Ellington

MLSD addresses nursing concerns, passes Title IX resolution amendment

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is weighing the potential of a forensic audit which is addressed in another story, a public comment regarding limited nursing staff and a proposed amendment to the Title IX resolution the district passed during a special Sept. 5 school board meeting.

MLSD considers potential forensic audit

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is considering a forensic audit, after MLSD board member Paul Hill brought the idea up in closing comments of the Aug. 22 regular school board meeting.

Knights defeat Leopards 49-21

ROYAL CITY – While the Knights jumped out to an early four-score lead in the first quarter of Friday’s game against Zillah, the Leopards battled back to cut the Royal lead to two possessions in the second and third quarters before the Knights eventually pulled away with a 49-21 win.

Ephrata man sentenced in 2023 speeding, drug case

EPHRATA — An Ephrata man was sentenced to more than 11 years Tuesday in connection with leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase in 2023, according to Grant County Superior Court documents.

Flannel Fest to bring the ’90s to life

MOSES LAKE — The days of dial-up internet, Doc Martens and the Macarena may be three decades behind us, but they’ll make a comeback this weekend at the Grant County Fairgrounds. This is the third year the fairgrounds has hosted the 1990s music festival Flannel Fest, which this year is Friday and Saturday.

Softball for a good cause at Battle of the Badge

MOSES LAKE — It was a battle of two evenly matched teams, but the Moses Lake Police Department took a one-run win over the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in a softball game for a good cause.

Eagles suffer first loss of season to Wellpinit

SOAP LAKE – The Eagles suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday night, falling 46-12 at home against Wellpinit in a non-league matchup. What began as a back-and-forth matchup quickly developed into a big Wellpinit win, as the Redskins scored 32 consecutive points to close out the first half.

Quincy man arrested for alleged robbery

QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery after he allegedly held up a Quincy gas station early Friday morning.

Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center to hold banquet Oct. 12

MOSES LAKE — Crossroads Resource Center will hold its fundraiser banquet Oct. 12. The event will feature a prime rib dinner catered by Top Gun Concessions and Catering of Moses Lake, as well as an update on the clinic’s services from Executive Director Carol Knopp and an address by speaker Steventhen Holland.

Weather for the week of Sept. 30, 2024

Weather for the week of Sept. 30, 2024

Hit and run causes power outage

MOSES LAKE – Grant Public Utility District crews worked late Friday night after a semi-truck hit a power pole, knocking out power to what the PUD estimated to be more than 700 homes.

Two injured in accident near Desert Aire

DESERT AIRE – Two people were taken to Kadlec Hospital in Richland after a box truck and a personal vehicle accident Friday morning.

Legals for September, 30 2024

Cardiologist joins Samaritan Healthcare

MOSES LAKE — Cardiologist Robert Schatz has joined the staff at Samaritan Healthcare.

Present and future part of new Quincy Valley Medical Center

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Glenda Bishop said watching as the new QVMC is built emphasized the fact this is a project for the future as well as today. “(Recently) as I pulled into the parking lot I looked up at the new hospital and the full impact of what this means for our community hit me in a powerful way,” Bishop wrote in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “Our generation, our workforce, our voters, our contractors are accomplishing something that will meet healthcare needs into the next several decades.”

Surgeon joins Samaritan orthopedic department

MOSES LAKE — Orthopedic surgeon Billy Thompson has joined the orthopedic department at Samaritan Healthcare. Thompson joined the staff last month.

Interior framing, landscaping underway at new Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — The first layer of asphalt is down in some sections of the parking lot and a lot of the windows are in. And yes, that is landscaping going in on sections of the property. If the project stays on schedule, the first patients will be entering the doors of the new Samaritan Hospital in early March 2026.

Remodeled ER at Columbia Basin Hospital set for spring 2025 completion

EPHRATA — An updated emergency department at Columbia Basin Hospital is scheduled for completion by spring 2025. Rosalinda Kibby, CBH chief executive officer, wrote that the remodeling project has several goals.

WDFW issues warning regarding transporting game meat

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a statement to remind Washington-based hunters of rules associated with bringing game meat into the Evergreen State from other states.

STUDIO BASIN: QVMC, Samaritan Hospital and fall sports

MOSES LAKE — Joe Kunkel, project director for the ongoing construction of Samaritan Hospital and the Quincy Valley Medical Center, is the guest on the Studio Basin podcast this week. In sports, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer break down recent football, girls soccer and volleyball action involving Lind-Ritzville/Sprague, Othello, Quincy and Wahluke.

Carol Ann Leibelt

1955 — 2024

Carol Ann Leibelt, 68, a longtime resident of George, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 20, 2024. She was born December 4, 1955, to Esther and Richard Gray at Dugway Military Base, Utah.

Almira Country Fair coming Saturday

ALMIRA — The Almira Country Fair will be an all-outdoor event this year, according to JoAnn Eagle, one of the organizers, to keep activities from being spread out too far.

Nominations open for grants to local nonprofits

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Foundation is looking for a few good nonprofits.

Reykdal talks constants and change in education

ELLENSBURG — Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said there are constants in education – but education is changing too, and it’s happening at an accelerating rate. Reykdal spoke to students at Central Washington University Wednesday.

Cougars open Mountain West slate at Boise State

PULLMAN – Coming off a comeback win at home against San Jose State, the Washington State Cougars travel to No. 25 Boise State in their first true road test of the 2024 season. The Broncos enter the game at 2-1 having defeated Portland State 56-14 the week prior.

Vantage Bridge work may cause weekend delays

VANTAGE — With about four weeks to go in the road construction season, projects are coming to a close around the region. A few roads are still subject to delays, or slowdowns, or otherwise interruptions, the busiest being the Vantage Bridge.

Royal City man booked after standoff

ROYAL CITY – Nineteen-year-old Antonio Perez Saquic reportedly barricaded himself inside his Royal City home to avoid being arrested for second-degree assault – domestic violence and violation of protection order with assault resulting in a half-an-hour shelter-in-place, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Winter prep...

As winter approaches, being mindful of safe heater operation is important

MOSES LAKE — With the weather cooling off, lots of people will be turning on their heat in the coming weeks for the first time in months. That can bring a risk of fire, according to state and local officials.

Eight-time felon pleads guilty to two charges

EPHRATA – David Mendez Cantu III, 46, Moses Lake pleaded guilty to first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle on Sept. 24 in Grant County Superior Court.

Basin events for October 2024

COLUMBIA BASIN — The leaves are falling; the air is getting nippier and there’s some fun stuff to do this month in the Columbia Basin. Here are just a few of the events coming up in the next month.

Othello Middle School threat deemed not credible

OTHELLO — An alleged threat against McFarland Middle School and specific students at the campus reported Thursday was not credible, according to an Adams County Sheriffs Office press release.

Law Enforcement logs for Sept. 27, 2024

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.

Washington college sports schedule for Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s college sports schedule, complete with cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball events for Big Bend, Central Washington Eastern Washington, Gonzaga and Washington State.

Ephrata man arrested in child porn case

EPHRATA – Jeremy B. Burge, 52, of Ephrata was arrested Wednesday morning during an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. This operation was launched following a tip from a concerned citizen to the Quincy Police Department in August.

Building permits for Sept. 27, 2024

Building permits for Sept. 27, 2024

Northwest authors to be featured at book show

WENATCHEE — The Write on the River writers group will host its October Bookfest Oct. 5, according to an announcement from Write on the River. More than 20 local and regional authors, including bestsellers and award winners, will attend the book fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the LocalTel Event Center at Pybus Market.

Weekend College Football

Regional College Football Schedule

Fishing season extended on three Grant Co. lakes

EPHRATA — The fishing season has been extended for three lakes in Grant County, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

MLSD finishes cost-saving water projects

MOSES LAKE -- The Moses Lake School District announced a new cost savings measure on Thursday. The district has transitioned from the city’s water supply to an independent well-based system at both Frontier Middle School and Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center. This change is projected to save the district about $38,000 annually, according to the MLSD press release.

Legals for September, 27 2024

Judith Shaw

With a heart full of faith and a spirit that radiated love, Judith Elaine (Frank) Shaw peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of September 24, 2024, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

Susan Joan Johnson

1939 – 2024

Our dear wife, mother and nana, Susan Joan Johnson went home to Jesus on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Herbert William Stephens II

Born February 14, 1929, in Seattle, Washington to Herbert W. Stephens I and Pearl (Goudie) Stephens.

Moses Lake raises funds for Alzheimer's awareness

MOSES LAKE – Flowers decorated with names of loved ones spun in the wind, children ran around filling the sidewalks with affirming messages, smiley faces and games of hopscotch, people pulled their purple shirts over their heads and began the walk. The Walk to End Alzheimer's returned to Moses Lake for 11 years in a row and this year the attendance was phenomenal, according to the walk co-organizer Julie Reathaford.

‘Every vote counts’

General election voting starts soon, local party leaders encourage registration

MOSES LAKE – Voting for the upcoming general election begins in less than a month, with voting starting Oct. 18.

Ephrata School board chair announces resignation

Board reviews budget and expenses as first quarter continues

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board met for their Sept. 23 board meeting to introduce new staff, discuss new facilities purchases, update on the effectiveness of cell phone boxes, discuss the budget and at the end of the meeting, Board Chair Anita Waller announced she will be leaving at the end of 2024.

Projectile pumpkins?

Country Cousins kicks off season with rides, games, mazes and flying fruit

OTHELLO — There will be giant bubbles, hayrides and a miniature train Friday and Saturday, as Country Cousins kicks off the season with its Fall Festival. Oh, and projectile pumpkins.

Warriors survive comeback bid, defeat College Place 3-2

MATTAWA – After College Place tied the match at three late in the second half, Wahluke responded with two goals in two minutes to seal a 5-3 win over the Hawks, improving to 3-2 on the season. Wahluke bounced back from a 2-0 loss to Royal last week with Tuesday’s win.

