Community urged to take precautions against package thefts

OTHELLO – With the holiday season fast approaching, the Othello Police Department is increasing awareness about package thefts that have recently plagued the community. In a bid to prevent residents from becoming victims of these crimes, Police Chief Dave Rehaume said residents should be mindful and cautious when having packages delivered.

Grant PUD financials solid with above-projected revenues

EPHRATA — Higher-than-anticipated revenue is projected to make 2024 a good year for the Grant County Public Utility District. Wholesale and contracted power sales are projected to end 2024 at $286.5 million, once the books are fully balanced. That's $196.3 million over the initial budget projection. Angelina Johnson, PUD deputy treasurer, said that may be a short-term advantage though.

Moses Lake council, school board to hold joint workshop

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School Board will be talking about water, partnerships and facilities at a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. Ryan Shannon, Moses Lake School District director of public relations, said MLSD officials proposed the workshop to talk about issues that affect both of them as well as the city as a whole.

Reuben Lopez takes over as Othello boys wrestling head coach

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys wrestling team will be under new leadership this season after longtime coach Rudy Ochoa II stepped away from the role in the offseason. Reuben Lopez will be taking over the position as the eighth-ever coach in the program’s history.

COLUMN: Mariners season was a success

I imagine for any Mariners fan, Monday night had a bitter ending. From a 3-1 lead to a three-run homer that flipped the momentum on its head, the Mariners fell just short of what would have been their first ever World Series appearance. Though it may be too soon, I think it’s important to still acknowledge the season that the Mariners had. It’s hard to watch your favorite team fall short of making the championship game of their respective sport. Especially in the Mariners' case where historical implications were at play. However, the season the Mariners had should be remembered for a long time. From an outsider's perspective, I saw a lot of things that indicated a promising future for this franchise.

Eastern European traditions on display at Basin schools

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Allied Arts kicked off its annual school tour Monday, with a performance for Grant and Columbia Ridge students in Ephrata by Trio Barynya.

Othello man convicted of odometer tampering

OTHELLO — U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano announced Monday, that Reynaldo Garza, a 53-year-old resident of Othello, Washington, was convicted on October 1, 2025, by a federal jury in Spokane on five felony counts of odometer tampering. The conviction culminated from an investigation led by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, which revealed Garza's scheme to deceive unsuspecting buyers by altering the odometers of high mileage used cars.

Major work coming to Quincy’s A Street Northeast in 2026

QUINCY — People driving around Quincy will be encountering some roadwork next spring, with two projects along a major thoroughfare. City Engineer Ariel Belino told Quincy City Council members a third project will close a section of A Street Northeast.

Moose spotted in Ephrata, residents told to exercise caution

EPHRATA —A moose has been spotted wandering through Ephrata and nearby communities over the past few days, drawing the attention of residents and prompting authorities to issue safety reminders regarding wildlife encounters. “The heat is intense, and moose are seeking water sources,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Specialist Nicole Jordan said. “It’s not abnormal to see them migrating through this area, as they naturally exist here.”

Climbing to new heights in Landfall Games’ ‘Peak’

MOSES LAKE – There have been a variety of cooperative games released in the past couple of years including an indie game released last month called “Peak” made by Aggro Crab and Landfall games. “Peak” presents players with both a challenging and rewarding gameplay loop and is worth the try for anyone interested in a unique take on the action-adventure genre.

Blasting caps neutralized in Ephrata

Authorities remind public to take extra caution around dangerous materials

EPHRATA — Early afternoon Thursday, Ephrata Police Department was called for suspected blasting caps found in the northwest section of town at a construction storage yard. “They were found in a steel container. When they opened the container, they recognized that they were explosive devices. They immediately called MACC dispatch and the Ephrata Police Department responded,” Captain Troy Froewiss said.

More than 20 dogs removed from Grant Co. residence

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach responded to a call from Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday where a local citizen was in critical need of assistance with more than 20 dogs that had accumulated onto the property.

ACH prepares for big matchup against DeSales

COULEE CITY — The four-seeded Almira/Coulee Hartline Warriors football team will be headed to Walla Walla tomorrow to face the number one-seeded DeSales in the semifinals of the 1B state tournament. This will be the final matchup before facing either Liberty Christian or Wahkiakum in the championships at Husky Stadium.

Othello working to establish city fire department

OTHELLO — An analysis of what the city of Othello would need to set up its own fire department is in the early stages of preparation. Greg Prothman, founder of GMP Consultants, which is working with city officials on the project, said the first step will be determining what the city is looking for. “We have a retired fire chief working with the mayor to put together a scope of work,” Prothman said.

Two fires in the Basin over the weekend

WILSON CREEK — Two small fires happened over the weekend, with one fire Saturday on Road O Northeast and Road 30 Northeast between Wilson Creek and Coulee City and another near Sunday near Lind.

Soap Lake Creative District asks for new signage

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Creative District asked the Soap Lake City Council to consider an Washington State Arts Commission grant application and matched fund assistance for new wayfinding signage throughout the district. The council unanimously decided to move forward by creating a memorandum of understanding and looking at matching dollars for the project.

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.

One dead, one injured in Sunday evening shooting

EPHRATA – One man is dead and another is being held at the Grant County Jail after a shooting at about 7:40 p.m. at the Hawk Fuel station in Ephrata Sunday. Investigators say the incident began with an altercation at the fuel pumps that led to gunfire.

ROAD REPORT: Aug. 1, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Drivers should be ready for single lane traffic, delays and temporary ramp closures along sections of Interstate 90 between Dodson Road and Road O Northeast. Sections of the road and the access ramps are being repaved, with the work expected to continue through the end of the construction season.

Grant Co. primary election ballots set after filing last week

EPHRATA — All three open seats on the Quincy City Council will be on the primary ballot, along with the Grand Coulee mayor’s job and one seat on the Soap Lake School Board. The mayors of Ephrata and Quincy will also face challengers. Candidate filing for the 2025 election was last week.