More rain for Cascades, high winds for Columbia Basin this week

LEAVENWORTH — A second strong winter storm is projected to hit Washington this week, bringing heavy rains back to areas that were hard-hit by rain and flooding last week. Steve Bodnar, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said rain is forecast to start Monday, but won’t last as long.

Ban on police face coverings pitched ahead of WA’s 2026 legislative session

California in September became the first state to ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, in response to immigration raids where federal agents wore masks. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state over the prohibition last month. Democratic lawmakers here in Washington are now planning similar legislation. Washington’s proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, resembles California’s law. The Trump administration says the California policy jeopardizes the safety of federal officers, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is unconstitutional because it tries to regulate federal activities.

Legals for December, 12 2025

Naomi Irene Chadwell

Sept. 20, 1928 — Nov. 26, 2025

Naomi Irene (Powell) Chadwell, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Nov. 26, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on Sept. 20, 1928, in Baker, Oregon, to Fred and Eathel Powell, Naomi grew up in Baker City, where she attended local schools and graduated from Baker High School. She continued her education with a two-year college program in business. Naomi married Wallace “Dick” Chadwell, and together they began their family in 1948 in a small cabin on East Eagle Creek in northeast Oregon. In 1951, they moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where they raised their six children.

Merle Jay Royer

September 14, 1929 – December 9, 2025

Merle Jay Royer, 96, of Quincy, Washington, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born Sept. 14, 1929, near Industry, Illinois, Merle grew up in Illinois and Colorado before making Quincy his lifelong home. Merle met the love of his life, Wilma Whitbeck, at a small church gathering in Quincy, and they married in 1957. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on faith, family and community. A farmer at heart, Merle stepped into a new season of life when health concerns required him to work out of the sun. With Wilma and family, he faithfully operated Coast to Coast Hardware, later Royer’s True Value, for 38 years. Merle was known for his work ethic, generosity, and the way he treated every customer with dignity and care.

Legals for December, 15 2025

Confluence Health refunding $1.8M following AG investigation

OLYMPIA — After an extensive investigation by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, Confluence Health has agreed to refund over $1.8 million to thousands of patients who were eligible for charity care but did not receive appropriate reimbursements for medical fees. The investigation revealed that Confluence Health, operating two hospitals in Central Washington, failed to refund payments made by patients who qualified for charity care after they had already made out-of-pocket costs.

Average fuel prices drop locally, statewide and nationally

MOSES LAKE — This week had several wins for fuel prices locally, in Washington state and nationally. Washington saw decreased fuel prices for the12th week in a row. Adams County dropped below the $4 mark, and the national average dropped below the $3 mark. Grant County also saw relief for the third week in a row.

UW to play Boise State in LA Bowl

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies football team (8-4) will be heading to face the Boise State Broncos (9-4) in Los Angeles this weekend at the L.A. Bowl hosted by Gronk. The game will take place at SoFi Studium Saturday with kick off at 5 p.m. “We are excited about the opportunity,” said Huskies Head Coach Jedd Fisch in a press conference. “Spent yesterday and the day before game planning for Boise once we saw the game end Friday evening and we know we’ve got a really good team that we’ve got to deal with... We know we’ve got our work cut out for us.” UW enters the bowl game after falling in their regular season home finale against the University of Oregon 14-16. The Huskies defense held the Ducks to just one touchdown through three quarters, but the Ducks made four field goals in that time and held the Huskies to a single touchdown. Both teams scored a touchdown in the final quarter

Options for responding to challenging times at annual WSTFA meeting

WENATCHEE — The last couple of years have been a bumpy ride in the orchard, and it didn’t matter if it was an apple, cherry or pear orchard. Organizers of the annual meeting of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association asked its speakers and panelists to talk about where the industry has been and where it’s going. It was the 121st annual meeting, so the industry has been through profitable years and lean years before. Industry veteran Welcome Sauer said the process of adjustment hurts, but that growers have always made the adjustment. “I think we’ll see some pain in the short term,” Sauer said. “We’ll see some replacement of old, less productive orchards that produce a lower percentage of fruit in the money zone being replaced, either by bare land or by orchards that have access to high-quality new genetics.”

Legals for December, 11 2025

Rep. Tom Dent outlines his legislative priorities for upcoming session

OLYMPIA — As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, has articulated a clear agenda centered on addressing critical aviation taxation issues, supporting wildfire management efforts and improving agricultural labor conditions – issues he believes are vital for the economy of Washington State.

Rita Joan Frey

Nov. 7, 1936 – Nov. 22, 2025

Rita Joan Frey (Sternhagen), 89, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Nov. 7, 1936, in Glasgow, Montana, she was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph P. Sternhagen and Mary Catherine Sternhagen (Carignan). Rita lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and quiet strength.

EWU earns win in rivalry game against WSU

PULLMAN – The Eastern Washington Eagles Women’s basketball team (6-4) earned a significant win against the Washington State Cougars 71-69. This game marked the Eagles’ first win over the Cougars since March 18, 2015 when the teams faced off in the first round of the Women’s NIT tournament. “Washington State is a really good team. They’re very well coached and they’re prepared,” said Eagles Head Coach Joddie Gleason. “They run their offense really well and are hard to guard. Coming in here to get the win is huge for us. It shows that we’re read to get these road wins in the Big Sky.”

Legals for December, 9 2025

Sheriff talks crime, enforcement at Mattawa town hall

MATTAWA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete held a town hall meeting at Wahluke High School Dec. 9, discussing law enforcement issues affecting Mattawa and Desert Aire. “You're going to probably hear me say a million times. We can't do this alone,” Kriete told the attendees. “We have to have our communities out here to help us and share information with us and give us ideas. We get a ton of new and great ideas from the community.”

Ron PuFahl

Oct. 9, 1951 – Dec. 1, 2025

When asked how he was doing, Ron's answer was always the same: “Better than Most.” It wasn't just a phrase, it was how he lived. Throughout life Ron chose humor, connection, optimism and gratitude. Ron PuFahl – a deeply loved husband, dad, papa, brother, son-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to all who knew him – passed away Dec. 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to William and Lina (Montreuil) PuFahl on Oct. 9, 1951, Ron lived a mischievous childhood in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He grew up in the big pink house across the street from the convent. There were so many things for kids to do in the ’50s and ’60s, and Ron tried them all, including many shenanigans with his brother and cousin. Ron attended St. Thomas Elementary and I.H.M. Catholic Academy, graduating in 1970.

Legals for December, 10 2025

Legals for December, 8 2025

UW faces Furman in NCAA Semifinals

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies soccer team (14-6-2) will be making their second College Cup appearance in five years on Friday when they face No. 16 Furman in the NCAA semifinals. The Huskies will kick off at 3 p.m. UW enters the semifinal round after defeating No. 4 Maryland 3-1 last Friday. Maryland got on the board first in the game scoring a corning kick in the 19th minute, but the Huskies were ready to respond. In the 38th minute, Huskies player Richie Aman sent a corner kick that found the head of Osato Enabulele to tie the game at one at the end of the half.