‘Early stages of critical failure’: Funding outlook is grim for WA road upkeep

State transportation officials say they are making the limited dollars for highway and bridge preservation stretch as far as they can — but it’s not far enough. There’s too little money to keep up with repaving roads, repairing aging spans and responding to emergency fixes. “We are in the early stages of critical failure due to lack of funding,” Troy Suing, director of capital program development and management for Washington State Department of Transportation, told a state panel Tuesday. “We are doing everything we can to squeeze out as much service life as we can,” he told members of the Washington State Transportation Commission. “We are underfunded. We are forced to be reactive when we look at our assets right now.”

Ephrata Middle installs inclusive playground

EPHRATA — Ephrata Middle School has completed installation of a new, inclusive playground designed to enhance outdoor playtime and learning opportunities for all students.

The Mariners are peaking at the right time

As I write this, the Mariners have yet to play the third game in the American League Championship Series. They are up to 2-0 on the Toronto Blue Jays and at least two games away from punching their ticket to the World Series.

ELECTION Q&A: Soap Lake mayoral candidates

SOAP LAKE — There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.

Othello City Council Position 3: Carmona vs. Lopez

OTHELLO — Oscar Lopez and Alma Carmona are running for an open position on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit; both responded.

Two suspected DUI drivers total cars

OTHELLO – On Friday night, Adams County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two suspected DUI crashes.

Darnold, Smith-Njigba and defense carry Seahawks to 20-12 victory at Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Having thrown a combined six interceptions in his last two starts in Jacksonville, Sam Darnold refused to get greedy this time around. He played it safe and ended up with a turnover-free performance. Darnold threw for 295 yards, with touchdown passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, and Seattle dominated both lines of scrimmage on its way to a 20-12 victory against the Jaguars on Sunday.

Moses Lake first graders spent the day at the “farm”

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake first graders had the opportunity to go out to the Grant County Fairgrounds Wednesday for First Grade Farm Day at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The Moses Lake High School Agriculture program and the Moses Lake Future Farmers of America organized the event. The groups worked together to teach the young students about the work they do.

2 graduate from Community Court with hopes for bright futures

MOSES LAKE – Two participants in Grant County’s Community Court Program graduated Wednesday afternoon after completing addiction treatment and other steps to walk away from drugs and the poor decisions they can lead to. In the case of Sherm Rowland, the graduation is a walk away from a trying past and a celebration of just more than 18 months of being off drugs.

Getting the bugs out

Pest and weed control service opens in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — With the weather getting colder, some creepy crawly critters are likely to decide that your home should also be their home. A new business in town aims to help evict them. “Spiders, ants, just generally insects,” said Josh Gilliam, owner of Bug Out Pest and Spray. “We’re a very hot and arid environment, but we also have access to a lot of water, so that brings out the bugs.” Bug Out opened for business Aug. 1 and held its official ribbon-cutting Tuesday in Moses Lake. Gilliam has been in the extermination business for about 25 years, he said, first in Spokane and then in Moses Lake. He decided to go out on his own after meeting with his partner Kip Burns, who also owns Blinds for Any Budget and B and B Doors.

Legals for October, 10 2025

New playground coming to Ephrata’s Lions Park

EPHRATA — Residents of Ephrata can look forward to changes at Lions Park as the local Parks and Recreation Department prepares to renovate the playground with a new structure aimed at enhancing recreation opportunities for children of various age groups.

Shining bright

Boys & Girls Club auction raises money for local children

MOSES LAKE — The theme for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin was “Shine Bright for the Kids,” and the community did exactly that, to an estimated tune of about $260,000.

Legals for October, 8 2025

MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council incumbent Deanna Martinez is being challenged by Jeremy Davis for her position on the council. Both candidates were given identical questions, with a deadline. Martinez submitted her answers, which came in after the deadline, but the delay was due to miscommunication. Davis’s answers were printed Monday, and Martinez’s answers are below.

Three positions open for Grant County Board of Health

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District is looking for applicants to fill three open seats on the Grant County Board of Health.

Youth Dynamics auction to have a ’50s twist

MOSES LAKE — It’s time to dust off the poodle skirts and penny loafers. The theme for the annual benefit auction for Christian outreach Youth Dynamics is “Twist & Shout for Youth,” bringing a 1950s vibe, said YD Director Sean Sallis.

MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1 Q&A: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Deanna Martinez and Jeremy Davis are running for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald sent identical questions to each candidate with a 150-word limit on the answers. Martinez did not respond by the deadline.

‘This has changed our lives’

Moses Lake apartment community welcomes farm workers and low-income residents

MOSES LAKE — The Cape at Interlake had its grand opening Tuesday, with a ribbon-cutting and an open house for the community. “This property is primarily targeted for farm workers, folks who are in the agriculture industry, but we also have additional set-asides for people who are disabled or families with children,” said Taylor Hunt, development manager for Vaughn Bay Construction, which built the Cape at Interlake.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 3-11

COLUMBIA BASIN — Leaves are falling, mornings are getting cooler and fall activities are ramping up. Here are some things to keep your autumn spirit alive.