Roundup results for Day 3

MOSES LAKE – Day three of the Moses Lake Roundup saw champions crowned in all eight events, from bareback riding to bull riding. Tilden Hooper’s performance on Saturday gave him a score of 86.5, securing a win in the bareback riding competition. Entering Saturday’s competition there was a three-way tie for first place in the steer wrestling competition. Bryton Edmunds’ time of 3.5 seconds on Saturday locked in a win in the event. In team roping, the team of Egusquiza/Graves timed in an event-leading 4.1 seconds on Friday evening. Their score held true throughout the Saturday competition, giving them the win. Dawson Hay scored an 87 on Thursday in the saddle bronc, and no other competitors were able to surpass that mark in the following two days of the rodeo...

Goodwill program receives funding for digital literacy program

TACOMA - A press release by Goodwill states that the five Goodwill agencies that serve Washington have received a one-year $3.68 million grant extension from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office to bring digital literacy, acces, and training services to all 39 counties of the state after a successful six-month pilot program. “In collaboration with all the other regional Goodwill organizations in Washington, we are thrilled to provide digital navigation services across the entire state,” said Eu-wanda Eagans, senior vice president of Workforce Development for Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region in the release. “We are building a scalable, collaborative platform that can provide critical digital resources, training, and skill-building for the foreseeable future.” The release states the digital divide – lack of access to technology devices, the internet, and digital skills – in Washington is most pronounced among low-income and otherwise marginalized communities that are often culturally diverse and multilingual. The Digital Navigation Services program, Goodwill Connect, reaches people who are at the highest risk of digital exclusion. By June 2023, the program will provide 3,000 qualified individuals with Chromebooks that have three months of built-in internet connectivity, the release states. To qualify to receive a Chromebook, the release stated, an individual or family must be 135% or more below the federal poverty line. Washington residents interested in Chromebooks must call the hotline to determine eligibility and each region will have a strategy to ensure that people lacking technology skills, a device, or the internet are prioritized. The website goodwillconnect.com and the Digital Resource Hotline at 844-GWCONNECT (844-492-6663) are the primary methods of contacting a Digital Navigator and inquiring about the program.

Road construction prompts questions for Quincy City Council

Process compliance a concern for some residents

QUINCY — A section of B Street Northeast currently under construction was the topic of a lengthy discussion at the Quincy City Council meeting Aug. 16. It was the second meeting that the work on B Street Northeast prompted questions and concerns from residents of the section under construction, who have businesses there or who use land along the street for commercial purposes. Construction crews are rebuilding and repaving the street between Central Avenue North and Sixth Avenue Northeast. Speakers at the council meeting expressed concerns that some sections of the street, especially the block between Fifth and Sixth Avenue Northeast, will be too narrow for some uses. Additionally, the street as it’s being constructed does not meet street width requirements and will require a variance; city officials did not go through the variance process before starting construction. Rob Soul, who owns Blue Skies Storage on B Street Northeast, asked about the variance process. Public Works Director Carl Worley said city officials should’ve applied for the variance, and hope to schedule a date for a public hearing at the Sept. 6 council meeting. Soul said city officials have been willing to work with him since he raised his concerns...

Beef well done

Wilson Creek FFA student participates in her last Grant Co. fair

MOSES LAKE — It was a hot day at the Grant County Fair on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees and the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning for much of Central and Eastern Washington. “Keep hydrated!” emanated from the loudspeakers across the fairgrounds. There was a sheen of sweat on Rylee Wilson's face as she stood in the Ardell Pavillion of the Grant County Fairgrounds late Thursday morning. She didn’t mind all that much, she said. The Wilson Creek High School graduate and FFA member had a pretty good fair this year, winning a grand champion ribbon and belt buckle Thursday morning in a competition with her steer Buttercup. “I actually won market yesterday with Buttercup and Honeybun,” she said, pointing to her two tan steers standing in a stall of one of the fairground cow barns. “And then I won showmanship with Honeybun (this morning) too. So I’m coming out with four buckles.” ...

GCSO busy with gun-related incidents at entertainment venues

GRANT COUNTY - The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released two press releases Saturday detailing two situations that involved guns at two popular locations in Grant County this week; the Gorge and the Grant County Fair. GCSO highlighted the diligence of citizens for their part in preventing a possible tragedy. The first release from GCSO said Grant County deputies believed they intercepted a possible mass shooting at the Gorge Amphitheater Friday night. “(The Public is) the extra eyes and ears out at the concert,” said GCSPublic Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “We're grateful that they could bring those things to our attention.” The release said that 30-year-old Ephrata resident Jonathan R. Moody was seen inhaling an unknown substance or gas from a balloon and then loading two 9mm pistols from the trunk of his car. Moody concealed one pistol in the rear of his waistband and the other in an outside-the-waistband holster. He was also seen approaching concertgoers, asking what time the concert ended and where people would be exiting the venue. Citizens and security notified GCSO of their observations and concern around 9 p.m...

