Ronald E. Ries

May 7, 1945 – March 23, 2024

Ronald E. Ries, 78, passed away on March 23, 2024, at Samaritan Hospital. Ronald was a modest and private man whose last wishes included a request that no services be held. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories. Ronald was born on May 7, 1945, in Long Beach, California, the son of the late Darrell and Mary Ellen Ries. His family moved to Moses Lake in 1949. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1963. He met his future wife, Janet N. Ries, while attending college and was married to her in 1965 in Ephrata. In 1967, Ronald graduated from Central Washington University with a B.A. in Business and Accounting and enlisted in the Air Force. In the service, Ronald received flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona and pilot-instructor training in Panama City, Florida.

Active April

Events scheduled for the next month of 2024.

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally springing up, and the Basin is teeming with things to do and enjoy. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

Abell announces candidacy for Washington House

INCHELIUM — Hunter Abell, of Inchelium, has announced his candidacy for the state House of Representatives, according to an announcement from Abell Thursday.

DIAMOND RECAP: League play begins

COLUMBIA BASIN – Many Basin baseball and softball squads have been wrapping up non-league games and have begun to face competition in their respective leagues. Read along for a look at how teams have fared in their games over the past week.

Huskies defeat Wenatchee 10-0

OTHELLO – A five-run bottom of the third inning surged the Othello Huskies in their non-league matchup against Wenatchee on Wednesday, defeating the Panthers 10-0 in five innings.

Law enforcement records for March 29, 2024

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Ephrata PD March 21 Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision at Dodson Road and SR 282. March 22 Report of damage to a vehicle in the 200 block of Pioneer Avenue Southeast. Reporting party advised that feminine hygiene products had been stuck to her vehicle and change thrown on the front windshield.

‘78 years of prayers’

Memorial Christian Church to sing last hymn, but considers a seed of Hope

EPHRATA – After more than 70 years, Ephrata’s Memorial Christian Church will soon shut down after decades of service to the community, Pastor Don Dunn and church elders said in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald last week. “It’s an aging thing…,” Dunn said. “One of the people in another church in town says that they’re aging out, and I think we’ve kind of aged out and the ministry has changed.”

Competitive spirit

Ephrata’s Addison Mills signs with Corban University to play college volleyball

EPHRATA – Ephrata’s Addison Mills has signed with Corban University, a Salem, Oregon-based Christian institution, on a full-ride volleyball scholarship. Mills, a pin hitter on the court, said she had to consider her options after getting offers to play multiple sports – in part due to her height and competitive nature.

Ephrata council considers compression brake ordinance

EPHRATA -- Last week the Ephrata City Council discussed the possibility of adding a “Jake” Brake Ordinance, stemming from a letter from a community member.

New WA law caps cost of inhalers, EpiPens

OLYMPIA — A bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Monday will limit the cost of some lifesaving medicines, according to an announcement from Rep. Dave Zpaul, D-Oak Harbor, the bill’s sponsor.

Two arrested, two sought in Adams County crime spree

RITZVILLE - Adams County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested two people and are searching for two more in connection with a series of crimes, according to a statement from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

ACH baseball sweeps Wellpinit in doubleheader

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball team continued its strong start to the season with a doubleheader sweep of Wellpinit on Tuesday, winning by scores of 17-1 and 16-1.

ACH softball picks up wins over Wellpinit

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline softball team carried on its streak of run-ruling teams in Tuesday’s doubleheader against Wellpinit, winning 16-0 and 19-2. “We were feeling pretty confident,” ACH Head Coach Faye Butler said. “When the girls warmed up they were looking pretty good.”

Moses Lake man arrested in child porn investigation

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested Tuesday on child pornography charges, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Garden wisdom

Growing plants, greening lawns and saving water subject of Grant-Adams Master Gardeners symposium at BBCC

MOSES LAKE — Using water more efficiently in the garden and on the lawn will be the subject of presentations and demonstrations April 20 at the Eco-Gardening Symposium by the Grant-Adams Master Gardeners.

Basin sports schedule March 27-April 2

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local baseball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and track and field events.

PALS forever

Moses Lake High School students – with and without developmental disabilities – cut loose at prom

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School PALS Prom Friday night brought glamor, joy and some impressive dance moves to the school commons. “This was probably one of the best proms yet for attendance and community support,” said Jodi Truman, the PALS Club advisor.

University: ‘Hateful’ actions in Coeur d’Alene left players shaken

Mayor Hammond, others apologize, some call for stronger stances against racism

The incidents occurred shortly after the traveling party arrived in the area to participate in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament’s first and second rounds hosted by Gonzaga University in Spokane.

Vikings wrap up non-league slate

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend baseball concluded its non-league schedule with doubleheaders against Pierce Community College and Tacoma Community College last weekend, going 1-3 in the four-game stretch.

BASIN SCORES ROUNDUP for March 26, 2024

COLUMBIA BASIN – Box scores for baseball and softball games from March 23-25.