic info service

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that it is shutting the statewide automated 511 traffic information phone number, citing declining call volumes, the cost of maintaining the system and new technologies which give drivers other choices, according to a WSDOT press release...

Summer decisions: Ephrata keeps non-resident parks and rec fees, will close city hall earlier for next two months

EPHRATA — People living outside the Ephrata city limits will still pay non-resident fees to participate in city recreation programs and use city facilities like the Splash Zone following Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Ephrata City Council. “What we’re up here for is to represent the citizens of Ephrata,” said Mayor Pro-Tem William Coe. “Those citizens are the ones that use their tax dollars to pay for our infrastructure … . And so they are paying a fee, in the form of taxes, to have some of those amenities that we cherish.” ...

Western Caucus releases 2023 Farm Bill priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 100-member Congressional Western Caucus has released its proposed priorities for the upcoming farm bill currently being considered by Congress, saying the next version of the country’s farm legislation needs to work for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, consumers and those in need.

Farming forecast

USDA sees good farming conditions, forecasts lower WA wheat harvest

OLYMPIA — Warmer weather and lots of sunshine in mid-May prompted a lot of farmers in the Columbia Basin to get out into the field and plant, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. “Central Washington had a great week for farming,” said the weekly Crop Progress and Condition report for the Pacific Northwest for the week ending May 14. “‘Tractors cultivated, seeded and sprayed while cattle were let out into nice spring pastures.” ...

Bats ready

Warriors move to 1B state baseball tournament

COULEE CITY – The Warriors are moving on to the 1B State Baseball tournament for the fifth-straight outing since 2017, earning a No. 4 seed and matching up against the winner of No. 5 Naselle and No. 12 Crosspoint on Saturday...

Two Mavs golfers qualify for state

MOSES LAKE – Two Maverick golfers are heading to the 4A Boys State Golf Tournament in Spokane next week after qualifying as individuals.

Jesse Sanchez

Father, Brother, Son, and Husband. All names used to reference Jesse and all names he was proud of. A life cruelly taken far too soon. Jesse, 38, was the kind of person most people strive to be: gracious, kind, loving and generous. His heart knew no bounds. A veteran of the United States Army, Jesse didn’t just serve his country but also his people. With a wide variety of passions ranging from sports (mostly football) to music, Jesse’s biggest passions were and always will be his family and friends. There is not a person in this community that didn’t know and respect him. His bright smile and contagious personality will now live on through his young sons and family he has had to unfairly leave behind. Gone but never forgotten, his spirit will live on through all that knew him or knew of him, as we all could only hope to live up to the man that he was.

Colorful results

FFA project brings bright blooms and greenery to downtown Moses lake

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School FFA members and horticulture students fanned out through downtown Wednesday, shovels in hand, followed by wagons filled with flowers and water buckets. After all, those flowers that beautify downtown every summer don’t plant themselves. They don’t raise themselves, either. The FFA participants and hort students do that, all winter long...

Temple progress

MOSES LAKE - Construction and beautification efforts at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have come a long way since the temple was first announced. The 20,000-square-foot Moses Lake Temple is built on 17 acres located on Yonezawa Boulevard, between Division Street and Road K NE. Behind the temple, from the point of view shown in this photo, is a new 17,000-square-foot meeting house. The gathering place for members of the Church was first announced in April 2019 and an open house at the temple will run from Aug. 4 through Aug. 19 with the exceptions of Aug. 6 and 13. The Church will dedicate the temple on Sept. 17 during two different sessions.

Fishin' off the bow

Fourth annual Carp Classic set for this weekend

MOSES LAKE — For avid bow-fishers, or just anyone who wants to shoot fish in a lake, the fourth annual Moses Lake Carp Classic will be held this Saturday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Connelly Park on the north end of Moses Lake. According to tournament organizer Ty Swarthout, the weather for this year’s tournament should be hot with a slight wind that will hopefully stir the lake up a bit. The National Weather Service is expecting sunny and hot temperatures for Saturday including a high near 96...

Law enforcement logs for May 18

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Legals for May, 18 2023

Trujillo promoted to Quincy PD captain

QUINCY — Jorge Trujillo, a 15-year veteran of the Quincy Police Department, was sworn in as the QPD captain during Quincy’s regular city council meeting Tuesday...

Coulee City student named to college honor society

COULEE CITY — Central Washing University student and Coulee City native Ruth Bresee has been initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest all-discipline college honor society, according to a society press release...

Ephrata names Towry new city administrator

EPHRATA — Ray Towry is looking forward to coming back to Ephrata, this time as the city’s new administrator. “It’s home,” said Towry by phone from his current home in Sweet Home, Oregon. “It’s where I grew up, where my kids spent most of their time growing up.” ...

Huskies fall to Selah in CWAC title game

SELAH – Down 2-1 to Selah in the Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament game, the Vikings rallied off nine runs in the top of the fifth inning to take down Othello 11-1, sending the Huskies to a loser-out game in the District 5/6/8 Crossover against Clarkston. “That was mostly our fault,” Othello Head Coach Rudy Ochoa said. “We made a couple of errors we shouldn’t have made … It just started snowballing. It seemed, after a while, it didn’t matter what we did.” ...

Tigers fall in extras in CWAC consolation final

SELAH – After pulling off a three-run comeback to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning of Tuesday’s Central Washington Athletic Conference consolation bracket final, the Ephrata Tigers were unable to retake a lead over East Valley (Yakima) and fell 6-5 to the Red Devils. Sophomores KK Hector and Jaemyson Durfee both hit home runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game at five, but an East Valley run scored in the top of the eighth inning allowed the Red Devils to move on to the 2A District 5/6/8 Crossover...

Jacqueline (Jackie) Harlow Silvers

May 11, 1932 –September 29, 2022 Jacqueline (Jackie) Harlow Silvers, 90, was born in Yakima on May 11, 1932, to Ethel and Ernest Harlow. She was married to the love of her life, John Silvers, for 73 years. She passed from this life and graduated to the next on Sept. 29, 2022.

Noemi Yarrito

Noemi (Nonie) Yarrito, age 62. How do you say goodbye to someone you have loved your whole life? Noemi loved traveling, dancing and sightseeing. She was the favorite aunt of six nephews, three nieces, 10 great-nephews, nine great-nieces, one great-great niece and one great-great-nephew, all of whom she claimed as her own. She loved them all. They were all her babies. She will be missed by her family, friends, and compadres. Noemi was born in Moses Lake, Washington. She was a graduate of Moses Lake High School, Class of 1979, and was a WIC certifier for more than 30 years. She retired from WIC in 2022. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, beading, acrylic painting, jewelry making, sewing, gardening and glass art.

Robert Beatty Jr.

Robert Beatty Jr., 57, of Hartline, died Sunday, May 14, 2023. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Ammi

Hey folks, I’m Ammi. The people that run Adams County Pet Rescue say I’m an Australian Shepherd-Husky mix, but I’m not sure what they’re talkin’ about, because I think I’m 100% cute and I’ve NEVER been to Australia. Like all of my playmates here at ACPR, I have all of my shots, I’ve been “fixed” – whatever that means – and I’m ready for a forever home. I’m a little less than six months old and I’m ready to meet you. Stop by and visit me at 1961 W Bench Road in Othello or find out more info at adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is open from noon to 6 p.m. most days, but is closed Monday and Thursday. 509-488-5514. adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com

Moses Lake says ‘forever chemicals’ found in 4 city wells

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake has stopped pumping water from three of its municipal drinking water wells following the discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS chemicals – above Environmental Protection Agency standards that have been proposed but are not yet in place, according to Water Services Manager Chad Strevy. Strevy said the chemicals have been detected in four of the city’s 18 wells – three of them north of SR 17 on what used to be Larson Air Force Base and the fourth west of the lake itself in Mae Valley, not far from the Links at Moses Pointe.

Lind council seats attract multiple candidates on first-day filing

RITZVILLE — One seat on the Lind Town Council attracted three candidates while another seat attracted four candidates on the first day of filing for the 2023 general election. The filing period ends Friday. Because there are more than two candidates for each position, both races will be on the ballot in the Aug. 1 primary election.

Council, school board races taking shape in first day of candidate filing

EPHRATA — Incumbents on the Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board will be facing at least one challenger for their seats. There will also be a race for one seat on the Samaritan Healthcare board. Those races emerged after the first day of filing for Grant County offices in the 2023 general election. The filing period ends Friday. Races that attract more than two candidates will be on the ballot in the Aug. 1 primary, but as of Monday no races had three candidates.

