Legals for October, 17 2025

‘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.”

Renewed legal battle ramps up over Columbia Basin dams and salmon

A long-running court battle over how to balance protections for endangered fish with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin has resumed after a two-year pause. Conservationists, anglers and clean energy groups, along with the state of Oregon, asked a federal court Tuesday to grant a preliminary injunction that would change how eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers operate. They argue that these changes would improve the conditions for salmon and steelhead survival.

Ephrata looking for architect to remodel potential new city hall

EPHRATA — The final layout of a former business recently purchased by the city of Ephrata, and the ultimate fate of the existing Ephrata City Hall, are still to be determined. That will be part of the process of remodeling the old Rite-Aid building at 250 Basin St. SW. Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry said the first step will be hiring an architect. “We’ll budget for a (request for proposals) for an architect to redesign that space for us next year,” Towry said. “Depending on how involved you want to be, and (how much) we want to involve the public in that design, will determine the length of time it takes.” The existing city hall and the possible uses of the old Rite-Aid building were among the items discussed at the regular meeting of the Ephrata City Council Wednesday. Council members also discussed revisions to a union contract and renaming two streets at the site of the new Grant County Jail.

Cougars compete at Apple Ridge cross country course

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars Cross Country team competed in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference’s week three event at Apple Ridge Cross Country course in Yakima. Cougars head coach Karla Banks said the team had multiple runners set new personal records at the meet. “They all had lots of determination,” said Banks. “I was really impressed, they showed off their talents and their skills, and they did it with a big smile on their face.” Aiden Castro led the Cougars boys team in the three-mile race with a time of 22.59.99. Coming up next was Soren Clausen with 23:12.54 and Enrique Gutierrez with 35:42.45 on the course.

Wildcats rank second in conference preseason poll

ELLENSBURG — On Oct. 14, the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference announced its preseason poll for the upcoming women’s basketball season. The Central Washington Wildcats were voted the second-best team in the conference and received four first-place votes, according to the statement by GNAC. Just ahead of them by a point and ranked first are the Western Washington Vikings. After finishing 23-8 last season, the Wildcats advanced to their first sweet 16 in the NCAA Division II tournament after overcoming Point Loma and Chico State. Heading into this season the Wildcats have reloaded and are poised to make another run, their coach said.

EWU announces stadium renovations

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University Athletics announced they are beginning a series of projects to renovate Roos Field. The first step in this process begins with replacing the track, and EWU athletics held a ceremony for that project on Oct. 10. “The track facility will give our student athletes the space and resources they deserve to train, compete, and pursue excellence,” EWU Athletic Director Tim Collins said. “But make no mistake, the project is about much more than a track. It’s about setting the foundation for the renovation of Roos Field and ultimately, the next chapter of Eagle Athletics.” The envisioned improvements will expand event opportunities, enhance fan experiences, strengthen recruiting efforts, and allow student athletes to compete at the highest levels, the statement said.

Basin girls soccer roundup Oct. 9 – Oct. 14

MOSES LAKE – With just over two weeks left of Basin girls soccer, teams are making their push for a spot in the postseason. See below where your favorite teams stand and their current record.

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.

Ephrata’s new code enforcement officer focused on standards

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata hired Ioan Horvat as the new code enforcement and building inspector. Horvat says he aims to bolster the city’s municipal standards and enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents. “I’ve been working for the last 20 years, mostly in construction and construction management. I focused on quality control, and this is the link to code enforcement,” Horvat said.

Othello Hospital Commissioner Pos. 2: Lallas vs. Logan

OTHELLO — John Lallas and Martha Logan are running for Position 2 on the Othello Community Hospital Board. The position was left open in March, when former board member Shirley McCullough resigned. Lallas and Logan both applied for the open job, and Lallas was appointed to the board in June. The Columbia Basin Herald provided questions to both candidates, but Logan did not respond. Candidates had a word limit.

Basin teams compete in Hole in the Wall Invitationals

MOSES LAKE – Cross Country teams from around the Columbia Basin had a busy weekend with Lind-Ritzville, Othello and Wahluke going to the Max Jensen Invitational and Quincy going to the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational. The Moses Lake Mavericks split their team between the two meets.

Ephrata Middle installs inclusive playground

EPHRATA — Ephrata Middle School has completed installation of a new, inclusive playground designed to enhance outdoor playtime and learning opportunities for all students.

50 years of art

Old Hotel Gallery celebrates golden anniversary at auction Saturday

OTHELLO — The Old Hotel Art Gallery will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its benefit auction Saturday.

LETTER: Imagine health care as a sacred right

Imagine a national healthcare system not built on profit, paperwork, or exclusion—but on mercy, justice, and love. A system that says: “You are worthy of care. Not because of your job, your passport, or your bank account—but because you are human.” In this model, every person is covered — citizens, residents, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, migrant workers, and even tourists. No one is asked for payment. No one is turned away. Just as Jesus healed the sick without condition, this system offers care as a sacred right. The system is sustained through progressive taxation, where those with greater means contribute more. This reflects the Biblical ethic: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Wasteful spending on billing departments and insurance bureaucracy is eliminated, freeing billions to be reinvested in actual care.

The Mariners are peaking at the right time

As I write this, the Mariners have yet to play the third game in the American League Championship Series. They are up to 2-0 on the Toronto Blue Jays and at least two games away from punching their ticket to the World Series.

MLSD superintendent to address community concerns

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis is planning to address the entire Moses Lake community at tonight’s Moses Lake School Board meeting about recent misunderstandings during the superintendent's report.

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.

Warden raises levy collection by 1%

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved an increase in the City of Warden’s levy at the Oct. 14 regular council meeting. This will bring around $6,860 to the city.

ELECTION Q&A: Soap Lake mayoral candidates

SOAP LAKE — There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.