Moses Lake middle schools looking for coaches

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District announced they are looking for coaches at Frontier and Endeavor Middle School. Loren Sandhop, the athletic director for the school district, said the most important aspect of a candidate they are looking for is good people. “We're teaching them lifelong lessons, and we're just using sport to do it,” Sandhop said.

Shining skill

CBTECH students headed to national competitions

MOSES LAKE — This isn’t exactly the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center’s first trip to the nationals. “For 11 years straight we have placed at state competition, and eight of those years we’ve qualified for nationals,” said Terri Pixlee, who teaches video game programming at CBTECH. “We’ve been all over the country. We’ve been to Chicago, Utah, Georgia twice, Florida (and) Maryland and this will be our second time in California.” Pixlee’s students Alex Meyer, Hailey Harper and Ethan Huntley competed in April at the Future Business Leaders of America game programming competition in Bellevue, she said. One team of three students took second place and will go on to nationals in Anaheim, California. Another team of two, Neri Hernandez and Jaden Salazar, placed seventh, not high enough to be assured of a berth but enough to be alternates in case some other Washington team doesn’t show. So far, that doesn’t seem likely, Pixlee said.

Eliseo Rangel Salazar

March 5, 1983 — Oct. 1, 2025

Eliseo “Pancho” Rangel Salazar, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away tragically at the age of 42, on Oct. 1, 2025, in Ephrata, Washington. Born on March 5, 1983, in Cuerámaro, Guanajuato, Mexico, Pancho was a man whose laughter and warmth filled every room he entered. Pancho is survived by his loving wife Dayna Rangel; his adored children Destiny Rangel and Francisco Rangel-Hersel; his stepdaughters Giavanna Chapman and Lily Gonzalez; his devoted mother Ma Teresa Salazar Canchola; his father Eliseo Rangel Pérez; and his caring sisters Lupe and Adilene Rangel. His life was further enriched by the joy of many nephews, nieces, chosen brothers and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

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.

Tim Flint

Tim Flint passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 85 in Othello, Washington. Tim is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years Susan Flint; daughters Dawn Donahoo (Doug), Kimberly Detwiler and Becky Jo Flint (Scott Rodgers); grandson Jake; and granddaughters Ashley, Alyson and Jessica. Tim was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended schools in California. He graduated from Sierra High School and went on to Reedley College. In 1959, a blind date led to a lifelong partnership with Susan and they married in 1960. His early career included PG&E of California, but Tim’s passion for the outdoors led him to pursue a career in Wildlife Management and a move to the Pacific Northwest. Encouraged by his wife, Tim returned to college in his 30s, earning a BS degree in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho in 1974. He immediately joined the Washington Department of Fish and Game, where he served with distinction until he retired in 1987 due to post-polio syndrome. Tim’s life was one of quiet determination, deep love for family and a strong connection to nature.

Ephrata High’s Smith named student of the month

EPHRATA — Devin Smith, a sophomore at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as one of the EHS February Students of the Month, a recognition bestowed by his teacher, Scott Sandberg. Sandberg, who teaches cyber security and serves as the Future Business Leaders of America advisor, highlighted Smith’s exemplary performance and dedication both in and out of the classroom as the primary reasons for his nomination.

Jessie Young all-in at Freewind Martial Arts

MOSES LAKE – According to Jessie Young, martial arts was not something she thought she would take interest in. However, after giving Freewind Martial Arts a few tries, she was all in. “After the first lesson, I was totally hooked. I was not ready for it; I could not do push-ups or sit-ups or run around the mat like everybody else, but I absolutely fell in love with it.

Training the next generation at Basin Karate

MOSES LAKE — After announcing his retirement back in 2021, Shihan Terry Stone has returned to teaching classes again at Basin Karate in Moses Lake. Since then, he has had to somewhat alter the way he teaches but wants to instill the same lessons that he’s been giving since starting his lessons in the Basin 35 years ago. “Sometimes I get frustrated I’m not able to move like I used to,” Stone said. “I’m 72, but I just love to teach. It gives me something to do, something that I love. It’s not a job, it’s a joy.”