Wahluke student arrested after alleged threats against teacher

MATTAWA — A Wahluke School District middle-schooler was taken into custody on Monday after the student allegedly posted an online threat against a teacher, according to a joint statement issued by the Wahluke School District and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. According to the GCSO portion of the statement, posted Tuesday on the WSD’s website, a 12-year-old male student allegedly posted a photo of what appeared to be a handgun along with a piece of paper covered with expletives and the teacher’s name. GCSO deputies were brought in to investigate and consulted with the Grant County Prosecutor’s office before arresting the suspect, the statement said.

Fly-in breakfast at Desert Aire Airport next month

DESERT AIRE — Pilots and non-pilots are being invited to breakfast June 17 at the Desert Aire Airport. The annual “Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast” is scheduled for 7 to 11 a.m. at the airport, 121 Desert Aire Drive. Pilots are invited to show off their planes, said airport commission chair Karl Reese, while spectators are invited to talk to the pilots and meet their neighbors. Breakfast will be served in the big hangar next to Sagebrush Senior Center. The menu includes pancakes, eggs and sausage, juice and coffee. A suggested donation of $7 is requested. All proceeds go to airport maintenance.

Tactical response team to tour Ephrata High School

EPHRATA — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team will tour Ephrata High School on Wednesday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. as part of the team’s ongoing safety and security training program, according to a press release from the Ephrata School District. The release said the team, composed of officers from various regional law enforcement agencies, will meet with district officials and walk through high school buildings and classrooms to familiarize themselves with the school.

“Excellent” Chamber of Commerce tournament raises money to support local

MOSES LAKE – The 23rd annual Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble was held on Friday, bringing in members of the business community to the Moses Lake Golf Club for an exciting day of golf and side games. “The tournament was excellent,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, president and CEO of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We had the best weather, lots of fun and a full field of golfers. 144 of them out there.” The full field of golfers continued the community involvement the tournament has seen through its 23 years.

Basin sports schedule May 17-23

COLUMBIA BASIN – State tournaments begin this week, as Royal, Quincy and Wahluke qualified for the 1A boys soccer tournament and ACH and Moses Lake qualified for its respective state baseball tournaments. See below for a full slate of games, meets and tournaments over the next week.

Mavs defeat Royal 4-0 in non-league matchup

MOSES LAKE — The Mavericks closed out the regular season with a non-league win over the Royal Knights on Monday, celebrating the team’s seniors with a 4-0 win. “They’re just such good humans,” Moses Lake Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “That’s a quality group of senior young women. Besides being good softball players, good teammates and good friends, they’re going to be good spouses one day, they’re going to be good youth softball coaches and good employees. They like to practice, they like to work hard, they like to cheer on their teammates. They’re a joy to coach.”

Cantwell, Newhouse urge USDA push for Japan potato access

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, along with 33 other members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do more to help U.S. potato growers get final approval to ship fresh potatoes to Japan. In a joint letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the members say the Japanese government is still delaying since the United States asked for the ability to export fresh potatoes to Japan almost 30 years ago, the press release said. The legislators say approval of fresh potato exports to Japan could provide for an additional $150 million each year in expanded exports.

Legals for May, 17 2023

Washington lawmakers pass, Inslee signs Blake fix

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed into law a bill that keeps illegal drugs illegal but focuses state and local efforts and resources on treatment and recovery rather than incarceration. “Both parties worked hard to reach this agreement,” Inslee said during the late afternoon signing ceremony. “This is not designed to fill our jails, it’s designed to fill our treatment centers.”

Michele Talley finds rewards in the fire service

QUINCY — Michele Talley said she got interested in firefighting right out of high school and has stayed interested ever since. “I started as a volunteer firefighter in Southern California when I was 18,” she said. “When I got married and started a family, l left the fire service – and I missed it.” So when she had the chance she started learning more about it...

News bites for May 16

Below are a collection of announcements from first responder agencies that serve the Columbia Basin. These reports are based on press releases and media statements made by those agencies.

Matt and green

Warden wrestling’s Please Hit Straight golf tourney returns

WARDEN – The second annual Please Hit Straight Golf Tournament is coming to the Sage Hills Golf Course in Warden this summer, with proceeds going toward a summer wrestling camp for Warden wrestlers. Last year’s camp featured instruction by four-time state champion Chris Castillo, a graduate of Zillah High School and a former wrestler at Boise State University...

Legals for May, 16 2023

Wildfire prevention bill signed into law

OLYMPIA — Legislation designed to help reduce the risk of wildfire from electric utility equipment was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee recently. House Bill 1032 was sponsored by 13th District Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake...

Drivers urged to plan ahead for Memorial Day travel

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Transportation officials are suggesting that drivers plan ahead if they are thinking about traveling for Memorial Day weekend. “Memorial Day weekend is often the unofficial start of summer and means increased travel and congestion, so travelers are encouraged to pack their patience,” said a WSDOT press release...

E. Nelson Road light being replaced

MOSES LAKE — Drivers can expect flaggers controlling traffic at the intersection of State Route 17 and East Nelson Road Wednesday or Thursday. Washington State Department of Transportation crews will be replacing the light on the east side of the intersection...

MLIRD funding bill signed

OLYMPIA – A bill sponsored by state Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and supported in the house by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and intended to establish funding for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday...

Timeline TBD

White Trail Road roundabout project completion date still up in the air

QUINCY — Washington Department of Transportation officials are not sure yet what the revised timeline will be on the construction of a roundabout at State Route 28 and White Trail Road. Department of Transportation officials discovered a mistake in the project after construction had started. “We needed to remove a little bit of concrete,” Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for the WSDOT North Central Region, said Monday...

State baseball, boys soccer seedings released

COLUMBIA BASIN – Baseball and boys soccer teams begin the push toward a state title this weekend, with boys soccer teams playing on Friday and baseball teams competing in regionals on Saturday. See below for matchups, times and records of each of the five teams competing in state playoffs this weekend...

CWU student media takes home regional awards

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University’s student journalists rose to the top of Region 10 again this year in the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mark of Excellence contest. PULSE magazine won two categories—Best Student Magazine and Best Feature Writing—and The Observer student newspaper won for Best Affiliated Website. Both publications also earned two finalist selections each in Region 10, which includes schools from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana...

Meeting the unique needs of donkeys

Owning any animal can be both challenging and rewarding. Although they have a reputation for being stubborn, donkeys can make great additions to an animal herd. But owners should first understand what it takes to keep them healthy before buying one...

Spring Fest approaches

Late May festivities set to bring large crowds to Moses Lake with free concerts, loads of activities

MOSES LAKE — It’s an annual tradition in Moses Lake, the town’s biggest festival of the year, and it’s coming up again. The Moses Lake Spring Festival happens every Memorial Day weekend, which this year is May 25-28. Last year’s festival, as life returned to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, had the highest attendance in the festival’s 43-year history, according to organizers. The goal, said Sean SallisSallispresident of the committee organizing the festival in a January Columbia Basin Herald interview, is “to provide so much stuff that you’ll never get to do it all.” ...

Community remembrance

An Idaho mining town remembers to never forget the Sunshine Mine disaster 51 years later

BIG CREEK, Idaho – The morning of Tuesday, May 2 marked the 51st anniversary of the disaster that claimed 91 lives at the Sunshine Mine in Silver Valley, Idaho. Hundreds of people, including those in the mining community, students, and family members made their way to the memorial statue at the bottom of Big Creek to celebrate, remember, and mourn those lives lost. With the air of grief still lingering over the Silver Valley’s mining community from the death of 26-year-old Blaik Nutting just 21 days prior, that Tuesday was a somber reminder that even with the advances in technology and safety, accidents can and do still happen - and that the most important thing that comes out of the mine each day is the miner...

Grant Co. Pet of the Week: Dennis

Hey there, my name’s Dennis, and as you can see – I’m a charmer. I’m a little older than some of my friends here at Grant County Animal Outreach, but I’m filled with love and ready to keep you company. I’ve got a bit of German Shepherd in my background, but I’m mostly made of love from what folks can tell. I’m neutered and have all the shots a person might need, along with a microchip in my head – Yes. That’s right. I’m a cyborg. – I’d love to meet you and your family. Come see my friends and I at GCAO at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. You can also find more info by visiting grantcountyanimaloutreach.com or calling the shelter at 509-762-9616.

