Ellington

Registration for Give NCW Turkey Trot now open

WENATCHEE — Registration has opened for the Give NCW Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Wenatchee, according to an announcement from the Community Foundation of NCW. Give NCW Turkey Trot will feature timed 5K and 10K runs, as well as an untimed free 1K kids run that will start and finish on the Apple Capital Loop Trail adjacent to Pybus Public Market, the announcement said. All three distances are open to walkers, too. The first 750 people who sign up for the 5K and 10K are guaranteed a commemorative winter beanie hat. The event will officially kick off the Community Foundation’s annual Give NCW fundraising campaign for nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington, the announcement said.

News bites for October 2, 2023

BEVERLY — An army helicopter caused some chaos Friday afternoon when it landed suddenly near Beverly, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. At about 4:40 p.m., GCSO deputies were dispatched to milepost 18 on SR 243, according to a statement from the GCSO. A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter assigned to 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, suffered an “aviation mishap,” according to a statement from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade. The helicopter landed on the Grant County side of the Columbia River after striking power lines over the river and knocking them into the water, according to the GCSO. The incident also triggered a 25-acre wildfire, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, which was under control by 5:45 p.m.

Huskies fall 1-0 to Grandview

OTHELLO – A goal early in the second half was too much for the Othello Huskies to overcome on Thursday, falling 1-0 to Grandview for a second-straight loss in the Central Washington Athletic Conference. Grandview came out strong on the attack in Thursday’s contest, keeping pressure on the Huskies throughout the game. “Grandview was ready to play,” Othello Head Coach Victor Quiroz said. “They came out and were ready to play, and it showed today.”

Law enforcement reports for Oct. 2, 2023

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.

The ride stuff

Young cyclists test their skills at bike rodeo

MOSES LAKE — It was wheels, wheels everywhere at the Larson Recreation Center Saturday as kids turned out in droves for the annual bike rodeo, officially called the Bicycle Activities, Repairs, Giveaway and Skills event. The rec center, which opened in December, gave organizers some elbow room to add some things. “We have a lot to work with,” said Richard Teals, a member of the Moses Lake Trail Planning Team, which organized the rodeo along with the Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake. “The obstacle course is a big hit inside the hockey rink. Then we have all the bike giveaways, and the GTA is here with their new buses, which of course carry bicycles all around the county.”

CWU enrollment down, university planning for more inclusive future

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University President Jim Wohlpart gave the annual State of the University address Friday morning, speaking on the university’s plans for the future and the challenges it is currently facing. The major challenge Wohlpart addressed was the university’s lower-than-expected enrollment numbers. “We don't do a good enough job bringing all of those students into our community, whose lives, whose families’ lives, whose communities could be transformed,” Wohlpart said. “We have an obligation to our community to make certain that we are welcoming those students here.”

GCFD 3 voters to be asked for change in levy

QUINCY — Voters in Grant County Fire District 3 will be asked to accept or reject a proposal to change the amount of money collected by the fire district in the general election Nov. 7. The proposed “levy lid lift” would raise the amount levied in property taxes to $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Deputy Chief David Durfee said the current levy is about 65 cents. It’s an increase in an existing levy, he said, not a new one. Because it’s a levy, the request requires 50% approval plus one vote to pass. If it is approved, a property owner with property assessed at $300,000 would pay $390 per year, compared with the $195 the landowner pays now.

STUDIO BASIN: MLCA/CCS Football Head Coach Aaron Noble

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Cheryl Schweizer and Joel Martin recap last week's headlines, including the groundbreaking of a new library in Royal City, the Grant PUD budget and CBHA receiving grants for helping youth access mental health care. Next, MLCA/CCS Football Head Coach Aaron Noble joins the sports segment with Sports Reporter Ian Bivona, going over the Lions' 4-0 start, the beginning of the school's football program and his life in coaching. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3LGEazp.

Indigenous history

Culture, geology and wildlife, focus of Archeology Days

WANAPUM DAM — Children and adults will get a look at the history and culture of the Wanapum and Columbia Plateau people at Archeology Days, Oct. 2 and 3 at the Wanapum Heritage Center, 29082 Highway 243 South. Drivers should turn at the Wanapum Dam entrance of the site. Archeology Days is a longtime project of the Grant County Public Utility District...

Frontotemporal dementia

Memory health means different symptoms, challenges for patients and families

MOSES LAKE — Dementia is an ugly disease, and there are variants that make it even uglier. Frontotemporal dementia is one of those variants...

Columbia Basin Community Calendar for October 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN - As the holidays approach, there’s plenty to do in the Columbia Basin to have fun, support good causes and learn. Here are just a sample of those events. To submit your event for possible publication, please visit www.columbiabasinherald.com, click on the EVENTS tab and select Create an Event. Free and premium listings are available.

Darling dahlias

Nursery owner offers tour, growing tips

MOSES LAKE — Everything you always wanted to know about growing dahlias will be on display Monday. Valerie Parrott, owner of Pieces by Parrott in Moses Lake, held a dahlia tour on Sept. 25, and has another coming up on Monday. Parrott’s nursery supplies several local florists as well as her own flower-arranging business. In the course of that, she’s built up a reputation over the years for her skill with the finicky flowers and has invited the public to see her dahlia patch. About 50 people came out last week for the tour...

High-flying offense helps give Mavs a 4-0 start

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake’s high-powered offense has lit up the scoreboard through the first four weeks this fall, allowing the Mavericks to outscore their opponents 168-24 so far this season.

Tigers win in three against East Valley

EPHRATA – The Tigers improved to 2-0 in the Central Washington Athletic Conference with a win over East Valley (Yakima) on Tuesday, sweeping the Red Devils in three sets on the road.

Legals for September, 29 2023

Commerce awards $35.4M in energy infrastructure grants

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced Wednesday it awarded $35.4 million in grants to local, state and tribal governments and non-profits to plan and install solar and battery backup power systems at community buildings ...

Okanagan Specialty Fruits opens Moses Lake packing facility

MOSES LAKE — The new Okanagan Specialty Fruits facility had its official ribbon-cutting Wednesday before a crowd of OSF team members, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce members and local dignitaries. Along with the ceremony, the company offered a catered lunch along with tours of the plant and of an apple orchard...

RUE & SAGE

MOSES LAKE – Zoe Sterner, left, and her parents Barry Sterner and Rebecca Sterner, cut the ribbon at the Rue & Sage and Wild Stem Farm/Pumpkin Patch open house at 10754 Dune Lake Loop SE in Moses Lake. Rue & Sage hosted an open house and vendor fair, with members of the Moses Lake business community including Love & Lumber, O2 Studio Yoga and Liberate & Lather. The pumpkin patch is open for customers to pick with pumpkins in all sizes and colors, from the traditional orange to blue, silver and brown. Pumpkins will be available through the end of October.

Warden denied Public Works Board funding

WARDEN – City Administrator Kriss Shuler announced during Tuesday’s regular city council meeting that Warden was denied grant funding from the Washington State Public Works Board for $9.8 million for this round of applications. ...

Warden finalizes $1 million land sale to port

WARDEN – The city of Warden finalized the purchase of 69 acres of industrial land on the north edge of the city to the Port of Warden for approximately $1 million on Monday, according to Grant County records.

Groundbreaking held for new Royal City Library

ROYAL CITY — The golden shovels did their job Wednesday in Royal City as the Royal City Friends of the Library broke ground for the new library building downtown, tangible evidence of a dream a long time in the making...

Q&A: Samaritan Healthcare candidates

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Katherine Christian and challenger Elliot DeLong are running for one of two open positions on the Samaritan Healthcare commission...

MIDDLE CHEER

MOSES LAKE – Cheerleaders from Columbia and Frontier middle schools smile at Wednesday’s gridiron matchup between the two schools at Lions Field. Columbia won the game 32-0.

Lady Vikes Test Cardinals

MOSES LAKE – BBCC knew going into Wednesday night's match versus the North Idaho College Cardinals that they would have their hands full. After battling injuries over the past few weeks, the Lady Vikes were finally able to put their regular line-up on the floor against the 16-1 Cardinals.

Judy Cloninger

1960 – 2023

Judy Ann Cloninger, 63, of Ephrata Washington passed on Sept. 15, 2023. She was born in Everett, Washington in 1960...

Elk hoof disease likely causes systemic changes according to WSU research

PULLMAN — Elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, previously thought to be limited to deformations in elks’ hooves, appears to create molecular changes throughout the animal’s system, according to epigenetic research from Washington State University...

Soap Lake water level lowest ever recorded

SOAP LAKE – On Monday, Soap Lake’s water level was the lowest it has been – at 1070.08 feet – since the United States Geological Survey started recording the lake’s water level in 1936, according to data from the USGS website...

Q&A with Ephrata trustee candidates Mike Fleurkens and Jordan Hansen

EPHRATA – Two candidates are vying for a seat on the Ephrata School Board. Mike Fleurkens and Jordan Hansen made it past the primary over the summer...

Moses Lake School Board election Q&A

MOSES LAKE — Two candidates are running for Position 3 on the Moses Lake School Board, the incumbent Susan Freeman and challenger Carla Urias...

UMANI Festival returns Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The second annual UMANI festival takes place Saturday in Moses Lake, and it looks to be even bigger than the first.

Legals for September, 28 2023

State awarded grant for community colleges

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges announced Monday that it and the Washington Student Achievement Council were awarded a one-year $50,000 Accelerated Study in Associate Programs planning grant...

FIRE REPORT: Rain stops Cowlitz Complex fire growth

MOSES LAKE — About an inch of rain fell on the Cowlitz Complex fires in the Cascades Tuesday, with more expected Wednesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The 30-fire complex, which has been burning since Aug. 25 in the Cascades between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River, has been showing little to no activity since the rain began, although the Grassy Mountain fire was still producing a small amount of smoke. The complex was 39% contained Wednesday at 731 acres. Cost estimates had risen to $18.3 million...

Mavs fall in four sets to Davis

MOSES LAKE – Despite a late surge, the Moses Lake Mavericks fell 3-1 at home to Davis on Tuesday, the team’s second-straight loss in league play after beginning the year 3-0 in the Big 9. “We had a good practice (Monday) and watched a lot of film, so we knew what Davis was going to have,” Moses Lake Head Coach Krystal Trammell said. “We felt confident but not overly confident, we don’t overlook anyone. We just had a lot of unforced errors tonight, that’s what it was.” ...

Lucas Swank

June 26, 1983 — Sept. 4, 2023

Lucas Swank, 40, was born on June 26, 1983. He is survived by the two people he loved most, Jennifer and Ethan...

News Bites for Sept. 27, 2023

MATTAWA — SR 243 was closed briefly early Tuesday morning when a semi-truck rolled over just west of the Vernita Bridge, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. At a little after 5:30 a.m., Mykel D. Spurlock, 35, of Kennewick was driving a 2020 Peterbilt northbound on SR 243 at milepost 1 when he drifted off the roadway onto the soft shoulder, according to the WSP. Spurlock overcorrected and the trailer disconnected from the tractor and rolled over. A gash about two inches long caused a minor gasoline leak. There were no injuries. Spurlock was wearing his seat belt, the WSP wrote, and neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor in the incident. Spurlock was cited for wheels off the roadway and failure to maintain lane.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 27-Oct. 3

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local cross country, football, girls soccer, swimming and diving and volleyball teams.Some of our local sports teams are setting themselves up for really powerful seasons this fall and we hope to see you at the game or meet...