Target shooting prohibited indefinitely on Sand Dunes Road

MOSES LAKE — After what Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said were multiple incidents, WDFW is emphasizing that the Sand Dunes Road area in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area is closed to target shooting.

Soap Lake PD receives grant funding

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department just received a $290,655 grant from the Community Oriented Policing Services U.S. Department of Justice. According to SLPD Chief Ryan Cox the funding will be used to pay an officer for a four-year period.

Critics say I-2117 is a jobs killer; supporters challenge that claim

(The Center Square) – Opponents of Initiative 2117 to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and its carbon tax claim the measure would cost Washingtonians an estimated 45,000 high-wage jobs. That's according to a recently released study by Greenline Insights that concludes I-2117 would cost Washington state approximately $9.1 billion in economic output over eight years.

Columbia Ridge staff recognized for life-saving efforts

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District announced last week that it had recognized six staff for their heroic efforts to help a Columbia Ridge Elementary student who had begun choking on campus, according to an Ephrata Schools press release.

Water fight benefits Quincy Special Olympics

QUINCY — Water was flying, and police and firefighters (and the occasional bystander) were getting soaked in a good cause Saturday morning at the “Fire and Cop on Top” event in Quincy. Quincy Police Department officers, firefighters from Grant County Fire District 3 and Washington State Patrol troopers had a water fight with anybody who decided to come by to benefit the Quincy Special Olympics.

Coho salmon season opens above Priest Rapids Dam

MATTAWA — Coho salmon season has opened along the Columbia River for most of the section between Priest Rapids Dam and Chief Joseph Dam. Anglers can fish for coho through Oct. 15.

Pacific Rehabilitation cuts ribbon

MOSES LAKE — Pacific Rehabilitation Center cut the ribbon on its Moses Lake facility Tuesday, at a small ceremony and lunch attended by staff both local and from the west side of the Cascades as well as members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Legals for September, 26 2024

Eileen Friesz

Dec. 26, 1946 — Aug. 30, 2024

Eileen Friesz, 77, of Green Valley, Ariz., passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving husband and hospice caretakers at Haven Health in Green Valley on Aug. 30, 2024. Born in Roseburg, Ore., on Dec. 26, 1946, to James and Virginia (Koller) Hanlin, Eileen attended Roseburg High School and graduated in 1964. She attended Oregon State University (OSU) at Corvallis for one year and then transferred to the University of Oregon Medical school in Portland where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1969.

Margarita Hernandez

Margarita Hernandez, 80, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 23, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Dilley, Texas, she spent her childhood playing outdoors on the prairies with her beloved brothers and sisters.

Burgess focused on facilitating communication, if elected

MOSES LAKE – In the county elections, Republican Kevin Burgess is running for Grant County Commissioner District 1, which Danny Stone currently occupies. Stone did not file for reelection.

Castro focused on safety, workforce in commissioner race

MOSES LAKE — Republican Amador Castro, a local educator and entrepreneur is running for Grant County Commissioner District 1, against Republican Kevin Burgess. The incumbent, Danny Stone, is not seeking reelection. “This is not just a campaign for me; it’s about creating a better, safer, and more prosperous Grant County for us all,” Castro said.

Cougars improve to 3-0 with road win over Tonasket

WARDEN – After finishing 4-6 a season ago, the Warden Cougars have begun the 2024 season with a 3-0 mark with wins over Medical Lake, Mossyrock and – most recently –Tonasket.

Former officer sentenced in Othello child sex case

OTHELLO – Koby Don Williams, 49, Ellensburg was sentenced on one count of Attempted Online Enticement. Williams was convicted of the crime on May 14 following a jury trial, according to a Sept. 19 press release from the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington.

Ready to ride

Bike rodeo, giveaway and safety event coming Saturday in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Young riders will have a chance to show their cycling chops, get their bikes repaired and maybe even go home with a bike at the annual BARGAS event Saturday.

Infrastructure, including jail, area of focus for Blankenship

RITZVILLE — Adams County Commission candidate Dan Blankenship said he believes the biggest projects and the ones he wants to work on if he’s elected, focus on infrastructure. Blankenship, the incumbent, is running for a second term, challenged by David Lobe, Ritzville.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 25-Oct. 1

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s sports schedule for high school athletics across the Columbia Basin, including cross country, football, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, slowpitch softball and volleyball events.

WSU researcher awarded $2.7M to study Lyme disease

PULLMAN - Washington State University researcher Troy Bankhead has been awarded nearly $2.7 million in grants to unlock the secrets of how the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, manages to evade its host’s immune system and establish a persistent infection.

NCW Libraries to host virtual conversation with author

MOSES LAKE — North Central Washington Libraries will host a virtual conversation with best-selling author Erika L. Sánchez Oct. 10, according to an announcement from NCW Libraries.

STUDY: WA most affordable state for used cars

MOSES LAKE— Washington has been identified as the most affordable state in America for purchasing used cars, according to a new study by vehicle issue platform AutoTechIQ.

BIG SKY NOW: Conference play on the horizon

MOSES LAKE -- On Tuesday’s episode of the Big Sky Now podcast, the panel of Josh Amick, Fritz Neighbor and Jon Allen of the Daily Inter Lake, Mark Nelke of the Coeur d’Alene Press and Ian Bivona of the Columbia Basin Herald break down recent headline among football teams in the Big Sky.

Multiple arrests after Othello-area incident leads to pursuits

OTHELLO — Seven people were arrested in Grant and Adams counties on suspicion of felony harassment and attempting to elude law enforcement following a Sunday incident near Othello that led to a pursuit.

Information sought in Othello-area drive-by

OTHELLO — Investigation is still ongoing into a drive-by shooting late Friday night that left two teenagers injured.

LETTER: Thank you Bonnie, Cascade CG and ML Recreation

I would like to shout out some big thanks to campground host Bonnie, Cascade Campground and, of course, the Moses Lake Recreation Department. My wife and I stayed at the campground in August while slowly making our way back from a three-month RV journey that primarily included national and state parks and we found Bonnie, the host of Cascade Campground, to be exceptionally good at her role. That is not always the case from my experience and coupled with her general engaging and timeless demeanor, prompted me to write to you.

FRESH NEWS: Fishing – with occasional catfish surprises – continues to be excellent

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1028.55 feet – rising 0.35 feet this past week. We are currently 2.05 feet above low pool. The water temperature on the main lake and on the face of the sand dunes is in the mid to upper 60s.

Career Connect Washington funding will spur growth of CWU’s construction management, allied construction degree programs

ELLENSBURG - The College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) at Central Washington University is looking to make an even greater impact on the state’s construction industry with the help of $160,000 in Career Launch enrollment funding from Career Connect Washington, administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council.

Legals for September, 25 2024

Patricia Bullis

1936 — 2024

Patricia (Doggett) Bullis, 88, our mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt and more, was welcomed into heaven on September 11, 2024.

John S. Townsend, Jr.

1930 – 2024

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, John S. Townsend, Jr. passed peacefully at his home in Moses Lake, Washington. With him were his long-time companion and members of his family.

Cody Alan Wachal

'Uncle Dad'

It is with great sadness and much love that we mourn the tragic passing of Cody Alan Wachal, 35, on September 05, 2024, in Columbus, Georgia, at the young age of 35 years. Cody was born in La Grange, Georgia before his family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. He lived the majority of his childhood in Twin Falls before his family moved to Moses Lake, Washington.

Museum to host Day of Play at UMANI Festival on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will participate in Our World: Worldwide Day of Play Saturday, according to an announcement from the museum. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this event focuses on getting kids and their families up, out and playing around.

Boeing announces new contract offer

SEATTLE — The Boeing company has set a Friday deadline for a response to what a press release called its “best and final” offer for a new contract. Information on the new offer was released Monday. The strike by members of IAM 751 and W24, the unions representing machinists, has stopped work at Boeing facilities nationwide, including its facility in Moses Lake.

Penalty kicks carry Quincy over Lakeside on the pitch

QUINCY — Goalkeeper Aylen Garcia stopped two penalty kicks to give the Quincy High School girls soccer team a win over Lakeside High School of Nine Mile Falls, Idaho, Saturday afternoon.

Five-hour power outage leaves 1,500 people without electricity

MOSES LAKE – There was a power outage that affected around 1,500 people in the peninsula area of Moses Lake Monday. The outage started at around 7:45 a.m. and power was restored at 12:35 p.m. according to Chistine Pratt, public information officer for the Grant County Public Utility District.

Barbie-themed Boys & Girls Clubs auction coming Oct. 5

MOSES LAKE — There will be pink at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin benefit auction Oct. 5. This year’s theme is Barbie, the iconic American teen doll that’s been letting children play dress-up for 65 years and starred in her own $1.44 billion blockbuster movie last year. Since the toy’s introduction in 1959, more than a billion Barbie dolls have been sold, according to the manufacturer, Mattel.

Moses Lake raises funds for Alzheimer's awareness

MOSES LAKE – Flowers decorated with names of loved ones spun in the wind, children ran around filling the sidewalks with affirming messages, smiley faces and games of hopscotch, people pulled their purple shirts over their heads and began the walk.

MLPD investigating drive-by shooting on North Buell Drive

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department responded to a drive-by shooting incident Sept. 8 at around 3:11 a.m. at the intersection of North Buell Drive and West Gary Street, according to an MLPD press release.

Second phase set to develop Drumheller Road

MOSES LAKE — Grant County officials are starting the first phases of a multiyear project to improve a road that would connect Mae Valley to Ephrata.

Gridiron Roundup: Five local teams remain unbeaten

MOSES LAKE – Five local teams remain unbeaten through the first three weeks of the 2024 season, with Ephrata, Othello, Royal, Soap Lake and Warden post unblemished records. Read along for a recap of Basin squads in their Week 3 action.