Weather for Monday, May 15.

Weather for Monday, May 15.

Dent bill restoring pesticide board signed into law

OLYMPIA – A bill authored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, which creates a Pesticide Advisory Board for Washington was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, restoring an organization that had been in place from 1994 to 2010...

Summer — not spring — weather forecast for next week

MOSES LAKE — While it’s not the hottest weather ever in mid-May, the Columbia Basin is getting an early taste of summer, with temperatures in the high 80s to mid-90s expected through next weekend. Todd Carter, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said that while the temperatures are not unheard of for this time of year in Eastern Washington, it’s still pretty warm for mid-May...

Macrophotography exhibit coming to ML Museum

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake minister will be featured at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, according to an announcement from the museum...

News bites for May 15

A roundup of news stories from area first response agencies.

Legals for May, 15 2023

Happy Mother’s Day

The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald would like to wish all of our readers that are moms or who fill the role of a mother a very happy Mother’s Day. Every day, you wake up, step up and push love out into the world through your children. Despite work stress, financial constraints, health issues – both your childrens’ and your own – and a million other life complications, you work to raise the next generation of the Columbia Basin. Thank you for all you do and for the amazing young people you’re putting out into the world. The lives of everyone in our community would be a little less bright if it weren’t for you and the love you give. With much appreciation and admiration, The Columbia Basin Herald team

Mavs on to state with 8-2 win over Eastmont

MOSES LAKE – The Mavs are heading back to the 4A State Baseball Tournament, after defeating Eastmont 8-2 on Saturday in Moses Lake to clinch their spot for the fourth-straight tournament. “Going on to state is absolutely phenomenal,” Moses Lake Head Coach Donnie Lindgren said. “... it’s a tribute to these players. They expect to go to state every year. It’s nothing we do as coaches, it’s the expectations of these players.” ...

Eclectic bargains abound at Rusty Mammoth Sale

MOSES LAKE — Jewelry, art, household items and old books and magazines – the pickings at the Moses Lake Museum’s Rusty Mammoth Sale Saturday were pretty diverse. “(We sold) some furniture items and a really lovely jewelry box,” said Museum Director Dollie Boyd. “There was a lady lined up at the door this morning for that. Lots of cool ceramics and, you know, quirky things. We had a ton of costume jewelry this year, too. That took a long time to price.” ...

MLSD funding reduction should not result in layoffs

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District shouldn’t have to lay off any staff as a result of changes in the funding Moses Lake receives from the state, at least not for the 2023-24 school year. “Back in 2017-18 we were getting 6% regionalization (funding) added to our apportionment. That’s been decreasing by 1% a year the last few years,” said Director of Finance Stefanie Lowry during the Moses Lake School Board meeting Thursday. “It was supposed to completely go away next year.” ...

Health Department: Flu deaths up tenfold last year

OLYMPIA — 2022-23 was the deadliest flu season in five years, the Washington State Department of Health said in a statement Friday...

Studio Basin: Council meeting, jail update, interim PD chief and districts

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer recaps last week's headlines including the Moses Lake City Council meeting, an update on the Grant County Jail and Othello's interim police chief. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona talks about ongoing district tournaments across the Basin.

Mavs split doubleheader against Eastmont

Moses Lake to travel to East Wenatchee for CBBN tourney

MOSES LAKE – Even though Moses Lake split Friday’s doubleheader against Eastmont, the Mavs will travel to East Wenatchee for the Columbia Basin Big-Nine tournament on May 20. Moses Lake defeated the Wildcats 1-0 in the first game, but fell 8-2 in the nightcap. The tiebreaker fell to a coinflip, which fell in favor of Eastmont...

Rodríguez homers and drives in 4 to lead Mariners past Tigers 9-2

DETROIT (AP) — Julio Rodríguez had three hits, including a homer, and drove in four runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Friday night. Rodríguez, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, came into the game hitting .205 with six home runs. “Julio got off to a pretty slow start last year, and this is right about when he picked it up and became Julio Rodríguez,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “Hopefully, this is the start of the same kind of run.” ...

RECAP: Diamond districts

Basin baseball and softball teams battle at district competition

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local baseball and softball teams are in the full swing of district tournaments, aiming to reach their respective state and regional tournaments. See below for an update on how teams have fared. All scores and record are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association...

Columbia Basin community calendar for May 12-19

COLUMBIA BASIN – A busy week is ahead for the Columbia Basin with loads of events in a wide variety. Swing a club, catch a musical, get healthy or just have fun together any way you can. Here are a few suggestions...

Soup on Saturdays

Moses Lake woman finds calling in volunteer project

MOSES LAKE — Trinette Mullineaux said she’s seen some hard times herself, so she wanted to do something to help the people that use the Open Doors Sleep Center in Moses Lake. That’s why she started her volunteer project Soup on Saturdays. “It’s near and dear to my heart to help the homeless,” she said...

Building bust

Many factors causing housing crunch

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s no secret that housing is pretty tight right now. Our population is increasing, and new homes aren’t being built. The law of supply and demand is rearing its economic head. “if you look at a 30-year window, our population in Washington state has increased around 60%, and our housing has only continued to grow about 33%,” said Lindsay Brown, executive officer of the Central Washington Home Builders Association. “So at that rate, the finish line feels that much farther.” One factor in the scarcity is the lack of people to do the actual building, said Joel White, director of the Spokane Home Builders Association. The economic crash of 2008-09 affected the construction workforce in ways that have ramifications today.

Legals for May, 12 2023

First responder news bites

The news bites below are based upon statement from area first response organizations.

Water question

Moses Lake council seeks more water data before making decision

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council wants more information before voting on proposed watering restrictions for the summer. “I’m not prepared to make any decisions at all until we get the rest of the plan figured out,” said Council Member Dustin Swartz during a regular city council meeting on Tuesday...

Spokane Community College announces Basin honors students

SPOKANE — Sixteen students from the Columbia Basin were named to the honor roll at Spokane Community College for winter quarter 2023, which ended in March, according to a statement from the college. The honor roll lists those students who achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or above.Those listed below were recognized for meeting that academic standard.

SGL earnings rise despite carbon fiber sale drop

WIESBADEN, Germany — SGL Carbon, which makes carbon fiber used in automotive and aerospace components in Moses Lake, said earnings for the first three months of 2023 rose 9% when compared with 2022, according to a company press release, despite a major decline in carbon fiber sales...

WA expands free school lunch program

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee this week signed into a law a measure that will expand free school lunches to all students in kindergarten through fourth grade in districts where at least 30% of all students are eligible for free school meals under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s school nutrition program...

Central Theatre Ensemble to present 'Into the Woods' beginning Friday

ELLENSBURG — The Central Theatre Ensemble will be presenting its spring 2023 musical “Into the Woods”, beginning Friday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium on the CWU campus...

Capturing savings

Grant Co. Jail plans to be reviewed for possible cost savings

EPHRATA — Grant County officials and contractors working on the construction of a new Grant County Jail will meet next week for what Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines called a value engineering exercise with the goal of cutting costs. “We are already starting to look at value engineering (in the design plans),” Gaines said...

GALLERY: Basin soccer, softball and baseball

COLUMBIA BASIN - Not every photo makes it in the paper with initial coverage of an event, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth printing. Here are a few of our favorite sports photos from the last week. If you have a photo you'd like to submit for publication - sports related or not - email them to us at editor@columbiabasinherald.com...

Basin soccer teams progress through district tournaments

COLUMBIA BASIN — Six of the seven local boys soccer teams entered this week still alive in their respective district tournaments. See below for an update on the results of tournaments, including Quincy and Wahluke already heading on to the 1A state tournament. All scores and records are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association...

Hike 22 set for May 20

MOSES LAKE — The public is invited to join in the annual Hike 22 event on May 20, according to a press release from Renew...

Letter carriers to collect food donations on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — This Saturday, May 13, letter carrier and U.S. Postal Service employees will be collecting cans and boxes of food as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive...

Law enforcement records for May 11, 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN – The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Quincy HS soloists to 'Sing' for the community

QUINCY — Students in the Quincy High School choral department will show their skills in a pair of outdoor concerts at 7 p.m. tonight and Friday at the Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum, 415 F St. SW...