Trucking students

Othello schools beginning CDL training next spring

OTHELLO — The Othello School District has instituted a commercial driver's license program that will be offered for the spring semester at Othello High School, with about 25 students registered for the course. “For a few years now, actually, we've really wanted to bring this program in as a response to workforce need,” said OSD’s Student Services Director Amy Parris. “In our community, we're kind of known as a trucking community and it's a regional need for sure, all over eastern Washington and an even greater (area).” ...

Throwing starfish

Down syndrome Buddy Walk spotlights parents, caregivers

MOSES LAKE — The annual Columbia Basin Buddy Walk drew a bigger crowd than expected Saturday. “We don’t have a number yet, but more than last year,” said Denise Ketola, one of the event’s organizers. One estimate had between 350 and 400 people, she added...

Legals for September, 27 2023

FIRE REPORT: Fire danger remains high, air quality good in the Basin

MOSES LAKE — Due to rainy weather, the Blue Lake fire that has burned in the Cascades since July 29 was showing minimal fire activity Tuesday, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service. The fire, located about 53 miles west of Omak, is 80% contained at 1,074 acres, according to the USFS. It’s expected to be fully contained Sunday...

CBHA receives grant to help youth access mental health care

OTHELLO — The Columbia Basin Health Association is the recipient of a $500,000 grant designed to help children and teens who need behavioral health care to get it more quickly. The CBHA was one of five winners nationwide in the “Community Health Entrepreneur Challenge.” ...

WARRIOR ROYALTY

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School seniors Christopher Gallardo, left, and Andrea Corrales, right, reigned as the Homecoming king and queen at the WHS homecoming game Sept. 22.

Subaru, potato truck collision leads to injuries

MOSES LAKE – Three people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after their car caught fire in a collision Monday afternoon. Simon Simons, 48, of Wilbur and his passenger Erika Simons, also 48, of Wilbur were driving south in a 2021 Subaru Outback on Road W Northeast just east of Moses Lake at about 5 p.m., according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. Simons ran the stop sign at Road 3 Northeast at about 55 miles per hour and was struck by a 2008 Peterbilt 386 loaded with potatoes and driven by Jesus Munoz Chacon, 37, of Warden.

Othello shooting suspect enters Alford plea, sentencing set for Nov. 13

RITZVILLE — An Othello man is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 13 in connection with a 2022 shooting that left a Quincy girl dead and an Othello girl injured...

Three officers sworn in to serve Othello

OTHELLO – The Othello City Council meeting Monday featured Mayor Shawn Logan swearing in three new officers to the Othello Police Department. The council also voted to rezone 18 acres of land and approved the Public Works Department to install four speed humps along Fourth Avenue...

Final Quincy hospital contract consideration postponed

QUINCY — The approval of the last – and largest – contract for the construction of the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled for Oct. 30. Joe Kunkel, a consultant working with QVMC on the project, said Monday the hospital board originally was scheduled to approve the contract for the third phase of the project during Monday’s meeting. But waiting a month was determined to be the better option, he said. “We said, ‘Let’s take a little more time and let the market work on this.’ Because if we try to jam it through, we’ll get a lot of people not responding. And we need as many eyes as we can get on this thing,” Kunkel said.

Mavs slowpitch dominating season with 9-1 record so far

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks notched another two wins on Monday afternoon, improving to 9-1 through the team’s first 10 games after a sweep of Wenatchee. Monday’s 15-5 and 15-0 wins over the Panthers were the eighth and ninth-straight wins for the Mavs, whose lone loss was in the season-opener against University on Sept. 9...

Fresh news: Walleye, crappie fishing good at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,028.6 feet, rising 0.75 feet this week. We are currently 2.1 feet above low pool. The water temperature is mid- to low 60s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in mid-60s. Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, the face of the dunes, and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater. Walleye fishing has been good this week. The walleye are in 10-25 feet right now. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes trolling No. 5 or No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnows. Cast jerk baits, swim baits and lipless crank baits in the shallower water. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Jigging 3- to 5-inch grubs and plastics on a 1/4-ounce jig head is producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

R. Rudy Johnson

R. Rudy Johnson, 86, died on Sept. 22, 2023, at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Wash...

Bonnie Kahananui

Jan. 31, 1949 — Sept. 21, 2023

Bonnie "Bon-Bon" Kahananui, 74, passed away at Brookdale - Hearthstone Assisted Living due to health complications on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023...

Santiago Silva Iñiguez

Santiago Silva Iñiguez, 85, a devoted family man, advocate for education, devout Catholic and pillar of his community, departed this world on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at 11:20 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations, surviving through his life partner, Guadalupe Rodriguez, and their 11 children: Uriel, Pedro, Martina, Erlinda, Alexia, Ricardo, José, Emilio, Simón, Jesús, Moises. Additionally, his impact continues through 14 cherished grandchildren...

Beverly 'Bev' Laam

Sept. 22, 1932 — Dec. 12, 2022

Beverly Gladys "Bev" Laam, 90, a long-time Moses Lake resident, peacefully passed at her home Dec. 12, 2022. She was surrounded by her family at her side...

Historical science

BBCC Chem instructor draws inspiration for new course from European sabbatical

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College Chemistry Instructor Lindsay Groce recently returned from her sabbatical in Europe. Drawing on experiences from her travels, she plans to create a new course to be offered at Big Bend in the spring of 2024...

News Bites for Sept. 26, 2023

News updates from first responder agencies from around the Columbia Basin.

WorkSource to hold Oct. 6 hiring fair

MOSES LAKE — More than 30 businesses will have opportunities for people looking for that next job at the fall Hiring and Resource Fair sponsored by WorkSource. It’s scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at WorkSource Central Basin, 309 E. Fifth Ave., Moses Lake.

Legals for September, 26 2023

FIRE REPORT: Annual burn ban ends Sept. 30 as fires continue across state

MOSES LAKE — The burn ban in Grant and Adams counties ends Saturday, according to Grant County Fire District 3’s website. Once the ban is lifted, the normal regulations will apply to residential and agricultural burning, the website said...

Grant PUD eyeing multiple projects in ‘24 budget

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District customers will be invited to review and comment on the 2024 budget at three public hearings Oct. 10 and 12. In-person hearings are scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the PUD commission hearing room at the main office in Ephrata, 30 C St. SW, and 6 p.m. Oct. 12 in the auditorium in the Moses Lake office, 312 W. Third Ave. A virtual hearing will be held Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. The link to the online meeting is available in a press release under the “News” tab on the PUD website, www.grantpud.org...

GCFD 7 holds open house, plans more for future

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7 hosted an open house Saturday at their station in Soap Lake to allow members of the community a chance to meet the fire chief and volunteers and get to know how the department works...

GALLERY: Basin football Week 4

COLUMBIA BASIN — Nine of the 11 local football teams secured wins on Friday and Saturday, with four squads remaining undefeated through four weeks of action. Here’s a look back at some of the photo highlights from the past week’s Basin sports action.

Winning trend

Mavs 2023 record at 3-1 in Big 9 with win over West Valley

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks’ second clean sheet of the season came on Saturday, defeating West Valley (Yakima) 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at home. Moses Lake held the Rams to just one shot on goal in the second half, which came during second-half stoppage time...

CWU selects new executive director of Institutional Effectiveness

ELLENSBURG - Jason Jones will be joining the Wildcat family on October 16, coming to CWU from the Board of Governors, State University System of Florida, where he has served as the chief data officer since 2017...

Nona Jane Sielaff-Leaf

1934 — 2023

Nona Jane Sielaff-Leaf (Norwick), of Moses Lake, peacefully passed away on September 22, 2023, at home surrounded by family...

Bonnie Kahananui

Bonnie (Bon-Bon) Kahananui, 74, of Moses Lake passed away at Brookdale - Hearthstone Assisted Living due to health complications on Thursday, September 21.

Mary Anne 'Minnie' Allison Rast

May 6, 1949 — Aug. 10, 2023

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, Mary Anne “Minnie” Allison Rast, passed in her sleep on Aug. 10, 2023...

Weather report for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Weather report for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Adams Co. working to address jail closure, maintenance needs

RITZVILLE – Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner met with the Adams County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss the requirements to re-open the Adams County Jail and make improvements beyond the basic facility needs. “You guys know the conditions. You know the things that are needed to be fixed. Part of the thing that I wanted to discuss today is where the board feels like we need to go next with the facility. I know the things are going to be worked on,” said Wagner. “I would like to see at least some ideas of the projects that the commissioners and the facilities managers want to do in the jail so we can at least get started on those things.” ...

Bike safety, bike fun on agenda for Moses Lake bike rodeo

MOSES LAKE — All things bicycle will be the focus of the annual bike rodeo, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the ice rink and parking lot at the Larson Recreation Center, 2501 W. Broadway Ave. in Moses Lake. The bike rodeo has been a project of the Moses Lake Kiwanis and the Moses Lake Trail Planning Team since about 2019, with interruptions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time other sponsors have come on board. The bike rodeo was the brainchild of Kiwanis member Louis Logan, and he came up with the official name, “Bicycle Activities, Repairs, Giveaway and Skills.” It replaced a longtime Kiwanis project.

Legals for September, 25 2023

Mistakes cost Wahluke in 48-7 loss to Zillah

MATTAWA — Zillah took advantage of some early Wahluke mistakes and defeated the Warriors 48-7 on Homecoming night Saturday. “Not something we expect, but that’s part of the game,” Wahluke head coach Anfernee Cortez said after the game.

Grant Co. Health District encourages vaccines as illnesses rise

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District is encouraging area residents to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date for the 2023-24 season citing increasing cases of COVID-19 and related hospitalizations, according to a Sept. 19 press release...

FIRE REPORT: Fire season not over yet

OLYMPIA — The weather is cooling, but fire danger is still high, according to a statement from Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. Citing elevated temperatures and dry fuel conditions, Franz highlighted the need to protect both residents and firefighters from avoidable wildfire danger...

Two Quincy streets slated for improvements

QUINCY — Sections of Third Avenue SW and Sixth Avenue NE in Quincy are scheduled for improvements. Quincy City Council members approved bids for two separate road projects Sept. 19, with bid opening Sept. 28...

STUDIO BASIN: Ending Alzheimer’s and Basin football

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Karisti Cox with Summer Wood Alzheimer's Special Care Center stops into the STUDIO BASIN studio to talk about the recent Walk to End Alzheimer's with Managing Editor Rob Miller. While she's with us, she also talks about hope on the horizon for treatment of the disease and offers a few tips on how to help those facing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia live better lives. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer go over football games at Warden, MLCA/CCS and ACH, as well as the Soap Lake volleyball team's win over Cascade Christian. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3rfIVsM.

Just weeks left to nominate your favs for Best of the Basin

MOSES LAKE – There are just five weeks left to make your nominations for the Third Annual Best of the Basin Community Choice Awards. Nominations began in August for the recognition program that is based on our local communities and their favorite businesses from around the Columbia Basin...

