Robert Wayne Burd

Jan. 10, 1930 – Nov. 14, 2023

Bob Burd passed away peacefully and pain-free on November 14, 2023, in Gig Harbor, Washington.

News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023

News Bites for Dec. 27, 2023

Legals for December, 27 2023

CWU priorities included in governor’s 2024 supplemental budget proposals

ELLENSBURG – The Office of Governor Jay Inslee released its Supplemental Operating and Capital Budget proposals for the 2024 fiscal year on Wednesday, including funding for several ongoing Central Washington University projects and priorities.

Splash pad coming to Othello’s Kiwanis Park

OTHELLO — Planning is underway for upgrades to Othello’s Kiwanis Park, which are tentatively scheduled for summer 2024. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien said that’s the plan, but there are details still to be worked out. “The schedule is still up in the air,” he said. “The final plan has not been ironed out yet.”

Loris Lee Anderson

March 23, 1927 – Dec. 21, 2023

Loris Lee Anderson, 96, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

Longtime Moses Lake attorney Brian Dano announces retirement

MOSES LAKE — There were things about the practice of law that Brian Dano liked, and things he didn’t, he said. But overall it was a great career.

Apprenticeship program announces new class

MOSES LAKE — Six youths will receive training and eventual industry certification with the help of a program put together in partnership between Genie Industries, AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships, SkillSource and North Central Education Service District 171.

Quincy council approves annexation

QUINCY — Improvements will be made to a section of Monument Hill Road NW and M Street Northeast as part of an annexation agreement approved by the Quincy City Council December 18.

Outstanding Resource Water recognition

Soap Lake's unique properties have helped garner protections for it under Department of Ecology Program

SOAP LAKE — The Washington Department of Ecology has designated Soap Lake an “outstanding resource water,” effective Jan. 18. Under the new designation, any new or expanded source of pollution on the lake could not make a measurable change in water quality.

A trophy for Christmas

Lions defeat Bridgeport and Entiat, win Christmas tournament

MOSES LAKE – The MLCA/CCS Lions picked up two wins in this week’s Christmas Basketball Tournament, defeating Bridgeport 86-71 Tuesday and Odessa 76-46 Wednesday to win the tournament.

Huskies surge late, defeat Moses Lake 38-28

MOSES LAKE – It took until the final matches to decide the outcome of Wednesday’s dual between Moses Lake and Othello, with the Huskies winning four of the final five matches to take a 38-28 win.

Royal City appoints council member, increases utility rates

ROYAL CITY – Royal City City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday evening at Royal City City Hall featured the appointment of Stanton Fanning as council member position 1. The previous December council meeting also saw council vote to approve a 2% increase in utility rates.

Wreaths Across America brings out community to honor late service members

EPHRATA – Hundreds of wreaths were laid at the headstones of veterans interred at the Ephrata Cemetery Saturday with community members coming out to honor the community’s veterans despite the drizzly, cold weather.

GCFD 3 working on plan to ensure best use of levy money

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 officials will be looking at the district’s long-term planning to determine the best use of additional funds generated by the levy increase approved by district voters in November. The “levy lid lift” received 812 yes votes and 534 no votes. It’s an increase in an existing levy, and will raise the amount levied in property taxes in the fire district to $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Collection of the additional levy money will start in 2024. The levy is paid by property owners within the district. The city of Quincy contracts with GCFD 3 for fire services, but is not part of the district...

18U Coyotes win title at Palouse Winter Freeze Tournament

MOSES LAKE – For the second straight year, the Moses Lake 18U Coyotes left the Palouse Winter Freeze Tournament as champions, bouncing back from an opening-game loss to the Tri-Cities Junior Americans to win four straight games and leave with a first-place banner.

Port of Mattawa discusses plans for using grant money in 2024

MATTAWA – Port of Mattawa commissioners met for the regular meeting Monday, providing an update on several ongoing projects and grants the port is looking to implement in the near future. Business Development and Public Affairs Consultant for the port Patrick Boss said in response to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald that former port Executive Director Lars Leland had left the port for another position. During the meeting, Boss discussed the state of the port’s funding...

Joining forces

EPD and SLPD tackle Shop With a Cop together

EPHRATA — While Shop With a Cop is not a new concept to law enforcement in the Columbia Basin, this is the first time that the Soap Lake and Ephrata Police Departments joined forces to host their separate events together this year. Shop With a Cop is an annual event where law enforcement will take selected families in need in their area Christmas shopping. It always brings smiles to all involved. Soap Lake Police Chief Ryan Cox said his favorite part, year after year, is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and the burdens lifted from their parents’ shoulders.

Presents purchased, good time had at Othello Shop With a Cop

OTHELLO — Othello Police Officer Omar Ledesma and his shopping buddy were looking everywhere, but there was no slime to be found. Not in aisle G, or E or F. Evelyn, Ledesma’s shopping buddy for the OPD Shop With a Cop, needed slime for a present. “Let’s see.. .slime, slime,” Ledesma said as he searched the aisles of the Othello Walmart. But there was no slime. Finally, Ledesma pulled out his phone to do a search of Walmart’s website.

NCW Libraries addresses library funding, maintenance concerns

WENATCHEE – In response to recent coverage of Mattawa City Council, North Central Washington Libraries is seeking to clarify misunderstandings regarding how the library system operates and receives funding. “NCW Libraries is committed to good financial stewardship and to providing robust library services to rural communities across our (five)-county district. As a public organization, transparency is critical to building trust with our community leaders and taxpayers,” said NCW Libraries Communications Manager Amanda Brack in a letter to the Columbia Basin Herald.