Art anyone can make

New studio makes painting accessible

MOSES LAKE — Krista Courier didn’t start out to become either a painter or a business owner. “We moved to Moses Lake about four years ago,” said Courier. “We moved here because my 13-year-old son is autistic and he suffered a lot of trauma in school. We came here right before COVID started and needed an outlet. So we started painting.” Courier, who worked as a certified nursing assistant, an emergency room technician and a hospital administrator during a 19-year career in the medical field, said while she picked up painting to help her son, it turned out she was the one who stuck with it.

Legals for May, 11 2023

Spokane Falls Community College announces Basin scholars

SPOKANE — Seven Basin students have been named to the winter quarter 2023 honor roll at Spokane Falls Community College, according to a statement from the school. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above to be listed on the honor roll...

Fire damages RV near Ephrata

EPHRATA — A recreational vehicle behind a residence suffered damage but was not destroyed in a Monday evening fire on Dodson Road near Ephrata...

Parking problems

Council members, residents call for ordinance enforcement in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake does not need to have a permanent parking place for RVs and other vehicles used as residences in order to enforce city parking ordinances, Moses Lake City Manager Allison Williams told members of the City Council on Tuesday. However, the lack of such a place puts the city at risk of being sued when it forces residents who are otherwise without living accommodations to move on or impounds their vehicles, Williams said...

Seattle Thunderbirds on to WHL finals

KENT – The Seattle Thunderbirds are on to the Western Hockey League finals after defeating the Kamloops Blazers 4-2 in the WHL’s Western Conference finals, facing off against the Winnipeg ICE in the WHL Championship Series...

On to state

Warriors headed to SCAC final

MATTAWA – Wahluke clinched its spot in the 1A State Boys Soccer Tournament with a 5-0 win over Wapato on Tuesday, highlighted by a three-goal first half and two second-half goals by senior Juan Bravo. The two teams that make it to the South Central Athletic Conference final automatically qualify for state. The Warriors will face off against Highland in the SCAC final on Saturday. “We wanted to come prepared, ready to give it all,” junior Brian Herrera said. “We wanted to be able to accomplish this and get ready for Saturday.” ...

Adams County pet of the week: Data

Data is a little guy waiting for an adoptive family at Adams County Pet Rescue. Like his namesake from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” he’s got a lovable demeanor and lots of curiosity. He and his fellow pets at ACPR are all up to date on their vaccines and they’ve all been spayed or neutered. For more information on adopting Data or his fuzzy friends, contact ACPR at 509-488-5514 or by visiting adamscountypetrescue.com. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello. Information can be gotten via email at adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com.

OPD Chief Phil Schenck retires

OTHELLO — It was through a partnership with the Othello School District that Othello Police Chief Phil Schenck found what he wants to do next.

Royal City talks insurance at council meeting

ROYAL CITY — Insurance was a significant topic at the Royal City City Council meeting May 2. The first order of business involved the city’s co-sponsorship agreement with Summerfest. The draft agreement called for Summerfest to indemnify the city in case someone gets hurt at the town’s community celebration, which takes place July 7-8. Summerfest, which operates as a nonprofit corporation, does not currently carry liability insurance because of the cost, council members said.

Jackson wants ML port to consider buying municipal airport

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Darrin Jackson believes the port should consider buying the Moses Lake Municipal Airport.

Basin sports schedule May 10-16

COLUMBIA BASIN – Only a handful of local teams are still powering through their regular seasons, as the bulk of Basin high school athletics enter district matches, meets and playoff games. Check out this week’s Basin sports schedule for a full list of events.

Adams County law enforcement records for May 10, 2023

Othello Police

Copenhaver prepares to take over at RMS

ROYAL CITY — Royal Middle School is getting a new principal. Jerrod Copenhaver, who has been teaching fifth grade at Royal Intermediate School since 2014, has been tapped to take over from the retiring David Jaderlund starting July 1. “I'm very excited,” Copenhaver said. “It's a great opportunity to keep working in this community.” Teaching school in Royal City is a long way from what Copenhaver thought he’d be doing. He grew up on the west side and planned from an early age to work in law enforcement. And he did that, as a juvenile probation counselor in Kittitas County. He worked toward his teaching certification during that time, he said.

ML’s Sandhop receives Gareth Giles Award

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Athletic Director Loren Sandhop was named a recipient of the Gareth Giles Award, an annual award given to a member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Representative Assembly who embodies leadership and dedication to schools and athletes. “It’s an honor, because when you look at the group of ADs that have been honored, it really shows a tremendous amount of time that they’ve devoted to kids,” Sandhop said. “This is like a career-long award. This is my 30th year, and 25th being an AD. Most ADs don’t make it (that long).” Sandhop was given the award at last month’s Washington State Secondary Athletic Administrators Association Conference. Criteria for the award, according to the WIAA’s website, include a minimum of five years as a member of the WIAA’s Representative Assembly, WIAA Board, or special committee; demonstrated leadership in the WIAA’s legislative process; positive resolution in problem-solving and implementing WIAA rules into the schools of the district, among others.

City council, school board seats on ballot in Adams County

RITZVILLE — Mayoral seats, city councils, school boards and hospital boards are among the offices open for election in Adams County in the November general election. The filing period is May 15-19. Some of the offices come with a filing fee, which must be paid at the time of filing. Residency requirements also are different for different offices. Four Othello City Council seats will be on the ballot in 2023. In Othello all council seats are at-large, open to anyone who lives within the city limits. The incumbents in the four open seats are Angel Garza, Jon Erickson, Mark Snyder and Danae Valdez. Ritzville, Washtucna and Hatton will be choosing mayors in 2023. Linda Kadlec is the incumbent in Ritzville, Rhea Isaac in Hatton and Brian Hille in Washtucna.

Legals for May, 10 2023

Ribbon Cutting

Dr. Brandon Penix, owner of Northwest Medical Services, with office manager Sidney Kriete to his left and surrounded by Moses Lake Chamber of commerce members, cuts the ribbon at his clinic at 821 E. Broadway. The clinic has been open since November, Kriete said. Northwest Medical Services specializes in occupational medicine, including drug screening and DOT and FAA physical exams.

Mid-morning fire guts home north of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Units from Grant County Fire District 5 responded at around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning when a fire consumed a single-family dwelling in the 4400 block of Chera Place, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kyle Foreman. “The house was occupied by at least one person, an elderly gentleman, who was awakened this morning when a neighbor or a passerby pounded on his door to tell him that his house was on fire,” Foreman said. “He was able to make it out okay.”

Rehaume selected as interim Othello police chief

OTHELLO — Othello Police Department Assistant Chief David Rehaume has been named as the interim chief while city officials conduct a search for a permanent replacement. Rehaume will take over June 1. “He’s been a 30-year-plus member of the Othello Police Department,” said Mayor Shawn Logan prior to Rehaume’s appointment by the Othello City Council. “This will be the second time in the last 10 years that we’ve sworn Dave in as our interim police chief. He certainly knows the department, he certainly knows what is expected and he knows what the responsibilities are.”

Target date announced for new Ephrata MLCHC dental clinic opening

EPHRATA — Moses Lake Community Health Center officials expect to open the clinic’s new dental office in Ephrata by Nov. 3. Community Health officials announced earlier this yea that they purchased and will be remodeling a building at 457 First Ave. NW into a new dental clinic. The work will begin in June, according to a MLCHC press release.

Knight softball earns WIAA Team of the Month honors

ROYAL CITY – The Royal softball team is in the middle of a successful season, and players are now being honored for their product on the field and the work done in the community. The Knights were announced as the April 1A Team of the Month by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association last week, an award which takes into account the team’s play on the field, achievement in the classroom and community involvement.

James (Jim) Frederick Harris

James (Jim) Frederick Harris, 77, of Priest River, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Jim earned the nickname of “the miracle man” from his medical doctors and hospice nurses after years of coming back from many heart events. Jim was born in 1945 in Yakima, Washington and later moved to Moses Lake where he went to high school and met the love of his life, Merrily Hill, in geometry class. In 1966, while he was attending the University of Washington on a football scholarship, the two were married. He later moved to Moses Lake where their daughter Tricia, and son Robbie were born. His career started at Lad Irrigation, and in 1973 he went to work for Grant County PUD as a journeyman lineman, where he retired after 30 years of service. Jim was a “get-’er-done” kind of guy with a servant's heart.

