Knights advance in district soccer

ROYAL – The Knights (13-3) defeated Omak 5-0 in the first round of the 1A district tournament on Thursday. Head Coach Jens Jensen said the Knights became dangerous once they settled into the game.

NCW Libraries conversation to examine divisions in America

WENATCHEE — What we all have in common – and what we don’t – will be the subject of a virtual program at North Central Washington Libraries this month. “Can We Get Along? Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community” will be streamed on Zoom Nov. 13. “(It’s) an hour-and-a-half conversation about how do we come together to connect, especially when we're coming with different experiences in life (and) different opinions,” said Alicia O’Dell, director of adult programs for NCW Libraries. “How do we find ways to build community during divided times?”

Warden City Council reviews preliminary 2026 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council held its preliminary budget review Tuesday night. The presentation was strictly informational with action to be taken by council at upcoming meetings. The city must pass its budget by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

‘Puffs’

QHS play celebrates magical background characters

QUINCY — Some people are born to save the world. And some are born to, well, sit next to those heroes in class. “It’s really about the underdogs,” said director Haliey Weber. “They don’t want fortune or fame. They don’t care to be super smart or brave or cunning. They just are really loyal and they care about the people they care about.” The world of “Puffs” will look familiar, but don’t be fooled. Sure, there’s a boarding school with four houses – the Braves, the Smarts, the Snakes and the Puffs – and a dark lord, and messages delivered by owl and lots of wizardy classes, but “Puffs” is not to be confused with the more famous story. Rather, it tells the story of Wayne (Sawyer Golay), Megan (Jasmine Vasquez-Navarro) and Oliver (Jerrod Miller), who happen to be in the background while all that is going on. Wayne is a math-loving nerd who wasn’t born to wizardry but is trying to catch up, Megan is a would-be goth girl who resents being a Puff, and Oliver is an orphan raised by his uncle. Together, the three navigate the pitfalls of learning magic, as well as competing in a tournament, battling a giant snake and resisting the Death Buddies, one of whom is Megan’s mom. All while living in the shadow of the great young wizards of the other story.

BASIN EVENTS Oct. 31-Nov. 30

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we move out of the spooky season and into the holidays, here are a few things to check out this month.

Legals for October, 31 2025

Bad debt, charity care expenses rising at Samaritan in 2026

MOSES LAKE — While bad debt and charity care expenses at Samaritan Hospital were lower than anticipated in September, they’re higher than projected for the first three quarters of the year. Chief Administrative Officer Alex Town said that’s a reflection of the way people are paying their bills, and that trend may continue in 2026. Town said Samaritan administrators have increased the amount of anticipated uncompensated care from the original 2026 budget projections.

Wildcats host final home game in ranked matchup

ELLENSBURG – The Central Washington University Football Team (7-1) welcomes the 16th-ranked Angelo State Rams (6-2) for a Saturday evening matchup that could impact the playoff outlook for both teams, according to a statement from CWU athletics.

USApple acts as industry advocate in Washington DC

WASHINGTON DC — Where there is information, there is misinformation, and one of the jobs of USApple is to combat misinformation that’s out there. Jim Bair, president and chief executive officer, cited the case of an applesauce recall over concerns about elevated levels of lead. “It was a cinnamon-flavored applesauce; the lead was coming from the cinnamon,” Bair said. “In fact, the applesauce was imported, as was the cinnamon. It wasn’t even a U.S. product. But consumers, all they hear is ‘applesauce is bad.’ So we try to provide information to make that messaging something that’s useful to the consumer,” Bair said. USApple is supported by growers, packers, processors and other groups in the apple industry to advocate for industry interests at the federal level, as well as working to provide accurate information about apples and apple production.

Adopt this a-Maize-ing dog

OTHELLO – Maize, sweeter than kettle corn, is ready to find his forever farm. He is a small mixed breed that is vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. He is the perfect pup to bring into your home for Halloween, Thanksgiving or any of the other upcoming holidays. He said he will gladly celebrate with you and even consider wearing holiday themed apparel, well that is if he is bribed with treats. If Maize seems like a perfect fit, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out his application. If you are unable to adopt but would still like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

INTERSTATE art exhibit opens Nov. 6 at CWU’s Sarah Spurgeon Gallery

ELLENSBURG — The Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will be hosting a national juried exhibition this fall called INTERSTATE: Where I-90 meets I-82.

Ephrata SD moves forward on $75M bond election

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Facility Study Group proposed a $75 million bond to the Ephrata School Board Monday night. The board unanimously approved Superintendent Ken Murray to move forward with a bond resolution for the board to vote on. If passed by the board, the bond will appear on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

Ephrata Food Bank faces growing needs amid uncertainty

EPHRATA – As local food banks brace for potential increases in demand, Phyllis Fuglie, Director of the Ephrata Food Bank, is reaching out to the community for assistance. Fuglie outlined the pressing needs of the food bank as it strives to serve families amid changing federal support for low-income households.

OTHELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR POS. 3: Fought vs. Garcia

OTHELLO – There are two candidates running for the Othello School District Director District 3 position this year which are Birdie Fought and Juan “Jerry” Garcia. Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers.

Meeting essential needs

Thriving Together Toward Tomorrow conference focuses on building community through collaboration

WENATCHEE — A growing turnout gathered at the Wenatchee Convention Center on October 22 for Thriving Together NCW’s Thriving Together Toward Tomorrow Summit, an opportunity for regional organizations to focus on meeting the essential needs of Washingtonians in their respective areas through networking and collaboration.

Conflict arises over Purple Sage Meadows Development

SOAP LAKE — A dispute is unfolding between North Pacific Investments, Inc. and the City of Soap Lake over the proposed Purple Sage Meadows housing development, a project supporters say would deliver 232 affordable homes over the next five years and contribute to the town’s economy.

Legals for October, 30 2025

New Samaritan Hospital scheduled to open March 7

MOSES LAKE — The new Samaritan Hospital should officially become the property of the hospital district Dec. 12. Consultant Joe Kunkel said Tuesday the first day of operation has been determined. “From today we’re 129 days from seeing our first patient, on March 7,” Kunkel said Tuesday evening.

Tentative contract reached for MLFD study

MOSES LAKE — Whether or not to convert the Moses Lake Fire Department to a different operating model and if so, what it should be, will be the subject of a feasibility study due to start in November. Moses Lake Fire Chief Art Perillo said Tuesday that a proposed contract with Berk Consulting, Seattle, is under review.

MLSD hosting bullying town hall today

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting community members to participate in a town hall meeting focused on addressing bullying and its prevention on Oct. 29. The event will take place at the Learning Services Center and is designed to foster open dialogue between district leadership and the community regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying.