Sleep Center sheds to be replaced with Pallet shelters

MOSES LAKE — The Open Doors Sleep Center will get an upgrade soon. The Moses Lake City Council gave final approval March 26 for the purchase of 40 Pallet Shelter structures to replace the sheds currently in use. The move has been in the works for some time, City Manager Kevin Fuhr said, but the city wanted to move quickly in order to get a good deal on the shelters. “The Pallet shelters that we're purchasing, they don't make anymore,” Fuhr said. “They've got 100 available to purchase, and we're trying to secure 40 of them. That's why we wanted to get this done ASAP ... because the new Pallet shelters that they're building are costing more money and we didn't want to pay more if we didn't have to.”

Ronald E. Ries

May 7, 1945 – March 23, 2024

Ronald E. Ries, 78, passed away on March 23, 2024, at Samaritan Hospital. Ronald was a modest and private man whose last wishes included a request that no services be held. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories. Ronald was born on May 7, 1945, in Long Beach, California, the son of the late Darrell and Mary Ellen Ries. His family moved to Moses Lake in 1949. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1963. He met his future wife, Janet N. Ries, while attending college and was married to her in 1965 in Ephrata. In 1967, Ronald graduated from Central Washington University with a B.A. in Business and Accounting and enlisted in the Air Force. In the service, Ronald received flight training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona and pilot-instructor training in Panama City, Florida.

Active April

Events scheduled for the next month of 2024.

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally springing up, and the Basin is teeming with things to do and enjoy. This listing is noncomprehensive and event details may change or events may be canceled at the organizers’ discretion. Readers are encouraged to call ahead or verify the information below online prior to the event.

Law enforcement records for March 29, 2024

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Ephrata PD March 21 Report of a two-vehicle non-injury collision at Dodson Road and SR 282. March 22 Report of damage to a vehicle in the 200 block of Pioneer Avenue Southeast. Reporting party advised that feminine hygiene products had been stuck to her vehicle and change thrown on the front windshield.

City to revise parking time limits

MOSES LAKE — The parking situation in downtown Moses Lake may get a little easier, under new regulations the city is considering. Some downtown businesses have complained to the city that there’s no place for their employees to park, and others have complained that downtown employees are taking up spaces that customers could be using. “Customers were saying things to me that they got a good parking spot and they usually don't, or they had to go around the block a couple of times to pull up and find a parking spot, or they had to park (farther away),” said Magen Evans, owner of Hello Nature, which opened in November at 312A S Division St., in the space formerly occupied by Sears. “So I kind of started keeping an eye on the cars out there. But I noticed that all 10 spots (in front of the store) were full, and it seemed to be the same cars every day, and sometimes some would swap out and different ones would come in. And they were here from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. typically, and they weren’t leaving.”

‘78 years of prayers’

Memorial Christian Church to sing last hymn, but considers a seed of Hope

EPHRATA – After more than 70 years, Ephrata’s Memorial Christian Church will soon shut down after decades of service to the community, Pastor Don Dunn and church elders said in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald last week. “It’s an aging thing…,” Dunn said. “One of the people in another church in town says that they’re aging out, and I think we’ve kind of aged out and the ministry has changed.”

Ephrata council considers compression brake ordinance

EPHRATA -- Last week the Ephrata City Council discussed the possibility of adding a “Jake” Brake Ordinance, stemming from a letter from a community member.

Two Lewis-McChord pilots taken to hospital after crash

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AP) — An Army helicopter crashed at a military base in Washington state during a routine training exercise Monday night, sending the two pilots to a hospital.

Dean Ford

December 7, 1940 – March 12, 2024

Elliott Eudene Ford was born in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, on Dec. 7, 1940, to Iva and Elliott C. Ford. He passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 83. Dean, as he was known, grew up in a family of eight children. He moved to Washington state, where he married Colleen (née Stokes) and joined the Air Force in 1959. After his service, he returned to Washington to join his wife, and they raised three daughters together: Debbie, Terri and Deanna. Dean was an independent businessman and owned and operated Dean Ford RV and I-90 RV in Moses Lake, Washington.