Teeing up

Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce hosts Golf Scramble Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 23rd Annual Golf Scramble, a fundraiser which helps support the chamber financially. “It’s a fundraiser for us to operate, because a lot of the things that we do here, we do for free,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, president and CEO of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We give out information to people, we have different publications that we do, we have maps. All of those things that we do we all give it away, so there’s no revenue generating for what we give away. This helps manage our operation and fund it.” While the tournament is sold out for golfers, the Golf Scramble is still seeking sponsorships.

A good run

Maverick track and field celebrates seniors, prepares for postseason

MOSES LAKE — Athletes from the Moses Lake boys and girls track and field teams celebrated the team’s seniors on Thursday’s home track meet, the lone home meet of the season for the Mavs. Both the boys and girls split the meet; the Moses Lake boys defeated Wenatchee 86-64 and fell to Eisenhower 79-66, while the Moses Lake girls thumped Eisenhower 95-55 and lost 86-64 to Wenatchee. “When they were freshmen they had the first two weeks being out for track, then COVID hit,” Moses Lake Head Coach Nicki Weiland said. “Before they could even have their first meet, they were done for that season. That didn’t discourage them; (of that freshman class) we had 10 of the 26 seniors with us at the senior recognition on Thursday. They’re the backbone of this team.”

School board seats open in all Grant Co. districts

EPHRATA — School board positions in all local districts will be open in the November general election. Filing week for all positions opens May 15 and continues through May 19. All school board positions are nonpartisan. If a position attracts more than two candidates, it will be on the ballot for the Aug. 1 primary election. All seats on the Moses Lake School Board represent specific director districts, and candidates must live within that district to contest the position. Three seats are open in 2023; the incumbents are Shannon Hintz, Susan Freeman and Alana DeGooyer. Hintz represents Director District 1, Freeman Director District 3 and DeGooyer Director District 5. Descriptions of director districts are available on the Moses Lake School District website.

Filing period next week for hospital, port, fire district positions

EPHRATA — Washington has a wide array of publicly-administered districts that manage all kinds of things, from hospitals to airports. Grant County has its share of them, and the filing period for the seats in those districts opens May 15 and will be open through May 19. Some of the positions have filing fees, which are due at the time of filing. Some districts have specific director districts, which means candidates for those seats must live in that director district. Others have some at-large seats, which means candidates can live anywhere in the district. More information on qualifications is available from the Grant County Auditor’s Office. Grant County port districts mostly are involved in economic development, and there are open seats in 10 of them.

American Legion to hold taco and nacho benefit

EPHRATA — The American Legion and Auxiliary in Ephrata will hold a dinner and auction May 20, which is also Armed Forces Day, according to an announcement from the Legion. The event will feature a taco and nacho feed, as well as a dessert auction. Proceeds will go to benefit Inland Northwest Honor Flight, which arranges trips for veterans to visit memorials in their honor in Washington, D.C. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. and desserts will be auctioned over the course of the evening, according to the announcement. A video about the Honor Flight program will be shown, and there will be an opportunity for veterans to share their pictures and experiences with attendees. Applications to participate in Honor Flight will also be available.

Back to the cellar

22nd annual Cellarbration! to raise money for BBCC scholarships

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin will rally around education once again this month, as the Big Bend Community College Foundation holds its annual Cellarbration! For Education dinner and auction. This will be the 22nd time the foundation has held the event. Cellarbration! Raises money for student scholarships at Big Bend Community College. Last year’s event raised about $168,000, BBCC spokesperson Tiffany Fondren said.

Nominations open for disability-friendly employers

OLYMPIA — Nominations are open for the 31st annual Governor’s Employer Awards, according to a statement from the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment. The GCDE Employer Awards program honors and celebrates the many and varied contributions Washington’s employers make to recruit, hire and advance workers with disabilities, the statement said, adding that diversity and inclusion policies are correlated with high performance, and create opportunities, improve performance and boost profit margins.

Legals for May, 9 2023

Carl S. Cunningham

On May 7, 2023, Carl S. Cunningham, beloved husband, father, mentor, brother and friend, passed away at the age of 70 surrounded by his loved ones in his home. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children Julie, Andrea, Joshua, Laura and Samuel, his many grandchildren and his extended family. Carl was born in Gooding, Idaho. He was a curious person who loved to tinker. He played many sports in high school. He married his sweetheart Carol in 1973. They successfully raised their large brood of children into adulthood. Carl worked at Oregon Steel Mill as a lab manager for many years. He made a career change to sales at Starrett. He then moved to Exova for sales and worked his way up to manager of operations. His last career stop was at IMR where he returned to sales, his true passion. He retired to his hometown of Moses Lake, Washington to live the farm life in 2018.

Delmar Laib

Delmar George Laib was born Feb. 22, 1934, in Warden, Washington to Edward and Emma (Stoller) Laib. Delmar passed in the evening of Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Delmar grew up on the family farm in Warden with his seven sisters and three brothers. He attended Warden schools until he moved to Ritzville, Washington in the summer of 1948, where he eventually graduated from high school. Delmar was an excellent student and always achieved high grades. In December 1957, Delmar married the love of his life, Marian Janet Depee. At that time they moved to his brother Alvin’s wheat ranch at Warden, Washington and when Alvin retired, Delmar and Marian took over the farm where he remained until November of 2022. At that time, medical issues forced him to reside at Lakeridge Nursing Home in Moses Lake, Washington until his death.

Delight Leas

Delight Morrison Leas, 101, departed Moses Lake on May 3, 2023, bound for her next adventure in Heaven. She had resided for the last three years under the care of the excellent staff at Faith Larkin Home Care. She ate well, studied the birds and squirrels, solved puzzles, listened to music and enjoyed the watercraft on the lake all from the dining room at Faith Larkin. Born on Jan. 2, 1922, to Harry and Blanche (Koehler) Morrison, she was the fourth of five children and grew up in Greenville, Ohio. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in beauty school and Miami University (Ohio) before enlisting in the Army of the U.S. She served as a clerk typist, finance clerk and telephone operator assigned to San Francisco, London, and Paris. Dee earned her sergeant’s stripes and the American Service, Good Conduct, European-African-Middle Eastern, and World War II Victory medals. After the war, she trained French women to operate the telephone switchboards before U.S. forces left France. The Army honorably discharged her in 1945.

Lots of opportunity in FFA, 4-H programs

MOSES LAKE — Medical Lake High School ag teacher and FFA advisor Jennie Wagner said some of the people in the Medical Lake HS FFA chapter will go on to careers in agriculture, and some of them won’t. All of them, however, have picked up important skills through FFA - something that’s also true of the young people in the 4-H clubs she used to lead. “I think people, a lot of times, think FFA is just all those kids (raising) animals, or they wear those blue jackets,” Wagner said. “But what it really does is, it allows them to try things out in a safe environment and have experiences they wouldn’t get (in other clubs). Because it covers so many avenues, from public speaking to learning parliamentary procedure, raising animals, evaluating livestock, just tons of stuff.” ...

A full deck

Former Moses lake bar aims to become a destination brewery

MOSES LAKE — It’s had a few names in its time, that old building at 302 W. Broadway Ave. It’s been Barney Google’s, Ginny’s, the Mighty Quinn, the LakeFront Bar & Grill and most recently, the Broadway Bar & Grill. Now it’s going to get a whole new lease on life. “The whole building is going to be stucco,” said Anna Van Diest, who with her husband Rob bought the building in November 2021. “It's going to be an off-white, like a bone color, with black windows and doors. And we're going to have a couple of new windows put on the front.” ...

Grant County pet of the week: Dak

Dak is a German Shepherd mix and is about two years old. Right now, he’s hanging out with his friends at Grant County Animal Outreach, but would love to havea forever home. Like all of his neighbors at GCAO he’s fully vaccinated and chipped and just needs a two-legged friend to come take him away like a bottle of Calgon. To visit Dak, stop by the shelter at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake. Information on the adoption process can be found at grantcountyanimaloutreach.org or by calling 509-762-9616. The shelter is open Monday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Making health and comfort a priority for show animals

Throughout the year, youth across the country prepare and travel to various events, such as livestock shows, rodeos, and fairs, to show their animals. Because an animal’s performance at an event can be impacted if they are stressed or sick, Dr. Kevin Washburn, a professor of large animal internal medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers tips for keeping animals relaxed and healthy every step of the way...

