Janet Ingrid (Olesen) Huff

Jan. 18, 1934 — Dec. 26, 2025

Janet Ingrid (Olesen) Huff, 91, was born Jan. 18, 1934, in Sunnyside, Washington, on the Porter Ranch, where her parents were tenant farmers. Janet was the youngest of three sisters born to Danish immigrant parents Morris and Ingrid Olesen. In 1938, the family moved to their own small farm in Sunnyside where Janet lived until college. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and earned scholarships to attend the University of Washington (UW). She graduated Cum Laude from UW with a teaching degree, earning the College of Education’s Top Senior award. Janet met George Robinson Huff in 1954 while both were attending UW. They were married on Dec. 17, 1955, in Seattle, and moved to Othello, Washington in March 1957 where she began her teaching career and George began his law practice. Janet taught kindergarten for 18 years followed by 10 more years instructing second-graders.

John Donovan

John, 88, was born on Nov. 7, 1937, in Lowell, Massachusetts. His parents were William Lawrence Donovan and Valleria “Vera” Caroline Nowak. John’s grandparents were John Nowak and Catherine “Katie” Nostek. John attended Boston University and the Hartford Institute of Accounting. In June 1956, John enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for a total of 36 years. He obtained an AS in management from the Community College of the Air Force, and continued his education, receiving an MBA from Eastern Washington University in 1978.

GCFD 7 expands EMS, training programs

SOAP LAKE — As part of a concerted effort to improve emergency medical services, Grant County Fire District 7 has announced significant expansions to its coverage and operational capabilities. Under the leadership of Chief Erick Brittain, the district is now providing Intermediate Life Support in addition to its existing services, a move that is expected to greatly benefit the community it serves, said Brittain.

New Mattawa port commissioner interested in diversification

MATTAWA — Port of Mattawa Commissioner Kevin Anderson said the port is looking for new customers and ways to diversify the economy of the Mattawa area. It’s a lesson he learned during a 40-year career in maritime businesses, he said. He cited the barge company he managed as an example.

Ballots coming Jan. 21 for Wahluke EP&O levy election

MATTAWA — Ballots will be mailed to Wahluke School District voters Jan. 21 for a special election to decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy. If it’s approved, the levy would replace the four-year levy approved by voters in 2022. The levy rate would remain unchanged.

Legals for January, 7 2026

Cougs earn statement win in Spokane

SPOKANE — The Washington State Cougars (8-9) defeated Oregon State 81-67 to win their second straight game Sunday. Head Coach David Riley said the win was a nice momentum booster for what they have been working on as of late. “We got to continue to trust the offense,” Riley said in a press conference. “All game today the ball was zipping around and then defensively just a little bit more talk and more urgency. Talk builds trust and that’s something we did a better job of today.”

Big Sky Now: How the Bobcats outlasted the Redbirds in an overtime thriller for the FCS National Championship

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to immediately break down Montana State’s FCS National Championship victory over Illinois State in Nashville on Monday night.

Grant Co. legislators pre-file legislation

OLYMPIA — Grant County Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake and Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, have pre-filed bills for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Rep. Alex Ybarra has not filed any bills, but has said in prior coverage that energy is a priority for the session that begins Jan. 12 and ends March 12.

A look at positive vibes in the Basin in 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Too often, people pick up the newspaper and see bad news staring them in the face. It’s true that 2025 had its negative moments, but a lot of good things happened in the Columbia Basin last year as well.

Port of Quincy security services face challenges

QUINCY — Port of Quincy commissioners will be looking at options for insurance coverage for the port’s security service after its contract through the original carrier was canceled. Commissioners have canceled a contract with the Port of Mattawa that provided security services for Desert Aire.

WEATHER: Jan. 6-12, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 6-12, 2026

Legals for January, 6 2026

Gas prices drop again, but remain high in WA

MOSES LAKE — Lower fuel prices continued this week, with Grant and Adams counties, Washington and national average fuel prices dropping from last week’s prices.

Quincy 2026 budget includes streets, QPlex projects

QUINCY — The city of Quincy will operate on a budget of about $148.3 million for 2026. That includes money for street projects along 13th Avenue Southwest and M Street Northeast, the design and construction of a fieldhouse and other improvements in Lauzier Park and funding through sales tax for affordable housing assistance.

Jacks basketball teams have shaky weekend

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits basketball teams each played games against Ellensburg and East Valley Friday and Saturday. See how the teams did below and how they plan to push forward in the Central Washington Athletic Conference.

Banks Lake Brawl tourney highlights local wrestlers

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors hosted the Banks Lake Brawl wrestling tournament Saturday, which saw 15 schools attend including the Ephrata Tigers and Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos. Warriors Head Coach Brandon Walsh said this was the 13th year they’ve held the tournament.

SENIOR EVENTS: January 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — After the hoopla of the holidays, it’s time to wind down a little and start getting into a routine. Here are a few things to keep your time occupied.

Doris Mae Miller

Dec. 27, 1957 – Dec. 24, 2025

Our beloved Doris Mae Miller, age 67, passed away on December 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Big Sky Now: FCS championship coverage from Nashville

Montana State is one win away from an FCS national championship, and Big Sky Now is on the ground in Nashville.