Ellington

BBCC women wrap up 2024 with blowout win

MOSES LAKE — With the final game of the 2024 season in front of them, the Big Bend women’s basketball team hosted the Wenatchee Valley Knights on Wednesday and played like it was their last, according to an announcement from BBCC.

Lions fall to Neah Bay in 1B Boys quarterfinals

SPOKANE – MLCA/CCS’s defense couldn’t slow down the Neah Bay offense during Thursday’s 1B Boys State Basketball Tournament quarterfinals, as the No. 3 seed Lions fell 62-54 to the No. 5 Red Devils in Spokane.

BBCC men finish season on a high note

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College men’s basketball team finished its season on a high note, according to an announcement from BBCC.

ACH Warriors fall to Garfield-Palouse

SPOKANE – No. 5 seed Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s season came to a close Wednesday night in Spokane, falling 41-32 to No. 12 Garfield-Palouse in the Round of 12 in the 1B Girls State Basketball Tournament. The Warriors trailed the Vikings by one point entering the fourth quarter but struggled to score in the final eight minutes.

WDFW to begin prescribed fires in March

SPOKANE – Annual prescribed fires on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-managed lands in Eastern Washington are scheduled to start in March, as conditions allow, according to a Thursday announcement from the WDFW.

Gorge shooting court dates rescheduled

EPHRATA – Court documents associated with the trial for James Kelley, the suspect in the shooting that took the lives of two and wounded multiple other victims at the Beyond Wonderland music festival last year, indicate that court dates for the criminal proceedings against Kelley have been rescheduled.

Moses Lake hopes to reduce overwatering with rate adjustments

MOSES LAKE — Some residents in Moses Lake will see a change in their water bills this month. Beginning March 9, irrigation and residential customers who use more than 10,000 cubic feet of water per month will be billed at a new Tier 4 rate.

Edge Physical Therapy cuts ribbon

MOSES LAKE - Erica Crafts, DPT, founder of Edge Physical Therapy in downtown Moses Lake, cuts the ribbon at the clinic’s new digs at 213 Beech St. Surrounding Crafts, from left, are Sarah Villasenor, communications administrator; Ashley Roessler, PTA, CPT; Chad Crafts, DPT, MS, CSCS; and Chrystal Flerchinger, administrative assistant.

Socorro Wright

1964 – 2024

Socorro (Ortega) Wright, 59, of Burlington, Washington passed away on February 12, 2024, after a yearlong illness.

Jean Fleming

April 10, 1945 – Feb. 14, 2024

Jean Fleming, 78, was born on April 10, 1945, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Jess T. Barksdale and Charlene A. (Hughes) Barksdale.

An infectious smile

Ephratans remember Jett Johnson

EPHRATA – The halls of Ephrata High and Middle schools have seemed a bit dimmer for the last week and a half. Jett Johnson, a sophomore at the high school and son of Heidi Johnson, a math teacher at EMS, died in a car accident the night of Monday, Feb. 19.

Ephrata School Board makes big changes during Feb. meeting

EPHRATA - The Ephrata School Board discussed many big plans and changes at its Feb. 26 meeting. Some changes included a long-time board member resigning, approval of contracts and acceptance of a $100,000 grant.

MLHS speech and debate team surprises coach, each other

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School speech and debate coach Kevin Chollman said the plan for the 2023-24 school year was to get a team going again.

Legals for February, 29 2024

Othello receives $50K for road safety planning

OTHELLO – Monday evening’s regular Othello City Council meeting saw the approval of a contract with SCJ Alliance Planners to update the city’s Local Road Safety Plan, as well as approval of the sale of surplus equipment and the awarding of a bid from pavement repair.

House burns twice in same night in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A residence in southeast Moses Lake burned twice Tuesday, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Fire Department.

Moses Lake Council hears downtown parking frustrations

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council got an earful at its regular meeting Tuesday night, as owners and employees of downtown businesses expressed their feelings about the two-hour parking limit in the city’s center.

MLFD firefighter sworn in at council meeting

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department welcomed its newest firefighter, Gary Lebacken, Tuesday with a swearing-in at the Moses Lake City Council meeting. The ceremony, which was originally scheduled for the end of the meeting, but the time was taken up with an unusually long period of citizen comments.

Ephrata HS tags Burck for varsity tennis

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is pleased announced that Courtney Burck has been named the new head coach of Ephrata High School’s varsity boys tennis program.

Burck announced as Ephrata boys tennis coach

EPHRATA — Courtney Burck will be taking over the Ephrata boys tennis program, the Ephrata School District announced in a release Tuesday. Burck was a four-year tennis player with the Tigers during her time at the school, winning a state championship in the 2A Girls Doubles in 2006 with her teammate Holly Hutchinson. “Ephrata has a great tennis program and I’m excited to build on its success,” Burck said in a release. “My goal is to help kids enjoy tennis and be competitive in matches. Being a coach is more than just competition though, it’s important to help kids build character too.”

Royal ends season at 1A state tournament

YAKIMA — A bad day rebounding and shots that wouldn’t quite fall ended the Royal High School boys basketball season with a 55-40 loss to Riverside (Chattaroy) at the state 1A basketball tournament Wednesday in Yakima. Royal Coach Greg Jenks said the rebounding made the difference. “We knew they were a good rebounding team, and found out they were a really good rebounding team,” he said. The Knights played intense defense throughout, holding Riverside scoreless in the second quarter. The Knights forced Riverside into a 30-second violation early in the first quarter, but struggled with turnovers in the early going. Riverside took a 12-8 lead with about 2:19 left in the first quarter, getting the rebound and converting the second chance. Jenks said that was the story of the game.

FRESH NEWS: Ice is mostly gone on Potholes, but wind keeps anglers away

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.75 feet, coming up 0.25 feet this past week. We are 2.75 feet below full pool. Surface temps are 36-38 degrees. The reservoir should warm this week with a forecast of highs in the mid- to upper 40s and lows right around 32. The main reservoir is ice-free. There is still ice back in the sand dunes. All boat launches are free of ice and operational. Not many anglers are on the water this week due to wind. Anglers are jigging blade baits and producing nice catches of walleye and trout. Jig in 18-35 feet of water across the face of the sand dunes. Corral Lake is producing nice catches of trout from the bank casting Rooster Tails. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

Cougars open state tournament with win over Davenport

SPOKANE — The No. 2 seed Cougars snapped a two-game skid with Wednesday’s Round of 12 win over No. 10 Davenport, defeating the Gorillas 64-49 in the 2B Girls State Basketball Tournament. “We went back to basics,” Warden Head Coach Josh Madsen said. “I think we got a little bit too much into our heads. We want to be prepared, but not so much so that we forget to just go play basketball. We went back to some pretty simple stuff at practice, trying to build the girls back up – high-energy, fast, intense – and the girls responded really well.” Warden opened the game with its full-court press defense, but soon shifted philosophies after the Gorillas found players down the floor. After starting the game on a seven-point run, the Cougars led 17-11 after the first quarter.

LETTER: Code update, enforcement needed for vacation rentals

Dear Editor, We recently submitted this letter to the City of Moses Lake, City Council, Planning Commission and Ms. Kirsten Peterson, who’s the Community Development Director. We felt it was important to share with you and the community because it is such a timely issue. The letter is as follows:

‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ DLC for ‘Elden Ring’ release date set

TOKYO – Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have announced a June 21 release date for the long-anticipated “Shadow of the Erdtree” downloadable content for the “Elden Ring” video game, according to a FromSoftware press release.

Esther Olson

Esther Gladys Olsen, 100, passed away Feb. 24, 2024, in Othello, Wash. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Warden, Wash., March 5 at 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Basin sports schedule Feb. 28-March 5

COLUMBIA BASIN – Royal, Warden, Almira/Coulee-Hartline and MLCA/CCS all hit the court this week for state basketball play.

'It was like a dream come true'

Warden’s Hernandez wins state title at Mat Classic

TACOMA – Being a two-time state placer, along with previous wrestling experience against some of the other top wrestlers in her bracket, Warden senior Jada Hernandez’s confidence heading into the Mat Classic was through the roof.

James 'Jim' W. Hutton

James “Jim” W. Hutton passed away suddenly on December 3, 2023. Jim was born October 19, 1967 to James “Skip” and Patricia Hutton in Spokane, Washington.

Moses Lake High School play premieres March 1

MOSES LAKE — The curtain rises March 1 at the Moses Lake High School theater on a tale of a teenager facing challenges within and without. The MLHS production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 1, 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. March 2. The title is from a Sherlock Holmes story, but the play has nothing to do with Victorian times. Beck Ashton, who’s one of the leads, said it presented the actors and actresses with a challenge. “It’s a difficult play,” Ashton said. Director and drama advisor Sharon Winningham said trying something new was the idea.

Legals for February, 28 2024

Newhouse visits Moses Lake egg facility, discusses fed budget

MOSES LAKE — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., was in town Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting at Willamette Egg Farms’ expanding Moses Lake facility and to chat with community members about what’s happening in Congress. “I so hate to put a pall on a happy day, but I’ve got to be in Washington, D.C. tomorrow morning,” Newhouse said.

Concrete next phase of QVMC construction

QUINCY — Construction crews will start pouring the concrete slab at the site of the new Quincy Valley Medical Center sometime next week.

Othello Food Bank doing well, finances stabilized

OTHELLO – Othello Food Bank Board Chair Adam Janes, pastor of Othello Christian Church, spoke to the Othello City Council during Monday’s regular meeting to provide an update on the organization and its financial status heading into 2024.

Othello banquet raises money, honors community members

OTHELLO – Friday evening’s annual Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet went very well, Chamber Manager Jackie Wilhelm said. The event is the chamber’s only fundraiser each year and is also a chance to honor annual community award recipients.

Removing the pressure: Royal’s Villa wins a state title at the Mat Classic

TACOMA – Having placed in the top three on the podium at the 2022 and 2023 Mat Classics, Royal senior Emma Villa knew she had one more shot to leave the Tacoma Dome with a state championship.

Carolyn Jean Claffey (Bender)

A light has been taken from this world with the passing of Carlyn Jean Claffey (Bender), 74. She was born Aug. 17, 1950, and passed away Feb. 22, 2024.

Legals for February, 27 2024

Officials stress importance of independent green energy during Moses Lake visit

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has what it takes to be the hub of the Northwest’s clean energy technology, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, said at a press conference Thursday. “I think there's going to be a corridor, from Moses Lake all the way over to Coeur d’Alene,” Cantwell said. “That's what I think is gonna happen. And this corridor is also going to connect from Moses Lake to the Tri-Cities. What you're seeing is, in this whole area, guess what we have? We have ... a manufacturing workforce, we have a lot of land, we have cheap hydro and we have people who really understand energy technology.” Cantwell was speaking at Group14’s BAM-2 facility in Moses Lake, which is under construction and expected to be the largest advanced silicon battery material factory in the world when it opens later this year, according to company-supplied materials. Group14 manufactures silicon battery materials that can increase the storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries like those found in both electric vehicles and smartphones, replacing less-efficient graphite, which must be imported from China.

