Showing the moves

Local hoofers show their moves at Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars

MOSES LAKE — The Wallenstien Theater was almost full Saturday night for the second annual Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars. “It was exciting to see (so many) young people,” said Judy Twigg, vice president of the Central Basin Community Concert Association, which hosted the event. “It shows that if you get the right entertainment in Moses Lake, it draws people.”

New Elks Lodge hosts youth hoop shoot

MOSES LAKE — Four Moses Lake youths will advance in the Elks Hoop Shoot thanks to their free throw skills. Fabian Vargas, Preston Groth, Linden Wiltbank and Brinly Wiltbank emerged the champions in their divisions in the competition held Saturday at Frontier Middle School, according to an email from Debbie Doran-Martinez, a member of the new Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge that formed in November in Moses Lake.

‘Hello, Dolly!’

Matchmaking, mayhem and a little and manipulation light up QVAA musical

QUINCY — Audiences can put on their Sunday clothes and cast themselves back to the Gay Nineties this month as Quincy Valley Allied Arts brings “Hello, Dolly!” to the stage.

Rent control takes center stage on first day of 2025 WA legislative session

(The Center Square) – Monday marked the beginning of the 105-day legislative session in Washington state. During this session, lawmakers will address a variety of challenges and issues, including a projected operating budget gap, public safety, housing, and homelessness. More than 30 newly seated members were sworn in. Some are brand new to the Washington State Legislature, while others moved from positions in the House to the Senate.

Samaritan Healthcare projected to finish 2025 with carryover

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare is expected to spend a lot of money on its new hospital in 2025, enough that its operating income will show a loss for the year, according to the budget approved by Samaritan commissioners late last year. However, there’s projected to be enough non-operating income to cover the loss and leave Samaritan in the black by the end of 2025. The hospital’s 2025 budget projects an operating income loss of about $15.1 million, but a non-operating income gain of about $23.2 million. As a result, Samaritan should end 2025 with a net income gain of about $8.1 million. Spending for the new hospital was projected at about $86.15 million in 2025.

Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Sen. Warnick outlines legislative priorities for 2025 session

OLYMPIA — In anticipation of the upcoming 2025 legislative session, starting today, Washington State Senator Judy Warnick discussed her key priorities and strategies aimed at improving policies that impact her constituents. As she prepares for the session, Warnick said she is keenly aware of the challenges posed by a shifting political landscape, particularly in light of a newly elected Democratic governor and a budget shortfall that will influence the agenda. Warnick's legislative priorities center around three themes: affordability, public safety and education—specifically the safety and educational advancement of children.

Grant County Jail scheduled to open in mid-2026

MATTAWA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said the new Grant County Jail is projected to open in about 18 months. “They’re still targeting for the opening of May of 2026,” Kriete said. “It felt like it was going to be so long when we started, but here we are. We’re getting close.” Kriete gave an update on the project’s progress at a Jan. 9 luncheon sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The new jail will hold 512 inmates, more than double the existing jail.

Law Enforcement logs for Jan. 10, 2025

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

Moses Lake School District EP&O levy on February ballot

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District will submit an educational programs and operations levy to district voters on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy, using local taxes, provides funding for programs and services beyond the state’s basic education requirements.

A career of grace

Pastor Walter Klockers prepares to retire

MOSES LAKE — Pastor Walter Klockers has a guiding principle: “This is Christ's Church, and I know my place.” It’s a part of the creed he maintains for his ministry, he said; he regularly reminds himself that he is an imperfect person who is called to proclaim a perfect Gospel and to serve others rather than feed his own ego. “That, I review, because I fail so many times,” he added.

Concerns remain over data collection for AGO police use of force database

(The Center Square) – Ongoing concerns remain among 911 dispatch centers in the state over the use of certain data by a police use of force database project headed by Washington State University under the guidance of the State Attorney General’s Office. In 2023, WSU received a contract from the AGO following a request for proposal to create a police use of force database that would collect certain information from law enforcement agencies regarding use of force incidents. That information would then be available for anyone to view and download from the website. However, the project has experienced numerous setbacks due to a variety of factors, including stipulations with vendors that they hand over their intellectual property.

Basin events for Jan. 10-17, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Crafts, hoops, dancing and handbells are just part of what’s in store for the Basin this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Legals for January, 10 2025

Kathryn Schmalz Rackham

July 17, 1943 – December 31, 2024

Kathryn (Kathy) Schmalz Rackham, 81, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Moses Lake after a long battle with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Kathy was born July 17, 194,3 in Ogden, Utah to William Moyes Schmalz and Karma Chadwick. She was born the middle child of three. She lived in Salt Lake City and Seattle before moving to a farm north of Warden in 1952. In 1961 she graduated as the valedictorian of Warden High School and attended Central Washington State College in Ellensburg receiving a degree in Education and French in 1965. She taught English and French at Tyee High School prior to spending a summer abroad in France.

‘Interweavings’ exhibit opens Jan. 16 at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host an exhibition titled “Interweavings: Photography and Sculpture” by Jeanne K. Simmons. The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 141.

Open Mic brings out the talent in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — It’s 5:30 p.m, and 11-year-old Jimmy Ocampo is singing “Die with a Smile” in front of an audience of about 25 people. He’s the fourth performer to take the stage in the last half hour, and there’s a long waiting list after him. It’s Open Mic Night, and the sky’s the limit.

Community servant

Peny Archer put her heart into feeding the hungry

MOSES LAKE — Peny Archer first encountered the Moses Lake Food Bank more than 20 years ago. It changed her life. Her youngest child was starting school, Peny said in a 2023 interview. “Because of working and having a career, I had missed a lot of school plays, a lot of things my children were involved in because I had to work,” she said. “I wanted to spend some time with our youngest during the summer and so on. When school started again, I thought ‘You know, I’m going to go to the food bank and volunteer for two hours a week.’” That volunteer shift was a revelation, she said.

Thirteen local football players earn all-state recognition

MOSES LAKE – The Washington State Football Coaches Association announced its All-State Football Teams awards on Sunday, with full lists representing each of the state’s six classifications.

Wahluke district patrons to vote on capital levy Feb. 11

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a three-year capital projects levy in a special election Feb. 11. District officials are asking for $2.58 million over three years.