Megan Watson: A driving force behind Moses Lake Community Coalition’s prevention efforts

Jeannie Austin and Moms Helping Moms: A couple of moms show what it means to just show up

MOSES LAKE — For Jeannie Austin, just showing up is the biggest way to impact your community. Austin is co-founder with Stephanie Blauert of a Facebook group with in-person impacts called Moms Helping Moms, where parents can trade with others and help those in need. “I just saw that there was a huge need for something in the community to bring others together who could help those who needed help,” Austin said. “We were just trying to create a safe space where people could come together, not just moms, but dads alike.” Austin didn’t start the group alone; she had help from Blauert, a close friend. They met when they were taking classes to become nursing assistants, and from there they kept in contact with each other. When Austin made a post to Facebook that she wanted to create this group, Blauert jumped at the opportunity.

Legals for June, 27 2025

Jose George Moreno

Aug. 19, 1977 - June 18, 2025

Story: With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend. Born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, the middle son of a big family, George had two older brothers, Mike and Mark, and two younger sisters, Michelle and Olga. He took being the middle child as a challenge and never looked back. George lived a life full of movement, growth and deep connection. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood and later graduated from Quincy High School, where he played both basketball and baseball, already showing the competitive spirit and team loyalty that would define much of his life. From a young age, he had a fire in his soul, a love for people and a knack for making friends wherever he went. In 2000, his life changed with the arrival of his first daughter, Rylee. Though it was a challenging time, George found pure joy in fatherhood. He stayed active in the community playing softball, bowling long into a Thursday night and even joining a dodgeball league. (Yes, dodgeball! And yes, there were probably a few brews involved.) But every game was played with love and laughter. In 2002, he met the love of his life Kristin while they both were working at Old Country Buffet in Spokane, Washington. They were later married and began building their beautiful family and welcomed three more daughters: Annabelle, Scarlett and their youngest, Ivy. The Moreno family could often be found floating down Washington rivers, camping through long softball weekends or headed to Watershed with George in his signature cowboy hat – ready for a weekend of country music, good friends, and better drinks. Some of the most cherished memories were spent at Sacheen Lake with Rodger, Sheri and Rachelle –fishing, kayaking, hiking and cooking up unforgettable meals. George would throw down a tomahawk steak on the smoker, Kristin would hand you a cold drink, and their girls would offer to watch your kids so you could finally relax. The Morenos are the kind of people who made everyone feel at home, George especially. Professionally, George found his purpose in carpentry. After becoming a licensed journeyman, his passion grew beyond the job site. He became a fierce advocate for his union brothers and sisters, eventually being elected Vice President of Local 59, part of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. As he loved to say, “We’re border to border, baby!” He was the kind of leader who made you feel seen, supported, and proud to stand beside him. His powerful May Day speech on workers' rights, tax fraud, and safe job sites was one of his proudest moments. George traveled across the U.S., always spreading knowledge, building solidarity, and lifting others up. Whether it was Chalk Talk or The Delegate Duo, he was your guy! George was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Mary Lou Moreno. He leaves behind his wife Kristin; their beloved daughters Rylee (Alex), Annabelle, Scarlett, and Ivy; his two grandsons Wyatt, and Jackson; his brothers Mike (Cassandra) and Mark (Cindy); sisters Michelle (Oscar) and Olga (Brandon); and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves many a heartbroken community of family, friends, Liquid Courage, Rampage, and union brothers and sisters who will forever carry his spirit. George will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” — George Moreno Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A graveside service and reception will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: The weight of officials’ words...

We live in a time where the old axiom, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” rings truer than ever. Social media gives anyone and everyone with half a thought an option to get their opinions – factual, unfounded, unnecessarily inflammatory or just plain asinine – out to a broad audience.

Connelly Park to reduce hours after vandalism, crimes

MOSES LAKE — Connelly Park, a popular recreational area managed by the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, will reduce its hours and close on Sundays and Mondays amid rising incidents of vandalism and violence.

Fireworks ignite wildfire outside Ephrata

EPHRATA – On Saturday evening at around 1:30 a.m., Grant County Fire District 13 was called out to the 1300 block of State Route 28 West for a wildfire. The cause is assumed to be fireworks, according to GCFD 13 Assistant Chief Todd Hufman.

Know the local law before setting off fireworks

MOSES LAKE — The calendar is counting down to Independence Day, and fireworks stands are offering combustible fun all over the Basin. Before you start lighting fuses, however, make sure you know the local laws.

