Stories
Samuel Curtis Winzler
1954 – 2025
Samuel Curtis Winzler, 70, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, from melanoma. Sam was born on August 27, 1954, to Arthur Sidney Winzler and Sherrill Ruth Jeppsen in Portland, Oregon.
REC Silicon job fair and support events planned
MOSES LAKE — Former REC Silicon employees laid off due to the closure of the Moses Lake facility can learn about available benefits and reemployment assistance at a “rapid response event” Friday. Two sessions are scheduled, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the WorkSource Central Basin office, 309 E. Fifth Ave. In Moses Lake.
Ephrata looks back at ‘24, plans for ‘25
EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata experienced significant growth and development during 2024, according to Mayor Bruce Reim. In 2025, city officials are optimistic about continuing momentum.
House Democrats push 11% firearm, ammo excise tax as $10B to $16B shortfall looms
(The Center Square) – As Washington state grapples with an operating budget shortfall upwards of $16 billion through 2029, House Democrats are proposing a tax on firearms and ammunition to take the total combined rate as high as 33%.
BASIN HOOPS ROUNDUP: ACH boys, Wilson Creek girls stack wins
MOSES LAKE – With February quickly approaching, district playoffs will soon begin for boys and girls basketball teams across the state. Read along for a look at where local teams are in their respective league standings, as well as an update on recent games.
China, taking applications for an adventurous friend!
MOSES LAKE -- China, 4, is known as the independent adventurer at Grant County Animal Outreach. She is now taking applications for someone to join her on her exotic escapades. She prefers to be the only pet in the household, but she will keep you busy. She loves long runs and exploring. However, when she has burnt off her energy, she loves a good snuggle on the couch and some quiet time. For those interested in taking home the little explorer visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or call 509-762-9616.
EPD highlights last year's achievements, plans for this year
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department made significant strides in officer training and technology this last year, according to Chief Erik Koch.
Karlinsey hired as new Moses Lake city manager
MOSES LAKE — Robert Karlinsey, currently the city manager of Kenmore, Washington, has been hired as the new Moses Lake city manager. Moses Lake City Council members hired Karlinsey on a unanimous vote in a special meeting Jan. 21. Karlinsey will replace Mike Jackson, who had been the acting city manager following the resignation of Kevin Fuhr in July 2024. Fuhr retired for health reasons. Moses Lake Finance Director Madeline Prentice is the interim city manager.
HB 5060 proposes law enforcement recruiting grant
OLYMPIA – A bipartisan bill to create a law enforcement hiring grant program was introduced to the Senate Law and Justice Committee Tuesday by Sen. Jeff Holy, R- Cheney. If enacted, the bill would invest $100 million to the Washington Criminal and Justice Training Commission for local and tribal agencies to hire and train more officers. These efforts align with Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson’s stated priority of increasing law enforcement as Washington ranks last in the nation in number of officers per capita, including the District of Columbia.
LETTER: The battle for our children
“Men are cast-iron, but children are wax” - Horace Mann We will be voting for the Moses Lake School District levy soon. After attending school board meetings for the past five years and talking personally with board members and our new Superintendent, I am convinced that we have a winning team.
Nominations open for American Legion first responder awards
EPHRATA — The American Legion is looking for a few good heroes. Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata is accepting nominations for its First Responder Recognition Award, according to an announcement from the post.
Harold Dean Mathenia
Harold Dean Mathenia, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. Born October 28, 1938. Dean was a man of unwavering strength, kindness, and dedication who touched the lives of everyone he met.
