Othello Food Bank faces capacity challenges amid increased demand

OTHELLO – The Othello Food Bank, a cornerstone of food security in Adams County, continues to serve the community with dedication, despite facing capacity challenges. Executive Director Jose Garza emphasizes the importance of partnerships and community donations, as their capacity to store and distribute food is stretched thin. “The key to our success is the environment we’ve cultivated through partnerships with farmers, growers, and local agencies,” Garza said. “We’re well-connected throughout the state, which allows us to be productive. However, our biggest challenge isn’t the food itself; it’s having the space to put it.”

Educational programs and operations levy proposal goes to Wahluke voters Feb. 10

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election Feb. 10. If it’s approved, it would replace the four-year levy approved by voters in 2022. Property owners would pay an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the same as the current levy. District superintendent Andy Harlow said that due to the way taxes are structured, the proposed rate can change as property values change.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Jail Roster for Nov. 5, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is the active list of inmates for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office listed in order of the date of arrest. The Adams County Jail is closed, so inmates are housed in other jurisdictions.

Man dies at Grant County Jail

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Investigative Team will be investigating the death of an inmate found unresponsive in his cell at the Grant County Jail early Tuesday morning. The name of the victim, 54 years of age, has not been released.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Jail Roster for Nov. 5, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dutch, sweeter than pie

MOSES LAKE – Thanksgiving is coming up which means it's time to break out the baking goods and begin with apple pie season. Dutch, named after the best type of apple pie, is also the best boy. He is a German shepherd mix who is around three months old, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If interested in meeting or adopting him, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

JoAnna Jean Thompson

April 29, 1931 – Oct. 27, 2025

JoAnna, 94, passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington. She was born on April 29, 1931, in Nampa, Idaho to Earl and Elda Arzt, though everyone remembers her loving stepfather Orval Lyle as her dad. She married Clinton (Bud) Thompson on Nov. 12, 1949, in Colville, Washington. They moved to Odessa, Washington in 1953 and became part-owners of Empire Electric with Bud as an electrician and JoAnna the bookkeeper. She also kept busy being a homemaker, florist, caterer and decorator extraordinaire. JoAnna was a member of the Heritage Church and their women’s group, helping with countless church dinners, receptions and funerals.

Moses Lake food bank in need of donations

MOSES LAKE – The Community Services of Moses Lake is gearing up for the next holiday season while also preparing for uncertainty at the federal level.

Moravida honors departed loved ones, celebrates Hispanic culture

MOSES LAKE — After all the Halloween candy is gone, the costumes are put away and the decorations are brought inside, it’s time to get down to the solemn part.

Piper Barn Show opens Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot going on at the Piper Barn Show this week, but one thing not to miss is the cinnamon rolls. “They are amazing,” said Julie Piper Phipps, who organizes the four-day market every year. “People line up and wait for them. They make about 400 a day and they sell out by noon.” Phipps’ daughters and daughters-in-law – whom she calls “her girls” – make the rolls, she said, much like she did when the show debuted in 1988. Phipps’ mom, Sheila Piper, started the show on the family farm with a friend in 1988. Circumstances forced them to close it up in 2001, but when Phipps and her husband moved back to Moses Lake in 2012, she decided to start the ball rolling again.

Legals for November, 4 2025

Shutdown threatens Head Start funding for Family Services of Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The Head Start program operated by Family Services of Grant County will have to close after Nov. 14, at least temporarily, if federal funding is not restored. Executive Director Sally Gundry said the funding cycle for the Moses Lake facility meant its federal money stopped as of Nov. 1.

Gas prices down slightly in Grant, but up in Adams

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices have dropped for the second week in a row in Washington, Grant County and nationally. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices.

Knights defeated in semifinal, hope still alive for state play

NACHES — The Royal Knights (13-4) were defeated 3-0 by the Naches Valley Rangers in the semifinal of the 1A district tournament Saturday. The Rangers captured momentum early and did not let it go.

Senior events calendar for November 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Holiday shopping, music, crafts and fun await this month in the Basin. Here are a few things to put on the calendar.

Soap Lake council makes allegations against mayor

SOAP LAKE — On Oct. 15, at the regular council meeting, several Soap Lake City Council members made allegations against Mayor Peter Sharp of unlawful recording in city buildings, including the Soap Lake Police Station, Soap Lake City Hall and the Soap Lake Tourism Center, sending an inappropriate email to city staff and misuse of city credit cards.

P.E.A.C.E. from the Lord’s Kitchen

Local ministry serves meals without fanfare or judgment

MOSES LAKE — The Bible says that man does not live by bread alone, but that doesn’t mean that food isn’t pretty important.

Important community elections to be decided tomorrow

EPHRATA — A $30 million bond proposal for Columbia Basin Hospital, a $3.55 million bond request for the Othello Community Pool, levy lid lift proposals for Mattawa Community Medical Clinic and Adams County Fire District 5 are among the issues on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Ballots must be returned by Nov. 4, either through the mail or a drop box, and mailed ballots must have a Nov. 4 postmark or earlier to be counted.

Weather for the week of Nov. 3, 2025

Weather for the week of Nov. 3, 2025

Legals for November, 3 2025