College football recap – Week 12

MOSES LAKE – College football across Washington excelled in their matchups. Some of these matchups resulted in teams securing key conference wins while others help team morale as they try to finish the year strong. Washington State (5-5) vs Louisiana Tech The Cougars defense delivered a dominant performance as they stormed their way to a 28-3 win over Louisiana Tech. According to a statement by WSU athletics, this is the fifth time this season the defense has held their opponent to 10 points or fewer. Head Jimmy Rogers had positive feedback about the Cougs’ win.

Ruth Norman (Sweet)

1944 – 2025

Ruth Norman (Sweet) was born in Hayward, California, on March 14, 1944, to Josephine and Theodore Lischeid. She had one brother, Paul, who was born in 1948. In 1954, the family moved to North Seattle, Wash., where Ruth grew up and attended local schools through high school.

First baseman Josh Naylor agrees to $92.5 million, 5-year contract with Seattle Mariners

SEATTLE (AP) — First baseman Josh Naylor and the Seattle Mariners finalized a $92.5 million, five-year contract on Monday. Naylor gets a $6.5 million signing bonus payable within 120 days of the deal's approval by the commissioner's office and salaries of $10 million next season, $16 million in 2027, $18 million in 2028, $20 million in 2029 and $22 million in 2030. He has a full no-trade provision, requiring his approval to be assigned to any other team.

Grant PUD GM says electricity is indispensable

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District General manager John Mertlich said electricity is not only crucial, but indispensable, in today’s world. “On the supply curve for everything, the first 5% is power, and the rest of the curve doesn’t happen without it,” Mertlich said.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Log as of Nov. 13, 2025

Huskies’ rally but fall short in playoff loss

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies (9-2) fell short 24-21 to Sehome in the 2A state football tournament after a late comeback attempt was unsuccessful. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Hale said he was proud of the Huskies giving themselves an opportunity to win, even if it did not go their way. “We had some difficulties and penalties and turnovers. We made it tough on ourselves, but ultimately, we gave ourselves a chance to win at the end and just couldn't quite do it,” Hale said. The Huskies took an 8-7 lead after the first quarter, but Sehome responded in the second quarter, tallying off 10 points to take a nine-point lead at halftime. The Huskies offense erupted in the third quarter with 13 points, but Sehome was able to maintain the lead with another score of their own and hold in the fourth quarter for the win.

Late comeback lifts Mavericks to state quarterfinals

MOSES LAKE – On Saturday, the Moses Lake Mavericks (11-0) defeated the Bothell Cougars 17-14 in a physical first round matchup of the 4A state football tournament. Head Coach Brett Jay was visibly overcome with emotion after their hard-fought win.

Rams have 4 interceptions, Seahawks miss long field goal on final play in Los Angeles' 21-19 win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The Rams made four interceptions and they kept Seattle out of the end zone for the first 57 1/2 minutes. Los Angeles' offense scored three touchdowns against the Seahawks' vaunted defense. This meeting of streaking NFC West powers still came down to a long field goal attempt as time expired. When Jason Myers came up short and wide right from 61 yards, the Rams celebrated a messy victory — but one with season-defining potential.

Downtown Tree Lighting to kick off season in Moses Lake Friday

MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake will be a hopping spot Friday, with food, games, music and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Oh, and a visit from Santa Claus, but without the sleigh.

New Royal City mayor focused on proactive management

ROYAL CITY — New Royal City mayor Ryan Piercy said the city has benefited from good leadership for the last couple of decades.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Nov. 13, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Broncos secure bring home the bronze at state

YAKIMA — The Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Broncos volleyball team completed their season in the 2B state tournament, where they earned third place. The Broncos played tough teams throughout the tournament and finished out their bracket in a five-set showdown against Manson.

Three injured in Interstate 90 hit and run

RITZVILLE — Three people were injured when an unidentified driver hit the back of their car and sent it rolling multiple times on Interstate 90 about 12 miles northeast of Ritzville Nov. 13. The driver of the second car fled on foot.

George M. Whitney Jr.

June 30, 1953 - November 11, 2025

George Marvin Whitney Jr., 72, passed away peacefully at his residence in Moses Lake, Washington, on Nov. 11, 2025, after a short illness. George was born on June 30, 1953, to Marvin and Iris Whitney. George is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Pauline (Keaton) and Rose (Adam); his three grandchildren Kate, Leo, and Cole; and his brother Ray (Norma) and their family: Mark (Aunna), Lauren (Clay), and Nathan (Mariah).

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 13-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nippy and the holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s shopping, art, music or theater, there’s something for everybody happening in the Basin this week.

Grant County Animal Outreach to break ground on new shelter

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Animal Outreach will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new shelter facility at 2 p.m. Monday on Randolph Road Northeast, marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to provide improved care for animals in the community. With a projected cost of $2.5 million, the new facility is set to address the growing needs of the area’s sheltered pets, especially following the surge in animal intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This shelter will serve all of Grant County, not just Moses Lake, with the exception of Quincy, which has its own shelter,” stated Moses Lake City Administrator Rob Karlinsey. He emphasized the immediate necessity for the project, noting, “The current shelter has outlived its useful life, is in a state of disrepair, and is operating at more than double its capacity.”

1B/2B State Volleyball roundup

YAKIMA – Local basin teams, Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors, Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Broncos, and Soap Lake all entered the state tournament this week and competed against fellow 1B and 2B teams across the state. See below the results from the state tournament and some highlights from the tournament.

Train theft attempted in Warden

WARDEN – On Wednesday night, Bunge, a food producer located in the 1800 block of West First Street, was nearly a victim of train theft, according to Warden Police Department Chief Jeff Gann.

Judith ‘Judy’ Church

August 24, 1937 – November 3, 2025

Judith “Judy” Ann Church, 88, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Nov. 3, 2025, in Federal Way, Washington. Born on Aug. 24, 1937, in Portsmouth, Ohio to Eugene Samuel Crull and Eileen Pearl Hawkins Crull, Judy was the eldest of three sisters and a former resident of Moses Lake and Othello, Washington. A celebration of life will be held on Dec. 6 at Pillar Rock Golf Course in Moses Lake from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dress in your holiday colors. Join for lunch and share a story.

COLUMN: Is this the year for the Zags?

As the Washington air turns bitter and cold, sports fans will trade in the cold beer, perhaps for a warm cider, as they sit down for the start of the college basketball season. After a second-round exit in the NCAA men's basketball tournament last March, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are poised to bounce back this season.