CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Ybarra announces run for Washington Senate

QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, has announced his candidacy for the Washington Senate. If he’s elected, he would replace Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, who announced her retirement in March.

Othello Community Museum to open April 25

OTHELLO — With a couple of new exhibits, a new heating-cooling system, rearranged displays and a thorough cleaning, the Othello Community Museum will open for the summer April 25. The goal, said Molly Popchock, museum board secretary, is to operate for a full season.

Design of Othello’s water storage project begins this summer

OTHELLO — The city of Othello has received about $1.5 million in grants for its continuing project to pump and treat water from an irrigation canal for municipal use.

Grant Co., Moses Lake to cooperate on 2nd lake crossing

EPHRATA — Grant County and Moses Lake city officials will be working together to study the possibility of a second bridge across Moses Lake. Grant County Commissioners and the Moses Lake City Council reviewed a potential interlocal agreement at a meeting Monday.

Travel delays anticipated on Blewett Pass due to guardrail replacement

BLEWETT PASS — Slow traffic and backups across the Vantage Bridge have drivers looking for alternate cross-state routes, including Blewett Pass. But it’s construction season, there’s a project underway on Blewett Pass, so drivers should be prepared for delays until it’s completed in early June.

Work on SR 26 near Othello to cause traffic delays

OTHELLO — Drivers along State Route 26 should plan for delays in the area of South Lucy Road about 10 miles east of Othello from now through Wednesday.

REC Silicon reports operating loss in 2025

MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon operating revenue dropped substantially in 2025 when compared with 2024, according to the company’s annual report released March 25. The company reported $78.2 million in operating revenue in 2025, compared with $140.8 million in 2024.

Community health physician wants to make a difference

MOSES LAKE — Family Medicine physician Morgan Fife said practicing medicine has been a very satisfying career. “I feel like I'm the best version of myself when I'm working hard to help other people,” Fife said. “I feel like the things that I do make a difference, not just in each individual's life, but in the community itself.”

Open house for Moses Lake comprehensive plan Monday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to learn more about and give their opinions on proposed updates to sections of the city’s comprehensive plan at an open house Monday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 411 S. Balsam St.

Samaritan posts operating loss for first two months of 2026

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare posted net revenue losses in January and February, and while hospital officials anticipated some red ink, the losses were larger than the budget projections. Samaritan posted an operating loss of about $1.4 million in February and about $486,500 in January.

Last bill sponsored by Warnick signed into law

Legislation will aid Port of Moses Lake in expanding transportation capabilities

YAKIMA — The final bill sponsored by longtime 13th District Senator Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson Friday. The legislation increases the Port of Moses Lake’s ability to borrow money to pay for its project to reconnect port property to outside rail lines.

Study recommends city keep MLFD

MOSES LAKE — As of now, the city of Moses Lake would be best served by keeping its own fire department, planning to accommodate additional demand and financial sustainability. That was the recommendation of a study presented to the Moses Lake City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Othello awarded grant for new Kiwanis Park playground

OTHELLO — A new playground and an expanded parking lot will be coming to Othello’s Kiwanis Park with the help of federal and state grants – a project that had been canceled when part of the grant funding was denied.

Mattawa residents may vote on sales tax increase for transportation

MATTAWA — Mattawa residents could be voting on a proposal to raise the sales tax for its Transportation Benefit District in November. Mattawa City Council members voted March19 to authorize a one-tenth of one percent increase in the sales tax, with the money going to the TBD.

Governor signs two of Dent’s bills

New laws support wildfire management and timber sales processes.

OLYMPIA — A bill to extend a successful wildfire program sponsored by 13th District Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson Friday. A second bill sponsored by Dent and signed by Ferguson streamlines some of the processes for state timber sales. Both go into effect June 11.

New hangar, fire main under construction at Port of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake officials are taking advantage of a construction project at Grant County International Airport to improve firefighting service to the west section of the port’s business property. Port commissioners approved paying about $312,600 to Freeman Holdings, the owners of Million Air, for the port’s portion of a bigger water main for fighting fires.

Additional Odessa Groundwater Replacement Area canals coming

OTHELLO — East Columbia Basin Irrigation District water will be coming to portions of the area north of Warden and east of Moses Lake. Irrigation district directors approved agreements with landowners that will allow the construction of water delivery systems into areas now served by groundwater wells.

Fire near Japanese Peace Garden

MOSES LAKE — As of 10:15 a.m. Friday, Moses Lake Fire Department firefighters were on the scene of a wildland fire at the intersection of South Division Street and East Seventh Avenue, in the vicinity of the Japanese Peace Garden.

Hansen overpass rebuild estimated to cost $15-17 million

MOSES LAKE — While a final cost hasn’t been determined, the new overpass at Hansen Road west of Moses Lake will cost an estimated $15 to $17 million. Chris Keifenheim, director for the Washington Department of Transportation, North Central Region, said Wednesday that demolition should start in June or early July.

