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.”

Controversy arises over oath for incoming Lind council members

LIND — Administering the oath of office to new members of the Lind Town Council dissolved into controversy during the Nov. 25 council meeting and led Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt to say her staff will not return to Lind. “I was super disgusted at the disrespect shown by the Lind Town Council,” Hunt said. Three seats on the council were up for election in 2025. The terms of two of the three included the period of time between election certification and year’s end as well as their full elected term, according to the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Because the third contested seat was empty before the election, the term for that seat will begin in January. In that case, the candidates who won those seats would be sworn in after the election was certified. Certification occurred Nov. 25.

Wildcats stay perfect after weekend sweep

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington Wildcats are off to a 6-0 start to their regular season after their sweep last weekend over San Francisco State Gators and University of Mary Marauders. With a new group of players leading this season, Head Coach Randi Richardson said she feels great about where the team is at. “We're learning a lot about ourselves every game we step out onto the floor as it truly is a really new group playing with each other,” Richardson said. “We're trying to find that camaraderie out on the floor and that unity at times, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but we are finding ways to win and compete in the moment and get the job done.”

WA college football recap – Week 14

MOSES LAKE — Rivalry weekend saw some eventful results. Some teams saw unexpected shortfalls while others secured bowl game eligibility. With Eastern Washington and Central Washington finished for the year, that leaves the Cougars and the Huskies. See below how they fared in their final games of the regular season. Washington State (6-6) vs Oregon State The Cougars punctuated their regular-season finale with a 32–8 victory over the Oregon State Beavers to secure bowl eligibility, according to a statement by WSU athletics. The Cougars improved to 6–6 overall with the win, marking the program's third bowl appearance in the last four seasons.

Young but experienced Cougars return to the mat

WARDEN — Warden wrestlers will be back competing against tough competition at the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference this week. This year, the two teams are striving to reach new heights despite returning to a young roster. “We’re a young group and being a small school we get a lot of kids who like to try wrestling so (our goal is) getting those kids to blossom,” said Cougars Boys Head Coach Johnny Hernandez. “One of my favorite parts of doing this is just being able to see where these kids start and then where they finish and it’s amazing to see sometimes.”

Karin Jones

1942 – 2025

Karin May Jones, a long time resident of Moses Lake, passed away on November 29, 2025, at the age of 83. She is now in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth Mary 'Betty' Warnick

1925 – 2025

Elizabeth Mary “Betty” (Vickerman) Warnick, 100 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. Betty was the beloved matriarch of the Warnick family to her seven children, children-in-laws, foster children, many grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews, great-grandchildren, friends and community members.

Ahh, nuts, Mr. Peanut is up for adoption

MOSES LAKE — Mr. Peanut, named after the animated mascot for Planters' peanuts, is up for adoption at Grant County Animal Outreach. He’s a little peanut of joy, small in size but big in love. Life’s just butter with a furry friend like Mr. Peanut. He is vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. If this nutty little boy has caught your attention, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now, but would still like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.” The shelter is also in need of dog toys, treats and blankets which can be dropped off during business hours.

Celtic Christmas returns to Moses Lake Dec. 12

MOSES LAKE — Fiddler Geoffrey Castle will bring his Celtic Christmas show to Moses Lake again Dec. 12.

Police presence, security firms, alertness help prevent crime in unincorporated areas

DESERT AIRE— Community involvement helps combat crime, especially in places where law enforcement officers have a lot of ground to cover. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there are procedures people who live in locations like Desert Aire can do to make the area less appealing as a target. “The public should continue to follow the good advice to report anything suspicious that they see,’ Foreman said. “And take all the necessary precautions, like locking up valuables, locking up outbuildings, securing your vehicle, locking doors and windows on your house.”

Verify before responding to charitable requests

MOSES LAKE — Along with many other things, Christmas is the season of charity. But because scammers are still out there even during the Christmas season, the Washington Attorney General’s Office suggests that people verify before they donate. Othello Police Interim Chief Aaron Garza said a good way for people to protect themselves from charity scammers is to be proactive.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 1-8, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Winter sports in the basin begin this week with local athletes taking to the court and the mat as they aim for success this season. See where our local teams will be playing this week.

Legals for December, 2 2025

Trade group: High taxes, regulations straining WA restaurants to the breaking point

(The Center Square) — The holidays are typically the busiest time of year for restaurants, but if trends continue in Washington state, it might be a blue Christmas for eatery owners and operators. “Costs have gone up, and customers are really pushing back on price,” said Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, in an interview last week with The Center Square.

Moses Lake Parks and Rec offering day camp while schools are closed

MOSES LAKE — The Larson Recreation Center is offering an Explorers Day Camp until the Moses Lake School District work stoppage ends. The program offers students between the ages of six and 12, the opportunity to learn, play and hangout with peers and school is postponed.

Gas prices drop nationally, locally

MOSES LAKE — Grant County, Washington and national average gas prices saw decreases this week. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in average fuel prices this week.

Moses Lake teachers begin strike Monday as negotiations continue

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District teachers gathered outside of their respective campuses Monday morning, holding signs reading “On Strike!” School was closed for the district’s students Monday and will be Tuesday as well. Sunday night, it was announced that Moses Lake Education Association, the district’s teacher union, would begin a work stoppage Monday, after nearly six months of negotiations with the district on a contract.

Steven L. Gilbert

1958 – 2025

Steven L. Gilbert, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. Steve lived heroically with the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s for 18 years, but it never daunted his loving spirit and sense of humor. Steve was a gentle giant and leaves a legacy of strength during trial, humor in hard times and an enduring love of God, family and ice cream.

Eagles fall in overtime against N. Texas

DENTON, Tex. – The Eastern Washington Eagles (1-6) fell 71-79 on the road in overtime against the University of Northern Texas Mean Green (5-2) in their last matchup. The two teams remained close for the entirety of regulation, but Northern Texas would come up just ahead in overtime to secure the victory.

Huskies plan to make a statement this season

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys basketball team is returning to the court this season with a new fire lit underneath them as they look to come back from a winless season. Head Coach Juan Ramon Garcia said it was rough, but the team has made great strides since then as they work to improve.