CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Priest Rapids Dam oil spill still in cleanup stage

MATTAWA — People downstream of Priest Rapids Dam are being asked to look for evidence of oil on the waters of the Columbia River following a spill of mineral oil at the dam Wednesday. Department of Ecology officials are asking boaters to stay off the river between Priest Rapids and Pasco while crews work to clean up the oil, according to a PUD press release. Absorbent booms were put in the water to collect the oil downstream of the dam and are still there, said Christine Pratt, public information officer with the Grant County PUD, in the PUD press release. The booms will stay there until the Department of Ecology allows their removal.

Royal SD voters to decide on educational programs and operations levy in February

ROYAL CITY — Royal School District voters will be asked to accept or reject a two-year educational programs and operations levy request in a special election Feb. 10. If it’s approved, it would replace the district’s existing levy approved by voters in 2024. Royal Superintendent Roger Trail said the levy rate would remain unchanged.

Moses Lake resident interrupts burglary in her garage

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake resident came face to face with a burglar early Wednesday morning at her residence near the 100 block of South Division Avenue. Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely said in most cases, a burglar is looking for something that looks easy to steal.

'We could use just about everything'

Moses Lake Food Bank looking for donations of food, funds

'We could use just about everything.'

Donations sought for Othello Christmas baskets

OTHELLO — Donations are being accepted for the annual Christmas basket distribution in Othello. Co-chair Ken Johnson said it’s the continuation of a longtime Othello tradition. “We’re at either 46 or 47 years. It can even be 48 (years),’ Johnson said.

GCFD 8 looking for assistant chief

MATTAWA — Applications will be accepted through Friday for the assistant chief job at Grant County Fire District 8, with the first round of interviews scheduled for Dec. 15. Barb Davis, GCFD 8 business manager, said the district hasn’t had an assistant chief for a long time. “It’s kind of a new position,” Davis said. The assistant chief will take over some of the jobs now split between Davis and GCFD 8 Chief Matt Hyndman.

Controversy arises over oath for incoming Lind council members

LIND — Administering the oath of office to new members of the Lind Town Council dissolved into controversy during the Nov. 25 council meeting and led Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt to say her staff will not return to Lind. “I was super disgusted at the disrespect shown by the Lind Town Council,” Hunt said. Three seats on the council were up for election in 2025. The terms of two of the three included the period of time between election certification and year’s end as well as their full elected term, according to the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Because the third contested seat was empty before the election, the term for that seat will begin in January. In that case, the candidates who won those seats would be sworn in after the election was certified. Certification occurred Nov. 25.

Police presence, security firms, alertness help prevent crime in unincorporated areas

DESERT AIRE— Community involvement helps combat crime, especially in places where law enforcement officers have a lot of ground to cover. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there are procedures people who live in locations like Desert Aire can do to make the area less appealing as a target. “The public should continue to follow the good advice to report anything suspicious that they see,’ Foreman said. “And take all the necessary precautions, like locking up valuables, locking up outbuildings, securing your vehicle, locking doors and windows on your house.”

Verify before responding to charitable requests

MOSES LAKE — Along with many other things, Christmas is the season of charity. But because scammers are still out there even during the Christmas season, the Washington Attorney General’s Office suggests that people verify before they donate. Othello Police Interim Chief Aaron Garza said a good way for people to protect themselves from charity scammers is to be proactive.

Conservation key to extending use of existing Moses Lake water system

MOSES LAKE — There are water conservation measures that the city of Moses Lake can do now that will help it meet anticipated future demand, according to the city’s draft water system plan. Ryan Withers, consultant with RH2 Engineering, Richland, told Moses Lake City Council members that water conservation now can buy the city some time.

Othello man injured in Dodson Road crash

EPHRATA — An Othello man was injured when he failed to negotiate a curve and rolled his semi-truck and trailer Friday morning at the intersection of Dodson Road and Interstate 90.

Law, fire training scheduled Friday, Saturday in Moses Lake neighborhood

MOSES LAKE — Both the Moses Lake Police Department and Moses Lake Fire Department will be using houses near Samaritan Hospital for training exercises Nov. 28 and 29, with some of the activity possibly visible – and audible – in nearby neighborhoods.

Othello to revert to previous practice, hire city administrator

OTHELLO — The mayor of Othello will not simultaneously be city administrator under the terms of an ordinance amended by Othello City Council members Monday on a unanimous vote. The revisions came at the request of council member John Lallas. “I want to repeal that resolution,” Lallas said at the Nov. 10 council meeting. “The city of Othello goes back to a city administrator-mayor city.”

E. Columbia Basin Irrigation District recognized for perseverance

OTHELLO — A local irrigation district board was the recipient of an award from the Columbia Basin Development League designed to recognize people and organizations that find a way to overcome the obstacles. Jon Erickson, CBDL board chair, said the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District directors exemplify the Perseverance Award.

Othello council approves money for Taggeres Park upgrades

OTHELLO — How to allocate the city’s money was the subject of a lengthy discussion by the Othello City Council at its regular meeting Monday. Spencer Williams, the city’s finance officer, said the draft budget that was presented for a public hearing was the result of a long process.

