Bill to electronically track sexually violent predators in WA signed into law

(The Center Square) – A bipartisan bill to keep communities in Washington state safe from sexually violent predators has been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson.

FFA Plant sales blooming soon

MOSES LAKE – As the weather warms the plants start to bloom, including plants in local Future Farmers of America greenhouses. Several chapters across Grant County are gearing up to hold their annual plant sales.

Quincy Boys and Girls both earn team wins over Grandview

Strong winds build stronger players in Quincy and Grandview’s Saturday tennis matches

QUINCY – The Quincy Jackrabbits boys and girls tennis teams both earned 3-2 victories over Grandview in their windy Saturday morning matches.

Grant PUD commissioners approve 20-year solar power production contract

EPHRATA — A solar power project that received a construction permit in 2020 is projected to be producing electricity by late 2027. Grant County Public Utility District commissioners approved a power purchasing agreement with Quincy Solar on April 8.

One road project completed in Quincy

QUINCY — It’s still early in the spring, but one transportation project in Quincy was completed last week. A bridge at the intersection of M Street Northeast and Road O Northwest reopened Friday. The bridge was widened to accommodate traffic turning onto or from Road O Northwest and the wooden railing was replaced with a metal guardrail. The bridge was closed while construction was underway. Quincy Administrator Pat Haley said in an earlier interview that typically the bridge railing was damaged about twice a year. Widening the bridge should better accommodate large vehicles turning at that intersection, he said.

NextEra Energy plans Dry Falls Solar project in Grant County

COULEE CITY – NextEra Energy Resources has proposed a significant renewable energy project, Dry Falls Solar, which aims to bolster the region’s shift toward clean energy and economic growth.

Weather for week of April 14, 2025

Weather for the week of April 14, 2025

Decision delayed on condemnation proceedings along proposed power line route

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will delay a decision on beginning condemnation proceedings for property along the route of a projected power line between Wanapum Dam and Quincy for six weeks. Commissioners voted to table a resolution that would’ve started the condemnation proceedings at the April 8 meeting, following testimony from residents along the proposed route.

Support in difficult times

Crossroads offers information, help with unplanned pregnancy

MOSES LAKE — An unplanned pregnancy can be a very scary thing. It brings big decisions to make, and no matter what course of action an expectant mother chooses, the outcome is life-changing. Crossroads Resource Center’s goal is to get her the information she needs to make those choices, its operators said, and then support her afterward.

‘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.

Basin events for April 11-19, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the weather we’ve seen in the Basin lately, it’s hard to know if it’s time to wear shorts or raincoats. Either way, there are a host of things to get out and do this week. Here are a few:

Huskies best Toppenish in double overtime

Huskies will focus one game at a time as they make push toward the top of the CWAC

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies soccer team earned a 2-1 victory in Tuesday night’s game against Toppenish with a penalty kick by Jose Cabrera in overtime.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Basin Community Theater stages ‘Mary Poppins’

MOSES LAKE — It won’t be the “Mary Poppins” everybody knows. But the Basin Community Theatre production opening Thursday promises to be at least supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And if everything goes right; it might even be practically perfect.

State treasurer visits Ephrata, discusses WA financial health

EPHRATA – Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti visited the Ephrata Rotary Club Tuesday to discuss his role and the financial health of the state. He said he is trying to visit all of the local Rotary Clubs around the state to educate communities on state finance and answer questions from constituents.

Soap Lake City Council still seeking to fill two seats

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council is actively seeking candidates to fill two open council positions. "Participating in city council is not just about being in the government; it's about community representation," Council Member Judith Gorman said, noting that she spoke on her own behalf and not the entire council. "The city council plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect every resident in Soap Lake.”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Examine each thing independently

Over the last several years, our country has gotten into an all-or-none mentality that seems a bit odd to me. Maybe it’s because of my job, but it seems weird that we look at our political leaders and decide that they’re either always right or always wrong. I don’t mean this simply toward Donald Trump, though he’s in the mix, but rather toward the high-end political leaders that regularly make national headlines. They include Mitch McConnell, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Dan Newhouse and a host of others.

Rick E. Mitchell

July 18, 1949 — April 7, 2025

Rick E. Mitchell, 75, passed away early in the morning on April 7th with his wife, Marlene and daughter, Tami by his side. Rick was born in Ritzville, Washington in 1949 to W.E. (Mitch) and Lilias Mitchell. Rick then grew up with his younger sister and brother, Candise and Terry in Moses Lake, Washington. Rick enjoyed little league baseball, fishing and spending time traveling to Arkansas and California with his family.

New Moses Lake shop offers electronics and service

MOSES LAKE — For almost a century, Radio Shack was the electronics geek’s mecca, with parts and components for any project as well as cutting-edge toys and kits. Then the company ran into financial trouble in the 2010s and closed more than 8,000 franchise stores, including the one in Moses Lake. Now its products are making a little bit of a comeback.

MLPD arrests one after firearm shown at coffee stand

MOSES LAKE – A 34-year-old Moses Lake man was arrested Monday afternoon after displaying a handgun in the drive-through of an espresso stand, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Quincy PD arrests burglary suspect

QUINCY – The Quincy Police Department, assisted by the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Joshua D. Avalos, 33, of Quincy after he was identified as a suspect in an apartment burglary.