Lions aim to improve on state placing

MOSES LAKE — After placing sixth at last year’s state tournament, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys’ basketball team is looking to improve on its placing in the 2022-2023 season. “We’re going to set our sights on accomplishing what we did last year, but improving our results,” Head Coach Emerson Ferguson said. “Last year our goals were to be district champs, win our regional game and then place at state. We accomplished all of that, and this year we want to repeat that as well as improve on placing at state.” The Lions won 23 games last season, clinching a league title and their first state appearance since 2012.

MLHS girls wrestling creates a legacy

MOSES LAKE — When David Peralez, a 2010 graduate of Moses Lake High School, signed on to coach the Maverick girls wrestling team last season, he had the idea in mind to create a program similar to what boys wrestling is in Moses Lake. After a sixth-place finish at state last year, the Moses Lake girls wrestling team is off to a strong start in building its legacy. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have the girls have a program similar to the guys,” Peralez said. “Where it has a great degree of wrestlers coming back, I was more drawn to the idea of building this historic program much similar to the guys, and I think that wrestling is now starting to move towards having more girls participate, which I love seeing.”

Broncos ride with experience into 2022-2023 season

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville boy’s basketball team will be full of familiar faces. With the Broncos not having any seniors on the roster last year, much of the team will remain the same when they take the court for the 2022-2023 campaign. “We have everyone returning from last year; as a varsity team we didn’t graduate any seniors,” Head Coach Dustan Arlt said. “So we have all those kids back, plus we have a pretty big freshman class.”

Keeping Warm

Take steps now to winterize your house inside and out

COLUMBIA BASIN — As perceptive observers may have noticed, the weather has recently changed. Here in the Basin, we’ve had our brief annual visit from fall and winter is now pounding at our door like a battering ram. Which means it’s time to seal up, wrap up and warm up the house. “One of the things obviously, when you're coming into the winter, is that people at home should definitely be checking all their air filters,” said Logan Hickle, a spokesman for the Better Business Bureau. “They should be checking their windows and their doors, making sure all the correct sealants are in place, if anything's cracking, getting that replaced, because that can one help keep you warm and to save on energy bills.” “When you're worried about winterization, the biggest issues are the pipes, and then things like insulation,” said McLain Fanning, general manager of Ace Hardware in Royal City. “Of course, it's nice to have a good space heater. But that's not worth all that much if you have all these cracks in your home, if there's any spaces where you can see daylight through like a door frame or a window, or sometimes people will put a hole in their garage to run an air compressor hose into their shop or something. If there's any place where air can freely travel, basically that makes it so you're heating the world instead of just your home.”

‘Enriching lives’

Entrust Community Services helps people with disabilities be included

MOSES LAKE — Entrust Community Services’ slogan is “Enriching lives thorough opportunity,” and that’s what they’ve been doing, without a lot of fanfare or publicity. “We do four things,” said Entrust CEO Tom Gaulke. “We work with high school students with disabilities to try to help them get jobs before they graduate school. So they graduate into something not nothing. We work with folks with disabilities of all kinds in our employment program. And our employment program serves folks with a wide range of disabilities ... We do housing for folks who are living on the streets or are at risk of losing their homes. We help them find places to live ... And then the last thing we do is community inclusion, which is working with our families who have those adult children who maybe work is not something they want to pursue. And we work to connect them up to their community. So we engage in in clubs and classes and social activities within the community to give the parents a break, but then also to develop skills in those folks so they can gain some more independence and move throughout the community.”

‘Special and moving’

Warden teacher loves her little community

WARDEN — Jessica Galster still can’t believe she’s a teacher sometimes. Even though she’s been teaching first grade at Warden Elementary School for five years. “It is truly the most fulfilling job in the world. I drive to and from school every day thinking, ‘this is my job? Really? I get to do this with the coolest kids ever?” Galster said. “It still feels surreal.” A Central Washington University graduate who grew up in Ephrata, Galster — like a lot of teachers — describes teaching first grade as the best job in the world, one she feels called to because she was influenced by teachers when she was in school. “I wanted to become a teacher to help teach and advocate for students,” she said. “I want them to leave my room remembering how amazing and special they all are. … I am here to give the Warden students exactly the same — an advocate who will believe in them, love them and root for them for the rest of their lives.” “Also, hearing them sing the songs that I teach them is the cutest thing ever,” Galster added.

Huskies travel to the west side for quarterfinals matchup

OTHELLO – Coming off a 49-12 win over No. 12 seed Washington High School, the No. 5 Othello Huskies now prepare to travel to an undefeated No. 4 Enumclaw team, whose high-scoring offense has averaged 51.6 points per game this season. “They’ve got multiple weapons. They’ve got a running back that’s really, really good,” Othello defensive coordinator Kevin Hale said. “Their quarterback is solid, they’ve got very athletic playmakers at wide receiver. Certainly, we’re going to have our hands full, but we feel like they haven’t faced a defense like ours that’s as athletic and physical and can match their physicality and athleticism.” Riding high after a big win in the first round of the playoffs, the first for the Huskies in nine years, energy has been strong in practices this week.

