Senate bill to protect private property

OLYMPIA - The Senate passed bill 5077, prohibiting the use of eminent domain for economic development.

Multicultural failure?

In the thin-skinned world of multiculturalism - a Utopian dream that has failed like all Utopian dreams - it is not surprising that British Prime Minister David Cameron stirred up a large and festering pot.

'Do it yourself' redistricting kit available

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Redistricting Commission website has tools allowing anyone with a computer to draw new boundaries for Washington's congressional and legislative districts.

Studded tire permit a bad idea

A proposed $75 permit to use studded tires is supposed to ensure Washington's drivers pay for highway damage caused by the tires.

More students eligible for state college aid

Access to state need grants extended

MOSES LAKE - Some state financial aid for post-secondary education may be available to students who are Washington residents but not U.S. citizens, according to Big Bend Community College officials.

Quincy officer appeals protective order

EPHRATA - An attorney representing a Quincy police sergeant accused of threatening a records clerk said his client is appealing the decision to grant a permanent protective order to the alleged victim.

Ping pong drop an adventure

ROYAL CITY – The annual SummerFest ping pong ball drop, which Royal Slope kids love, had become sort of ho-hum.

Didier files lawsuit over alleged campaign ethics violation

Moses Lake volunteer Chris Voigt said he was within terms of his work contract and did not violate state ethics laws

RICHLAND - U.S. Fourth Congressional candidate Clint Didier filed a lawsuit in federal court last week accusing a Moses Lake-based volunteer from his opponent's campaign of using public resources, and asking that the alleged activities be stopped.

NOTICE OF MITIGATED DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE

Carlile Development Major Plat & Binding Site Plan - Plat 26 acres into 2 lots in the Heavy Industrial Zone, and further divide through the binding site plan process. The proponent is Carlile Development. The site is located at 9147 Tyndall Road.

Northern Pikeminnow Fishing Derby this weekend

QUINCY - Quincy Valley Tourism Association (QVTA) will be sponsoring a Northern Pikeminnow Fishing Derby on Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19. The derby staging area will be at the Crescent Bar Recreation area boat basin but contestants will be able to fish anywhere on the Columbia River between Rock Island Dam and Wanapum Dam.

Reader worries about country's affairs

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the original Constitution and first 12 amendments that created the republic which the flag represents. One nation, in need of divine guidance, currently with slavery and injustice for all. I pledge to help heal the Constitution, and restore the vision of the founding fathers.

George crash victims drowned in vehicle

GEORGE - Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison determined the Stanwood family drowned Sunday when their vehicle plunged into an irrigation canal in George.

Conviction upheld for ML woman who fled from police

SPOKANE - The conviction of a Moses Lake woman who ran herself over following a police pursuit was upheld in the State Court of Appeals recently.

Reader weighs in on Committees on Safety

Regarding Committees of Safety, the best models come from those formed within the American colonies. See http://www.committee.org/PCOSindex.htm for a good starting point.

CITY OF MESA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Mesa Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing, May 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at Mesa City Hall, P.O. Box 146, 103 Franklin Street, Mesa, WA 99343 to review the Zoning Ordinance, add regulations regarding Medical Marijuana, to follow State and Federal laws.

Moses Lake Chamber holds tax workshop

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce sponsors a workshop Wednesday for business owners and others interested in knowing what 2013 and 2014 will bring in terms of taxes and regulations. The workshop will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the chamber office, 324 South Pioneer Way.

GOVERNMENT

Reader concerned by recent 'decrees'

Moses Lake shooting suspect allowed to see parents

EPHRATA - A Moses Lake boy, 14, will be allowed to see his parents after allegedly trying to kill them in March.

Tigers softball drops two games to Mustangs

Lose twin bill to Prosser

EPHRATA - The Lady Tigers found the going rough Saturday as the team hosted Prosser in doubleheader action. The Mustangs bolted past Ephrata 17-1 in game one, and out scored the Tigers 14-4 in game two.

Food Safety seminar at BBCC Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Economic Development Council (EDC) is sponsoring a half-day long seminar on Tuesday to help farmers and food processors comply with federal and state safety and environmental laws.