Charles Frederick Widmer

Nov. 8, 1943 — Sept. 22, 2025

Charles Frederick Widmer, 81, of Moses Lake passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2025, with his wife and son at his side. He was born in Woodburn, Oregon on Nov. 8, 1943, to the late John and Louise Grant and later adopted by Albert and Hannah Widmer of Warden, Washington. Charles was a dedicated family man, a loving husband to his wife of 54 years Carol and a proud supportive father to his three children Deborah, Charles Jr. and Christopher. He attended Big Bend Community College before being drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. He returned to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, as a sergeant E5. He served his country from July 21, 1969, to April 19, 1971. He returned back to Warden, Washington and farmed until he retired.

Live grenade discovered in family’s front yard

HARTLINE – Grant County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a residence in 600 block of Willard Street in Hartline Monday after a three-year-old boy found a live hand grenade in his family’s front yard.

Thi Sahn Ayers

Jan. 1, 1936 — Sept. 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thi Sanh Ayers, who peacefully departed on Sept. 23, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington, at the age of 89, after a long battle with various illnesses. Born on Jan. 1, 1936, in Can Tho, Vietnam, Thi Sanh moved to the United States in 1975 and dedicated the last 50 years to making Moses Lake her beloved home. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sanh will be cherished for her fierce fighting spirit, her incredible survivor mentality, and her deep passion for gardening, cooking, and fishing.

Palmer’s Adventure Farm kicks off Fall Fest

MOSES LAKE – Palmer’s Adventure Farm has begun its Fall Fest over the weekend. Formerly known as StrawBelly’s, the farm held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon to celebrate their new branding and new location.

Samaritan Hospital opening scheduled for March 2026

MOSES LAKE — The projected opening day for the new Samaritan Hospital is about six months away. “We expect that we would get the temporary certificate of occupancy Dec. 12,” said Samaritan Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan. “And then the first patients March 7, 2026.” Construction has reached the stage of painting walls, installing doors, finishing installing lights and starting to install equipment. Crews were putting together some of the imaging equipment Tuesday morning.

UMANI Festival hosts second lucha wrestling show

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday, Columbia Basin Allied Art and Northwest Pro Wrestling hosted the Lucha and Lowriders Wrestling show at the Youth Dynamics building. It was the UMANI festival’s second time hosting the wrestling show. CBAA Executive Director Shawn Cardwell called Saturday’s event a dream. “I thought the crowd was amazing,” Cardwell said. “We had papas bringing their daughters and grandchildren. It’s a dream for any presenter to have a crowd like that, to work with performers like that, and to be hosted by venues like (Youth Dynamics). It was so good all around.” This year’s show was held indoors, unlike last year when it was held outside on Division Street, Cardwell said. Holding the event indoors made it more family-friendly, she said. Fans packed into front of the event space. Ahead of them on the basketball court was a ring with a blue mat, ropes taped yellow, white and blue, and a black curtain lining the outside of the ring.

Legals for September, 30 2025

WA fuel prices still second-highest in nation

MOSES LAKE — For the second week in a row, Washington has the second-highest average fuel prices in the nation at $4.56 per gallon, an eight-cent decrease from last week. California, the only state in the nation with higher prices, is sitting at $4.66, according to AAA. “Pacific Northwest drivers are getting some relief now that a pipeline issue has been resolved and pump prices are trending downward,” AAA wrote in a statement Thursday. “The Atlantic hurricane season is halfway over, but the tropics remain a concern for the next two months if there’s storm activity in the Gulf that affects refineries in the area.”

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.”