Feasibility study to look at options for MLFD

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials will advertise for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to determine what changes, if any, would be beneficial for the Moses Lake Fire Department. City officials have been looking at ways to reduce expenses, including a restructuring of the fire department, and Fire Administrator Mike Ganz told Moses Lake City Council members May 23 that his analysis determined the city had three options.

Ecology expands Washington state’s drought emergency

(The Center Square) – On Thursday, the Washington State Department of Ecology expanded its drought emergency to include watersheds in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanagan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson and Ferry counties. This expansion was triggered by deteriorating conditions in those areas, including early and rapid snowmelt and dry weather.

Mom blames lack of VA services for children's deaths

(The Center Square) – As the manhunt continues for 32-year-old Travis Decker, suspected in the murders of his three young daughters in Chelan County, Wash., more information is coming out about his declining mental state and struggles to access mental health services through Veterans Affairs.

Wahluke Warriors baseball season in review

MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors baseball team finished their 2025 season with an overall record of 4-15. “I was really proud of the guys,” said Warriors head coach Chet Bangs. “They filled different roles, stepped up, especially the freshmen, and the senior leadership was really strong.”

Adopt a sweet girl who loves to play

MOSES LAKE – Is your couch missing that furry magic? Do your decorative pillows just not shed enough? Well, we have the perfect solution, adopt Stitches. She is a seven-year-old Siberian husky mix that is a huge cuddle bug and loves to play.

Yard sales by the book

MOSES LAKE — Yard sale, garage sale, rummage sale – whatever you call them, they’re a chance for some people to get rid of unwanted stuff and other people to get great deals. It may seem like an anything-goes market out there for yard sales, but most municipalities do have regulations to keep sales from getting out of hand.

BASIN EVENTS: June 6-14

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, festivals in the sun and more await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things going on:

ROAD REPORT: Bids opening July 2 for Adams Co. Schoonover Road project

OTHELLO — Bids will be opened July 2 for the first phase of the rebuilding of Schoonover Road, with construction tentatively scheduled for early August. The first phase is a section about eight miles north of Ritzville; among other things, Schoonover Road connects Ritzville and Odessa. “This is a reconstruction that is widening (the road), with a new subbase and surfacing with asphalt, drainage facilities and safety rail where needed,” said Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger in an earlier interview.

Law enforcement logs for June 6, 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.

Building Permits for June 6, 2025

Building Permits for June 6, 2025

Legals for June, 6 2025

Study may lead to redesign of Quincy fieldhouse project

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Regional Parks District officials may have to review the preliminary design following a feasibility study for the Quincy fieldhouse, called the Q-Plex, presented to commissioners Tuesday. Parks District Executive Director Pat Haley said the original design might not be able to accomplish the original objective.

LaVerne Parkinson

LaVerne Ellen Harris arrived into this world on Feb. 11, 1942. She was born to Lee and Verna Harris in Thomas, Idaho. She blessed the family as their second daughter, just behind her older sister Dixie. She was later made an older sister to her brother Ricky. She attended school in Springfield and graduated from Aberdeen High School in May of 1960. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout her life in all auxiliaries of the church. She had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was one of his most spirited disciples.

Local youth honored at upcoming Chief for a Day event

EPHRATA – What happens when Grant County children, who are battling significant medical challenges, are promised a day of fun and recognition? They become honorary Chiefs for a day on June 12, an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories. “It’s all about giving the families and the children a memorable day where they can momentarily forget their medical challenges,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Legals for June, 5 2025

Public’s help sought in Quincy homicide investigation

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a homicide in the southwest area of town on May 15.

'Truly one of the best that Ephrata High School has to offer'

Senior Hannah Keen recognized as student of the month

EPHRATA – Hannah Keen, a senior at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as one of the June Students of the Month for her exceptional growth, dedication and positivity both in and outside the classroom, according to Marla Allsopp, the teacher who nominated her.

Ephrata Tigers' softball 2025 season recap

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers softball team finished their season with an overall record of 20-10, earning third in districts and making the state tournament. “At the beginning of the season, we as a team set our team goals for the year,” said Tigers head coach Heather Wood. “They have a top five that they always aim for and so theirs was district champs, league champs, make it to state, second day of state, and then developing a family.” The Tigers started the season only losing three seniors last year but struggled here and there with players stepping into positions they hadn’t played before, said Wood.

Bristling with cuteness

OTHELLO – Whether you prefer a shaggy pup or a stylishly cut doggo, Bristle has you covered. He just may need a little time for his curly locks to grow out again. He’s a young adult with a warm heart and a love of humans and he adores snuggling. Like all dogs at Adams County Pet Rescue, Bristle is neutered/spayed and up to date on all of his vaccinations. For more information on adopting Bristle or other pets at ACPR, visit adamscountypetrescue.com or call 509-488-5514. For those who want to support the shelter but aren’t at a point to adopt an animal, simply click the donate button on the shelter’s website.

Basin schools represented at state track meet

YAKIMA – The state track meet was held on Saturday for 1B, 2B, and 1A schools at Eisenhower’s Zaepfel Stadium. Basin schools were well represented at the meet with runners from Lind-Ritzville, Moses Lake Christian Academy, Royal, and Wahluke.