CASEY MCCARTHY

Spuds fall late in their opening game in Post Falls, 15-13

POST FALLS, Idaho — In their opening game of the summer, the Spuds fell late against host Post Falls, 15-13.

Royal FFA students take fourth in state agronomy contest

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School FFA program’s agronomy team took fourth place in the state FFA contest two weeks ago.

Mercedes-Benz prep baseball club started weekend trip strong, finishing 3-2

NAMPA, Idaho — Mercedes-Benz 18U prep baseball club made the trip to Northwest Nazarene University for summer play Thursday through Sunday, going 3-2 over the stretch.

Columbia Basin Riverdogs 17U squad extend winning streak over the weekend

ELLENSBURG — Columbia Basin Riverdogs 17U extended its winning streak over the weekend in Ellensburg. The Riverdogs moved to 10-4 on the summer after collecting six more wins.

WIAA releases guidelines for “return-to-activity” in Washington

MOSES LAKE — The governing body of high school activities in the state gave some clarity on how the prep season could look this year.

Riverdogs nab pair of wins in Ellensburg on Thursday

ELLENSBURG — The Columbia Basin Riverdogs 17U squad traveled to Ellensburg on Thursday and left with a pair of wins.

Local gym owner working through challenges to keep gymnasts going

MOSES LAKE — Kortni Nelson, owner of AIM Gymnastics Center in Moses Lake, said this summer might be her most challenging since buying the gym in 2004.

Prep summer ball helping Ryan Arredondo prepare for collegiate level

WARDEN — Missing out on his final season with the Cougars, Ryan Arredondo looks to get his final prep in this summer with Mercedes-Benz College Prep Baseball Club before heading to the University of the Pacific this fall.

State launches new support line in response to elevated stress from COVID-19 pandemic

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Health Care Authority recently launched a new support line for people dealing with added stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warden student Avree Pruneda powers forward through physical, mental tolls of cancer treatment

WARDEN — Almost six months from the day she received her initial diagnosis, Avree Pruneda perseveres as she moves toward her hopefully final chemotherapy treatments in the fall.

Healthy diet and lifestyle can be helpful in preventing infection

MOSES LAKE — Navigating the past few months has meant changes for everyone in the community in almost all facets of their daily life. While not always easy, keeping up helpful daily routines, like a maintaining a healthy diet, are important in helping to lower your risk of infection.

Kittelson Road water tower is Moses Lake’s first in repainting project

Moses Lake water tower first in series to be painted

MOSES LAKE — Contractors are working on repainting the water tower off of Kittelson Road in Moses Lake. The Kittelson Road water tower is the first to receive its fresh coat in the city’s plan of repainting one tower each year.

Buckle Series horse show offers welcome return for riders and families

EPHRATA — Riders of all ages, and their horses, returned to competition for the second show in the Stardust Cowgirls Drill Team and G & C Arena’s Buckle Series.

Riverdogs finish Bozeman tournament with pair of strong wins on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Riverdogs 17U finished its tournament in Bozeman, Montana, at 2-2 after winning two games on Saturday.

Moses Lake police chief discusses proposed police reform legislation

Moses Lake police chief discusses reform, best practices

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr recently met with other chiefs and sheriffs as part of Rep. Dan Newhouse’s newly formed Law Enforcement Working Group.

Central Washington Spuds players excited to be back on the diamond

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Spuds hit the field for practice for the second day on Thursday, with players excited to be back on the diamond.

Newly retired state patrol lieutenant Kurt Adkinson pauses to reflect on 25-year career

MOSES LAKE — Kurt Adkinson was surrounded by friends and family as he signed off for the final time with the Washington State Patrol on Friday after 25 years of service.

New Spuds head coach looking to help his players fill the void from missed season this summer

MOSES LAKE — New Central Washington Spuds baseball coach Blake Springer was a member of the team when they first started around 2013.

