CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Moses Lake meeting part of state initiative to address water availability

MOSES LAKE — Officials from Columbia Basin cities sat down with the director of the Washington Department of Ecology in Moses Lake Tuesday to talk about water. It was part of a statewide effort to outline a plan for the present and future of water use across Washington.

Quincy officials looking for more lifeguards for new Aquatic Center

QUINCY — The new Quincy Aquatic Center is so popular with residents and visitors that city officials are looking for more lifeguards to accommodate more people. Quincy Recreation Director Russ Harrington said the pool had 12 days of operation as of Tuesday.

Investigation underway into Moses Lake boat, personal watercraft collision

MOSES LAKE — Investigators from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office say there is no indication that intoxicating substances were involved in a collision between a boat and personal watercraft Sunday on Moses Lake.

Reconstruction of Apple Avenue in Royal City pushed back to August

ROYAL CITY — Reconstruction of Apple Avenue Northeast in Royal City has been delayed, but it’s still scheduled for completion in 2026. “Originally we hoped it would start in June, but the contractor had to move it back to August,” said Janice Flynn, Royal City finance director.

Proposals being accepted from groups interested in Larson Recreation Center operation

MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted from nonprofits interested in operating the Larson Recreation Center in Moses Lake. Proposals are being accepted through Sept. 1. Doug Coutts, director of parks, recreation and cultural services, emphasized the request is the first step in an extensive process.

Federal Way drowning victim recovered Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — The body of a Federal Way man who disappeared while he was swimming in Moses Lake Saturday was recovered from the lake Tuesday morning, according to a media release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Over 100 fire calls made across Grant County during Fourth of July weekend

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks sparked over 100 fire calls across Grant County during the Fourth of July holiday, stretching local fire agencies and volunteers as crews raced from one incident to the next under dangerous fire weather conditions. "All I can say is wow," Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said in a statement released following the holiday weekend. The amount of fires responded to over the Fourth of July weekend was roughly double the number recorded during the first week of the county's burn restrictions, according to Poplawski.

Dune Lake, Westover Boulevard fires damage residences, destroy vehicles

MOSES LAKE — Three vehicles were destroyed and a residence was damaged in an early-morning fire in the Dune Lakes area south of Moses Lake Saturday. A separate fire heavily damaged a duplex in the Larson area north of Moses Lake later Saturday morning. No one was injured in either fire.

Search continuing for possible drowning victim

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s deputies will continue their search Tuesday for a Federal Way man who disappeared Saturday while swimming in Moses Lake. Jaime Lazaro Ticorralco, 40, was last seen at about 1 p.m. Saturday swimming at the south end of Moses Lake near the Sand Dunes, said Kyle Foreman, GCSO public information officer, in a media release Monday. The search for him began Saturday, Foreman said later in answer to questions from the Columbia Basin Herald. “Once deputies were told he was missing, they started searching,” Foreman said.

Multiple injuries in boat, personal watercraft collision on Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Several people sustained injuries Sunday in a watercraft collision in the Laguna area of Moses Lake, according to a statement from Moses Lake city officials. “There was a personal watercraft being operated in an area where there were some boats,” Moses Lake Fire Chief Art Perillo said. “The personal watercraft had two people on it. They ended up hitting one boat, going up and over, and then hit a second boat.” “Eight individuals were transported to the local hospital for further evaluation. Three patients involved in the collision sustained significant injuries,” the city wrote in its statement.

What will improve downtown, and how to do it, focus of Moses Lake council discussion

MOSES LAKE — Rod Stevens, one of a team of consultants working with the city of Moses Lake on ways to improve downtown, said he wants to help answer a question that came out of the personal experience of some family members who lived in and visited Moses Lake.

Separate fires destroy vehicles, damage residences Saturday morning

MOSES LAKE — Three vehicles were destroyed and a residence was damaged in an early-morning fire in the Dune Lakes area south of Moses Lake Saturday, while a second, separate fire heavily damaged a duplex in the Larson area north of Moses Lake later in the morning. No injuries were reported in either blaze. The Dune Lakes fire was reported at about 3 a.m. in the 7000 block of Dune Lake Road southeast, said Travis Svilar, battalion chief for Grant County Fire District 5.

Interstate 90 to be closed beginning July 27 for Hansen Bridge demolition

MOSES LAKE — Drivers on Interstate 90 in Moses Lake should be prepared for detours beginning July 27 as the freeway is closed temporarily to demolish the Hansen Road overpass. The closure is expected last several days.

Moses Lake program to encourage residents to volunteer their talents

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Administrator Rob Karlinsey said it’s starting small, but city officials are looking to recruit volunteers to help improve the town. Karlinsey said city officials will be asking people to help clean streets and other public spaces. There will be more volunteer opportunities to follow.