Rehaume retiring as Othello PD chief

OTHELLO — Aaron Garza has been appointed as interim chief of the Othello Police Department, effective Nov. 30, when current Othello PD Chief Dave Rehaume retires. Rehaume announced his retirement Monday. Mayor-elect Ken Johnson said how the city will fill the permanent job is still to be determined.

Adams County election results finalized Tuesday

RITZVILLE — Othello voters rejected a construction bond to repair the Othello Community Pool and elected a new mayor. Lind voters also elected a new mayor. Election results were certified Tuesday.

MLIRD, Port of Moses Lake enter cooperation agreement

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake and the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District have approved a memorandum of understanding with the intention of pooling their efforts when it comes to projects of mutual interest. Port Commissioner Darrin Jackson said working together should be both more effective and more cost-effective.

Port of Moses Lake spending $2.8M for military training upgrades

MOSES LAKE — Upgrading the military training area at the Grant County International Airport, extending sections of the fire suppression system and changing runways designations are among the projects in Port of Moses Lake’s 2026 capital budget. But Kim DeTrolio, director of finance and administration, said the capital budget is subject to change.

Mom Helping Moms toy drive accepting donations

MOSES LAKE — With Thanksgiving and Christmas come the opportunity to help people in need, with a plethora of organizations providing plenty of options. The Moms Helping Moms charitable organization is looking for donations and volunteers to help with its seventh annual toy drive. Founder Jeannie Austin said Moms Helping Moms assisted more than 270 children in 20204, and based on the requests, the need is greater in 2025.

Quincy to pay Yakama Nation in civil settlement

QUINCY — The city of Quincy will make a $400,000 payment to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation for fisheries restoration along the Columbia River. The payment is part of the settlement of a civil lawsuit brought against the city by the organization Columbia Riverkeeper. Tom Elliot, Yakama Nation fisheries manager, said the money will be used to pay part of the cost of riverbank restoration.

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.

Entire WA Congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files

WASHINGTON D.C. — After years of controversy over the files of the disgraced financier, the late Jeffrey Epstein, the US Congress voted Tuesday to publicly release the files. All members of the Washington Congressional delegation voted in favor of the release.

GCFD 3 to add new advanced life support vehicle

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 will begin implementing the recommendations from a study that looked at ways to strengthen emergency medical services in the Quincy Valley. The district will add another vehicle for EMS calls to the district’s inventory. “The next step will be to add a fire-based advanced life support intercept unit in George,” said GCFD 3 Chief David Durfee. “It’s an important step for EMS in the Quincy Valley.”

Fire department, animal shelter funding allocated in Othello budget

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will keep funding in its 2026 budget for a separate city fire department and increase the funding for the city’s animal shelter facility. The 2026 budget will be considered by Othello City Council members by mid-December. Funding for the fire department and the animal shelter were among the items on a list of potential expenditures.

Moses Lake High School theater troupe to present ‘Mamma Mia!’

MOSES LAKE — The curtain goes up on a tale of lost love, family complications and a wedding on the beach as the Moses Lake High School Theatre troupe presents “Mamma Mia!,” opening Friday. Sharon Winningham, drama advisor and director, said the musical has established itself as a classic. “It is a beloved musical,” Winningham said. “The kids are excited. The parents are excited. There’s just something special about ‘Mamma Mia!,’” Winningham said. “‘Mamma Mia!’ is that show that they grew up on.” The 1999 play is based on the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA, whose songs were part of the soundtrack of the late 1970s. It’s the story of Sophie (Ruby Nishida in the MLHS production) who’s about to get married. It’s all good – her mom Donna (Calissa Dalton) approves of her choice – but there’s a little bit of a glitch.

Othello schools EP&O levy proposal on February ballot

OTHELLO — Othello School District voters will be asked to accept or reject an educational programs and operations levy in February 2026. The community committee formed to help determine an EP&O levy amount is also being asked to come up with a plan to look at OSD facility needs. “The first need is the levy,” said Othello Superintendent Pete Perez.

Grant PUD GM says electricity is indispensable

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District General manager John Mertlich said electricity is not only crucial, but indispensable, in today’s world. “On the supply curve for everything, the first 5% is power, and the rest of the curve doesn’t happen without it,” Mertlich said.

Port of Moses Lake commemorates 60th anniversary

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding with a reception at the terminal Nov. 13. “The port has served as a venue for remarkable historical moments,” said Dan Roach, port executive director. “It’s also been a catalyst for growth, supporting diverse industries from agriculture to aerospace., and fostering a thriving community.”

REC Silicon sales decrease in third quarter

MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon has received another short-term loan from its largest shareholder for $13 million. According to REC’s third quarter report, released Nov. 4, company revenues were about $3 million less than the second quarter of the year.

New Royal City mayor focused on proactive management

ROYAL CITY — New Royal City mayor Ryan Piercy said the city has benefited from good leadership for the last couple of decades.

Moses Lake to host budget hearing

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will have a chance to register their opinions on the city’s 2026 budget at a public hearing during the Nov. 26 Moses Lake City Council meeting. The public hearing is being continued from Wednesday’s council meeting. Finance Director Madeline Prentice said that while the city’s projected general fund deficit should be smaller in 2026, there’s still a deficit.

