Moses Lake likely eyeing contracted EMS services

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members may be considering eliminating the city-funded ambulance service and hiring a private contractor, according to a statement released by the Moses Lake Firefighters Local 1258.

STRENGTH: Gregg Fletcher

Focused on medical administration, provider success

MOSES LAKE — Gregg Fletcher said a career in medical technology, which eventually led to a career in medical administration, started with an interest in math and science and a conversation with a guidance counselor at Central Washington University.

Gary M. Thoren

February 11, 1945 – January 22, 2025

Gary Thoren passed away peacefully in the early morning of Jan. 22, 2025, just short of his 80th birthday. Gary was born Feb. 11, 1945, to Cecil and Naomi (Evers) Thoren in Amira, Washington. The family moved to dryland wheat and cattle ranch near Bridgeport, Washington. He was raised with brothers John, Denny and Bob (deceased) and sisters Betty and Donna (Deede).

Moses Lake council postpones EMS presentation

MOSES LAKE — A presentation by owners of Lifeline Ambulance to the Moses Lake City Council scheduled for tonight’s council meeting has been postponed. Mayor Dustin Swartz said Monday he didn’t know when it might be rescheduled. “(Lifeline representatives) have met and had conversations with staff,” Swartz said.

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.

UPDATE: Porterhouse moves up closing date

MOSES LAKE -- The Porterhouse Steakhouse owners have decided to close the restaurant earlier than anticipated with March 22 being the final day of operations. Owners Sam and Cale Russell said this is to help the new owner with the transition process. The steakhouse will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, then 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Afterwards, the building will begin its transition to an Elks Club.

Porterhouse Steakhouse to close after 15-year run

Russell brothers reflect on restaurant's legacy, sense of community

MOSES LAKE – The Porterhouse Steakhouse will be closing its doors March 29. Brothers Sam and Cale Russell have owned the restaurant for more than 15 years; however, they said it’s time for the restaurant to move onto its next era. The restaurant will remain open for normal business hours until then.

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson

1961 – 2025

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 64 with her loved ones at her side on January 12, 2025. She was born January 6, 1961, in Seattle, Washington to Darrel and Karen (Stickley) Sams.

Rosalind Grogan

Nov. 24, 1939 - Feb. 22, 2025

Rosalind J. Grogan, (Roz) was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Conrad, Montana. to Mel and Lila (Whealy) Johnson. She had three younger brothers, Ron, Bill and Bob.

Grant Co. commissioners receive infrastructure updates

EPHRATA – During the Grant County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday they received updates from the central services and the development service directors to begin their day, followed by a variety of other updates.

'Big hospital care'

General surgeon joins Othello Community Hospital staff

OTHELLO — General surgeon Sam Hsieh – pronounced “shay” - traveled an interesting road to his full-time job at Othello Hospital. “I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Canada when I was five,” he said. “I did my med school in Ireland and met my wife there. We went to Texas for our residency training program.”

Maverick swimmers break personal records at state

FEDERAL WAY — The Moses Lake High School boys swim team finished the state meet with a long list of personal records. The Mavs tied with Kentwood for 26th place with nine points. Luke Molitor was Moses Lake’s highest placer, finishing 14th in the 100-yard butterfly.

Mavs swimmers qualify for several events at state

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks finished second as a team at Saturday’s Columbia Basin Big 9 district championship meet finals, scoring 478.5 points to finish second to the Wenatchee Panthers. Moses Lake qualified for nine events at next week’s 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships.

OUT AND ABOUT with STEVE CAMERON: Seahawks seek stars, but could Shedeur be it?

We haven’t done an “Out and About” column in ages, and all sorts of unique things have popped up in the meantime. So, why not take a stroll to hither, thither and yon, and see what’s up?

Moses Lake swim team looking for improvement at state meet

FEDERAL WAY — Moses Lake High School boys swimming coach Tony Preston said his team is ready to climb up the rankings at the state meet this weekend. “The top 16 (placers) go on to swim on Saturday, and we really want to do that,” he said. “Only two or three of our swimmers are ranked in the top 16, but I think we’re going to do a lot better than that.”

Cook powers Eastern to dominant win over Weber State

OGDEN, Utah – Eastern Washington (7-16, 3-7) bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Weber State (8-14, 2-7) 72-49, fueled by Andrew Cook's dominant all-around performance.

Robert Drake Johnson

April 5, 1956 — Dec. 29, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Drake Johnson, 68, affectionately known as Bob, Bobbo or The Dude. Bob passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Dec. 29, 2024, with his beloved wife Julie by his side. Bob lived a life full of passion, laughter and love. Born on April 5, 1956, in Pasadena, California, to Joseph and Cynthia Johnson, Bob grew up with a child-like curiosity and zest for life. His career at Boeing brought him to Moses Lake in the late 1980s where fate led him to Julie, his hairdresser who became his soulmate and wife. They married on Oct. 3, 1992, beginning their life journey which was a beautiful mix of joy, endless stories, heartfelt laughter, and boundless affection.

Dan Mohr

May 18, 1931 – May 31, 2024

Daniel Mohr passed away at the age of 93 on May 31, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. He leaves a legacy behind to all who knew him well, of honor, loyalty and kindness - and a hole in the hearts of his loved ones, which were many. Born May 18, 1931, to Walter A. and Hilda (Krueger) Mohr in Washington, Texas, Dan was raised in the Washington, Texas area, attended grade school at Brown’s Prairie School and graduated from Brenham High School. Dan enlisted in the U.S Air Force and was stationed at the 637th Radar Squadron, Othello, Washington. He met “the best catch in Adams County,” Bonnie Jean Roloff, and the tall, slender, handsome soldier with the soft Texas drawl caught her eye. They were married in Warden, Washington on March 15, 1953, and remained together for 71 years. After Dan was honorably discharged from the USAF, he developed a leadership career as an electrical foreman at the Othello AFB, a stint at Geiger AFB, Spokane, Washington, and later the Othello Community Hospital.

Columbia Basin events calendar for July 26- Aug. 1

MOSES LAKE – As the month comes to an end and the temps are up, there are still plenty of cool things to do in the Basin. Here are a few things to consider if you’re needing a break from the house.

WSU partners with community colleges to enhance urban forests

PUYALLUP — Washington State University is working with four community colleges to improve tree canopy cover in several urban areas throughout the state. The five-year project, designed to increase resilience amid a changing climate, is supported by a nearly $1.8 million Inflation Reduction Act grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. WSU researchers will collaborate with faculty and students at Spokane Community College, Highline Community College (Des Moines, Washington), Whatcom Community College (Bellingham, Washington), and Tacoma Community College to create thriving urban forests in neighborhoods near those schools.