New Mattawa port director discusses challenges, port’s future

MATTAWA — Gil Alvarado, recently hired as the Port of Mattawa’s executive director, has been working with commissioners to overcome challenges facing the port, make changes, and implement new goals and focuses for the trade center’s future.

MLPD responding proactively to violent crime, chief says

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake has its share of issues with violent crime, but it’s dealing with those issues surprisingly well, Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands told the Moses Lake City Council last week in a special study session before the council’s regular meeting.

Pirate regatta returns to Camas Cove Sept. 1

MOSES LAKE — Raiding and pillaging will be the order of the day Sept. 1 at the Camas Cove Pirate Regatta, according to organizer and Camas Cove Cellars co-owner Kathleen Parr. “And massive squirt gun battles,” Parr added.

Wheat Land Communities’ Fair set to start September with fun

RITZVILLE — The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair begins next week, running from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. This year’s theme is “Moooving Forward Together,” in keeping with the fair’s agricultural focus and small hometown scale.

Ephrata Library offers summer activities

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Public Library, part of the NCW Libraries system, has spent this summer celebrating a theme of “Read, Renew, Repeat” to keep children engaged in reading. The goal is to keep children reading and learning, library staff said.

K-9 program presentation at Ephrata gathering

EPHRATA – An event requiring three K-9 handlers, and two K-9 officers took place at Sun Basin Plaza Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Fortunately, it was for a meet and greet with the public, hosted by the Ephrata Public Library.

More than $20K in drugs confiscated at Bass Canyon concert

GEORGE – Over the weekend, a concert event held at the Gorge Amphitheater saw an extensive narcotics investigation led by multiple law enforcement agencies, according to a press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

RISING JUNIORS: Royal’s Jill Allred

ROYAL CITY – Royal pitcher Jill Allred carried a significant load for the Knights this spring, pitching every inning of the softball season during their 1A state title run.

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.

Two booked for weekend domestic violence incidents

Resources available for those looking to escape abuse

MOSES LAKE – Over the weekend, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office dealt with two instances of alleged domestic violence, both ended with an individual booked into the Grant County Jail.

Priest Rapids Dam passes major safety inspection

MATTAWA — A comprehensive safety assessment of the structure at Preist Rapids Dam determined the dam met standards that will allow it to keep operating safely. That was the conclusion of a report released by Grant County Public Utility District officials.

Othello council discusses ACPR during final budget workshop

OTHELLO – Monday’s final budget workshop during the Othello City Council meeting led to a discussion around Adams County Pet Rescue and progress regarding its contract negotiations with the city.

GALLERY: 2023 Basin football season recap

COLUMBIA BASIN – A season of memories and highlights in Basin football concluded last weekend with the Royal Knights winning their fourth consecutive title, one of four local teams that made the state playoffs.

Despite playoff losses, Tigers and Huskies gain experience from 2023

MOSES LAKE – Both Ephrata and Othello entered 2023 after successful seasons on the field the year prior, having qualified for the 2A state playoffs, but graduated numerous starters that helped the teams win games. The Tigers and Huskies found success with young teams and new faces again this year, making it back to the playoffs before falling last weekend to North Kitsap and Enumclaw, respectively.

Crime, drugs take center stage at Moses Lake council meeting

MOSES LAKE — Crime and drugs were a hot topic at Tuesday evening’s Moses Lake City Council meeting, as two citizens made emotional appeals to the council to take action. However, city officials said the issue is as much with Olympia as Moses Lake. “We are not sitting here on our hands,” Deputy Mayor Deanna Martinez said. “We would do more if the state allowed us to do more. And so my recommendation would be that you also contact the legislators, and not just our legislators here in the 13th district … I suggest that you reach across to the other side, the majority, and start hammering them with what you have to say and start telling them about those patients that you've seen in the ER.”

Basin Battle: Jacks take Tigers, 62-47 Thursday in annual Battle of the Basin

QUINCY — Good defense and a productive second quarter helped the Quincy Jackrabbits boys basketball team defeat the Ephrata Tigers 62-47 in a non-league game Thursday night in Quincy. Quincy Coach Scott Bierlink said the team has focused on defense, and the work is paying off. “We can really lock some teams down,” Bierlink said.

GALLERY: Knights capture 2023 state title

ROYAL CITY – The Royal Knights ended the 2023 season with a perfect 13-0 record, defeating Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) 49-7 in the 1A state championship game at Husky Stadium in Seattle. With the win, Royal claimed its fourth-straight state title and 12th championship in program history.

ACPR declines Othello contract offer

OTHELLO — Othello Mayor Shawn Logan announced during Monday evening’s city council meeting that the city of Othello had made an offer in its re-negotiations for the contract between Adams County Pet Rescue and the city, and that ACPR had declined the offer.

Festive Mattawa

Parade and living nativity spread Christmas spirit in South Grant County

MATTAWA – The annual Mattawa Christmas parade, organized by the city of Mattawa, rolled through town down Government Road Dec. 8 before turning toward Wahluke High School, where this year’s Living Nativity Project was being hosted by a group of local churches.

Adams commissioners address ACPR funding

OTHELLO – Several members of the public gathered at the Adams County District Court in Othello to provide public input regarding Adams County Pet Rescue’s request for increased funding, which the commissioners responded to later in the meeting.