Funding a challenge for some Adams Co. projects

RITZVILLE — The second phase of a project to upgrade Schoonover Road that Adams County officials thought had received federal funding may not be getting it after all. A rules revision that allowed four bridges over the East Low Canal to qualify for complete federal funding also may have been eliminated.

Jacks best Goats 4-1

Quincy looks to strengthen team bond and come together even more after win

QUINCY – The Quincy Jacks beat the Chelan Goats 4-1 Tuesday night to gain their first win of the season on the pitch. Freshman Joel Flores said their greatest asset in the victory was their ability to communicate.

Late wins push Mavs to 35-32 win over Sunnyside

Moses Lake wins Big 9

MOSES LAKE – With the Mavericks holding a 35-32 lead entering the final match of Tuesday’s dual against Sunnyside, Moses Lake sophomore Cristian Ramos knew was on the line as he took the mat for the 285-pound bout; a win meant Moses Lake would win its first Big 9 title since 2018.

Groff Elem. to be closed remainder of school year

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the remainder of the school year, according to Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 regular school board meeting. “What has been done is lots of testing, lots of repairs,” Lewis said. “We first have to figure out exactly what the problem is and then make the proper repairs to the building.”

MACC addresses audit findings

OLYMPIA – An audit report released on February 13, 2025, by the Washington State Auditor’s Office has identified significant deficiencies in the financial management and internal controls of the Multi Agency Communications Center for the fiscal years of 2022 and 2023. This report, designated as Report No. 1036601, highlights the need for improved financial oversight and compliance with new regulatory requirements.

Barkley a key difference in Super Bowl rematch

MOSES LAKE – Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley has captured the headlines for the Eagles this season, and for good reason; he’s a key reason why the Eagles are in a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.

Tower Pizza car show coming to Crescent Bar in August

CRESCENT BAR — There’s still a lot of summer to go, but – alas, eventually summer ends. The owners of Tower Pizza on Crescent Bar plan to send out summer with a bang Aug. 24. Michelle Walsh of Tower Pizza said 2025 will be the fourth year for the Tower Pizza car show. “A lot of us around here have old cars, and we thought it would be fun to bring them out,” Walsh said.

New law provides protection for hot car rescues

Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.

Mattawa in line for additional water rights

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa has secured a place in line for new water rights. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, the city’s engineers, said the Washington Department of Ecology is taking applications for additional water rights in very limited areas, a consequence of local conditions in those areas.

New Ephrata Sports Complex bathrooms open to the public

EPHRATA – Ephrata Public Works staff worked late into the night Thursday to pour and protect the new concrete pad for the new restrooms at the Sports Complex located at 121 Alder St. SW. The staff, according to Public Works Director Rob Harris, stayed until 4 a.m. to complete the project to ensure it was ready for a softball game the following day.

East Adams Rural Health lays off staff, looks to address finances

RITZVILLE — A special meeting of the East Adams Rural Healthcare commission is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 15. People who can’t make the meeting in person can join through a link on the district’s social media. The discussion follows further layoffs at the hospital, bringing the total of positions eliminated to 16; Chief Financial Officer Viola Babcock said none of the layoffs were in positions connected with patient care.

Salvation Army Moses Lake office to close Oct. 17

MOSES LAKE — The Salvation Army will be closing its Moses Lake office Oct. 17, but will still provide services in Grant County. Sara Beksinski, Northwest Division director of development, said the organization’s goal is to put more money into its services.

Larson Heights principal promoted to district role

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District announced that Larson Heights Elementary Principal Chris Kalmbach had been promoted via internal hiring to Assistant Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. He will take up his post as soon as a new principal for Larson Heights has been identified.

Gas prices stable this week

MOSES LAKE – Gas Prices were stable this week with Washington and Grant County average prices remaining the same as last week. Both Adams County and national prices saw a slight uptick, though. Washington fuel prices remain some of the highest in the U.S.

Hayden Homes honored with awards for company culture

REDMOND, Ore. — Hayden Homes, which has built housing developments in Moses Lake and Othello, was honored by Great Place To Work® and Fortune Magazine with two prestigious awards representing its positive culture, employee experience, leadership and community-driven work, according to an announcement from the company.

Washington fuel prices highest nationwide

MOSES LAKE – For the first time this year, gas prices in Washington are the highest in the nation with the state bypassing both California and Hawaii’s average fuel prices, according to AAA.

Coulee Dam teacher arrested in underage sting operation

COULEE DAM — Ross Ashenfelter, a 42-year-old fourth-grade teacher at Lake Roosevelt Elementary School, was arrested Monday during a sting operation targeting online predators.

Basin housing market stabilizing

MOSES LAKE — Just a few years ago, homes for sale in the Basin were few and far between. Today, things seem to have moved more or less back to normal.

Driver safety a focus as school begins

MOSES LAKE – As schools across the Columbia Basin reopen this week, law enforcement officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety for students, parents and motorists alike. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman is urging everyone to remain vigilant as the school year begins.

Mattawa officials discussing food-based fundraising rules

MATTAWA —Mattawa residents will be asked for their opinions on possible changes to existing ordinances to regulate the sale of food-based fundraisers by groups and individuals at a community meeting sometime this fall. Mattawa City Council members continued an ongoing discussion Thursday about what should and should not be allowed.