City seeking funding for study of second Moses Lake crossing

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will be seeking federal funding to conduct an environmental study of a possible second crossing over Moses Lake. City Manager Rob Karlinsey said Wednesday the environmental study would be the first step in building a second crossing.

Housing discussion continuing in Quincy

QUINCY — Rules for building “co-living housing” in Quincy were sent back for further review by Quincy City Council members following a discussion of the process Tuesday.

Smoke detector provides early warning of Moses Lake fire

MOSES LAKE — A smoke detector alerted the residents of a Moses Lake home and allowed them to escape an early-morning fire Wednesday. The fire, in the 2600 block of West Texas Street, occurred about 1 a.m., according to a statement from the Moses Lake Fire Department. “Upon arrival, crews found light smoke coming from the home. Firefighters determined the fire had started and was contained to a plugged-in appliance,” the statement said. “The fire was extinguished before it could spread, limiting damage primarily to smoke within the residence.”

Looking for sheds provides the fun of the hunt

PLAIN — For people who like to spend as much time outdoors than they do indoors – if not more time outdoors – the woods provide a plethora of things to do and see. Some, like camping, have a broad appeal, while others are known to a own special set of enthusiasts. Not everybody is a shed hunter, after all. “What are you going in the woods for? Everybody has a reason why they go – hiking, enjoy the scenery, maybe see a deer or elk,” said DJ Sweet, Moses Lake. “Now add a twist to it.”

Jail staffing focus of Adams Co. Commission discussion

RITZVILLE — The remodeled Adams County Jail is tentatively scheduled to open in spring 2027, which means training new and current jail staff. And that, said Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship, means some monetary decisions must be made.

Royal City development expanding

ROYAL CITY — Additional apartments will be coming to Royal City as part of the next phase at a development on Ahlers Avenue North. Alex Kovach, the city’s planner, said the new apartments in the Pratt Hills development will give Royal City residents options they don’t have now. “It diversifies the city’s portfolio of housing,” he said.

Dodson bridge to remain open while nearby overpasses face issues

ROYAL CITY — The Hansen Road bridge over Interstate 90 may be scheduled for demolition; the Adams Road bridge might be closed and in need of repairs, the Hiawatha Road bridge might need monitoring. But the Dodson Road overpass is open and in relatively good repair.

W20 project in early planning stages

Port of Moses Lake looking to bring irrigation water to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake officials are working on lining up partners and funding for a project that would tap an irrigation canal for additional water to the port and local municipalities. Port Director Dan Roach said the first task will be starting the planning, scheduled for 2026.

C-17 makes precautionary landing at Grant County International Airport

MOSES LAKE — Emergency agencies were called to the Grant County International Airport Monday afternoon when a C-17 needed to make a precautionary landing. “When the crew has reason to believe there is something wrong with one of the aircraft’s systems, sometimes they choose to land here to check it out, and sometimes they fly back home and look at it,” wrote Airport Director Rich Mueller in response to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald. “In this scenario the crew chose to land here.” The plane landed without incident and no one was injured, Mueller said.

Spring incoming: high temperatures 15 degrees above normal this week

MOSES LAKE — Snow, high temperatures in the low 40s, windy, cold, clouds and more clouds – what, is spring stuck on the pass or something? Actually, temperatures are expected to rise and approach 75 degrees by Thursday.

Wahluke track team focuses on personal, team improvement

MATTAWA — Track is both an individual and a team sport, and Wahluke’s head track coach Josh Dugan said the Warriors work on both parts of that equation. “It doesn't matter if you went to state last year or you're running a 20-second 100 meter. We emphasize PRs – personal records. So again, if somebody starts out at 20 seconds (in the 100 meters), but if you end the year at 17, that's our focus. The first time you write an essay it might be terrible, but then you start getting better and better,” he said. “So, we're focused on just pure self-improvement, because I always tell the kids that if you beat your own record enough, you start to beat everybody else as well.” It's a team sport at the same time, however, and Dugan said the track team also is asked to think of that.

Wahluke soccer coach expects to be competitive in tough league

MATTAWA — Wahluke boys soccer coach Cele Lopez said the 2026 season is shaping up to be competitive and Wahluke is going to be in the middle of it. “I think we're going to do just fine this year. We lost a few key players, but there are some freshmen coming up, and there's some other guys that have been stepping it up – they've been grinding over the offseason,” Lopez said. “I think we'll we're going to be just fine, at least at the point where we can be competitive.” With only a week of practice behind the team, Lopez said it’s too early to pick varsity lineup.

Quincy tennis focusing on the mental game

QUINCY — New Quincy girls tennis coach Joahan Fregoso said the team is set up to challenge his players, which helps them over the course of the season. "I feel like a big strength is (that) our girls really compete with the boys (in practice), which keeps them on their toes, which is really good for them,” he said. There are things the team needs to work on, however.