Tigers take the W

Late score gives Ephrata the win over East Valley

EPHRATA – An exciting second half came down to the wire in Friday night’s Central Washington Athletic Conference matchup between Ephrata and previously undefeated East Valley (Yakima), with the Tigers answering a late Red Devil touchdown to take a 21-17 win. “East Valley is a great team, and it was going to take everything that we had,” Ephrata head coach Patrick Mitchell said. “We’ve been through some adversity this year, and that’s only stuff that makes it stronger. There’s going to be an adverse atmosphere at some point and time, and we’re going to be ready for it.” ...

Knights defeat Wahluke 3-0 in SCAC opener

ROYAL CITY – The Royal Knights claimed a win in Thursday’s South Central Athletic Conference (East) contest against Wahluke, opening up league play with a 3-0 win over the Warriors. While the win is nice, Royal Head Coach Jens Jensen said the Knights are remaining humble after the league opener...

Cowlitz Complex fires inch closer to containment

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST — The 30-fire Cowlitz Complex in the southwest Washington Cascades National Forest between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River is now 40% contained at 715 acres and 296 personnel, according to the U.S. Fire Service.

Adaptation and change

Imagine Realty and Palos Verdes to offer new custom floor plan

OTHELLO — Othello residents might soon be able to purchase houses with floor plans that include an attached second primary suite, one of a number of options an Othello realty company is using to adapt to the market.

Past perfect

Moses Lake-raised author takes pains to research her historical novels

MOSES LAKE — You could say A.L. Sowards is living in the past.

Legals for September, 22 2023

Almira Country Fair promises small-town fun

ALMIRA — The Almira Country Fair starts today, according to its social media page. “I would say (the fair) started 40-some years ago,” said fair committee member Joann Eagle. “It really started out with a craft fair and a parade. They used to have arm-wrestling contests. I think it’s going be fun to bring that back.”

BASIN SPORTS RECAP: Eight teams reach top-10 in WIAA’s RPI

COLUMBIA BASIN – Teams from across the Columbia Basin began to enter league play in their respective conferences over the past week, battling it out on the field. Check out this week’s local sports recap for a look at how local squads fared in contests over the previous week. All scores and records are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Police records for Sept. 22, 2023

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.

Bites 2 Go

Program aims to provide weekend food for Othello children

OTHELLO — Qualifying elementary students in the Othello School District will be getting food to tide them over the weekends with the help of a partnership between the Othello Food Bank, 2nd Harvest and the Othello School District. The first meals of the “Bites 2 Go” program were delivered Thursday. Food Bank Director Jose Garza said Bites 2 Go is the revival of a program that was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s designed for children who may not have enough to eat when school is not in session. “It’s food to be taken home,” Garza said. “They will be getting food every weekend. If there’s no school on a Friday, they will get their bags on Thursdays.”

Physicality a focus as Cougars begin Pac-12 play vs Oregon State

PULLMAN — The 2023 Pac-12 slate opens on Saturday across the conference, with the No. 21 Washington State Cougars preparing for a “physical” No. 14 Oregon State squad. OSU ran for 203 yards in last season’s meeting on Oct. 15, and the Beavers have averaged 219 yards on the ground through their first three games of the season. “You look at these guys as a whole – what an opportunity for us,” WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference on Monday. “By most metrics, they have a top-five offensive line in the country … These two backs are phenomenal, physical and run their scheme. They’re patient, very multiple.”

Wheels spin at Othello Demo Derby

OTHELLO — The Othello Demolition Derby brought a swarm of audience members to the rodeo arena at the Adams County Fairgrounds Sept. 13 during the 2023 Othello Fair. Warden resident Tomas Pruneda spoke about what brought him to the event. “This is my sixth year racing,” said Pruneda. “I just love to race. I mean, we go everywhere, we go to Moses Lake, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla. We're hoping to go to Spokane on Sunday … big adrenaline.”

Soap Lake changes city hall hours ordinance

The Soap Lake City Council voted Wednesday to approve a change in the city’s ordinances, switching City Hall’s public hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. indefinitely. The ordinance change came after council members passed a motion at the Sept. 6 council meeting to adopt the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. public hours. City employees will still work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ...

Ric Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ric Johnson, who left us on Aug. 27, 2023, at the age of 72. Though he departed this world unexpectedly, he was surrounded by his dear friends. Ric was born on Dec. 15, 1950, to Glenn and Joan (Burgess) Johnson in Pasco, Washington. His family eventually settled in Othello where he graduated from Othello High School. After high school Ric moved to Spokane to attend business school. While in Spokane, Ric married his first wife, and they had two children, Natalie and Patrick. Life led Ric to Georgia where he met his second wife Maxine. They eventually moved back to Washington to be closer to Ric’s family. Shortly after the move, Maxine was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ric had become active in hospice after his mother passed away from cancer, which helped him through Maxine’s diagnosis. Ric continued to volunteer with hospice and served on the board for several years.

Eagles move to 3-1 with sweep of Cascade Christian

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake improved to 3-1 in the early season, clinching its third-straight sweep after a 3-0 win over Cascade Christian on Tuesday night.

Ephrata hosts volleyball tournament

EPHRATA – The Tigers hosted 13 teams at Saturday’s Varsity Volleyball Tournament, bringing in schools ranging from 1B to 4A classifications.

FIRE REPORT: Olympic blazes still growing, Dorian fire 30% contained

KENNEWICK — The Dorian fire outside of Wallula between Kennewick and Walla Walla, was 30% contained at 200 acres Wednesday according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. It was human-caused, according to the DNR, but the specific cause was under investigation.

WSU announces Murrow News Fellowship program manager

PULLMAN – The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication announced Monday the appointment of Jody Brannon as program manager for the new Murrow News Fellowship at Washington State Universit

Legals for September, 21 2023

Ribbon cutting Sept. 27 at Columbia Ridge Elementary

EPHRATA — Students and teachers at Grant Elementary and Ephrata School District officials will be cutting the ribbon on the completed remodel of the building in a ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 27. The school is located at 60 H St. SE. Tours of the building will follow the ceremony from about 6:20 to 7 p.m., according to an ESD press release. Grant Elementary got a second gym, a new office and entryway, and eight new classrooms in the remodel. The existing classrooms also were remodeled.

USPS seeing major increase in change of address fraud

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems announced Tuesday a major increase in change of address fraud has caught the attention of the United States Postal Service and federal lawmakers. According to the announcement, data shows that change of address fraud and other types of identity theft numbers are up 167% from 2021 to 2022. The announcement said that the United States Postal Inspector’s office stated that seniors are the most likely targets and lawmakers are now asking USPS to tighten the identity verification process.

Operating hours may be reduced temporarily at Quincy Animal Shelter

QUINCY — The Quincy Animal Shelter hours may change temporarily as city officials work to add new staff. Municipal Services Director Carl Worley told Quincy City Council members Tuesday that it’s difficult for the existing staff to manage both the animals and the current hours. “The animal shelter is currently shorthanded until temporary employees are hired,” he said. “I think we’re down to pretty much two people at this point. So it’s sometimes difficult for them to meet the public at the door. Sometimes they’re in the back and don’t hear it.”

Grant Elementary upgrades on hold

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is putting planned upgrades to Grant Elementary on hold, citing greatly increased costs of construction. An October public hearing is being planned to get public feedback on how to manage remaining bond proceeds intended for work at the Grant Elementary campus. “To say that we are disappointed that we cannot afford to fulfill the promises we made in the 2019 bond is an understatement,” wrote Ephrata School District Superintendent Tim Payne in a press release issued Sept. 15. “We turned over every rock we could to find the money needed to complete this project. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.” In a release issued in June, district officials announced the remodeling of the Performing Arts Center at Ephrata High School, including the PAC gym, would be delayed. District officials anticipated the Grant Elementary project would go out to bid in the fall, but rising costs pushed the project out of the district’s existing budget.

Creative District to host traditional Cuban music concert

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Creative District will host its final free summer concert Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. in McCosh Park’s Centennial Amphitheater with traditional Cuban son music performed live by the SuperSones, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center. According to the release, the Seattle-based SuperSones play music known as son – the acoustic dance music of the Cuban countryside that inspired modern salsa music. Son is a unique blend of Spanish guitars and harmony, Afro-Cuban percussion and swing, call-and-response singing and trumpet improvisation, said the release. “From the 1930s in Havana to the present moment, Cuban septets like SuperSones have inspired people around the world to dance and celebrate,” stated the press release.

Soup kitchen reopens for the winter at Our Lady of Fatima Parish

MOSES LAKE – The soup kitchen at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moses Lake is once again open for the winter. The church offers hot lunches every Thursday starting at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the church website.

Willard Cleland

Willard Cleland, 92, passed away Sept. 14, 2023. Willard and his twin were born in Grand Pass, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, his pinochle gang, square dancing and being a member of Moses Lake Senior Center. Willard served in the Korean War, then worked as a special agent for SP&S, which became Burlington Northern Railroad.

Apprenticeship program gathering to be held Sept. 27

MOSES LAKE — Interested high school students and their families from throughout Grant County and North Central Washington are invited to learn about a new apprenticeship program at a Moses Lake business through a Youth Apprenticeship Information Night set for Sept. 27...

Walking buddies

Down Syndrome event to spotlight and honor parents, caregivers

MOSES LAKE — People with Down Syndrome, along with their friends and families, will gather Saturday at McCosh Park for the 11th annual Buddy Walk, hosted by the Down Syndrome Society of Grant County. The walk will be the same as in past years, but the festivities beforehand will have a little something extra. “We are honoring caregivers and parents for the first time,” said Denise Ketola, one of the organizers of the event and the mother of a 20-year-old with Down Syndrome. “That’s kind of our theme; it’s the first time we’ve done that.” ...

Livestock glamor

4-H and FFA youth take a turn in the show ring for Livestock Judging competition

OTHELLO – Future Farmers of America and 4-H members from all over the state of Washington traveled to the 2023 Othello Fair for the Livestock Judging event Friday morning, where they took a turn in the show ring to competitively judge animals. “What we do is we just take some animals that are pre-selected and we get four in a class and then the kids are asked to judge them on the quality,” said Grant County 4-H Program Coordinator Carolyn Russo. “This is market livestock judging, so most things are market. Sometimes we'll throw in a class of prospect breeding heifers or something.” ...

Playing through

Ten Pin mini-golf opens in Moses Lake to let locals putt their way to fun

MOSES LAKE — The new Ten Pin miniature golf course is a family dream come true. “(It’s) something we've always kind of talked about doing,” said Cale Russell, the CEO of Ten Pin Territory, which includes Lake Bowl, Ten Pin Brewing, Papa’s Casino and Ten Pin Inn & Suites, all located on the north side of SR 17 where it crosses Stratford Road. “There were plans kind of hanging in the office for years that we've toyed with.” ...

Elevate Othello

Community event looks at building opportunities and enjoying ice cream this Saturday

OTHELLO — Othello residents are invited for some ice cream and a wide-ranging discussion about increasing opportunities in town Saturday afternoon. Organizers of the “Elevate Othello” project will host an ice cream social from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Othello City Hall, 500 E. Main St., to talk about what they’ve learned so far, and where residents want to go from here.