First and foremost cowgirls

Young women vie to become Miss Moses Lake Roundup 2023

MOSES LAKE — Annabelle Booth said she was a great deal more confident going into this year’s Miss Moses Lake Roundup competition than she was in 2021. “I ran flags for the Moses Lake Roundup and this is my second year running for Miss Moses Lake Roundup queen,” said Booth, 23, before the roundup’s annual queen pageant on Saturday. “I’m definitely more prepared than I was last year, and I knew exactly what to expect.” Booth, who was Miss Last Stand Coulee City Rodeo in 2019, was one of four contestants — along with Milie Cobb, 19, of Ephrata; Jenna Penrose, 20, of Moses Lake; and Alexis Shoults, 19, of East Wenatchee — vying to wear the crown of Miss Moses Lake Roundup 2023. The four young women spent the day riding patterns on their own and other contestants’ horses, giving speeches, being interviewed by judges and answering questions about their favorite part of the Moses Lake Roundup and what they would do if they were thrown from a horse during a rodeo. “I’d get back up and say ‘rodeo on!’” Booth told pageant emcee Emma Gunderson, herself a former Miss Moses Lake Roundup in 2017.

‘We belong to the land’

Ceremony acknowledges Moses Lake’s original people

MOSES LAKE — At an hour-long ceremony on Tuesday, officials with the city of Moses Lake formally recognized the city sits on the homeland of the Moses-Columbia, or Škwáxčenex, people of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. “We acknowledge that the City of Moses Lake is encompassed by the historical homeland of the Škwáxčenex people (Moses-Columbia or Sinkiuse) of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. These lands were once a major trading center for the tribes of the Columbia Plateau. The Moses-Columbia shared this place by welcoming other tribes through their relations, history, trade and ceremony,” the land acknowledgment reads.

Suspect in custody in Othello shooting

OTHELLO — A juvenile suspect was taken into custody in the Tri-Cities Wednesday in connection with an early-morning shooting in Othello that left a Coulee Dam man with life-threatening injuries. The shooting occurred at about 12:43 a.m. at the Pik-a-Pop convenience store, 1235 S. 1st Ave. in Othello, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. David Rehaume, OPD assistant chief, said the motive for the shooting is still unclear. “That has yet to be determined,” he said. Neither the victim nor the suspect are from Othello, he said. According to the evidence available so far, the two did not not have a physical altercation. “There was some sort of conversation between the 25-year-old and the juvenile,” Rehaume said. The victim was transported by a private vehicle to Othello Community Hospital, and later transported to an outside medical facility in critical condition, the release said. The suspect was located later Wednesday morning in Tri-Cities and is being returned to Adams County, Rehaume said. The case is still under investigation.

Record-breaking family

Moses Lake’s DuVall surpasses records set by mother

MOSES LAKE – Competitive swimming is nothing new in the DuVall family, with Hollie DuVall – a 1998 graduate of Moses Lake High School who swam for the school’s swim team – and current Maverick sophomore Kathryn DuVall swimming for Moses Lake on the girl’s swim team that just placed fourth at state. Kathryn DuVall’s first two seasons with the Mavs have seen record-breaking performances, some of which were set by the teams Hollie DuVall was on. “It was awesome because that was my generation of swimming with the girls that I swam with, and to know how exciting it was for me when our group made the board, and it lasted 20 years before it was broken, and it was done by both of our swim teams,” Hollie DuVall said. The Mavericks broke the 200-yard medley relay record last season and broke the same record again. Hollie DuVall was an alternate on the 200-yard medley relay team that set the previous record in 1996.

RECAP: Seahawks, Kraken look to bounce back after losses; Rodríguez wins ROTY

SEATTLE – Both the Seattle Seahawks and Kraken saw their win streaks snapped last week, while the Seattle Mariners found themselves back in the headlines with an award for a certain star rookie outfielder. Check out this week’s professional sports recap for Washington’s team, with updates for the Seahawks, Kraken and Mariners.

Quincy to look for funding for indoor recreation facility project

QUINCY — Quincy city officials will be looking for funding options in 2023 to build an indoor recreation facility. Quincy City Council members directed city employees to start looking for money for the project on a 6-0 vote during the regular meeting Tuesday. With no discussion, council members decided to look for funding to build a facility of approximately 143,000 square feet, the largest of the four options presented to the council in late 2021. When it’s completed the Quincy Field House will be located in a currently-undeveloped section of Lauzier Park, just off 13th Avenue Northwest. City Administrator Pat Haley said in a later interview that preliminary plans for the project included the option of building the facility in phases or all at once. ‘“They chose the full buildout option,” Haley said. “The council decided they didn’t want to phase it.” Quincy Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said in a later interview that the field house would be part of a larger project of both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in the park. “It’s about 30 acres that we’re going to develop out there,” Harrington said.