Warden SB adopts resolution opposing state bills

WARDEN — The Warden School Board unanimously approved a resolution Thursday stating the district’s opposition to two legislative bills. The bills in question are House Bill 2331, modifying requirements for public school instructional and supplemental instructional materials and Senate Bill 5462, promoting inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools. Board member Bryce Cox spoke about the bills. “I've been a little bit involved in this. It started as we looked at these bills coming through. I'm seeing this across the state, not just in Grant County, but losing local control is a big deal,” Cox said. “It's why we're elected; we feel that we do know the individuals in this community. We know what they want, and things like that. To have someone else dictate that from the outside is not what we want. So that's where this is all coming from.”

Economic Revenue and Forecast Council provides updated state forecast

OLYMPIA — Dave Reich, executive director of the Washington Economic Revenue and Forecast Council, provided an updated economic forecast for the state during the council’s regular Feb. 14 revenue review meeting in Olympia. “I think that's probably the main message, is it's not a recession,” Reich said. “That's not part of our base case, but just a slowly growing economy.” Reich elaborated on what it means to forecast a slow-growth economy. “Nationally that means slow employment growth, it means inflation will continue to trend down slowly from where it is now and it means GDP, or economic growth, will just be slower, sort of in the 1%-2% range,” Reich said. “For Washington, we are also expecting the same to happen here, slower employment growth, but also not a huge spike in unemployment, just fewer job ads pretty much. We also expect, of course, inflation will fall here.”

New crosswalk with lights is first 2024 road project in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A crosswalk with flashing lights to make it a little easier to cross Daisy Street South in Soap Lake will be installed sometime this spring. Soap Lake City Council members approved a contract for about $282,620 with Ascent Foundation, Cle Elum, during the regular meeting Feb.21. Michael Woodkey of Gray and Osborne, the city’s engineers, said the city received an additional grant for about $51,200 after bids were opened to pay costs that were higher than projected. Flashing lights will be installed at the crossing, to be activated when pedestrians want to cross the street. State Route 17 is Daisy Street South where it runs through Soap Lake. Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox said the setup would be similar to crossing lights that already exist at the Grant County Courthouse and Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata.

Soap Lake ends season with 78-71 state tournament loss

MOSES LAKE — The season ended for the Soap Lake boys basketball team with a 78-71 loss to Summit Classical Christian Academy in the first round of the state playoffs Friday at Moses Lake High School. Soap Lake and Summit were tied at the end of the first quarter and Soap Lake stayed close throughout the game, but Soap Lake Coach Daniel Simon said one factor made the difference. “They just shot the lights out tonight,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just out of your control. It’s part of the game of basketball.” The Archers took a quick 4-0 lead, but Soap Lake came back, hitting two three-point shots to cut the lead to 10-9. The Eagles took the lead with about three minutes to play, but Summit hit a three-pointer with three seconds left in the quarter to take the lead. A foul called right before the first-quarter buzzer allowed Soap Lake to tie the game at 19.

Knights fall in regionals to Annie Wright

TACOMA — A 27-point halftime deficit was too much for No. 6 seed Royal to overcome in Saturday’s 1A regional loss to Annie Wright, as they eventually fell to the Gators 79-51 at Tacoma Community College. The Knights opened the game with back-to-back three-pointers from senior Caden Allred and freshman Grant Wardenaar, but Annie Wright stormed back into the game by capitalizing off of Royal miscues. “They’re a really good team – very clear that they’re a very good team, and their ability to turn us over, rush shots and get long rebounds got them out in front,” Royal Head Coach Greg Jenks said.

Clyde Charles Andrews

Jan. 31, 1935 — Feb. 5, 2024

Clyde was born on Jan. 31, 1935 to Clyde (CC) and Alice (Lewis/Haines) Andrews in Sunnyside, Washington. His mother died tragically in a farm accident in 1938, and in 1940, his father CC married Cora Smithwick (Buddy) who raised him as her own. Clyde was raised in the Yakima Valley, graduating from Prosser High School in 1954 and marrying his wife of 69 years, Bonnie Lenhart, that same year. In 1958, along with their first two children, Clyde and Bonnie moved to Othello with Clyde's father, CC, to start Othello Ice and Cold Storage (today's Simplot potato processing plant). Clyde was active in the community as they raised their three children as members of the Othello Christian Church. He was a dedicated Gideon, personally handing out thousands of Bibles throughout his 50-year membership. In 1975, the family moved to Bruce to restore and preserve the 1918 Rayburn farmhouse at their farm on Foley Road. Clyde then built Sun Country Storage in 1977, operating it until his retirement in 1998. His passion for historical preservation continued, playing an instrumental role in the restoration of the 1910 Pullman executive railroad car, The Abraham Lincoln, and maintaining his own collection of over a dozen World War II military vehicles.

REC Silicon checked out for safety complaint

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Labor & Industries carried out an inspection at the REC Silicon facility in Moses Lake Feb. 13. “The inspection was a required response to a complaint received by Labor & Industries concerning various topics pertaining to the Moses Lake facility,” REC Silicon officials wrote in a statement released Sunday. Matt Ross, a spokesman for L&I, said the inspection was initiated due to a worker complaint. Requests to REC Silicon for comment as to the nature of the complaint were not returned by press time.

Patricia Hutton

May 15, 1946 — Feb. 15, 2024

Patricia “Pat” Elaine Hutton, 77, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away peacefully Feb. 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born in Ephrata, Washington to Alice and Bruno Koziol on May 15, 1946, the second oldest of six children. She graduated from Moses Lake High School and attended Big Bend Community College until 1966 when she married a serviceman, James W. Hutton. While stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base they started their family in September of 1966 with the birth of their first son, Scott Alan. Their second son, James W. Hutton, was born in October of 1967. Sadly, they tragically lost Scott in a drowning accident in May of 1968. They made their home where the Air Force stationed them in places including Spokane, Guam, Oklahoma and Montana. Their third child, a daughter, Cheryl Ann, was born in August of 1971 while stationed in Altus, Oklahoma. After retiring from the military in the summer of 1979 they made their home in Moses Lake.

Climate Commitment Act impact: $30 million refunds fall short of farmers’ $150M estimate

OLYMPIA - Budget writers in both the Senate and House have suggested allocating $30 million for refunding farmers impacted by the Climate Commitment Act. With the climate program, fuel used for agricultural purposes was supposed to be exempt.

Fostered passion: Scholarship remembers woman committed to foster children and adoptive families

MOSES LAKE — Patty Honsowetz liked children, all children, and thought all of them deserved a chance. When her husband Rick and their children decided they wanted to do something in her honor, they thought about that. “I started talking to my kids about ways that we could, yes, honor her legacy, but also benefit something she was passionate about,” Rick Honsowetz said. “Which was children, specifically foster children and children from the foster system that had been adopted.”

STEM focused

Warden CWU fellows fostering science, technology, engineering and math program, events

WARDEN – Warden School District will soon host events designed to develop the district’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. Central Washington University student teachers will be visiting Warden classrooms Feb. 29 and Warden High School will be hosting a Post-Secondary STEM Day on March 14.

Weather for the week of Feb. 26, 2024

Weather for the week of Feb. 26, 2024

March 2024 Basin Events

COLUMBIA BASIN – As always, the Columbia Basin has a lot going on next month. As spring moves a bit closer to being official, here are several opportunities to get out of the house, have some fun, and maybe support a good cause. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

Legals for February, 26 2024

ACH falls to Crosspoint in 1B girls regionals

TACOMA – Facing off against a tough defensive team in No. 4 seed Crosspoint, the No. 5 Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors fell 53-29 in Saturday’s 1B Girls State Basketball Tournament regional round.

Cougar comeback bid falls short

Warden falls to Brewster in 68-63 loss in Richland

RICHLAND – Despite coming back from a 17-point second-half deficit, the No. 2 seed Warden Cougars were unable to take over the No. 7 Brewster lead in Friday’s 2B Girls State Basketball Tournament regional matchup, falling to the Bears 68-63. “I thought we had a good week of practice, thought we had a good plan,” Warden Head Coach Josh Madsen said. “Ultimately, we didn’t execute it at times as well as I thought we could have. (Brewster) hit some big shots, and we just didn’t respond.”

Wash. may help tribal authorities enforce warrants under proposed bill

OLYMPIA- A new bill preventing individuals from escaping justice for crimes committed on tribal lands by fleeing into Washington state jurisdiction has passed the Senate with a vote of 45-4.

STUDIO BASIN: Clean energy, levies and Lions b-ball with Emerson Ferguson

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake and its burgeoning battery manufacturing sector were cited as the future of energy in a visit by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Gov. Jay Inslee in a visit to town Thursday. A discussion of their visit is part of the Studio Basin podcast.

D&M Chem joining The McGregor Company operation

COLFAX – The McGregor Company is bringing D&M Chem into their family-owned ag retail business, according to a Wednesday announcement from McGregor.

Murray visits WA to discuss lack of childcare

SNOQUALMIE – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Child Development Center Thursday to tour their facilities and discuss the childcare crisis Tribal and rural communities are facing, according an announcement from Murray’s office.

Moses Lake levy request to go back to voters

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District voters will be asked to approve or reject an educational programs and operations levy in a special election April 23. Moses Lake School Board members approved the resubmission of the levy request on a unanimous vote Thursday.

Levies mostly passing in Washington, bonds mostly failing

OLYMPIA – Preliminary results from the Feb. 13 Special Election show a significant majority of levies passing on local ballots across Washington state, but only a third of bond proposals passed, according to a Feb. 14 announcement from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Lions claw their way to 1B state tourney

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 1B state basketball tournament with a 64-54 win over Cusick Friday.

Three-time champ!

Naranjo caps career with third state title, unbeaten record

TACOMA – Winning a state championship is something every high school wrestler dreams of. Winning three state titles? Now, that’s a whole other challenge.

Law enforcement logs for Feb. 23, 2024

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

Quincy High School theater group to present ‘The Addams Family’

QUINCY — The curtain rises on a tale of love and its challenges, acceptance and an, um, unusual family March 1. The Quincy High School production of “The Addams Family” runs for two weekends at the QHS Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 8, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 2 and 9, and 6:30 p.m. March 7. Tickets will be available at the door, at the QHS office before and after school, or online. Director and QHS Theater advisor Haliey Weber said the 2023-24 drama club season is the year for something different, and the “Addams Family” fits the bill. “It’s a very different tone, different genre than we’ve done. It’s very comedic – it’s really funny,” Weber said.

