Grant County building permits

Grant County building permits

Othello mayor elect says a number of issues need attention

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson leads the race for Othello mayor in unofficial results updated Thursday afternoon, and said some issues require immediate attention if he wins. As of Thursday, Johnson had 478 votes to 398 for Logan.

Irvin 'Dean' Callahan

Nov. 10, 1945 — Nov. 1, 2025

Irvin “Dean” Callahan, 79, of Royal City, Wash., passed away while on vacation in Butte, Mont., on Nov. 1, 2025.

Shutdown threatens Head Start funding for Family Services of Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The Head Start program operated by Family Services of Grant County will have to close after Nov. 14, at least temporarily, if federal funding is not restored. Executive Director Sally Gundry said the funding cycle for the Moses Lake facility meant its federal money stopped as of Nov. 1.

Important community elections to be decided tomorrow

EPHRATA — A $30 million bond proposal for Columbia Basin Hospital, a $3.55 million bond request for the Othello Community Pool, levy lid lift proposals for Mattawa Community Medical Clinic and Adams County Fire District 5 are among the issues on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Ballots must be returned by Nov. 4, either through the mail or a drop box, and mailed ballots must have a Nov. 4 postmark or earlier to be counted.

MLSD hosting bullying town hall today

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting community members to participate in a town hall meeting focused on addressing bullying and its prevention on Oct. 29. The event will take place at the Learning Services Center and is designed to foster open dialogue between district leadership and the community regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Fire season officially ends in Washington

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fire season has officially come to a close as of Monday, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck.

Moses Lake council, board eye cooperative efforts

MOSES LAKE — Facility use, working to give children alternatives and opportunity, improving partnerships that help students looking at careers were discussed as areas of cooperation at a joint meeting of the Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the advantages of cooperation extended beyond making it easier for city and district residents.

Karen Lynn Barnes

1938-2025

Karen Lynn Barnes, 87, was born in Seattle to Bill and Marion Dettman in 1938 and passed away peacefully in Ephrata, Wash., on Oct. 19.

Mavs dominate first round of state tournament

YAKIMA – The Mavericks slowpitch softball team is off to a hot start in the 4A state tournament after defeating eighth-seed Lake Washington 21-0 in the first round. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said while he liked what he saw, it’s important they remain focused on sustaining their momentum.

Mavericks earn non-league win over Tigers

EPHRATA – On Thursday, the Moses Lake Mavericks (8-6) defeated the Ephrata Tigers (2-12) 3-0. Head Coach Krystal Trammell said they were able to try some new things during this game, and the players responded well.

Marlene Keith

1937 – 2025

Marlene Marie Keith of Quincy, Washington, died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 88, reuniting in heaven with the love of her life.

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.

Othello voters considering $3.55M pool bond

OTHELLO — Othello voters will be asked to accept or reject a $3.55 million bond to pay for repairs to the Othello Community Pool, and renovations where needed. Othello City Council members voted in July to submit the proposal to voters, and Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said the money will pay for repairs, but few, if any, changes.

No injuries in Moses Lake house fire

MOSES LAKE — Nobody was injured in a fire in the Larson community Monday afternoon, according to Grant County Fire District 5 Chief Dan Smith.

Knights defeat Wahluke, remain unbeaten

ROYAL CITY – On Friday, the Royal Knights (7-0) and the Wahluke Warriors (2-5) met in a South Central Athletic Conference game. The Knights were dominant offensively, defeating the Warriors 65-6.

Power line sparks small fire near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A downed power line sparked a small fire in the McConihe Flats area northwest of Moses Lake Friday afternoon.

‘Early stages of critical failure’: Funding outlook is grim for WA road upkeep

State transportation officials say they are making the limited dollars for highway and bridge preservation stretch as far as they can — but it’s not far enough. There’s too little money to keep up with repaving roads, repairing aging spans and responding to emergency fixes. “We are in the early stages of critical failure due to lack of funding,” Troy Suing, director of capital program development and management for Washington State Department of Transportation, told a state panel Tuesday. “We are doing everything we can to squeeze out as much service life as we can,” he told members of the Washington State Transportation Commission. “We are underfunded. We are forced to be reactive when we look at our assets right now.”

GCSO blotter Oct. 3-4, 2025

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office provided the incident details noted below. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Port of Othello working to expand airport services

OTHELLO — Port of Othello commissioners are looking to expand services at the Othello Municipal Airport and have purchased a hangar with the potential to do that.