George Library resource fair successful

GEORGE — The first Resource Fair held at the George Library was a success, said Librarian Jeana Rushton.

New Moses Lake shop offers electronics and service

MOSES LAKE — For almost a century, Radio Shack was the electronics geek’s mecca, with parts and components for any project as well as cutting-edge toys and kits. Then the company ran into financial trouble in the 2010s and closed more than 8,000 franchise stores, including the one in Moses Lake. Now its products are making a little bit of a comeback.

Ferguson signed 23 bills into law this week

OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed 24 bills into law in the past week. The bills change laws covering issues from suicide prevention to education funding to vehicle inspections.

Suniga looking forward to job as Ritzville PD chief

RTIZVILLE — New Ritzville Police Chief Mike Suniga said he’s learned a lot over his law enforcement career. “I got hooked when I was an Explorer Scout,” he said. “It was just one of those things where I could see myself doing this and see myself making a career. And as I matured in law enforcement, I (thought), ‘How am I going to leave a lasting impact?’ I love helping people, and I love being able to solve problems, whether it’s through the criminal justice system or through other systems and programs that are available.”

Services, profitable and not, part of Quincy ambulance discussion

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members approved a contract increase with the city’s EMS provider April 1, but not before a discussion of ambulance transports, availability and profitability. The council voted 5-1 to approve the increase with Columbia EMS, a privately owned service. Council member Jeff Spence voted no.

Tigers split doubleheader at home against Toppenish

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers and Toppenish Wildcats each walked away with a win Friday after the Tigers took the first game 6-5, and the Wildcats secured game two 13-0, in a doubleheader in Ephrata.

'Beyond belt-tightening': WSU scrambles for revenue amid cuts, falling enrollment

(The Center Square) – As President Donald Trump cuts funding and Gov. Bob Ferguson juggles a $16 billion budget shortfall, Washington State University is bracing for up to 10% reductions across several departments. The WSU Executive Leadership Team laid out the situation in a message to the community. According to WSU Insider, the university’s media relations outlet, leadership directed all 44 budgeted units, colleges and departments across the system to plan for upcoming cuts.

Legals for April, 8 2025

MLSD provides more details on Groff legal action

District closes elementary campus for ‘25-26 school year due to safety concerns

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District officials announced during a Friday press conference that Groff Elementary will remain closed for the 2025-26 school year due to the ongoing infrastructure issues tied to the original construction of the building. The district is also pursuing legal action against Fowler General Construction Inc., the contractor that built Groff, for breach of contract and breach of warranty.

Skyview Dental Clinic breaks ground on new building

MOSES LAKE — “It’s important to make a living, but it’s more important to make a difference.” That’s the advice Dr. Calvin Despain said his mentor gave him years ago. Despain is the owner of Skyview Dental Clinic in Moses Lake, having taken over Dr. Brent Jones’ practice about four years ago when Jones retired. The clinic is tucked away on Hunter Place just off South Pioneer Way, but it will be moving this year into a brand-new, larger facility on Yonezawa Boulevard next to Lowe’s.

City of Ephrata considering logo options

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is reviewing options for a logo for the city which could be used for marketing and other purposes and discussed how to move forward during their April 3 meeting. “A logo is a graphic symbol or emblem that visually represents a company, organization or entity,” said City Clerk Kaitlin Kapalo. “It distinguishes us from others and gives us something to recognize (us for). Logos matter because it’s our first impression as a city.”

Weather for the week of April 7, 2025

Weather for the week of April 7, 2025

BMX ramping up for spring fun in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Now that Spring is here, outdoor activities are ramping up, including BMX leagues. On April 4th and 5th, Moses Lake BMX will hold multiple events for children and beginners. This comes after new changes were made to the organization’s offerings. They are starting two new leagues, one for beginners, at their open house this Saturday.

Legals for April, 4 2025

Knights go 1-1 in doubleheader against Cashmere

Knights look to improve their skills at pitch and at bat in preparation for an upcoming busy schedule

ROYAL CITY – The Royal City Knights baseball team played a doubleheader against Cashmere losing their first game 15-5 and winning their second 4-5.

‘Wherever there’s need’

Moses Lake Christian Academy students get an education outside the classroom

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake Christian Academy students are getting a little different education this week. “We’re on our Extended Learning Week, where we send out groups of students to get experiences outside the classroom,” said MLCA teacher Tyler Tadema.

GCHD presents challenging but important work, officials say

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District has a lot of jobs and, said GCHD Administrator Theresa Adkinson, some of them are pretty difficult. “We have a hard job – I tell staff that all the time,” Adkinson said. “We do really hard things. We are part of really hard conversations. But we are also community members, and we too are invested in (the decisions). Everything that we put forward as a public health agency is impacting our own families and lives. We’re also living it.”

Grant PUD considering solar power agreement

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will consider purchasing the electricity produced at a proposed solar farm between the Grant County International Airport and Rocky Ford. Under the agreement with Quincy Solar, the PUD would receive all the electricity generated by the project. It's planned to produce 120 megawatts of power. The contract would run for 20 years.

Mavs best Southridge 11-1

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks Softball team came out on top in their game against Southridge Monday evening winning 11-1. “What stood out to me was everybody contributed,” said Mavs coach Mike Hofheins. “That’s always super rewarding when everybody is a part of the win, and it doesn’t feel like you’re being carried by just one person or two people.”

‘A great place at a great time’

Wampum auction raises money for Wheat Land Communities Fair

RITZVILLE — The Wampum fundraiser auction to support the Wheat Land Communities Fair in Ritzville was a small, home-grown affair, much like the fair itself.