WA House passes transit-oriented housing bill

OLYMPIA — House Bill 2160, promoting transit-oriented housing developments, passed with a floor vote of 56 to 40 during a Feb. 13 floor debate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Julia Reed, D-Seattle, has moved on to the Senate for further consideration. The bill requires cities in fully planning counties, such as Grant County, to conform to certain requirements and limitations for housing near transit systems. Reed spoke about the bill during the Jan. 9 hearing. “The bill before you addresses that urgent need for housing in our state, the state with the fewest number of housing units per household than any other, by making it possible to build new, denser housing around our most used and most heavily invested in transit modes, rail, light rail and bus rapid transit lines,” she said.

Legals for February, 23 2024

Quincy Valley parks board being formed

QUINCY — The new Quincy Valley Regional Parks District could start holding its first meetings in April. Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley said the formation of the new district’s board is underway.

Port of Othello continues work toward airport plan

OTHELLO – Port of Othello Executive Director Chris Faix gave an update on some of the port’s progress with its ongoing projects, mainly working with J-U-B Engineers to develop an Airport Layout Plan and entering the process of designing the incoming Bruce Water Tower.

EPA announces $113M for WA water infrastructure

SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday more than $113 million in federal funding for Washington drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

‘Center of the universe’

Officials laud Grant County, Moses Lake EV innovation

MOSES LAKE — Grant County is the tip of the spear when it comes to clean energy, US. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said at a Moses Lake round table Thursday. “Moses Lake, you guys are like the center of the universe,” Granholm said. “What is happening here? It is amazing.”

Ephrata council approves resolution to repair sewer line

EPHRATA -- During the Feb. 21 Ephrata City Council meeting, Ephrata Public Works Director Rob Harris shared with the council the source of the Division Street sewer line failure that occurred on the Northeast side of Ephrata last week.

BASIN HOOPS REPORT: Regional play begins

COLUMBIA BASIN – Five local teams reached the regional rounds of their respective state tournaments, setting up regional games in Moses Lake, Richland and Tacoma.

Delores Mae Stine

1936 – 2024

Delores Mae Stine, born in Pocatello, Idaho in 1936, died February 1, 2024, at the age of 87.

Shadow dancing in the Basin

The Silhouettes to present ‘Love Happens’ in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Shadows will come to life next week at the Wallenstien Theater, as The Silhouettes bring their unique dance show March 1.

COMMENTARY: America still needs more welders, fewer philosophers

In 2017, I wrote a column titled “America needs more welders and fewer philosophers.” It was a slogan Florida Sen. Marco Rubio used in his 2016 presidential campaign to call attention to the need for more skilled workers. Rubio hit the nail on the head without disrespecting philosophers. The American Welding Society estimated our country now requires 400,000 new welders. This scarcity is primarily due to the substantial number of skilled workers retiring and fewer young men and women entering technical training programs. The encouraging news is the number of female welders is now rising and is expected to top 7% of that trade’s workforce by 2026.

Youth Outdoors Unlimited to hold auction, award trophies

MOSES LAKE — Youth Outdoors Unlimited will hold its annual banquet and auction March 2 at the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, 3000 W. Marina Drive in Moses Lake. Besides the dinner and live auction, attendees will have an opportunity to hear from the hunters and anglers who benefited from YOU last year. Youth Outdoors Unlimited, started in 2011 by Joe and Cindy Carpenter of Moses Lake, enables youth with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses to have the hunting or fishing trip of their dreams. All of the equipment is donated by community members, as are meat processing and taxidermy services. The young outdoorspersons are accompanied by volunteer guides.

Legals for February, 22 2024

Moses Lake man barricades self in home after alleged assault

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is in jail after a standoff with police, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department.

Royal City considers dog park sign, water project

ROYAL CITY — Public works projects were the primary topic of discussion at the Royal City City Council meeting Tuesday. Public Works Director John Lasen first raised the question of putting up a sign at the Royal City Dog Park, setting out rules for the park’s use.

Adams Co. gives update on respiratory illnesses

RITZVILLE – Adams County Health Officer Alex Brzezny gave an update during the Adams County Commissioners and Board of Health meeting Feb. 14 on several ongoing trends for illnesses and diseases in the county and the region.

Slope stabilization along SR 17 underway

SOAP LAKE — The section of State Route 17 between the Lake Lenore Caves and the Soap Lake city limits will be subject to frequent closures on weekdays, probably at least through early September. Contractors will be working on a project to remove loose rocks and stabilize the remaining slope where the highway runs between the rock embankment and the lakes, a stretch of about 10 miles.

Grant Elementary hosts talent show

EPHRATA – Grant Elementary School students turned out the red carpet for some fun last Thursday, Feb. 8 for a talent show supporting the arts on campus. Principal Shannon Dahl emceed the event with the help of Brandon Evenson, the campus's dean of students. With a silent auction included in the event, the campus raised a bit more than $1,200 to support the arts.

Numerous Mavs set best times at state

FEDERAL WAY — Moses Lake sent 10 swimmers to last weekend’s 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships in Federal Way, with many of them improving on their season and career bests. “It was tons of fun,” Moses Lake Head Coach Jason Hart said. “We went several season-best and lifetime-best times, the guys had a pretty awesome attitude.” The Mavericks quad swimmers qualify for four finals events; the 200-yard medley relay, the 100-yard butterfly and the adaptive 50-yard freestyle and backstroke events.

‘It’s the best feeling ever’

LRS’ Smith wins state title at Mat Classic

TACOMA – A year after taking third place in the 195-pound weight class in the Mat Classic, Lind-Ritzville/Sprague senior Gabe Smith came into his senior season on a mission; to finish on top of the podium in Tacoma. His mission was a success, having been crowned the 215-pound champion of the 1B/2B Boys classification at last week’s state wrestling tournament. “I went up a weight class so it was different people all around, but knowing I could compete with those guys last year – that was a big confidence booster, considering that I consider them the best wrestlers out of 1B/2B,” Smith said. “I knew if I could compete with them, I could compete with anybody.” Smith, who wrestled in the 215-pound class this season and earned a first-round bye, went 3-0 at the Tacoma Dome last week, defeating Coupeville’s Jaje Drake with a first-round pin in the quarterfinals, Liberty Bell’s Damien Spears in the semifinals and Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s Noah Butler in the championship round.

Ephrata Chamber to hold business after hours

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business after hours networking event will be held at M&H Glass located at 432 Basin Street NW in Ephrata. Admission to the 21-and-older event is $5. Proceeds go to support the chamber’s work to help local businesses grow and prosper. The event runs from 5-7 p.m. and will include beverages, snacks and an opportunity to network with chamber members and business leaders in the city.

Counseling available after Ephrata student’s passing

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District reminds students, faculty and staff that counseling is available if anyone is in need of help after the passing of Jett Johnson in a car accident Monday.

Ephrata campuses launch student assistance programs

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has announced a new program to help students at Ephrata High and Middle schools with behavioral health management.

Michael R. Finch

Jan. 11, 1944 — Feb. 5, 2024

Michael R. Finch of Moses Lake, Wash. was born Jan. 11, 1944, as the first child of Eldie and Margaret Finch in Yakima, Wash. Michael passed away Feb. 5, 2024, following a pneumonia infection complicated by lymphoma cancer in addition to heart and kidney failure at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, at the age of 80.

Stanley (Stan) Earl Vangen

Oct. 21, 1940 — Feb. 14, 2024

Father and grandfather, friend and neighbor, Stanley Earl Vangen, peacefully passed away Feb. 14, 2024, at his second home in Sun Lakes, Ariz. His long-time canine companion, Candy, was by his side until the very end and made sure that he made it safely to his final destination in the skies above. Stan was 83 years old.

Pro soccer coming to Spokane

Spokane Velocity set to start playing in March

SPOKANE – Since it was announced in late 2021 that the United Soccer League would be coming to Spokane, soccer fans across the Inland Northwest have been waiting for the first match of the Spokane Velocity’s inaugural season. That match is just weeks away.

Basin sports schedule Feb. 21-27

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local basketball events.

Royal girls take third at Mat Classic

TACOMA – The Royal girls wrestling team left Tacoma with hardware for the second straight season, placing third as a team in the 2A/1A/B Girls classification at the Mat Classic last weekend.

Othello boys, girls earn team trophies at Mat Classic

TACOMA – Both the Othello boys and girls wrestling teams left the Tacoma Dome with hardware on Saturday, with the boys taking second in the 2A classification and the girls taking fourth in the 2A/1A/B Girls classification.

Legals for February, 21 2024

Medals of Merit and Valor to be awarded at state capitol

OLYMPIA — For the first time in nine years, Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor will be awarded today at a ceremony in the state Legislative Building, according to an announcement from the Washington Secretary of State’s office. The Medal of Merit recognizes exceptional individuals who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents, according to the announcement. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of their own safety and is not acting in the course of duty as a Washington police officer, firefighter, or other government-employed first responder. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs will join Governor Jay Inslee, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Chief Justice Steven C. González to posthumously recognize Donnie Chin with the Medal of Valor and Dr. Abe Bergman with the Medal of Merit for their service to Washington state, according to the announcement.

News bites for Feb. 21, 2023

SOAP LAKE — An Ephrata teen was killed in a single-vehicle collision Monday night, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. The 16-year-old boy, whose name was not released, was driving south on SR 17 between Soap Lake and Coulee City at about 10:15 p.m. in a 2004 Honda Civic, according to the statement. He failed to negotiate a curve at about the halfway point and rolled the car, which came to rest on its top in the northbound lane. The boy was declared deceased at the scene, the WSP wrote. He was not wearing a seat belt, but neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor in the incident.

FRESH NEWS: Fishing begins in earnest at Potholes, Seep Lakes

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.5 feet – coming up 0.25 feet this past week. We are 3 feet below full pool. Surface temps are in the mid-30s. The main reservoir has opened up this week. There is still ice back in the sand dunes. All boat launches are free of ice and operational. There are a few folks out on the water. Anglers are jigging blade baits and producing nice catches of walleye and trout. Jig in 25-35 feet of water across the face of the sand dunes. Corral Lake is producing nice catches of trout from the bank casting Rooster Tails. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

State proposes pesticide restrictions

OLYMPIA — Neonicotinoid pesticides are known for their harmful effects on the nervous systems of insects and a proposal in the state Legislature calls for banning them for household use. “About 1/3 of our agricultural sector needs pollination to thrive, and our pollinators, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in this state are under more and more threat,” said prime sponsor Sen. Marko Liias, D–Edmonds. Others, however, say blaming household use of pesticides on a decline in bee populations mischaracterizes the current research. Allan Felsot, a professor of environmental studies at Washington State University, said focusing on habitat restoration is essential to save pollinators, arguing that allocating taxpayer dollars to this bill would be a waste as it fails to address the impacts on bee populations.