Othello Barracudas swim team coach Natilee Ruiz reflects on canceled season

OTHELLO — The Othello Barracudas swim team officially canceled its swim season near the end of May after it was announced the Othello pool would remain closed for the summer.

Riverdogs 17U baseball open up summer slate with 2-2 finish in Boise

BOISE, Idaho — The Columbia Basin Riverdogs 17U summer baseball team kicked off its 2020 schedule over the weekend in Boise, Idaho.

WIAA issues statement regarding guidelines, plans for return-to-play

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) released a statement from its executive board meeting on June 7 concerning the anticipated reopening of school athletics and activities.

Moses Lake musician looks to regain momentum as venues reopen

MOSES LAKE — Local musician L.J. Polmateer said he’d just recently started to see his success build in his music career before the pandemic threw a wrench in the gears. Polmateer said before businesses closed their doors he had gigs scheduled for every weekend, but got to play just one of his scheduled gigs before the shutdown.

Quincy welcomes new head football coach Greg McMillan

QUINCY — The new head football coach at Quincy High School, Greg McMillan, described himself as a football “lifer.”

Royal High School celebrated 2020 graduates Friday night

Royal celebrated 2020 graduation Friday evening

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School 2020 graduating class gathered as one for the first time in months for graduation ceremonies on Friday evening.

Northwest Bass tournament circuit kicked season off at Potholes Reservoir

GRANT COUNTY — Northwest Bass kicked off its tournament circuit season over the weekend at Potholes Reservoir. Eighty-seven boats took off to participate in the two-day tournament over the weekend.

Peaceful protest planned in Othello for Saturday afternoon

OTHELLO — A peaceful protest march is planned for Othello from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, following similar protests taking place across the country. The event’s Facebook page notes the protest march is set to make its way up and down Main Street in Othello.

Guidelines for recreational sports reopening released last week

OLYMPIA — New guidelines for restarting recreational sporting events were released last week by Gov. Jay Inslee for counties in Phases 2 and 3 of the “Safe Start” reopening plan.

Gov. Jay Inslee releases guidelines for recreational sports restarting in Phase 2 and 3

OLYMPIA — Governor Jay Inslee released new guidelines for counties in Phase 2 and 3 of the “safe start” reopening plan in the case of restarting recreational sporting events in Washington.

Royal High School honors 2020 graduates with parade, ceremony, fireworks

ROYAL CITY — The ceremony was different, but the emotions were still high as the 2020 graduating class crossed the stage at David Nielsen Memorial Field outside Royal High School on Friday evening.

Carlie Gregg signs with University of Saint Mary

MOSES LAKE — After having to delay the process due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Moses Lake High School senior Carlie Gregg was finally able to sign her letter of intent to run at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, this fall.

Summer baseball gears up for return

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin summer baseball gears up for a return soon, with the Columbia Basin Riverdogs headed to Boise, Idaho, to open their schedule next weekend.

Local law enforcement helps young Olekzander Lopez’s birthday become special

SOAP LAKE — Five-year-old Olekzander Lopez’s face lit up on Sunday as law enforcement from the Soap Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office came by to surprise him on his birthday at home. Soap Lake Officer Trevor Jones Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies David De La Rosa and Jason McDonnell joined others who drove by on Sunday in Soap Lake. Olekzander’s mother, Emma Lopez, said they wanted to do something special for him with the drive-by party since they aren’t able to go anywhere due to the pandemic.

Royal Knights football wait for opportunity to return to the field

ROYAL CITY — Coming off the undefeated season and 1A state championship, the Royal Knights football program awaits a chance to return to the field and prepare for another run.

Othello High School track closed for renovations

OTHELLO — After 20 years of service, the track and field at Othello High School closed last week for a complete renovation, according to a post from the Othello School District. The track closed temporarily to the public on May 26.

Camping reopened in 22 counties on Monday

MOSES LAKE — The Department of Natural Resources, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced camping in state public lands reopened on Monday.

