Late wins push Mavs to 35-32 win over Sunnyside

Moses Lake wins Big 9

MOSES LAKE – With the Mavericks holding a 35-32 lead entering the final match of Tuesday’s dual against Sunnyside, Moses Lake sophomore Cristian Ramos knew was on the line as he took the mat for the 285-pound bout; a win meant Moses Lake would win its first Big 9 title since 2018.

WA Lawmakers consider rural nursing education

OLYMPIA - Lawmakers determined to address nursing shortages across the state have proposed a new bill to establish a remote nursing education program for rural students. The bill aims to deliver education and training to registered nurses who want to learn, live, and work in their communities.

Legislators eye Climate Commitment Act funding for road projects

OLYMPIA — As Washington state's roads continue to deteriorate and transportation funding faces significant challenges, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is calling for a public hearing on House Bill 1324. This proposed legislation aims to redirect excess revenues from the Climate Commitment Act toward urgent road projects, seeking to alleviate a growing infrastructure backlog that currently exceeds $11 billion, according to a statement from Barkis.

Study will evaluate EMS service in GC Fire District 3

QUINCY — Emergency medical services in Grant County Fire District 3, what they cost and their future in the Quincy area, will be the subject of a study commissioned by the fire district and its EMS partners. “We’re in the process of selecting a firm to (conduct) the study,” said GCFD 3 Chief David Durfee. “We’re estimating it’s going to take about four months.”

Ephrata super wants to ensure voters informed on EP&O levy

EPHRATA – As February 11 draws closer, Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray says he wants to make sure voters in the district have what they need to make an informed decision regarding the school district’s education programs and operations levy. The levy is set to replace the current levy that expires this year.

Worker retraining, sick leave focus of new Washington laws

OLYMPIA — Changes to Washington law will give more options to Washington employers looking to keep on workers who are recovering from temporary disabilities. Other changes will expand eligibility to use sick leave to take care of family members and increase the amount families can receive through a once-yearly financial emergency program.

Cook powers Eastern to dominant win over Weber State

OGDEN, Utah – Eastern Washington (7-16, 3-7) bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Weber State (8-14, 2-7) 72-49, fueled by Andrew Cook's dominant all-around performance.

Cool update

Owner Cody Hall cuts the ceremonial ribbon at Blue Palm Frozen Treats, surrounded by Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce members

GCFD 3 pays off two fire stations

QUINCY — A facilities committee will be evaluating Grant County Fire District 3 stations to determine priorities for upgrades following the final payment on the bond that built the main fire station in Quincy. Fire district officials announced last week the bond was paid off at the end of 2024.

Warden brothers open dispensary in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The grand opening for Grant County’s newest dispensary, Green Roads Cannabis happened Friday. The dispensary is owned and operated by two Warden brothers, Eddie and Rolando Rodriguez. The new store is located on 224 West Valley Road in the former Valley Eye Care building.

Legals for February, 3 2025

Home and Garden Show a great place to gear up for spring projects

MOSES LAKE — It’s getting close to the time when people start to come out of their winter hibernation and get serious about the projects they’ve been waiting to tackle. The Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show, coming to Moses Lake Feb. 28 and March 1, could be an excellent place to start.

Building Permits for Jan. 31, 2025

Building Permits for Jan. 31, 2025

One infrastructure project complete, others planned for Royal City

ROYAL CITY — Cross one long, long project off the list. The last section of old water line in Royal City was replaced in 2024, wrapping up a project that Mayor Michael Christensen said took a while. “Over the years we’ve been trying to upgrade our water system, and now the entire city is upgraded,” Christensen said. “That was a long time coming and it was a bit of a task.”

2024 projects, challenges continuing into 2025 in Quincy

QUINCY — Accommodating growth and upgrading infrastructure were the big challenges facing the city of Quincy in 2024, and they’re the challenges going into 2025. Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley said the city’s water and wastewater treatment facilities have been, and will continue to be, at the top of the agenda. “(Evaluating) what’s required in terms of growth and upgrades. Our facilities are aged, or at capacity, and that’s probably true for those cities of our size or communities that are growing,” Haley said. “So, we’re still pretty aggressively working on those things.”

Othello’s Pruneda signs with Walla Walla CC

OTHELLO — Othello senior Emi Pruneda signed to play both soccer and softball at Walla Walla Community College last Monday, celebrating furthering her athletic career with family, friends and coaches.

Taking to the streets

Expanded Brews & Tunes coming to Moses Lake on March 15

MOSES LAKE — It may feel like spring is a long, long way off, but Moses Lake is gearing up to welcome it back March 15. “Brews & Tunes is St. Paddy’s Day weekend,” said Downtown Moses Lake Association Director Mallory Miller. “It’s the first event that happens after wintertime and people are ready to get out of the house. Last year it was 75 degrees somehow, so cross your fingers for that this year.”

WA gun control bills spark debate

OLYMPIA – Proposals before the Washington Legislature that would change laws around purchasing and carrying firearms have prompted scrutiny and debate.

Othello Public Works set for a busy 2025

OTHELLO — Some long-term projects in Othello reached completion in 2024, and there’s a whole list of new projects planned for 2025. Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen summed it up. “There’s a lot going on,” she said. Summer 2024 saw the completion of a project that was first considered in 2019, the opening of the new Iron Horse playground in Lions Park. Most of the project was paid for with grants the city received from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office and a capital appropriation from the Washington Legislature.

Playing with the future...

STEM event gets children excited about science and technology

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM event at Garden Heights Elementary School Thursday was a little more popular than expected. “We haven’t officially counted yet, but we got over 600 parents and students,” said David Estrada, STEM programs manager for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance, which put on the event. The organizers only anticipated about 300, he added.