WA gun bill could have major implications for Grant Co. Fair

OLYMPIA — A Washington State Senate bill to ban firearms in public areas where children may be present had its first hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee Tuesday. More than 50 people were scheduled to testify regarding the bill during the committee meeting.

OUT AND ABOUT with STEVE CAMERON: Seahawks seek stars, but could Shedeur be it?

We haven’t done an “Out and About” column in ages, and all sorts of unique things have popped up in the meantime. So, why not take a stroll to hither, thither and yon, and see what’s up?

Moses Lake water fines delayed

MOSES LAKE — Encouraging water conservation – and how to enforce city water use ordinances – turned into a wide-ranging conversation about not only water but code enforcement, education and control at the Moses Lake City Council meeting.

Tigers take a win, a loss and lessons from Johnson-O'Brien Classic

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers hosted several teams from around the state for the Johnson-O-Brien Classic Friday and Saturday. The Ephrata High varsity team had mixed results with the home team taking down Chelan 8-7 on Friday but suffering a loss to Orting Cardinals Saturday evening.

Grant PUD financials solid with above-projected revenues

EPHRATA — Higher-than-anticipated revenue is projected to make 2024 a good year for the Grant County Public Utility District. Wholesale and contracted power sales are projected to end 2024 at $286.5 million, once the books are fully balanced. That's $196.3 million over the initial budget projection. Angelina Johnson, PUD deputy treasurer, said that may be a short-term advantage though.

Additional testing needed for Quincy pool

QUINCY — Excavation for the new Quincy Aquatic Center is going to require some additional soil sampling first. Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said in an earlier interview that city officials hope to start work on the pool this summer, possibly in May or June. But the city may have to make some changes to the project before starting to move dirt, due to the possibility of subsurface contaminants.

Help is available for problem gambling

OLYMPIA — Some people, when they go to the store for milk and coffee, pick up a lottery ticket at the same time. Some people like to spend a day or a weekend at a tribal casino. Some people like to vacation in Las Vegas. And for most folks, that’s just fine. But for other people, any of those things is the first step into a very dark place.

More than just birds

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival has something for everyone

OTHELLO — The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is about much more than just the majestic birds it’s named for. Since the first festival 27 years ago, the Sandhill Crane Festival has ballooned to include tours and lectures to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts. This year’s lineup includes lectures by experts in photography, geology, botany and more.

Legals for March, 13 2025

Young Cougars ready to repeat last year’s state showing

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars softball team pulled off a coup last year, taking second at state. “Nobody even thought we’d get out of districts,” said Head Coach Randy Wright. “We started the season pretty bad. But they got together and became a team and worked together and figured it out.”

Heavy duty fun

Touch a Truck returns to Moses Lake on April 26

MOSES LAKE — Last year’s Touch a Truck event was the biggest ever, according to Brittney Ketterer, one of the organizers of the event. “We had over 1,000 attendees,” Ketterer said. “It’s one of our favorite events.”

Huskies looking to get to state amidst strong competition

OTHELLO – Othello boys soccer coach Bernie Garza said the Central Washington Athletic Conference was already pretty tough, and now it’s going to be tougher. That means the Huskies will have to pay attention to every game, he said. Quincy and Toppenish moved into the CWAC from Class 1A; not only do both have strong programs, but the expansion makes it tougher to get familiar with other league schools, Garza said.

ACH baseball ready to swing for the fences in 2025

COULEE CITY — As the Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball team gears up for the 2024 season, excitement fills the air, especially after a commendable last season that culminated in a second-place finish at the state championship. Head Coach Hunter Lee is optimistic about what lies ahead, especially with a roster boasting considerable experience and talent.

Grant PUD appoints John Mertlich as new general manager and CEO

EPHRATA – John Mertlich is the new general manager and chief executive officer of the Grant County Public Utility District, PUD commissioners announced Tuesday. The decision was announced during the Commission's meeting Tuesday. Mertlich's official start date is today. He succeeds Rich Wallen, who is leaving to take a position with Oglethorpe Power in Georgia.

Open Doors Sleep Center’s future uncertain

Shelter looks for additional city partners to ensure unhoused people are served

MOSES LAKE – On Monday, city officials from Moses Lake, Soap Lake, Warden and Royal City alongside Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones met at the Open Doors Sleep Center for a tour of the facility and to discuss the future of the shelter.

Space Burger booth to open next week

MOSES LAKE — Space Burgers are back. For a few days, anyway. The Moses Lake Lioness Club will open its Space Burger booth March 21-23 at the Grant County Fairgrounds, Lioness Michaelle Boetger wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald.

Grossman named Freshman of the Year, Howard earns Honorable Mention

CHENEY – Eastern Washington University’s Kourtney Grossman has been named Big Sky Freshman of the Year. The Big Sky Conference announced its postseason awards Friday prior to the beginning of the 2025 Big Sky Tournament. Grossman also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention alongside the Eagles’ Peyton Howard.

Columbia MS has peaceful Friday after reported threat

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday the Moses Lake School District was made aware of a potential threat related to Columbia Middle School for Friday, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Soap Lake Liaison Committee eyes partnership with CBCD

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Lake Liaison Committee held a meeting Friday, inviting Ron Sawyer, the Conservation Director with the Columbia Basin Conservation District, to discuss potential collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns surrounding the city’s beloved lake. Sawyer, who brought extensive knowledge and experience in conservation practices, was welcomed as the committee seeks solutions for the lake's ecological challenges including the lowering of both water and mineral levels.

Legals for March, 10 2025