Traditions making a comeback for the Fourth at George

GEORGE — Some traditions are returning to George’s Fourth of July celebration this year. “We’re going to begin the day with the pancake breakfast at the George Community Hall kitchen,” said organizer Debby Kooy. “I don’t think we’ve had a pancake breakfast at the hall on the Fourth of July for about 10 years. It’s fun to see that come back, because people still ask for it every time. And we’re having the return of the cherry pit spitting contest. There might be a few other things added … but we’ll at least do the cherry pit spitting.”

Legals for June, 30 2025

Jose George Moreno

Jose George Moreno, 47, born August 19, 1977, in Moses Lake, Wash., passed away June 18, 2025, in Moses Lake. Riplinger Funeral Home of Spokane will be handling final arrangements. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A Graveside Service will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. Reception from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Local Carpenter's Union Hall located at 127 E August Ave, Spokane.

Traffic projects coming to I-90, SR 282

MOSES LAKE — Drivers on Interstate 90 between Road O NE and Dodson Road should be prepared for delays beginning in mid-July. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant for the Washington Department of Transportation, said construction crews will be paving both the eastbound and westbound lanes. “This year it will be day work,” Moraga said.

BASIN COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Ending June and into July 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — July will sizzle in the Basin, both the weather and the events scene. Here are a few things coming up this month:

Jose George Moreno

Aug. 19, 1977 - June 18, 2025

Story: With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend. Born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, the middle son of a big family, George had two older brothers, Mike and Mark, and two younger sisters, Michelle and Olga. He took being the middle child as a challenge and never looked back. George lived a life full of movement, growth and deep connection. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood and later graduated from Quincy High School, where he played both basketball and baseball, already showing the competitive spirit and team loyalty that would define much of his life. From a young age, he had a fire in his soul, a love for people and a knack for making friends wherever he went. In 2000, his life changed with the arrival of his first daughter, Rylee. Though it was a challenging time, George found pure joy in fatherhood. He stayed active in the community playing softball, bowling long into a Thursday night and even joining a dodgeball league. (Yes, dodgeball! And yes, there were probably a few brews involved.) But every game was played with love and laughter. In 2002, he met the love of his life Kristin while they both were working at Old Country Buffet in Spokane, Washington. They were later married and began building their beautiful family and welcomed three more daughters: Annabelle, Scarlett and their youngest, Ivy. The Moreno family could often be found floating down Washington rivers, camping through long softball weekends or headed to Watershed with George in his signature cowboy hat – ready for a weekend of country music, good friends, and better drinks. Some of the most cherished memories were spent at Sacheen Lake with Rodger, Sheri and Rachelle –fishing, kayaking, hiking and cooking up unforgettable meals. George would throw down a tomahawk steak on the smoker, Kristin would hand you a cold drink, and their girls would offer to watch your kids so you could finally relax. The Morenos are the kind of people who made everyone feel at home, George especially. Professionally, George found his purpose in carpentry. After becoming a licensed journeyman, his passion grew beyond the job site. He became a fierce advocate for his union brothers and sisters, eventually being elected Vice President of Local 59, part of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. As he loved to say, “We’re border to border, baby!” He was the kind of leader who made you feel seen, supported, and proud to stand beside him. His powerful May Day speech on workers' rights, tax fraud, and safe job sites was one of his proudest moments. George traveled across the U.S., always spreading knowledge, building solidarity, and lifting others up. Whether it was Chalk Talk or The Delegate Duo, he was your guy! George was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Mary Lou Moreno. He leaves behind his wife Kristin; their beloved daughters Rylee (Alex), Annabelle, Scarlett, and Ivy; his two grandsons Wyatt, and Jackson; his brothers Mike (Cassandra) and Mark (Cindy); sisters Michelle (Oscar) and Olga (Brandon); and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves many a heartbroken community of family, friends, Liquid Courage, Rampage, and union brothers and sisters who will forever carry his spirit. George will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” — George Moreno Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, beginning with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m., then Mass at 1 p.m., both at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Spokane. A graveside service and reception will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park. With broken hearts, we share the sudden and devastating loss of Jose George Moreno Jr., 47, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother and friend.