Mattawa receives water system funding, discusses ongoing projects

MATTAWA — Gray & Osborne Civil Engineer Jamin Ankney presented to the Mattawa City Council Thursday regarding funding the city received for two water system projects, with the council also approving two design contracts with Gray & Osborne. Mayor Maria Celaya introduced the first funding award, through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. “We have $7.2 million,” she said. “We don't know how much of it's a loan and how much of it is a grant.” “You will get some grant (money). They just don't know exactly how much yet. It sounds like it'll be a good funding package,” Ankney said.

BPA revenues $197M below financial performance target

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bonneville Power Administration released its first official forecast of the expected financial performance for fiscal year 2024 on Feb. 13, according to an announcement from the organization. The statement said dry winter conditions in the Pacific Northwest have resulted in agency net revenues of -$102 million, $197 million below the financial performance target. BPA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marcus Harris commented on the estimates in the statement.

Wahluke superintendent discusses levy failure

MATTAWA — After Wahluke School District’s capital levy failed to pass following the Feb. 13 vote, Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said the district will likely soon have to cut $1.5 million from its budget. "Knowing how many staff just on our campus had voted, community members, and then with our additional high school seniors, we thought the election would be a little closer and that's why we chose to run this again,” Harlow said. The levy would have been used to pay for needed HVAC upgrades the district implemented last year at Mattawa Elementary and Wahluke High School. Harlow said the district had to take out a loan for the $2.7 million project, which had been pushed off for about 10 years. “We made about $2 million in cuts last year, (cutting) over 25 staff,” he said. “We’re probably set to make another $1.5 million in cuts, so probably another 10 to 15 staff will be cut and the facilities, they don't get done and the loan that we took out for the HVAC, we'll just continue to pay on.”

Judy Caroline Ploghoft

February 24, 1941 – January 31, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Judy Caroline Ploghoft, 82, who passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, while at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington after suffering a stroke. She was a resident of Moses Lake, Washington at the time of her passing. The oldest of six children of Earnest and Ethel Bendixen Montague, Judy was born on February 24, 1941, in Ontario, Oregon. To find farmwork, the family moved between Vale and Nyssa, OR, before settling in Payette, Idaho. Judy attended Eastside and Westside elementary schools in Payette. She also attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized on Sept. 18, 1949, in Ontario, Ontario. The family moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1952. Hers was the first class to attend Chief Moses Middle School and she was part of the 1959 graduating class of the newly-built Moses Lake High School. She was also a 1959 graduate of the Grand Coulee Stake Seminary Program.

Grant County Jail construction second phase start dependent on permit approvals

EPHRATA — The first phase of construction of the new Grant County Jail - demolition and site preparation - was supposed to start next week, but cooperative weather meant the project actually started in late January. Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said footings, foundations and walls tentatively are scheduled to start going up in March or April. When foundations will start going in and walls going up depends on the approval of a state-required environmental review. That process is still ongoing. “We’re digging the sewer line right now,” Gaines said. “A lot of the demolition is done.” The new jail will be at the location of the old Ephrata Raceway, at the intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way. The track and pits, the bleachers, the announcer booth and the concession stand have all been removed. As an old racetrack the site had contaminated dirt that had to be removed, Gaines said, and all that work is completed too.

Legals for February, 20 2024

Columbia Basin Project bill moves forward in Olympia

OLYMPIA- Proposed legislation, House Bill 1752, authorizes the United States Bureau of Reclamation to seek approval to change the number of acres it can irrigate within the Columbia Basin Project to allow a more flexible and sustainable use of water resources, as long as it meets specific criteria.

Mattawa continues work on parks and rec plan

MATTAWA – Thursday’s regular Mattawa City Council meeting featured an update from SCJ Alliance regarding the city’s ongoing Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan, which will help the city plan its future parks projects and obtain funding for those projects.

Minor arrested in Moses Lake on various charges

MOSES LAKE — A male 16-year-old Moses Lake resident was booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Center in Wenatchee on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, DUI and other charges after he allegedly led officers on a chase that eventually ended in Ephrata early Saturday morning.

Information sought on Larson-area shooting

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking for the public’s help following a shooting that left a 19-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning.

37 local wrestlers place at Mat Classic

TACOMA – Nearly 70 wrestlers traveled from the Columbia Basin to Tacoma to compete in the Mat Classic last week, with 37 wrestlers reaching the podium in their respective classifications.

GALLERY: 2024 Mat Classic

TACOMA – Congratulations to all the wrestlers from across the Basin who qualified for last week’s Mat Classic, and to the 37 state placers who reached the podium Saturday. Each year, athletes from throughout the Columbia Basin make our community proud of them for their hard work, dedication, team spirit and work ethic.

Warden approves $570K for sewer upgrades

WARDEN – The Warden City Council voted unanimously during the Feb. 13 regular meeting to award a bid of about $570,000 to DW Excavating for upgrades to Warden’s lift station number 1, as well as approve the construction administration contract with Gray and Osborne engineers.

Moses Lake, Wahluke levees failing in updated election results

EPHRATA — A two-year educational programs and operations levy in the Moses Lake School District is failing, and so is a capital levy proposal in the Wahluke School District, in updated vote totals from the Feb. 13 special election released Friday afternoon.

Quincy schools take a close look at security

QUINCY — Presentations for Quincy School District parents and secondary students on what to do in the case of a shooter at school are scheduled for March 27 and 28. Jesus Villahermosa, a nationally recognized expert, will talk to students March 27 and parents and district patrons March 28.

Cougar attacks cyclist

FALL CITY, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife received a report of an incident wherein a young male cougar weighing in at about 75 pounds attacked a female cyclist in King County. The cyclist sustained injuries to her neck and face and is reportedly in stable condition, according to a WDFW press release..

Diana Yvonne Keller

1951 — 2024

Diana Yvonne Keller, 72, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She passed quietly on February 11, 2024, in Moses Lake, Washington.

Peter Hans Ochocinski

Nov. 3, 1953 — Feb. 18, 2024

Peter Hans Ochocinski, 70, of Royal City, Washington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Pete was born on November 3, 1953, in Delmenhorst, Germany and later moved to the United States.

GCSO looks back and plans forward

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office saw successes and challenges during Sheriff Joe Kriete’s first year in office in 2023. Kriete said he’s overall very proud of his department and has a deep appreciation for the support county residents generally show him and his officers.

Young Life group wants to encourage connection

MOSES LAKE — Christopher Voigt and Lisa Naydenov said the goal of the Young Life group they lead is to connect with teens who otherwise might not have many connections. “I guess nowadays, kids don’t really have a sense of belonging,” Voigt said. “They’re friends with everyone on social media, but they don’t have that tight-knit group of friends in person. We want to be (a resource) for the kids in relationship building. Our goal is to build relationships with kids who may not have in-person relationships otherwise.” Naydenov said it’s rooted in the Christian faith and is open to all teens, regardless of personal beliefs. “It’s a faith-based organization. We are adults trying to get into the kids’ world, trying to meet them where they are. We try to get to know them, to earn trust with them, to walk beside them in life,” she said.

GALLERY: 2024 Mat Classic and Boys Swim and Dive Championships

FEDERAL WAY – Basin teams traveled across the Cascades for state championship events over the weekend, competing in the Mat Classic and the Boys Swimming and Diving Championships. Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for full coverage of both events.

Lions defeat Eagles in Central Washington 1B title game

WENATCHEE – A 25-point first quarter jumpstarted the Lions in their district championship win over Soap Lake Thursday night, defeating the Eagles 78-45 and advancing to the 1B Boys State Basketball Tournament.

Three killed in Othello area collision

OTHELLO — Three people died Thursday morning in a head-on collision with a semi-truck, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

Two die in home fire

EPHRATA — Two people died in a house fire late Wednesday night, according to a statement from the Ephrata Fire Department.

Man indicted in Yakima bail bond scam

YAKIMA — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment in a phony bail bond scam, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Fish and Wildlife asking for feedback on updated fishing app

OLYMPIA — Fishing fans in Washington will get a chance to test a revised app from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that provides the latest information on fishing regulations.

Tabletop exercise discusses expectations and responses for when the unthinkable happens

EPHRATA — Emergencies do not respect time or place, and sometimes the unthinkable happens. Ephrata School District officials already have thought about the response if the unthinkable happened at Ephrata High School, but how would they get the information out to parents and district patrons? Getting the word out was the subject of a tabletop exercise with ESD officials, law enforcement and firefighters and the district’s insurance carriers Thursday.

Easter planning under way

Othello approves Easter egg hunt, waives event fee

OTHELLO – During Monday’s regular meeting, the Othello City Council voted to approve the facility use agreement for the Othello Holiday Committee’s free community Easter egg hunt event and to waive the full event fee.

Rent cap passes state House

OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives passed a rent increase cap bill by a vote of 54 to 43 Tuesday. A companion bill, SB 5961, failed to pass out of committee in January. House Bill 2114, sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, prohibits landlords from raising rent more than once in a 12-month period, and limits increases to 7% within a 12-month period. It also caps move-in fees and security deposits to the cost of one month’s rent, requires 180 days’ notice before raising rent more than 3 % and caps late fees at 1.5% of a tenant’s total monthly rent. “I hear from families who keep paying more and more rent and they can't save money to buy a home,” Alvarado said in a public hearing on the bill in January. “Hard-working people., people who work in child care and health care and grocery stores who pay their rent on time each month and then see their rent go up faster than their wages and they can't keep up and they have to move farther and farther from their jobs.”

Legals for February, 16 2024

Lutacaga presents on closing student achievement gap

OTHELLO — Representatives from Lutacaga Elementary School presented to the Othello School Board on the school’s ongoing priorities and monitoring student success during Monday’s regular meeting following the board’s Feb. 5 site visit to the school. Lutacaga Principal Christina Benjamin and Assistant Principal Paul Oursland were the primary presenters. “One thing that we take very seriously is that we really owe it to ourselves, our community and most importantly our students to make sure that we are measuring our impact and knowing that impact,” Oursland said. Benjamin broke down Lutacaga’s instructional priorities, saying the focus is on being driven by data and feedback for the 2023 to 2024 school year.

