Wenatchee Valley Medical Group makes $25,000 CAA donation

MOSES LAKE — A $25,000 donation from the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group helped push a fundraising effort for Moses Lake School District's extracurricular activities to the $450,000 mark. The group leading the fundraising drive, Community Athletics and Activities, began raising money in late June, following the rejection of an educational programs and activities levy proposal. Typically all extracurricular activities are funded through the levy. Luther Thompson, a family practice physician at the Confluence Health clinic in Moses Lake, said WVMG is the largest physician group in the Confluence Health system. Thompson is a member of the board, and said the initiative came from the physicians in Moses Lake.

Legals for August, 13 2024

Ruben Quezada Jr.

July 27, 1993 — Aug. 8, 2024

Ruben Quezada Jr., born July 27, 1993, passed away Aug. 8, 2024. He leaves behind his parents Rueben and Michelle Quezada; his sisters Sherale and Deanna Quezada; his brothers-in-law Michael Adame and Alfredo Covarrubias; his half-brother Chris Keller; his children Aaliyah, Sophia, Reuben III, AnnaZayah and Amberleya; five nieces; five nephews; maternal grandfather Ward Cammack; paternal grandmother Guadalupe Quezada; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Sixto Quezada Sr. and his maternal grandmother Ardith Cammack, who we know was waiting for him as he entered back into our Father in Heaven’s arms. Ruben's younger years were ecstatic and spontaneous. He was always involved in fun random things, from football to baseball, and wrestling to Boy Scouts.

Good weather, great fun at Grant County Fair this week

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Grant County Fair isn’t looking so hot. And that’s a good thing. “This is my sixth year, fifth fair because we didn't have (one in) 2020, and it's the best weather forecast we've had since I've been here,” said Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan. “(The heat) really changed the dynamics of the way it worked last year. Our peak crowds have always been around eight o'clock, but it even pushed a little bit later last year, because it was 105 for five days last year, and then smokey on Saturday and 95. So hopefully some of the people that are somewhat sensitive to heat will come out and enjoy the daytime temperatures.”

WA aviation projects receive $36 million for sustainability

BLAINE, Wash. – The U.S. government has awarded significant federal funding to two major sustainable aviation projects in Washington. This was announced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, in her press release on August 16.

FIRE REPORT: Kittitas County has a multi-fire outbreak

KITTITAS COUNTY — On Friday and Saturday, Kittitas County saw an outbreak of eight fires, six of them being 10 acres. The fires include from largest to smallest: Thomas Mountain Fire, 10 acres; Stave Creek Fire, 10 acres; Davis Peak Fire, 1 acre; Anna Bell Drive Fire,1 acre; Waptus Fire, 0.5 acre; Bear Creek Fire, 0.5 acres and Skeeter Creek Fire, 0.1 acre.

Legals for August, 12 2024

FIRE REPORT: Swawilla fire contained

MOSES LAKE – The Swawilla Fire, ignited by lightning at 11:30 p.m. on July 17, was Washington's largest active blaze, having consumed approximately 53,500 acres. The fire is now 98% contained, as of Thursday according to InciWeb.

A quiet space

Boys & Girls Club opens Mental Health Quiet Room

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin cut the ribbon Tuesday on the new Mental Health Quiet Room at the McGraw Clubhouse, and it’s much needed, said Executive Director Kim Pope.

Building permits for Aug. 9, 2024

The permits listed below were applied for and approved by the indicated municipality.

Chip-sealing scheduled for SR 26 next week

OTHELLO — Drivers on State Route 26 between Othello and Vantage should be ready for occasional delays starting Monday through Aug. 22 as construction crews work on pavement repair. “Travelers will encounter pilot cars and flagger-controlled traffic while contractors perform chip sealing work during daylight hours,” wrote Sebastian Moraga, communications officer for the Washington Department of Transportation.

Legals for August, 9 2024

Watershed festival lets fans celebrate country music

GEORGE — Watershed Festival had another successful show Aug. 2-4, bringing some of the biggest, and some soon-to-be-famous, country music artists to the Gorge.

FIRE REPORT: Williams Mine Fire expands rapidly

WHITE SALMON -- The Williams Mine Fire started Monday at about noon and was only burning five acres; however, the fire quickly expanded to more than 2,700 acres Tuesday and expanded again to about 4,500 acres Wednesday with no containment according to NIFC. According to InciWeb, a national fire tracking site, the fire is currently wind-driven and moving primarily south. Smoke will be heavily visible for Trout Lake, Washington and surrounding communities until the fire is contained.

Legals for August, 8 2024

FIRE REPORT: Combine tractor ignites, burns wheat near Coulee City

GRAND COULEE – A vegetation fire started shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday near G Road in Douglas County, near Coulee City. The fire was caused by a combine tractor igniting. The combine fire spread to the crop of wheat and burned about 350 acres.

The Watershed King

Leaving a legacy of free hugs and kindness

GEORGE - While Watershed Festival may be known for the big-name artists that hit the stage every year, one person you may not have heard about yet is the Watershed King.

Koeppen wins in Grant GOP court case

EPHRATA – Grant County Superior Court Judge Tyson Hill ruled in favor of Andrew Koeppen in Grant County Superior Court, indicating that Koeppen, not David Hunt, is the rightful chairperson of the Grant County Republican Party. “This situation is an unfortunate one,” Hill wrote in his decision. “The Grant County Republican Central Committee has a long history of electing its own leaders through respectful civil interaction. However, beginning in October of 2023, a power struggle fractured the GCRP into two camps.”

Eagles fall to Huskies in first exhibition

CHENEY — Eastern Washington women's soccer hosted new Big Ten opponent the Washington Huskies to open preseason play. The Eagles fell to the Huskies 2-0, but head coach Missy Strasburg was pleased to host a quality Big Ten opponent at home.

Cougar men's basketball announces WCC slate

PULLMAN – The Washington State men's basketball team announced its 2024-25 West Coast Conference schedule. The Cougars, who joined the WCC for the season as affiliate members alongside Oregon State, will renew a historic regional series with Gonzaga as part of the 18-game schedule, culminating in the 2025 WCC Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.