New ordinance will allow some Moses Lake irrigation-only wells

MOSES LAKE — Public and semi-public organizations would be allowed to drill shallower-depth wells to help water their property under the terms of an ordinance reviewed by the Moses Lake City Council Wednesday. Water from those wells will be used for irrigation only. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the ordinance is designed to take some of the pressure off the city’s existing municipal water system.

Awareness helps protect people from increasingly sophisticated scammers

MOSES LAKE — A check of the records all the way back to Sumerian clay tablets shows that scammers are always looking for new ways to separate people from their money. Kyle Foreman, public information officer with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said scamming is a volume business.

Applications open for apple industry training program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Applications are open for a program designed to provide training and networking opportunities for young professionals in the apple industry. Recipients of the 2026 NextGen Apple Fellowship will be announced in February. The program is sponsored by USApple, the industry’s national trade organization.

Othello pool construction bond failing

OTHELLO — The fate of the Othello Community Pool, whether it will reopen and if so, how soon, will be in the hands of new Mayor Ken Johnson and a new Othello City Council. Johnson and the new council members will take office in January.

Donor support helps finance Othello museum upgrades

OTHELLO — The Othello Community Museum will be expanding its schedule with the help of donations and an Othello business. Steve’s Refrigeration & Heating started work Monday on repairs and upgrades to the museum’s heating and cooling systems.

American Legion offers veterans support

EPHRATA — Jane Montaney said the door is always open for military veterans at the American Legion. “The American Legion family is always there to welcome other veterans,” Montaney said.

$5.8M planned in capital projects at Port of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Port of Moses Lake is projected to generate about $12 million in revenues and spend about $16.07 million in 2026. The preliminary budget was reviewed by commissioners Monday. “We’ve had some economic conditions – we're losing a tenant and a user of our wastewater, so port staff is working to fill those spaces,” said Kim DeTrolio, the port’s director of finance and administration.

Moses Lake library contract extended, but questions remain

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will maintain the existing funding level for the Moses Lake Public Library for 2026 and will not ask NCW Libraries for more money next year. City officials will be evaluating the building in 2026, and Mayor Dustin Swartz said city residents will be invited to be part of that process.

Othello mayor elect says a number of issues need attention

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson leads the race for Othello mayor in unofficial results updated Thursday afternoon, and said some issues require immediate attention if he wins. As of Thursday, Johnson had 478 votes to 398 for Logan.

ACFD 5 voters approving levy lid lift

OTHELLO — The “levy lid lift” approved by Adams County Fire District 5 voters will help fill the funding gap left when the city of Othello broke off contract negotiations in 2024, but ACFD 5 Chief Tom Salsbury said it won’t fill that gap completely. “It doesn’t come close to what we were getting,” Salsbury said.

Las Vegas attempted murder suspect arrested in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A Las Vegas man was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder after he was arrested at a Moses Lake business at about 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Adams County General Election results 2025

RITZVILLE — Othello voters are choosing a mayor and deciding the fate of a bond to repair the Othello pool; Lind voters are choosing a new mayor. Adams County Fire District 5 is submitting a revenue request to its voters. Unofficial results from the 2025 general election are below. Updated numbers will be provided as mail-in ballots come in and are counted.

Grant County General Election results 2025

EPHRATA — Quincy, Ephrata and Soap Lake voters are picking a mayor, Columbia Basin Hospital district voters are considering a construction bond proposal and there are contested races for Quincy and Moses Lake city council seats. Unofficial results from the 2025 general election are below. Some ballots remain to be counted and updates will be provided as the County Auditor's Office completes tabulation in the days to come.

Educational programs and operations levy proposal goes to Wahluke voters Feb. 10

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election Feb. 10. If it’s approved, it would replace the four-year levy approved by voters in 2022. Property owners would pay an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the same as the current levy. District superintendent Andy Harlow said that due to the way taxes are structured, the proposed rate can change as property values change.

Man dies at Grant County Jail

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Investigative Team will be investigating the death of an inmate found unresponsive in his cell at the Grant County Jail early Tuesday morning. The name of the victim, 54 years of age, has not been released.

Quincy celebrates Halloween

QUINCY — Cartoon characters, dinosaur wranglers, clowns and plenty of other creatures filled the streets of Quincy on the Trick or Treat walk Oct. 31 sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Shutdown threatens Head Start funding for Family Services of Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The Head Start program operated by Family Services of Grant County will have to close after Nov. 14, at least temporarily, if federal funding is not restored. Executive Director Sally Gundry said the funding cycle for the Moses Lake facility meant its federal money stopped as of Nov. 1.

Important community elections to be decided tomorrow

EPHRATA — A $30 million bond proposal for Columbia Basin Hospital, a $3.55 million bond request for the Othello Community Pool, levy lid lift proposals for Mattawa Community Medical Clinic and Adams County Fire District 5 are among the issues on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Ballots must be returned by Nov. 4, either through the mail or a drop box, and mailed ballots must have a Nov. 4 postmark or earlier to be counted.