WSU Tri-Cities welcomes largest first year class ever

RICHLAND – An increasing number of students are choosing to obtain their four-year degree from Washington State University Tri-Cities. The local university’s total fall enrollment grew by 3.3% this year, thanks in part to a 16% increase in first-year students – the largest first-year class in the campus’s history. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 5.2%, compared to last fall and new transfer students increased by 2.2%.

Gang-related drive-by in Larson leads to three arrests

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department continues to investigate a Sunday afternoon drive-by shooting in the Larson Community.

Legals for September, 24 2024

Fact check: Critics say Initiative 2117 would cut transportation funding

(The Center Square) - A new report published by Greenline Insights, along with proponents of the Climate Commitment Act, claims that if Initiative 2117 is approved by voters and repeals the law, it would deprive the state of state revenue by $3.9 billion through 2029.

Daniel Lee Carder

Jan. 31, 1946 — Sept. 15, 2024

Daniel Lee Carter was born January 31, 1946, in Fresno, California to Sally Spade. He was later adopted by Johnny Carter and took his name.

Huskies defeat Grandview

Othello unbeaten on gridiron this year with 3-0 record

OTHELLO – The Othello defense pitched a shutout in Friday night’s league win over Grandview, defeating the Greyhounds 41-0 in their home stadium. “We had a good week of practice, we needed to come out and play a little cleaner,” Othello Defensive Coordinator Kevin Hale said. “When we play clean, we’re a pretty good football team.”

Group14 receives federal grant, plans to expand

MOSES LAKE — Battery materials manufacturer Group14 has received grant for up to $200 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its operations in Moses Lake. The company and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the grant in a press release Friday.

REC, Sila reach multi-year silane agreement after REC announces first shipment

MOSES LAKE – REC Silicon announced that an agreement had been finalized with Sila Nanotechnologies arranging for REC to provide Sila with silane gas for their production of Sila’s Titan Silicon, its trademarked anode material.

Buddy Walk set for Saturday

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Buddy Walk will be a little different, according to Down Syndrome Society of Grant County member Kerry Aronsohn, one of the event’s organizers. This year’s event will be held this Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Centennial Amphitheater at McCosh Park.

Vikings fall to No. 3 Treasure Valley CC

MOSES LAKE -- The Big Bend Vikings embarked on their longest road trip of the season, traveling to Ontario, Oregon to face off against the No. 3 ranked team in the NWAC, Treasure Valley Community College. Despite its efforts, BBCC struggled to get its offense going, making it difficult to keep pace with Treasure Valley's high-powered attack. The Vikings dropped three straight sets by identical scores of 25-18 in each set.

Hidden treasure

Second-hand mall gives old Hartline School new life

HARTLINE — Just off Highway 2 about 13 miles northeast of Coulee City is the biggest little shop you may never have heard of. “I started out with (one) room, and somehow, someway, this thing just morphed into this,” said Cindy Cauble. “The whole entire school is a second-hand (store).” That school is the Hartline School, which was built in 1920 and first served the Hartline School District as a K-12 school and later, after consolidation, became part of the Coulee-Hartline School District. The 29,000-square-foot building has two stories, plus a gym in the basement, 12 classrooms and a 300-seat auditorium, according to the Hartline School Preservation Association, which now owns the building. In 2008, the Coulee-Hartline School District decided to vacate the building and bus Hartline’s students to Coulee City.

‘A hug for your feet’

Socktober campaign aims to keep homeless feet warm, clean and dry

MOSES LAKE — There will be some warmer, drier feet on the streets of Moses Lake this year, thanks to an event organizers are calling Socktober. “We want to help the community that is less fortunate, in transition, maybe homeless, by providing warm, comforting socks for them,“ said Amy Ward, administrative assistant at Greenpoint Technologies, which started the campaign in partnership with Red Door Cafe and Ministry. “So in the month of October we’re going to be collecting new socks that have been donated.” Ward didn’t come up with the name “Socktober” herself, she said; she heard it on a radio station out of town and thought something like that would go well in Moses Lake. Socks are one of the least-donated items needed by the homeless, but their value is more than just little tubes made of cloth, Red Door Operational Manager Codi Hochstatter said.

Herrera Beutler and Upthegrove face-off in WA lands commissioner debate

(The Center Square) – After a race for second place that was too close to call until a mandatory hand recount, partisanship came back into the race for Commissioner of Public Lands.

Weather for the week of Sept. 23, 2024

Weather for the week of Sept. 23, 2024

Legals for September, 23 2024

Hazel Junia Brown Gearheart

Sept. 17,1927 — Sept. 18, 2024

Hazel Junia Brown Gearheart, 97, was born September 17, 1927, the youngest child of Clarence Ray Brown and Laura Bertha (Clinkingbeard) Brown in their farmhouse near Chinook, Montana. She was a child of the Depression who learned frugality and hard work in the dairy and gardens, surrounded by love, on the family farm.

WSDOT: State highway system in ‘early stages of failure’

(The Center Square) – The Washington state highway system is in “early stages of failure” due to a lack of maintenance and preservation for not only the highway infrastructure itself, but also regarding the equipment and facilities that need to be replaced or upgraded, according to a recent presentation by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

MLSD announces town halls to address financial issues

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will be hosting a series of community events at various campuses to discuss the district’s current financial crisis, according to a letter from MLSD Interim Superintendent Carol Lewis.

Shiitake Sizzle brings fresh, exotic mushrooms to the table

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has a pretty good variety of places to eat, but this is something new: a restaurant centered around mushrooms.

UNIQUE PROPERTY: Former store for sale as residence in Hartline

HARTLINE — One home for sale in Hartline wasn’t always a home. “It's an interesting property,” said Heidi Van Diest of Moses Lake Realty Group, who has the home listed for $100,000. “It used to be a grocery store, and they turned it into a home. It's got two bedrooms, one bathroom, and then an unfinished basement.”

MLSD passes facilities fees and considers forensic audit

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board passed an updated facilities use fee schedule, lowering the rates for groups using the facilities for various activities and the board began the discussion of a forensic audit.

BIG SKY NOW: Impressive wins and previewing Week 4

MOSES LAKE -- On this week's episodes of the Big Sky Now podcast, the panel of Josh Amick, Fritz Neighbor and Jon Allen of the Daily Inter Lake, Mark Nelke of the Coeur d’Alene Press and Ian Bivona of the Columbia Basin Herald break down recent headline among football teams in the Big Sky.

Broncos off to strong start in 2024

RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague volleyball team has begun its journey to return to the 2B state championship game with a 4-0 mark this season, picking up wins over Reardan, Columbia (Burbank), Warden and Davenport to begin the year.

Columbia Basin events for the week of Sept. 19-26

COLUMBIA BASIN — The summer is past and the holidays are still over the horizon, but there are still some fun things going on in the Basin next week. Here are a few:

ROAD REPORT: Construction winding down, but not done yet

MOSES LAKE — Road construction is winding down as summer turns into fall, but some projects are still underway.

Law enforcement logs for Sept. 20, 2024

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.

Vehicle theft suspect turns self in

WARDEN — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a man being sought in connection with alleged vehicle and trailer theft.

Info sought in Moses Lake drive-by

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is asking for help in finding a vehicle that might be linked to a drive-by shooting Sept. 8.

Legals for September, 20 2024

New Quincy finance director looking to serve community

QUINCY — Carrie Lnenicka said her job as Quincy finance director gives her the chance to do what she really wants to do. “Serving the community in any way that I can is really my calling, I feel,” Lnenicka said. “I think for me, it’s serving – and not only serving, but serving in a way that is honorable and transparent, and with integrity to the community, who works really hard. I’m a taxpayer myself and I work really hard. Everybody does. I really want to be a transparent servant,” she said.

Tigers defeat Jacks in Battle of the Basin

EPHRATA – Ephrata improved to 2-0 this season with Friday’s 33-0 home win over Quincy in the Battle of the Basin, capitalizing off Jackrabbit turnovers to claim the win despite the two teams finishing with a similar amount of total yards.

Flint, Allen address Grant PUD issues

MATTAWA – Tom Flint is running for reelection to the Grant County Public Utility District Board against Robert “Bob” Allen. Flint attended the forum organized by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, the Wahluke School District and the Columbia Basin Herald.

'Every car has a story'

Looking at what a car hobby does for owners’ wellbeing

MOSES LAKE — The nickname for Paul Brumley’s 1964 Chevrolet Impala is kind of a family joke. “Over Budget,” it’s called. But Brumley’s mom Janice said it’s worth every penny.

Sharp appointed as new Soap Lake mayor

SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tempore, Peter Sharp into the mayoral position at the Sept. 18 city council meeting. Sharp will serve as Soap Lake’s mayor until the November 2025 election. Former Mayor Allen DuPuy stepped down during the Aug. 7 City Council meeting. DuPuy served eight months of his four-year term.

Wheelbarrow set recalled for lead

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District released a press release on the recall for Stanley Jr. Kids wheelbarrow and seven-piece garden sets, sold at Costco Wholesale stores nationwide. The set includes a wheelbarrow, apron, gloves, rake, how and hand tools. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the painted long hoe and rake of the recalled garden set contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a threat to children and could cause adverse health issues.

Ephrata updating fence code, negotiating labor issues

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata is working to update its building codes regarding fencing after fencing permits weren’t obtained for some new construction homes within city limits. Builders had thought the permit allowing them to build houses included the surrounding fences.

Amtrak reveals goals for Ephrata station improvements

EPHRATA – Improvements to the Ephrata Amtrak station are expected to be completed by March of 2025, according to information provided by Kelly Just, a public relations representative for the rail line.

