Quincy EP&O levy to go to voters

QUINCY — Quincy School District voters will be asked to accept or reject a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election in February. If it’s approved, it would replace the levy approved by voters in 2022. District superintendent Nik Bergman said money raised through the levy accounts for about 16% of the district’s budget. “The state doesn’t fully fund a lot of programs,” Bergman said. “It’s used to fund our highly capable (program) and STEAM enrichment. Some of it is used to fund special education, early learning, the arts, music. We have a music program that is just flourishing right now, and I can connect that to the community support of the levy.”

Ephrata PD achieves full staffing on paper, officers still being trained

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department Chief Erik Koch announced that the department is officially recognized as fully staffed, although he emphasized that this achievement comes with a caveat.

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, and there are holiday goings-on galore in the Basin. Here are a few things to make your spirits bright:

GCHD declares end to facility bird flu outbreak

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District announced that it has completed all response activities related to the recent outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial poultry operation in the county. This declaration comes after a comprehensive assessment of potential exposures, testing of symptomatic individuals, and the provision of antiviral medications when warranted.

Cougars compete in big meets to start season

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars wrestling team competed in their first wrestling tournaments of the season with the girls heading to Liberty High School for the Lady Lancer Invitational and the boys heading to the Ocosta Tournament at Ocosta High School. “I thought we had a really good weekend; it was the first time we took a trip like that, (a) six hour bus ride,” said Cougars Boys Head Coach Johnny Hernandez. The boys had nine scorers on the weekend with seven of those making top four placements, he said. Overall, the team finished third at Ocosta and were only four points away from taking first place.

UW claims first national soccer title in program history

CARY, NC — The University of Washington Huskies Men’s soccer team (16-6-2) faced off against the NC State Wolfpack in the NCAA National Championships on Monday where they won 3-2 in overtime. This victory secured the first national title in program history.

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.”

Lions boys dominate at home against the Devils

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions boys played at home against the Wilson Creek Devils Thursday where they earned a 68-29 victory over their Central Washington B League rival. “It was a lot of trying to push the ball up the court, trying to get really good shots and the boys were really unselfish with the ball,” said Lions Head Coach Emerson Ferguson. “I really like how they were moving the ball and getting good open shots at the basket.”

Legals for December, 17 2025

Legals for December, 10 2025

Huskies fall at home against Sageview

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies basketball team took their first loss in the season, falling 63-83 at home to the Sageview Lobos (Pasco). The Huskies now look to learn from this loss as they begin Central Washington Athletic Conference play this weekend. “We knew this was going to be a good game,” said Othello senior Syrus Ruiz. “We knew these guys had some talent on their team, but I feel like we really didn’t execute.” Othello started strong getting a nine-point lead over Sageview, but the Lobos came back after making threes to tie the game. Huskies’ senior Quade Gonzalez would respond with one of his own, but the Lobos pulled ahead, ending the quarter 12-15.

GCSO Crime Reduction Team makes strides in community safety

EPHRATA — In an effort to increase proactive law enforcement, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office established a Crime Reduction Team, which has been effective since its inception in 2024, according to Sheriff Joey Kriete. The CRT, led by Supervisor Sgt. Jason Ball, alongside Deputies Ben Smithson and Adam Davis, was created to tackle rural thefts and other crime issues affecting Grant County residents. Kriete explained the reason behind establishing the CRT.

Jacks show fight in home loss

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (1-4) fell in a competitive 67-47 game at home to the Grandview Greyhounds Saturday. Head Coach Scott Bierlink said his players competed against the Greyhounds but dug themselves too deep of a hole to climb out of.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office reports as of Dec. 12, 2025

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