Adams Road bridge, other projects in planning or underway

Quincy soccer sets high expectations

QUINCY — The Quincy boys soccer team has a lot of returning experience and as a result the players are expecting a successful season. “We have really high expectations this year for them – as well as they do. They really set that bar pretty high,” said head coach Hector Vaca. The Jacks shared the Central Washington Athletic Conference title in 2025 in their second year in the league. They lost in the opening round of the state playoffs to North Kitsap, the eventual second-place finisher.

Hansen Road bridge construction to begin late June, early July

MOSES LAKE — Demolition of the Hansen Road overpass will begin in late June or early July. Chris Keifenheim, North Central Region administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation, said DOT officials will be monitoring the Hiawatha Road overpass to ensure it stays open during construction.

State Senator Judy Warnick announces retirement

MOSES LAKE — State Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, has announced her retirement from the Washington Legislature at the end of her term in January 2027. Warnick represents the 13th District and has been in the Senate since 2015. “Serving the people of the 13th Legislative District has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Warnick wrote in a press release issued Wednesday. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together to protect our water rights, support our small businesses and empower the next generation of leaders.”

Asking questions, curiosity, knowledge focus of Wahluke FFA project

MATTAWA — The fifth graders from Morris Schott Elementary had seen bugs and gross worms and skulls and some gross compost during their lesson on decomposition from Wahluke High School Future Farmers of America students. Their last stop, said ag teacher and FFA advisor Jonathan Betts, was out in the greenhouse.

High winds forecast for Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Rachel Fewkes, meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said that while the Columbia Basin is not forecast to get the heavy snow anticipated for the Cascades, it’s forecast to be tree-blowing-down windy.

Registration open for hunter safety classes

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is sponsoring one-day classes for people needing field training to complete their hunter safety courses. Classes are scheduled for March 21 and April 18, with the potential for more classes later in the year.

George man arrested after standoff

GEORGE — A George man was arrested Wednesday morning after he allegedly assaulted a woman during a domestic dispute then refused to come out of his house.

Port of Moses Lake rail project moving to construction

MOSES LAKE — With two decades of work already in the project, the Port of Moses Lake is looking for someone to oversee construction of its new and refurbished rail line. Milton Miller, port facilities director, said hiring a construction manager is the first step.

New Samaritan Hospital opens its doors

MOSES LAKE — The tarp covering the “Emergency” sign at the new Samaritan Hospital could be removed a few minutes early, but it wasn’t officially open until the sign’s lighting was turned on. The timing had to be precise. “I’ve got to wait until 6:59 (a.m.),” said Jason Wilbur of Graham Construction.

With fewer applicants, Grant PUD trying to fill what’s left

EPHRATA — A steep increase in application fees for Grant County PUD customers has reduced the number of pending applications dramatically. Andy Wendell, vice-president of customer experience, said that was one of the goals, but there were others. “There were a number of things that we wanted to do. We wanted to become contemporary. What I mean by that is that we (want to) have application processes that are providing certainty in our queue,” Wendell said. “(We wanted to ensure) that when we dedicate engineering and planning staff to reviewing applications, we want to increase the probability that we're working on applications that are going to come to fruition as much as possible. So yes, we did achieve results that we had hoped for, which is to have applicants in the queue that are more certain (to) come to fruition.”

Coolidge Rd. extension to improve access to Moses Lake Community Health

MOSES LAKE — Construction is scheduled to be completed in late April on a project to extend South Coolidge Street to connect it with East Wheeler Road. The goal, said Moses Lake Community Health Center Sheila Berschauer, is to improve access MLCHC.

Quincy PD releases annual report

QUINCY — Quincy Police Chief Ryan Green said full staffing and proactive policing are important factors in combating crime and that some of the results show up in the QPD’s 2025 annual report.

Moses Lake residents to weigh in on city fiscal plans

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to discuss city finances and programs and how to make them work together at a public workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 16 at the Moses Lake Civic Center. It’s part of the city’s plan to get the opinion of residents on how they want the city to spend its general fund money – and where there might need to be some cuts.

Roadwork season gets rolling

MOSES LAKE — Washington Department of Transportation crews will be sealing cracks along State Route 17 between Moses Lake and Ephrata starting Monday. Drivers should plan for flagger-controlled traffic and delays in the work zone.

I-90 Adams Road overpass closed until further notice

GEORGE — The Adams Road overpass on Interstate 90 east of George has been closed to traffic while Washington Department of Transportation inspectors assess its condition.

Othello School Board considers new meeting schedule

OTHELLO — The Othello School Board will consider moving one of its two monthly board meetings to a different time. Board members will be discussing their options March 9.

Victim of 2011 Grant County homicide identified

POTHOLES RESERVOIR — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public in determining what happened to a man whose body was found near the Potholes Reservoir in 2011 and recently identified.