19 plants added to WA quarantine list

OLYMPIA – Following extensive public outreach and community petitions, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has amended its Noxious Weed Seed and Plant Quarantine list, adding several new plant species. The updated rule will take effect on August 9, 2025.

Legals for November, 25 2025

NEWS BITES: March 12, 2025

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has requested the community’s input in a community survey regarding the district’s planned bond package. The survey provides an opportunity for the community to give feedback on the needs of the district. Take the survey before it closes soon at Surveys.critical-data.com/ephrata.

Heavy duty fun

Touch a Truck returns to Moses Lake on April 26

MOSES LAKE — Last year’s Touch a Truck event was the biggest ever, according to Brittney Ketterer, one of the organizers of the event. “We had over 1,000 attendees,” Ketterer said. “It’s one of our favorite events.”

Is your roof ready for winter?

EPHRATA — Your roof may look ready for winter. But is it really? “You (think you’re) fine until you see a stain,” said Sergio Miramontes, sales manager for Heavenly Roofing. “And when do you usually see a stain? In the winter. By the time you’re seeing it, it’s been leaking for seven to 10 years. Now you’ve got problems with your attic, probably mold on your sheeting or your insulation. It’s already wet, like cotton candy. It’s created issues, but no homeowner thinks about that.” The time to find out about problems is before they get big, Miramontes said. Having the home inspected regularly can alert a homeowner to problems that they wouldn’t notice ordinarily. Especially in older homes, Miramontes said; problems develop that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. “Even if it’s a couple of nails that don’t have tar, that’s an issue,” he said. “Your pipe boots, they’re cracked. The longer you wait (to have it inspected), the more it’s going to cost you … Next year, your roof is going to cost you more than it did last year.” It’s best to inspect a roof at least once a year, according to Allstate Insurance, and twice a year if the home is older. Homeowners should bring in a professional to check it, as moving around on a roof is dangerous without the proper training.

Adopt Crispy Chicken and give him a biscuit

MOSES LAKE – Crispy Chicken, a three-month-old, male domestic shorthair is looking for an egg-cellent home. He is a good egg who comes neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He has plenty of energy and loves good cat tree climb, pom-poms and cuddles. If he seems like your type of cat, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Jose George Moreno

Aug. 19, 1977 - June 18, 2025

Story: With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend. Born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, the middle son of a big family, George had two older brothers, Mike and Mark, and two younger sisters, Michelle and Olga. He took being the middle child as a challenge and never looked back. George lived a life full of movement, growth and deep connection. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood and later graduated from Quincy High School, where he played both basketball and baseball, already showing the competitive spirit and team loyalty that would define much of his life. From a young age, he had a fire in his soul, a love for people and a knack for making friends wherever he went. In 2000, his life changed with the arrival of his first daughter, Rylee. Though it was a challenging time, George found pure joy in fatherhood. He stayed active in the community playing softball, bowling long into a Thursday night and even joining a dodgeball league. (Yes, dodgeball! And yes, there were probably a few brews involved.) But every game was played with love and laughter. In 2002, he met the love of his life Kristin while they both were working at Old Country Buffet in Spokane, Washington. They were later married and began building their beautiful family and welcomed three more daughters: Annabelle, Scarlett and their youngest, Ivy. The Moreno family could often be found floating down Washington rivers, camping through long softball weekends or headed to Watershed with George in his signature cowboy hat – ready for a weekend of country music, good friends, and better drinks. Some of the most cherished memories were spent at Sacheen Lake with Rodger, Sheri and Rachelle –fishing, kayaking, hiking and cooking up unforgettable meals. George would throw down a tomahawk steak on the smoker, Kristin would hand you a cold drink, and their girls would offer to watch your kids so you could finally relax. The Morenos are the kind of people who made everyone feel at home, George especially. Professionally, George found his purpose in carpentry. After becoming a licensed journeyman, his passion grew beyond the job site. He became a fierce advocate for his union brothers and sisters, eventually being elected Vice President of Local 59, part of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. As he loved to say, “We’re border to border, baby!” He was the kind of leader who made you feel seen, supported, and proud to stand beside him. His powerful May Day speech on workers' rights, tax fraud, and safe job sites was one of his proudest moments. George traveled across the U.S., always spreading knowledge, building solidarity, and lifting others up. Whether it was Chalk Talk or The Delegate Duo, he was your guy! George was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Mary Lou Moreno. He leaves behind his wife Kristin; their beloved daughters Rylee (Alex), Annabelle, Scarlett, and Ivy; his two grandsons Wyatt, and Jackson; his brothers Mike (Cassandra) and Mark (Cindy); sisters Michelle (Oscar) and Olga (Brandon); and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves many a heartbroken community of family, friends, Liquid Courage, Rampage, and union brothers and sisters who will forever carry his spirit. George will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” — George Moreno Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A graveside service and reception will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend.

Blue-Green algae blooms still present in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District issued a water quality warning for North Moses Lake and Lewis Horn for blue-green algae.

Climbing to new heights in Landfall Games’ ‘Peak’

MOSES LAKE – There have been a variety of cooperative games released in the past couple of years including an indie game released last month called “Peak” made by Aggro Crab and Landfall games. “Peak” presents players with both a challenging and rewarding gameplay loop and is worth the try for anyone interested in a unique take on the action-adventure genre.