Notorious beef and implicit bias in the Court of Appeals

Notorious B.I.G., 2pac, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Lil Wayne and their infamous feuds were discussed recently in the Court of Appeals. The issue before the court was whether the word “Beef” improperly invoked subconscious bias into the minds of jurors. The “Juicy” legal issue of implicit bias and its impact live on after death.

BBB names new PNW board member

MERIDIAN, Idaho — Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific recently named Briana McKown to its board of directors, according to an announcement from BBBGW+P. McKown, a business and design strategy leader at Cisco, joins a group of 18 board members representing BBBGW+P’s eight-state service area, which includes Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, western Wyoming, and central Colorado.

Richard Debeaumont

A celebration of life for Richard Debeaumont will be held September 28, 2024 at the Porterhous,e Restaurant, 11 a.m. - 2 pm.

Sand Scorpions to play dirty at the Dunes Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Sand Scorpions Off-Road Vehicle Group will hold its bounty hole and freestyle competition this Saturday at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. The event is properly called the Half-Sun Travel Plaza $5,000 Bounty Hole and $5,000 Freestyle Competition by Sand Scorpions, said Sand Scorpions board member Brandon Douglass. This is the 13th year the event has taken place, Douglass said. Organizers are expecting about 5,000 people from all over Washington as well as from Oregon, North Dakota and Canada.

For a good cause

QUINCY – The Columbia Basin Herald’s Velma Dunkin was at the Quincy B Street Block Party over the weekend. At the newspaper’s booth, Dunkin sold raffle tickets for a toy tractor with the help of these young area residents and raised almost $120 benefiting Serve Quincy Valley, a local nonprofit that helps locals in a variety of ways including helping with rent, food insecurity and other issues. To find out more, visit www.quincyvalley.org or call them at 509-797-7356. Dunkin’s granddaughter, Audrey Dunkin and her friends helped promote the raffle.

Legals for September, 19 2024

Gridiron Roundup: Local squads tackle Week 2

MOSES LAKE - Several Columbia Basin football teams have started the 2024 season strong with winning records. While a few have suffered losses, the season is far from over. Here's a snapshot of games and records established in week two:

Randall Steven Smith

Aug. 10, 1976 – Aug. 30, 2024

Randall Steven Smith, lifelong Washington State resident, passed away too young on August 30, 2024, in Moses Lake, Washington at the age of 48. He was born August 10, 1976, in Tacoma, Washington to Dorathy W. Smith who preceded him in death earlier this year on May 9, 2024, and his father Ronald S. Dorrah in 1976 prior to Randall’s birth.

Susan Mary Kirk Hartman

Oct. 18, 1940 — Sept. 10, 2024

On Sept. 10, 2024, Susan Hartman passed away. She was born on Oct. 18, 1940, in Centralia, Wash., to Margaret (Ryan) and Daniel Deck.

Dent discusses fires, gangs and non-partisan teamwork

MATTAWA – Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is running unopposed for reelection, and despite a lack of opposition opted to participate in a Sept. 12 candidate forum organized by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, the Wahluke School District and the Columbia Basin Herald. “It's always good to see folks that you represent,” Dent said. “One of the things that was really passionate for me when I first ran, and still is, is that I want to be accessible to people. That's why I'm here. To be accessible.”

Mavs run strong at Iolani

MOSES LAKE – For the Mavericks, it wasn’t all just sunshine and beaches at the Iolani Cross County Invitational Saturday, a highly competitive meet bringing teams from across the country to Hawaii. Moses Lake’s boys team took ninth out of 30 teams in the championship meet, while the Maverick girls took 12th out of 27 teams.

Big fun in a small town

Hartline Community Days hosts visitors seeking a good time

HARTLINE — With a population of 180 at the last census, Hartline is the second-smallest town in Grant County and the eleventh smallest in Washington state, but its residents do love their annual celebration, Hartline Community Days.

Othello ordinance on supervising minors provokes spirited debate

OTHELLO — A spirited debate on a proposed “failure to supervise a minor” ordinance ended with a 6-1 Othello City Council vote to approve the measure, but with some revisions. Council member John Lallas voted no.

New Washington litter initiative launched

OLYMPIA – Each year, approximately 38 million pounds of litter are discarded on Washington’s highways, roads, and public areas—a statistic reflecting about five pounds of trash for every resident in the state, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Blue-green algae blooms in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District released a water quality warning on Saturday. There is a new bloom present in both north and middle Moses Lake. There are also confirmed unsafe toxins in south Moses Lake. Samples are being taken in the north and middle and results will be posted on the Grant County Health District website.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 18-24

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s sports schedule for high school athletics across the Columbia Basin, including cross country, football, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, slowpitch softball and volleyball events.

FRESH NEWS: Walleye fishing on the upswing

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1028.20 feet – rising 1.70 feet this past week. We are currently 1.70 feet above low pool. The water temperature on the main lake and on the face of the sand dunes is in the mid to upper 60s.

Alleged Franklin Co. shooter arrested in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to assault with deadly weapons at 9090 Sagehill, at around 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Suspect Daniel Arcao-Martinez, 28, allegedly shot two people during the reported incident.

Sipping and strolling through downtown Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Third avenue filled with old fashioned cars, people with tote bags, badges and wine glasses and the sound of live music from Lake City Blues for the Sip and Stroll event. The event, paired with Art on Third leading to a variety of different activities for participants to enjoy.

Legals for September, 18 2024

Commercial development proposed in Mattawa

MATTAWA — A developer has purchased land and announced tentative plans to build a convenience store at the intersection of State Route 243 and Road 24 Southwest in Mattawa. Mattawa city officials will consider a request for a variance from Unity Partners, Kennewick, that would reduce the number of required parking spaces around the business.

John Townsend, Jr.

John Sheldon Townsend, Jr., 93, of Moses Lake passed away September 15, 2024. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

LETTER: Thank you for an excellent forum

Thank you, Columbia Basin Herald, for the excellent candidates forum on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the beautiful Wahluke High School.

Fentanyl awareness event set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — WorkSource Columbia Basin will host an event to educate the public about fentanyl Friday in Moses Lake, according to an announcement from WorkSource.

Rascal Rodeo Roundup

An all-ages adaptive rodeo for people with disabilities returns to Othello fair for a fifth year

OTHELLO — The Othello Rodeo grounds were filled Friday morning with people riding horses, tin cattle for rocking and riding, cardboard cows for milking, tin roping bulls and toy dump trucks to move sand around the arena. There were 106 participants and over 50 volunteers at the Rascal Rodeo, an all-ages adaptive rodeo for people with disabilities.

Warriors improve to 2-0 with win over Garfield-Palouse

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors defeated Garfield-Palouse 54-28 on Saturday to improve to 2-0 to begin the season, holding the Vikings to just six points until the third quarter and intercepting three passes in the win. The win follows a 60-8 win over Cusick the week prior.

Care Fair highlights local nonprofits

MOSES LAKE — As the Sip & Stroll was bustling outside, people wandered into the youth dynamics building to check out local nonprofits at the third annual Care Fair. According to the event organizer, Michaelle Boetger, Moses Lake has around 70 nonprofits.

Harvest and culture

Quincy to showcase pioneer life and ethnic diversity in combined festival

QUINCY — Quincy will once again showcase the cultures that combine to make the area a great place to live, as it hosts the Celebration of Harvest and Culture Sept. 28.

Jack of all trades

Quincy’s Stephanie Boorman wears many hats

QUINCY — Stephanie Boorman said the city clerk’s job in Quincy is slightly different than other cities Quincy’s size. “There are many people that will tell you that we are a small city with big city (challenges). tasks and projects that you would see at the big city level. Not many cities, for example, have their own industrial (wastewater) treatment facility, definitely not a (water) reuse facility, either. There are a lot of things that smaller cities don’t typically see that we encounter,” Boorman said.

WA Supreme Court candidates discuss justice

MATTAWA — A Washington State Supreme Court judge’s seat has opened, and this time, instead of the governor filling the position, the voters will. Candidates Sal Mungia and Dave Larson joined several other candidates for a Sept. 12 forum to discuss various elections on the November ballot.

Quincy celebrates farmers

QUINCY — The contribution Quincy-area farmers make – locally and beyond – was recognized at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Saturday. The annual event seeks to help area residents understand the hard work that goes into producing the food that goes into our grocery stores.

Legals for September, 17 2024

Santa Leyva Alvarado

May 6, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2024

Santa Leyva Alvarado passed away at the age of 86 on September 7, 2024, peacefully at her home in Moses Lake, Washington. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her loving companion pet Prieta.

Bernice Melcher

Feb. 15, 1932 — Sept. 3, 2024

Bernice Melcher, 92, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, at her home in Odessa, Washington. She was born February 15, 1932, to John and Matilda (Tillie Frieske) Lobe in Odessa.

Quincy updates food truck ordinance

QUINCY — More options will be available for food trucks to operate in Quincy following revisions to the city’s itinerant vendor ordinance approved Sept. 3. The ordinance actually addresses all itinerant vendors, but some of the restrictions effectively prohibited food trucks most of the time. That prompted a question from council member Dave Dormaier during an Aug. 20 discussion on the proposed changes.

'You want the best, pay the best'

33,000 Boeing employees strike, 800 in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – More than 33,000 Boeing employees are officially striking as of Sept. 13 at midnight after a Sept. 12 vote saw union members reject a contract proposal from their employer. Machinists voted 94.6% to reject the contract and 96% in favor of striking, according to IAM District 751.

Burgess, Castro discuss county issues

MATTAWA – Republican candidates for Grant County Commission Seat 1 faced off to answer questions at Wahluke High School Sept. 12 to determine which of them will take on the role after Commissioner Danny Stone opted to forego a reelection bid.

Jones, Henderson discuss priorities for Grant Co.