Cougar women’s basketball announces nonconference slate

PULLMAN – Washington State Women's Basketball will host six contests and compete in the Cancun Challenge in Mexico as part of their 2023-24 nonconference schedule, Head Coach Kamie Ethridge announced Monday.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 20-26

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local cross country, football, girls soccer, swimming and diving and volleyball teams.

Regional rodeo results: Aug. 10-Sept. 19

MOSES LAKE – Rodeos have been hosted across eastern Washington and northern Idaho over the previous six weeks, bringing in riders and competitions from across the country and beyond. Read along for a list of the top three placements from each rodeo, complete with scores, times and payouts. Results are as posted by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or organizers of the rodeo listed if it is a non-PRCA event.

Legals for September, 20 2023

FIRE REPORT: Firefighters knock down blaze in Soap Lake, fires season continues statewide

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7, with a little help from its friends, extinguished a 2-acre wildfire Monday night in Soap Lake, according to a statement from the fire district. At about 10:45, GCFD 7 responded to a report of a structure fire at Division Street and SR 28, the statement said. When firefighters arrived, they found that no structures were actually burning, but a commercial building and multiple residences were threatened. Making matters worse were high winds, light fuels and a power pole brought down as a result of the fire...

One arrested after alleged theft of WashDOT vehicle

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Sheriff’s Department announced that ACSO deputies had taken a male subject into custody after a lengthy highway pursuit...

Moses Lake Ministerial Association hosts first United Community Worship Night

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Ministerial Association presented the city’s first inter-congregational United Community Worship Night Friday in the sanctuary of Restore City Church. Campus Coordinator at Youth Dynamics and Worship Leader at Grace Harvest Church Davie Sawyer, who was part of Friday’s worship team, explained the goal of the event...

New DOH dashboard tracks respiratory illness

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Health has announced the debut of a new data dashboard tracking respiratory illnesses statewide. The new dashboard will include COVID-19 activity, and the old site that tracked only coronavirus data has been retired...

FRESH NEWS: Water rising and cooling, caution advised around underwater obstacles

MARDON - The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1027.85 feet – rising .05 feet this week. The reservoir is 1.35 feet above low pool. The water temperature is mid-60s to 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low 70s...

Robert Murdock

Nov. 13, 1925 — Aug. 7, 2023

Robert G. "Bud" Murdock, born on November 13, 1925 in Richmond Beach, Wash., passed away Aug. 7, 2023 at the age of 97...

New exhibit to open Sept. 28 at CWU’s Sarah Spurgeon Gallery

The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host a solo exhibition by Native American artist RYAN! Feddersen starting next week...

COLUMN: Inslee right to support individual tutoring to help students make up for COVID learning loss

Earlier this year Senator John Braun (R-Centralia) introduced SB 5248 to provide funding for individual tutoring to help students recover from the learning losses resulting from the COVID school shutdowns.

Moving bales

Hay Bucking Contest returns for 2023 Othello Fair

OTHELLO – Othello Fair attendees lined the North Lawn next to the Adams County Fairgrounds entrance Thursday evening to watch teams of two participants compete in the 2023 Hay Bucking Contest for a chance at the first place $1000 prize. This is the second year the Hay Bucking contest has returned to the Othello Fair after a long absence, said Othello Fair President Becky Flint...

Legals for September, 19 2023

Soap Lake water accounts cause frustration

SOAP LAKE – The city of Soap Lake has experienced an increase in past-due water utility payments and shut-off notices, said Mayor Michelle Agliano. However, city residents say the issue is as much with the city’s billing processes as it is with nonpayment. “Payments are due on the 28th,” said Agliano. “The late notices go out the 29th and then if we have not gotten a payment by, usually the 4th after the new billing, we start sending out shut-off notices, which are hand delivered to each resident and I’ll tell you what, there were a ton of them this time that had notices.” ...

Exhibitors sought for NCESD college and career expos

WENATCHEE — Businesses in Grant, Okanogan, Douglas and Chelan counties are being encouraged to exhibit at a series of college and career fairs planned for the four counties in October and November...

FIRE REPORT: Blazes grow in WA over the weekend as red flag warnings go out

MOSES LAKE — The wildfires in Olympic National Park grew over the weekend, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, while red flag warnings due to low humidity and relatively high winds held over much of the state...

Nonprofits connect with community at Care Fair

MOSES LAKE — Representatives from 15 local nonprofit organizations filled the Youth Dynamics building Saturday to raise awareness and recruit volunteers. The second annual Care Fair was sponsored by Care Moses Lake, and founder Michaelle Boetger said the goal is to help make connections. “Our mission is to help out other nonprofits in our community, and also promote giving back. That’s really what we’re trying to do here,” Boetger said...

Warriors fall in second-half Saturday

COULEE CITY – Though the score didn’t fall in the Warrior’s favor, ACH Head Coach Brandon Walsh said there were positive takeaways from Saturday’s 64-34 loss to defending 1B state champion Liberty Bell. ACH was down by a score after the first half, but the Mountain Lions outscored the Warriors 36-14 in the second half...

Lions topple Eagles

MLCA/CCS defeats Soap Lake for third straight win of new football program

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy-Covenant Christian School Lions football team pushed their record to 3-0 with a 44-30 win over the Soap Lake Eagles Saturday at Lions Field. It was the third game ever for MLCA/CCS, and Coach Aaron Noble said his team met and overcame some challenges Saturday night...

Sandra Doreen Hintz

Sandra Doreen Hintz was born to Robert and Irene Weeks on Feb. 12, 1934, in Seattle Wash. She and her brother Bobby, born June 23, 1936, attended grade schools in Seattle and Bremerton.

WSU becoming a destination for Latine students

PULLMAN - The number of students of Hispanic and Latino origin attending Washington State University has grown substantially in the last decade — up 75% to more than 4,000 students systemwide. That’s a national trend, but it’s also a reflection of the success of programs offered at WSU that support students and their families...

Marge Dyck

Marjorie “Marge” Ellen Bumgarner Dyck was born on July 10, 1932, to Ralph and Bessie Bumgarner. She was joined by a brother, Robert, 8 years later. She spent a lot of time with her grandparents, Frank and Minnie Bumgarner, when she was growing up. While Marge’s mother liked to be outside tending her large vegetable and flower gardens as well as her chickens, Marge liked to be inside, ideally reading a book. She loved books her whole life! ...

Weather for Monday, Sept. 18, 2023

Weather for Monday, Sept. 18, 2023

Sip & Stroll draws wine, art, music lovers downtown

MOSES LAKE — A warm sunny day brought wine and spirit aficionados, art lovers, music lovers and shoppers to downtown Moses Lake Saturday. The annual Sip ‘n Stroll was sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association. Association board president Denise Kinder said in midafternoon that participants had been arriving in a steady stream. “It’s been a really great turnout,” Kinder said...

Legals for September, 18 2023

Othello parade brings out folks of all ages

OTHELLO — People young and old, local and visiting, lined Othello’s Main Street Saturday morning for the Othello Parade. The weather was beautifully cooperative, warm but not scorching, and not a cloud to be seen...

WSU regents advance capital projects, endorse strategic plans

PULLMAN - More than a dozen action items before the WSU Board of Regents – ranging from design and budget approvals for capital projects to President Kirk Schulz’s 2023-24 goals and objectives – were approved during its Friday meeting in Pullman. Regents gave university leadership the go-ahead on several capital projects on the WSU Spokane and WSU Pullman campuses: ...

STUDIO BASIN: Fall Sports Overview

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona goes over the Columbia Basin Herald's fall sports preview, covering local cross country, girls soccer and volleyball teams as they prepare for the 2023 season. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/45OdxQW.

FIRE REPORT: Fire Science program starts, fire season continues across the state

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department had a chance to welcome students from the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center’s new Fire Science program recently, according to an announcement from the MLFD. Students in the program spend three class periods a day preparing for the career options of firefighting, dispatch, emergency medical services and wildland firefighting. The program also offers opportunities for scholarships, higher education and residency programs, the announcement said.

Five arrested in drive-by investigation

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department Interim Chief, Cpt. David Sands issued a statement Friday indicating four arrests have been made in the investigation of an Aug. 13 shooting that led to the death of Jeremy Flores, 36, of Moses Lake.

Cougars fall at home to Kiona-Benton

WARDEN — Penalties and turnovers marred the Cougar offense and its ability to sustain drives on Friday night against Kiona-Benton, leading to a 36-12 home loss to the Bears. The Cougars turned the ball over six times, and while penalties consistently kept Warden behind the chains on offense...

Charles “Chuck” Wilson

Nov. 17, 1922 – Sept. 8, 2023

Chuck passed away peacefully at 100 years old. He was a member at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus...

Alvin Joe Randall

Alvin Joe Randall, 86, of Moses Lake passed away Sept. 12, 2023. He was born in Manhattan, Mont. and lived in Moses Lake for 30 years. Alvin was a Navy Veteran and a retired Mechanic. Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation in Pasco is in charge of arrangements.

Florentina Jimenez

Feb. 12, 1959 – Sept. 12, 2023

Florentina Jimenez was born in Carisco Springs, Texas, on Feb. 12, 1959 and passed away Sept. 12, 2023. Florentina was the beloved wife of 45 years to Jesus Jimenez, with whom she had five children. Florentina was kind, funny and humble. She will be greatly missed. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Funeral to be held Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church located at 200 N. Dale Road in Moses Lake.

Magnetic Ink

Moses Lake tattoo shop doing well three years after starting business

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake native Eddie Bernier, the owner and operator of the Magnetic Ink tattoo shop, said near the beginning of August that business is doing well for him. Bernier can be found at his shop tattooing clients in a second floor room with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto South Balsam Street. Rows of Bernier’s own artwork hang on the walls of the shop...

Quincy town hall Monday to discuss regional parks district proposal

QUINCY — Quincy and George-area residents are invited to a town hall from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept 18 to ask questions and talk about the plans for the proposed Quincy Valley Regional Parks District. An open house to discuss the project is scheduled right before the town hall, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., both at Quincy City Hall, 104 B St. SW...

Police logs for Sept. 15, 2023

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.

Making a creative atmosphere

Obsidian Tattoo Collective welcomes tattoo-seekers from all walks of life

MOSES LAKE – Being raised in Moses Lake, Juan Reyes has been tattooing from a young age. Now, Reyes is tattooing in his hometown at his own shop, Obsidian Tattoo Collective. “Once I got the career going and I was able to build up a clientele – my mom and my dad live in Moses, and I was like ‘I want to bring the kids back to be close to their grandparents,’” Reyes said. “It brought me back home.” ...

Righting a wrong

Covenants Homeownership Account Act will help minority buyers get their first homes

MOSES LAKE — It’s well known that racial disparities have historically existed in housing. Official racial discrimination – rules about which races can live where – hasn’t been legal in the U.S. for more than half a century, but its effects are still seen today...

