Jessie Young all-in at Freewind Martial Arts

MOSES LAKE – According to Jessie Young, martial arts was not something she thought she would take interest in. However, after giving Freewind Martial Arts a few tries, she was all in. “After the first lesson, I was totally hooked. I was not ready for it; I could not do push-ups or sit-ups or run around the mat like everybody else, but I absolutely fell in love with it.

Sixers 14U go undefeated in Saturday games

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Sixers 14U team went undefeated last weekend as they were victorious over TC Bashers and LC Closers. According to head coach Rey Lopez, pitching led the way for the Sixers.

Law enforcement logs for June 30, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ephrata well repairs to be completed late this week

EPHRATA – The City of Ephrata was at a standstill on repairs to Well 3 throughout the weekend because the parts ordered were not delivered Friday morning, as previously anticipated. “We're kind of at a standstill,” Ephrata Public Works Director Rob Harris said. “(Irrigation Technology & Control) will finish rebuilding the pump so that it's all ready to go. As far as the city, there's nothing we can do until those parts are in.”

Patricia M. Freeman

1939 – 2025

Patricia M Freeman, 86, lost her battle with cancer on June 17, 2025, with her family by her side. Patricia was born in Laurel, Montana on May 3, 1939, to Alec and Christina Estreich.

Kenneth Palek

1942 – 2025

Ken Palek passed away from a severe stroke on June 22, 2025, at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was born on April 30, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph and Rose Palek.

Jose George Moreno

Jose George Moreno, 47, born August 19, 1977, in Moses Lake, Wash., passed away June 18, 2025, in Moses Lake. Riplinger Funeral Home of Spokane will be handling final arrangements. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A Graveside Service will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. Reception from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Local Carpenter's Union Hall located at 127 E August Ave, Spokane.

Twins top Mariners 10-1 after spark from Woods Richardson's strong start and Larnach's homer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Trevor Larnach homered with three RBIs after Simeon Woods Richardson started with five scoreless innings, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 10-1 on Thursday after a rain delay of 4 hours and 22 minutes.

Bookmobile brings the library to the rural Basin

MOSES LAKE — It’s a Tuesday afternoon and the library has just rolled in at Doolittle Dream Park, to stay for an hour before moving on. “We’ve had as many as 12 or 15 (people come in),” said librarian Elizabeth McNall. “(The Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Basin) is doing a free lunch here this summer, but our time is not right for them, so we’ll try to coordinate next year with that.”

Another ‘chance to represent and compete’ at All-State game

RICHLAND – From June 22 to 23 Richland hosted the All-State baseball game where the best senior high school players in the state come together for one more weekend of competition. Kason Whitaker from Moses Lake said he was honored to wear his school uniform one more time.

Solid Grounds: Fairgrounds staff works behind the scenes year-round

MOSES LAKE — Having a great fairgrounds doesn’t happen by accident. “It all comes down to having a great crew,” said Grant County Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan. “I would put our crew up against anybody’s … People have a tendency to stereotype county workers (as) standing on the side of a road with a shovel underneath them. That is not our crew at all. They’re slamming all the time, doing stuff as it needs to be.” That crew consists of 10 full-time staff besides McKiernan: four in maintenance, four in events, one for accounting and a fairgrounds coordinator who keeps all the rest running smoothly. That number is supplemented by six seasonal workers brought on during the busy season, McKiernan said.

Megan Watson: A driving force behind Moses Lake Community Coalition’s prevention efforts

Jeannie Austin and Moms Helping Moms: A couple of moms show what it means to just show up

MOSES LAKE — For Jeannie Austin, just showing up is the biggest way to impact your community. Austin is co-founder with Stephanie Blauert of a Facebook group with in-person impacts called Moms Helping Moms, where parents can trade with others and help those in need. “I just saw that there was a huge need for something in the community to bring others together who could help those who needed help,” Austin said. “We were just trying to create a safe space where people could come together, not just moms, but dads alike.” Austin didn’t start the group alone; she had help from Blauert, a close friend. They met when they were taking classes to become nursing assistants, and from there they kept in contact with each other. When Austin made a post to Facebook that she wanted to create this group, Blauert jumped at the opportunity.

Bonnie Helvey and ARFS: Working to make life better for pets and pet owners

EPHRATA — Bonnie Helvey isn’t in her office in Ephrata on Fridays – which is part of her retirement plan, she said – but she’s not just at home. On a recent Friday she was on the road to Issaquah, dropping off some dogs at a foster home and picking up a cat for transfer to another foster home. Helvey is one of the co-founders of Animal Rescue Friends Society of Grant County, and its job is to help animals that are in need. “I’ll be able to do this more when I’m retired,” Helvey said. ARFS of Grant County was founded in 2019 by Helvey and friends Annette Hernandez and Tracy Williams, later Tracy Hill.

Jose George Moreno

Aug. 19, 1977 - June 18, 2025

Story: With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend. Born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, the middle son of a big family, George had two older brothers, Mike and Mark, and two younger sisters, Michelle and Olga. He took being the middle child as a challenge and never looked back. George lived a life full of movement, growth and deep connection. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood and later graduated from Quincy High School, where he played both basketball and baseball, already showing the competitive spirit and team loyalty that would define much of his life. From a young age, he had a fire in his soul, a love for people and a knack for making friends wherever he went. In 2000, his life changed with the arrival of his first daughter, Rylee. Though it was a challenging time, George found pure joy in fatherhood. He stayed active in the community playing softball, bowling long into a Thursday night and even joining a dodgeball league. (Yes, dodgeball! And yes, there were probably a few brews involved.) But every game was played with love and laughter. In 2002, he met the love of his life Kristin while they both were working at Old Country Buffet in Spokane, Washington. They were later married and began building their beautiful family and welcomed three more daughters: Annabelle, Scarlett and their youngest, Ivy. The Moreno family could often be found floating down Washington rivers, camping through long softball weekends or headed to Watershed with George in his signature cowboy hat – ready for a weekend of country music, good friends, and better drinks. Some of the most cherished memories were spent at Sacheen Lake with Rodger, Sheri and Rachelle –fishing, kayaking, hiking and cooking up unforgettable meals. George would throw down a tomahawk steak on the smoker, Kristin would hand you a cold drink, and their girls would offer to watch your kids so you could finally relax. The Morenos are the kind of people who made everyone feel at home, George especially. Professionally, George found his purpose in carpentry. After becoming a licensed journeyman, his passion grew beyond the job site. He became a fierce advocate for his union brothers and sisters, eventually being elected Vice President of Local 59, part of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. As he loved to say, “We’re border to border, baby!” He was the kind of leader who made you feel seen, supported, and proud to stand beside him. His powerful May Day speech on workers' rights, tax fraud, and safe job sites was one of his proudest moments. George traveled across the U.S., always spreading knowledge, building solidarity, and lifting others up. Whether it was Chalk Talk or The Delegate Duo, he was your guy! George was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Mary Lou Moreno. He leaves behind his wife Kristin; their beloved daughters Rylee (Alex), Annabelle, Scarlett, and Ivy; his two grandsons Wyatt, and Jackson; his brothers Mike (Cassandra) and Mark (Cindy); sisters Michelle (Oscar) and Olga (Brandon); and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves many a heartbroken community of family, friends, Liquid Courage, Rampage, and union brothers and sisters who will forever carry his spirit. George will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” — George Moreno Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A graveside service and reception will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend.

Ryan wins for 7th time in 8 decisions, Clemens hits 9th homer and Twins beat Mariners 2-0

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Ryan won for the seventh time in eight decisions, Kody Clemens hit his ninth homer and Willi Castro drove in the go-ahead run as the Minnesota Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 2-0 on Wednesday night to stop a five-game losing streak.

Royal City gears up for Summerfest, library opening

ROYAL CITY — Royal City will pull out the stops once again July 11-12 for the town’s annual Summerfest. “We’re going to have lots of kids attractions,” said Summerfest Committee Chair Jill Larsen. “We’re going to have a rock-climbing wall. We’re going to have a carnival ride and bouncy houses on Saturday.”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: The weight of officials’ words...

We live in a time where the old axiom, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” rings truer than ever. Social media gives anyone and everyone with half a thought an option to get their opinions – factual, unfounded, unnecessarily inflammatory or just plain asinine – out to a broad audience.

Ephrata plans for roundabout detour

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is working alongside the Port of Ephrata and the Washington State Department of Transportation to finalize a plan for a detour while building a roundabout on state Route 282.

Othello Special Olympics teams succeed at state

OTHELLO – The Othello Special Olympics Dream Team qualified both their soccer and track teams to the state tournament over the weekend. Overall, the Dream Team took home seven medals from the tournament. “I think it’s very important that they can be proud, and they can get out there and do things that they’re capable of and feel really good about themselves,” said Dream Team Coach Pam Schmidt.