GCFD 3 pays off two fire stations

QUINCY — A facilities committee will be evaluating Grant County Fire District 3 stations to determine priorities for upgrades following the final payment on the bond that built the main fire station in Quincy. Fire district officials announced last week the bond was paid off at the end of 2024.

Warden brothers open dispensary in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The grand opening for Grant County’s newest dispensary, Green Roads Cannabis happened Friday. The dispensary is owned and operated by two Warden brothers, Eddie and Rolando Rodriguez. The new store is located on 224 West Valley Road in the former Valley Eye Care building.

WA Lawmakers revisit bill that would prohibit police deception in interrogations

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers in Olympia are revisiting a bill that would block law enforcement from lying during interrogations after a similar measure failed to advance to the Senate last session.

Big Bend Community College Viking Food Pantry fills a need

MOSES LAKE — For Big Bend Community College students, the Viking Food Pantry can help them bridge a crucial gap. Food Pantry Director Tara McCoy said there aren’t a lot of options out by the campus for students who don’t have transportation to the grocery store – or who might lack the resources for food.

Three Quincy residents booked for fuel theft, possessing stolen goods

QUINCY – On Thursday morning, three Quincy residents were arrested after their vehicle ran out of fuel with a bed full of suspected stolen property, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

ACH avenges lone loss, defeats Wellpinit 68-41

COULEE CITY – A fast start surged the Warriors in their 68-41 win over Wellpinit on Thursday night, holding a double-digit lead in the first quarter before winning the game by nearly 30 points.

Weather for the week of Feb. 3, 2025

Weather for the week of Feb. 3, 2025

Basin events for Feb. 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Crafts, music and a whole lot of Valentine’s Day events are in store this month in the Basin. Here are a few things to check out:

Two major power outages in Grant County

MARDON — On both Wednesday and Thursday, Grant Public Utility District had large-scale power outages. A major outage affects more than 50 customers, according to the PUD.

LETTER: A statement from MLSD board president Kirryn Jensen

I want to take a minute to talk directly with you about something I know is on a lot of people’s minds –our district’s finances and the calls for a forensic audit. I’ve heard your concerns loud and clear, whether it’s been through conversations, at meetings, or even on social media. I get it. This has been a tough situation, and people want answers. Right now, we’re in the middle of a deep dive with the state’s comprehensive audit. This isn’t just a quick once-over; it’s a full-scale review to figure out what went wrong, how we got here, and what needs to change. I think it’s important to let that process play out before making any big decisions, like committing to a forensic audit. But let me be clear: I’m not ruling it out. If the state audit shows it’s needed, I will absolutely consider it and take it to the rest of the board for discussion.

Ephrata SD welcomes new board member: Casey Devine

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board swore in its newest member, Casey Devine, at the Jan. 27 meeting. Devine describes herself as an educator, parent and community advocate with deep roots in Ephrata. Devine will be serving the rest of Anita Waller’s term which expires at the end of 2025. Waller, formerly the board chair, stepped down at the Sept. 23 board meeting.

Second quarter run guides Knights to win over Wahluke

ROYAL CITY – A late second-quarter run helped build separation between the home Knights and visiting Wahluke Warriors on Tuesday night, who led 32-13 at halftime before winning the game 70-39. It’s the first of three games for Royal this week; the Knights host Cashmere on Friday and Naches Valley on Saturday.

Ephrata School Board focuses on attendance, funding in regular meeting

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District board met for a regular meeting Jan. 27 and swore in a new board member, received an update on district attendance, approved grants and purchases and discussed the district’s budget – including the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations levy which is on the Feb. 11 ballot.

One infrastructure project complete, others planned for Royal City

ROYAL CITY — Cross one long, long project off the list. The last section of old water line in Royal City was replaced in 2024, wrapping up a project that Mayor Michael Christensen said took a while. “Over the years we’ve been trying to upgrade our water system, and now the entire city is upgraded,” Christensen said. “That was a long time coming and it was a bit of a task.”

Structure fire in Grand Coulee, one fatality

GRAND COULEE – The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a single-wide trailer fire near 122 B Street in Grand Coulee at around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Othello’s Pruneda signs with Walla Walla CC

OTHELLO — Othello senior Emi Pruneda signed to play both soccer and softball at Walla Walla Community College last Monday, celebrating furthering her athletic career with family, friends and coaches.

Taking to the streets

Expanded Brews & Tunes coming to Moses Lake on March 15

MOSES LAKE — It may feel like spring is a long, long way off, but Moses Lake is gearing up to welcome it back March 15. “Brews & Tunes is St. Paddy’s Day weekend,” said Downtown Moses Lake Association Director Mallory Miller. “It’s the first event that happens after wintertime and people are ready to get out of the house. Last year it was 75 degrees somehow, so cross your fingers for that this year.”

Welding mishap causes Simplot fire

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Fire District 5 and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fire at the new Simplot freezer facility in the 2100 block of Road O Northeast at around noon Monday.

Voters to weigh Wahluke capital levy

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a three-year capital projects levy request in a special election Feb. 11. If the levy is approved, it would raise $2.58 million over the three years. The levy will allow the district to be more proactive, says Superintendent Andy Harlow. “I feel like we’re always in the tyranny of the urgent. We’re always putting out fires,” he said. District staff and students will be canvassing neighborhoods in Desert Aire from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday to remind residents to vote. The proposal requires a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.

Playing with the future...

STEM event gets children excited about science and technology

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM event at Garden Heights Elementary School Thursday was a little more popular than expected. “We haven’t officially counted yet, but we got over 600 parents and students,” said David Estrada, STEM programs manager for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance, which put on the event. The organizers only anticipated about 300, he added.