Robert Stucky

Nov. 6, 1935 – June 6, 2025

Robert Lee Stucky of Ephrata,Washington, graduated to his eternal home on June 6, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones. Robert “Bob” was born on Nov. 6, 1935 to Edmund and Lydia Stucky in Monroe, Washington. He was the seventh of 11 children. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1954, he went on to attend Grace Bible Institute, where he met and fell in love with Joyce Krehbiel. They married on Aug. 21, 1956, in Newport Washington, and have been lifelong partners ever since. They welcomed their first son James Edward a year later, and then a second son, Stanley Thomas. Bob worked on his father’s dairy farm in Monroe for the next 13 years. Then the family of four moved from Monroe to Ephrata, Washington in 1969 and started the Stucky Brothers Dairy with his brother Jim Stucky, later changing the name to R3J Dairy to incorporate their wives, both named Joyce. Two more sons were added to the family, Jeffrey Alan and Richard King. The family successfully ran the farm until retiring from farming in 1997.

Marjorie "Marjie" Miles

1939 – 2025

Marjorie “Marjie” Miles, 86, passed away on October 13, 2025, peacefully in the comfort of her home in Kirkland, surrounded by her family.

Community learning centers coming to Othello schools

OTHELLO — The Othello School District will be implementing new before-school and after-school programs for elementary and middle school students with the help of a five-year, $2.5 million federal grant. Josh Meek, OSD executive director of teaching and learning, said the “community learning centers” will start in January 2026.

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.

ACPR is seeing orange

OTHELLO – Let orange become your new favorite color as four domestic short-haired red tabby kittens are available for adoption at Adams County Pet Rescue. Strawberry Sour is a young male kitten who is a deep orange color and is as his name would apply, is akin to a Sour Patch Kid. His brother Kickback has a little more white on his face and a thinner face,

Gonzalez named Othello AD

OTHELLO — Carlos Gonzalez has been selected as the new Athletic Director for the Othello School District, taking over the position after previous director Jenny McCourtie stepped away from the position. “My hopes are to see how athletics and activities can help provide the best schooling experience for kids on top of their safety and their learning,” said Gonzalez.

Carl Edward Osborn

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Carl Edward Osborn, 73, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose greatest joy in life was his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

ACH Legion starts summer season

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline American Legion summer baseball team split a double header over the weekend against Gonzaga Prep AA1. The team now sits at a record of 1-2 to start the season. “I think one of the lessons is just to be patient,” said ACH Legion head coach Mike Correia. “We have a number of players, especially in the small school here, that play basketball, football and baseball so all of them are taking part in the various camps or tournaments, or league play for whatever sport, so that wears on them a little bit.” In the first game, Gonzaga Prep scored six runs in the first inning followed by three in the second. ACH Legion put up a run in the top of the fourth which was met by another two runs from Gonzaga Prep making the score 1-11 at the top of the fifth.

Warriors girls soccer looks to overcome new challenges

MATTAWA – After going 9-11-1the Wahluke girls soccer team will be facing some new challenges this season. According to Head Coach Cele Lopez, the Warriors have a young roster. “We have a new team, a lot of freshmen, a lot of girls who want to play, but they have never really played before. That's really a challenge,” Lopez said. “‘How can you combine the experienced girls with their groups?’”

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.

Families, agencies join together at Child Abuse Prevention Month event

MOSES LAKE — Law enforcement, the Boys and Girls Club, Renew, firefighters and more joined Kids Hope at the Grant County Fairgrounds Wednesday to raise awareness of child abuse. “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Elisa Adolphsen, children’s advocacy coordinator for Kids Hope, who was handing out paper masks at the front door for children to wear. “For the past several years (we) have held an event for the community. We make it free so families can come and gain information about child safety. Every booth has something to do with child safety or child abuse prevention.”

Business community comes together at Othello Chamber auction

OTHELLO — The parish hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church was transformed Friday night as the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce held its annual fundraiser banquet and auction. “This is our one and only fundraiser that we have for the year,” said Chamber Manager Jackie Wilhelm. “The money that we raise goes back into the community.”