Study may lead to redesign of Quincy fieldhouse project

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Regional Parks District officials may have to review the preliminary design following a feasibility study for the Quincy fieldhouse, called the Q-Plex, presented to commissioners Tuesday. Parks District Executive Director Pat Haley said the original design might not be able to accomplish the original objective.

Teen survives high-speed chase Othello vehicle theft

OTHELLO – A 14-year-old boy was involved in a high-speed pursuit Sunday, following the theft of a vehicle in Othello, according to a statement from the Othello Police Department.

Mavericks’ Valdez signs with Oregon Community College

MOSES LAKE – Thursday was a special day for Jaciel Valdez as he signed his letter of intent with Southwest Oregon Community College and will join their cross-country team this fall. Head coach Larry Dagnon knew this day would come for Valdez.

Basin baseball represented in all-star game

RICHLAND – Players from Moses Lake and Othello joined their peers from Yakima at the Columbia Basin Series All-Star Game Wednesday in Richland. “It was really nice and bittersweet to end my high school career here. I'm going to go play college baseball, and hopefully I'll see some of these guys, but it was nice to play against guys that I have played the last 10 years of my life,” Mavericks player Cooper Hancock said.

LaVerne Parkinson

LaVerne Ellen Harris arrived into this world on Feb. 11, 1942. She was born to Lee and Verna Harris in Thomas, Idaho. She blessed the family as their second daughter, just behind her older sister Dixie. She was later made an older sister to her brother Ricky. She attended school in Springfield and graduated from Aberdeen High School in May of 1960. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout her life in all auxiliaries of the church. She had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was one of his most spirited disciples.

Barbara Ann Ronk

1942 – 2025

Barbara Ann Ronk, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 25, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington. She was born on October 8, 1942, in Modesto, California. She moved with her family to Eltopia, Washington in July 1955. She lived a life rich with laughter, love, and purpose.

Alabama looking for a ‘sweet home’

MOSES LAKE – Meet Alabama, the purr-fect Southern belle ready to cat-apult into your heart. At just 1 year, 7 months, and 18 days old, she’s all spayed and vaccinated. She is paw-sitively purring for her forever family. Adopt her by visiting GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and clicking “adopt,” and let the meow-gic begin. If you can’t adopt this sweet girl, but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Local youth honored at upcoming Chief for a Day event

EPHRATA – What happens when Grant County children, who are battling significant medical challenges, are promised a day of fun and recognition? They become honorary Chiefs for a day on June 12, an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories. “It’s all about giving the families and the children a memorable day where they can momentarily forget their medical challenges,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

'Party in the USA'

This year’s Soroptimist auction has a patriotic flair

MOSES LAKE — June 14 will be a star-spangled night in Moses Lake. “Party in the USA” will be the theme for this year’s Soroptimist auction, which falls on Flag Day. “That could mean your fanciest presidential-type outfits all the way down to your backyard party (attire), flag T-shirt and shorts,” said Soroptimist member Katie Wilson. “Red, white and blue all over.” The dinner and auction will be held at Pillar Rock Grill in Moses Lake, and the menu will be barbecue in keeping with the theme, Wilson said. Besides dinner and dancing, there will be raffles, a silent auction and a live auction conducted by Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers.

Soap Lake School District completes successful audit with no findings

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake School District has completed its annual financial and federal audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office. The audit results indicate a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and compliance with both federal and state regulations.

Public’s help sought in Quincy homicide investigation

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a homicide in the southwest area of town on May 15.

'Truly one of the best that Ephrata High School has to offer'

Senior Hannah Keen recognized as student of the month

EPHRATA – Hannah Keen, a senior at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as one of the June Students of the Month for her exceptional growth, dedication and positivity both in and outside the classroom, according to Marla Allsopp, the teacher who nominated her.

Ideas, suggestions, challenges focus of homelessness forum

MOSES LAKE — About 100 people came to the Moses Lake Civic Center Tuesday to make suggestions and consider options for the way forward after the Open Doors Sleep Center closes at the end of the month.

Ephrata Tigers' soccer season recap

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers soccer team ended their Spring 2025 season in the district tournament with a 3-12-1 overall record. “I think we’re there,” said Tigers head coach Ivan Garay. “Our record doesn’t show it, but when you know the story of every game you understand that we were in it and that it’s just the things you do in the offseason and how to develop to get us to that next level.” The Tigers' goal this season remained the same as every season, which is to play to make it to the state tournament, said Garay. They wanted to prepare themselves as a well-conditioned team that has a multitude of skills and tactics to give them the best chance against competitive teams.

Ephrata Tigers' softball 2025 season recap

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers softball team finished their season with an overall record of 20-10, earning third in districts and making the state tournament. “At the beginning of the season, we as a team set our team goals for the year,” said Tigers head coach Heather Wood. “They have a top five that they always aim for and so theirs was district champs, league champs, make it to state, second day of state, and then developing a family.” The Tigers started the season only losing three seniors last year but struggled here and there with players stepping into positions they hadn’t played before, said Wood.

Basin schools represented at state track meet

YAKIMA – The state track meet was held on Saturday for 1B, 2B, and 1A schools at Eisenhower’s Zaepfel Stadium. Basin schools were well represented at the meet with runners from Lind-Ritzville, Moses Lake Christian Academy, Royal, and Wahluke.

WA use-of-force database up and running

Bipartisan effort supported by law enforcement to improve transparency and accountability.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has announced the official launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, after several years of delays, according to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. “A single location with clear, standardized and contextual information will help the public better understand the use of force in Washington,” Brown wrote in a statement. “Law enforcement and policymakers will have common tools to better analyze force and make informed decisions about policing policies and practices.”

Othello considering two annexations

OTHELLO — Othello residents are being invited to give their opinions on two proposals for petitions for annexation of two pieces of property into the city at a public hearing June 23. Anne Henning, community development director, said annexation, if the petitions are approved, would be the start of a different process. “Annexation would be the first step,” Henning said.

Partnership encourages businesses to come into Wahluke schools

MATTAWA — The Wahluke School District is inviting businesses in Mattawa, or any business outside of Mattawa that’s interested, to participate in a new initiative that will bring volunteers from those businesses to Wahluke classrooms. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said “Partners in Educating Kids” is a way to increase connections between school and community.

WA student summer food program open for applications

OLYMPIA – This summer, approximately 620,000 children across Washington will benefit from SUN Bucks, a program designed to help families purchase food when school is not in session. The initiative, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program is aimed at providing nutritional support during the summer months.