A meeting of minds downtown

MOSES LAKE — On the first Friday of every month, the Downtown Moses Lake Association hosts Coffee and Conversation for business owners and others who want to express their concerns about life downtown and find out more about what’s going on in the community. “So far, we've had different guest speakers. We’ve had people from the city, we’ve had the Columbia Basin Conservation District, we’ve had Samaritan Hospital. We’ve had different entities come and do presentations,” said DMLA Executive Director Rosenda Henley.

Photography contest focuses on mid-century modern Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Submissions will be accepted through June 2 for a contest highlighting the architecture of Moses Lake’s boom period. The “Mid-Century Modern of Moses Lake” contest is sponsored by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Open market

Moses Lake Farmers Market kicks off the year

MOSES LAKE — There weren’t a lot of actual farmers at the first open-air Moses Lake Farmers Market of 2023 on Saturday. But neither that nor the brisk spring weather kept vendors from coming to sell, or people from coming to buy. “It’s good. It’s nice to be out in public,” said Sarah Nitta, owner of The Adorable Gnome as she stood amid several dozen hand-made adorable gnomes. Nitta said she started a couple of years ago after a friend asked her to make a wreath with a gnome on it. After that, the silly little knittings of long-bearded gnomes with big floppy hats, most carrying small hand-painted signs, just kind of took off, Nitta said.

CBAA announces Civic Series

COLUMBIA BASIN — Columbia Basin Allied Arts will be stepping outside the theater this year with its new Civic Series, the organization announced Friday. The series will include live music from local performers at the Moses Lake Farmers Market every second and fourth Saturday this summer, according to the announcement. CBAA will also sponsor music for after-parties in Lind following the Combine Demo Derby June 9-10 and will have a booth at the Moses Lake Red, White and Boom event on July 1 with crafts for kids, CBAA wrote.

Weather for Monday, May 8, 2023

Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts should be less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Monday night should see a 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 44. Tuesday: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Tuesday should be partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72, while Wednesday night is expected to be mostly clear, with a low around 46. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Thursday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 50. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Source: National Weather Service

City council seats open in all Grant County towns in November election

EPHRATA — Mayoral and city council seats throughout Grant County will be on the ballot in the November 2023 general election. Candidate filing week will be May 15-19. All city council positions are non-partisan. Some seats have a filing fee, which must be paid at the time of filing.

Legals for May, 8 2023

Jacks advance with come-from-behind win over Omak

QUINCY – An early 2-0 deficit in the top of the third inning wasn’t enough to stop the Jacks on Saturday, as they rallied for a 5-2 win over Omak in the first round of the Caribou Trail League district tournament. “A win’s always nice,” Quincy Head Coach Seth Longwill said. “Omak’s a team that has been improving a ton. Battling, always bringing us up to our A-game. I’m super proud of the kids. It’s nice to get back out there and win district games at home.”

Wrapped up to go

The staff at Chipotle in Moses Lake scrambles to keep up with the crowd of customers on Saturday, the restaurant’s first day open to the public. Chipotle, which specializes in burritos, quesadillas and tacos, is located at 2345 S. Maiers Road.

Soap Lake's Ryan Boldman, Othello coach Adolfo Coronado on Studio Basin Podcast

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Charles Featherstone sits down with Ryan Boldman of the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition to talk about helping young people avoid the pitfalls of alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer talk with Adolfo Coronado, head coach of Othello girls basketball, about the Huskie's sixth-place finish at the 2A state tournament in March. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/44Mctgz.

Mavs running at home

Both the Moses Lake boys and girls track and field teams hosted their home meet on Thursday, facing off against Wenatchee and Eastmont. See the Tuesday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for full results from the meet.

Jacks to face Bridgeport in district semis

QUINCY – The Jacks, who closed the regular season with a 13-game winning streak, are now preparing for Wednesday’s District 6 1A semifinal against Bridgeport. The Mustangs finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, where they began the season by winning their first 10 games.

Mavs fall to West Valley in regular-season finale

MOSES LAKE – The Mavs will now have to play on the road in next week’s 2023 Columbia Basin Big-Nine tournament, having fallen to West Valley (Yakima) 7-0 and 5-1 in Friday afternoon’s doubleheader. Moses Lake was charged with 10 errors across both games on Friday, allowing the Rams to score runs and build leads in both games.

Laura Lea (Lewis) O'Brien

Laura Lea (Lewis) O’Brien was born November 8, 1970, to Karen (Toedter) and Allen Lewis in Spokane, Washington. The family lived on a farm in Worley, Idaho where she attended school through the fifth grade. In 1981 they moved to the family farm in Rockford, Washington. She was active in cheerleading and a member of the band, and served a one-year reign as Southeast Spokane County Fair Queen. She graduated from Freeman High School in 1988. She continued her education at Washington State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy (cum laude), graduating in 1993. During her time at WSU, Laura Lea was an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and served as chapter president. Laura Lea met Shawn O’Brien the first semester of their freshman year during Chemistry 105, where they were lab partners. They dated throughout college and were married May 29, 1993, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairfield, Washington, the same church where she was baptized and confirmed. After graduation, Shawn and Laura Lea began their careers in Moses Lake, Washington, and started a family.

Steel Ranch

Unique property offers acreage, tech and talking points

MOSES LAKE – Steel Ranch is a unique property located in Adams County being offered through Basin Ag Sales and Moses Lake Realty Group. Anna Van Diest of Basin Ag Sales was able to share more about the property and its many features...

Moses Lake piano student honored for original composition

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake High School senior was honored recently for an original piano composition. Dariya Karnafel, 17, took second place in the Washington State Music Teachers Association Young Composers Project with her original composition “Sea of Memories.” “We do it every year and this is my second time doing it,” Karnafel said. “And I wasn’t really expecting that kind of place.” ...

WSU's Ethridge signs one-year extension

PULLMAN – After guiding the Cougars to their first women’s Pac-12 tournament title, WSU Head Coach Kamie Ethridge signed a one-year contract extension to stay with the COugars through the 2028-29 season, the school announced on Wednesday...

Legals for May, 5 2023

Washington AG’s office, DSHS fined for evidence withholding

SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington state attorney general’s office and Department of Social and Health Services have been fined $200,000 — and could pay hundreds of thousands more in legal fees — for what a judge called “egregious” and “cavalier” withholding of evidence in an ongoing lawsuit. King County Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered the fine in March as a “severe sanction” for the state failing to turn over nearly 11,000 pages of records to attorneys suing over the alleged neglect of a developmentally disabled woman at a home in Kent, The Seattle Times reported...

Photography contest focuses on mid-century modern Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Submissions will be accepted through June 2 for a contest highlighting the architecture of Moses Lake’s boom period. The “Mid-Century Modern of Moses Lake” contest is sponsored by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center...

Invasive species cropping up again in Washington

SPOKANE — The boating season is officially underway in Washington state. To keep lakes, rivers, and other water bodies clean and beautiful, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to take a few simple steps when launching boats or other vessels this season, according to a press release from the department...

Elderly Wenatchee couple protected from scam attempt

SPOKANE — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref announced Thursday that the U.S. Secret Service has seized over $290,000 as part of an alleged fraud scam that targeted an elderly Wenatchee couple...

Credit card skimmer found on gas pump in Schwana

SCHWANA — A technician discovered a credit card skimmer attached to the card reader of one of the gas pumps at the Outpost Grocery in Schwana, south of Beverly on S.R. 243, Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Soap Lake council accepts Walmart grant, tables cleanups

SOAP LAKE – During their regular meeting Wednesday, the Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously to accept a $1,250 grant from Walmart and tabled decisions on spring and fall cleanups for the city...

Ephrata council urges patience on pickleball progress

EPHRATA — Members of the Ephrata City Council told residents trying to raise money for a new, purpose-built pickleball court for the city to be both patient and persistent in their efforts even if it seems the city is not acting quickly. Shelley Slininger, a long-time Ephrata resident, spoke to the council during a regular meeting on Tuesday on behalf of a group of citizens seeking to raise money for new pickleball courts. Slinginger said she was frustrated at how slow the city’s process has been, especially given that the citizens group approached the council in February for help in applying for a Lauzier Foundation grant with a deadline of April 30...

Local gun shop files suit over weapon ban

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake gun shop owner has filed a lawsuit in response to the assault weapon ban enacted last week. Guardian Arms LLC, located at 208 S. Division St., filed the suit in Grant County Superior Court April 25, the same day Gov. Jay Inslee signed the ban. The suit names Inslee, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete as respondents. Also named as petitioners are Ephrata gun dealer Millard Sales LLC, several individual gun owners and the Silent Majority Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Pasco...