Port of Mattawa to sell wastewater treatment plant

MATTAWA — Port of Mattawa Commissioners voted unanimously during Monday’s regular meeting to allow Executive Director Gil Alvarado to move forward with the sale of the port-owned wastewater treatment plant, located on Road 23 Southwest. “Frankly, that type of facility is better managed in the hands of folks who are in that industry,” Alvarado said. The other reason the port is selling the facility is because its expenses are outpacing its revenues, Alvarado said. “The way the port operates, with that wastewater treatment facility you have two wine-crushing companies. One is J&S (Crushing), and you have Milbrandt/Wahluke (Wine Co.). So both of those folks, because at the time one of them did not have the ability to discharge its waste when it crushed (grapes), basically, we would enter into a lease with them,” Alvarado said. “They would lease part of our wastewater facility. We would take their waste, process it, and spray it within a certain time frame. J&S decided to part ways with the port and create their own system.”

Silica Road Northwest, West Baseline Road work to start in March

QUINCY — Drivers in the area of Silica Road Northwest, West Baseline Road and Sunland Estates will experience traffic delays beginning in mid-March. Construction crews will widen a section of Baseline Road and a section of Silica Road, along with resurfacing another section of Silica Road, all around the Gorge Amphitheater. “So come mid-March, you’ll see that we’re already doing prep work on (West) Baseline, east of Silica (Road), about a mile,” said David Bren, Grant County engineer. “Because we’re going to widen Baseline and add a center lane – a queuing lane, a turning lane – too. So Baseline is going to be redone and widened, and it’s going to be restriped so it has a center turning lane.” Silica Road north and south of the entrance to the amphitheater also will get some work.

Mavs defeat Eisenhower in Big 9 tourney

MOSES LAKE — The Mavericks opened the Columbia Basin Big 9 district tournament with a 39-32 win over Eisenhower Tuesday night, holding the Cadets to just two points in the fourth quarter. Moses Lake Head Coach Matt Strophy said the win came down to “sheer determination.” “When we got in the locker room for winning the first game in the district tournament, the girls were somber – there was not the excitement, because I think they knew they didn’t play well,” Strophy said. “So, we had to remind them at this point of the season, winning ugly is better than losing pretty.”

News bites for Feb. 16, 2023

OTHELLO — Adams County Fire District 5 honored Sam Scroggins as Firefighter of the Year at its annual banquet in January, according to an announcement from the district this week. Loren Jensen was named Officer of the Year, and Oscar Lopez was cited as Most Inspirational. ACFD 5 also recognized Randy Guse for 25 years of service, Justin Barker for 20 years and Sara Garza for 15, according to the announcement. ACFD 5 covers 215 square miles including the city of Othello, according to its website.

Ephrata moves forward with water system upgrades

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata has a few projects in the works relating to the city’s water system. At the Feb. 7 city council meeting, two more contracts relating to the overall planned maintenance and improvements of the system were approved by the council.

Ephrata girls send four regional champs to state

Three Tiger boys wrestlers heading to Mat Classic

EPHRATA – Seven Tigers are heading to Tacoma for the Mat Classic this week, with Ephrata qualifying four girls wrestlers and three boys wrestlers for their respective tournaments.

Mavs send five boys, two girls wrestlers to state

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake boys and girls wrestling teams qualified a combined seven wrestlers for this year’s Mat Classic, with the Maverick boys sending five and the girls sending two to Tacoma.

Wahluke’s Gonzalez heads to state tournament

MATTAWA – Wahluke senior Mariangela Gonzalez is heading to the 2024 Mat Classic after placing third in the 145-pound class of Saturday’s 2A/1A/B Region 4 tournament in Quincy.

LRS sends four wrestlers to Tacoma

Smith, Tracy aim for repeat placings

RITZVILLE – After taking fifth as a team at Saturday’s 1B/2B Region 3 tournament in Spangle, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos will take four wrestlers to this week’s Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome.

Othello boys, girls wrestling teams seek high placements at Mat Classic

Huskies send 19 wrestlers to Tacoma

OTHELLO — Coming off of back-to-back years as the third-place team in the 2A Mat Classic, the Huskies are seeking yet another high finish at this year’s edition of the state tournament.

Royal girls aim for another high placement at state

Knight boys send two to Mat Classic

ROYAL — After taking third at the 2023 2A/1A/B Girls Mat Classic, the Royal Knights are sending four girls wrestlers to this year’s edition of the state wrestling tournament; sophomore Sharon Arroyo (100), junior Lauren Jenks (135), senior Emma Villa (170) and sophomore Analy Castillo (235).

Nine Cougars head to Tacoma

WARDEN — All six Warden girls wrestlers that qualified for regionals reached the podium at Saturday’s 2A/1A/B Region 3 tournament in Toppenish, with five Cougars reaching the finals and punching their ticket to the state tournament.

Quincy girls send four regional finalists to state

Jackrabbit boys, girls qualify seven in total

QUINCY – Seven Jackrabbit wrestlers are moving on to the Tacoma Dome for the 2024 Mat Classic, including two regional champions from the girls wrestling team.

ACH sends five wrestlers to 1B/2B Mat Classic

COULEE CITY – After sending two wrestlers to the Mat Classic a year ago, the Warriors will send five to Tacoma this week; senior Everett Wood (157), senior John Pierce (175), junior Jack Molitor (120), freshman Porter Wood (138) and freshman Noah Butler (215)

Legals for February, 15 2024

Moses Lake, Wahluke props failing, most others passing

MOSES LAKE — All but two school levies that were on the ballot for Tuesday’s special election are passing, according to the Grant and Adams county auditor’s offices. In unofficial results, Wahluke’s capital projects levy is being voted down 245-136, while Moses Lake’s is failing 3,420-3,142.

WSD awarded $47K for digital equity initiatives

WARDEN — The Warden School District was recently awarded two grants totaling about $47,000 through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, both as part of OSPI’s digital equity and inclusion initiatives.

Soap Lake reviewing shoreline development regulations

SOAP LAKE — More research is underway, but when it’s done Soap Lake residents will get a chance to register their opinions on updated development regulations along the lake shoreline.

Moses Lake finances better than projected

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake finished up 2023 in pretty good financial shape, according to a report submitted by City Manager Kevin Fuhr to the Moses Lake City Council at Tuesday’s meeting.

LETTER: Seniors and caretakers deserve fully funded Medicaid

I am the assisted living facility administrator of a small, non-profit facility called The Cambridge, which is the only long-term care center serving Columbia Basin seniors in the Quincy area. I take great pride in helping meet the needs of seniors in the end-of-life transition with dignity, honor and service. But the state’s underfunding of Medicaid puts that quality of care at risk as it’s nearly impossible to offer competitive wages to workers. While deeply rewarding, caring for our seniors is often difficult and draining work deserving of more than minimum wage. The state currently only pays 79% of the Medicaid hourly wages needed to care for a beneficiary in assisted living, threatening the financial stability of our facility. As state lawmakers draft and consider their budgets this month, I urge them to fully fund Medicaid at 100% for the sake of our community’s seniors and their care providers.

Sage-N-Sun 2024 registration now open

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates for this year’s Sage-N-Sun festival in downtown Ephrata. The annual event which includes a parade, a children’s parade, vendor booths, live music and other attractions will be held June 7 and June 8. Registration for food and market vendors is now open. To register to sell food, crafts or other items, visit ephratachamber.org/sage-n-sun-registration.

Dorothy Louise Magoteaux Klingeman

Beloved mother and long-time Othello resident, Dorothy Louise (Magoteaux) Klingeman peacefully passed away Feb. 8, 2024, at Coventry House Assisted Living at the age of 88.

Readers celebrate Valentine's Day

COLUMBIA BASIN – Valentine’s Day swings by once a year, but the people by us each day is what the holiday is about. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates all the lovebirds out there on the joy they celebrate with their special someone. Each year, we’ll allow readers to send a message in for their special person with a photo. This year may be only four photos, but we’ll build upon it in the years to come. Have a wonderful holiday.

Othello contracts with Hands 'N Paws

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously during Monday evening’s regular meeting to enter into a one-year contract for dog sheltering services with Hands 'N Paws Animal Assistance. The council also approved the purchase of three large kennels for the city’s temporary animal control building. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan introduced the contract and purchase requests. “The services that (Hands 'N Paws) would provide in essence are the same services that we were in the contract with Adams County Pet Rescue for because we offered them the same contract,” Logan said. “The only difference is they decided to accept it.” The city is still responsible for certain animal control services under the new contract.

Lovely market: Valentine’s Market brings people out as winter fades

MOSES LAKE — Love was in the air, and so were the aroma of food and the sound of shopping, at the Moses Lake Farmers Market’s annual Valentine’s Market Saturday. The market, which was held in the Commercial and 4-H buildings at the Grant County Fairgrounds, attracted a sizable crowd.

New Mattawa port director discusses challenges, port’s future

MATTAWA — Gil Alvarado, recently hired as the Port of Mattawa’s executive director, has been working with commissioners to overcome challenges facing the port, make changes, and implement new goals and focuses for the trade center’s future.

Legals for February, 14 2024

CWU hires new provost and executive VP for academic affairs

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University has hired a new Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Student advisor bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at increasing the number of students earning postsecondary credentials passed the Washington State House this week, according to an announcement from the bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Julia Reed, D-Seattle.

Dent, Ybarra, Warnick to hold virtual town hall

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers from the 13th District, which includes the southern half of Grant County, will hold a virtual town hall starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 21, according to a joint announcement from the legislators’ offices.

Suicide victim found on I-90 bridge in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The body of a 36-year-old man was found at the I-90 bridge in Moses Lake Monday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Ephrata 2nd, Royal 3rd, Quincy 4th in Region 4 girls wrestling

QUINCY — The Ephrata, Royal and Quincy girls wrestling teams finished second, third and fourth in the Region 4 2A/1A/2B/1B tournament Saturday at Quincy High School. The Wahluke girls took home a 12th-place finish.

Speed camera bill passes state House

OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to decrease traffic fatalities, according to an announcement from the bill’s primary sponsor Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Mill Creek.

Wahluke shows appreciation for bus wreck response

MATTAWA — First responders, Wahluke School District personnel and children involved in a bus collision Jan. 22 were recognized for their response to the incident during halftime of the Wahluke-La Salle boys basketball game Feb. 8.

FRESH NEWS: Potholes ice mostly gone and fishing is ready to resume

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.25 feet, coming up 0.2 feet this past week. We are 3.25 feet below full pool. The reservoir has opened up drastically since last week! Usable launches are Blythe Bay, State Park and Glen Williams as well as the Road M launch. MarDon Resort’s launch should be available within a few days. There is ice from the Blythe Bay launch paralleling the shore at about 100 yards across the face of MarDon Resort to the corner of the dam. The dunes are still iced over. Other than that the reservoir is ice-free, including the face of the dam, the area from the dam to Goose Island to the dam and from Goose Island to the face of the dunes. A lot of open water.