Retelling meth's challenges

Local author writes book detailing drug abuse and recovery

EPHRATA - Patrick Durkin, also known by his pen name, Boston Bornagain, recently published a book called “Fire & Ice: The Meth Bible” depicting the struggles of a methamphetamine addict and his road to redemption. “That book, it's a book I wrote for the kid who’s trying drugs for the first time, (but) it's also a book about people looking for answers,” said Durkin. “I think everybody, even here in Grant County, everybody is affected by methamphetamine substance abuse.” Durkin also used his pen name to represent the main character in his book. As the story unfolds, Boston lives through a lot of the same or similar experiences that Durkin has had over the last 25 years. As Durkin put it, the story is based on 98% of the truth. Durkin’s book tells of the bad, the ugly and the scary that comes with illicit drug use. He brings to light what the “meth lifestyle” is really like. “There’s a whole underworld in the shadows of the places we live and it’s all over this country,” said Durkin...

Watson provides spark to Cougar rushing attack

PULLMAN – After exiting Washington State’s Oct. 8 matchup against USC with an injury, redshirt junior running back Nakia Watson has returned to give the Cougar run game a spark, resulting in the best two-game stretch of Watson’s collegiate career. “I’m really proud of that kid, I really have (been),” WSU Head Coach Jake Dickert said at a press conference Monday. “All the way remembering back to Wisconsin and how hard he played there, to getting some tough yards. To going through an injury, to battle back, to push through.” Watson, who transferred to Pullman from Wisconsin in 2021, rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against Stanford two weeks ago and 116 yards and three scores on 20 carries against Arizona State last week, a career-high for carries and touchdowns. “This is definitely one of the best parts of my career, having those games,” Watson said at a press conference on Tuesday. “It feels good knowing that everything is coming together, and it feels like my time has come.”

Sports schedule Nov. 16-22

COLUMBIA BASIN – It’s a lighter week of sports here in the Columbia Basin, but the stakes are still high. Three local teams are still competing for state titles, both across the state on the gridiron and in Yakima on the volleyball court. Check out this week’s sports schedule, which includes the football teams from Othello and Royal and the Ephrata volleyball team. Friday, Nov. 18 No. 15 Ephrata volleyball vs No. 2 Columbia River - state tournament game played at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Game begins at 10:45 a.m. Tournament runs through Saturday evening. Saturday, Nov. 19 No. 1 Royal football vs No. 8 Montesano - state quarterfinals playoff game, kickoff at 1 p.m. No. 5 Othello football at No. 4 Enumclaw - state quarterfinals playoff game, kickoff at 3 p.m. This week’s tournaments 1A State Football - includes Royal. 2A State Football - includes Othello. 2A State Volleyball - includes Ephrata

RECAP: Local teams compete for state titles

COLUMBIA BASIN – State championship season is in full swing for local teams here in the Columbia Basin, with seven schools sending teams off to state competition. Check out this week’s local sports recap for an update on how teams have fared in last week’s competitions...

Broncos place sixth at state

YAKIMA – The Lind-Ritzville Broncos placed sixth at last week’s 2B State Volleyball Tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome, beginning their run with a sweep of No. 6 Goldendale. The Broncos entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed, knocking off two higher-seeded opponents on their journey to placing sixth. “I think they proved to themselves that when you set goals, and you have the mentality to work and earn what you want, it can be done,” Head Coach Cari Galbreath said. “I think this team really set out to accomplish something at state and to compete and work together. They did that and they came out medaling, so that was really rewarding.” Lind-Ritzville first took on Goldendale, who finished the regular season undefeated in league play. They finished the first game in sweeping fashion, winning 26-24, 25-21 and 25-21...

GALLERY: Winners podium

FEDERAL WAY – Moses Lake High School swimmers performed well in the state meet Friday and Saturday with multiple young athletes receiving medals for their efforts.

Full house

Quincy Chamber, Rotary banquet supported by community

QUINCY — The crowd filled the Quincy Business and Event Center as the fundraising auction and dinner sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce and Quincy Rotary Club returned after a pandemic-induced break. “This is the first one in three years,” said Rotary president Gigi Lowry. Normally it’s held every other year, she said. “There’s always been pretty good attendance. It’s kind of like the event of the year,” she said. Chamber executive director Cari Mathews said the dinner sold out. “Salute to Service” was the 2022 theme, in recognition of active-duty military, veterans and first responders including the Quincy Police Department, Grant County Fire District 3 and Protection 1 EMS...