Gas prices rise nationally, drop slightly in WA

MOSES LAKE— In the latest report from GasBuddy, the national average price of gasoline has increased for the third consecutive week, rising 10.6 cents to $3.21 per gallon. This marks a 13.2-cent increase from just a month ago but remains 35.6 cents lower than the same time last year. The national average price of diesel has also seen an uptick, climbing 3.6 cents to settle at $3.594 per gallon.

Home prices dip slightly statewide, but up in the Basin

MOSES LAKE — Inventory is climbing and home prices slipped in the housing market in September, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 Washington counties. “People are starting to come out from under the rocks, the buyers that were on the fence a little bit, because we're getting a little bit of a break here and there on interest rates,” said Johnny Reyes, a broker with Windermere Real Estate in Ephrata. “People are starting to feel a little more comfortable about coming out and buying.” Active listings increased by 27.3% statewide between September 2024 and September 2025, according to the NWMLS. The increase was greater in Grant County, at 30.77% year-over-year, while Adams County increased only 6%.

Rebuffed for years, Washington lawmakers regain Capitol dome access

OLYMPIA — Few, if any, members of the Washington state Legislature have been allowed to climb to the top of the state Capitol dome this century. That will soon change. A provision in the new capital budget requires 10 legislators be given a guided tour of the upper reaches of the historic building during the fiscal year that starts July 1. Another 10 must get the same opportunity in the following year. “It’s a happy day for the institution,” said state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, who’s been on a mission to ease restrictions that have boxed lawmakers out of the dome. It’s not right, he said, that lawmakers “cannot visit all the places they oversee.”

Healthy Lake Tracker active for 2025

MOSES LAKE — People who are planning a day out on Moses Lake can check levels of blue-green algae toxins at their destination with the help of a joint project of the Grant County Health District and the Columbia Basin Conservation District. The Healthy Lakes Tracker is an interactive map that measures blue-green algae levels at six points around the lake. Lexi Smith, GCHD communications coordinator, said blue-green algae is common in lakes across the state.

Malik Willis has TD pass and Packers sack Jalen Milroe 5 times in 20-7 preseason win over Seahawks

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers gave Seattle Seahawks rookie Jalen Milroe some hard lessons about life in the NFL. Milroe played the Seahawks’ entire preseason finale Saturday as coach Mike Macdonald rested starting quarterback Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. The third-round pick from Alabama lost three fumbles and was sacked five times in the Packers' 20-7 victory.

Chester Dorsey

Aug. 29, 1938 — July 14, 2025

On July 14, 2025, at the age of 86, Rev. Dr. Chester Ray Dorsey was welcomed into the arms of the Lord as a good and faithful servant. Chet was born to Chester Gilbert and Nile Fern Dorsey on Aug. 29, 1938, in Garnett, Kansas, and was the oldest of four children: two brothers Ralph and Charles and one sister, Linda. Chet grew up in St. Louis and at a young age, he felt the calling of the Lord to pursue a life in ministry and sharing God’s word. He followed this call wholeheartedly, graduating from Sterling College in 1961, graduating from Dubuque Seminary in 1965 and graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary with a doctorate degree in Theology and Ministry in 1983. While attending Sterling College, he met and began courting Barbara and they married in St. Louis on Oct. 2, 1965. In March of 1969 they welcomed a son, David, and in February of 1973 they welcomed their daughter Kristen, who was chosen to join the family through adoption.

Perez’s 2-run double keys Royals over Mariners 6-3 for 2nd win in 10 games

SEATTLE (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a pivotal two-run double in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games. Perez lofted a fly ball off Emerson Hancock (3-5) that center fielder Julio Rodríguez lost in the twilight sky and dropped for a two-run double. Rodríguez climbed the center-field wall, trying to rob a home run, but he misjudged the ball and it bounced to the wall as the Royals took a 5-1 lead.

Hulkingly adorable

MOSES LAKE – Hulk may not be big and green and angry at just under four months old, but he is adorable, multicolored and sinfully cute.

Huskies successful in distance medley relay, winning first Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Washington captured just its second Penn Relays championship in school history, and the first by the men's program, as the Huskies took the Men's Distance Medley Relay (DMR) Championship of America at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, according to a statement by University of Washington Athletic Communications.

Mysteries, murders and mayhem at Masquers Theater

SOAP LAKE – “Clue: On Stage” cast members gather around Miss Scarlet (Jessica Stredwick) and Mr. Boddy’s briefcase. The briefcase, locked, supposedly holds all of the partygoers' darkest secrets. From left to right in the back is Mr. Green (Blane Schafer), Mrs. Peacock (Victoria Drake), Colonel Mustard (Dave Stearns), Yvette (Kristina Allman), Professor Plum (Justin Martin), Mrs. White (Rosalee Chamberlain). In the front is Wadsworth (Rebecca Grommesh) and Miss Scarlet. The show runs on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. It begins this Friday, Feb. 7, and runs through Feb. 23. Tickets are available at masquers.com/clue.

Big paws to match her big heart

OTHELLO – Heeya, a young chocolate labrador retriever mix is looking for a family. She said she will be growing into those big paws of hers. She would like to use said paws for long walks, swimming and to rest on you as you cozy up with a good book. Outside of her big beans, she also has a big heart and gets along well with humans and other furry friends. She is vaccinated, microchipped and spayed. If her sweet green eyes have charmed you, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out her application. If you can’t adopt a sweet girl right now, but you would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”