Newhouse, colleagues introduce infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON D.C. — On November 21, 2025, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, HR 6279, aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of urban canal infrastructure across the country. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dan Newhouse, R-WA; Mike Simpson, R-ID; Adam Gray, D-CA; and Russ Fulcher, R-ID focuses on providing federal support for the extraordinary operation and maintenance of urban canals deemed to be at significant risk of failure. “As communities in Grant County and elsewhere face serious risks from aging canal systems, it is imperative that we act now to ensure vital water infrastructure is maintained and upgraded,” Newhouse wrote in a statement. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation provides local authorities with additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern.”

WA COLLEGIATE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 5-12, 2025

MOSES LAKE — College athletes head deeper into the winter season as the remaining fall teams prepare for deeper runs in the post season. See where your favorite teams will be heading this weekend.

Lions open the season 2-0

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions got off to a strong start to their season taking two home games against Touchet and Entiat on Tuesday and Wednesday to start their season 2-0. “I think it went good, I think we got a little jumbled during the (second) game, but I think it was it was a good game for us to start off,” said Lions senior Brynlynn King. The Lions dominated in their season opener against Touchet on Tuesday, holding their opponent to five points total and preventing a single score in both the second and third quarters. The MLCA/CCS offense and defense were on full display in this game as they won 59-5.

Lions’ Ferguson hits 1K points in win over Entiat

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions basketball team earned a statement 75-29 win in their season opener against Entiat. During this victory, Lions senior Johnny Ferguson hit a personal milestone of 1,000 career points. “I didn’t even know that I was going to hit 1,000,” said Johnny. “I was pretty shocked and it was a surreal moment.” The Lions started the game off with a strong offensive front while also preventing their opponent from scoring for the majority of the first quarter, gaining an early 25-7 lead. This continued into the second quarter as the speed and physicality of the Lions’ game plan kept Entiat down to extend the lead to 49-13 by the end of the half.

Gloria Vernon

Gloria Vernon (Ritter) was born on Nov. 27, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland to Austrian immigrants. She spent her life in that city until she married Charles Vernon in 1955. Chuck and Gloria moved to the Los Angeles area where she worked 35 years as a bookkeeper for Mead Corporation. She was widowed in 1997. Subsequently, she moved to Florida to care for her mother. After her mother’s death, she returned to Baltimore and lived there for several years prior to Jan. 4, 2019, when she moved to Moses Lake, Washington to live with her niece and nephew, Mike and Tina Bradley. She's resided in Moses Lake from that date until her death. She had no children, but is survived by many friends who loved her kind, gracious and quick personality, including her godchildren, Bob and Teri Martin.

Shellie Ann Morse

Oct. 23, 1961 — Dec. 3, 2025

Shellie Ann Morse, 64, died Dec. 3, 2025, in Ellensburg, Washington. Shellie was born on Oct. 23, 1961, in Everett, Washington. Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family.

COLUMN: A moment of gratitude during conflict

At the time of writing, the Moses Lake Education Association is on its third day of striking as they work toward an agreement with the Moses Lake School District. It’s no secret these strikes have led to a ripple effect of outcomes, the most notable that school has not been in session this week as negotiations continue and teachers strike.

The Floral Cottage opens in Ephrata

Local shopkeeper helps celebrate special moments with floral flair

EPHRATA — The Floral Cottage, a new floral design shop owned by Liz Graaff, held its open house Monday, drawing members of the community to celebrate the launch of the store. Located in the heart of Ephrata, the shop provides flower arrangements, plants and locally sourced gifts inspired by Graaff’s passion for floral arrangement. "I absolutely love flowers," Graaff said as she welcomed each guest into her shop with a smile.

Local organizations collect Christmas presents for children

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot of talk about the true meaning of Christmas, but it’s hard to deny that one of the best parts is seeing children open their new toys.

Sparkles and Confetti can fill your home with holiday joy

MOSES LAKE — Sparkles, left, and Confetti, right are both up for adoption at Grant County Animal Outreach. These two pups are perfectly wonderful at bringing holiday joy. Both are female dogs, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Now, all they need is for you to fill out one or both of their applications. Convinced? Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and get started on adoption applications, we know you want to... However, if you can’t adopt these sweet girls, but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.” GCAO also needs dog toys, treats and blankets, if you would prefer to drop off items to the shelter.

‘People connector’

Small business mentor Allan Peterson prepares to retire

MOSES LAKE — Allan Peterson is hanging it up after more than two decades of helping the little guy find success. “(We) really appreciate all that he has done for Grant County,” Grant County Economic Development Council Director Brant Mayo said. “He’s been an unsung hero of the growth in this area.”

Gathered in Gratitude brings in $70,000 for McKay Healthcare

SOAP LAKE – Around 90 people Gathered in Gratitude for a fundraising event for McKay Healthcare and Rehab Center, raising nearly $70,000 for the long term care facility.

Moses Lake resident interrupts burglary in her garage

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake resident came face to face with a burglar early Wednesday morning at her residence near the 100 block of South Division Avenue. Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely said in most cases, a burglar is looking for something that looks easy to steal.

Moses Lake Police logs as of Dec. 3, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for December, 4 2025

Operation Human Freight leads to multiple arrests in Fife

FIFE — In an action aimed at combating human trafficking and prostitution, the Washington State Patrol has arrested nearly a dozen individuals in an overnight operation dubbed “Operation Human Freight.” The operation, which took place on November 25, 2025, was orchestrated by the WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division in response to reported suspicious activities near truck stops in Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties.

Ephrata water tower waiting for final tests

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is still waiting for the final testing to come back to the water tower. The city had originally hoped the tower would be connected to the water system by Thanksgiving; however, the intensive water testing is taking longer than anticipated.

MLSD pursuing legal action to end work stoppage

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District has filed suit to return teachers to the classroom, district Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said Wednesday. The district announced it has filed paperwork with Grant County Superior Court to end the work stoppage and order employees back to work. There will be a hearing on the matter later this week, according to the district.

'We could use just about everything'

Moses Lake Food Bank looking for donations of food, funds

'We could use just about everything.'

Mavs pull ahead of Tigers in season opener

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers and Moses Lake Mavericks basketball teams faced off in their first game of the season on the Tigers home court. It was a close competition, but ultimately the Mavs came out on top with a 48-37 victory. “It was a little slow in the beginning, but I think it’s just first game of the season, I think we have really good guys and I’m excited for the season,” said Taggart Rathbun, a junior for the Mavs. The Tigers took control in the first quarter, scoring 13 points and holding the Mavs to only three. Moses Lake quickly turned things around in the second quarter where they scored 17 points to tie up the game at 20-20 at the end of the half.