Moses Lake driving school adjusts to new parameters as students are welcomed back

Driving school adjusts to guidelines, reopens classes

MOSES LAKE – Central Washington Driving School in Moses Lake was able to reopen its doors to students last week after Grant County shifted to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s program to reopen the state. Students are now able to return to driving lessons and tests.

Camping to begin reopening in 22 counties across the state

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Natural Resources announced overnight camping across state public land will begin to reopen on Monday.

More than 100,000 pounds of produce distributed in Moses Lake on Saturday

Church helps distribute more than 100,000 pounds of produce

MOSES LAKE — Nearly 5,600 20-pound boxes of produce were distributed Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1515 S. Division St. in Moses Lake. Produce was packaged and supplied by Chelan Fresh through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box program.

Sportsman’s Warehouse annual Carp Derby begins today

MOSES LAKE — Sportsman’s Warehouse is launching its fourth annual Carp Derby, beginning today and lasting through July 24. First place for the biggest carp will receive a $300 gift card, the second largest will receive a $150 gift card, and a $50 gift card will be given out for the smallest carp.

Severe storms hitting central Washington this afternoon, evening

MOSES LAKE — The National Weather Service has issued a release warning residents of northern Oregon and eastern Washington of impending severe storms forecast for this afternoon. Extremely heavy rains, frequent lightning and very large hail are possible with the potential for supercell development and risk of tornado possible in the Tri-Cities area.

Moses Lake teen Ulises Aguirre finding sanctuary on his board

MOSES LAKE — Headphones in ear, shirttails waving behind him, Ulises Aguirre coasts across the pavement on his board at the skate park in Moses Lake on Wednesday afternoon. Aguirre, a skater since middle school, is in his sanctuary.

Michael’s on the Lake in Moses Lake welcomed customers back on Tuesday

Michael’s on the Lake reopens dining areas

MOSES LAKE — Restaurant owners in Grant County happily welcomed customers back to their dining areas after the county moved into Phase 2 of the state’s reopening process over the weekend.

Ephrata barbershop owner Jesus Valencia excited to welcome clients back

Ephrata barber welcomes clients back

EPHRATA — Slik Cutzz barbershop owner Jesus Valencia welcomed clients back into his shop for the first time in a month on Tuesday. Barbers and salons were allowed to reopen their doors when Grant County moved into Phase 2 of Washington’s statewide reopening strategy.

Changing world from recent pandemic presents parallels for changes in agriculture

SEATTLE – As the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the country, people and communities have quickly learned to alter their behaviors and practices.

Royal High School junior Zoe Noftle headed to state in August for FFA speech contest

ROYAL CITY — Royal High School junior Zoe Noftle placed second in the FFA’s District IX Extemporaneous Speaking Contest earlier this month and will compete at the state level in August.

Wahluke’s Yerik Arrellano going coast-to-coast as he heads to Paul Smith’s College next year

MATTAWA — Wahluke senior Yerik Arrellano will get the chance to extend his soccer career as he heads to Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, New York, next year.

Warden senior Jocelyn Chagoya said eyes were on the title before softball season got canceled

WARDEN — Loaded with returning starters from last year’s South Central Athletic Conference district championship team, Warden softball looked primed for another run at a state title this season. Warden senior third baseman Jocelyn Chagoya said she felt the Cougars had a great shot in her final year.

A string of Big Bend sophomores returning for another run next baseball season

MOSES LAKE — Five sophomores have confirmed their decision to return next season to Big Bend after their baseball season was cut short in March.

Moses Lake realtor Tara Zerbo didn’t allow cancer battle to slow her down

MOSES LAKE — You wouldn’t know the struggles Tara Zerbo’s been through the past few months from her bright smile and outgoing attitude. You wouldn’t get it from her work schedule either, where she hardly missed a beat.

2020 seniors honored with art installation on Lind-Ritzville High School field

RITZVILLE — 63 seniors from Lind-Ritzville, Sprague, Washtucna and Kahlotus high schools are being honored on the football field at LRHS. Sprague, Washtucna and Kahlotus seniors are part of the athletics combine between the school districts.