Grant PUD examining rate structure changes again

EPHRATA — A new rate structure might be coming to Grant County Public Utility District customers in 2026, and customers will be able to tell PUD commissioners what they think about it beginning in September. Commissioner Tom Flint said electrical rates will be on an upward trajectory, given substantial increases in demand and increased costs to produce electricity.

Library story time keeps children engaged with books, songs and crafts

MOSES LAKE — Books are meant to be read, and children’s books are meant to be read aloud. And at the Moses Lake Public Library, that’s what happens. “We have our regular preschool story time on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30,” said children’s librarian Zach Walker. “We … have sensory story time the second and fourth Fridays of the month. On the third Friday of every third month, we have the fire department come by to do a story time as well as a demonstration of their gear and equipment. That one is always very popular. I think the quietest one was like 30 (children).”

Republican Party fairgrounds booth gets upgrade

MOSES LAKE — With the Grant County Fair dead ahead, it’s sprucing-up-fixing-up-freshen-up the booth time. The Grant County Republicans are working on a top-to-bottom renovation. “It’s looking pretty cool.” said Vickey Melcher, who’s leading the volunteer crew. “We’re pretty excited about it.”

Moses Lake Alumni Association awards 12 scholarships

MOSES LAKE — Celebrating 19 years of service, the Moses Lake Alumni Association met on May 3 at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center in Moses Lake to award scholarships for 12 college-bound students. Since its launch in 2007, the MLAA has awarded 252 scholarships worth $277,000, funded by members’ dues and donations.

Jacks summer baseball returns

QUINCY – Earlier this month, the Quincy Jackrabbits completed their first season of summer baseball since before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Cami Kukes, after the Jacks moved to the Central Washington Athletic Conference, she noticed a void for summer baseball opportunities in the area.

Sixers 14U season concludes with championship appearance

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington Sixers 14U baseball team (24-14-2) concluded their season in the Bullpen Series: Season Finale tournament Sunday. According to head coach Ray Lopez, his players left it all on the field.

Gas prices steady this week

MOSES LAKE – Gas prices in Grant and Adams counties, Washington and nationally are identical to last week. “With gasoline demand starting to ease as we head into August, we could see prices gradually decline as we approach Labor Day,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “That said, this is also the time of year when the tropics begin to stir, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on hurricane activity that could disrupt supply and shift the outlook.”

STUDIO BASIN: Columbia Basin Hospital bond, Grant Co. prosecuting attorney and BMX

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller discusses the upcoming Columbia Basin Hospital bond for the primary election in Ephrata. Miller talks about the history of upgrades the hospital has had, planned upgrades with the bond package and what that will cost voters. Then reporter Caleb Perez talks about how Grant County hired a new prosecuting attorney last week. Miller then threw reporter Nance Beston into the hot seat asking them what they had learned during their first year as a reporter.

Paving project to close I-90 ramps near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The project involving repaving a section of Interstate 90 near Moses Lake will require temporary closures of the off and on ramps from Exit 174 to Exit 179 to allow Washington State Department of Transportation contractors to work on the lanes leading up to the ramps. “They are part of what’s necessary to get the paving project that’s going on in that region completed,” said Sebastian Moraga from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Communications department.

Port of Moses Lake passes reporting audit

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake recently passed an audit of the municipality’s financial reporting for the 2023 calendar year, according to a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

Antonio (Tony) Moreno

1931 — 2025

Antonio (Tony) Moreno, born May 14, 1931, in Pflugerville, Texas to Hipolito and Gertrudis Moreno. He passed on July 24, 2025, in his home of 55 years surrounded by loved ones. He was 94.

Max Sparr

1933 — 2025

Max W. Sparr, 91, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on July 16, 2025. Max was born in August 1933 to Arvid and Elizabeth Sparr on their farm near Red Oak, Iowa. He was the youngest child and his name was chosen by his sisters Evelyn, Dorothy and his brother Marion.

Janet K. Cassiano

1952 — 2025

Janet K. Cassiano was born January 3, 1952, to Glenn Brown and Beulah (Casteel) Brown. In 1970, Janet met her high school sweetheart, Joe Cassiano Jr., and they were married in 1972. She passed away at the age of 73 with her loving family at her side.

Kevin J. Fuhr

1967 — 2025

Kevin was born March 13, 1967, in Redondo Beach, California, to Steve and Sharon Fuhr. He was the oldest of four siblings, brother Danny, sisters Stacey and Cindy.

Remembering Chief Fuhr

Local law enforcement leader passes, leaving a legacy of service, kindness and community.

MOSES LAKE — Kevin Fuhr, it’s generally agreed, was a force of nature. “Man, that guy just kept moving,” said Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands, who succeeded Fuhr as chief in 2023. “I know there were times he probably relaxed, but by and large, he was always on the go.”

Brookdale Hearthstone restores chapel to use

MOSES LAKE — The chapel at Brookdale Hearthstone is blessed and ready to serve once again. “This is a sacred place,” said Pastor Rick Garcia. “This is a consecrated place. And today we've come to bless this space and this chapel (and) rededicate it to the Lord.”

Four lanes to stay on E. Wheeler Road

MOSES LAKE — A section of East Wheeler Road won’t be reconfigured to one lane in each direction and a left-turn lane. Moses Lake City Council members voted 6-1 July 22 to agree to a request from businesses along Wheeler Road to keep the current lane configuration.

Gorge shooting trial rescheduled for late August

EPHRATA – The trial for James Kelly, the suspect in the shooting that occurred during the Beyond Wonderland Music Festival in June of 2023, has been postponed again. An omnibus hearing is set for July 28, a readiness hearing for August 25 and the trial for August 27. The trial had been set for July 23.

NEWS BITES: July 28, 2025

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Josh Erickson recently earned Certified Jail Manager certification through the American Jail Association.

Weather for the week of July 28, 2025

Weather for the week of July 28, 2025