Lions Park expansion, planning for road improvements in 2025 Royal City budget

ROYAL CITY — Royal City will spend some of its reserves to expand Lions Park and will be working on designing improvements to Apple Avenue Northeast. Royal City City Council members approved the city’s 2025 budget in December. The city’s current expense fund is budgeted at about $2 million. It’s projected to end 2025 with about $1.9 million, a decrease from $2.2 million at the end of 2024. Janice Flynn, the city’s finance director, said the city will use part of the money for Lions Park improvements. The park is located on Camelia Street. “We’re spending some of our funds,” Flynn said.

Moses Lake Museum exhibit explores humanity

MOSES LAKE — An exhibit opening next week at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will take a closer look at what it means to be human. “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?” will open Jan. 10, according to Gallery Director Veronica Talbot. It’s a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, she said.

More than 700 ACPR animals found homes in 2024

Rescue hopes for more adoptions and education in 2025

OTHELLO — The Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year taking in 604 dogs and 432 cats in 2024. Of those pets, 383 dogs and 321 cats found their forever homes. There were 180 transfers to other shelters.

Fixing the damage

It’s wise to have a pro on your side when filing a claim

MOSES LAKE — It was, as they say, a dark and stormy night. Now it’s the next morning, and you’re looking with dismay at the tree that the wind sent crashing into your roof. You’ve got homeowners insurance, of course, but where do you go from there? “I hope you have an agent, as opposed to an 800 number,” said Chris Arnberg, an American Family Insurance agent in Moses Lake. “If you just have an 800 number, a company … where you don't have an actual person whose job it is to provide individual service, if you call to ask about opening a claim, they're going to open a claim.”

MLK Jr. program to take place Jan. 20

MOSES LAKE — The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program will take place Jan. 20, according to committee President Miranda Bridges, celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. “It's a chance for the community to come together and be supportive to one another, recognize Dr. King’s life and his dream and his vision for all of us,” Bridges said.

Big Bend AD Griffin looks to create strong ties with community

MOSES LAKE – Creating a bond with the community is a focal point for new Big Bend Athletics Director Benjamin Griffin. Griffin takes over for former athletics director John Meeks, who was named the Director of Athletics at Vincennes University in August.

Boness sets numerous LRS rushing records

RITZVILLE – On Nov. 9, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos took the field one final time in their 2024 season, traveling to face 1A Riverside in a non-league matchup. Having scheduled to play the Rams earlier that week, there wasn’t much time to prepare for their upcoming opponent. With short notice, the bulk of the game plan relied on senior running back Brody Boness.

Water, streets, sewer, parks included in Quincy capital budget

QUINCY — Between sewer system upgrades and repairs, street work and water system improvements – among many other possible projects – 2025 is going to be a busy year in Quincy. Quincy City Council members approved a list of possible capital projects for 2025 at a special council meeting Dec. 23.

‘That wasn’t really something I was expecting’

Royal’s Lance Allred sets 1A title game touchdown record

ROYAL CITY – Heading into the 1A state football championship game against Seton Catholic earlier this month, Royal senior Lance Allred didn’t expect to add his name to the record books.

Jensen, Urias continue as president, VP of MLSD board

MOSES LAKE – During the Dec. 19 regular Moses Lake school board meeting the board elected new representees for board positions.

WSU scientist gifts world healthier Christmas trees

PUYALLUP - For more than 40 years, Washington State University Extension scientist Gary Chastagner has found solutions to Christmas tree diseases and other related problems, helping ensure the beloved holiday tradition remains possible. Known worldwide as “Dr. Christmas Tree,” Chastagner has also played an important role in keeping Christmas tree farms in the Pacific Northwest and beyond economically viable.

Long journey: WSU scientists travel from India to Adams County

LIND — As the crow flies, the state of Rajasthan in Northwestern India is a long way from the state of Washington. But in some ways, they’re very similar. “A mountain range goes through the middle of the state (of Rajasthan),” said Dr. Surendra Singh, director of the Washington State University Lind Dryland Research Station. “The other side gets all the rain and we don't. And after 10 years, I ended up again on the drier side of the mountains.”

Mattawa council approves 2025 budget

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa is projected to spend about $6.8 million in 2025 for city operations. The city will be required to use some reserve funds next year, which prompted council member Tony Acosta to vote against passage of the budget at the Dec. 19 council meeting.

Ybarra expects ‘twists and turns’ in 2025 WA session

QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, said the Washington Legislature has some big decisions to make, which he expects will result in a turbulent legislative session. “I think it’s going to be a big fight over there. I think there are going to be a lot of twists and turns,” Ybarra said. “But it’s going to be really, really interesting.”

Defense rules the court as the Eagles defeat Gauchos

CHENEY — The last hurrah for Eastern Washington women's basketball in 2024 was on Reese Court tonight and they closed out the non-conference schedule with a return to a familiar formula for success. Eastern defeated UC Santa Barbara, 54-46, on Friday night behind a strong defensive effort through all four quarters. EWU finishes its non-conference slate with a 4-8 record, while the Gauchos fall to 7-5.

House of hope

Oxford House opens new home for women and children in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The house on Ashley Way looks like most other houses in the neighborhood. It’s got an upstairs and a downstairs, bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and a deck. But it’s an Oxford House, which means it also holds hope.

First RitzFest overcomes hitches to showcase local talent

RITZVILLE — The first annual RitzFest – a new festival showcasing local musical talent – went off well, all things considered.

CBBRC to host Patriot Fall Classic Race

MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin Barrel Racing Club will host its third classic race of the year early next month, with the Patriot Fall Classic Race coming to the Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Warden Community Days this weekend

Local festival celebrates the last few days of summer at Volunteer Park

WARDEN — The town of Warden will gather this weekend at Volunteer Park for its annual Warden Community Days celebration. The event used to be held on Labor Day itself, but the last few years it’s been a three-day event, said Renay Jorgensen, one of seven or eight volunteers who organize Community Days.

Hayden Homes shows off model home at Polo Ridge

MOSES LAKE — The homes at Polo Ridge are going up and selling fast.