Warden to get new police chief, approves updating planning documents

WARDEN – The Warden City Council met Tuesday to discuss the hiring of a new Warden Police Department Chief, acknowledge the clerk-treasurer assistant, receive updates on city projects, approve adding a climate element to the comprehensive plan and approve the development of a planning document for the wastewater facility and general sewer plan.

Warriors volleyball earns win over Eagles

SOAP LAKE – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors earned a 3-1 victory over the Soap Lake Eagles volleyball team Tuesday evening. “It was an incredible match, we battled, and we needed to battle because Soap Lake is a quality team,” said the Warriors’ head coach Katie Walsh. “They had offense, they had defense, every ball it felt like every opportunity we tried to put down, they were putting up, and they were attacking with consistency.”

Moses Lake Jr. Mavericks kick off season with action-packed weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Jr. Mavericks roared into the 2025 youth football season this past Saturday, as all five teams hit the road for a thrilling opening weekend of competition across Eastern Washington. The fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade squads traveled to Othello to face off against the Jr. Huskies, and they came ready to play. The fourth-grade Mavericks set the tone early with a dominant 25-0 shutout victory. The fifth-grade followed with a hard-fought 27-19 win, and the sixth-grade team completed the sweep, blanking Othello 31-0 in a commanding performance.

Mavs sweep season opener

MOSES LAKE — On Wednesday, the Mavericks slowpitch team opened the 2025 season with a doubleheader against Sageview (Pasco) and Chiawana. The Mavs defeated Sageview 21-4 and Chiawana 17-12. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said it was a good first test for his team.

Mavericks’ soccer triumphs over Huskies

OTHELLO — The Moses Lake Mavericks soccer team went on the road and earned a 2-0 victory over the Othello Huskies Tuesday evening. “I think that we did really good today,” said Mavs player Chelsea Gonzalez. “I feel like we had really good chemistry, and we were passing good and we just took advantage of our opportunities.”

Sweet as ‘Cake

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach introduces an irresistible treat. Meet Strawberry Shortcake, the small mixed-breed darling who's as delightful as her namesake. This fruity little gem is all about love and cuddles, dishing out endless sweetness. If you're longing for a little flavor in your life, Strawberry Shortcake is the perfect recipe for happiness. She is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Whisk her away and start a new chapter filled with wagging tails and furry affection by filling out her application at GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org. If you can’t adopt now but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

LETTER: Disappointed in the PUD

To the Editor, The Public Utility District says it serves the community. Yet on August 26, 2025, it just condemned our family’s land, ignoring four other viable routes that would have spared private property. Instead of fairness and negotiation, we’ve been met with force and dismissal.

Vern Griffith

1941 - 2025

Vern Leon Griffith was born on Sept. 27, 1941, to Harold and Isabelle (Scrimsher) Griffith in Spokane, Washington. He spent his early years in Twisp, Washington, where his father served as superintendent of schools. The family later moved to Yakima, where Harold became the superintendent for West Valley School District. Vern graduated from West Valley in 1959.

WA small business owners not as optimistic due to pending tax hikes

(The Center Square) – Small business owners in most of the U.S. feel more upbeat, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index for August, which increased by half a point from the previous month to 100.8 – the highest level in more than a year.

Ephrata man killed in SR 28 crash

SOAP LAKE — An Ephrata man was killed Wednesday night when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed. He was lying in the road and was discovered an undetermined amount of time later, when a second car struck him.

Lawmakers eye immigrant farmworker legal status, protections

(The Center Square) – Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduced a bill designed to give immigrant farm workers an opportunity to pursue temporary legal status in the United States. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act proposes allowing immigrant farm workers to apply for Certified Agricultural Worker status, which can be renewed indefinitely, given a noncitizen’s continued employment as a farmworker.

Youth and suicide: Knowing the signs and accessing resources can save lives, experts say

MOSES LAKE — Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Washington for people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Youth suicide is on the rise regionally, according to locals who work with people in crisis.

Grant Co. Jail construction on schedule for summer 2026 opening

EPHRATA — Construction of the new Grant County Jail is progressing rapidly, with Chief Deputy of Corrections Phillip Coats of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office expressing optimism about the facility’s completion. The new jail will comprehensively address the current needs of inmates, staff, and the community, with several innovative solutions integrated into its design, Coats said.

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day returns to Quincy on Saturday

QUINCY — The agricultural industry – and agricultural bounty – of Quincy and its surrounding area will be celebrated at the annual Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day Saturday. Leia Watkins, FCAD president, said recognizing agriculture and the contributions of farmers is as important as ever. “Especially in this day and age, so many people don’t understand the importance of agriculture,” Watkins said.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming Saturday

MOSES LAKE — There will be more purple shirts and multicolored flowers on the streets of Moses Lake Saturday at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s than ever before, according to Julie Reathaford, who manages the event.

COLLEGIATE SPORT SCHEDULE: Sept. 11-18

MOSES LAKE – Washington’s collegiate athletes head into another week of new competition. See where your favorite college team will be playing this week.

Ephrata PD Blotter for Sept. 4-8, 2025

EPHRATA – The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. Suspects listed are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for September, 11 2025

Ephrata school bus driver takes passengers personally

EPHRATA — Brenda Wurl has become a beloved fixture within the Ephrata School District as a bus driver, where her enthusiasm for children and dedication to safety has set a high standard within the community, according to the Transportation Director Adam Roduner. “Brenda, our longest-serving driver, is a wonderful example of the heart and dedication our entire team brings to their work,” Superintendent Ken Murray said. “We are deeply grateful for Brenda and for every member of our transportation staff who shows up, rain or shine, to serve our students and families.” With over 15 years of experience under her belt, Wurl said she has established a unique rapport with her young passengers and their families, making her not just a driver, but also a trusted role model.

Big Sky Now: Who made their mark in Week 1, results from Week 2, plus our Week 3 predictions

On Today's episode of Big Sky Now, we discuss Big Sky players that made their mark Week 1. Then we jump to Week 2 results that saw Montana kick off its season at home. And finally, we give our analysis for the upcoming Week 3 games with our weekly picks!