MATTAWA – At Wahluke High School Sept. 12, the two candidates for Grant County Commissioner Position 2, incumbent Republican Rob Jones and Republican David Henderson discussed their policies around various subjects.

Weather for the week of Sept. 16, 2024

Weather for the week of Sept. 16, 2024

OPD assistant police chief graduates from FBI academy

OTHELLO – On Thursday morning the Othello Police Department’s Assistant Police Chief Aaron Garza graduated from the FBI National Academy, according to an OPD press release.

Pretty business

MOSES LAKE – Mari Guerrero cuts the ribbon Friday on her new shop Gorgeous Bae Boutique, joined by her children, from left, Adalina, 7; PJ, 8; Serena, 1, held by her grandmother Monica Guerrero; and Trino, 11 as well as members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Gorgeous Bae Boutique is at 210 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake across from the post office.

Stray bull remains unclaimed

OTHELLO – A bull showed up three weeks ago at the 700 block of South Hillcrest Road in Othello. The owner of the bull has yet to be found according to an Adams County Pet Rescue press release. The bull does not have branding or other means of identifying the owner such as an ear tag. Anyone with information is asked to call the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 509-659-1122 or Adams County Pet Rescue at 509-488-5514.

Coats 4 Kids

Rotary Club gears up for coat drive

MOSES LAKE — It’s not winter yet by a long shot, but the first hint of cool air is beginning to remind Basin residents that it won’t be too much longer. The Rotary Club of Moses Lake, this year with the help of 4-H, is beginning to collect coats to help keep kids warm when the air gets nippy. The club’s annual Coats 4 Kids program will start off with a coat drive Oct. 5 at the Penn Plaza parking lot, 1035 N. Stratford Road. “We felt like we were a little bit short of what the need was last year, so this is the first time that we’ve had a formal coat drive like this,” said club President Amy Raymond. “It’s an effort to increase the number of coats that we’ll be able to distribute later.”

Moses Lake wins first home game of the season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School football team overcame a slow start and some early-season miscues to take a 30-23 win over the North Creek Jaguars in the first home game of the year.

Wahluke grad honored for overcoming obstacles

MATTAWA — A Wahluke High School graduate was recently honored for his determination and community engagement by Community Health Plan of Washington. Haziel Sandoval-Gatica received CHPW’s Power of Community Perseverance Award, a $1,000 scholarship. Sandoval-Gatica, a 2024 graduate of Wahluke, overcame significant obstacles including poverty, family displacement and a language barrier to graduate with a 3.3 grade point average while playing varsity soccer and engaging in his community, according to CHPW Regional Manager Daniel Smith. “I came across Haziel through our relationship with the Migrant Education Program leadership,” Smith said. “There was so much to be inspired about, just remarkable achievement that Haziel has done in his life.”

Othello girl takes grand prize in reading challenge

OTHELLO — An Othello girl walked away with the grand prize in Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge. Brooklyn Gilbert, 10, won a Nintendo Switch. “(The Summer Reading Challenge) starts in mid-June and ends in mid-August,” said Othello Library Customer Service Specialist Jenny Noyola. “The kids have to read for 15 hours, then they get entered in the drawing for the big prize.” The grand prize wasn’t the only thing summer readers could win, Noyola said. Local businesses contributed smaller prizes as well.

‘Simple As That’

Initiative encourages people to do their part for cleaner communities

OLYMPIA — Every year, almost 38 million pounds of litter is dropped on Washington’s highways, roads and public areas, according to an announcement Thursday from the Washington State Department of Ecology. That’s about five pounds of trash for every person in the state. Beyond simply being unsightly, litter can harm water quality and pose safety risks to travelers. To reduce littering, the state Department of Ecology is working with the Department of Transportation, State Patrol and other agencies to launch the “Simple As That” campaign, the DOE announced. The state spends more than $12 million each year picking up litter, and paid crews and volunteers collected a record 11.2 million pounds in 2023, according to the announcement. However, even that record-setting effort still only addresses a fraction of the problem.

Legals for September, 16 2024

Interest rates down, active listings up in Basin

MOSES LAKE — With lower mortgage rates, listings are up from a year ago in the Basin, as well as statewide, but closed sales are still staying put, according to data released Sept. 6 by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties.

WSU, UW renew Apple Cup rivalry Saturday

PULLMAN – The 116th playing of the Apple Cup will have quite a different feeling once Washington State and Washington meet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday.

‘The View from Here’ opens at Moses Lake Museum

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host a reception today for the opening of its new exhibit, “The View from Here,” according to an announcement from the museum.

Building permits for Sept. 13, 2024

Building permits for Sept. 13, 2024

Driver hits MLPD vehicle

MOSES LAKE – A suspect hit a Moses Lake Police vehicle after attempting to elude police officers Sept. 12 at around 12:49 a.m. Both MLPD and Washington State Patrol handled the situation.

Sizzling newcomer

MOSES LAKE - Shiitake Sizzle co-owners Dahlia O/Neil, Koey Pan and Iris Ou, flanked by (from left) staff members Dennis Schonberg with son Kaspen, Rachel Korth (behind O’Neil), Amanda Reynolds (behind Ou), Xiao Badgley and Megan Eickbush and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at the recently-opened restaurant at 218 W. Third Ave. in Moses Lake.

Boeing employees vote to accept new contract, or strike

MOSES LAKE – Employees at Moses Lake’s Boeing facility voted on Thursday whether the new contract offered by Boeing is acceptable or if they should reaffirm a strike. Employees originally voted on the strike on July 17 before the contract proposal.

BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 13 through 20

COLUMBIA BASIN — Downtown Moses Lake will host four events Saturday, while Quincy, Odessa and Hartline all have their biggest community celebrations of the year. Here’s what’s happening in the Basin this week:

Warden receives $9.8 million to fund water system upgrades

WARDEN — The city of Warden has received funding from the Public Works Board to pay for upgrades to the city’s water system.

Road O-NE closed Monday

MOSES LAKE – According to the Grant County Public Works Department Road O Northeast will be closed between Road 1-Northeast and Road 2-Northeast will be closed for culvert maintenance from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday.

Alternative routes suggested for Vantage Bridge travel

QUINCY — The Washington Department of Transportation is installing additional signs to inform drivers of delays at the Vantage Bridge. Construction is ongoing at the bridge seven days per week through Nov 1.

Driver crashes into Moses Lake business

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake business suffered broken windows and other damage when a driver hit it with his car Wednesday night.

Law Enforcement logs for Sept. 13, 2024

MLPD, EPD, GC Jail

Ferguson, Reichert exchange jabs during gubernatorial debate

(The Center Square) – The two candidates to be Washington state's next governor faced off in their first televised debate Tuesday night, trading jabs on a variety of topics, including public safety, the drug crisis, climate change and abortion. State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, and Republican Dave Reichert, a former congressman and the former King County Sheriff wasted no time going at each other from the confines of KING 5 television's studio in Seattle. Both candidates agreed on one thing: that public safety is the top issue this election cycle.

BBCC Foundation to host financial and estate planning event

MOSES LAKE — Would you like to learn how to manage and grow wealth? Do you wish you had tools at your disposal to discern planning strategies? Are you not quite sure when or even how to get started? The Big Bend Community College Foundation will be hosting a financial and estate planning event on Sept. 27. The free event is open to anyone who would like to attend. Attendees will learn about how to manage and grow wealth through investment strategies, income tax tips, wills and trusts, Power of Attorney, medical directives, beneficiary designations and more. The event includes discussions from Tyler Crump, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones; David Webster, Attorney at Law for Lukins & Annis; and Tyler Wallace, EDD Math Faculty at Big Bend Community College.

FIRE REPORT: Ruby Fire still uncontained in North Cascades

TWISP — Crews continued to battle the Ruby Fire about 49 miles northwest of Twisp Thursday afternoon, according to the National Park Service. The fire, which started Aug. 9, was uncontained Thursday at 1,300 acres. Helicopters dropped water Tuesday from Diablo Lake on the blaze but had to discontinue activity Wednesday due to weather conditions. Firefighters will continue to focus on protecting critical infrastructure such as campgrounds, SR 20, trails, and backcountry camps in preparation for possible fire growth, the NPS wrote. Costs were estimated at $5 million, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Mid-Columbia Libraries Hosts Ice Age Flood Lecture

CONNELL — The Connell Public Library will host a lecture on the development of eastern Washington during the Ice Age, according to an announcement from Mid-Columbia Libraries. The event will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 118 N. Columbia St.

Moses Lake water quality subject of ‘State of Our Lake’ meeting

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake and Grant County residents are being invited to learn about efforts to improve Moses Lake water quality at the annual “State of Our Lake” meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the council chambers at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Ron Sawyer, president of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, said the lake is the focus of a lot of work, some completed, some ongoing. “We try to focus on reducing nutrient inputs into the lake,” he said.

Legals for September, 13 2024

Donn Richard Harris

There will be a Celebration of Life to honor Donn Richard Harris on Oct. 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Grace Harvest Church in Moses Lake.

Candidate forum tonight in Mattawa

MATTAWA – Candidates for offices that represent Grant County residents will gather at the Whaluke High School theater tonight at 5 p.m. for a meet and greet with residents followed by a moderated forum at 6 p.m.

Residents, first responders observe Patriot Day

Local firefighters, police officers, students and residents gather for ceremonial rememberances

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake first responders – and future first responders – paid tribute Wednesday to their predecessors who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sessler focused on economy, national security, dams

MOSES LAKE — Jerrod Sessler said he considers himself "regular guy." Sessler said he has a commitment to public service and the importance of representing the people's interests and his experiences as a father, husband and veteran have shaped his outlook on the pressing issues facing America.

Mavs defeat Othello 2-1

Match called early due to injury

MOSES LAKE – Tuesday night’s non-league girls soccer match between Moses Lake and Othello was called early after an Othello player suffered an injury in the 72nd that required an ambulance to come onto the field.

