Legals for March, 28 2025

Migratory visitors

Around 35,000 sandhill cranes visit the Basin

OTHELLO — People from throughout the Pacific Northwest gathered in and around Othello to catch a glimpse of an annual phenomenon. Whether they crept down backroads with binoculars and cameras poking out of windows or followed trumpeting and croaking noises to their quarry, visitors to the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival were looking for the majestic bird.

Samaritan on-time, on budget

New hospital coming along on schedule

MOSES LAKE — The new Samaritan Hospital is coming along exactly the way projects of that magnitude almost never do. “We’re on schedule, and we’re on budget,” Joe Kunkel, project director for the hospital construction, said March 11.

Port of Moses Lake OKs military training lease

MOSES LAKE — Military training exercises will continue at a section of the Grant County International Airport following the approval of a 25-year lease between the Port of Moses Lake and the US government for use of a section of the airstrip. Port commissioners approved the agreement Monday.

Mattawa man arrested in connection with December shooting

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail Friday in connection with a December shooting. Diego Nunez, 20, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of first-degree assault. Nunez allegedly was involved in a Dec. 14 shooting in the 100 block of Columbia Avenue.

Johnnie 'Gene' Bolin

1948 — 2025

Gene Bolin, 76, passed away on February 15, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. If you ever bought an appliance in Moses Lake in the '70s or '80s, chances are you met Gene Bolin. And if you met Gene, you likely walked away with a new fridge and a new friend. Gene had a way of connecting with people—his charm, quick wit, and genuine kindness made an impression that lasted a lifetime.

Road work set for next week in Quincy

QUINCY — Spring is in the air, and that means, among many other things, the start of road construction season. Road crews will be doing some crack-sealing work at night along State Route 28 in Quincy beginning Sunday night. Drivers should plan for some delays through Wednesday night at least, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

Gorden Dale Melcher

1938 – 2025

Gorden Dale Melcher, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington went to be with his Savior on March 14, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1938, in Odessa, Washington to Carl Melcher and Yetta Greenwalt Melcher.

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.

Legals for March, 20 2025

WA gun bill could have major implications for Grant Co. Fair

OLYMPIA — A Washington State Senate bill to ban firearms in public areas where children may be present had its first hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee Tuesday. More than 50 people were scheduled to testify regarding the bill during the committee meeting.

More than just birds

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival has something for everyone

OTHELLO — The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is about much more than just the majestic birds it’s named for. Since the first festival 27 years ago, the Sandhill Crane Festival has ballooned to include tours and lectures to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts. This year’s lineup includes lectures by experts in photography, geology, botany and more.

Legals for March, 13 2025

Nancy J. Tracy

September 4, 1953 – March 6, 2025

Nancy was born on Sept. 4, 1953, and passed away on March 6, 2025. She was born to Richard A. and Hedwig Waslawski at Elmendorf AFB at Anchorage, Alaska. Nancy's father served proudly in the United States Air Force. From Anchorage she traveled with her family to Francis Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas; Brize Norton AFB in Great Britain; Larson AFB at Moses Lake, Washington and then Columbus AFB in Columbus, Mississippi, where he retired. Nancy's family then returned to Moses Lake where she attended school, graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1971.

ACH baseball ready to swing for the fences in 2025

COULEE CITY — As the Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball team gears up for the 2024 season, excitement fills the air, especially after a commendable last season that culminated in a second-place finish at the state championship. Head Coach Hunter Lee is optimistic about what lies ahead, especially with a roster boasting considerable experience and talent.

Othello and Warden offer places to get out and enjoy spring

OTHELLO — The days are a little longer lately and the weather is a little warmer, which means it’s a good time to get out and shake off the last winter doldrums. In Othello and Warden, there are some parks that are great for that purpose:

‘A Road Less Traveled’

Moses Lake artist translates emotions to oil in new exhibit

MOSES LAKE — Patricia Jensen has walked a long road, and it’s on display at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center. “Those are paintings from very different time eras, probably spanning the last 30 years,” Jensen said. “They are different areas of my life, because I share my feelings and what I'm going through, through my artwork.”

Out and about in Quincy

A brief guide to parks in Jackrabbit country

QUINCY — The temperatures are rising and it’s time to start venturing outside to local parks. Here’s where to play in Quincy, according to the city:

Catch the buzz

Othello class geared to beginning beekeepers

OTHELLO — Some people grow vegetables in their backyard. Some keep chickens and collect the eggs. A class tomorrow in Othello will help folks discover another thing they can grow in their yards: honey. “We've had some interest in the last year or so from people that … would like to have some information on how to get a small apiary going in their backyard,” said Kena Sohler, owner of Tri-Cities-area apiary BeeBlesst. Sohler will teach a basic class on beekeeping Saturday morning at Ironworks Cafe and Market in Othello.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS for March 7, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and there’s plenty to do. Live music, crafts, classes and more. Here are a few options: