Some road projects close to completion, others scheduled for July

MOSES LAKE — Summer construction season does not always mean road construction. A section of a downtown Moses Lake street got a new sidewalk this week. Crews from McBoyz Construction, Moses Lake, were out on Thursday morning pouring and finishing new sidewalk at the intersection of West Third Avenue and South Balsam Street. The old sidewalk was removed from about half the block of West Third Avenue, along with the corner sections and about half the block along South Balsam Street.

Soap Lake Class of 2025 faced trials, came out stronger

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Class of 2025 has not had an easy time getting where it is, said principal William Britt. “This journey, your journey, has been one to remember, from the late nights spent on homework to the anxiety of exams to moments when everything felt overwhelming,” Britt said. “You have made it all with grit, humor and heart. Statistically, many of you weren't expected to be here, and yet here you are walking proudly, head held high, chest out, proving to the world that I am someone. I am great. I will not be another statistic.” The 27 seniors who graduated May 31 persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Britt said, as well as facing personal challenges and setbacks. But the students who struggle become creative thinkers and world-changers, he said.

Teen survives high-speed chase Othello vehicle theft

OTHELLO – A 14-year-old boy was involved in a high-speed pursuit Sunday, following the theft of a vehicle in Othello, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.

Quick change

George hotel turns from Microtel to Holiday Inn Express overnight

GEORGE — The Holiday Inn Express in George appeared literally overnight. “On (April) 10 we closed the transaction and then at 7 p.m. IHG, which is the brand where Holiday Inn Express comes from, gave us the green light to open the hotel,” said General Manager Jed Jonathan. The hotel, which was built in 2020, had been a Wyndham Microtel up until then. It hadn’t been listed for sale, Jonathan said, but the owner had put out a few feelers. Jonathan owned several storage businesses under the name Dream Storage. When he became interested in branching out into the hospitality sector, Jonathan reached out to a number of hotel chains looking for a franchise, he said, and IHG was the first one that called him back. IHG put him in contact with A1 Hospitality in Tri-Cities, which owned about 20 hotels. Between then they created Dream A1 Hospitality, which is the official owner of the hotel.

WA student summer food program open for applications

OLYMPIA – This summer, approximately 620,000 children across Washington will benefit from SUN Bucks, a program designed to help families purchase food when school is not in session. The initiative, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program is aimed at providing nutritional support during the summer months.

Applications open for Grant Co. leadership program

EPHRATA — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington is now accepting applications for its upcoming Leadership Institute of NCW program, set to take place in Grant County. This initiative aims to empower residents by equipping them with essential civic skills and leadership knowledge, ultimately fostering stronger communities across the region, according to Leadership Institute of NCW Site Coordinator Summer Hess. “Our goal is to educate and empower community members for civic leadership roles,” said Hess. “We believe that strong leaders are fundamental to creating strong communities. This program aims to provide citizens with tools to be strong leaders and work alongside governmental officials to solve problems, some people have even joined different governmental agencies after the course including city council and school boards.” The Leadership Institute of NCW is a free, bilingual training program designed to guide participants through an extensive 20-session curriculum focused on personal and civic leadership. The program is rooted in the nationally recognized Parent Leadership Training Institute framework, which is renowned for its effectiveness in engaging community members to enhance child and family outcomes, according to Hess.

Basin firefighters see busy weekend

QUINCY – Over the weekend, two wildfires and a home fire in Grant County and, as of Sunday, the county is in a burn ban effective until at least Sept. 30. “Be aware of what the rules are and follow the burn ban stipulations. We prefer not burning at all,” Grant County Fire District 13 Chief Jim Stucky said. “If you are going to do a campfire or whatever, make sure you have water nearby, don’t let it get too big and make sure it is fully out and cold to the touch before you go to bed for the night.”

Basin schools prepare for summer meals

COLUMBIA BASIN — Schools around the Columbia Basin will have food service programs available at no charge for children 18 years of age and younger over the course of the summer. Ephrata “We are going to be offering both congregate meals and non-congregate meals,” said Alain Black, Ephrata School District’s food services director. “One of our schools will have congregate meals where children have to eat on-site.” The on-site meals will be available at Grant Elementary with breakfast served from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will also be a grab-and-go meal option which will be distributed in a drive-thru line at Ephrata Middle School from noon to 1 p.m. Both sites will be open Monday-Thursday from June 16 to July 24. The program will be closed for distribution on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, but grab-and-go boxes for that day will be available for pickup on June 18.