Day 2 Moses Lake Roundup Results

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Roundup carried on Friday night, bringing in more competitors to the arena at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The theme of the night was military appreciation, with the opening ceremonies having riders carrying the banners of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard along with a flag honoring prisoners of war. Following the opening ceremonies, the Rodeo once again began with the bareback riding event. Jacob Raine’s score of 79.5 moved him into first place through two days of competition. Steer wrestling began afterward, with Gavin Soileau, Cash Robb and Rowdy Parrott tied for first place. They all share a time of 3.8 seconds. The world champion team of Egusquiza/Graves took first place in the team roping event on Friday night, posting a time of 4.1 seconds. Dawson Hay remained in first place in the saddle bronc competition, with his score of 87 keeping him in first place through Friday night...

Moses Lake Roundup Day 1 results

MOSES LAKE – The 2022 Moses Lake Roundup kicked off on Thursday night at the Grant County Fairgrounds, bringing in competitors from around the country. The rodeo began with a pre-show that consisted of 4H riders making their way around the course, as well as a mutton-busting event for young riders. The theme of the evening was cancer awareness, with riders and volunteers donning pink-colored shirts and accessories. Shortly before the rodeo began, a memorial service was held for those who had passed away from cancer, releasing white doves to honor them. The rodeo began with bareback riding, with contestants exiting the pen atop a bucking horse, and attempting to stay on for eight seconds. Bull Tutor won the bareback riding competition with a score of 74.

Brigetta B. Delgado-Emmel

Brigetta Delgado-Emmel was born to Medardo (Leonard) Delgado and Kathleen Delgado in Olympia, Washington on March 1, 1976, and passed away July 24, 2022, while visiting a farm near Royal City, Washington.

Making room

Sandhill Estates development continues to expand

OTHELLO — Construction crews began pouring foundations this week in a new 44-lot subdivision in Othello. Developer Angel Garza cut the ribbon on the fourth phase of the Sandhill Estates development Aug. 8.

Soap Lake sees two fires Thursday evening

Both may be associated with prior arson investigation

SOAP LAKE - Two fires broke out Thursday evening in Soap Lake. “Both are definitely suspicious,” Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Kirk Sheppard said. The first fire broke out at about 8:40 p.m. in the 21000 block of Road A-Northeast. According to a press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the fire burned about 10 acres and was responded to by Grant County Fire Districts 7 and 13 and City of Ephrata Fire. There were no evacuations issued and the fire was contained by 9:30 p.m. The second fire broke out at 9:15 p.m. in the field in between State Route 28 and Sixth Ave. SE; the same area as two previous fires from Monday and Friday...

Wildcats win first exhibition match, sweep EWU

CHENEY — With volleyball season around the corner, the Central Washington Wildcats faced off against Eastern Washington, sweeping the Eagles 3-0 for the exhibition win. The matches finished 25-19, 25-17 and 25-21 in favor of the visiting Wildcats. "It was good to compete and see some work pay off in certain areas," CWU Head Coach Mario Andaya said. "The competitive energy was high so that's always fun to see." Tia Andaya’s 10 kills and 17 assists were both team highs, finishing with a hitting percentage of .692 after going 10-13 on hits. The 2021 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year winner also had one ace, two blocks and five digs...

WSU’s Ma’ake named to Polynesian Player of the Year watch list

HONOLULU – Washington State offensive lineman Ma’ake Fifita was one of 85 players named to the 2022 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list, composed of players from 43 FBS schools. The award is given to the most outstanding player of Polynesian ancestry and is given annually. Former Cougar quarterback Jayden de Laura was a finalist for the award in 2021, and defensive end Hercules Mata’afa won the award in 2017. Fifita, a redshirt sophomore from Everett, made an appearance in all 13 games a season ago, starting in five of them. He made his first start against Utah, followed by starts against Oregon, Arizona, Washington and Central Michigan. The five finalists for the award will be revealed on December 1, with the winner announced two weeks after on December 15. The winner will be recognized at the Polynesian Bowl on January 20. Finalists and winners are selected by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The inaugural Polynesian College Football Player of the Year award was given to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota in 2014. Other previous award winners were Notre Dame offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley in 2015, Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau in 2016, Mata’afa in 2017, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2018 and 2019, USC safety Talanoa Hufanga and BYU quarterback Zach Wilson in 2020 and Ohio State defensive lineman Haskell Garrett in 2021.

