Warriors fall short in home opener

MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors (0-1) were defeated 67-43 by the Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars Tuesday in their return to the hardwood. Wahluke Head Coach Anfernee Cortez said some of the loss may be attributed to first-game jitters. “We started too flat and just kind of dug ourselves into a hole early. Against a team like Tri-Cities Prep, it’s tough to catch up at that point,” Cortez said. A slow start by the Warriors allowed Tri-Cities Prep to take hold of the momentum early and build a commanding lead. In the first half, the Warriors struggled to knock down shots and attack the rim. The Jaguars carried their momentum into the second half to run away with the game. Wahluke had a stronger second-half showing, but Cortez said it was not enough to get back in the game.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Dec. 11, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Priest Rapids Dam oil spill still in cleanup stage

MATTAWA — People downstream of Priest Rapids Dam are being asked to look for evidence of oil on the waters of the Columbia River following a spill of mineral oil at the dam Wednesday. Department of Ecology officials are asking boaters to stay off the river between Priest Rapids and Pasco while crews work to clean up the oil, according to a PUD press release. Absorbent booms were put in the water to collect the oil downstream of the dam and are still there, said Christine Pratt, public information officer with the Grant County PUD, in the PUD press release. The booms will stay there until the Department of Ecology allows their removal.

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.

Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team carries out drug raid in Quincy

QUINCY — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on I Street in Quincy Thursday, leading to the arrest of Jilberto Lucatero-Lora, a 20-year-old suspect alleged to be involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana to Sureño gang members.

Law, fire training scheduled Friday, Saturday in Moses Lake neighborhood

MOSES LAKE — Both the Moses Lake Police Department and Moses Lake Fire Department will be using houses near Samaritan Hospital for training exercises Nov. 28 and 29, with some of the activity possibly visible – and audible – in nearby neighborhoods.

Revised Moses Lake ordinance designed to recover some MLFD costs

MOSES LAKE — An ordinance revision approved by the Moses Lake City Council will allow more consistent billing of insurance companies in cases of emergency response by the Moses Lake Fire Department. In certain circumstances, property owners or vehicle owners may be responsible for paying whatever emergency response costs are not covered by insurance. The revisions passed on a 6-1 council vote Tuesday, with council member Victor Lombardi voting no.

One subject arrested after residential burglary, additional arrests expected

MOSES LAKE — In the early morning Sunday, the Moses Lake Police Department was dispatched to a reported robbery at the Quail Run trailer park on Road H NE in Moses Lake, according to a statement from the MLPD. Upon officer arrival, it was discovered that two suspects entered a residence and robbed the three occupants, taking personal items and cash. The suspects fled after the robbery. One suspect fired a handgun at the victims’ dog; however, no person or animal was injured. MLPD used Flock camera technology to locate the suspect vehicle. Austin Spurgeon, 32, of Moses Lake, was taken into custody and booked into Grant County Jail. According to the Grant County Jail Roster, Spurgeon was booked for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and two Grant County District Court warrants. Detectives are continuing the investigation; additional arrests are expected.

Quincy Police Department Logs as of Dec. 2, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Quincy Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Operation Human Freight leads to multiple arrests in Fife

FIFE — In an action aimed at combating human trafficking and prostitution, the Washington State Patrol has arrested nearly a dozen individuals in an overnight operation dubbed “Operation Human Freight.” The operation, which took place on November 25, 2025, was orchestrated by the WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division in response to reported suspicious activities near truck stops in Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties.

'South hill rapist' Kevin Coe dies in Federal Way

(The Center Square) – Kevin Coe, the infamous “South Hill rapist,” died Wednesday at an adult family home in Federal Way. He was 78. The Federal Way Mayor’s Office and the Federal Way Police Department confirmed he was reported dead of natural causes. As reported by The Center Square, Coe was recently released from the civil commitment center at McNeil Island after doctors and staff members there determined he was no longer a threat to the public because of his advanced age and declining health.

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.

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.

Warden swears in council member and updates 2025 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council completed one oath of office, discussed voter turnout and updated its 2025 budget at its regular council meeting Tuesday. The council decided to cancel the next meeting, which would be on Dec. 23. The council will return for its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 6, 2026.

Section of Blewett Pass closed Thursday

LEAVENWORTH — Travelers between Ellensburg and Wenatchee are advised to look for a different route Thursday due to the daylong closure of U.S. Highway 97 over Blewett Pass. Crews will be cleaning up debris from September’s Labor Mountain Fire from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. “Crews with the U.S. Forest Service and WSDOT have identified multiple sites to remove trees that could be a hazard and debris north of the summit,” the WSDOT release said. “The full closure of the road allows crews to work at several locations on the pass at once and expedite the work without pausing to allow traffic through the work zone.”

Ephrata prepares for winter weather

EPHRATA — As colder temperatures and the promise of snow settle over Ephrata, city officials urge residents to familiarize themselves with local snow removal policies and the critical role they play in ensuring safe roadways. Ray Towry, the City Administrator, emphasized the city’s commitment to effective snow management, developed collaboratively with input from community stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, local businesses and the Ephrata School District. Once snowfall reaches at least two inches, the city’s four-person Street Department will initiate plowing operations. Crews typically begin work before 4:00 AM, often enduring shifts lasting 16 to 18 hours during significant weather events. “We strive to balance safety with the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Towry said. “Plowing happens mostly overnight, and it’s crucial we handle this as effectively as possible.”

Quincy Police Department Logs as of Dec. 16, 2025

Quincy PD Dec. 12-15

Rehaume retiring as Othello PD chief

OTHELLO — Aaron Garza has been appointed as interim chief of the Othello Police Department, effective Nov. 30, when current Othello PD Chief Dave Rehaume retires. Rehaume announced his retirement Monday. Mayor-elect Ken Johnson said how the city will fill the permanent job is still to be determined.

Cops for Tots

Moses Lake Police collect toys for local children

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is focused on supporting local children this year with their revamped annual toy drive. “We had been doing this for a while, through Toys for Tots,” said MLPD Public Records Technician Cristina Valdez. “But last year we decided to change it to Cops for Tots so that we could make sure the toys stayed within our own community.” Officers and support staff stationed themselves outside both entrances of the Moses Lake Walmart Saturday evening.

Legals for November, 26 2025