Tracy Hill

Tracy Ann (Williams) Hill, 60, passed peacefully on June 1, 2025, after a brave and dignified battle with cancer. She was surrounded by those who loved her most—her family, her heart, her world. Tracy lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep, unwavering spirit that touched everyone she met.

Soap Lake Library celebrating renewed look, efficient layout

SOAP LAKE – One Soap Lake resident walks into the library, takes one lap around the building, stopping to look at a couple of things. Before he walks out, he turns to the librarian with a smile on his face. “Looks good in here,” he said before walking out.

Mavericks athletics overcome levy obstacles

Community help, dedicated coaches and parental support make for a successful year of MLHS athletics.

MOSES LAKE – The school year has come to an end, the class of 2025 has graduated, and an unprecedented year of athletics has been completed. After the local levy in 2024 failed to pass twice, Moses Lake athletics and extracurriculars were faced with financial challenges like they had never seen. Loren Sandhop is the Athletic Director at Moses Lake High School and oversaw the task of making sports happen throughout the 2024-25 school year. According to Sandhop, due to a shortfall exceeding $20 million, athletics of any kind were being called into question.

ACH Warriors celebrate accomplishments at commencement

COULEE CITY – Last Saturday marked the end of an era at Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School for the class of 2025 as they graduated from high school and head into their futures.

EHS weight room receives $72,000 upgrade

EPHRATA – The Ephrata High School weight room has undergone transformation, thanks to a $72,000 grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation. Sixteen brand-new fitness equipment has been installed, expanding the school's facilities and providing students with an enhanced workout experience.

Annual golf classic set for Friday to support Warden community

WARDEN – This Friday Sage Hills Golf Course will be hosting the Annual Golf Classic, put together by the Warden Development Council. They will aim to fundraise for the Warden community. Registration is at 11 a.m. and the shotgun tee-off is at 12 p.m. “I think the community of Warden really, really does appreciate it,” Pat Millard of the Warden Development Council said, “They're really happy to get the money that we give them to buy the turkeys and things for the needy families.”

Law enforcement logs for June 6, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for June, 6 2025

WA use-of-force database up and running

Bipartisan effort supported by law enforcement to improve transparency and accountability.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has announced the official launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, after several years of delays, according to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. “A single location with clear, standardized and contextual information will help the public better understand the use of force in Washington,” Brown wrote in a statement. “Law enforcement and policymakers will have common tools to better analyze force and make informed decisions about policing policies and practices.”

Extreme heat watch issued for Central Washington

MOSES LAKE – The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for several regions in Central Washington, including the Moses Lake and Wenatchee areas, effective from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening.

Legals for June, 3 2025

Basin firefighters see busy weekend

QUINCY – Over the weekend, two wildfires and a home fire in Grant County and, as of Sunday, the county is in a burn ban effective until at least Sept. 30. “Be aware of what the rules are and follow the burn ban stipulations. We prefer not burning at all,” Grant County Fire District 13 Chief Jim Stucky said. “If you are going to do a campfire or whatever, make sure you have water nearby, don’t let it get too big and make sure it is fully out and cold to the touch before you go to bed for the night.”

Moses Lake man arrested following domestic violence incident

MOSES LAKE – A 35-year-old man is in custody following a domestic violence incident that escalated into a standoff with law enforcement Monday morning, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office.

George 'Kraig' Jorgensen

July 27, 1944 – May 23, 2025

George “Kraig” Jorgensen, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2025, at the age of 80. His passing was sudden and swift, much as he had always hoped for.

Legals for May, 30 2025

Grant County burn ban to begin Sunday

MOSES LAKE — As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, Grant County is about to start its annual burn ban beginning June 1, a measure designed to minimize the risk of wildfires during the summer months. The ban will continue until Sept. 30, encompassing all unincorporated areas of the county. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activity, highlighting the significance of preventative measures. This year, local officials are particularly concerned about the forecasted increase in wildfire activity due to hotter and drier weather conditions

MLSD restructuring admin office, saving district money

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has hired people for two new administrative positions, including Yvonne Walker as the executive director of teaching and learning, and Scott West as the executive director of safety and wellbeing.

New WA law granting unemployment benefits to striking workers draws praise, concern

(The Center Square) – Depending on who you ask, Engrossed Senate Bill 5041 – signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this week – is either a much-needed social safety net for workers and their families or something that will incentivize and prolong strikes and imperil Washington state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. ESB 5041 extends unemployment insurance benefits to striking or locked-out workers in Washington. Depending on the strike date, benefits would start 15 to 21 days after the strike begins. If the contract is resolved before that time, no benefits would be issued. Per the bill, striking workers would be able to access unemployment benefits for up to six weeks. Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, is the sponsor of the bill.

Applications sought for Grant County Prosecutor

EPHRATA — Applications are being accepted through June 13 from qualified attorneys for the job of Grant County Prosecutor. Incumbent Kevin McCrae announced his resignation effective Aug. 3.

Legals for May, 23 2025