Moses Lake High School theater troupe to present ‘Mamma Mia!’

MOSES LAKE — The curtain goes up on a tale of lost love, family complications and a wedding on the beach as the Moses Lake High School Theatre troupe presents “Mamma Mia!,” opening Friday. Sharon Winningham, drama advisor and director, said the musical has established itself as a classic. “It is a beloved musical,” Winningham said. “The kids are excited. The parents are excited. There’s just something special about ‘Mamma Mia!,’” Winningham said. “‘Mamma Mia!’ is that show that they grew up on.” The 1999 play is based on the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA, whose songs were part of the soundtrack of the late 1970s. It’s the story of Sophie (Ruby Nishida in the MLHS production) who’s about to get married. It’s all good – her mom Donna (Calissa Dalton) approves of her choice – but there’s a little bit of a glitch.

Music, magic and slippers

Quincy High School prepares to present ‘Cinderella’

QUINCY — One of the most iconic stories of our culture will take the stage Feb. 28, as Quincy High School theater group presents “Cinderella.” It’s the classic tale of a girl who languishes under the cruel eye of her stepmother, bullied by her stepsisters, until her fairy godmother comes along and outfits her for the prince’s ball.

Lots of options at MLHS College and Career Day

MOSES LAKE — One of the challenges of high school is that eventually, it comes to an end. Graduation arrives and – then what? Whatever the choice – college or into the workforce, career training or military service – the decision affects the rest of the student’s life.

INTERSTATE art exhibit opens Nov. 6 at CWU’s Sarah Spurgeon Gallery

ELLENSBURG — The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will be hosting a national juried exhibition this fall called INTERSTATE: Where I-90 meets I-82.

Open Doors students overcome obstacles to graduate Thursday

MOSES LAKE — It was a short walk across the room, but for the 34 students who graduated from Open Doors Thursday it was the end of a long journey. “I had the motivation I needed to finish school, but not the tools,” said student speaker Mona Martin. “That's when I was directed to Open Doors. Thanks to the support and resources I received there, I was able to make up four years of math and English and pass my GED test with a qualifying score.” Open Doors is a reengagement program established in 2010 to enable students 16-21 years of age, who have left school before graduating, to finish out their high school education. Some students go there to earn their GED, others to earn a high school diploma and some, like Martin, had already earned the GED but wanted to go the extra mile.

Bill to raise lid on local WA school district levies moves forward

(The Center Square) – A bill that would increase the amount of local property tax collections allowed by school districts in Washington state passed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday.

Gesa scholarship applications open

RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union is accepting applications for its scholarship program through the end of February, according to Gesa Vice President of Community Impact Brandon Allison. The credit union plans to award $150,000 to students at various stages in their education.

Megan Watson: A driving force behind Moses Lake Community Coalition’s prevention efforts

Darrel ‘Smokey’ Kisler

October 27, 1944 – June 13, 2025

Darrel Stephen Kisler, 80, passed away on June 13, 2025, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, with loving family by his bedside. Memorial services will be held at the Warden Community Church on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., with graveside burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Warden. Darrel was born on Oct. 27, 1944, in Ritzville, Washington, the last of five children born to Clarence and Erna (Rauter) Kisler. Darrel went to school all 12 years at Warden and graduated from high school in 1962. He continued his education at Columbia Basin College and Kinman Business University, earning a degree in accounting. Darrel worked several years in the accounting field and as petroleum supervisor for Cenex before returning home to farm with his family and worked for Doug and Sandi Berg Farms for 20 years.

William (Bill) Braden

June 17, 1971 — Jan. 10, 2025

William (Bill) Deen Braden, 53, born June 17, 1971, in The Dalles, Oregon, passed away Jan. 10, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, after a very brief struggle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. Bill attended school in Lind through his graduation in 1989. After graduation he moved to Moses Lake and began to attend Big Bend Community College studying auto mechanics to further his dream. Bill had found his calling early in life. He found his love to find out how things were built and operated at a young age with his grandfather and his father by his side. He then wanted to pursue that love of knowledge into his career of being a mechanic of all things. Nothing was too small or big for him to learn.

