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.

Ephrata School District music director performing in 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade

EPHRATA — Columbia Ridge Elementary Music Director Alicia Keegan has been selected to participate in the 2026 Pasadena Rose Parade as part of the Band Directors Marching Band. This ensemble will comprise 350 band directors from across the United States, marching along a 5.5-mile route on January 1, 2026.

Steven L. Gilbert

1958 – 2025

Steven L. Gilbert, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. Steve lived heroically with the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s for 18 years, but it never daunted his loving spirit and sense of humor. Steve was a gentle giant and leaves a legacy of strength during trial, humor in hard times and an enduring love of God, family and ice cream.

Cougars football looks back on successful season

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars football team concluded their season with a 6-4 record making it all the way into the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference Central Washington B 2B football crossover before being eliminated from postseason play. While being just short of state, Cougars Head Coach Brent Cox said this was overall a very successful season.

COLUMN: A moment of gratitude during conflict

At the time of writing, the Moses Lake Education Association is on its third day of striking as they work toward an agreement with the Moses Lake School District. It’s no secret these strikes have led to a ripple effect of outcomes, the most notable that school has not been in session this week as negotiations continue and teachers strike.

Gloria Vernon

Gloria Vernon (Ritter) was born on Nov. 27, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland to Austrian immigrants. She spent her life in that city until she married Charles Vernon in 1955. Chuck and Gloria moved to the Los Angeles area where she worked 35 years as a bookkeeper for Mead Corporation. She was widowed in 1997. Subsequently, she moved to Florida to care for her mother. After her mother’s death, she returned to Baltimore and lived there for several years prior to Jan. 4, 2019, when she moved to Moses Lake, Washington to live with her niece and nephew, Mike and Tina Bradley. She's resided in Moses Lake from that date until her death. She had no children, but is survived by many friends who loved her kind, gracious and quick personality, including her godchildren, Bob and Teri Martin.

Huskies plan to make a statement this season

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys basketball team is returning to the court this season with a new fire lit underneath them as they look to come back from a winless season. Head Coach Juan Ramon Garcia said it was rough, but the team has made great strides since then as they work to improve.

Officiating issues lead to questions regarding Mavs game

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday, the Moses Lake Mavericks pulled off a late comeback win over the Bothell Cougars 17-14 in the first round of the 4A state football tournament, wherein multiple possibly inaccurate calls by officials were made against both teams. However, since the conclusion of that game accusations of inappropriate officiating have been made. A parent of a Bothell player made claims that officials overseeing the game had direct ties to Moses Lake and the Mavericks football program. They referenced the Washington Officials Associations code of conduct, which she said states that ties to the team must be disclosed.

Cougars prepare for competitive EWAC season

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars boys basketball team is returning to the court for another intense season in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference East. After a tough end last season, the Cougars are working to stay competitive. “Last season, we had our ups and downs with a lot of injuries, sickness hit us pretty good,” said Cougars Head Coach Brent Erdmann. “It wasn’t a bad season, but we didn’t quite reach our potential.”

COLUMN: Head west, they say

This column came together probably as quickly as my decision to move from Columbus, Ohio to Moses Lake. When I graduated from Denison University in May 2024, I remember being overcome with emotion after receiving my degree.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: In appreciation of educators ...

An experience I recently had with a school district, quite honestly, has left me gob-smacked a bit. I am in awe of the teachers and administrators at school districts throughout the region and what they have to deal with. Let me get back to the beginning, though. Journalists often cover a wide variety of topics and are constantly looking for ideas for stories that will matter to readers. As such, when we hear of events of interest, we sometimes ask to attend so we can either cover it, or, as in this case, learn how to cover a topic better.

Mavs set to bounce back this season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls basketball team is getting back on the court this week and is setting their goals for what they hope to accomplish this season. Mavs Head Coach Matt Strophy said the team is striving to bounce back after a tough end last season. “We had our fair share of struggles. We had a solid league, take a look at Davis high school as the state champions last year and they returned just about everybody,” said Strophy. “I know when it came to win-loss record, it was not what we are used to at Moses Lake High School for girls' basketball, so it was challenging for sure.”

Seahawks can build on strong defensive showing in loss to Stafford and the Rams

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold's four interceptions and the Seahawks' failure to convert in the red zone overshadowed another strong performance by Seattle's defense. The Seahawks held Matthew Stafford and the Rams to 249 yards in Sunday’s 21-19 loss. That's the second-lowest total of the season for Los Angeles. “Our guys fought incredibly hard,” coach Mike Macdonald said. “I thought we executed well, gave them some tough spots. That’s what we talk about.”

Elizabeth Mary 'Betty' Warnick

1925 – 2025

Elizabeth Mary “Betty” (Vickerman) Warnick, 100 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. Betty was the beloved matriarch of the Warnick family to her seven children, children-in-laws, foster children, many grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews, great-grandchildren, friends and community members.

Downtown Tree Lighting to kick off season in Moses Lake Friday

MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake will be a hopping spot Friday, with food, games, music and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Oh, and a visit from Santa Claus, but without the sleigh.

Knights set for semifinal game at home Saturday

ROYAL CITY — This weekend the Royal Knights (11-0) will host the Lynden Christian Lyncs (10-1) at home Saturday at 3 p.m. in the semifinals of the 1A state football tournament. With a win, the Knights could be headed back to the state championship game, however, they remain focused on one game at a time.

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.

Harold  Wiley

1949 – 2025

Harold Eugene Wiley, 76, passed away on December 4, 2025, in Logandale, NV. Harold was born in Sunnyside, Wash., on May 14, 1949, to Robert Earl Wiley and Anna Juanita Minor. He married Kathryn Ann Hanford on August 18, 1972, in E. Wenatchee, Wash.

Senior events for December 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather outside may be frightful, but the holiday events this month make the chill in the air a little more bearable. Here are some opportunities to get out and about in December:

Lions volleyball reflects on successful season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Christian Covenant School Lions ended their season with a 10-8 overall record in the district tournament. Lions Head Coach Dean Spurbeck said it was a great season for the team and highlights the development the program has seen in recent years.