CWU music professor’s latest composition earning worldwide acclaim

ELLENSBURG - Dr. Jiyoun Chung, who holds a doctorate in musical composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, felt like she was on to something big when she wrote her dance-inspired composition, “Freestyle Battle,” two years ago. But the assistant professor of music composition at Central Washington University had no idea how big the piece would get until it started winning awards and being performed by chamber orchestras around the world...

Building permits for Sept. 15, 2023

Building permits for Sept. 15, 2023

Tattoo art both interesting, challenging, artist says

MOSES LAKE — Blaire Knox said she’s always loved and experimented with art. “I’ve been sort of an eclectic artist my whole life, mostly centered around drawing,” she said. “Just as a personal interest. Beyond drawing, I’ve done painting and working with clay for sculptures, sewing clothes. I’ve (worked) with 3D modeling and drawing comics, and working with Photoshop. I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.” ...

Jacks enter 2023 under new HC Avalos

QUINCY – Off to a 2-1 start to the 2023 season, the Quincy Jackrabbits girls soccer team is under the tutelage of new Head Coach Kim Avalos, a former assistant coach for the Jacks.

Mavs bring experience, depth into 2023 season

MOSES LAKE – Coming off a 7-9 season, the Moses Lake volleyball team returns an experienced roster in 2023 with the goal of reaching the 4A State Volleyball Tournament.

“Hungry” Warriors team aims to return to 1B state tournament

COULEE CITY – After falling in districts in the 2022 season, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warrior volleyball team entered the 2023 season with a veteran group of players aiming for the school’s first state berth since 2019.

Huskies bring strong team chemistry into 2023

OTHELLO – A healthy bond between players on the field is an important factor for sports teams, and that’s something that first-year Othello girls soccer Head Coach Victor Quiroz said the Huskies have this season.

Devils bring in “inspired” team, aim for state berth

WILSON CREEK – The Wilson Creek Devils finished 2022 one game shy of qualifying for state, falling to Waterville-Mansfield in the consolation game of the Central Washington B League Tournament in early November.

Eagles bring more experience into new season

SOAP LAKE – A returning corps of starters will be featured on the court for the Soap Lake Eagles volleyball team this season, as they aim to develop what is still a young roster.

Royal girls soccer begins 2023 campaign

ROYAL CITY – The Royal Knights finished 2022 as the third team out of the South Central Athletic Conference (East), falling to Wahluke 1-0 in the consolation semifinals of the SCAC Tournament. Royal opens league play next week at home against Wahluke at 6 p.m.

Tigers running strong entering 2023

EPHRATA – The Tigers will bring a wealth of different experience levels to cross country courses on both the boys and girls teams this season, with the boys returning five runners from last year’s state championships and the girls team aiming for a state return.

“I’m always up for the challenge”

Warriors’ rebuilt roster takes the field

MATTAWA – After rebuilding the defense last season, the Wahluke Warriors will once again have to replace pieces of the team in 2023 after losing seven starters from the fall 2022 season.

New-look Lions return to the court

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions will look much different on the court this season, having graduated a strong senior class that helped guide the team to an appearance in the 1B State Volleyball Tournament last fall.

Bronco volleyball coming off of state finish

RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos are coming off a strong 2022, earning a sixth-place finish at the 2B State Volleyball Tournament in Yakima last November. Already with a 3-0 record, LRS is aiming for yet another strong season on the court in 2023.

“I feel like we are a stronger team this year”

Cougars bring deep team into 2023 season

WARDEN – After a 10-6 regular season last fall, the Warden Cougar volleyball team is aiming for a run in a highly talented Eastern Washington Athletic Conference.

Legals for September, 15 2023

Serving

Lind-Ritzville took sixth at state competition in volleyball last year.

WSU sees largest new first-year student class since 2019

PULLMAN — This fall, Washington State University welcomed its largest cohort of new first-year students since the fall of 2019. WSU saw a 6.5% increase in new first-year students systemwide - from 3,991 in the fall of 2022 to 4,249 this fall. WSU Tri-Cities saw the largest percentage growth in new first-year students, with an increase of 25.7% compared to last fall. The number of new students seeking professional doctorates in pharmacy, human and veterinary medicine also improved this fall. “The growth we’re seeing in new students this fall is an indication of the excellent work of our enrollment management staff and demonstrates our ability to reverse the enrollment declines caused by the pandemic,” said WSU Provost and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Chilton.

Road projects under consideration near The Gorge

QUINCY — Grant County officials are working on options to alleviate traffic congestion on Silica Road and around the Gorge Amphitheater. One project already has been approved by the Grant County Commissioners; two more are under discussion with the goal of making improvements next spring...

FIRE REPORT: Weather shift could make fire season worse

PORTLAND, Ore. — Despite the recent cooler and rainy conditions that moderated fire activity in the Northwest, fire season continues with a change in the weather pattern underway, according to the U.S. Fire Service. Light east winds are forecast for later this week with significant warming and drying expected to occur throughout Oregon and Washington...

Community Foundation of NCW awards $1.3 million in scholarships

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington announced Monday it had awarded $1.3 million in scholarships to 214 students across North Central Washington, the largest amount awarded to date, according to the announcement...

QVMC commissioners award materials contracts

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center commissioners awarded about $4.57 million in contracts for materials for the new Quincy hospital in a special meeting Wednesday. It was the second of three contracts for construction. “The last approval that we’ll go through is for the full (guaranteed maximum price), and that is going to be next month,” said Kayla Van Lieshout of the Klosh Group, a consultant on the project. “We anticipate taking that to the Oct. 23 board meeting for approval.” ...

Lodge Tax Advisory Committee grant applications due soon

GRANT COUNTY – The Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee announced in a Tuesday press release the final date for grant applicants for qualifying tourism promotion for 2024 campaigns is nearing. ..

Community worship event set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Ministerial Association will offer a united community worship Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Restore City Church, 2227 W Peninsula Drive, according to an announcement from the MLMA. Members of all churches are invited to lift up the name of Jesus, the announcement said. The goal is to unite the body of Christ through praise, worship and prayer. The event is hosted by Restore City Church, but organized by pastors and worship leaders from all over Grant County. Everyone is welcome regardless of what denomination or church they belong to. More information can be found by calling Davie Sawyer at 509-431-1947.

CWU Board of Trustees elects new chairperson for 2023-24

ELLENSBURG - The Central Washington University Board of Trustees elected executive committee member Erin Black as its new chairperson during a July meeting. She succeeds former Chairperson Robert Nellams, who will remain on the BOT's Executive Committee...

Looking sharp: Othello Fair hosts annual market and Fit and Show livestock competitions

OTHELLO – Hundreds of 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Grange members spent the majority of Wednesday and Thursday at the Othello Fair showing the livestock they have been raising and caring for over the past year. Showings included both market showings and Fit and Showmanship presentations, said the President of the Adams County Livestock Association Robin Adolphsen...

Honoring service

Art Semro Post Auxilliary and Legionnaires host ceremony honoring local, national heroes

EPHRATA — Dozens of residents, city officials and first responders showed up at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata on Monday to join the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 28, and Legionnaires in remembering those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the various conflicts and emergencies since that day...

Art and walk to raise Alzheimer’s awareness set for Friday, Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Area residents will be flexing their artistic talents and putting on their walking shoes to decorate for Colors of Hope, Friday, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday. “I did a little bit (of art) last year, and people really enjoyed that. They enjoyed having something to look at, and it was something for them. Specifically for them,” said Karisti Cox, who is organizing the event...

Focus on the familiar

Masquers to open new season this weekend with ‘Blithe Spirit’

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater in Soap Lake will be premiering Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit this weekend. The show will run through October 1 every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m., according to the theater’s website. “Blithe Spirit” marks the opening of the Masquers’ new theater season, said the play’s director Marla Allsopp, who is also on the Masquers Theater Board of Directors...

Legals for September, 14 2023

Samaritan board approves bond issuance

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare commissioners approved the issuance of about $136.48 million in revenue bonds to pay for the construction of the new Samaritan Hospital Wednesday. “Wow,” said board chair Katherine Christian after the board voted to issue the bonds, and after the meeting she said it had been a long process...

Mane management

Competitors lead horses at the Othello fair Halter and Showmanship competition

OTHELLO – The Othello Fair hosted the 4-H, Grange, Future Farmers of America and Open Halter and Showmanship horse judging event Wednesday morning, which saw competitors lead their horses around the ring and demonstrate their presentation and the quality of the horse itself. “Showmanship is showing off their horses, halters are their builds, the horses build,” said event organizer and Othello Fair Board Member Kyya Grant. “It's going good.” ...

FIRE REPORT: Small fire near Vantage extinguished, Yakima River Canyon blazes grow quickly

YAKIMA — Two wildfires are burning in the Yakima River canyon between Yakima and Ellensburg, according to the Bureau of Land Management...

Fresh news: Walleye fishing good, crappie and bluegill out at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,027.8 feet, dropping 0.3 feet this week. We are currently 1.3 feet above low pool. The water temperature is mid-60s to 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low 70s. Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, at the face of the dunes and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater. Walleye fishing has been very good this week. The walleye are in 10-25 feet right now. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes trolling No. 5 or No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnows. Cast jerk baits, swim baits and lipless crank baits in the shallower water. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook–Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Jigging 3-inch plastics and grubs on a 1/4-ounce jig head is producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

Devils defeat Lions for first win of 2023 season

WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Devils got into the win column for the first time in 2023 on Tuesday night, defeating Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School in three sets on their home court. “Sometimes when you get a win under your belt you can get some momentum to get going with the season,” Wilson Creek Head Coach Christa Christopherson said. “I feel like last year we were playing well but weren’t necessarily winning a lot of games, so I think it was hard for them to get that momentum to finish out sets and win versus playing well.” After the Devils and Lions were tied at two in the first set, back-to-back aces by Wilson Creek junior Cassie Hinen pushed the lead in favor of Wilson Creek, a lead the Devils held throughout the remainder of the first set. Wilson Creek took a 1-0 lead after a 25-13 set win.

Pending home sales up for second month in a row

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pending home sales increased 0.9% in July, rising for the second consecutive month, according to an announcement from to the National Association of Realtors. The Northeast and Midwest posted monthly losses, while sales in the South and West grew. All four U.S. regions saw year-over-year declines in transactions...

Housing Finance Commission names new chair

SEATTLE —Real estate and banking leader Nicole Bascomb-Green was recently appointed by Governor Jay Inslee as the new chair of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, according to an announcement from the WSHFC...

Don Butler

Don Butler passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 24, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Don was born in Hope, Idaho to Guy and Helen Butler. His parents owned the only store in Hope: Butler's One Stop, where they raised their children Don, Marilyn, Bruce, Joyce and Kathy...

Hazel-Lou Schuh

Sept. 26, 1931 — Aug. 5, 2023

Hazel-Lou Schuh, 91, a longtime Moses Lake resident joined our Heavenly Father on Saturday Aug. 5, 2023.

King Gizzard to perform at the Gorge Amphitheatre

QUINCY – Rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will be performing at the Gorge Amphitheatre Sept. 14, 2024, according to a press release from the band...

Royal City mayor moving on

ROYAL CITY — Royal City Mayor Kent Andersen is stepping down after about a decade of service to the city...