Three Quincy wrestlers advance to state

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits boys wrestling team qualified three wrestlers for Mat Classic XXXV at the Region 4 1A tournament at QHS last Saturday.

Basin sports schedule Feb. 14-20

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local basketball and wrestling events. With many district tournaments beginning this week, check columbiabasinherald.com for schedule updates as teams progress through their brackets.

Kathryn Bradley

Kathryn (Kathy) Ann Bradley (Naab), 71, was born May 25, 1952, to Benedict and Marguerite Naab in Ritzville, Wash.

Teresa Harrison

March 1, 1955 – Nov. 21, 2023

Teresa Rosemary Harrison was an incredible woman. She passed away too soon Nov. 21, 2023, at the age of 68.

Antique appraisals, flea market coming to Moses Lake Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Local residents will have a chance to learn the truth about their family heirlooms and mantel dust-catchers, and maybe pick up a few treasures, Saturday at the Frosty Finds Flea Market and Appraisal Fair.

News Bites for Feb. 13, 2024

News Bites for Feb. 13, 2024

Legals for February, 13 2024

BASIN WRESTLING REPORT: Local wrestlers advance to Tacoma

COLUMBIA BASIN – Regional wrestling tournaments were held around the state on Saturday, with Basin teams qualifying nearly 70 wrestlers for this week’s Mat Classic in Tacoma.

Public comment sought on proposed gray wolf change

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will accept comments through May 6 on a proposal to change the state’s classification of gray wolf populations from endangered to sensitive. A briefing and public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for the March 15-16 meeting of the WDFW commission, according to a WDFW press release.

WA's HB 1958 would require consent before removing a condom during intercourse

OLYMPIA – Testifying before lawmakers, Mina Hashemi recounted how three years ago she was shocked to see that the condom she had explicitly asked for during sex had been removed.

Clergy members could become mandatory reporters of child abuse

OLYMPIA – When Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, learned how Jehovah’s Witness elders in Spokane had covered up child sexual abuse for years, she looked to the law for answers.

WA Legislature will not proceed with property tax increase

OLYMPIA – A bill – Senate Bill 5770 – to increase the annual cap on property tax collections dies in the Senate after receiving a hard pushback from Senate Republicans. The prime sponsor of the bill, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Puyallup, announced that it would not move forward to the Senate floor.

BBCC men’s, women’s teams fall in back-to-back games

MOSES LAKE – The Big Bend men’s and women’s basketball teams fell in their outings last week, first losing to Spokane Falls at home on Wednesday before losses on the road to Treasure Valley on Saturday, according to a statement from BBCC Athletics.

WSU seed grant program announces recipients

PULLMAN – The Office of Research, in partnership with the Washington State University’s Pullman Chancellor’s Office, has launched a new seed grant program for WSU Pullman faculty. The Inspire! Community Engaged Research Seed Grant Program supports the development of and capacity for community-engaged scholarship.

CWU to hold public quarterly meeting Thursday and Friday

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington University Board of Trustees will hold its quarterly two-day meeting beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Wellington Event Center on the CWU campus, according to a Feb. 8 CWU announcement. The meeting is open to the public.

Warden School District enrollment growing

WARDEN — During Thursday’s regular Warden School Board meeting, Warden Superintendent Scott West and members of the board discussed Warden’s increasing enrollment numbers and its impact on the district’s future, as well as the district’s levy and the board’s vacant position.

Othello schools implement new point-of-entry security upgrades

OTHELLO – The Othello School District installed new Secure Access Keypads at all its school buildings Feb. 5. Moving forward, all visitors are required to check in through the keypad, which allows school staff to see and speak with the visitor before letting them enter.

Champion Jacks

Quincy defeats Omak in CTL district title game

WENATCHEE – The Jackrabbits held off a late Omak comeback bid in Saturday’s Caribou Trial League district championship game, defeating the Pioneers 72-71 in exciting fashion. “Wild ending, wild game – everything you’d want in a high school basketball game,” Quincy Head Coach Scott Bierlink said. “It certainly wasn’t a clean game on our part, but our motto’s been ‘Survive and advance,’ so that’s what we did.”

Vicki Lynn Swisher

1963 — 2024

Vicki Lynn Swisher, a beloved educator and cherished member of the Moses Lake School District community, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

Basin weather for Feb. 12, 2024

Basin weather for Feb. 12, 2024

Farming on display

Spokane Ag Show brings in ag businesses of all kinds

SPOKANE — The agricultural community pulled out all the stops last week at the Spokane Ag Show, held at the Spokane Convention Center Tuesday through Thursday.

Legals for February, 12 2024

Sewer line issues on Division in Ephrata

EPHRATA – City of Ephrata staff believe a sewer line has collapsed on Division Avenue E. between J and K streets near the pickleball courts, according to City Administrator Ray Towry.

STUDIO BASIN: GCSO update, basketball action and swim & dive

EPHRATA – In this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller speaks with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete regarding GCSO’s goals for the year. Highlights include recruitment efforts, two new K9 officers, an update to the development of the county jail and Kriete’s kudos to his staff. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down basketball action at Ephrata, Royal and Almira/Coulee-Hartline, recap the district wrestling tournaments around the east side and discuss Moses Lake boys swim and dive team’s district title win.

Washington’s H-2A bill aims to enhance data collection, faces fiscal concerns

OLYMPIA - Washington Subsitute House Bill 2226, aims to address wage suppression in the H-2A guest worker program. The bill advances to the Senate with a 54-42 vote. A companion bill, Senate Bill 5996 awaits movement from rules to the Senate floor.

Legislation would impose fines for untreated sewage discharge

OLYMPIA – A proposal to fine counties and cities when untreated sewage is released into Puget Sound is part of an effort to save dwindling salmon runs. The bill, proposed by Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, imposes a 1-cent-per-gallon fee on municipal discharges of untreated sewage into Puget Sound. The bill, HB 2290, is part of a comprehensive five-bill bipartisan initiative to preserve salmon populations and support the fishing community.

A challenging game

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board member Amy Breitenstein tries - and alas, fails - to pull the paper from between two cups, one of the games school board members played with Endeavor Middle School students at the regular meeting Thursday. A busload of EMS students came to the meeting with teachers, staff and EMS principal Abe Ramirez to give a presentation on the school to board members.

Quincy man arrested for wire theft

MOSES LAKE — A Quincy man was arrested Thursday night for stealing wire from an irrigation circle, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

WA Senate advances bill to make DUI offenders pay child support

OLYMPIA - Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are uniting to address deadly crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers from the past year.

Overtime bill hits a dead end in WA Legislature

OLYMPIA - Senate Bill 5476 which aimed to provide agricultural employers with the flexibility to schedule up to 12 weeks of 50-hour of “special circumstance” workweeks without triggering overtime pay requirements met its end in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce.

Counselors detail MLSD bullying prevention efforts

MOSES LAKE — Counselors reviewed programs used by the Moses Lake School District to combat bullying in a presentation to the Moses Lake School Board Thursday. “I can tell you with assurance that all counselors employed by the Moses Lake School District care very deeply about this topic,” said Columbia Middle School counselor Chris Mason.

Warriors fall on buzzer-beater to La Salle

MATTAWA – Holding a two-point lead and possession of the ball with just seconds on the clock, Wahluke players passed the ball to one another on the offensive end, attempting to bleed out the clock and leave with a district tournament win.

Washington Senate honors Carroll

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate approved a resolution Friday morning that honored former Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll, who spent 14 years as the coach of the Seahawks.

Digging talons into the win

Eagles earn 10-point win over Riverside Christian in district semis

SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake punched their ticket to the Central Washington 1B district title game with its 62-52 win over Riverside Christian Friday night, defeating the Crusaders while holding a double-digit lead throughout most of the contest.

District bound: Lions advance to title game, defeat Waterville-Mansfield

MOSES LAKE – An offensive surge late in the second quarter carried on into the second half for the No. 1 seed MLCA/CCS Lions, who defeated No. 4 Waterville-Mansfield 58-39 Friday night in the semifinal round of the Central Washington 1B district tournament.

Success celebration

Moses Lake students celebrate hard work, overcome challenges at Open Doors graduation

MOSES LAKE — The diploma Kadence Spencer received Thursday night was the visible symbol of hard work and success.

Marjorie "Marje" Hohnstein Kennerud

Feb. 13, 1924 – Jan. 19, 2024

Marjorie Hohnstein Kennerud, 99, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2024, in Wenatchee, just short of her 100th birthday.

Marion Derreal Boswell, Jr

Jan. 12, 1928 – Feb. 5, 2024

Marion Derreal Boswell, Jr. went to be with the Lord on February 5, 2024. He was 96 years old. He will be missed by his large and extended family, but also everyone who met him as well. He never met a stranger. He was born in Howe, Oklahoma to Marion (Buck) Francis Boswell, Sr. and Agnes Lee Cherry on January 12, 1928.

Othello going to the birds

Sandhill Crane Festival flying into town March 22-24

OTHELLO – The 26th annual Sandhill Crane Festival will be held in Othello from March 22 to 24 with a series of lectures, tours, hikes and activities located at Othello Church of the Nazarene, McFarland Middle School and the surrounding area.

Law enforcement logs for Feb. 9, 2024

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.

Small bookstore owners reflect on doing business in a small town

Moses Lake’s Sandbox Bookstore owner Mai Houvener and Wenatchee’s Ye Olde Bookshoppe owner AnaMaree Ordway discussed what it’s like to operate a bookstore in a smaller town while competing with larger retailers ...

McMorris Rodgers will not run for reelection

WASHINGTON D.C. – Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, announced Wednesday that she will not be running for reelection when her current term ends in early 2025. She said she feels grateful to serve the people of Eastern Washington during her time in office in a formal statement to the press.

Busy summer of roadwork coming to Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — It’s going to be a bumpy ride in and through Soap Lake this summer, literally and figuratively. City streets are scheduled for extensive repairs and new crosswalk lights, and a major project is scheduled for state Route 17, just north of the city limits.

Moses Lake library offering free citizenship classes

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Public Library and Hand in Hand Immigration Services will begin their second round of free citizenship classes Feb. 27, after an informational session Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.

Collision injures 1 near Mattawa

OTHELLO — A collision near Mattawa sent one driver to the hospital Thursday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

BASIN HOOPS REPORT: District playoffs in full swing

COLUMBIA BASIN – District playoffs have begun around the state, with Basin squads looking to qualify for their respective district tournaments.

