WA lawmakers consider extending unemployment to striking workers

OLYMPIA - Washington lawmakers are revisiting a bill that would extend unemployment insurance to workers on strike. The bill was reintroduced this year by Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, reviving debate among labor advocates and business associations. “Without a social safety net during a strike, workers are faced with tremendous pressures to end the strike quickly or never go on strike in the first place,” Riccelli said in public testimony. “I think this levels the playing field.”

Balance class helps seniors avoid falls

OTHELLO — There are few things more frightening to seniors than the possibility of a bad fall. Besides the obvious potential for serious injury, there’s a feeling of helplessness that comes with vulnerability to falling and a very real fear of being stranded and unable to get help. A free class called A Matter of Balance starting in Othello today can help.

Wildcats win sole possession GNAC title with dramatic comeback against Simon Fraser

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Central Washington University men’s basketball team defeated Simon Fraser University 73-70 Saturday night at the West Gym. This victory not only marked an impressive comeback for the Wildcats but also secured them sole possession of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Regular Season Title and a first-round bye for the upcoming GNAC Tournament.

Legals for March, 5 2025

Regan Bonato

1947 – 2025

Regan Dee Bonato, 78, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2025, from complications of the flu.

Home and Garden Show kicks off spring in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It was only an hour into the two-day show, and already there was a pretty sizable crowd at the third annual Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show Friday. “We always have a good turnout on Friday and Saturday,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City and the organizer of the show. “Saturday is usually about twice as busy, but Friday’s always good.”

Mavs Knowledge Bowl team headed to state competition

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks Knowledge Bowl Team from Moses Lake High School secured first place in their division at the North Central Education Services District competition held Feb. 24 in Wenatchee, according to a Moses Lake School District press release.

Vantage Bridge construction gets rolling again

VANTAGE — Among many other things, spring and summer mean roadwork. And work has already started for 2025 on the Vantage Bridge. Starting Monday, the bridge is back to a single lane of traffic in each direction. Summer Derrey, Washington Department of Transportation assistant communications manager for the south central region, said WSDOT is asking drivers to think about taking alternate routes.

New Quincy hospital close to completion

QUINCY — As of Tuesday it’s 78 days until a new hospital opens. The brand-new Quincy Valley Medical Center is still in the final stages of construction, with the first day for patients scheduled for May 21.

FRESH NEWS: The ice is (almost) gone, so let’s fish

MARDON – With the ice disappearing from the reservoir and the sunny days forecast for the week ahead, this is the signal we’ve been waiting for.

Moore Brewing beer gets the word out about Carp Classic

MOSES LAKE — People who want to learn more about – and support - an unusual fishing tournament on Moses Lake now can do it with a glass of locally brewed summer beer. The Carp Classic is scheduled for May 17; rather than casting a line in the water, participants pull out their bows and arrows. It's an unusual way to get some of the nuisance fish out of Moses Lake and thereby improve lake quality.

Community volunteers sought for Wahluke facility committee

MATTAWA — People interested in helping write a plan to determine when and how the Wahluke School District will maintain and upgrade its facilities, among other things, are being invited to be part of a planning committee. The first meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 11 in the Wahluke School District office, 411 Saddle Mountain Drive.

NEWS BITES: March 4, 2025

NEWS BITES: March 4, 2025

Legals for March, 4 2025

Consuelo Bustamante Meza

1936 — 2025

Consuelo Bustamante Meza, 88, a beloved mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away on February 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Othello man arraigned for possessing explicit images of children

OTHELLO — An Othello man was arraigned Feb. 26 in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington on 11 counts of possession or production of material with sexually explicit images of children, extortion and interstate communication of a threat.

Gun show comes to fairgrounds this weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds will be the place to be March 8-9 for firearms enthusiasts, both serious buyers and the folks who just like to look. “I have dealers that come in and set up and (others) are just collectors,” said promoter Reon Warren, owner of Northwest Gun Shows, which puts on the show twice a year at the Grant County Fairgrounds. “They're not really dealers, per se. They like to come in and talk guns and show off what they have.”

Legals for March, 3 2025

Groff Elementary closed this week after electrical incident

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary School students will be attending classes from home this week after an electrical problem caused an unidentified person to be shocked on campus. Moses Lake School District Director of Communications Ryan Shannon said the person’s identity and exact condition could not be disclosed due to privacy regulations.

Dent's ag exemption bill for CCA costs moving forward

OLYMPIA - Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working to fulfill lawmakers' promise to exempt Washington farmers and ranchers from cap-and-trade fuel taxes in a newly proposed bipartisan bill. “Finding a solution is a challenge,” Dent said in a public hearing. “We know that, but a promise was made, and we need to find a way to keep that promise.”