Legals for March, 11 2025

Port of Moses Lake acquires 3 miles of rail

MOSES LAKE — After about two decades of work and three years of negotiation, the Port of Moses Lake took ownership of about three miles of railroad track between State Route 17 and Port property Monday. The rail line had been the property of the Columbia Basin Railroad.

Water lines flushed to address discoloration on Patton Boulevard

City of Moses Lake works to ensure water quality after facility closures

MOSES LAKE -— Samples of water from the system around North Elementary and along Patton Boulevard late last week met and were consistent with water quality standards. Discolored water discovered Wednesday at North Elementary School prompted that campus’s closure through Monday. Discolored water also closed the Family Services of Grant County facility on Patton Boulevard.

MLSD announces plan in light of Groff closure

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the rest of the school year, according to an announcement from Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 school board meeting. As a result, district officials have initiated plans to ensure Groff students continue their education without interruption. “We understand that this is going to be challenging, frustrating and new for families to go through,” MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. “This is a pretty big lift that we're asking of families and even staff and most importantly, the students. This is a big deal, and we are just appreciative of the ongoing communication that teachers and families are having as we start to map out those educational plans for the coming weeks.”

Torres’ school safety bill enters WA House

OLYMPIA – Sen. Nikki Torres’, R-Pasco, school safety bill, known as Alyssa’s Law, received a public hearing in the House after clearing the Senate on Wednesday, March 5. The bipartisan legislation would require school districts to collaborate with local law enforcement to develop updated emergency response systems using evolving technology, including silent panic buttons, to ensure expedited response time.

MLSD finance director resigns

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Executive Director of Business and Operations, Mitchell Thompson, during a school board meeting held on March 6, 2025. Thompson’s resignation is set to take effect on June 30, 2025.

MLSD recognizes Lewis, receives finance update

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District had a regular board meeting March 6 to acknowledge Superintendent Carol Lewis, update on finances, pass several policies and finalize a letter to the superintendent of public instruction and the governor.

Legals for March, 10 2025

House passes bill to expand eligibility for program to remedy housing discrimination

(The Center Square) – Members of the Washington State House of Representatives spent nearly four hours Thursday night debating Second Substitute House Bill 1696, which would dramatically expand the pool of those who could qualify for the state’s Covenant Home Ownership Program, before finally passing it.

Groff Elem. to be closed remainder of school year

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the remainder of the school year, according to Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 regular school board meeting. “What has been done is lots of testing, lots of repairs,” Lewis said. “We first have to figure out exactly what the problem is and then make the proper repairs to the building.”

Addressing growth focus of Moses Lake comprehensive plan update

MOSES LAKE — Growth, and how Moses Lake manages it and adapts to it, is already a focus of attention by city officials. Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz said a lot of things go into answering that challenge, the city’s comprehensive plan among them.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS for March 7, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and there’s plenty to do. Live music, crafts, classes and more. Here are a few options:

Law enforcement logs for March 7, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for March, 7 2025

Madcap murder

‘Clue: On Stage’ opens Friday at MLHS

MOSES LAKE — If you’re looking for a calm, slow-paced play, “Clue: On Stage” ain’t it. The comic farce, based on the 1985 movie which in turn was based on the classic board game, careens from one surprise and plot twist to another at breakneck speed, which makes it a challenge to stage.

Soap Lake passes six-year transpo plan

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed its six-year transportation improvement program for the Washington State Department of Transportation. There are 10 projects planned for the next six years.

Van donated to Boys and Girls Clubs

MOSES LAKE — The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin received some new wheels last week, thanks to Group14 and the Moses Lake Elks Lodge. “I swear, it was like the stars aligned,” said Kim Pope, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club.

MLSD institutes security protocols after Columbia Middle School threat

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday at around 11:45 a.m. the Moses Lake School District was made aware of a potential threat related to Columbia Middle School for Friday, according to MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry relocating

Volunteers and trucks needed for moving process

SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is officially moving to its new location – a five-acre “raw” plot of land located in rural Soap Lake a couple of miles away from the current location. However, Shawna Kluge, who starts and runs the shelter, said she needs communities worth of help to accomplish the goal. “Right now, we’re focusing on the move which is the 15 dogs on site and then other gear and equipment,” Kluge said. “While we are doing that, I still have to make sure that all the daily operations are kept up with. There is a lot of (stuff) to do. I am overwhelmed and definitely need help.” The new location does not have access to electricity or running water. “The PUD was asking for $110,000 to be split between three properties to bring it to the road, but we are still another mile from the road,” Kluge said. “We don’t have $37,000 and change to do that, so we are going solar.”

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Help us keep perspective...

Regardless of how someone feels about Donald Trump, there are going to be things that happen over the next four years that are going to make you feel one way or another about a controversial something-or-other.