News Bites for Sept. 13, 2023

CLE ELUM — Two pedestrians died after being struck by four vehicles on I-90 Sunday night, including a Washington State Patrol trooper, according to a statement from the WSP...

Wash. unions join in support of climate-friendly jobs

MOSES LAKE – Six Washington-based unions are teaming up to take advantage of Washington’s legislative environment and the need for workers to fill environmentally-friendly jobs created by that environment...

Legals for September, 13 2023

Sip & Stroll, Care Fair set for Saturday in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Some wine, some art, information on volunteer opportunities – downtown Moses Lake will be full of events Saturday afternoon...

Vet’s resource and job fair set for Sept. 23

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Board of County Commissioners announced in a Tuesday press release the Grant County Veterans Advisory Board is hosting the Annual Veteran Resource & Job Fair Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all veterans and qualified dependents...

Could irrigation canals generate electricity? Eastern WA chosen for $1.6M test

PASCO – Irrigation water could be used not only to water crops but also to produce electricity in a proposed hydropower demonstration project in an irrigation district based in Pasco. The Department of Energy has announced an award of $1.6 million to Emrgy of Atlanta, Ga., to develop a turbine to generate hydropower at small dams where the water drop is less than 30 feet or in irrigation canals...

Cougars win over East Valley, 3-0

WARDEN – After a setback in the third set, the Warden Cougars rallied to defeat East Valley (Yakima) 3-1 on Monday night...

Basin sports schedule Sept. 13-19

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring teams across all the different fall sports beginning to enter league play in their respective conferences...

Frederick Rudail 'Rudy' Steffler

Frederick Rudail "Rudy" Steffler, 79, of Boise, Idaho died Sept.r 8, 2023. Cremation is under the direction of the Cremation Society of Idaho.

Cecelia Scellick

June 9, 1930 — Sept. 7, 2023

Cecelia Theresa Scellick, 93, passed away Sept. 7, 2023 in Ephrata, Wash. at the Garden Oasis facility due to complications of COVID-19. Cecilia was born in Red Lake Falls, Minn. to Albert and Clara Reopelle on June 9, 1930...

Getting musical

Central Basin Community Concert Association announced 2023-24 season

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Community Concert Association will open its 69th season with a group featuring four-part harmony in four different musical genres. “The Suits” will perform in concert Oct. 12 at the Wallenstien Theater, 6528 26th Ave. NW, on the Big Bend Community College campus...

Legals for September, 12 2023

Tigers claw out a W in Battle of the Basin

Ephrata takes down Quincy in 35-12 gridiron bout Friday

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers pulled away in the second half to take the 2023 Battle of the Basin over the Quincy Jackrabbits, 35-12, Friday night in Ephrata...

2023 Othello Fair coming to town Wednesday to Saturday

OTHELLO – The Othello Fair will be held this week from Wednesday to Saturday at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Fairgoers can expect a variety of games, rides, attractions, competitions, livestock showings, food vendors and entertainment over the week, according to the Othello Fair website...

‘We start today’

Groundbreaking signals start of Quincy Valley Medical Center project

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center CEO Glenda Bishop characterized the new Quincy Valley Medical Center as a project about the past, present and future...

George Bluegrass Festival turns 16

GEORGE — The annual George Bluegrass Festival is now in its 16th year, according to organizer Debby Kooy. It started Monday, with people coming in from all over to camp and set up, and continues through Sunday morning...

FIRE REPORT: Fire closes one side of I-82, Cowlitz Complex expected to slow down

MOSES LAKE — The 182-acre Tendollar fire that sprang up Sunday on I-82 between Yakima and Ellensburg was 40% contained Monday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Costs were estimated at $150,000. The fire briefly closed the eastbound lanes of the freeway, according to the Washington Department of Transportation...

Local firefighters mobilized for large wildfires

MOSES LAKE — It’s been a long, hot, smoky summer throughout the state. It seemed like every other day there was a new wildfire starting somewhere and air quality got pretty nasty sometimes. But for some local firefighters, it’s been even hotter and smokier...

BASIN SPORTS RECAP: Othello soccer moves to 3-0, Mav football pulls off close road win

COLUMBIA BASIN – Fall sports season is in full swing around the Columbia Basin, with the past week featuring numerous matchups between schools in the area. Read along for a full recap of how local football, volleyball and girls soccer teams fared over the season's first full week. All scores are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association...

John Patrick McGowan

May 18, 1945 – Sept. 2, 2023

John Patrick McGowan was born May 18, 1945, in Portland, Ore., and passed away Sept. 2, 2023, in Moses Lake, Wash.

Patsy Lynn Kelly Bates

April 26, 1953 – Aug. 31, 2023

Patsy Lynn Kelly Bates, 70, of Moses Lake, passed away at home with her dogs and family by her side on August 31, 2023, after a long battle with health issues...

Stepping out for ag

Agriculture appreciation and fun emphasized at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day

QUINCY — The commemoration of Quincy’s past and future contributions to agriculture brought contemporary and antique farm machinery, dancing horses, pulling tractors and classic cars to town - and those were only some of the attractions at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday...

9-11 memorial to be held in Ephrata

EPHRATA – The American Legion Auxilliary, Unit 28, with assistance from the Legionnaires of the post will host a service at 5:30 p.m. Monday in remembrance of the state’s fallen heroes, according to a press release from the auxiliary...

Civil Air Patrol holds open house

Program offers learning opportunities and life experiences

EPHRATA - The Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol held an open house at their squadron building at the Ephrata Municipal Airport this past weekend to give interested parties the opportunity to hear about all the program. “There are going to be things you will be able to do that none of your friends would have ever dreamed they’d be able to do,” said Jonathan Henke, health services officer for the local squadron...

FIRE REPORT: Acreage estimates down on Cowlitz Complex fires

MOSES LAKE — Of the 30 fires that make up the Cowlitz Complex in Gifford Pinchot National Forest between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River, half are now out, according to the U.S. Forest Service, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The complex showed 12% containment Saturday and improved mapping has allowed authorities to decrease the acreage to about 660 acres. The U.S. Forest Service reported that 439 personnel are fighting the fire. Estimated costs had risen to a bit less than $7.2 million...

Battle of the Basin

EPHRATA - Ephrata players show the Battle of the Basin trophy to the team and the crowd after the Tigers’ 35-12 win over the Quincy Jackrabbits in Ephrata on Friday night. Quincy led 12-7 at the half, but Ephrata scored 29 unanswered points in the second half to take the win. Full coverage of the game will be available in the Columbia Basin Herald later this week.

Weather for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Weather for Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

Frederick’s Jewelry to celebrate 70th anniversary Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake business Frederick’s Jewelry will celebrate its 70th anniversary Sept. 16 at 208 W. Third Ave. with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The extended hours will partially coincide with the Downtown Moses Lake Association Sip n’ Stroll event. Frederick’s has been located in downtown Moses Lake since 1953, when Fred and Marlys Reiber opened Frederick’s Jewelry & Fine Gifts on Sept. 16, according to a press release from the store. Marty Utsunomiya, Fred and Marlys’ daughter, took over the business after Fred Reiber’s passing in 1993. “My sister is even coming for this and she lives in Ohio,” said Utsunomiya. “My sister and I were both raised in the store. In the very beginning, when my dad just had a shop for watchmaking, we went to work with them every day…And then when we moved here, we helped them set up everything, because this building was brand-new when we moved here.”

Legals for September, 11 2023

Knights down Othello 42-7

ROYAL CITY – The Royal defense came up in big moments in the Knight’s 42-7 win over Othello on Friday night, intercepting four passes and sacking the quarterback twice. Royal’s first interception of the night led to the Knights taking a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, and the second pick came as the Huskies were driving with the hope of cutting into the lead before the half...

Jacks leap over Warriors

Vargas’ two goals lead Quincy over Warriors on the pitch

MATTAWA – Tied at two late in the game, Quincy and Wahluke traded multiple shots on goal down the stretch of the final eight minutes before Quincy junior Crystal Vargas broke the tie on a goal in second-half stoppage time to give the Jacks a 3-2 win over Wahluke. “I felt motivated to win,” Vargas said. “I’m just so excited to play, and I’m happy that we got our first win of the season.” ...

Quincy Animal Shelter supervision leads to staffing discussion

QUINCY — Quincy animal shelter administration will be shifted from the Quincy Police Department to the city’s public works department, a proposal that prompted a discussion about staffing by the Quincy City Council Sept. 5. “With the move over to public works, the (animal shelter) manager’s supervision is done by the maintenance supervisor, which also makes sense because he can then better address some of the facility issues that come up from time to time, (such as) equipment, building repair (and) utilities,” City Administrator Pat Haley said in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald...

Eviation announces intention to lease up to 50 electric commuter aircraft

ARLINGTON, Wash. – Eviation Aircraft announced Wednesday that Solyu, a leasing company based in Seoul, South Korea, has signed a letter of intent for 25 commuter Alice aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft, according to a press release from Eviation...

STUDIO BASIN: Kriete, K-9s and the return of fall sports

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sat down for a monthly discussion with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete...

Betty Heppner

Jan. 22, 1936 – Aug. 5, 2023

Betty May Heppner, a Moses Lake resident, passed away Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at a care facility in Spokane Valley...

Larry Cagle

May 18, 1941 – August 31, 2023

Larry Neal Cagle, long-time resident of Ephrata passed on August 31, 2023, in Wenatchee Washington. He was born on March 18, 1941, in Grand Junction Colorado to Dorothy and Oliver Cagle. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 22 years, Mary...

Braced for growth

Soap Lake real estate market comparable to other areas, but still soft

SOAP LAKE — The real estate market in Soap Lake is similar to other surrounding areas, but still not as strong as it could be with lower inventory and a softening market, said Realty Executives Grant County Broker Raymond Gravelle. Gravelle is also the president of the Grant County Association of Realtors and served as the mayor of Soap Lake from 2014 to 2019. “We do have an inventory crunch … Our inventory is still low. That is keeping pressure on the prices,” said Gravelle. “In the past three years, there's been 23 new homes sold with average stays on market of 35 (days) and an average price of $324,509. So today's average price is four percent lower than the average price over the past three years.”

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday in Quincy

QUINCY — A parade down Central Avenue, dancing horses, three-on-three soccer, a car show, a tractor pull – all the good old events return to Quincy Saturday on Farmer Consumer Awareness Day. While technically it’s not part of FCAD, the B Street Block Party is an unofficial kickoff; it’s from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. One block of B Street, from Central Avenue South to First Street Southwest, will host vendors serving food and wine, along with some merchandise. The Olson Brothers Band will be performing live. Saturday’s events start early and run all day. Signup forms, or links to signup forms, are available on the FCAD website, www.quincyfcad.org.

Legals for September, 8 2023

Police records for Sept. 8, 2023

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. Ephrata PD Sept. 1 Multiple reports of tagging in the downtown area. A juvenile suspect was identified and arrested for malicious mischief. The suspect was then released to his mother. Report of theft from a business in the 1300 block of Nat Washington Way. Report of tagging in the 100 block of Marengo Road.

Fill 'er up

Michael’s Bistro co-owner Michael Stevens cuts the ribbon unveiling the restaurant's new PourMyBeer self-pour beer tap and dispensing system Wednesday evening while other co-owners, employees, friends and family raise their glasses to mark the occasion.