Coyotes take fifth at Winter Classic

MOSES LAKE — After beginning pool play with an 0-1-1 record, the 18U Moses Lake Coyotes closed out last weekend’s Winter Classic tournament with back-to-back wins to place fifth in their home tournament. “It’s always our favorite,” Coyotes Coach Paul Davies said of the Winter Classic. “We love being able to play new teams and especially play on our home ice. We’re really proud of it.” The Winter Classic, which the Moses Lake Youth Hockey Association has hosted since 2012, brought in numerous teams from Washington’s west side and down from Canada.

Legislative education

OLYMPIA – Ephrata School Board Student Representative Charles Flynn, left, State Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Ephrata School Board Student Representative Kadie McMullen stop for a photo at the capitol in Olympia in late January. The two student board members joined various officials from the Ephrata School District in visiting the state capitol to discuss education priorities with Dent, Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, and Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake.

Man shot at Moses Lake restaurant

MOSES LAKE — An argument at a Moses Lake restaurant escalated into gunfire Wednesday, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Alberto Orozco, 23, of Moses Lake, was arrested and booked into Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, according to the statement. At about 6:10 p.m., a verbal dispute developed at a restaurant in the 400 block of East Third Avenue, the MLPD statement said. The people involved in the argument were known to each other, and included both employees of the restaurant and non-employees.

Growing season inbound

Basin farmers discuss spring planting, evolving techniques

MOSES LAKE – Mark Kallstrom and Travis Meacham, of Kallstrom Sweet Corn and Friehe Farms respectively, have decades of combined commercial farming experience and discussed some of the ways they prepare for the spring planting season and how their practices have evolved over the years.

Ephrata School District examining new math curricula

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District is considering two possibilities when it comes to math curriculum for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The new education materials will replace EngageNY branded materials. Educators

Networking power: Wahluke students compete in annual Amazing Shake

MATTAWA – Wahluke Junior High held its annual Amazing Shake event Thursday morning, where students competed to demonstrate their “soft skills” at 21 different stations and scenarios designed to help them improve communication and interpersonal skills.

Ephrata School District forms committee to consider future bond options

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has announced the formation of a committee tasked with establishing a recommendation on the timing of the next Ephrata School District Bond, according to a Feb. 1 ESD announcement.

Honoring Indigenous

A year ago, the Wahluke School District announced that it would be allowed to keep the Warrior as its mascot after working with Wanapum leaders. Washington law required school districts to reach out to nearby tribes to obtain permission to keep Indigenous icons as mascots. The Wanapum found that the Warrior represents the entire community, not just the school district. Wahluke schools and the Wanapum have a longstanding relationship that fosters and appreciation for Native American culture and Wanapum artifacts are displayed in Wahluke campuses for educational purposes.

Legals for February, 8 2024

Ephrata’s Malone takes top honor in chess tourney

EPHRATA – For the third consecutive year, Hayden Malone, an Ephrata High School senior took home the top prize in the Waypoint Foundation Scholastic Chess Tournament, according to a statement from the Waypoint Foundation. The competition was held Saturday at Parkway Intermediate School in Ephrata.

WSU regents set 2024–25 tuition rates

PULLMAN – Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents met in Seattle Friday, taking action on several items as well as hearing reports from constituencies across the system.

Flying in

Kamryn Schroeder, 4, from Wilbur, Washington attempts to land a crop duster in a video game style simulator at the Spokane AgShow Wednesday. Full coverage of the agriculture conference will be out in an upcoming edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

CWU selects new dean of Education and Professional Studies

ELLENSBURG – Central Washington University’s College of Education and Professional Studies has chosen Selena Castro to fill its vacant Associate Dean position starting February 16 according to a statement from CWU.

Legislature looks at lowering blood alcohol content statute

OLYMPIA – To curb traffic fatalities, lawmakers are proposing reducing the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.

Quincy City Council scrutinizes fire agreement

QUINCY — Determining how much to pay for fire protection services was the subject of a lengthy discussion at the regular Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday.

BBCC’s upcoming wrestling finale sets stage for national tourney

MOSES LAKE – After a rough weekend versus the Pacific Northwest powerhouse in Clackamas Community College the Vikings hit the road to Pullman, Washington to duke it out versus various conference and non-conference opponents.

ACH Warriors use defense to defeat Northport in Northeast 1B tourney

COULEE CITY – A strong defensive effort carried the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors to their Northeast 1B District Tournament win over Northport Tuesday night, holding the Mustangs to under 30 points in a 54-24 win.

Olympic stumble: Rent control bill passes House appropriations, fails in Senate appropriations

OLYMPIA — Legislation that would place a limit on raises in rent in Washington faces an uncertain future after a bill failed to advance in the Washington Senate.

Misty Maria Minnick

Misty Maria Minnick, 41, of Ephrata, Wash., passed Dec. 28, 2023. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at Edmonds Waterfront Center in Edmonds, Wash., at 11 a.m.

Shirley Brewer

1945 – 2024

Shirley Ann (Huffman) Brewer, 78, was born in Logansport, Ind., on February 19, 1945.

Gary Norman

Jan. 22, 1945 — Jan. 31, 2024

Father Gary Norman, a senior priest of the Diocese of Yakima, who was being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center following an auto accident and subsequent stroke Jan. 22, died Jan. 31, 2024, at the medical center. Diabetes and heart trouble contributed to his death. He was 79 and had been living in Prescott, Ariz., since his retirement in 2014, helping occasionally in the local Catholic parish and preaching in parishes throughout the United States, on behalf of the organization Food for the Poor.

Bullying at Frontier points toward frustrations for parents

MOSES LAKE — Harassment or bullying at school often leads to unknown territory for parents, who don’t always know what school officials can do, and may not be able to find out what they are doing. School officials can’t always answer parents’ questions, even in the case of recurring incidents.

Reichert’s Showhouse in Othello for sale after 32 years of business

OTHELLO — Bob and Donna Reichert have owned and operated Reichert’s Showhouse 3 in Othello with their son Robert Reichert for 32 years. Now, they are selling the building and retiring from the theater business.

Basin sports schedule Feb. 7-13

COLUMBIA BASIN — Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local basketball and wrestling events. With many district tournaments beginning this week, check columbiabasinherald.com for schedule updates as teams progress through their brackets.

'Such a fabulous night'

Country Sweethearts banquest breaks records for attendenace and fundraising in support of local cancer patients

MOSES LAKE — Saturday night’s Country Sweethearts banquet and auction was the biggest it’s ever been, seating 540 people and raising just over $318,000 for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, according to CBCF Director Angel Ledesma. “It was such a fabulous night,” Ledesma said.

Fighting sadness

Do More Feel More takes a proactive approach to seniors and depression

COLUMBIA BASIN — A new program to identify and cope with depression in seniors is expanding to the Columbia Basin. It’s called “Do More Feel Better,” and it will be offered free in both English and Spanish.

Splash from the past

Scuttle (Emily Duvall), left; Flounder (Isaac Winter), center back; and Sebastian (Clark Dalton), right, do what they can to help bring Prince Eric (Taggart Hodges), left front and Ariel (Abigail Martinez), right front, find true love in the Quincy Valley Allied Arts production of “The Little Mermaid,” which was featured in the Columbia Basin Herald on Feb. 7, 2023.

Legals for February, 7 2024

Mattawa votes on truck parking, construction regs

MATTAWA – Thursday’s regular Mattawa City Council meeting featured unanimous approval of a motion to amend the city’s truck regulations and a motion to approve updated construction standards.

GALLERY: District wrestling

COLUMBIA BASIN — Basin wrestlers from Ephrata, Othello, Quincy, Royal and Wahluke competed at Friday’s District 5 tournaments in Yakima and Saturday’s 2A/1A/B District 6 Sub-Regional at Ephrata this weekend, with many wrestlers moving on to next week’s regional tournaments.

Mavs win title at Big 9 districts

MOSES LAKE — The Mavericks outscored second-place Wenatchee by over 100 points at last weekend’s Columbia Basin Big 9 district championships meet in Moses Lake, qualifying for 10 swims at next week’s state championships in the process.

Othello High temporarily locked down after social media threat, all safe

OTHELLO — A social media post prompted a lockdown at Othello High School Tuesday afternoon.

Washingtonians demand hearings on citizen initiatives

OLYMPIA — A sea of red, white and blue covered the Capitol steps in Olympia Friday as hundreds of Washingtonians waved American flags and demanded hearings on six initiatives to roll back taxes, solidify parents’ rights and restore police authority.

Helen Bean

Apr 8, 1924 – Jan 8, 2024

Helen Bean, 99 and 9 months, was born in Fair Play, Mo., to Clara and William Harrison Simmons.

LaVern Kolves

Dec. 15, 1944 – Jan. 30, 2024

LaVern Eldon Kolves passed away Jan. 30, 2024, at the age of 79 in Moses Lake, Wash. He was born Dec. 15, 1944, in Forrest City, Ill., to Martha Irene and Emor Lawerence Kolves.

Charlene ReNae Winzler

March 26, 1964 – Jan. 25, 2024

Charlene ReNae Winzler, 59, passed away surrounded by family, at her home in Moses Lake, on Jan. 25, 2024, ending her battle with ALS, also known as Lou Guerighs Disease.

FRESH NEWS: Ice is disappearing on Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.05 feet, coming up 0.3 feet this past week. We are 3.45 feet below full pool. We have open water on Potholes Reservoir! The State Park boat launch is usable. The sand dunes still have ice, as do the edges from Blythe Bay to the face of the dam coming across the face of MarDon Resort, out about 100 yards. The main pool is ice-free. Lind Coulee has sizable ice coverage with open spots. We have highs forecast in the mid-40s with lows above freezing. It’s looking like we made it through winter and should have a normal to early spring. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

Jerry Heilig

1942 – 2024

Jerry Heilig, 81, a resident of Moses Lake since November of 1952 passed away at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

30 buzzing years

The Hive in Moses Lake celebrates three decades of buzzing tattoo guns

MOSES LAKE — The Hive was … well, buzzing Friday afternoon as Moses Lake’s first tattoo parlor turned 30.

Six Basin squads earn team titles at districts

COLUMBIA BASIN – District wrestling competitions were held across the state last Friday and Saturday, with local teams looking to advance their wrestlers to this weekend’s regional competitions.

Royal girls dominate in win, take league title

ROYAL CITY — The Royal girls basketball team dominated from the opening tip, taking a 75-25 win over the Wahluke girls Friday.

Legals for February, 6 2024

Port of Warden requesting more funding for bypass road

WARDEN – Port of Warden Executive Director Pat Millard shared several updates regarding the port’s ongoing industrial bypass road project, primarily that the port will be requesting more funding for the bypass road during the current legislative session.

