More questions than answers in quiet attempt to invalidate WA initiatives

(The Center Square) - Plenty of questions remain about last Friday’s Washington Supreme Court rulings on two lawsuits related to voter initiatives set for placement on the general election ballot in November.

Good weather, great fun at Grant County Fair this week

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Grant County Fair isn’t looking so hot. And that’s a good thing. “This is my sixth year, fifth fair because we didn't have (one in) 2020, and it's the best weather forecast we've had since I've been here,” said Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan. “(The heat) really changed the dynamics of the way it worked last year. Our peak crowds have always been around eight o'clock, but it even pushed a little bit later last year, because it was 105 for five days last year, and then smokey on Saturday and 95. So hopefully some of the people that are somewhat sensitive to heat will come out and enjoy the daytime temperatures.”

Agri-Service Demo Derby begins Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — The engines will roar, the dirt will fly and a whole lot of metal will go crunch Tuesday and Wednesday at the Agri-Service Demo Derby, held at the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo grounds at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

NEWS BITES for August 12, 2024

EPHRATA – A 40-year-old Ephrata man was injured due to a one-vehicle collision in the late morning on Friday according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. There was a semi-rollover collision at North Frontage Road just East of Adams Road. Jesus Villa Ambriz was driving a 2003 tractor-trailer westbound on North Frontage Road when his vehicle failed to make a northbound curve. Villa Ambriz sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital.

STUDIO BASIN: Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete and an All-American athlete

MOSES LAKE -- On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete to discuss a recent marijuana bust in the Ephrata area, National Night Out and safety for the upcoming Grant County Fair.

Legals for August, 12 2024

BMX Track adding lights

MOSES LAKE – Soon the Larson BMX Track will be able to extend its racing season, as the track is installing light poles to illuminate the track after the sun begins to set.

Chip-sealing scheduled for SR 26 next week

OTHELLO — Drivers on State Route 26 between Othello and Vantage should be ready for occasional delays starting Monday through Aug. 22 as construction crews work on pavement repair. “Travelers will encounter pilot cars and flagger-controlled traffic while contractors perform chip sealing work during daylight hours,” wrote Sebastian Moraga, communications officer for the Washington Department of Transportation.

‘We’re human too’

Quincy National Night Out connects law enforcement with the community

QUINCY — The kids who came to Lauzier Park Monday evening for National Night Out knew what they wanted. “Mostly candy. They come up, they take the shots and run over for stuff,” said Tom Richardson, who was manning the Quincy Valley Medical Center booth. QVMC had set up a beanbag toss painted like a giant game of “Operation,” and youngsters who made a shot could take a treat. “They enjoy it. One year we had a kid who just kept looping through over and over just to keep playing.”

Miniature therapy horse visits Brookdale Hearthstone

MOSES LAKE — Of all the things residents at Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake expected to find in the halls of the assisted living facility, a horse wasn’t one of them.

The Watershed King

Leaving a legacy of free hugs and kindness

GEORGE - While Watershed Festival may be known for the big-name artists that hit the stage every year, one person you may not have heard about yet is the Watershed King.

Cougar men's basketball announces WCC slate

PULLMAN – The Washington State men's basketball team announced its 2024-25 West Coast Conference schedule. The Cougars, who joined the WCC for the season as affiliate members alongside Oregon State, will renew a historic regional series with Gonzaga as part of the 18-game schedule, culminating in the 2025 WCC Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo enforcement tech in full effect in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — There has been a significant increase in tickets being issued via photo enforcement technology for running red lights or speeding in school zones. The implementation of the tickets began on June 6. In June there were only 43 tickets. However, in July the court saw 1,159 tickets from the photo enforcement devices.

Spirit of the rodeo

Moses Lake Roundup to unveil signature whiskey

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo and Moses Lake Distillery will debut Spurstride, the rodeo’s official signature whiskey, tomorrow at Business After Hours at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Legals for August, 5 2024

OFM corrects overstated revenue loss if capital gains tax repeal passes

(The Center Square) – Opponents of Initiative 2109 to repeal Washington state's capital gains tax are adjusting their marketing materials after a recent correction from the Office of Financial Management.

‘Extremely blessed’

Twin home-based businesses expand quickly

OTHELLO — Thirteen months ago, Kip and Ilene Burns cut the ribbon on a trailer containing their two home improvement businesses, Blinds for Any Budget and B&B Overhead Door Specialists. Today, they’re all over the map.

Making connections

National Night Out brings cops and community together

COLUMBIA BASIN — For some people, the only time they interact with the local police is when they’re asked for their license and registration. Several law enforcement agencies are out to change that next week at National Night Out, when law enforcement and other first responders take the opportunity to mingle with the public they serve at an outdoor celebration.

ROAD REPORT: Soap Lake streets projects underway

Other transportation projects continue statewide

SOAP LAKE — Curbs and gutters are going in along a section of Soap Lake streets that provide access to East Beach Park. The curbs and sidewalks are part of an upgrade to the streets next to the park, which includes paving sections of First Avenue Northeast and North Canna Street.

Mentoring on the gridiron

MLHS football players lead instruction at youth camp

MOSES LAKE – A large collection of youth football players gathered on the Moses Lake High School practice fields this week for the Mav Youth Football Camp, bringing out children from kindergarten through eighth grade to learn from current Moses Lake football players.