After Fourth of July break, work resumes on regional road construction Monday

MOSES LAKE — While road construction is on hold for the July 4 weekend, there’s still the potential for traffic slowdowns. “Heavy traffic everywhere,” according to a media release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

Busy fire season continues in Moses Lake, Quincy

MOSES LAKE — An early-morning fire destroyed an outbuilding at the Gorge Amphitheatre near Quincy Wednesday, one of the latest in what’s been a busy fire season. Moses Lake Fire Department crews extinguished two fires in almost the same place on two different days this week.

Another pilot project for Othello ASR facility to start in July

OTHELLO — The next phase in a long-running project to use canal water to supplement Othello’s water system should begin in late July or early August. The test of an alternate water treatment system will be completed in spring 2027.

Moses Lake street changes reducing traffic crashes, according to data

MOSES LAKE — Accident rates declined after Moses Lake city officials revised traffic lanes in sections of Moses Lake’s downtown, along East Hill Avenue and East Wheeler Road, at least in the first 200 days. Levi Bisnett, Moses Lake project engineer, reviewed the results of about six months of data with Moses Lake City Council members at a special meeting Tuesday.

Grant County Commissioners allow fireworks, precautions urged

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners decided Monday not to ban fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Grant County, but they are urging people to take precautions if they do decide to celebrate July 4 with a bang.

Fireworks prohibited in some jurisdictions, precautions advised in others

EPHRATA — Fireworks have always been one of the traditions of celebrating the nation’s birthday. In 2026, however, people are being advised to be cautious with them – if they’re set off at all.

Moses Lake council member rebuked by colleagues

Council offers support of legislators after councilman Lombardi statement

MOSES LAKE — Six Moses Lake City Council members publicly repudiated comments made by councilman Victor Lombardi, at the regular council meeting June 23.

Hansen Road overpass demo starts July 7

MOSES LAKE — Demolition will begin July 7 on the overpass at Hansen Road in Moses Lake. Washington Department of Transportation officials will release a list of recommended detours on July 1.

Othello council ratifies three-year contract with police unions

OTHELLO — The city of Othello has reached agreement with the union representing Othello Police Department officers and OPD sergeants. The three-year agreements, separate contracts for officers and sergeants, were ratified by the Othello City Council Monday.

Moses Lake man arrested on suspicion of rape of a child

OTHELLO — A Moses Lake man has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree rape of a child and sexual exploitation of a minor, according to a media release from the Othello Police Department.

Connell man arrested in connection with Othello-area assault

EARLY BIRD

OTHELLO — An Othello man was airlifted to an out-of-area hospital after he was admitted to Othello Community Hospital Tuesday night with multiple stab wounds. A Connell man was arrested later in the evening and booked on suspicion of first-degree assault in connection with the incident.

Reservation fees established for Mattawa park covered facilities

MATTAWA — Whether or not to charge Mattawa residents to reserve some of the facilities in Hund Memorial Park, and how much, was the subject of lively discussion at the Mattawa City Council meeting Monday.

New Othello High School part of district's construction bond discussion

OTHELLO — Rebuilding or replacing Othello High School was a subject of discussion at the Othello School Board meeting Monday. District officials appointed a committee last year to review existing and future utility needs, and the “Future Ready Schools” members report to the school board each month. Assistant Superintendent Josh Meek said recent discussions have centered around OHS.

Changes and money needed for GC International Airport runway

The runway no longer meets FAA criteria -- a matter of 10 degrees magnetic North

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Darrin Jackson said geography is the reason the Port of Moses Lake will have to spend about $900,000 to convert a runway back into a taxiway. “We’re going to spend all this money on continental drift,” Jackson said at the regular commission meeting Monday.

Registration open for resource fair for ‘justice impacted youth and families’

MOSES LAKE — Registration is open for a resource fair focusing on youths and families who are or have been involved with youth services and are working their way toward a better future. The “Employment and Resource Fair” is sponsored by the Grant County Juvenile Court and Youth Services and is scheduled for July 1. Advance registration for participants is required.

‘See, Click, Fix’ allows Moses Lake residents to report issues

MOSES LAKE — Mark Fancher said an initiative designed to give Moses Lake residents a simple way to report non-emergency problems around the city does work. But not everyone knows about it, -- at least not yet.

Open house showcases new Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — The new Quincy Aquatic Center is scheduled to open June 26.

Roadwork coming to Ephrata, Quincy, Moses Lake

EPHRATA — Drivers in Ephrata should be prepared for delays next week as construction crews work on chip-sealing streets around town. Ephrata City Clerk Rob Miller said crews will be working from June 29 to July 2.

Code enforcement, related issues discussed at Moses Lake town hall

MOSES LAKE — As Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz phrased it, code enforcement “isn’t exactly glamorous all the time,” but a discussion of code enforcement issues drew a crowd to the Moses Lake Civic Center Tuesday. “I greatly appreciate your comments; complaints are probably warranted in some cases,” Swartz said. “We are here also to hear all of your suggestions.”

Minor injuries in Moses Lake collision

MOSES LAKE — There were minor injuries in a collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of East Nelson Road and South Division Street.