Color run for childhood health to be held in Othello

OTHELLO – Now in its fifth year, the Columbia Basin Health Association’s Run for a Cause 5k Color Run will hit the streets of Othello, promoting health and well being for children. The run begins at 9 a.m. on August 27. “We run for supporting and promoting childhood health and well-being in the community we serve,” Event Coordinator Courtney Martinez said. “We started in 2018.” The run, which begins and finishes at the CBHA’s office at 1515 E Columbia St, has brought out close to 600 runners in prior years and has already surpassed that mark in pre-registration for this year’s run. “We’ve had 600 people register as of (Thursday) morning, so we’re very excited,” Martinez said. “The weather is supposed to be great, and we’re really happy to do this event.”...

Royal City looks at street improvements

ROYAL CITY — Some streets in Royal City could be getting a makeover, according to information presented at the Royal City Council meeting Tuesday. City Finance Director Shilo Christensen told council members the city is applying to the state Transportation Improvement Board for funds under the Small City Preservation Program to perform chip sealing on streets on the west end of town, as well as on Ahlers and several other streets in the north end. The city is already making improvements in the area anyway, Christensen said, and the chip sealing will be necessary after that work is finished. “We're going to be tearing up the roads putting in new water lines,” Christensen said, showing a map highlighting parts of Balsam, Calla and Grape streets, as well as Hemlock and Hawthorne avenues and Calla Loop. “What our engineers are trying to do is, they're applying to the Transportation Improvement Board to receive funds. So at the same time we're laying pipe, we can redo the roads a lot better.” The streets on the north side of town slated for possible improvement include portions of Ahlers Road, Wildflower and King streets, Poarch and Hargraves avenues and Widmer Drive. This area is not getting the water line upgrade, but the streets are being crack sealed in anticipation of receiving monies for the chip sealing...

Demo day two brings more action

MOSES LAKE - The Northwest Ag Demolition Derby wrapped up day two on Wednesday, its final day of crashing, smashing and rolling at the Moses Lake Roundup Arena. Those whose cars survived day one returned to the arena for day two along with some new faces. With a few more tipped cars than the day before, the derby saw some familiar-faced winners and a few new to success. The winner of the 80’s demo, Christopher Johnson of Moses Lake, has been doing the demo derby for at least four years. “It feels extremely good,” Johnson said. “I’ve been close a few times but never number one, never the trophy.” Until now...

Keeping the fair moving

Volunteers ensure smooth operations for visitors

MOSES LAKE — It looks - easy. Participants in livestock competition at the Grant County Fair enter the arena, they’re checked off, and at the end, the right ribbon goes to the right person. A hungry fairgoer walks up to a food booth run by a local nonprofit organization and places an order, and the right order arrives. From the ribbons to the Spaceburgers, it all runs pretty smoothly. It's the people over at the folding table next to the show ring, and the crews that are kind of out sight, staffing the food booths and the exhibit buildings, that make it look easy. Most of them are volunteers. Fairgrounds manager Jim McKiernan estimated it took about 250 volunteers to help the fair run smoothly. The organizations that operate the fundraising food booths find their own volunteers, and for some, it’s been a struggle. The volunteers overseeing competitions and running the food booths said it provides its own rewards...

Five hurt in rollover near Othello

OTHELLO — Five people were injured in a single-vehicle accident near Othello Wednesday. Aleyssa J. Hernandez, 21, of Othello was driving westbound on state Route 24 southwest of Othello in a 2014 Honda Accord when she failed to negotiate a curve in the road, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol. The vehicle rolled over, ejecting all four passengers and partially ejecting Hernandez, before crashing into a barbed-wire fence. Also injured in the rollover were 19-year-old Victoria F. Delatorre of Othello, 19-year-old Freddy Gonzalez Rodriguez of Othello and two 16-year-old girls. All were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. None of the injured was wearing a seat belt, and neither drugs nor alcohol was a factor, according to the WSP.

Soap Lake man arrested on outstanding warrants

SOAP LAKE — In a joint effort, the Soap Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30-year-old James Ghent of Soap Lake on outstanding felony warrants Wednesday morning, according to a press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The press release by GCSO stated Ghent was in possession of tools commonly used in burglaries...

Soap Lake gets reader sign, supports students and swears in new council member

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Police Department will communicate a little better with drivers, Chief Ryan Cox said at Wednesday’s city council meeting. SLPD has acquired a reader sign that officers can log into remotely, Cox said, to warn drivers of problems on the road. “Say a collision up north (on) 17 is happening,” Cox said. “So they shut the highway down, which happens quite often. We can alert people that are coming northbound through the city without them going all the way up to Sun Lakes and having to turn all the way back down. So it'll be pretty fun to have.” Cox also told the council that the department was preparing to partner with the town’s schools to purchase school supplies. The money will come from the department’s benevolent fund, he said, and the biggest need appeared to be glue sticks for the elementary school...

Mariners overcome Ohtani's 4 hits, sweep Angels 11-7

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani's latest one-man show for the Los Angeles Angels included a two-run homer, a run-scoring triple, four hits and four RBIs.