Samaritan financial picture improving

MOSES LAKE — After a couple of financially challenging years, Samaritan Healthcare’s fiscal picture seems to be improving. Chief Executive Officer Alex Town, reviewing the financial results for March, said the hospital generated a net income gain of about $1.2 million for the first three months of the year. “For us, in my opinion, (the March financial report) sets the tone that we are finally hitting the curve and heading in the right direction,” he said...

Cleaning cut

MOSES LAKE – Kevin Frias, owner of Caged Cleaning in Moses Lake, cuts the ribbon on his new van — and portable business location — with family and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce in the chamber’s parking lot Wednesday afternoon. Frias, 22, said he serves all of Grant County with his van and named his business Caged Cleaning because starting his own business is a way to get out of his cage and build something for himself.

Seahawks begin off-season workouts on May 12

SEATTLE – The NFL announced the league’s voluntary off-season workout days on Thursday, with the Seahawks beginning as soon as May 12. Seattle’s rookie minicamp lasts from May 12-14, with a mandatory team minicamp beginning June 6 and ending June 8. The team is hosting organized team practice activities on May 22, May 24-25, May 30, June 1-2 and June 12-14...

Huskies advance

Othello defeats Grandview in shootout, move on to CWAC finals

OTHELLO – After Grandview tied the game with a goal in the final minutes of the second half, the Othello Huskies answered in penalties to defeat the Greyhounds 3-2 and advance to next week’s Central Washington Athletic Conference championship game. “It feels good knowing that we beat Grandview,” Othello junior Anthony Abundiz said. “They were the team that we had to beat, and we beat them.” ...

William Huffman

William Matthew Huffman, 47, passed away April 29, 2023, in George, Washington. No services are planned at this time.

Donald Hugo Entzel

True to character, Donald Hugo Entzel made a timely exit. He passed peacefully at home, with his wife at his side, on March 6, 2023, his 71st birthday. Don was born in Glendive, Montana, to Hugo Carl and Olga Viola Frasch Entzel. Don’s family moved to Washington, where he attended Moses Lake and Quincy schools. Don graduated from Quincy High School in 1970, excelling in football, wrestling and academics. Don started working on the family farm at a very young age. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to numerous lifetime endeavors including trucking, farming, raising cattle, and private hay sales; working as an RV park owner/operator, private pilot and heavy equipment operator and being an avid “treasure collector,” to name a few.

Amelia (Nena) M. Montemayor

Amelia (Nena) M. Montemayor, 88, passed away on March 24, 2023, at Holy Family of Spokane Washington. She was born July 12, 1934, to Procopio and Maria Del Rufugio Montemayor in Doctor Gonzalez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She was married to the late Jesus G. Montemayor. Amelia enjoyed traveling between Washington and Mexico with her husband. She worked at Carnation in Moses Lake. She loved the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-children these were the highlights of her life. Amelia is survived by her Daughter SanJuana (Marc) Alvarez, son Jose Juan (Irma) Montemayor and son Saul (Oneida) Montemayor; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

‘I hope I made a difference.’

Former Moses Lake Mayor Jon Lane talks about good choices and a difficult day.

MOSES LAKE — In his 31 years as an educator, former Moses Lake Mayor Jon Lane said he is proudest of the five years he spent as principal of St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata, where he and his family have been worshiping since arriving in Moses Lake 70 years ago. “We started the day with prayer, we started lunch with prayer, we ended with prayer,” Lane said of the school day at St. Rose of Lima School. “That’s how it ought to be.” ...

Bergman to plead guilty

DAVENPORT — Charles R. Bergman, who has been charged with murder in the death of his wife, has agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder, according to Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Adam Walser.

Police Records

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Residents object to RV parking in dog park

City looks to old police shooting range possibility

MOSES LAKE — At a nearly two-hour-long public meeting of the Moses Lake Ad Hoc Homeless Committee, residents expressed nearly universal opposition to using some of the city-owned land near the dog park as a temporary parking place for RVs used as residences, many of which are currently parked on stub-outs along Central Drive.

Letter: Respect for single mothers

Motherhood is hard, and all mothers deserve our gratitude. As Mother’s Day approaches, we all particularly need to recognize the heroic love of single mothers. In a culture that honors and idolizes the intact, prosperous family, it can become all too easy to just overlook those mothers who battle steep social and economic forces just trying to get by. Frequently young and alone in the daunting tasks of caring for their children while working long hours to pay the rent, their situation can be a far cry from the idyllic. Many even pursue higher education (yay, BBCC!) while shouldering huge responsibilities. While their children may grow up with only one parent helping them through all the peril of everyday life, those kids learn early on that love goes on, no matter what.

Legals for May, 4 2023

Special session called to complete Blake decision work

OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he has called a special session to begin May 16 to address drug possession legality impacted by what is known as the Blake decision. “My office and I have been meeting with legislators from all four caucuses and I am very optimistic about reaching an agreement that can pass both chambers,” Inslee said. “Cities and counties are eager to see a statewide policy that balances accountability and treatment, and I believe we can produce a bipartisan bill that does just that.”

Basin Sounders win second-straight title

LACEY – The Basin Sounders 2009 Girls won their second-straight state title at the 2023 Washington Cup last weekend, coming out on top of the U14 Bronze division. The team, coached by Madeline Wallace Roellich, is the first Basin Sounders team to win two-straight Washington Cups.

Home run

Long-time Othello softball coach's final season

Longtime Othello softball coach Rudy Ochoa was honored last week at the Huskies’ final regular season home game of the 2023 season. Ochoa is retiring at the end of this season after a 27-year career.

Dolores Mary Braun

There will be a Celebration of Life for Dolores Mary Braun at a public park in Moses Lake from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 20, 2023. Please join us for some memories, barbecue and fun for “Dee.” For more information please contact Bev (Victor) Braun at 206-355-1033.

Wahluke students eye opportunities on Outdoor Career Day

MATTAWA — There are many different ways to find and train for a career, and there are lots of careers out there. That includes jobs young people might never have considered. Showing young people what’s possible is part of the motivation behind Outdoor Career Day at Wahluke High School.

Ninth Annual Senior Picnic coming on Flag Day

Annual event gives area seniors a chance to gather for fun

MOSES LAKE — The ninth annual Columbia Basin Senior Picnic will be held in the Commercial Building of the Grant County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “That’s Flag Day, so naturally, we’re going to have a very patriotic theme,” Cox said. “Last year, we had 500-plus seniors that came through. … And we look forward to even more people this year.” ...

‘New life’

Seattle Rock Orchestra brings a different sound to the Beatles with Moses Lake performance

MOSES LAKE — The Fab Four never sounded like this. The Seattle Rock Orchestra, consisting of 17 instrumentalists, three vocalists and one highly-animated conductor, took the stage at the Wallenstien Theater Friday night, playing selections from the Beatles’ last two albums, “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be.” It was the last show of the Columbia Basin Allied Arts 2022-23 season...

Legislators request millions in infrastructure funding for Adams Co.

RITZVILLE – Adams County looks to have millions of dollars in federal funds for infrastructure projects approved by Congress through requests by regional legislators. “We are grateful to all the members of our Congressional delegation, each of whom has stepped up to assist with vitally important infrastructure projects for our region,” said Dan Blankenship, Adams County Commissioner... .

Adams Co. Pet of the Week: Meet Riker

Hello there, I’m Riker, and just like my Star Trek namesake, I’m good with everyone. Dogs, cats, children…I just want to spend time with loving people that make life an adventure. Like my foster brothers and sisters at Adams County Pet Rescue, I am vaccinated, neutered/spayed and am just looking for a forever home. You can find more information about me by calling Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514. The shelter is located at 1961 W. Bench Road near Othello and you can see more pets like me at www.adamscountypetrescue.com. adopt@adamscountypetrescue.com.

Eruption review

Looking back at Mt. St. Helens' eruption 43 years later.

MOSES LAKE — It didn’t take long after the eruption on Mt. St. Heles on May 18, 1980, for life to begin to re-emerge on the sides of the mountain, according to biologist and author Eric Wagner. Wagner, speaking in the Moses Lake Civic Center Auditorium on Saturday about the recovery of the area around Mt. St. Helens in the four decades of the volcano’s last major eruption, told the story of plant biologist Jerry Franklin, aquatic biologist Jim Sidell and geologist Fred Swanson and the helicopter trip they took to Ryan Lake, about eight miles northeast of Mt. St. Helens, in June 1980, about two weeks after the eruption...