George M. Whitney Jr.

June 30, 1953 - November 11, 2025

George Marvin Whitney Jr., 72, passed away peacefully at his residence in Moses Lake, Washington, on Nov. 11, 2025, after a short illness. George was born on June 30, 1953, to Marvin and Iris Whitney. George is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Pauline (Keaton) and Rose (Adam); his three grandchildren Kate, Leo, and Cole; and his brother Ray (Norma) and their family: Mark (Aunna), Lauren (Clay), and Nathan (Mariah).

Adams County Sheriff’s Jail roster for Aug. 20, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Eagles fall short in high-offensive battle with ‘Jacks

CHENEY — The style of play was different from Thursday night, as Eastern Washington women's basketball and Northern Arizona faced off on the court. Eastern dropped the game, 88-77, in a fast-paced offensive battle. EWU's record now drops to 6-9 in the Big Sky and 10-17 overall. Both teams shot over 40 percent for the game, with the Eagles at 41.7 percent and the Lumberjacks recording a 41.2 percentage.

Wahluke principal retiring after 40-plus-year career

MATTAWA — Saddle Mountain Elementary Principal Kurt Hoffman said he became a teacher because he wanted to give young people the same type of experience he had in school. “I had a great time as a student and athlete. I wanted to see if I would be able to do that for others,” Hoffman said. “It just makes sense that you’d like to replicate what you were given as a kid and give that back to kids as well.” After seven years in the Wahluke School District and more than 40 years in education, Hoffman announced his retirement at the end of the school year.

Two Washington veterans cemeteries named among top 10 list

RENO, Nev. — Two Washington cemeteries were among the most beloved in America, according to a survey by Choice Mutual.

Ephrata Superintendent message to the community

Tiger Community: Our world seems more divided than ever. Everywhere we look, differences spark conflict, quick judgments dominate conversations, and it can feel like understanding is impossible. These are challenging times—and our kids see it too.

LETTER: Vote YES for the MLSD levy

When you have untrustworthy administrators and have elected overseers unwilling to put in the effort to be well informed on district affairs, you have a perfect incubator for the fiscal disaster the MLSD has been left in by the previous administration and school board directors. NO ONE currently in administrative positions or on the school board had ANYTHING to do with the financial shortfall our district is facing.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Regarding coverage of the happenings in D.C.

I’ve gotten a few calls over the last week regarding coverage of the change in the Oval Office recently. Callers have wondered why we haven’t been covering various actions of the newly-inaugurated President Donald Trump or the outgoing actions of former President Joe Biden.

Soap Lake Class of 2025 faced trials, came out stronger

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Class of 2025 has not had an easy time getting where it is, said principal William Britt. “This journey, your journey, has been one to remember, from the late nights spent on homework to the anxiety of exams to moments when everything felt overwhelming,” Britt said. “You have made it all with grit, humor and heart. Statistically, many of you weren't expected to be here, and yet here you are walking proudly, head held high, chest out, proving to the world that I am someone. I am great. I will not be another statistic.” The 27 seniors who graduated May 31 persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Britt said, as well as facing personal challenges and setbacks. But the students who struggle become creative thinkers and world-changers, he said.

111th graduating class strolls out in style in Ephrata

EPHRATA — About 200 students strolled, cavorted, lightsaber-battled and marched their way onto the Ephrata High School football field last Friday evening. Some wore honor cords showing accomplishments, some had decorated mortar boards and others a look of relief that their day had finally come. Student speaker, Charles Flynn, a graduating senior and outgoing Associated Student Body president, thanked the teachers, staff, parents and others who’d helped him and his classmates reach their educational and other goals. “I would also like to thank the class behind me,” Flynn said while at the podium, facing the gathered audience. “Many of us have grown up with each other since grade school, making mistakes and maturing from them along the way, staying up late to complete work, then waking up early to turn it in, going to football games and bonfires. All of these moments have given me the utmost confidence in the class sitting behind me. Today is not merely a heartfelt goodbye, but it is also a new beginning.”