FIRE REPORT: Sept. 30, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Over the weekend, there was growth of around 28,000 acres burning in Washington. As of Monday afternoon, there were nearly 167,000 acres burning across the state. The two fires that saw the most growth are both located outside of Wenatchee.

Eagles Blank Bengals for First Big Sky victory

CHENEY – Eastern Washington women's soccer earned its first Big Sky win of the season on Sunday, defeating Idaho State 2–0 at the EWU Sports & Recreation Soccer Field. The Eagles controlled the match from the opening whistle, according to a EWU media release, fueled by defensive intensity and timely goals from Delani Walker and Chloe Pattison.

Paws for applause: Meet PeePaw

MOSES LAKE – In the heart of Grant County Animal Outreach, a star is born! PeePaw, the one-month-old prodigy pup, is wagging his way into hearts with his ruff-et-table charm. This neutered, vaccinated and microchipped mixed breed is ready for his "furever" home. PeePaw may be pint-sized, but he's got a paw-sitive outlook bigger than the biggest of breeds. Don't let this opportunity paws by; come say hello to PeePaw, our little tail-wagging newsworthy nugget. If he happens to steal your heart, fill out his application at GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org. If you can’t adopt right now, but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Port of Ephrata to host aerial applicators fly-in

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata will serve as the venue for the third annual fly-in pancake breakfast, hosted by the Association of Washington Aerial Applicators, on Saturday, Oct. 4. This event is set to showcase the role aerial applicators play in Washington’s agricultural industry while offering community members an engaging opportunity to learn about low-level aviation. The pancake breakfast will kick off at 8 a.m. and is priced at $20 per person, with children under 10 eating free. The event is open to the public at no charge, said Dave Lanman, executive director of the Port of Ephrata

Tigers’ Pichardo in the running for Youth Athlete of the Year

EPHRATA – Ephrata Tigers junior soccer player Diego Pichardo was nominated for the 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year award and placed fourth overall in the rankings after making it to the semifinal round.

Basin Football Round up – Week 4

MOSES LAKE – We are already a month into the 2025 Basin football season. With league play beginning, championship teams will begin to stand out as the season continues. See below where your favorite teams stand.

Kelda, pre-trained and ready to be adopted

OTHELLO – Meet Kelda, a remarkable Ridge Dog graduate from the Coyote Ridge Correctional Center in Connell, Washington. With her stunning athleticism, gentle demeanor, and playful spirit, Kelda is a joyful companion waiting to enrich your life. She thrives on human interaction and is always eager to meet new friends, making her the ideal addition to a loving family. Kelda has undergone an extensive training program, mastering commands such as sit, stay, lie down, and come when called.

Gene (Clinton) Smith

June 11, 1952 — Sept. 23, 2025

Gene Smith, 73, passed away peacefully, Sept. 23, 2025, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Gene was born June 11, 1952, to Clinton and Geneva Smith in Seattle, Washington. They moved to Moses Lake in 1957 where he went to school and raised a family. Gene graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1971 and married Naomi Johnson that same year. They were married 54 years at the time of his death. Gene worked for Americold, then moved on to Columbia Colstor where he retired. He quickly became bored and went to work at Genie until he had to quit working.

Jeffrey Sparr

Aug. 10, 1958 — Sept. 11, 2025

Jeffrey Scott Sparr, 67, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Jeff was born on Aug. 10, 1958 in Red Oak, Iowa to Max and Lynn Sparr. He grew up in a loving household with five siblings. He moved to Moses Lake, Washington with his family when he was a teenager. Jeff started working at Ranch and Home when he was 15 years old. He became general manager of the store, now called North 40 Outfitters, and worked there for over 45 years. He loved spending time at the store, and the good friendships that he developed through the store. While growing up, Jeff enjoyed riding the minibike he built and helping on his grandparents' farm. His favorite pastimes include working on vehicles, fixing things, fishing, watching Gonzaga basketball and taking trips to see his friends in Mexico. He was recognized as Moses Lake Roundup Man of the Year in 2015. Jeff was a hard worker, good-natured, loved helping people and was always smiling.

Merlin D. Jones

Jan. 12, 1948 — Sept. 26, 2025

Merlin Daniel Jones, 77, passed away Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Othello Care. He was born Jan. 12, 1948, in Ephrata, Washington to Clifford and Evelyn Salkield Jones of Mae Valley. He went to school in Moses Lake until he joined the Army in 1966. He was in transportation in Germany which gave him the opportunity to travel much in that country which he grew to love. He served in Vietnam then return to Germany where he met and married Suse Knoedler in 1972. He was transferred to the U.S. about 1975 and retired from the Army in 1981. He moved back to Moses Lake. He retired from Basic American Potato around 2013 due to advancing Parkinson’s.

Police searching for theft suspect near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Law enforcement officers are currently searching for a theft suspect with drones and K-9 units on Road P Northeast and Road 3 Northeast near Moses Lake.

NCW Libraries offers civics, discourse programs

MOSES LAKE – North Central Washington libraries will host a digital Fall Program series for adults in partnership with Oregon Humanities and the NCW Equity Alliance that centers on the core values of listening, learning and building community. “The idea is just to bring people together to have reflective conversations,” said Alicia O’Dell, Adult Services Manager at NCW Libraries. “To think and share together and just kind of reevaluate what we think and hear from different perspectives with the goal of learning from one another.”

Reptiles, learning and local fun

April the Reptile Lady coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake Museum and Art Center is hosting free family Saturday, Oct. 4, featuring a presentation from April Jackson or as she’s better known, April the Reptile Lady.

Mavs slow pitch remains undefeated

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, the Mavericks (10-0) took care of business after having to pivot and move their game to home field due to air quality. They swept the Wenatchee Panthers 14-2 and 19-3 in doubleheader action.

Quincy-area fire burns 350 acres

QUINCY — A fire in an area difficult to access about 11 miles north of Quincy Thursday eventually grew to about 350 acres and required crews to remain on the scene overnight. The fire was reported about noon Thursday and Bob Horst, assistant chief for Grant County Fire District 3, said the scene is near GCFD 3’s boundary.

Moses Lake parks plan includes new Longview park

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials want to make some changes to Sinkiuse Square and build a new park in the Longview neighborhood. Those were the projects included in the city’s capital projects improvement plan for parks.

Woman, 82, found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — At around 12 p.m. Friday, Grant County Sheriff's Office received a call that a body had been found by a fisherman in Moses Lake - the body of water - near the 7000 block of Dune Lake Road.

Tigers defeat Mavericks in overtime on the pitch

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, the Ephrata Tigers stormed Lions Field and brought home an overtime victory against the Mavericks. After a scoreless game in regulation, the Tigers’ fate would be decided by goalkeeper Airan Valle. The Tigers secured the victory after holding their own in penalty kicks 4-2. “I'm just like, ‘Okay, let's stay calm, and let's just save these goals,’” Valle said.

Mavs dominate at home

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks regained a home game on their schedule Friday after air quality shifted their away game against Wenatchee to Lions Field. Grabbing ahold of the home-field advantage, the Mavs showed off their strength with a 56-0 victory over the Panthers. “We had a rough week and then we came out and balled,” said Mavs receiver Carter Anderson.

Body found in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — At around 2:00 p.m. Grant County Sheriff's Office received a call that a body had been found in Moses Lake near the 7000 block of Dune Lake Road. Sheriff’s deputies are on scene. There will be more updates as information is released to the public.