New Othello PD chief says he encourages officers to be out in the community

OTHELLO — New Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane said he wants to emphasize the teamwork that makes law enforcement more effective. But it’s also important to keep a focus on individual officers.

Othello man arrested for suspicion of assault, burglary

OTHELLO — At around 4 p.m. Saturday, Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of South Paddle Road for a reported domestic violence assault in progress, according to a statement from ACSO.

Herman Road construction scheduled for July

OTHELLO — The intersection of West Herman Road and State Route 17 will be getting some safety upgrades later this summer. The Adams County Commissioners awarded a $1.6 million contract for upgrades to the intersection Tuesday.

Vehicle crash ignites wildfire south of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Charges are pending against a Soap Lake man whose rollover crash sparked a brush fire about five miles south of Soap Lake early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

Job provides Othello city administrator more opportunities to serve his hometown

OTHELLO — Aaron Garza applied for the job of city administrator, because, he said, it gave him more opportunity to help his hometown. “I love Othello, and I thought to myself, ‘f anybody can hold the city administrator position with passion and with dedication, and can continue the city of Othello moving forward, and in the positive trajectory that it has been going for years, and I would want to be a part of that,’” he said. “That was my biggest reason. This city is amazing, it's getting better and better every year, and I wanted to continue to serve in an even greater capacity.”

REC Silicon to be converted from public to private company

MOSES LAKE — The owners of REC Silicon will be acquiring all the outstanding public shares of the company and removing it from the Euronext Oslo Borse. “As the company will apply for a de-listing of its shares from the Euronext Oslo Borse, it is considered appropriate to transform the company from a public limited liability company to a private limited liability company,” according to the minutes of a board meeting held Monday.

Moses Lake town hall to discuss code enforcement, beautification

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to talk about code enforcement, nuisance regulations, city code compliance and community beautification at a town hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St.

Public safety sales tax proposal to go to Moses Lake voters in November

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be asked to accept or reject a proposal to increase the city’s sales tax by one-tenth of one percent to pay for additional public safety services. The “public safety sales and use tax” proposal will be on the November general election ballot. Moses Lake City Council members approved the proposal unanimously at the June 9 council meeting. The vote was 7-0.

Moses Lake SD Digital graduates celebrate accomplishment

MOSES LAKE — With her Moses Lake School District Digital Learning Center diploma in hand, Anahi Zamora said it had been a challenge. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Zamora said. “But I did it.”

Future of aviation discussed at Flightpath presentation

MOSES LAKE — Central Washington has a lot to offer aviation and aerospace businesses, but workforce development and the state’s business climate are causing some challenges. The future of aviation in Washington and the Columbia Basin in particular was one of the topics of discussion at a daylong aviation presentation at the Port of Moses Lake.

Twelve, a Moses Lake based company, commemorates start of second phase

MOSES LAKE — The co-founders of Twelve, a company experimenting with a new process for manufacturing jet fuel, held a ribbon cutting event at their new facility in Moses Lake Wednesday, almost three years after their groundbreaking ceremony. The company’s co-founders Nicholas Flanders, Kendra Kuhl and Etosha Cave were joined by Gov. Bob Ferguson and other notable guests, including Washington state Sen. Judy Warnick and state Rep. Tom Dent, for the ribbon cutting.

Brent McFarlane hired as Othello Police Chief

OTHELLO — Brent McFarlane has been hired as the permanent Othello Police Chief. Othello City Council members approved the appointment Monday on a unanimous vote. City Administrator Aaron Garza said in a separate interview that city officials thought McFarlane would be the right fit.

Othello residents to vote on fire district annexation next spring

OTHELLO — Othello residents will be voting in spring 2027 on a proposal to annex the city into Adams County Fire District 5. City administrator Aaron Garza said Othello residents would receive a letter outlining some of the details of the proposed annexation in July. Residents will not only be asked to decide about annexation, but also about a possible increase in the assessment for fire services.

Citation issued in Rocky Ford fire

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was cited for second-degree reckless burning after sparks from some work he was doing allegedly started a fire about 13 miles north of Moses Lake Monday morning. Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplowski said the man and a friend were doing some metalwork and started a small fire, which they extinguished. The friend expressed concern about continuing to work and left, but the man decided to keep working, he said.

Port of Moses Lake power project about to enter second phase

MOSES LAKE — The next phase of a project to build electrical generation facilities at the Port of Moses Lake should be a follow-up study to determine what’s economically, technically and legally feasible. That was the recommendation of a report delivered to port commissioners on Monday.

Soap Lake class of 2026 ends high school at graduation ceremony

SOAP LAKE — Staff speaker Lee Levell gave some advice to the Soap Lake High School class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies Saturday. “There will be uncertainties no one can prepare you for. You will be forced to tackle them head-on,” Leavell said. “Life can be hard. However, life is also a gift that we must not take for granted or take too seriously. That is why, when you are faced with these challenges that you just think won’t end, it is important to remember to remember that you must find a way to enjoy yourself, because it is later than you think.