Ryan wins for 7th time in 8 decisions, Clemens hits 9th homer and Twins beat Mariners 2-0

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Ryan won for the seventh time in eight decisions, Kody Clemens hit his ninth homer and Willi Castro drove in the go-ahead run as the Minnesota Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 2-0 on Wednesday night to stop a five-game losing streak.

WA may have to dip into emergency reserves, despite historic tax increases

(The Center Square) – Despite passing the largest tax increase in state history amid record revenue levels, Washington state’s wallet may be empty by the end of the 2025-27 biennium, according to a new report by the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

Resource fair held at Open Doors Sleep Center

MOSES LAKE — With the Open Doors Sleep Center closing in days, several community resources gathered there Monday for a resource fair to ensure people have access to alternative resources. Several groups spoke with sleep center clients and provided alternatives in the community.

Legals for June, 24 2025

Know the local law before setting off fireworks

MOSES LAKE — The calendar is counting down to Independence Day, and fireworks stands are offering combustible fun all over the Basin. Before you start lighting fuses, however, make sure you know the local laws.

Story hits 2-run homer, Crochet goes 6 strong innings as Red Sox earn series victory over Mariners

SEATTLE (AP) — Trevor Story hit a two-run home run and Garrett Crochet pitched six innings of one-run ball as the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Wednesday.

Little Big Show

Wilson Creek’s annual car show brings vehicles of all vintages

WILSON CREEK — Sometimes, a car owner just can’t help himself. “Originally I bought it because I needed a commuter,” said Ricky Gutierrez, who was showing his 2019 Subaru at the Little Big Show in Wilson Creek Saturday morning. “I work for the county, and I drive everywhere, so I needed something better on gas mileage.” That didn’t last long, he said. “I grew up modifying cars, so I was like, I’ll add wheels, and then suspension,” Gutierrez said. “And then I (thought) it wasn’t fast enough, so I made more horsepower out of it, and kind of decided to do it into a show car. Full air ride, suspension, the carbon fiber hood, the trunk, the seats inside, and just the little details that add up a lot.”

Mariners complete a sweep of the Guardians

SEATTLE (AP) — Jorge Polanco hit a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday night. J.P. Crawford hit a grand slam, Emerson Hancock tossed seven scoreless innings and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-0 on Sunday to complete a sweep.

Canzone’s two-run single helps Mariners beat Guardians 7-2 to get back to .500

SEATTLE (AP) — Dominic Canzone hit a two-run single in the seventh inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Guardians 7-2 on Friday night to move back to .500.

Adell hits 2 HRs, Taylor also goes deep as Angels rally from 4 down to beat Mariners 8-6

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Jo Adell homered twice, Chris Taylor also went deep and the Los Angeles Angels rallied from four runs down and beat the Seattle Mariners 8-6 on Saturday night.

George Kirby strikes out career-high 14, Mariners beat Angels 3-2 to snap their 5-game skid

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — George Kirby struck out a career-high 14 during seven innings of two-hit ball, and the Seattle Mariners snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Legals for June, 10 2025

Quick change

George hotel turns from Microtel to Holiday Inn Express overnight

GEORGE — The Holiday Inn Express in George appeared literally overnight. “On (April) 10 we closed the transaction and then at 7 p.m. IHG, which is the brand where Holiday Inn Express comes from, gave us the green light to open the hotel,” said General Manager Jed Jonathan. The hotel, which was built in 2020, had been a Wyndham Microtel up until then. It hadn’t been listed for sale, Jonathan said, but the owner had put out a few feelers. Jonathan owned several storage businesses under the name Dream Storage. When he became interested in branching out into the hospitality sector, Jonathan reached out to a number of hotel chains looking for a franchise, he said, and IHG was the first one that called him back. IHG put him in contact with A1 Hospitality in Tri-Cities, which owned about 20 hotels. Between then they created Dream A1 Hospitality, which is the official owner of the hotel.

Soap Lake’s Xavier Ewing: third in state and boys player of the year

YAKIMA – Soap Lake Eagles tennis player Xavier Ewing took third in the 1B/2B state tournament after placing second in the district tournament. Ewing also earned the title of boys tennis player of the year following the state tournament.