Merle Jay Royer

September 14, 1929 – December 9, 2025

Merle Jay Royer, 96, of Quincy, Washington, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born Sept. 14, 1929, near Industry, Illinois, Merle grew up in Illinois and Colorado before making Quincy his lifelong home. Merle met the love of his life, Wilma Whitbeck, at a small church gathering in Quincy, and they married in 1957. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on faith, family and community. A farmer at heart, Merle stepped into a new season of life when health concerns required him to work out of the sun. With Wilma and family, he faithfully operated Coast to Coast Hardware, later Royer’s True Value, for 38 years. Merle was known for his work ethic, generosity, and the way he treated every customer with dignity and care.

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.

Plan early for dementia care

MOSES LAKE — Having dementia can seem like the end of everything. But in some ways, it’s only the beginning. “The most important thing (for) people with dementia is planning for the future,” said Dr. A. Carroll Hayman, a Seattle physician who specializes in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, at a symposium in Pasco in October. “In fact, if we can do an early diagnosis that gives people an opportunity to plan (and) also allows the patient themselves to be involved in some of that planning. If we wait too long they can’t say what they want anymore, then we’re just sort of guessing what they wanted rather than involving them.” As much as we might wish otherwise, dementia isn’t going to go away, and it isn’t going to be cured. How long it could last varies widely from one patient to the next. The patient will have medical, legal and social needs to work out, and they can’t do it alone. Starting early is key, Hayman said.

MLSD closed Monday as teachers opt to strike, negotiations to continue

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District will be closed Monday as a precaution for a potential strike by the Moses Lake Education Association, the district’s teacher's union. MLEA said their executive board voted to initiate a strike starting Monday, if an agreement was not reached by Sunday night after negotiations ended.

BASIN EVENTS: December 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Now that the Thanksgiving turkey coma has passed, it’s time to get off the couch and start the December festivities. Here are some things happening this month.

A beacon of warmth in Ephrata

His Helping Hands looking for coat donations to help locals get through winter

EPHRATA – In a world where the cold can bite and hunger gnaws at the edges of self-esteem, a local nonprofit, His Helping Hands, is turning that frost into warmth and that hunger into nourishment. Founded in 2011, the organization continues to make an impact through outreach programs, including a coat closet and a Christmas gift giveaway for children.

2,500 families expected for Moses Lake Food Bank Thanksgiving distribution

MOSES LAKE — The line of cars stretched for the better part of a mile at noon Monday, an hour into Moses Lake Food Bank’s Thanksgiving meal distribution. “We have 2,500 families, and we’re anticipating all of them by Wednesday,” said food bank Operations Lead Jim Gantenbein.

LETTER: The high cost of school construction: A call for reform

Excessive soft costs • 35-45% of school construction budgets are consumed by soft costs – engineering, design and planning – before a single nail is driven or cement poured. • These costs must be reined in and redirected toward actual construction.

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 21-29

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Thanksgiving week, and there are turkey-related events happening everywhere in the Basin, plus holiday shopping, crafts and much more. Here are some ways to enjoy the week:

Ruth Norman (Sweet)

1944 – 2025

Ruth Norman (Sweet) was born in Hayward, California, on March 14, 1944, to Josephine and Theodore Lischeid. She had one brother, Paul, who was born in 1948. In 1954, the family moved to North Seattle, Wash., where Ruth grew up and attended local schools through high school.

STCU surprises Soup on Saturdays with $5K donation

MOSES LAKE — Spokane Teachers Credit Union had a surprise for a local nonprofit Friday morning. We usually pick up one to two local nonprofits within our community that we can support their needs,” Branch Manager Kerrie Petersen told representatives from Soup on Saturdays. “We chose you guys this year … and so we have a check for $5,000 that we would like to donate to you.” “Oh my God, yes,” Soup on Saturdays Secretary Mindi Brimhall said through tears. Brimhall was at STCU with SOS founder and President Trinette Mullineaux, Treasurer John Killian and Social Media Director Cassandra Wixom to receive a donation, but they had no idea how much it would be, Petersen said.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Nov. 13, 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.

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 13-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nippy and the holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s shopping, art, music or theater, there’s something for everybody happening in the Basin this week.

Mice test positive for bird flu in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — Six mice in Grant County have recently tested positive for avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, according to a statement from the Grant County Health District. “It’s not brand new that we are finding bird flu in mice or other mammals. There have been reports of rodents testing positive for bird flu throughout the United States. It can be found in other mammals, not just birds,” GCHD Public Information Officer Lexi Smith said.

Leadership, talent drive Mavs to back-to-back state appearances

MOSES LAKE – On Saturday, the Moses Lake Mavericks competed in the 4A state cross country meet. Head Coach Larry Dagnon said he was proud of the effort his runner put forth over the weekend. “We wished we had run faster, obviously, but you could just tell when it was all said and done... that was a fast group of people they were racing with,” Dagnon said.

Basin teams heading to state XC meet

MOSES LAKE – This weekend, four Basin schools will be represented in the WIAA state cross country meet across three different levels. In 1A, the Royal Knights are sending two runners, freshman Akleigh Hebdon and senior Carlos Barajas.

Othello Food Bank faces capacity challenges amid increased demand

OTHELLO – The Othello Food Bank, a cornerstone of food security in Adams County, continues to serve the community with dedication, despite facing capacity challenges. Executive Director Jose Garza emphasizes the importance of partnerships and community donations, as their capacity to store and distribute food is stretched thin. “The key to our success is the environment we’ve cultivated through partnerships with farmers, growers, and local agencies,” Garza said. “We’re well-connected throughout the state, which allows us to be productive. However, our biggest challenge isn’t the food itself; it’s having the space to put it.”

P.E.A.C.E. from the Lord’s Kitchen

Local ministry serves meals without fanfare or judgment

MOSES LAKE — The Bible says that man does not live by bread alone, but that doesn’t mean that food isn’t pretty important.

BASIN EVENTS Oct. 31-Nov. 30

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we move out of the spooky season and into the holidays, here are a few things to check out this month.

Twisting, shouting and giving

Youth Dynamics auction breaks fundraising records

MOSES LAKE — Youth Dynamics’ auction Oct. 18 was a record-breaker. “We had 245 people in attendance,” said Moses Youth Dynamics Director Sean Sallis. “We took in $70,000. The highest I’ve (seen) is $50,000, so that’s very encouraging.” The theme for the night was “Twist and Shout,” and attendees came in their best poodle skirts, penny loafers and bobby socks. The Moses Lake Classic Car Club brought some vintage vehicles to add to the atmosphere, and Firehouse BBQ grilled hamburgers served by Youth Dynamics students in red-and-white aprons. Auctioneer Chuck Yarbro Jr. conducted the live auction in a University of Idaho letterman’s jacket. Some of the money raised goes to maintain the Youth Dynamics building on Third Avenue, Sallis said, and some goes to provide meals for the youth who hang out there. Some also go to help students, who otherwise couldn’t afford it, go on outdoor adventures with Youth Dynamics. None of the money goes to pay the Youth Dynamics staff, Sallis added; all of them raise their own support from community donors.