Sourdough fire slowing down, Cowlitz Complex costs rise

MOSES LAKE — With cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and light rains over several days, the Sourdough Fire has had minimal growth and low areas of heat, according to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service. The fire was at 6,234 acres with 30% containment Thursday. The Cowlitz Complex of fires in Gifford Pinchot National Forest between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River was 12% contained Thursday and holding fairly steady at 697 acres, according to the Forest Service. Estimated costs had risen to $5.9 million. These fires were also burning or were recently extinguished Thursday, according to data from the National Interagency Fire Center:

Fire safety for the elderly

OLYMPIA – According to a report published by the U.S. Fire Administration, people over the age of 65 face the greatest risk of dying in a fire. That is more than two-and-a-half times that of the general population of the United States. As people age, they may become unable to react quickly in emergency situations, or may take medication that slows their ability to make rapid decisions. Last year in Washington state, 63% of the people who died in fires were age 50 or older. The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages the following safety tips:

Newey joins Samaritan pain management department

MOSES LAKE — A new doctor has been hired for the pain management department at Samaritan Healthcare. Carter Newey joined the department in August. Newey is a specialist in physical medicine and pain rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, Samaritan officials wrote in a press release. “Depending on patients’ needs, (pain) management may include nerve and muscle testing (electrodiagnostics), musculoskeletal ultrasound, injections (joint, botulinum toxin or trigger point), manual therapy, outpatient rehabilitation (physical, occupational or speech therapy) medications, and more,” the press release said.

New family practice doctor joins Samaritan Healthcare

MOSES LAKE — Alex Johnson has been hired as a family practice physician at Samaritan Healthcare. Johnson’s practice will be as a primary care physician for patients of all ages, according to a Samaritan press release. Johnson was always interested in providing family healthcare, the press release said. “His interest in a medical career began at a young age when he had a family member who needed ongoing care. Then Dr. Johnson experienced a car accident as a teen, which ultimately helped him turn his focus from playing sports to (the goal of) practicing medicine,” the press release said. “After his accident, he appreciated the way his doctors and therapists had provided care and treatment for him.”

New Ephrata water tower construction planned

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata will build a new water tower adjacent to an existing city well near Columbia Ridge Elementary School. Ephrata City Council members approved the termination of a lease between the city and the Ephrata School District at the regular council meeting Wednesday. The vote was 5-0. “That’s the chunk of land that’s – where, exactly?” asked council member Kathleen Allstot. “Right in front of the preschool,” said City Administrator Ray Towry. “That’s the property that we own.”

Carte-Cocroft named Confluence vice president

WENATCHEE — Suzanne Carte-Cocroft has been named the new vice president of philanthropy for Confluence Health. “While a new title, this new vice president position replaces the role previously held by the foundation executive trustee, a position that works to lead and guide the Confluence Health Foundation,” wrote Adam MacDonald, Confluence corporate communications manager, in a press release. MacDonald wrote that Noah Abel, the current executive trustee for the foundation, will retire in January 2024.

Activity starts on Samaritan Hospital construction site Monday

MOSES LAKE — Dirt will start moving Monday on the site of the new Samaritan Hospital, with construction fences going up the week after. “We are going to start mobilizing on Monday. You will see there’s going to be all kinds of earthworking equipment that will show up in the first week,” said Matt Pulick of Graham Construction, general contractors for the project. “They’re going to be moving dirt around to prepare for the site fencing that’s going to go up the following week.” After the fence goes up crews will install construction offices, temporary electricity and internet service, along with a water source crews will use to keep down the dust. A “progress camera” will be set up as part of the site preparation; it will take pictures of the site every 10 minutes throughout construction, Pulick said. “We’re all good to go,” he said.

GCFD 7 awarded grant, but anticipates budget shortfalls

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Fire District 7, based in Soap Lake, was awarded a four-year $590,000 federal grant for the recruitment and retention of volunteers. However, the district is also facing several budget shortfalls for 2024, said Fire Chief Chris Baker. Baker announced the award during Wednesday’s regular Soap Lake City Council meeting. “This grant will be used to hire a recruitment and retention coordinator, which will be full-time for the fire district for the next four years,” he said. The grant will replace the sign for the fire station with a programmable LED sign meant to help disseminate emergency and recruitment information to the public, said Baker.

509-raised author up for regional award

SEATTLE — An Othello-raised writer and veteran now living in Seattle is a finalist in the annual Washington State Book Awards for his poetry collection, “We Had Our Reasons.” Ricardo Ruiz said he’s excited to have been recognized, especially early in his writing career. “It’s the first thing I have published,” Ruiz said. “... I left the Army in 2016 and went to Big Bend (Community College) and studied business. And then came to (the University of Washington) with the intent to study business, but ended up going and just following a whim and just being like, ‘I want to write poetry.’” Ruiz said that eventually led to him getting a book deal and having the book go well. Now, the first thing he’s published is up as a finalist for Book of the Year in the state. It’s been a bit of a hectic road to get where he’s at, he said.

Othello takes 2-1 girls soccer win over Quincy

QUINCY — The Othello Huskies girls soccer team took a 2-1 win over the Quincy Jackrabbits Tuesday in a non-league game at Quincy High School. Quincy scored early, with Othello tying the game about halfway through the first half. Othello added a second-half score to take the win. The Jacks took on Wahluke Thursday in Mattawa, while the Huskies hosted Shadle Park at home Thursday. Scores from those games will be in the Basin Sports Recap in Tuesday’s Columbia Basin Herald.

Wisconsin run game a focus for Cougars on Saturday

PULLMAN – The Washington State Cougars will welcome in No. 19 Wisconsin on Saturday, a rematch of last season’s Week 2 matchup where WSU took a 17-14 victory in Camp Randall Stadium. Even with new offensive schemes for the Badgers this season, the game will still be decided upon whether or not the Cougars can stop the Wisconsin rushing attack, according to WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert. “There’s no secret to want to start there, by cutting the head off the snake and stopping the run,” Dickert said at a press conference on Monday. “That’s always been the successful point of any defense that I’ve ever been a part of – this week will really be big.”

Reclamation releases Yakima Basin September water supply forecast

YAKIMA — The Bureau of Reclamation’s September 2023 water supply forecast for the Yakima basin indicates the water supply will provide senior water rights 100% of entitlements and junior water rights 73% of entitlements for the June–September total available water supply. The increase in junior water rights rose slightly from 72% from the previous month. Prorationing began June 1 and will apply to the June 1 through Sept. 30 irrigation entitlements. Reclamation manages water in the five Yakima Project storage reservoirs, which are used along with other unregulated flows in the basin to fulfill water rights, water contracts and instream flow obligations. Water shortages in the basin are shared equally by the junior water rights, which represent over half of the water rights in the basin. Senior rights will not be reduced this year.

Norman Massey

Norman Jay Massey, 88, was born on Jan. 27, 1935, near Garrison, North Dakota, the fifth child of Joseph and Pauline (House) Massey. The family farmed, but decided to move west for additional opportunities when Norman was around 10 years old. They settled in Toledo, Washington, and began logging and farming there. Norman attended school in Toledo and played high school football. Additional siblings were born and everyone was expected to pitch in around the Massey household. Between occasional exchanged punches, they always got along well.

Legals for September, 7 2023

One for the books

Royal City approves library deal

ROYAL CITY — Progress toward a new Royal City library took a big step forward Tuesday at the Royal City City Council meeting. The council chamber was filled to standing room only as proponents of the library turned out in support of the lease agreement between the city and the Royal City Friends of the Library. The move was made possible in part by a grant the Friends of the Library received from the Lauzier Foundation: $150,000 in July of this year, to be followed by $200,000 in 2024 and $150,000 in 2025, for a total of $500,000. Between that and other funds the Friends of the Library have raised, there is currently $620,000 available for the work.

India lifts tariffs on apples, peas, lentils

WASHINGTON D.C. — Tariffs on American apples, peas and lentils imposed by the Indian government in 2018 were lifted Wednesday, following an agreement between the U.S. and India announced in June. The 20% tariff was imposed on U.S. agricultural products in retaliation for tariffs on steel imposed by the then-Trump Administration. The U.S. tariffs on Indian steel were removed as well. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) said removing the tariffs required continuing effort from the state’s Congressional delegation, as well as changing political and market conditions.

Burn bans lifted on some public lands

MOSES LAKE — Public use fire and shooting restrictions on some public lands were lifted today, according to an announcement from the Bureau of Land Management. The relaxation of the rules applies to lands administered by BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties, according to the announcement. The restrictions went into effect May 23. The Cowlitz Complex of fires in Gifford Pinchot National Forest between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River was 10% contained Wednesday and holding steady at 695 acres, according to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service. Costs were estimated at $4.3 million.

Household hazardous waste collection Saturday

EPHRATA — Grant County residents will be able to dispose of paint, pool chemicals, rechargeable batteries and other kinds of household hazardous waste at a collection event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Grant County Public Works Complex, 124 Enterprise St. SE, Ephrata. The collection is sponsored by Grant County Public Works. The dropoff is available to all Grant County residents, including residents of incorporated cities, according to information from Public Works. It’s free to county residents. Fire extinguishers, gasoline and motor oil, yard chemicals and fertilizers, fluorescent bulbs and aerosol cans are among the items that will be accepted, the Public Works post said.

Student to teacher

Columbia Ridge alum comes back to school to teach

EPHRATA — Tristyn Eldredge has come full circle in her journeys around Columbia Ridge Elementary School in Ephrata. She started there as a student, then came back as a paraprofessional and this year, she’s at the head of a fourth-grade classroom as a teacher. “One of the biggest things that I’m looking forward to is just giving back to the school that, you know, that shaped me into who I am,” Eldredge said. The path to becoming a teacher was a bit of a winding road, Eldredge said, with her initial goal being to study criminal justice and become a juvenile probation officer.

Pet license requirements in Ephrata

EPHRATA – Like most cities, the city of Ephrata has certain requirements on how pets must be cared for, including a requirement to get licenses for dogs and vaccinations for most pets. According to policy documents from the city, all cats, dogs and ferrets over the age of four months must be vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, dogs over the age of six months must be licensed. Fees to obtain a dog license vary based on whether or not the animal has been spayed or neutered. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered have a license fee of $27, while those who have not been made infertile have a fee of $54. Replacement licenses are $5.50.

News bites for Sept. 7, 2023

OTHELLO — A 40-year-old man was transported to an out-of-area hospital after falling and suffering a leg injury Tuesday in the 1100 block of South Schaake Road southwest of Othello. The man fell from a height of six to 12 feet, according to a post from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. He suffered injuries to his left leg, the post said, and was transported via air ambulance. GEORGE — Two missing persons, one case of simple assault, one case of threatening behavior and one vehicle prowl were reported during the weekend concert by the Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge Amphitheater, according to a post from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Fresh news: Good walleye, largemouth at Potholes this week

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,028.10 feet, dropping 0.15 feet this week. We are currently 1.6 feet above low pool. The water temperature is 68 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the low 70s. Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, at the face of the dunes, and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater. The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are moving out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes.