Moses Lake cross country competes in Hawaii meet

Runners raised money for two years to pay for trip

MOSES LAKE — After two years of fundraising, the Moses Lake High School cross-country team will be running in Hawaii Saturday.

Swing for the Good Golf Scramble raises nearly $11,000

ELECTRIC CITY – Last weekend’s Swing for the Good Golf Scramble, hosted by Jess Ford at the Banks Lake Golf Course, raised nearly $11,000 for Run the Dam’s fundraising efforts to help build a park in Electric City, Run the Dam Executive Director Kelly Buche said in a release.

Ephrata receives $6M for sewer treatment upgrades

EPHRATA — The Wahington Public Works Board has awarded funding for ongoing sewer system upgrades in Ephrata. The board awarded $6.05 million to pay for part of a project to rebuild and refurbish parts of the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The awards were announced Monday.

Quincy legends added to Wall of Fame

QUINCY — Athletic legends at Quincy High School were recognized with inclusion on the QHS Wall of Fame during an induction ceremony Sept. 6. Devin Howe, Wade Gebers, Franciso Alejandrez, Manny Ybarra Jr., and the 1997 boys 4x400 boys relay team were recognized during halftime of the Quincy-Selah football game. “I have a lot of good memories,” Ybarra said of his career at QHS. “I remember the good people of Quincy behind us. “It’s fun growing up in a small town,” he said.

Driver hits, damages Papa’s Casino, Ten Pin

MOSES LAKE – Owners of Papa’s Casino are still assessing the damage after a truck ran into the side of the building Wednesday morning.

Filing period open for two Quincy irrigation district positions

QUINCY — The filing period is open for two positions on the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District board of directors.

FIRE REPORT: Two fires contained Wednesday

MOSES LAKE – The various fires listed below are active Washington. The largest fire reported is the Retreat Fire at 45,601 acres and the smallest is the Blewett Fire at 15 acres.

QHS joins UW Huskies at Band Day

QUINCY — Fifty members of the Quincy High School band had a chance to show their stuff Saturday at a University of Washington football game. The occasion was Husky Band Day, when UW traditionally invites high school bands around the state to join the Husky band in playing the halftime show. This year, there were 32 bands including Quincy, said band teacher Devan Chandler. The Jacks band had to leave at 4 a.m. to get to the game on time, which Chandler said was a feat in itself. “I was really impressed,” she said. “They did awesome as far as waking up and getting on the bus and then falling asleep. I was like, ‘Guys, I know you're teenagers and you sometimes feel invincible, but you need to sleep.’”

Ephrata PD seeks candy donations

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department is asking for candy donations for their Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Last year the event was funded by a Walmart grant, however, there have been some challenges getting the grant again this year.

EHS staff and students address school climate for upcoming year

EPHRATA – Amid the chaos of new school clothes, backpacks and pencil shavings, students are prepared to succeed this year. While Ephrata High School’s new principal, Ashlie Miller, is still getting settled into her new position, she plans for what the upcoming year will bring.

‘Biggest littlest parade’

Hartline Community Days is Saturday

HARTLINE — One of Grant County’s smallest communities will turn out Saturday for Hartline Community Days. This is the 43rd year Hartline has had the celebration, said Ron Thomas, one of the event’s organizers. “It started out being a harvest celebration years ago,” Thomas said, “and then we moved it and just called it Hartline Community Days, even though it’s only one day.”

Legals for September, 12 2024

Rick Dean Ambers ll

July 7, 1989 – Aug. 6, 2024

Rick Dean Ambers II, 35, of Ritzville, Wash., passed away Aug. 6, 2024. He was born in Moses Lake, Wash., on July 7, 1989, to the late Rick Dean Ambers and Betty Kramer, the second of three children.

Royal City's Callahan Mfg. celebrates 55 years

ROYAL CITY – Walking into Callahan Manufacturing in Royal City, the first things a patron sees are loads of parts for tractors and other machinery. The second, at least on Tuesday afternoon, is a collie with bright white-blue eyes and a wagging tail.

Grant Co. considers fair safety

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Commissioners recently convened a meeting with Jim McKiernan from the Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff's Office officials to discuss safety for the 2025 Grant County Fair.

Celebrating heritage

UMANI Festival to return Sept. 28

MOSES LAKE — The UMANI Festival will fill the streets of Moses Lake with music and color Sept. 28.

Under new HC, Mavs girls swim and dive splashes into 2024

Coming off three consecutive top 10 team finishes at the 4A Girls State Swimming and Diving Championships, this year’s senior-heavy Maverick girls swimming and diving team has a new leader from the pool deck, in Moses Lake alum Tony Preston.

Design work begins on Adams County bridge project

RITZVILLE — Construction will start in fall 2025 on the first of six bridges that will be rebuilt to accommodate widening the East Low Canal. Adams County Commissioners awarded a $157,000 contract Tuesday for what Adams County Public Works Director Todd O’Brien called preliminary engineering.

NFIB: 'Some rays of hope in Washington' even as small biz optimism remains low

(The Center Square) – The National Federation of Independent Business’ latest monthly Small Business Economic Trends, or SBET, report – informally known as the Optimism Index – indicates a continuing lack of optimism in Washington state and across the nation.

Bird knocks out power in S. Moses Lake Monday

MOSES LAKE – More than 900 customers lost power Monday in South Moses Lake due to a bird that damaged substation equipment, according to a Grant County Public Utility District press release. The power returned to customers at around 4:30 p.m.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 11-17

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s sports schedule for high school athletics across the Columbia Basin, including cross country, football, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, slowpitch softball and volleyball events.

FIRE REPORT: Fire season continues throughout state

MOSES LAKE – The various fires listed below are all ablaze in Washington. The largest fire reported is the Retreat Fire at 45,601 acres and the smallest is the Wynnie fire at 12.2 acres. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are around 55,450 acres actively burning in the state as of Tuesday afternoon.

Othello man indicted in odometer rollback case

OTHELLO – A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington has indicted Reynaldo Valdez Garza Jr., 52, Othello, on five counts of odometer tampering. Garza made his initial court appearance on September 9, 2024, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Washington.

65 Years Married

Long-time Grant County residents Darwin and Linda Beehner are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 12. The couple was married in 1959 and remains together today.

Legals for September, 11 2024

James Earl Kemper

Sept. 13, 1941 – Aug. 30, 2024

Funeral services for James Earl Kemper will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, 831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, Washington. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. A full obituary on Kayser’s website, www.kayserschapel.com.

‘The friendliest fair’

Othello Fair set to begin Wednesday

OTHELLO — The Othello Fair kicks off Wednesday at the Adams County Fairgrounds, and there’s a lot that’s new. That’s by design, said Fair Board President Becky Flint. “Every year we try to do all new (entertainment),” Flint said. “We try not to have a stale fair.”

Vantage Bridge work slows I-90 travel

Travelers encouraged to utilize alternate routes while construction continues

VANTAGE — Washington Department of Transportation officials are recommending that drivers look for routes across the state that avoid the Vantage Bridge on interstate 90 on weekends through the end of the construction season in late October. The first weekend of work on the bridge resulted in major traffic delays Friday night.

Gridiron Roundup: Local squads go 8-3 in opening weekend

MOSES LAKE – Football season officially kicked off across the state last week, with nine of the Columbia Basin’s 11 teams opening the season on the road on Friday night. Read along for scores from each game, as well as statistics and highlights.

Two booked for siphoning gas

EPHRATA – Two suspects were arrested Sunday afternoon after they were caught siphoning gas from a local farmer, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Sun Lakes proposed fishing rule change hearing tonight

EPHRATA — An online public hearing is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. today for a proposed Washington Fish and Wildlife rule change that would extend the fishing season on Blue Lake, Deep Lake and Park Lake north of Ephrata.

Community Court celebrates two new grads

EPHRATA – Two more Grant County residents have gotten back on track after a lot of hard work on their part with support from the Grant County Community Court program, overseen by District Court Judge Brian Gwinn. “We are super proud of you,” Gwinn told graduate Mikayla Miley.

FIRE REPORT: Residential fire quenched in George Monday

GEORGE —  A residential fire broke out Monday morning in the 100 block of Montmorency Boulevard in George, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. It was under control by 8 a.m., according to the statement.

Part of Lakeshore Drive to close

MOSES LAKE – A section of the 4000 Western Block of Lakeshore Drive will be closed from Thursday Sept. 12 through Friday, Sept. 13. The closure will be from 4214 to 4204 West Lakeshore Drive.

Moses Lake man arrested for outstanding warrants

MOSES LAKE – At around 1:40 p.m. Friday on Pioneer Way in Moses Lake Joseph Zamora was arrested for outstanding felony arrest warrants, according to a press release from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Legals for September, 10 2024

Seventeen-time felon arrested for robbery and firearm theft

MOSES LAKE — According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, there was one arrest made for suspected robbery and firearm theft last Friday morning. The suspect is a seventeen-time felon.

Christina Rider

July 26, 1973 — Sept. 5, 2024

Christina Lynn Rider (Hughes), 51, was born July 26, 1973. She was born in Yakima, Washington, to Nola and Archie Hughes.

Tigers stun Prosser, win 15-14

EPHRATA – After stalling for much of the evening, the Ephrata offense woke up in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback victory over visiting Prosser in Friday’s season opener, defeating the Mustangs 15-14 after scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the game.

Syringe program part of larger drug mitigation effort

MOSES LAKE — The complexities that substance abuse leaves in its wake present a challenge to public health organizations as well as individuals and families. Grant County Health District officials work to address the challenge with a program designed to reduce the effects, not only on substance users and the people around them, but also on everybody else.