Rosemary Triche

July 7, 1940 – March 11, 2024

Rosemary Marjorie Triche, 83, formerly of Moses Lake, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024, of natural causes. Rosemary was born July 7, 1940, in Chelmsford, Essex, England to James and Marjorie Fisher, and was raised in Maldon (known for its sea salt). The eldest of five children, Rosemary enjoyed a childhood of memories with her siblings as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins whom were dear to her. However, Rosemary was a spunky teenager with dreams of marrying a GI from the United States. Her dream came true when she met Wilson (“Buck”) Triche from Louisiana, stationed at Wethersfield Air Force Base in Essex. They were married in January of 1963, and Rosemary was proud to attend Air Force events on the arm of her handsome staff sergeant. In 1968, they welcomed Jason Lee Triche into their family, and life was never the same. Jason was Rosemary’s pride and joy. She loved sharing stories of his childhood as well as his accomplishments with anyone she met. Jason was blessed with a deep love from both of his parents and is appreciative of all they did for him.

Property crimes such as vandalism may qualify as hate crimes in WA

OLYMPIA – Some property crimes now can be classed as hate crimes if they are racially motivated or if they target other marginalized communities. Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane, said he was motivated to press for changes in what can be classed as a hate crime when vandals attacked a gay pride display in Spokane that shocked the community.

Columbia Basin events for March 18-24

COLUMBIA BASIN – The Columbia Basin may seem quiet and slow, and it can be when that’s what you want, but it also has a lot going on that area residents can have a little fun with. Here are several events coming up in the next week. If you have an event you’d like to appear in the paper, submit it via our website’s events tab.

Historic road trips

Quincy museum announces 2024 educational field trip schedule

QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum will be back on the road for 2024 with a series of tours and lectures detailing the geological and human history of the region. Seating on the bus is limited; interested people can go on the museum website and purchase tickets. Ticket prices vary depending on the tour and whether or not the tour includes lunch, said QVHSM Director of Operations Harriet Weber.

Overcoming challenges

Ephrata's Ben Belino overcomes physical challenges to compete after accident leads to amputation.

EPHRATA – Back in December, Ephrata High School senior Ben Belino received the EHS Challenge Coin, a memento for Tiger students and staff who accomplish extraordinary things.

CWU professor’s award-winning geology show renewed for another season

ELLENSBURG – Since 2017, Nick Zentner has been bringing his love of geology to fans across the world on his Emmy Award-winning show, Nick on the Rocks.

Basin sports schedule for March 13-19

COLUMBIA BASIN – Spring sports is in full swing – had to say it, this is the golf preview after all – in the Basin. This week sees baseball, tennis, softball and golf for multiple area schools.

VROOM into 2024

Car shows in the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE – As spring pulls up and shows its face in the beams of our headlights, there are loads of car shows coming to the Columbia Basin over the next few months. Car aficionados can polish their valve covers, get their cameras ready and head out to take a look at streets full of classic sedans, antique vehicles, street rods, rat rods, lowriders, modern mods, trucks, motorcycles and much more at car shows throughout the rest of the year.

James Conklin

James Conklin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away February 23, 2024, at age 81 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Born and raised in Omak, Washington, he served in the Air Force, reenlisted in the Navy and was assigned to an Army unit in Vietnam. During his service, he married his first wife Marie and had a daughter, Candace.

Museum to show free movies for Women’s History Month

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will offer a series of free movie screenings this month, in honor of Women’s History Month, according to an announcement from Museum Communications Coordinator Tamara Valdez.

Local communities to get urban forestry grants

OLYMPIA — Three Basin communities will benefit from state and federal grants to revitalize their greenery, as part of the Washington State Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. Othello, Ritzville and Coulee Dam were among the 45 recipients of the grant, according to an announcement from Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.