Tigers score 9 goals in win over Okanogan

EPHRATA — Five Tigers scored in Ephrata’s 9-1 win over Okanogan on Tuesday, giving the team 14 goals in its first two outings on the field. Sophomore Delanie Killinger led the Tigers with three goals, followed by senior Aliya Avila (twice), senior Trishelle Lopez (twice), senior Kendall Laugen and sophomore Alexiyana MacNeil all scoring. “We didn’t break each other down when someone made a mistake, we didn’t focus on one mistake – we just kept moving past it,” Killinger said. “We were really quick with the ball, and I think that improved a lot during the second half.”

Myron Palmer

A celebration of life for Myron Palmer will be held at the Memorial Gardens on Sept. 23, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

News Bites for Sept. 6, 2023

News bites for Sept. 6, 2023.

Garden party!

Cloudview Farm to host fundraiser supporting educational programs.

EPHRATA – Non-profit Cloudview Farm will be hosting a Garden Party fundraiser for their Educate and Empower programs Sept. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is for adults only, with dinner and drinks included in the cost of the $30 ticket. The main fundraising portion of the evening will be a silent auction for items donated by local and regional businesses, said Cloudview’s Education and Community Coordinator Julie Johnston...

Clean buildings

State law requirements for facility efficiency approaching

REDMOND – The Washington Legislature passed the Clean Building Performance Standard in 2019, and operators of commercial buildings now have set deadlines to ensure their properties 50,000 square feet and larger are in compliance with the law. While there are penalties for noncompliance, Albireo Energy’s VP and General Manager Ivan Aron says it’s also a matter of getting a return on investment...

Grant Co. Hospital District 1 ballot to change after court decision

EPHRATA – Dr. Brandon Penix will be removed from the November 2023 ballot for Grant County Hospital District 1’s third district seat after a decision by Grant County Superior Court Judge Tyson Hill wherein Penix’s candidacy was examined. “The candidate must be eligible for the office at the time he files his declaration of candidacy. A person attempting to meet the residency requirements for the purpose of running for office cannot cure an invalid residency by moving to the location after filing a declaration for office,” Hill said when reading his decision to the sparsely filled courtroom...

NIAA leadership program applications and nominations open

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Institute for Animal Agriculture is now accepting nominations for the second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program, according to an announcement from the organization. Nominations are due Nov. 15 by 11:59 p.m...

Second WA man sentenced for bomb construction

RICHLAND — A Washington man was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for plotting to make a bomb, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office...

Local veterinary meds clerk charged with unprofessional conduct

GRANT COUNTY – The Veterinary Board of Governors charged registered veterinary medication clerk Chase Kirk Sidwell with unprofessional conduct in June 2023, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Health...

Burglary suspect arrested after brief standoff

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail after a brief standoff Sunday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Back on track

Construction expected in 2024 on Port of Moses Lake rail project

MOSES LAKE — Construction could start in 2024 on a long-delayed project to replace the railroad tracks running through downtown Moses Lake with a new line between Wheeler Road and the Port of Moses Lake. Milton Miller, director of port facilities, said about five miles of track will be built. The project also will include the rehabilitation of about 3.5 miles of existing track near Patton Boulevard leading to the port...

FIRE REPORT: Oregon Road fire under control, Cowlitz Complex holding steady

ELK, Wash. — The Oregon Road fire about 31 miles north of Spokane was 90% contained at 10,817 acres Tuesday, according to a statement from the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. The fire, which started Aug. 18, has destroyed 126 residences and 258 outbuildings and occupies 18 fire engines, six water tenders, two skidgens, one bulldozer and 213 personnel. The fire is staying within its current footprint and no further growth is expected. Costs are estimated at $13 million...

Open Horse Show competitors demonstrate riding skills at fair

RITZVILLE — The Wheat Land Communities Fair hosted an Open Horse Show Saturday afternoon where any individual, regardless of association with the usual horse show organizations, could compete to demonstrate their horse riding skills. Erika Hennings, the fair’s horse superintendent and leader of the Saddle Warmers 4-H Club, said the Open Horse Show provides an opportunity for more competitors. “Yesterday would have been 4-H and FFA so those are the kids that bring their horses in on Wednesday, and are here for the duration. A lot of them are participating today but we have people that come in from the outside for the day or for the afternoon.”

Ritzville Fair livestock auction does well this year

RITZVILLE – As part of the Wheat Land Communities Fair in Ritzville, the Ritzville Livestock 4-H Club hosted an open livestock auction on Saturday, where youth involved in the fair and other members of the community sold their animals. Lori Williams, livestock sale secretary, vice president of the Wheat Land Communities Fair Board and head of the Ritzville 4-H Club, explained the basics of the event. “So all of these kids are 4-H and (Future Farmers of America) members,” said Williams. “The steers were purchased last fall and it takes them that long from beginning to end, and then it kind of culminates here at the sale.”

BASIN SPORTS RECAP: Mavs tackle Tigers, Warriors swat Hornets and more

COLUMBIA BASIN – The fall sports season began on Friday with 10 football games, as well as two girls soccer teams seeing their first action on the field. Read along for a full recap on how teams fared in the opening weekend of the 2023-2024 year...

Maxine McAlavy

April 22, 1933 — Aug. 30, 2023

Maxine Erma McAlavy, 90, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away August 30, 2023. She was born at home on April 22, 1933, in Jewell County, Kansas to Samuel and Mina Louder...

Pauline Lepsche

May 15, 1935 — Aug. 21, 2023

Pauline Sarah Lepsche went to be with her Lord and Savior and the rest of her family on August 21, 2023, in Moses Lake with family at her side...

David Raymond Gambrielle

David Raymond Gambrielle, 66, of Soap Lake, Washington passed to his Lord on September 2, 2023...

Community Days: Warden residents, guests gather for annual celebration

WARDEN – Citizens of Warden filled up Ash Street and Warden Volunteer Park for the Community Days celebration over Labor Day weekend. From Saturday to Monday, people gathered as a community. Renay Jorgensen, the event’s primary coordinator and organizer, said on Monday that the event was going “way better than expected.” ...

A roaring start

MLCA/CCS Lions defeat Bridgeport in program’s first outing

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions captured their first win on the gridiron in program history on Saturday, coming from behind to defeat Bridgeport 52-38 under the lights of Lions Field. “We were feeling really good, but the nerves were pretty high because the majority of our team had never played a tackle football game,” Head Coach Aaron Noble said. “There was a lot of learning to be had tonight, and yet we were excited to get out here and compete against another team. Our kids put in a lot of hard work.” ...

Legals for September, 5 2023

City manager forum postponed

Moses Lake Interim City Manager and Police Chief Kevin Fuhr issued a statement Monday indicating that a forum set for Wednesday to allow the public to meet candidates for the permanent city manager position has been postponed...

QVMC to break ground Saturday

QUINCY — Fences are going up and other site preparation should start in early October and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The groundbreaking will be at the construction site behind the existing hospital, 908 10 Ave. SW. Kayla Van Lieshout, project manager for project managers the Klosh Group, said Graham Construction, the general contractor, has a construction schedule and a tentative start date...

STUDIO BASIN: Truckin', pedalin' and passin' the ball

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin Podcast, Sheri Call, president and CEO of the Washington Trucking Association joins Managing Editor Rob Miller to talk about the state of the trucking industry and efforts to recruit younger drivers into the field as the large Baby Boomer generation retires and Gen X and younger work to step in and fill the gap...

Power pole inspections scheduled

EPHRATA — Inspections of wooden power poles owned by the Grant County Public Utility District will begin Sept. 12 in Moses Lake, George and Soap Lake, according to a PUD press release...

Quincy building burns, various fires trouble Washington

QUINCY — An empty building burned in the wee hours of Sunday morning in Quincy, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 3. At a little after midnight, GCFD 3 and Protection One EMS received multiple reports of flames visible at the rear of the former Westside Pizza building in the 700 block of F Street Southwest, according to the statement. On arrival, the engine deployed hydrant and hose lines to suppress the flames and protect adjacent properties. The fire was brought under control and primary search was completed with no persons found. The fire is under investigation...

Brand-new Almira School rises from the ashes

ALMIRA — It was an emotional moment Thursday as the new Almira School was unveiled to the community. The school gym was packed, with a crowd of about 350 people almost shoulder to shoulder. Almira School District Superintendent Dan Read led the crowd in the first flag salute in the new building, then spoke about the outpouring of support the tiny district had received...

Jacks lose season opener vs. East Valley

QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team started fast, but East Valley (Yakima) had more speed in the end and defeated the Jacks 42-14 Friday night in the season opener for both teams. “I think we just had trouble catching up to their speed,” said Quincy Coach Russ Elliott after the game. “They had some pretty good skill receivers out there. And they executed really well.” ...

Mavs take Tigers

Moses Lake lights up scoreboard in win over Ephrata

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks lit up the scoreboard in Friday’s season-opening win over Ephrata, scoring multiple times both on offense and special teams in a 58-3 win against the Tigers. “That’s a goal always, to execute in all three phases,” Moses Lake Head Coach Brett Jay said. “We did that tonight, it was a team win. Everyone on the field had an impact.” ...

Senior calendar and center directory for Sept. 2023

Below is a partial list of events that may be of interest to seniors in the Columbia Basin. To review more events, visit www.columbiabasinherald.com and click on the EVENTS link near the top of the page...

Frances (May) Walker

1993 — 2023

Frances Elizabeth (May) Walker, age 30, passed away in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 8, 2023, following a brief illness. Frances was born in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1993 to James Alfred and Alison Gwinn May...

Grant County Fair ‘23 in review

A visual look back at the annual event’s 80th year of fun.

MOSES LAKE – Another year of the Grant County fair is come and gone, with victories, memories and maybe too much junk food eaten and beverages imbibed. Here’s a visual look back at this year’s Grant County Fair...

Cowlitz Complex grows to more than 40 fires

MOSES LAKE — The Cowlitz Complex that cropped up last weekend in Gifford Pinchot National Forest between Mount Rainier and the Columbia River has now grown to more than 40 small fires totaling about 400 acres, according to a statement from the U.S. Forest Service. The fires were ignited Aug. 25 by a lightning storm and 294 personnel have been dispatched in four divisions to fight the fires. Some of the fires that are smaller, unnamed and are less accessible are unstaffed as available resources focus on incidents of greater concern and greater likelihood of successful containment, the Forest Service wrote in an update Thursday...

Police Logs for Sept. 1, 2023

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...

Well stocked

Real estate professionals deliver classroom supplies to local schools

MOSES LAKE — Some students in the Basin will be a little better equipped this year thanks to local real estate professionals. “I got a wild idea in May to do a Grant County-wide school supply drive,” Anna Lucero, an agent with CENTURY 21 Alsted Real Estate in Moses Lake. “I chose to do all of Grant County because I personally grew up in Ephrata and that school is still near to my heart. My boys go to Moses Lake, my daughter attends Wilson Creek and my family is originally from the Quincy area.” Lucero started out in early August, publicizing her drive originally through social media and word of mouth. The response to that wasn’t great, she said, so she decided to hit potential donors where it counts: in the taste buds.

Legals for September, 1 2023