GCSO recovers $20K tool for GCFD 5

MOSES LAKE — In August, Grant County Fire District 5’s fire station on Mae Valley Road was burglarized, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Eagles fall to Sacramento State, focus on Senior Day finale

CHENEY – Eastern fell in straight sets to Sacramento State on Wednesday night, according to a statement from EWU athletics. The Eagles were led by Kalista Lukovich and Alyssa Radke with seven kills apiece, while Elle Bruegman anchored the defense with 14 digs. Eastern also continued to showcase one of its season-long strengths at the net, out-blocking the Hornets 9–3 with seven solo blocks.

Buckets N Boards brings high-energy percussion and fun

MOSES LAKE — Buckets N Boards isn’t easy to define. “There’s comedy, there’s acrobatics, there’s song and dance,” said Shawn Cardwell, director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which is presenting the show Saturday at the Wallenstien Theater.

Eastern European traditions on display at Basin schools

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Allied Arts kicked off its annual school tour Monday, with a performance for Grant and Columbia Ridge students in Ephrata by Trio Barynya.

Public School Employees of Moses Lake hold back on strike issue

MOSES LAKE — On Tuesday, the Public School Employees of Moses Lake held a membership meeting to vote on whether classified staff would or would not support the Moses Lake Educators Association if they choose to strike. PSE decided it will not be taking a formal stance of support if a teacher strike is officially called.

Reuben Lopez takes over as Othello boys wrestling head coach

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys wrestling team will be under new leadership this season after longtime coach Rudy Ochoa II stepped away from the role in the offseason. Reuben Lopez will be taking over the position as the eighth-ever coach in the program’s history.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Focusing on civic literacy...

Over the course of the last year, we’ve published several stories and opinion pieces related to civic discussions and literacy. There’s a reason for that.

New Ephrata tower full, final testing underway

EPHRATA — The long-awaited completion of Ephrata's new water tower is in its final stages, as city officials report that the structure is expected to significantly enhance water pressure and volume throughout the community. Public Works Director Rob Harris confirmed that the new reservoir, which can hold approximately 3.8 million gallons of water, has been fully filled and final tests underway, with hopes of becoming fully operational by the end of the month.

COLUMN: Mariners start the offseason right

On Monday, the Seattle Mariners announced that Josh Naylor re-signed with the team on a five-year deal for $92 million. Re-signing the star first baseman is an excellent first step in a successful offseason for the Mariners, who should be looking to reload and make another run at a World Series.

Huskies win in rivalry matchup against Cougars

PULLMAN – The University of Washington Huskies (4-1) earned a 81-69 victory over the Washington State University Cougars (1-3) last Friday in a rivalry matchup. This game marked the 301st all-time meeting between the two programs.

Get'cha head in the game, adopt Troy

MOSES LAKE — You gotta get'cha get'cha head in the game, according to High School Musical's Troy Bolton. In this case, getting your head in the game, is considering adopting this furry friend, Troy. Although this Troy, to our knowledge, does not have the ability to shoot hoops, he will bring your more joy than the Disney Channel Original Movie ever did. He is around seven months old, small, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Now all you have to do is get'cha head in the game and visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.com to fill out his application. If you can't adopt right now but you would still like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click "donate."

GCSO unveils 2025-27 strategic plan

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has launched a strategic plan for 2025-2027, focusing on employee engagement, community outreach, maintaining accreditation and transitioning operations to a new jail complex. Sheriff Joey Kriete outlined priorities during a Tuesday interview, emphasizing the importance of enhancing public safety and operational effectiveness.

Moses Lake High School theater troupe to present ‘Mamma Mia!’

MOSES LAKE — The curtain goes up on a tale of lost love, family complications and a wedding on the beach as the Moses Lake High School Theatre troupe presents “Mamma Mia!,” opening Friday. Sharon Winningham, drama advisor and director, said the musical has established itself as a classic. “It is a beloved musical,” Winningham said. “The kids are excited. The parents are excited. There’s just something special about ‘Mamma Mia!,’” Winningham said. “‘Mamma Mia!’ is that show that they grew up on.” The 1999 play is based on the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA, whose songs were part of the soundtrack of the late 1970s. It’s the story of Sophie (Ruby Nishida in the MLHS production) who’s about to get married. It’s all good – her mom Donna (Calissa Dalton) approves of her choice – but there’s a little bit of a glitch.

Holy grounds

Coffee fundraiser puts shoes on children’s feet

OTHELLO — The hot coffee served Sunday by an Othello youth group will help some Othello children with new shoes this winter. “We call it Coffee for a Cause,” said church volunteer Shelley Kensler. “It’s (run by) the Presbyterian youth, and we use the money to purchase shoes for Othello school kids.” The Ironworks Cafe & Market was packed Sunday morning with people who wanted to help further the ministry, or maybe who just wanted coffee and a homemade cinnamon roll. Middle and high school students from the Othello First Presbyterian Church youth group made and served the drinks. Kensler and her husband made the cinnamon rolls themselves, she said. “We do this once a year,” she said. “Erica (Rattray, owner of Ironworks Cafe) donates the use of Ironworks and one of her employees, and really some of her resources too. And then other people donate the other materials that go into it. It’s all pure profit for the program.”

Quincy Police Department logs: Nov. 8-13

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

WA resident first to test positive for new type of bird flu

GRAYS HARBOR — The Washington Department of Health confirmed that one Grays Harbor resident has tested positive for H5, a type of avian influenza. Further testing shows the virus to be H5N5, a type of avian influenza that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans, according to DOH.

Othello schools EP&O levy proposal on February ballot

OTHELLO — Othello School District voters will be asked to accept or reject an educational programs and operations levy in February 2026. The community committee formed to help determine an EP&O levy amount is also being asked to come up with a plan to look at OSD facility needs. “The first need is the levy,” said Othello Superintendent Pete Perez.

Othello man convicted of odometer tampering

OTHELLO — U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano announced Monday, that Reynaldo Garza, a 53-year-old resident of Othello, Washington, was convicted on October 1, 2025, by a federal jury in Spokane on five felony counts of odometer tampering. The conviction culminated from an investigation led by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, which revealed Garza's scheme to deceive unsuspecting buyers by altering the odometers of high mileage used cars.

College football recap – Week 12

MOSES LAKE – College football across Washington excelled in their matchups. Some of these matchups resulted in teams securing key conference wins while others help team morale as they try to finish the year strong. Washington State (5-5) vs Louisiana Tech The Cougars defense delivered a dominant performance as they stormed their way to a 28-3 win over Louisiana Tech. According to a statement by WSU athletics, this is the fifth time this season the defense has held their opponent to 10 points or fewer. Head Jimmy Rogers had positive feedback about the Cougs’ win.

Balanced Attack Lifts Eastern Washington Past Eastern Oregon

CHENEY – Eastern Washington picked up its first win of the season on Monday night, defeating Eastern Oregon 91–73 behind balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and improved second-half defense. The Eagles were led by Isaiah Moses with 22 points and Straton Rogers with 17 points and 10 rebounds—EWU's first double-double of the season. Kiree Huie added 14 points, JoJo Anderson scored 13, and Alton Hamilton IV chipped in 10. EWU shot 52.2% and outrebounded the Mountaineers 42–31.