Boys & Girls Club to offer free summer meals

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin will be offering breakfast and lunch for children again this summer. And this time, they’re offering it in more places. “We’re doubling our location sites,” said Cecily Hendricks, director of operations for the club. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the McGraw Clubhouse and North and Midway elementary schools, according to an announcement from the club. Lunch only will be served at Lakeview, Maple Grove and Doolittle parks. They’re free to any child 2-18 years old; there’s no need to be a Club member, the announcement said. Parents can pick up meals for their children by filling out a form. Because Moses Lake qualifies as rural, the meals don’t have to be eaten onsite.

Della Mae Dykes

Dec. 31, 1925 — May 13, 2025

Della Mae Dykes departed from this life on May 13, 2025, in Richland, Washington. Della was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 31, 1925, to Marzetta (Carter) and Floyd Peery. Della was a child of God and faithfully attended the Royal Baptist Church. Della’s love for her family, friends and God is what kept her active and engaging for 99 years. Della had many friendships that lasted over 60-plus years. While her friendships were a blessing, her favorite role was Mom and Grandma. Mom’s passion was cooking and baking for her family and friends. Mom didn’t just serve a meal; she presented a feast that was stirred up with her love.

Touch a Truck event supports Ephrata Food Bank

First responders, local companies gather to ensure locals are fed

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Fire Department's annual "Touch a Truck" event Saturday drew a crowd despite early rain showers, as community members visited the Splash Zone parking lot to engage with a variety of large vehicles. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., served as both a fun outing for families and a fundraiser for the Ephrata Food Bank.

Ephrata Fire to hold Touch a Truck event to support Ephrata Food Bank

EPHRATA – Fire trucks, buses, ambulances, concrete mixers, dump trucks, tractors and other emergency vehicles and equipment will fill the Ephrata Splash Zone parking lot on May 17. The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank.

Busy hands: Small core of volunteers keeps Gritman Senior Center serving Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A senior center is sort of like a grocery store or a bank: every town should have one. Big cities have extensive ones, and little towns like Ritzville, well, they plug along through lots of work from volunteers.

YoungLives offers support, friendship for teen moms

MOSES LAKE — It’s a Thursday night at the Moses Lake Alliance Church, and the teenagers are eating, doing crafts, talking and praying, just like any other faith-based youth group. But this one is a little different: they’re all girls, and more than half are mothers.

‘The hospital that you built’

Quincy Valley medical Center hosts preview of its new facility

QUINCY — The community got a sneak peek Friday at the new Quincy Valley Medical Center. “We've planned, we've thought about it, we've dreamed, and it's only because of the support of this community that tonight is a reality,” said QVMC Administrator Glenda Bishop at First Look, a gathering of community members to see what their new hospital will look like.

Breakfast event to raise funds for Big Bend Cooperative Preschool

MOSES LAKE – In a delightful fusion of nostalgia and culinary adventure, the Big Bend Cooperative Preschool is once again hosting its beloved Dr. Seuss-inspired breakfast fundraiser, featuring none other than the beloved dish made famous by the iconic children’s book: “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Eagle humanely euthanized due to wing injury

SOAP LAKE – Last week, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge assisted with transporting an injured bald eagle to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Gentle giant with a kind heart

MOSES LAKE – Don't let this pup's size fool you, he’s actually a gentle and loving dog with a kind heart. He has early-onset cataracts, but he still navigates the world with grace and charm. He also has a sensitive stomach that requires a special diet, but he is eternally grateful for a good meal. He loves hanging out with children and showering them with affection. His calm and patient demeanor makes him the perfect pet for families. If Lincoln seems like a good fit for your family, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local animal shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

‘Our shelves are really empty’

Ephrata Food Bank in need of donations

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Food Bank, a resource for families in the Ephrata community, is currently facing significant challenges due to dwindling supplies, but increased demand, Director Phyllis Fuglie said. Since moving to its current location in 2003, the food bank has served as a lifeline for many residents struggling with food insecurities. Prior to the current building the food bank operated out of the Ephrata Recreation Center. According to volunteers, the need for assistance has only intensified in recent months as food sources have diminished.

Law enforcement logs for April 4, 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.