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

Multi-decade Grant PUD project three-quarters complete

EPHRATA — A decades-long project to upgrade turbines and generator units for both dams owned and operated by the Grant County PUD is three-quarters complete. Upgrades to the fifth of 10 generator-turbine combinations at Priest Rapids Dam are done.

Hundreds rally for rent caps and affordable housing

OLYMPIA – As budget negotiations begin in the state Legislature, calls for affordable housing action and rent caps from the annual Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day were heard by lawmakers. Hundreds of unhoused individuals, members of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups gathered on Jan. 30 to urge lawmakers to do something about housing costs.

Darrel Francis Parsons

June 21, 1957 — Jan. 31, 2024

Darrel Francis Parsons was born June 21, 1957, in Odessa, Washington, and passed away January 31, 2024, at his home in Coulee City, Washington.

Arva Marie (Lyells) Leishman

Sept. 15, 1926 — Jan. 30, 2024

Arva Leishman, 97, was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was loved by so many. She passed quietly on January 30, 2024 97 years old.

Senior events for February 2024

The Columbia Basin has a great deal to do regardless of age. Here are several that are senior-friendly and provide a chance to socialize with a variety of people.

LETTER: Grant County needs more recycling options

I have been a dedicated recycler since the early '80s but reluctantly had to give it up about two years ago. It broke my heart. The interview with County Coordinator Joan Sieverkropp was interesting, but not at all encouraging for those of us trying to do our part to be good stewards of the earth. I would like to point out one error in the article, which implies that recycling in Grant County can be done at Lakeside Recycling. I live in the county and faithfully took all my recycling materials there, being careful to follow the rules of clean and accepted items, for years. Unfortunately, about two years ago, a sign was posted at the entrance that says "For Moses Lake city residents only.” The other drop-offs don't accept many recyclable items, such as plastic bottles/containers. Our waste management company does not offer curbside pickup.

Grant Co. seeks Board of Equalization applicants

EPHRATA — Grant County officials are looking for qualified applicants to fill two open seats on the county’s Board of Equalization.

Recognizing local: Othello Chamber seeking nominations for 2024 banquet

OTHELLO – The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2024 Annual Awards Banquet fundraiser Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello, during which the chamber will announce this year’s award winners based on community nominations.

Weather for the week of Feb. 5, 2024

Weather for the week of Feb. 5, 2024

Tigers fall on the road to Selah

SELAH – After being down by 15 at the end of the first half, the attempted Tiger comeback fell short Friday night in Ephrata’s regular-season finale, falling on the road to the Vikings 60-50.

Hard-fought Royal-Wahluke game ends in 50-42 Knights victory

ROYAL CITY — A lot of times intense, hard-fought games come down to one or two things that do or don’t go right. In Royal’s 50-42 boys basketball win over Wahluke Friday, Knights coach Greg Jenks said some rebounds went Royal’s way, and Warrior coach Clayton Buck said some shots didn’t go Walluke’s way.

Overtime flexibility or worker rights? SB 5476 looks at flexible overtime rules for ag workers

OLYMPIA- Senator Curtis King, R-Yakima, introduced Senate Bill 5476 which will grant agricultural employers the flexibility to select up to 12 weeks in a calendar year, during which they can employ workers for up to 50 hours per week without triggering overtime pay requirements.

Basin squads open the postseason

Wrestling teams from Ephrata, Othello, Royal and Warden took to the mats at the Yakima Valley SunDome Friday for their respective district tournaments. Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for a full story on the District 5 wrestling tournaments, as well as a review of other district wrestling tournaments across the east side of the state.

WA Legislature examining school library content review process

OLYMPIA – A mandatory process to guide school districts should be required when protests erupt over books that deal candidly with sexual preferences and gender identity. While proponents of that position argue a policy is crucial to protect LGBTQ+ authors, critics call the idea government overreach and argue “kids'' are the only class that needs protecting.

Warnick sponsors bill addressing farm water needs

OLYMPIA - Senate Bill 5517, sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, aims to address the balance between meeting farmers' groundwater needs and ensuring environmental conservation in Washington state.

Moses Lake port officials start fuel cleanup study

MOSES LAKE — A fuel tank leak at the Port of Moses Lake that occurred in the mid-1990s will be the subject of a new study and possible additional cleanup. Port directors approved a contract for further evaluation of the site, called Pumphouse 1, at the regular meeting Jan. 22.

Washington students show increased attendance and high school course completion

OLYMPIA — Three important indicators of student success are attending school regularly, passing all of their ninth grade classes, and completing advanced courses where they earn both high school and college credit at the same time. In the 2022–23 school year, Washington’s students made significant strides in all three, according to data published recently by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Each year, Washington’s students continue to work hard to set themselves up for success,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Attending school regularly, passing all their classes in ninth grade, and completing advanced-level coursework all prepare students for their unique future pathways. I am so proud of our students for their efforts and of educators and district staff for supporting them.”

Providence settles lawsuit over low-income patient billings

SEATTLE — Providence Healthcare, which operates Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, among others, must forgive more than $137 million in medical debt and refund more than $20 million to low-income patients, according to an announcement from Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Letter from the editor: Pets are a community responsibility

As a community, we’re still struggling in the Columbia Basin to take care of the animals in our communities. While some progress has been made as funding becomes available to establish a new shelter for Grant County Animal Outreach, funding to ensure the operations of Adams County Pet Rescue are still a bit up in the air.

COLUMN: Hydropower is the cornerstone of a reliable, clean energy future

Affordable, plentiful energy is the root of a society that enables economic growth. It’s easy to forget our community’s biggest asset even though it affects everything we do. Now more than ever, our customers need to understand hydropower’s role in the rapidly changing energy landscape, and how we’re preparing for the future.

Recycling a mixed, reusable bag

MOSES LAKE — If you are looking for places to recycle paper, cardboard, cans, and in some cases plastic, you can find various locations throughout Grant and Adams County. If you are looking to recycle glass, not so much.

Police logs for Feb. 2, 2024

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.

Kadlec outreach program assisting Othello community

OTHELLO — Kadlec Regional Medical Center, based in Richland, has entered the fifth month of providing a pilot outreach program to Othello community members in need, called “One Day at a Time.” The program was created by Kadlec Community Health Worker Maria Perez, who runs a similar program in Tri-Cities called Homegrown Connect. Both programs focus on providing food, supplies, assistance and company to individuals in their respective communities. Perez outlined the basics of the Tri-Cities program, and the Othello program’s influence.

Modern furnishing decisions

Finding the right tech level when shopping for home goods

EPHRATA — Matt Moore of Moore Furniture in Ephrata said the styles and models of furniture and appliances have remained similar or the same since the pandemic started as furniture and appliance manufacturers have struggled with supply chain issues and such. Good options are out there, but even with the slowdown in model changes, thinking through a purchase is still important. “You had a whole year where you couldn’t get anything, and it was a windfall for us because we actually warehouse and we had stuff to sell,” Moore said. These days though, models that were in the warehouse and showroom now are similar if not the same because of logistics issues. However, that doesn’t mean that some thought doesn’t need to go into a purchase. Integration of technology into what used to be simple furniture is important, he said. People want USB ports to plug in their electronics such as phones, tablets and handheld game consoles. Hidden conveniences go a long way in an era where digital toys are everywhere.

Warnick bill promoting WDFW, nonprofit cooperation advances

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, received unanimous approval from the Senate to enable the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish cooperative agreements with nonprofits and volunteer programs contributing to the maintenance of lands managed by the department.

Gesa extends scholarship deadline

RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union has extended its deadline for scholarship applications, according to an announcement from Gesa.

Othello low-income development gets $1.5M grant

OTHELLO — The Othello Housing Authority and Adams County Building and Planning were awarded $1.5 million toward the Othello Rocky Point Development low-income housing project, according to a Tuesday announcement from the Washington Department of Commerce.

Grant Co. extends marijuana production moratorium

EPHRATA — The Grant County Commissioners have extended the moratorium on establishing new marijuana production or processing operations in unincorporated areas of the county for another six months.

Basin alumnae earn NWAC title

PASCO — Two Basin high school alumnae were a part of Columbia Basin College’s 2023 Northwest Athletic Conference Soccer Championship-winning team last November, with Othello aluma Janelly Verduzco and Moses Lake alumna Joelee Green-Cerrillo both winning NWAC titles. Verduzco, a sophomore midfielder with the Hawks, led CBC with 11 goals during the 2023 season, also assisting on a team-high six passes while starting 18 of CBC’s 20 games. Green-Cerrillo, a freshman midfielder, saw action in 13 games, scoring two goals and recording two assists. The Hawks stood unbeaten at 11-0-2 through their first 13 games last season, with the two ties coming on the road against Spokane and North Idaho. CBC’s first and only loss of the year was at home against Spokane, a 4-1 loss on Oct. 14.

Postseason wrestling begins!

COLUMBIA BASIN – Postseason wrestling begins this week, with Basin squads competing at different district tournaments across the east side of the state. Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for results from each tournament.

BASIN HOOPS REPORT: Local squads begin postseason play

COLUMBIA BASIN — District playoffs across the state begin this weekend, with many Basin squads closing out their regular seasons in the coming days. See below for a look at where teams stand ahead of district playoffs. All scores and standings are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Erratics to discuss geology pioneer

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Erratics Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute will host a talk on a pioneer in the geology of the Columbia Basin, according to an announcement from the organization.

Hendrik "Hank" Mulder

Nov. 6, 1942 – Jan. 13, 2024

Hendrik “Hank” Mulder was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on Jan. 13, 2024, in Moses Lake, Washington at the age of 81. His life and legacy were in his children and the plants and animals he cared for.

Ephrata’s ‘new’ mayor pro tem looks at growing as residents choose

EPHRATA – After serving on the Ephrata City Council since 2015, Matt Moore has taken on a new title: mayor pro tem.

The Hive to mark 30 years of ink Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Hive will celebrate its 30th birthday from noon to 7 p.m. Friday with a throwback to its origins.

Moses Lake Roundup looks forward to the next 80 years

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Rodeo Association gathered with volunteers and sponsoring partners on Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds for its annual banquet. This year’s event introduced a new award, Demo Derby Man of the Year. This honor went to one of the new 2023 directors of the board, Aaron Schrodt. Schrodt’s initiative to build and raffle off an opportunity to drive the Moses Lake Roundup’s Demo Derby car, paired with his work with new Vice President Alex Alvarado, earned him the inaugural recognition. A bittersweet transition was recognized for the longtime efforts of Edie Longfellow, a veteran of the Roundup since starting as secretary in August 1969. Known as the “den mother of the Columbia River Circuit,” she was lauded for her support of previous rodeo presidents, queens, and contestants.

Legals for February, 1 2024