Chimney maintenance is essential for safety

MOSES LAKE — With Christmas just around the corner, lots of folks are using their fireplaces for warmth, roasting chestnuts or just a pleasant atmosphere. But before Santa pays your chimney a visit, you should make sure it’s in good working order. Chimney fires are responsible for more than three-fourths of residential building heating fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to prevent that, said Michael Harper, known as The Chimney Guy. “If they’re using (the fireplace) aesthetically – date night, Christmas, New Year’s, show-off times, something in the background here and there, (they should) have it inspected once a year for peace of mind,” Harper said. “If they’re using it two to three days a week religiously through the winter months, they need to have it cleaned once a year.”

Boys and Girls Club logo allegedly used in Moses Lake scam

MOSES LAKE — Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin officials are warning people that scammers apparently are using the club’s logo and claiming to be affiliated with the organization. The scammers allegedly were soliciting money door to door along Third Avenue early Tuesday afternoon.

Legals for December, 17 2025

Qualifying irrigation-only wells approved by Moses Lake council

MOSES LAKE — Public agencies and semi-public organizations will be allowed to drill individual wells to water fields and other publicly accessible green spaces under the terms of an ordinance approved by the Moses Lake City Council at the last meeting of 2025. Council members have been discussing the ordinance for about three months, following a meeting with Moses Lake School District officials.

ACH Warriors defense shines in win over Lions

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (2-1) are off to a hot start after defeating the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (4-1) 61-18 at home Monday. Head Coach Nikki Strock said their start to the season has shown how much her team has grown since last season.

Legals for December, 19 2025

Idaho town hall battery trial ends in mixed verdict

Trouette convicted on some battery charges, acquitted on others

Trouette convicted on some battery charges, acquitted on others

Women combine talents to open businesses in shared space

MOSES LAKE — Three woman-owned businesses held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at their new location in Moses Lake Thursday. The office at 815 W. Third Ave. holds an accounting firm, a massage service and a waxing room. “We’re a one-stop shop,” Mandy Schuh said. Schuh is the owner and founder of both Pillar Rock Accounting and Seventh Sense Serenity massage service. As Pillar Rock, she and her assistant Esmeralda Sanchez handle after-the-fact bookkeeping: general bookkeeping, payroll processing and bank and credit card reconciliation. That’s the business people see when they walk in the front door. In a quiet, gently-lit room in the back of the office, Schuh massage services, including Swedish, intraoral massage, myofascial, reflexology and the Japanese technique called Reiki.

Local experts eye AI to help develop the future

MOSES LAKE — AI technology has been developing quickly over the last few years with multiple avenues and questions arising regarding its use in everyday life. NCW Tech Alliance hopes to guide North Central Washington in how to utilize this technology as it continues to evolve. “AI is a general-purpose technology and so it’s much easier to understand what’s possible and the vastness of what opportunities there are in AI if you think about it in that way,” said Sue Kane, CEO of NCW Tech Alliance.

Warden puts on strong performance against Wahluke

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars out dueled the Wahluke Warriors 54-18 on the mat Tuesday. Head Coach Johnny Hernandez was happy to see his wrestlers come out fast against the Warriors. “They came out with a little extra energy today. It's always good to see that. We do a good job of getting them juiced up before the match. They really performed tonight,” the coach said.

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.

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry launches Angel Tree program for rescue pets

SOAP LAKE — As the holiday spirit fills the air, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry animal rescue is ready to spread some cheer to furry friends waiting for their forever homes. This year, the organization announced the launch of a pilot program inspired by traditional angel giving tree initiatives. However, this project takes a twist: it centers on the animals at the rescue.

Braden Huff scores a career-high 37 points as No. 7 Gonzaga beats Campbell 98-70

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Braden Huff scored a career-high 37 points on 16-for-18 shooting as No. 7 Gonzaga beat Campbell 98-70 on Wednesday night. Graham Ike added 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Steele Venters had 13 points for Gonzaga (11-1).

Christmas week weather 2025

Christmas week weather 2025

Seahawks overcome 16-point deficit to stun Rams 38-37 in OT in NFC West showdown

SEATTLE (AP) — Mike Macdonald was in no mood to play for a tie, and the Los Angeles Rams’ defense had no interest in letting Sam Darnold connect with any of his top receiving options. After Darnold hit Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown in overtime, Macdonald entrusted his quarterback to win it for Seattle. Darnold did just that, hitting a wide-open Eric Saubert for the 2-point conversion, and the Seahawks overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Rams 38-37 on Thursday night for a one-game lead in the NFC West.

Xi Beta Xi raises money for Othello Food Bank

OTHELLO — The ladies of Xi Beta Xi showed their support for the Othello Food Bank last week, to the tune of $2,413. “We held a holiday auction,” said Xi Beta Xi Vice President Debbie Pegram. “All of us in the group (brought) silent auction items, and we invited all the other groups in town.”

Quincy Shop with a Cop pairs families with officers

QUINCY — Ten Quincy families will have a brighter Christmas through the Quincy Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event Dec. 6. “Seeing how excited the kids get and how thankful the families are, it’s awesome,” said QPD Ofc. Danya Mercado, who organized the event with Ofc. Jessica Diaz.

Wahluke Jr. High earns Culture Kick-Off Award again

MATTAWA — Wahluke Junior High School has been honored with the 2025 Culture Kickoff Award for the second year in a row, according to an announcement from the Association of Washington School Leaders and the Association of Washington School Principals.

Cougs best Utah State in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

BOISE — The Washington State University Cougars (7-6) concluded their season with a win over the Utah State Aggies in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl game. The two 6-6 teams faced off in a showdown at 11 a.m. on Monday.

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.