Emotional space

Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation unveils new, larger building

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation finally has some breathing room. “We were really shoved into a little box,” said Community Relations Coordinator Amanda Carpenter. “We made it work, and it was great for the time we had it, but this space works so much better for us. It’s a lot more comfortable for our clients and comfortable for us. We’re not climbing on top of each other now.” The foundation unveiled its new office at 1022 S. Pioneer Way Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting for the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and burgers sizzling on a grill outside. The occasion was also the foundation’s annual Celebrate Life event to honor cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. The new facility has something the foundation has long dreamed of, a family room where patients, caregivers and families can have some privacy as they deal with the emotional cyclone that comes with cancer.

YMCA exploring possible branch in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The YMCA could have a lot to offer Moses Lake, if the community wants one. “(It) would probably have an aquatic center with one or two pools in it,” said Dorry Foster, CEO of Wenatchee Valley YMCA. “A zero entry pool with a little splash area for the kiddos, three-foot depth, warm water (and a) secondary pool that’s a little bit colder that would be for recreational swimming, aqua exercise, more swim lessons for older kids, family time … There could be a gymnasium, that’s very typical, and then some program amenities, maybe like a community room, a rec room, places where people can come and meet.” It may sound like a pipe dream, but Teresa Fields of Moses Lake thinks it’s a possibility. She and a few other Moses Lake residents recently met with Foster to explore the possibility of Wenatchee Valley YMCA opening a branch facility here.

Legals for June, 20 2025

Washington State Patrol plans emphasis patrol around Gorge Amphitheater

QUINCY — The Washington State Patrol will be conducting additional patrols in the area around the Gorge Amphitheater this weekend, the first of a number of “High Visibility Enforcement” patrols scheduled over the summer. Jeremy Weber, WSP District 6 public information officer, said the goal is to ensure people get where they’re going and back home without incident.

One fire blazing in WA

ENTIAT — The Pomas Fire, reported on June 13, has rapidly grown to 910 acres in size as of Thursday. The fire is situated 36 miles northwest of Entiat, within the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness, according to a report on Inciweb. There are no updates on containment as of Thursday. “This is an extreme(ly) tough piece of ground with all the dead and down timber from the 2015 Wolverine Fire and 10 years’ worth of thick regeneration,” said Holly Krake in a statement from Entiat-Chelan District Ranger for the Forest Service. “The smokejumpers and pilots are doing everything they safely can to keep fire from becoming established on the east side of the Entiat River and down in Snowbrushy Creek.”

City of Soap Lake reassumes control of Smokiam Campground, plans upgrades

SOAP LAKE – After years of private management, the City of Soap Lake has officially taken back control of the Smokiam Campground. Mayor Peter Sharp said he supported the transition towards revitalizing the local asset.

Moses Lake Library critical part of substance use prevention

MOSES LAKE — In a world where substance use among youth is a growing concern, the Moses Lake Library is a resource in promoting prevention through community engagement, mentorship and diverse programming, according to Moses Lake Community Coalition members.

Top Tier Sports youth baseball continues in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Top Tier Sports baseball teams have now entered the summer tournament season. Top Tier is partnering with the Moses Lake Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

Canal safety urged after drowning incidents

QUINCY — As the warmer months approach, local officials are raising awareness about the dangers posed by irrigation canals, which are integral to the region's agricultural landscape but can be deadly. In recent months, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has reported two drownings linked to these canals, highlighting the need for community education on canal safety.

Moses Lake Library story time serves special needs adults

MOSES LAKE — It’s 10:30 on a Thursday morning, and Moses Lake Children’s Librarian Zach Walker is reading a picture book to brothers David and Ray Cavazos, two non-verbal men with special needs. “The boys love it,” said the brothers’ caregiver Mary Lybbert. “They ask every week when they can come to the library.”

'No Kings' protest goes off peacefully in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Around 330 people lined East Broadway Avenue and North Stratford Road Saturday for a “No Kings” protest, according to Grant County Democrat Vice Chair and Protest Co-organizer Jill Springer. “I have met republicans, independents, progressives, liberals, a couple of conservatives and we have the democrats,” Springer said. “I mean it is a whole bunch of people, different types of people all gathered out here today.”

Grant Co. celebrates courage and community at Chief for a Day

EPHRATA — Laughter filled the air and smiles shone brightly Thursday as Grant County honored 11 exceptional children during the annual Chief for a Day celebration. “Seeing the excitement and happiness on their faces is heartwarming,” said Kyle Foreman, Public Information Officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.