Heck, Matthews weigh in on Lt. Governor priorities

OLYMPIA – Lt. Governor Denny Heck, a Democrat from Vancouver, is running for reelection and voters will choose between him and Republican challenger Dan Matthews this November. Heck said his goal in an upcoming term is to keep moving toward better discourse across the aisle to improve quality of life for Washingtonians.

CBCCA concert lineup changes

MOSES LAKE — Hannah Rose Reyes is set to replace Kate Voss and the Hot Sauce for the Central Basin Community Concert Association’s first show of the season on Sept. 26.

ECBID to hold public meeting

MOSES LAKE – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District Board of Directors will hold a public meeting to present recommendations for allocating the remaining acres served by the public Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program system.

Fish and Wildlife to receive Quincy-area land in transfer

OLYMPIA — A 1,235-acre parcel near Quincy would be transferred from the Washington Department of Natural Resources to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife under the terms of a request to the Washington Legislature by the DNR board.

Meeting set to inform public about Soap Lake Creative District

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Creative District Planning Committee will host a public meeting Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. to share the five-year strategic plan for the creative district.

MLSD increases police presence in response to threats

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, Moses Lake School District released two statements about potential threats at Vanguard Academy and Frontier Middle School.

Jacks fall to Selah in season opener

QUINCY — The return of Quincy Jackrabbits football to the Central Washington Athletic Conference got off to a rocky start with a 59-0 loss to Selah in the season opener Friday at the Quincy High School stadium. “Really rocky,” said Quincy head Coach Russ Elliott. “I don’t think we’ve looked that bad – I can’t remember looking that bad.”

Weather for the week of Sept. 9, 2024

Weather for the week of Sept. 9, 2024

FIRE REPORT: Four MLFD firefighters badged, statewide fires continue burning

MOSES LAKE – Four probationary firefighters at Moses Lake Fire Department have received their official firefighter badges after completing their first year at the department, according to an MLFD press release.

Crime Reduction Team promising in first few months

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said he’s very excited about the progress the Grant County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Reduction Team has been able to make since it was implemented about two and a half months ago.

Rear-end collision sends three to hospital

QUINCY — Three people were injured and transported to unidentified hospitals after a Yakima woman allegedly rear-ended the vehicle in front of her and caused both to be hit by a semi-truck Thursday morning about two miles north of George.

Legals for September, 9 2024

WA Board of Ed looks to expand controversial ethnic studies graduation requirement

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Board of Education is moving closer to officially updating and expanding a 2021 resolution that established an ethnic studies graduation requirement Board members discussed “incorporating Ethnic Studies into the legislative platform, and/or addressing Ethnic Studies through the FutureReady graduation requirements initiative,” according to the agenda for Thursday’s virtual board of education meeting.

STUDIO BASIN: Ephrata schools, Moses Lake library and fall sports

MOSES LAKE -- On this week's edition of the Studio Basin Podcast, we have a bit of a longer episode packed with plenty of content. Starting out, we have Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray and new Ephrata High School Principal Ashlie Miller in the studio to talk about how they got to where they are and what they want to do to move the district and high school forward to support students.

Jean Finch

Jean Finch, 96, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away September 1, 2024. She is preceded in death by Richard Finch. Jean is survived by her two children, Roseanne Finch Bluler and Charles Finch, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Gerald "Gary" Potter

May 24, 1950 – Sept. 1, 2024

Gerald “Gary” Dean Potter, 74, was born May 24, 1950, Yakima, Washington to Leonard and Helen Potter.

Eugene Ronald Grothe

March 26, 1938 – Aug. 17, 2024

Eugene Ronald Grothe, 86, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on August 17, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer.

‘Expect the unexpected’

Warden volleyball team prepares for tougher season to get to state

WARDEN – The Warden volleyball team will have a tougher season this year to prepare for the challenging games they plan on competing in during playoffs, then eventually state, according to Warden volleyball Head Coach Shanna Golladay.

Young Warrior team looks to build off 2023

MATTAWA -- The 2024 Wahluke girls soccer team is looking to improve from its 7-9-2 finish from a season ago, when last year’s young Warrior team saw their season end in the South Central Athletic Conference district tournament’s consolation bracket.

MLCA/CSS girls bring experience, build teamwork

MOSES LAKE — Keeping players in motion is an important goal for the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School volleyball team.

Devils focused on offensive precision, communication in ‘24

WILSON CREEK – The Wilson Creek Devils volleyball team may not have had the year they wanted last year, with a loss to the Soap Lake squad keeping them from state competition, but Coach Christa Christopherson said she’s ok with those losses in the short term as she works to build the team’s foundation.

Candidate forum set for Sept. 12

MATTAWA — Grant County residents are being invited to ask questions of candidates for state and local offices at a candidate forum Thursday and Wahluke High School, 505 N. Boundary Rd.

Young Mav slowpitch team prepares for season

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake has qualified for each of the four state slowpitch softball tournaments since the WIAA sanctioned the sport in 2018; this season, it’ll come down to having the youth on the team stepping into new roles.

Moses Lake icon turns 100

MOSES LAKE — Miyo Koba, owner of Frank’s Market for more than 70 years, turns 100 today. “I think it’s (due to) hard work,” Koba said last week. “I think it’s just being busy and taking care of myself. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. Just working hard.”

MLSD accepts two new student board members, passes Title IX resolution

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board passed one resolution, introduced two new student board members and continued discussing facility usage fees Thursday evening during the board’s regular meeting.

First-time buyer affordability at lowest point in four years

MOSES LAKE — That starter home may be out of reach a while longer, according to real estate market reports.

A caring affair

Care Fair to highlight ways to give back to community

MOSES LAKE — There are a lot of ways to do good in Moses Lake, and a lot of folks who would like to help others. The two will come together next weekend at the annual Care Fair, hosted by Care Moses Lake.

Knights to face stiff competition on the pitch

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights are facing some tough opponents on the soccer field this fall, but Head Coach Jens Jensen isn’t too worried about it.

Vernita Bridge resurfacing completed as construction season slows

MATTAWA — An ongoing project to resurface sections of state Route 24 reached the Vernita Bridge yesterday. The bridge was part of a regionwide chip-seal project and was resurfaced Wednesday and Thursday.

Law enforcement logs for Sept. 6, 2024

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

Huskies to field new starters as they aim for strong season

OTHELLO – After falling in the Central Washington Athletic Conference district tournament to Prosser, the Othello girls soccer team will feature plenty of new starters when they take the field this fall.

BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 6-13

COLUMBIA BASIN – There’s something for everyone happening in the Basin this week. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

Quincy girls soccer brings experience to new league

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits girls soccer team will take the field with a mix of experience and younger players and a roster of about 50 girls – oh yeah, and they’re going to be competing in a whole new league.

‘We need to become that team again’

Runner-up in 2023, LRS volleyball seeks another high state finish

RITZVILLE – At this time a year ago, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague volleyball team was on the court preparing for a season where the Broncos eventually took second in the 2B classification; now, they’re using last year’s finish as motivation entering the 2024 season.

Ephrata volleyball prepares for 2024 season

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Varsity volleyball team lost two seniors to graduation last year and brings 2023’s junior-heavy group into the new season.

New-look Warriors aim to return to state tournament

COULEE CITY -- Entering the 2024 season riding a fourth-place finish at the 1B State Volleyball Tournament, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors will have plenty of players in new, starting roles this fall, but the desire to get back to the state tournament is still there.

After ending 32-year state drought, Eagles return veteran team in ‘24

SOAP LAKE – The 2023 season was a special one for the Soap Lake volleyball team; the Eagles reached the 1B State Volleyball Tournament for the first time in 32 years, winning their play-in game against a higher seed. This year, the Eagles want to build off last year’s success.

Fluffy slime at Moses Lake Museum Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Fluffy slime will be the theme of this month’s Free Family Saturday at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, according to an announcement from the museum.

FIRE REPORT: Heat warning issued for Grant, Adams

MOSES LAKE — The National Weather Service’s Spokane bureau released a statement saying there will be a heat wave Thursday through Saturday that could cause increased fire risks.

Door-to-door scammers harass area residents

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department put out a statement letting residents know there is a black pickup contacting residents regarding chip sealing driveways. According to the reporting party, the suspects said they are working with the company associated with the current projects in Soap Lake. However, SLPD said this is not an affiliated company.

Scam callers asking for donations for MLFD

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department issued a statement about donation phone calls residents have been receiving.

Legals for September, 6 2024

Grant PUD still accepting input on proposed rates

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District customers will have chances to comment on proposed changes to the policy for setting rates at PUD commission meetings in September and October. A revised rate-setting policy proposal is scheduled to be submitted to commissioners in November.

Pirate Regatta brings out people’s inner marauders

MOSES LAKE — The shores and docks at Camas Cove were awash in buccaneers, swashbucklers, hearties and scurvy dogs Sunday for the eighth annual Camas Cove Pirate Regatta.

Newhouse hosts telephone town hall

MOSES LAKE – Congressman Dan Newhouse held a live telephone town hall meeting Wednesday night, engaging with residents from Central Washington's Fourth Congressional District. “Thank you for joining me this evening. I want to hear what’s on your mind,” he said.

FIRE REPORT: Blewett Fire closes U.S. 97

MOSES LAKE – Fires throughout Washington continue to burn and one new fire began Wednesday, though they were relatively small as of press time. The Blewett Fire closed U.S. 97 Wednesday afternoon, despite being only 15 acres. The blaze was uncontained as of press time, and had started shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Grant Co. public works director resigns

EPHRATA – Grant County Public Works Director Sam Castro resigned and will complete his last day Friday, according to Grant County Commissioners Danny Stone and Cindy Carter.

Tiger spirit to wave in the wind

EPHRATA – One hundred, bright orange or black flags, adorned with the letter “E” will start waving in the wind decorating Basin Street on various occasions.

