Othello museum to extend season

OTHELLO — Operators of the Othello Community Museum want to take advantage of upgrades to its heating-cooling system by opening earlier in the year and staying open later. “Our season will be longer, hopefully April to October. But we’ll still be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays,” said project Manager Rebecca Mohs.

WA Legislature kicks off session

Budget deficit, ‘millionaires tax’ and affordability crisis at center stage.

OLYMPIA — Washington legislators convened in Olympia last week for the 2026 Legislation Preview, highlighting priorities ahead of the short 60-day session that began Monday.

Kriete, Wagner express opposition to bills on sheriff eligibility

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner have both expressed concerns regarding Senate Bill 5974, companion bill to House Bill 1399, presented to the Washington Legislature this session. The legislation addresses eligibility requirements for leaders, including elected leaders, in law enforcement agencies.

Janice E. Sandberg

1935 - 2026

Janice E. Sandberg, of Moses Lake, Wash., was born Feb. 5, 1935, and passed away Jan. 4, 2026, at the age of 90.

Chicken-themed show opens at Up Town Art Gallery

MOSES LAKE — A whole flock of artists contributed to The Chicken Show at Up Town Gallery in Moses Lake Friday. “We have over 40 entries, from as far away as Colfax,” said Up Town Gallery co-owner Judy Kalin.

Knights win third straight home game

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (9-1) won their third straight game Saturday, defeating the Kiona-Benton Bears 90-42. Head Coach Tim Ravet said his players did a good job executing the defensive game plan. “When we don't reach and just stay sound on defense, keep things in front of us and get deflections. We're pretty solid on defense. It's when we get out over our skis and reach and lunge when we get beat, but we're trying to do a better job of that, so hopefully that'll start to carry over into big games,” Ravet said.

Basin health care 2025 review

New facilities, expanded services, election challenges seen over the course of last year

MOSES LAKE — A new hospital opened in Quincy; construction was mostly completed on the new Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Columbia Basin Hospital voters rejected a request for a construction bond. Columbia Basin health care organizations experienced ups and downs in 2025.

MLSD saw challenges, achievements in 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District experienced a challenging year in 2025, marked by financial struggles, labor disputes and notable academic accomplishments. The district's resilience was on full display as it navigated a series of challenges while also fostering pockets of success throughout the academic year, Superintendent Carol Lewis said.

WEATHER: Jan. 13-19, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 13-19, 2026

Legals for January, 13 2026

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs Jan. 5-9

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

Contract awarded for Othello fiber project

OTHELLO — Delays slowed the project down, but a section of Adams County south of Othello will be getting access to fiber this summer. Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger said the work could start as early as next month.

Wildcats take down the Vikings

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington Wildcats (14-1) defeated the Western Washington Vikings (12-5) 75-58 Saturday to remain undefeated in the Greater Northwest Conference, according to a statement by CWU Athletics. The ‘Cats haven’t had a loss in conference play with their only setback this season being a nonconference game against California State Polytechnic University. Head Coach Randi Richardson said it was a well-rounded performance by her players, who secured their sixth straight win.

Maria E. Jalomo

1939 – 2026

Maria E. Jalomo was born on November 29, 1939, in Crystal City, Texas. She passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026.

Stalking Awareness Month highlights a dangerous form of abuse

MOSES LAKE — January is Stalking Awareness Month and those who work with victims want people to know that it is a serious issue and there is help available. “Stalking is usually a factor in a domestic violence victim’s experience,” said Abraham Tapia, a legal and community advocate with New Hope, which provides domestic violence support in Grant and Adams counties. “Following them around town, trying to access their social media.” The month is meant to draw attention to an especially dangerous form of abuse. One out of three women in the U.S. will experience stalking at some point in their lives, according to statistics from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center, and one in six men. More than a third of stalking cases involve a current or former intimate partner.

Quincy annexes M Street NE property

QUINCY — New housing, sidewalks and curbs will be coming to a piece of undeveloped property on M Street Northeast as part of an annexation agreement approved Jan. 6 by the Quincy City Council.

Fire agencies encourage smoke detectors after recent deaths

MOSES LAKE — Firefighting agencies are encouraging the public to make sure they have smoke alarms installed in their homes after two locals were killed in a Jan. 7 home fire. Grant County Fire District 3 Chief Dave Durfee said sometimes people misunderstand fire risks and fail to take appropriate precautions.

WEATHER: Jan. 12-16, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 12-16, 2026 – Ellington

Legals for January, 12 2026

Lions defeat Eagles 60-21 at home

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (12-0) earned a strong 60-21home victory over the Soap Lake Eagles (1-7) to continue their undefeated season. “I feel like the team is doing really good,” said Lions senior Antonio Serrato. “We play really good together and know how to move the ball really well and get down the court really fast.”