Adams Co. police logs for May 3

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Birth announcements for May 3

Othello Community Hospital welcomed the following new Columbia Basin community members to the world in April.

Legals for May, 3 2023

New law set to help prosecute sexual assault crimes

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law on Monday a measure intended to make it easier for prosecutors to pursue sexual assault cases in court, according to a press release from the Washington State Legislature’s Democratic Caucus...

Othello PD chief announces retirement

OTHELLO — A reception is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. May 30 to recognize Othello Police Department Chief Phil Schenck, who announced his retirement Tuesday. Scheck has been OPD chief for nine years, working for the Sunnyside Police Department prior to that. He’s been in law enforcement for 34 years. The reception will be at the OPD office in Othello City Hall, 500 W. Main St.

Othello council approves dispatch service agreements

OTHELLO — If all agencies approve the interlocal agreements, the city of Othello will continue to provide dispatch services for Adams County Fire District 5 and Othello Community Hospital, but the cost will go up. Othello City Council members unanimously approved dispatch agreements with both agencies Monday. “This three-year agreement includes an increase of 8% in 2023, and 3% in 2024 and 2025,” David Rehaume, Othello Police Department assistant chief, told council members. “This increase is necessary due to our increased costs for personnel.” ...

Lind fire injures one

LIND — A Lind man was transported to East Adams Rural Healthcare and treated for smoke inhalation after a fire damaged a residence in Lind early last Wednesday morning.

Basin sports schedule May 3-9

COLUMBIA BASIN – Welcome back to district tournament season! Eleven local teams begin their respective district tournaments in baseball and boys soccer over the week, aiming to advance to state tournament berths. Check out all that and more and this week's sports schedule. The schedule will be updated on www.columbiabasinherald.com as teams progress through their brackets...

PITCH RECAP: Basin boys soccer teams prep for postseason

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local boys soccer teams are preparing for postseason runs, as tournaments began on Monday with Ephrata playing Grandview in the Central Washington Athletic Conference. See below for upcoming tournament matchups and how teams stack up with the end of the regular season on the horizon...

James 'Jimmy' Hammond

Memorial services for James “Jimmy” Hammond will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20 at the First Baptist Church, 724 W. Fourth Ave., Moses Lake. All are welcome.

Nick Buckley De Benedetti

Nick Buckley De Benedetti, 37, passed away after a sudden illness on April 23, 2023, at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington with his parents at his side. Nick was born in Moses Lake, Washington on May 6, 1985. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 2003. Nick attended Whitworth University on an academic scholarship and graduated in 2007 with a double major in business and accounting. Nick was working for Engie Impact in Spokane at the time of his passing.

Letter: Coaching character

Dear editor, Regarding coaches Rudy Ochoa and Mike Jensen...

31 flavorful years

Baskin Robins' employee reflects on more than three decades of serving scoops.

MOSES LAKE — Lori Friend was 31 years old when she started dishing up Baskin-Robbins’ 31 flavors of ice cream in Moses Lake in 1992. “I’ve been here 31 years at this very location,” Friend said. “I’ve been through three owners. They’ve been really good to work around my schedule and my kids’ schedules. So I’ve just continued on working here.” ...

Legals for May, 2 2023

DNR offers wildfire readiness tools

OLYMPIA – As the temperatures heat up outside, the Washington Department of Natural Resources is working to raise awareness of wildfire risks across the Evergreen State. “At DNR, we often say that no one is immune from the effects of wildfires,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “But even the simplest measures – such as cleaning up pine needles and dry leaves, or moving firewood 30 feet away from your home – can make your home more resilient to the growing threat of wildfire.” ...

Insurance commissioner to exit office

OLYMPIA - Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced Monday that he will not be seeking reelection, ending a more than two-decade-long tenure in office.

Candidate filing opens May 15

RITZVILLE/EPHRATA — Positions on city and town councils, school boards, fire and hospital districts will be among the offices open for election in November 2023. Filing week for those positions begins May 15, but people can file by mail from now until the end of the filing week, according to information from the Grant County Auditor’s Office. City council seats are open in every community in Grant and Adams counties, along with the mayor’s jobs in Mattawa, George, Soap Lake, Grand Coulee, Warden, Ritzville, Hatton and Washtucna. Positions also will be up for election in local school districts, most hospital and fire districts, and most port districts...

Grant PUD recreation surveys begin this month

EPHRATA — Starting this month, people using Grant County Public Utility District recreation facilities will be asked to participate in an in-person survey. Shannon Lowry, PUD license compliance and lands services manager, said it’s a survey the PUD is required to conduct every three years. “This is a big year for us,” Lowry told PUD commissioners April 11. “We’ll spend a lot of time out there talking to people.” ...

Quincy man arrested after alleged vehicular incident

QUINCY – Brian Reyes Beltran, 21, of Quincy was arrested after surrendering himself at the Quincy Police Department, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office statement. His is facing charges of first degree assault-domestic violence...

May 2023 community calendar

A community calendar for the Columbia Basin.

Inslee announces that he will not seek reelection

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inlsee, a Democrat who sought to make the state a leader on progressive policies from climate change to gun violence prevention, said Monday he will not seek a fourth term in office...

Senior events for May 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN – This month offers a variety of events for seniors and their families in the Columbia Basin, including live music, a farmers market at the park and meals with friends.

Dent proud of committee’s bipartisan effort in 2023 session

MOSES LAKE – Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said that there is a lot he has to be proud of from this session, but the thing he was most proud of was the bipartisan effort to tackle bills by him and several other lawmakers. “I think, for me, there were a lot of wins,” said Dent. “The kind of wins that you don’t see.”

Learn to evaluate a horse's health at home

Horses are prone to accidents, so it is important for owners to know how to recognize changes in a horse’s health and determine when veterinary care is necessary. Dr. Amanda Trimble, a clinical assistant professor of equine internal medicine at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said working with a veterinarian to establish a horse’s “normal” behavior and vitals is the first step in assessing a horse’s health at home...

Looking back

Information sought on a long-gone piece of Moses Lake history

MOSES LAKE — In 1940 Moses Lake was a tiny little farm town that had, as they say, a lot of potential. By 1960 Moses Lake realized some of that potential, and the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is looking for people to help document one of the major signs of that growth - one that has completely disappeared. Stephanie Massart, a member of the DAR Karneetsa chapter, said its members are hoping to hear from people who remember Victory Village...

Ephrata paraeducator recognized for saving student's life

EPHRATA – Grant Elementary Paraeducator Lee Er Phua-Sharp saved a student’s life with CPR when she found him unresponsive on the playground, according to an Ephrata School District press release. “(Phua-Sharp)was in the right place, at the right time and had the right skills for the situation,” said Grant Elementary School Principal, Shannon Dahl. “She did an amazing job caring for our student and remaining calm and collected despite the noise and activity of the playground.” ...

Remembering the day the volcano blew

MOSES LAKE — It’s been 43 years since Mt. St. Helens erupted, spewing ash across vast swaths of the Pacific Northwest, covering towns, roads and fields of crops, and permanently changing the lives of many for days and weeks to follow. “It was just everywhere. People put pans out. They were shoveling it,” said Stephanie Massart, the regent of the Karneetsa Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Moses Lake. “People were using wheelbarrows to put it out on the street and dump trucks would come pick it up.”

Moses Lake FFA plant sale does brisk business

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School FFA co-advisor Tony Kern, busy helping a customer, had a one-word reaction to the early Friday morning crowd at the annual FFA plant sale. “Incredible,” Kern said.

Weather for Monday, May 1, 2023

Monday: A 30% ance of showers before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind around 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday night should see a 20% chance of showers after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83, while Tuesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Wednesday night is forecast a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 56. The chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday: A 20% chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 78, while Thursday night should see a 40% chance of showers and mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Friday: A 30% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

Design of new Quincy Valley Medical Center released

QUINCY — Cost estimates for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center should be available by mid-May. Preliminary exterior design drawings of the building were released late last week, and hospital officials will be hiring electrical and mechanical contractors. “It definitely feels real now,” said QVMC commissioner Anthony Fernandez during an April 24 meeting of the hospital district commission. Hospital district voters approved a construction bond for up to $55 million in August 2022.

Legals for May, 1 2023