Grant County PUD net expenses projected at $413.4 million in 2026

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD is projected to spend about $413.4 million, when expenses and payments are added up, and end the year with about $251.9 million in carryover. R

Soap Lake reviews preliminary budget

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council held a budget workshop Saturday to go over the preliminary 2026 budget. No action was taken on the budget. Soap Lake Finance Director Jeff Balentine discussed each of the funds and what he has planned so far.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Steve Oliver

EPHRATA – As the residents in Ephrata begin to submit their votes for the Ephrata mayoral election, Steve Oliver, a long-time local business owner and community advocate, said he is poised to bring change to the city he has called home for 25 years.

Ephrata Mayoral Candidate Bruce Reim

EPHRATA – As residents in Ephrata begin to fill out ballots, incumbent Bruce Reim is eager to share what he has learned during his campaign and outline his vision for the city’s future.

Transmission upgrades, Priest Rapids repairs on 2026 Grant County PUD project list

EPHRATA — Repairs to Priest Rapids Dam and rebuilding a transmission line between Ancient Lakes and Frenchman Hills are among the Grant County PUD projects scheduled to begin in 2026. Tarrah Bicondova, the PUD’s budget and reporting manager, said the utility is projected to spend $322 million on capital projects in 2026, compared to an estimated $225.6 million in 2025. “The increase is really driven by major infrastructure improvements,” she said. Scheduled projects include the continuing work on upgrading electrical transmission to the Quincy area, upgrades at Priest Rapids Dam, the PUD’s new Ephrata maintenance shop, known as a service center, and a rebuilt electrical line between Royal City and Quincy. Three projects on the list eventually will be paid for by the customers, but they had to be included as expenses, Bicondova said. Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer, said most are multiyear projects, and the projected cost is for 2026 only.

Clarence Hamilton

Sept. 25, 1935 — Oct. 17, 2025

Clarence Edward Hamilton, 90, a longtime Colfax, Washington resident, passed away on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. He went by many names: Dad, Pops, Papa, FP (i.e. Favorite Person), Gramps, Grandpa, Sweetheart and Honey. Clarence passed very peacefully from this life into eternity, surrounded by Laura (his wife of 19 years), his three children, their spouses and his faithful dog Buddy. Clarence had dealt with the effects of dementia for approximately seven years. He was always fearful of ending up in a nursing home, and the family is eternally grateful for his loving caregivers who made his wish of passing at home possible. His caregivers were his daughter-in-law Soni Hamilton, stepdaughter Denise Beck and family friends Molly Overby and Rindy Waldo, as well as several of his other family members and Gentiva Hospice.

A journey of resilience

Rebecca Moore recounts her path from breast cancer diagnosis to remission

MOSES LAKE – In the heart of Moses Lake, Washington, Rebecca Moore faces life anew after a challenging battle with breast cancer. With unwavering strength, she recounts her journey, emphasizing the importance of hope, community, and self-discovery amid adversity. Rebecca’s diagnosis came unexpectedly on August 1, 2023, just months after losing her father.

QUINCY MAYORAL RACE Q&A: Worley vs. Rodriguez

QUINCY – The Quincy Mayoral Race consists of candidates, incumbent Paul Worley and Manny Rodriguez. Both candidates were given questions with a word count limit for responses and matching deadlines to respond.

Community urged to take precautions against package thefts

OTHELLO – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Othello Police Department is increasing awareness about package thefts that have recently plagued the community. In a bid to prevent residents from becoming victims of these crimes, Police Chief Dave Rehaume said residents should be mindful and cautious when having packages delivered.

Moses Lake council, school board to hold joint workshop

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board will be talking about water, partnerships and facilities at a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. Ryan Shannon, Moses Lake School District director of public relations, said MLSD officials proposed the workshop to talk about issues that affect both of them as well as the city as a whole.

Trunk-or-treating in the Basin

MOSES LAKE — Halloween is right around the corner and fun, spooky and exciting events are coming soon to help area residents enjoy the holiday. Here are a few:

ACSO jail roster for Oct. 20, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is the active list of inmates for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office listed in order of the date of arrest, with the most recent listed first. The Adams County Jail is closed, so inmates are housed in other jurisdictions.

Legals for October, 22 2025

MLEA pickets for a fair contract outside of MLHS

MOSES LAKE – Teachers and supporters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside Moses Lake High School, voicing frustrations over stalled contract negotiations with the Moses Lake School District. It is a continuation of ongoing negotiations that have the Moses Lake Educators Association without a contract since June, intensifying calls for fair treatment and improved working conditions.

2023 operating loss at Ritzville hospital larger than reported

RITZVILLE — East Adams Rural Healthcare lost more money in 2023 than originally reported, according to an audit submitted to EARH commissioners Oct. 15. Joe Lodge, accountant for DZA, Spokane, said Ritzville hospital lost about $5.6 million in 2023. Lodge said the losses were related to higher expenses and revenue that remained relatively flat.

Joo-mi, a beautiful jewel

OTHELLO – Joo-mi, a chihuahua mix was given the Korean name which means “beautiful,” “jewel,” or “pretty.” Although a boy dog, he does serve beautifully. He is vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. If you want to adopt this little jewel, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and full out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

WA faces health coverage issues if enhanced Premium Tax Credit lapses

OLYMPIA — Washingtonians could face a significant increase in their health insurance premiums as the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, ePTC, is set to expire at the end of 2025, unless action is taken by Congress. The issue is a significant talking point for both parties as the federal government shutdown continues.

Grant Co. Jail inmate roster Oct. 21, 2025

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.

Springer's homer sends Blue Jays into World Series with 4-3 win over Mariners in Game 7 of ALCS

TORONTO (AP) — Whoa, Canada! After a huge swing by George Springer, the World Series is headed north of the border for the first time in 32 years. Springer hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning and the Toronto Blue Jays won their first pennant since 1993 by beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night.

Voters to decide on possible Long Term Care Trust Fund changes

OLYMPIA — Washington voters will be asked to accept or reject a constitutional amendment to allow funds from a program designed to help pay for extended care services to be invested in different securities than what’s allowed now. Kristen Hyde, press secretary for the campaign in support of the amendment, said the proposal would leave most of the money in the current investment portfolio.