Koeppen wins in Grant GOP court case

EPHRATA – Grant County Superior Court Judge Tyson Hill ruled in favor of Andrew Koeppen in Grant County Superior Court, indicating that Koeppen, not David Hunt, is the rightful chairperson of the Grant County Republican Party. “This situation is an unfortunate one,” Hill wrote in his decision. “The Grant County Republican Central Committee has a long history of electing its own leaders through respectful civil interaction. However, beginning in October of 2023, a power struggle fractured the GCRP into two camps.”

Cougar men's basketball announces WCC slate

PULLMAN – The Washington State men's basketball team announced its 2024-25 West Coast Conference schedule. The Cougars, who joined the WCC for the season as affiliate members alongside Oregon State, will renew a historic regional series with Gonzaga as part of the 18-game schedule, culminating in the 2025 WCC Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bulls, broncs and biscuits

Cowboy Breakfast kicks off fair week Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair is a big deal in Grant County, and it’s only fitting that it should have a proper introduction. That happens the Friday before the fair, which this year is Aug. 9. The breakfast, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake, will be from 7 to 10 a.m. at Sinkiuse Square next to the post office. “A lot of people who work in Moses Lake come and eat before they go to work,” said Dayna Dent, who’s coordinated the breakfast for the Kiwanis for the last three years.

Five Columbia Basin hikes for August adventures

MOSES LAKE – As August ushers in perfect outdoor weather, there's no better time to lace up your hiking boots and discover some of Washington’s trails. Here are five destinations worth visiting. Additional hiking opportunities in the area can be found at www.alltrails.com. Trails may require a Discover Pass which can be picked up at most local outdoors stores.

FIRE REPORT: Washington’s largest fire 90% contained

MOSES LAKE – The Swawilla Fire, ignited by lightning at 11:30 p.m. on July 17, is Washington's largest active blaze, consuming approximately 53,400 acres. However, the fire went from 70% containment on Saturday to 90% on Monday.

Officers close down two Ephrata area marijuana operations

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that it had shut down two large illegal marijuana growing operations on Thursday. “Detectives say the sites were part of a large and organized illegal drug enterprise,” The announcement read.

Energy production focus of Newhouse visit

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners met with US Congressman Dan Newhouse Thursday to discuss the permitting process for a small modular nuclear reactor and some of the challenges and concerns that come along with the project. Newhouse also toured the Port of Moses Lake to discuss the need for energy and how to produce it.

Wahluke balances budget

Declining enrollment leads to reduced income, fewer staff and options

MATTAWA — The Wahluke School District will not have to use any of its reserves for operations in the 2024-25 school year, but declining enrollment required staff reductions to meet that target. For 2024-25, the district general fund is budgeted at about $50.92 million. The general fund pays for most school operations, from staff salaries to buying supplies.

FIRE REPORT: Triple-digit temperatures blaze through Washington

MOSES LAKE – On Friday, record-breaking triple-digit temperatures swept across Washington, ushering in extreme heat and a heightened risk for wildfires according to a National Weather Service press release.

Legals for August, 5 2024

‘Extremely blessed’

Twin home-based businesses expand quickly

OTHELLO — Thirteen months ago, Kip and Ilene Burns cut the ribbon on a trailer containing their two home improvement businesses, Blinds for Any Budget and B&B Overhead Door Specialists. Today, they’re all over the map.

Big Sky commissioner on FCS playoffs, NCAA antitrust settlement

SPOKANE -- The NCAA antitrust settlement, FCS playoffs and conference realignment were among the topics covered at the July 22 State of the Conference address by Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill. Oh, and the conference’s new deal with ESPN, which begins in 2025.

ROAD REPORT: Soap Lake streets projects underway

Other transportation projects continue statewide

SOAP LAKE — Curbs and gutters are going in along a section of Soap Lake streets that provide access to East Beach Park. The curbs and sidewalks are part of an upgrade to the streets next to the park, which includes paving sections of First Avenue Northeast and North Canna Street.

Othello pool issue requires transparency, committee chair says

OTHELLO — Chris Dorow said he wants the process followed by the community group looking at options for a possible new Othello swimming pool to be as transparent as possible. Dorow is the chair of the “Aquatic Task Force,” which was formed after city officials announced the pool would not open in 2024 due to damage that may have been caused by faulty construction. The damage was discovered in April.

116th Air Refueling Squadron to celebrate centennial Sunday

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – One of the oldest Air National Guard units is turning 100 this year.

Wildfire Safety Day at Moses Lake Museum Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host Wildfire Safety Day Saturday as part of its ongoing Free Family Saturday series. The event is in conjunction with Washington State University’s Wildfire Perspectives Team.

FIRE REPORT: Two more fires contained before WA heat wave

MOSES LAKE -- Two fires were contained in Washington on Thursday including the South Columbia Basin Fire and the Black Canyon Fire.

Law enforcement logs for Aug. 2, 2024

Law enforcement logs for Aug. 2, 2024

Port of Ephrata moves forward with jet fuel installation

EPHRATA – The Port of Ephrata has awarded a roughly $1.2 million contract to H&H Construction Solutions out of Ellensburg to install a jet fuel tank, pump and related infrastructure at the Ephrata Municipal Airport, said the port’s Executive Director David Lanman.

New QVMC about halfway to opening day

QUINCY — After 11 months, the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is about halfway to its opening day. Groundbreaking on the project was September 2023, and Project Manager Joe Kunkel said the new QVMC will be open for business early next summer.