Planning ahead key to a safe New Year’s celebration

MOSES LAKE — With Christmas in the rearview mirror, there’s one more big holiday celebration before the New Year arrives. But people who are planning to celebrate the end of 2025 should think ahead – and plan ahead – before they leave home.

Shooter opens fire in Wallace, ID

Three wounded before shooter killed

WALLACE — One person is dead and three others were injured following a shooting in downtown Wallace, Idaho Friday afternoon.

Three Moses Lake residents killed in SR 12 crash

WALLA WALLA — Three Moses Lake residents were killed when the car they were in was hit by an oncoming car about 22 miles west of Walla Walla on Christmas Day.

Moses Lake man arrested for alleged assault after standoff

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault after he allegedly broke into a woman’s home late Christmas night.

Adams Co. commissioners approve 2026 budget

RITZVILLE — Adams County Commissioners approved a $62.5 million budget Tuesday, the last step in what commission chair Mike Garza said was a difficult job. “It was a tough, drawn-out process,” Garza said. “I think we came up with something that’s as fair as it can be.”

Legals for December, 26 2025

Othello approves $29M budget for 2026

OTHELLO — The city of Othello is projected to spend about $10.1 million from its general fund in 2026, the biggest part of a $29 million overall budget. Council members approved the 2026 budget earlier this month, and city Finance Director Spencer Williams said budget planning started in late summer.

WSP warns of scams in wake of trooper's death

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol is asking the public to respect the family’s privacy and to be mindful of potential scams after Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting was killed in a roadside accident near Tacoma Friday. “Though we are grateful for the intended kindness and support, the Washington State Patrol does not accept monetary donations from the public,” said WSP Director of Public Affairs in a statement released Tuesday.

MLPD logs for Dec. 19-21, 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.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Logs for Dec. 22-23, 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.

Audit findings follow sentencing of former GCFD 4 chief

WARDEN — Grant County Fire District 4 is instituting new policies for credit card use and use of its petty cash accounts. Fire district officials also have written new policies governing the purchase of equipment following the two audits by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, released Monday.

Legals for December, 23 2025

MLSD, MLEA address school day, finances during final meeting of 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors held its final meeting of 2025 Thursday. During the meeting, both the Moses Lake Education Association and district administration discussed the ongoing concern of school day length.

'Affordability is first'

Warnick outlines legislative priorities for upcoming session

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake and the Republican Caucus Chair for the Washington State Senate, shared her legislative priorities for the upcoming session, which include increasing affordability, enhancing public safety and improving access to education—issues she believes are vital for the welfare of Washingtonians.

Mattawa to work on sewer, water projects in 2026

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa has budgeted to spend about $200,000 more in its current expense (general) fund in 2026 than it is projected to receive in revenue. Expenses for all departments are projected to be slightly higher than revenues, and as a result Mattawa is projected to have slightly less money in at the end of 2026 than it does at the beginning of the year.

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.

MLPD logs for Dec. 15-17, 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.

‘Our favorite time of year’

Shop with a Cop brings smiles to both children and officers

MOSES LAKE — The heavy police presence outside local stores recently wasn’t because of a crime wave. It was police officers engaging in their favorite annual event. “This is one of those times throughout the year that we don't have to go and ask for volunteers to help,” said Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. “The first day we put it out, I think we got 20-some people say ‘Yeah, we’re in.’ That's just under half the department right away.“

More park improvements planned for Royal City in ‘26

ROYAL CITY — Lions Park in Royal City now has a soccer field, so city officials will be working on the next phase of improvements in 2026. The first phase of upgrades to Apple Avenue also is scheduled for 2026, and both are among the projects reflected in the city’s 2026 budget. The budget was approved by Royal City City Council members Tuesday.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Dec. 12-14, 2025

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Dec. 12-14, 2025