Invasive animals pose risks to the Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Invasive Species Council has 29 animals and insects listed on their site as priority invasive species that have either found themselves at home in the state or are of concern around the country. The Columbia Basin has become home to a number of these species.

Soap Lake Liaison Committee eyes partnership with CBCD

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Lake Liaison Committee held a meeting Friday, inviting Ron Sawyer, the Conservation Director with the Columbia Basin Conservation District, to discuss potential collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns surrounding the city’s beloved lake. Sawyer, who brought extensive knowledge and experience in conservation practices, was welcomed as the committee seeks solutions for the lake's ecological challenges including the lowering of both water and mineral levels.

Water lines flushed to address discoloration on Patton Boulevard

City of Moses Lake works to ensure water quality after facility closures

MOSES LAKE -— Samples of water from the system around North Elementary and along Patton Boulevard late last week met and were consistent with water quality standards. Discolored water discovered Wednesday at North Elementary School prompted that campus’s closure through Monday. Discolored water also closed the Family Services of Grant County facility on Patton Boulevard.

ACSO handles two high-speed chases Thursday

RITZVILLE – Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies had an eventful day Friday that included two high-speed chases which led to a combined total of four arrests. In the first incident, two Ritzville men were arrested on suspicion of car theft and other charges following a pursuit through Ritzville and the Lind area March 27.

CCA Ag exemption bill moves through Senate

OLYMPIA – The Washington House of Representatives has approved a bill aiming to help farmers receive cap-and-trade tax exemptions promised under the Climate Commitment Act. The legislation passed the floor with a 94-4 vote and was heard in the Senate Wednesday, March 26, for further consideration. “There was a promise made, and we're going to try to keep that promise,” main sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said in a public hearing.

Mavs best Southridge 11-1

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks Softball team came out on top in their game against Southridge Monday evening winning 11-1. “What stood out to me was everybody contributed,” said Mavs coach Mike Hofheins. “That’s always super rewarding when everybody is a part of the win, and it doesn’t feel like you’re being carried by just one person or two people.”

Mavs take 2-0 victory over West Valley

Moses Lake looks to maintain momentum heading into remainder of season

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks soccer team gained a 2-0 victory in a Tuesday night game against West Valley High School. “I felt pretty confident in the first half and then I kind of honestly slowed down in the second half,” said Mavs player Felimon Sanchez. “But overall, it seemed to be pretty good.”

Guns, cocaine paraphernalia seized in drive-by investigation

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department announced the successful execution of search warrants that resulted in officers confiscating a dozen firearms and evidence of cocaine sales at a home in the 200 block of W. Knolls Vista Drive. The search was associated with the second of two drive-by shootings in Moses Lake in less than two weeks.

Ritzville offers parks, museums and more

RITZVILLE — For a town of about 1,800, Ritzville has a lot to do. There are museums, golf and a water park, as well as historic walks and buildings to explore.

Port of Moses Lake acquires 3 miles of rail

MOSES LAKE — After about two decades of work and three years of negotiation, the Port of Moses Lake took ownership of about three miles of railroad track between State Route 17 and Port property Monday. The rail line had been the property of the Columbia Basin Railroad.

Additional testing needed for Quincy pool

QUINCY — Excavation for the new Quincy Aquatic Center is going to require some additional soil sampling first. Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said in an earlier interview that city officials hope to start work on the pool this summer, possibly in May or June. But the city may have to make some changes to the project before starting to move dirt, due to the possibility of subsurface contaminants.

Family Resources Home Care purchases Beneficial In-Home Care

MOSES LAKE — Two home health care agencies that have offices in Moses Lake have merged. Beneficial In-Home Care has been acquired by Family Resource Home Care; the sale was announced Feb. 5. Samantha Hoffman, marketing project manager for Family Resource Home Care, said patients shouldn’t experience any changes in the services from either agency.

WSU's Dayana Mendes finding her footing after road to recovery

PULLMAN - The morning following the Washington State women's basketball team's 67-59 home win over San Francisco, WSU Associate Head Coach Laurie Koehn started her morning off watching film to prepare for the Cougars' next opponent. She couldn't help but notice the difference she saw in Washington States' freshman forward, Dayana Mendes.

Vantage Bridge work slows I-90 travel

Travelers encouraged to utilize alternate routes while construction continues

VANTAGE — Washington Department of Transportation officials are recommending that drivers look for routes across the state that avoid the Vantage Bridge on interstate 90 on weekends through the end of the construction season in late October. The first weekend of work on the bridge resulted in major traffic delays Friday night.

Betty Wallschlaeger looks back on a century

EPHRATA — Betty Wallschlaeger got an early start. “I was a six-month baby, and I fit in the palm of (my mother’s) hand,” she said. “They didn't know how much I weighed, because they didn't want to handle me too much. But I was in an incubator for eight weeks.”

Warnick’s bill extending livestock ID program passes Senate

OLYMPIA - The Senate passed Sen. Judy Warnick’s, R- Moses Lake, bill extending the livestock identification program last week with bipartisan support. It will still need to pass the Washington House of Representatives before moving on to the governor's desk. “Everybody needs to know and wants to know that our animals, especially our commercial animals are being kept safe and free from disease,” said Warnick in a public hearing.

Moses Lake man arrested in connection with March 8 shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Friday in connection with a March 8 shooting on Stratford Road in Moses Lake. Luis Medina, 27, was arrested in Moses Lake and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, said Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely in a press release.

Future and development focus of ML council discussion

MOSES LAKE — Water, urban growth and future development was the focus of an extensive discussion by the Moses Lake City Council while they considered amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan. The council considered an extensive list of amendments, with the discussion focusing on the city’s urban growth boundary. That prompted a question from council member Deanna Martinez.

Nat Washington Way roundabout coming summer 2025

EPHRATA — Construction is planned this summer on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way near the new Grant County Jail construction site. Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said there is a tentative timeline.

Soap Lake school district receives athletic grants

SOAP LAKE – Last week, the Soap Lake School District announced they received two grants for student athletes. Both grants total out to $17,500 and will directly benefit athletics in Soap Lake. According to Athletic Director Erin Allen, this allows them to take the financial burden off of coaches and parents.