Fighting sadness

Do More Feel More takes a proactive approach to seniors and depression

COLUMBIA BASIN — A new program to identify and cope with depression in seniors is expanding to the Columbia Basin. It’s called “Do More Feel Better,” and it will be offered free in both English and Spanish.

Legals for February, 7 2024

Mattawa votes on truck parking, construction regs

MATTAWA – Thursday’s regular Mattawa City Council meeting featured unanimous approval of a motion to amend the city’s truck regulations and a motion to approve updated construction standards.

Washingtonians demand hearings on citizen initiatives

OLYMPIA — A sea of red, white and blue covered the Capitol steps in Olympia Friday as hundreds of Washingtonians waved American flags and demanded hearings on six initiatives to roll back taxes, solidify parents’ rights and restore police authority.

FRESH NEWS: Ice is disappearing on Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.05 feet, coming up 0.3 feet this past week. We are 3.45 feet below full pool. We have open water on Potholes Reservoir! The State Park boat launch is usable. The sand dunes still have ice, as do the edges from Blythe Bay to the face of the dam coming across the face of MarDon Resort, out about 100 yards. The main pool is ice-free. Lind Coulee has sizable ice coverage with open spots. We have highs forecast in the mid-40s with lows above freezing. It’s looking like we made it through winter and should have a normal to early spring. Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.

30 buzzing years

The Hive in Moses Lake celebrates three decades of buzzing tattoo guns

MOSES LAKE — The Hive was … well, buzzing Friday afternoon as Moses Lake’s first tattoo parlor turned 30.

Legals for February, 6 2024

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

Multi-decade Grant PUD project three-quarters complete

EPHRATA — A decades-long project to upgrade turbines and generator units for both dams owned and operated by the Grant County PUD is three-quarters complete. Upgrades to the fifth of 10 generator-turbine combinations at Priest Rapids Dam are done.

Hundreds rally for rent caps and affordable housing

OLYMPIA – As budget negotiations begin in the state Legislature, calls for affordable housing action and rent caps from the annual Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day were heard by lawmakers. Hundreds of unhoused individuals, members of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups gathered on Jan. 30 to urge lawmakers to do something about housing costs.

Arva Marie (Lyells) Leishman

Sept. 15, 1926 — Jan. 30, 2024

Arva Leishman, 97, was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was loved by so many. She passed quietly on January 30, 2024 97 years old.

Grant Co. seeks Board of Equalization applicants

EPHRATA — Grant County officials are looking for qualified applicants to fill two open seats on the county’s Board of Equalization.

Recognizing local: Othello Chamber seeking nominations for 2024 banquet

OTHELLO – The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2024 Annual Awards Banquet fundraiser Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello, during which the chamber will announce this year’s award winners based on community nominations.

Tigers fall on the road to Selah

SELAH – After being down by 15 at the end of the first half, the attempted Tiger comeback fell short Friday night in Ephrata’s regular-season finale, falling on the road to the Vikings 60-50.

Hard-fought Royal-Wahluke game ends in 50-42 Knights victory

ROYAL CITY — A lot of times intense, hard-fought games come down to one or two things that do or don’t go right. In Royal’s 50-42 boys basketball win over Wahluke Friday, Knights coach Greg Jenks said some rebounds went Royal’s way, and Warrior coach Clayton Buck said some shots didn’t go Walluke’s way.

Overtime flexibility or worker rights? SB 5476 looks at flexible overtime rules for ag workers

OLYMPIA- Senator Curtis King, R-Yakima, introduced Senate Bill 5476 which will grant agricultural employers the flexibility to select up to 12 weeks in a calendar year, during which they can employ workers for up to 50 hours per week without triggering overtime pay requirements.

WA Legislature examining school library content review process

OLYMPIA – A mandatory process to guide school districts should be required when protests erupt over books that deal candidly with sexual preferences and gender identity. While proponents of that position argue a policy is crucial to protect LGBTQ+ authors, critics call the idea government overreach and argue “kids'' are the only class that needs protecting.

Warnick sponsors bill addressing farm water needs

OLYMPIA - Senate Bill 5517, sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, aims to address the balance between meeting farmers' groundwater needs and ensuring environmental conservation in Washington state.

Moses Lake port officials start fuel cleanup study

MOSES LAKE — A fuel tank leak at the Port of Moses Lake that occurred in the mid-1990s will be the subject of a new study and possible additional cleanup. Port directors approved a contract for further evaluation of the site, called Pumphouse 1, at the regular meeting Jan. 22.

Washington students show increased attendance and high school course completion

OLYMPIA — Three important indicators of student success are attending school regularly, passing all of their ninth grade classes, and completing advanced courses where they earn both high school and college credit at the same time. In the 2022–23 school year, Washington’s students made significant strides in all three, according to data published recently by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Each year, Washington’s students continue to work hard to set themselves up for success,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Attending school regularly, passing all their classes in ninth grade, and completing advanced-level coursework all prepare students for their unique future pathways. I am so proud of our students for their efforts and of educators and district staff for supporting them.”