‘Count the Candy’ winners announced

MOSES LAKE — The results are in, and the Grant County Democrats have announced the winners of the Count the Candy game at the Grant County Fair.

Grant Health ‘listening session’ scheduled for Ephrata

EPHRATA — Ephrata and Soap Lake residents are being invited to tell the Grant County Health District what they think are important health-related challenges in the county during a “listening session” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Ephrata City Hall, 121 Alder St. SW.

Tiger FBLA planning for a successful year

EPHRATA – Numerous after-school groups are available at Ephrata High School, including the Future Business Leaders of America. Open to all high school students, the club provides an excellent opportunity for members to deepen their understanding of the business world.

Fall Sports Preview hits stands Friday

With teams returning to the practice field – and courts – over the previous weeks, it’s an exciting time for high school sports across the Columbia Basin. The Columbia Basin Herald’s Fall Sports Preview runs in Friday’s edition of the paper, highlighting local cross country, girls soccer and volleyball teams.

Legals for September, 5 2024

Town hall on lake water set for Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE -- The Moses Lake Watershed Council will be holding its third annual State of the Lake meeting Sept. 16 at 401 South Balsam Street in Moses Lake.

Patricia Ann Hollandsworth

July 14, 1944 – Aug. 17, 2024

Patricia Ann Hollandsworth, 80, passed peacefully the morning of August 17, 2024, at the Lake Ridge Care Center in Moses Lake. Patti was born July 14, 1944, in Longview, Texas. The family moved to Washington shortly after she was born, and she got her diploma from Moses Lake High School in 1964.

Music, dancing horses, prayer part of Wahluke return

MATTAWA — The first day of the 2024-25 school year at the Wahluke School District started with an ecumenical prayer, many elementary students in new buildings and dancing horses outside Wahluke Junior High.

Bid awarded for Ritzville fiber buildout

RITZVILLE — Installation of fiber optic cable within the Ritzville and Lind city limits will start sometime this fall and should be finished by spring 2025. Adams County Commissioners awarded a $2.97 million contract to Zero Db Communicatons of Spokane for the first phase of the broadband project.

Newhouse to hold telephone town hall

SUNNYSIDE — U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R—Wash., will hold a town hall meeting by telephone today, according to an announcement from the congressman’s office.

Moses Lake wrestling groups to host fundraising golf tournament

MOSES LAKE — A golf tournament helping raise money for the Moses Lake Wrestling Club and Moses Lake High School’s boys and girls programs returns next month, fundraising to assist with travel costs and gear for its wrestlers.

Othello pool fix to be a multiyear project

OTHELLO — Reopening the Othello Municipal Pool likely will be a multiyear project, according to the chair of a city task force looking into alternatives for repair or replacement.

Basin sports schedule Sept. 4-10

COLUMBIA BASIN — The fall sports season kicks off Thursday for local teams, with Royal girls soccer and volleyball teams facing their first competition of the season.

Warden Community Days filled with community

Gators, motorcycles, horses and visitors fill local town with festive attitude

WARDEN – Cheers chanted, horses galloped and motorcycle engines roared down Second Street in Warden Monday. In celebration of Labor Day, the town had a three-day celebration.

FIRE REPORT: Four fires contained Labor Day weekend, including Kachess Complex

MOSES LAKE – Significant progress was made over the weekend as firefighters were able to bring four wildfires under control around Washington.

Quincy burglary suspect caught Monday evening

QUINCY – A burglary occurred Monday night at around 10:20 p.m. in the 13800 block of Martin Road Northwest, near Double M Orchards, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Royal City community health listening session coming

ROYAL CITY – The Grant County Health District is holding a Community Health Improvement Plan listening session in Royal City at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Royal High School Cafeteria.

Pain relief

Pacific Rehabilitation opens facility in Moses Lake for injured workers

MOSES LAKE — Getting hurt on the job is no fun. Besides the injury itself, you might have to take days, weeks, even months off work, while collecting a fraction of your regular paycheck. There are doctor visits, bureaucratic hassles, and what seems like enough paperwork to use up a national forest. And when you’ve exhausted all your physical and psychological energy, sometimes it still hurts. “When you have an injured worker that has been off work, and they're dealing with pain and it's been three months or more, that pain usually becomes chronic pain,” said Bobbi Meins, business and program development director for Pacific Rehabilitation Services, which opened its office in Moses Lake a couple of weeks ago.

Ritzville photo wins prize

RITZVILLE — A Ritzville man was among the winners of the Innovia Foundation’s photography contest “Celebrating Community,” according to an announcement from the foundation.

Senior events for September 2024

COLUMBIA BASIN — Summer is winding down, but there’s still plenty going on in the Basin this month of interest to seniors and those they might want to join them on an adventure:

‘Sea of purple’

Community to turn out for Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 14

MOSES LAKE — The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is making some big strides. “We are in the neighborhood of 37 teams,” said Karisti Cox, the marketing director for Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care in Moses Lake and one of the organizers of the walk. “Last year at this time we only had 12 teams signed up.” The Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 14 will mark the event’s 10th anniversary in Moses Lake. Teams can register on the Alzheimer’s Association website at act.alz.org or at the beginning of the walk.

Legals for September, 4 2024

Schoesler arrested, cited for DUI

RITZVILLE — Washington State Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, was cited for DUI after he attempted to leave the Wheat Land Fairgrounds Saturday evening.

Wayne Alan Christensen

July 2, 1966 – Aug. 21, 2024

Wayne Alan Christensen, 58, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away Aug. 21, 2024. Born on July 2, 1966, in Spokane, Wayne moved to Moses Lake early in his childhood, where he graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1984.

Local squads clash at preseason jamboree

MOSES LAKE – With the start of the 2024 football season just a week away, local squads from Moses Lake, Ephrata and Royal gathered at Lions Field Friday for a preseason jamboree, allowing players to face competition before the scoreboard gets turned on. “These jamborees, they’re optional, but they’re the closest thing to a game rep,” Moses Lake Head Coach Brett Jay said. “It’s nice to see how guys respond in this moment, and it gives us an idea for next week.”

Ritzville Rodeo celebrates 54 years

Cowboys, cowgirls, livestock and breast cancer awareness

RITZVILLE – The sounds of cheering, the cracking of pop cans and pools of pink shirts and cowboy hats fill the stands.

Health District hosts community resource fair at McCosh Park

MOSES LAKE – Purple and white flags decorated the lawn at McCosh park Saturday for National Overdose Awareness Day. The purple flags represent the 254 lives saved from an overdose and the 108 lives lost to overdose, from 2018 to 2022 in Grant County. The statistics come from reports to the Grant County Health District, according to Mariah DeLeon, the organizer of the event.

Work progressing quickly on new Quincy hospital

QUINCY — If the project stays on schedule, the new Quincy Valley Medical Center should be treating patients by summer 2025. Project manager Joe Kunkel said there’s progress outside and inside the new building.

Weather for the week of Sept. 3, 2024

Weather for the week of Sept. 3, 2024

After the fire

DESERT AIRE - Scorched brush is all that is left after a small fire west of the Vernita Bridge last week. The fire didn't damage any structures and no one was hurt as a result of the blaze.

Hazardous waste collections scheduled for mid-Sept.

EPHRATA – Grant County Solid Waste will be hosting two household hazardous waste events in September with support from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The events are free for all Grant County households. No business, government agency or contractor waste will be accepted.

NEWS BITES: Sept. 3, 2024

NEWS BITES: Sept. 3, 2024

GCFD 3's Talley retires

QUINCY – Grant County Fire District 3 put out a statement that Michele Talley, the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall has retired. Her final day of work was Aug. 30. QUINCY – Grant County Fire District 3 put out a statement that Michele Talley, the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall has retired. Her final day of work was Aug. 30.

Woman sought in Ulta Beauty thefts

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department issued a statement about a female stealing from Ulta Beauty on several occasions, stealing hundreds of dollars of merchandise.

Moses Lake man sentenced for shoplifting

EPHRATA – James Douglas Clary, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree burglary and one count of third-degree theft on Aug. 27.

Sip & Stroll returns Sept. 14

MOSES LAKE — Glasses will clink, music will waft through the street and downtown Moses Lake will celebrate at Sip & Stroll Sept. 14. The annual event, sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association, pairs downtown businesses with regional wineries (plus a few cideries and a distiller) in a big street party on Third Avenue. Several of the businesses will have musicians performing as well. The event has grown a lot since last year, said DMLA Director Mallory Miller. “Last year, Sip & Stroll only had 13 locations,” Miller said. “And this year we have 22 physical locations, plus the beer garden, which wasn't a thing last year.”

Art on 3rd brings artists of all kinds to downtown Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake will be the scene of a local art show Sept. 14, as artists from around the area gather for Art on 3rd to showcase their own work, and also share some projects with attendees. “There will be artist vendors, and then we're also bringing in a ‘Make it, do it, buy it,” said Shawn Cardwell, director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which is sponsoring the show. “So there's opportunities to make your own art, either individual pieces (or as) part of group projects.” The Art on 3rd event, presented by Columbia Basin Allied Arts, will coincide with several other events: The Downtown Moses Lake Association’s Sip & Stroll, Care Moses Lake’s Care Fair, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and, as on every Saturday this time of year, the Moses Lake Farmers Market.

OSPI calls for cell phone limits at school

OLYMPIA — To support student learning and mental health, schools across the state and nation are updating their policies to restrict cell phone use during the school day, according to an announcement from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers have a smartphone, compared to 73% in 2014-15, according to the announcement. Educators nationwide have called for support in limiting student access to cell phones during instructional time to reduce distractions and provide the optimal environment for student learning. In a 2024 survey, the National Education Association found that 79% of educators who teach in schools that allow cell phones find it to be very disruptive. Further, 90% of educators surveyed said they would support cell phone policies that restricted students’ use of cell phones during instructional time.

Legals for September, 3 2024