Growing season inbound

Basin farmers discuss spring planting, evolving techniques

MOSES LAKE – Mark Kallstrom and Travis Meacham, of Kallstrom Sweet Corn and Friehe Farms respectively, have decades of combined commercial farming experience and discussed some of the ways they prepare for the spring planting season and how their practices have evolved over the years.

Ephrata School District forms committee to consider future bond options

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District has announced the formation of a committee tasked with establishing a recommendation on the timing of the next Ephrata School District Bond, according to a Feb. 1 ESD announcement.

Ephrata’s Malone takes top honor in chess tourney

EPHRATA – For the third consecutive year, Hayden Malone, an Ephrata High School senior took home the top prize in the Waypoint Foundation Scholastic Chess Tournament, according to a statement from the Waypoint Foundation. The competition was held Saturday at Parkway Intermediate School in Ephrata.

WSU regents set 2024–25 tuition rates

PULLMAN – Members of the Washington State University Board of Regents met in Seattle Friday, taking action on several items as well as hearing reports from constituencies across the system.

Reichert’s Showhouse in Othello for sale after 32 years of business

OTHELLO — Bob and Donna Reichert have owned and operated Reichert’s Showhouse 3 in Othello with their son Robert Reichert for 32 years. Now, they are selling the building and retiring from the theater business.

'Such a fabulous night'

Country Sweethearts banquest breaks records for attendenace and fundraising in support of local cancer patients

MOSES LAKE — Saturday night’s Country Sweethearts banquet and auction was the biggest it’s ever been, seating 540 people and raising just over $318,000 for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, according to CBCF Director Angel Ledesma. “It was such a fabulous night,” Ledesma said.

Charlene ReNae Winzler

March 26, 1964 – Jan. 25, 2024

Charlene ReNae Winzler, 59, passed away surrounded by family, at her home in Moses Lake, on Jan. 25, 2024, ending her battle with ALS, also known as Lou Guerighs Disease.

Legals for February, 6 2024

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

News bites for Feb. 6, 2024

Multi-decade Grant PUD project three-quarters complete

EPHRATA — A decades-long project to upgrade turbines and generator units for both dams owned and operated by the Grant County PUD is three-quarters complete. Upgrades to the fifth of 10 generator-turbine combinations at Priest Rapids Dam are done.

Arva Marie (Lyells) Leishman

Sept. 15, 1926 — Jan. 30, 2024

Arva Leishman, 97, was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was loved by so many. She passed quietly on January 30, 2024 97 years old.

LETTER: Grant County needs more recycling options

I have been a dedicated recycler since the early '80s but reluctantly had to give it up about two years ago. It broke my heart. The interview with County Coordinator Joan Sieverkropp was interesting, but not at all encouraging for those of us trying to do our part to be good stewards of the earth. I would like to point out one error in the article, which implies that recycling in Grant County can be done at Lakeside Recycling. I live in the county and faithfully took all my recycling materials there, being careful to follow the rules of clean and accepted items, for years. Unfortunately, about two years ago, a sign was posted at the entrance that says "For Moses Lake city residents only.” The other drop-offs don't accept many recyclable items, such as plastic bottles/containers. Our waste management company does not offer curbside pickup.

Moses Lake port officials start fuel cleanup study

MOSES LAKE — A fuel tank leak at the Port of Moses Lake that occurred in the mid-1990s will be the subject of a new study and possible additional cleanup. Port directors approved a contract for further evaluation of the site, called Pumphouse 1, at the regular meeting Jan. 22.

COLUMN: Hydropower is the cornerstone of a reliable, clean energy future

Affordable, plentiful energy is the root of a society that enables economic growth. It’s easy to forget our community’s biggest asset even though it affects everything we do. Now more than ever, our customers need to understand hydropower’s role in the rapidly changing energy landscape, and how we’re preparing for the future.

Kadlec outreach program assisting Othello community

OTHELLO — Kadlec Regional Medical Center, based in Richland, has entered the fifth month of providing a pilot outreach program to Othello community members in need, called “One Day at a Time.” The program was created by Kadlec Community Health Worker Maria Perez, who runs a similar program in Tri-Cities called Homegrown Connect. Both programs focus on providing food, supplies, assistance and company to individuals in their respective communities. Perez outlined the basics of the Tri-Cities program, and the Othello program’s influence.

Warnick bill promoting WDFW, nonprofit cooperation advances

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, received unanimous approval from the Senate to enable the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish cooperative agreements with nonprofits and volunteer programs contributing to the maintenance of lands managed by the department.

Grant Co. extends marijuana production moratorium

EPHRATA — The Grant County Commissioners have extended the moratorium on establishing new marijuana production or processing operations in unincorporated areas of the county for another six months.

Basin alumnae earn NWAC title

PASCO — Two Basin high school alumnae were a part of Columbia Basin College’s 2023 Northwest Athletic Conference Soccer Championship-winning team last November, with Othello aluma Janelly Verduzco and Moses Lake alumna Joelee Green-Cerrillo both winning NWAC titles. Verduzco, a sophomore midfielder with the Hawks, led CBC with 11 goals during the 2023 season, also assisting on a team-high six passes while starting 18 of CBC’s 20 games. Green-Cerrillo, a freshman midfielder, saw action in 13 games, scoring two goals and recording two assists. The Hawks stood unbeaten at 11-0-2 through their first 13 games last season, with the two ties coming on the road against Spokane and North Idaho. CBC’s first and only loss of the year was at home against Spokane, a 4-1 loss on Oct. 14.

Erratics to discuss geology pioneer

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Erratics Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute will host a talk on a pioneer in the geology of the Columbia Basin, according to an announcement from the organization.

Ephrata’s ‘new’ mayor pro tem looks at growing as residents choose

EPHRATA – After serving on the Ephrata City Council since 2015, Matt Moore has taken on a new title: mayor pro tem.