CHERYL SCHWEIZER

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.

Energy report forecasts challenges without more energy sources, policy changes

EPHRATA — More demand for electricity, changing demand for electricity, constraints on the existing supply and other factors will lead to an energy shortage without some changes to Washington state goals and more flexibility in energy supply, according to a report commissioned by regional power providers. The report was reviewed by Grant County Public Utility District Commissioners May 26.

Wahluke seniors graduate amid excitement, emotion

MATTAWA — High school graduation is a milestone, and one of many. That was how seniors in the Wahluke High School class of 2026 looked at it.

Demolition of Hansen Road overpass to begin in early July

MOSES LAKE — Demolition should begin in early July on the Hansen Road overpass on Interstate 90 near Moses Lake.

New Quincy park opens, splash pad to come

QUINCY — The playground, basketball court and cement bowl are all open at the new park on Sixth Avenue Northeast in Quincy, with a splash pad due to open before the end of June. “That park has been talked about for a lot of years, so it’s really cool to see it (open),” said Quincy City Council member Andrew Royer during the June 2 regular meeting. Quincy Recreation Director Russ Harrington said the splash pad must be inspected by the Washington Department of Health before it can be used, and that’s scheduled for the week of June 15. City employees also need some training on its use before it can open, he said, and that’s scheduled for the week of the inspection.

Othello Housing Authority donates $25,000 to Othello Food Bank

OTHELLO — The new Othello Housing Authority apartment complex not only benefited its residents, but also the Othello Food Bank. The food bank received a $25,000 donation from the OHA, which Jose Garza, executive director of the food bank, said will be welcome.

Applications open for some additional surface water in OGWRP area

OTHELLO — Landowners with farmland within the area covered by the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project are eligible to apply for surface irrigation water to replace groundwater. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 22.

Built-in technology helps put out Simplot fire Sunday

MOSES LAKE — Technology built into processing machinery at a Moses Lake business helped extinguish a fire before it could spread Sunday night. The fire at the Simplot – Columbia Basin processing facility, in the 2000 block of Road O Northeast, was reported at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Grant County Fire District 5 crews responded, but by the time they got there, the technology had done its work. “On our arrival, there was no smoke. The fire was out,” said Kyle Parker, captain with GCFD 5. Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski said the fire started in a fryer that had not been cleaned properly during its previous production cycle.

MLCA class of 2026 closes the door on high school

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Christian Academy salutatorian SanTahna Ferguson said graduation was the start of something new – something a little daunting, even. “We're adults now, the future of our generation. It’s kind of crazy to think that we're adults now – I mean, some of us still panic when ordering food over the phone,” she said. Ferguson was one of five seniors to receive her diploma during graduation ceremonies Saturday. She said one of the things she will take with her from high school is the friendship of her classmates.

Wenatchee Road fire briefly threatens nearby buildings

MOSES LAKE — A fire of about an acre threatened some homes and outbuildings but was extinguished within about 90 minutes by Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department crews late Sunday morning. The fire, in the 4000 block of Wenatchee Drive Northeast, was in an empty field between several residences, some with outbuildings. The fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m., said Kyle Parker, GCFD 5 captain. Crews contained the fire to the field, but one outbuilding was destroyed, Parker said.

Samaritan makes money in April

MOSES LAKE — While revenues for Samaritan Healthcare are running behind budget projections for the first four months of the year, the hospital and clinics were in the black for the month of April. However, Samaritan has lost money for the year to date through the end of April.

Wenatchee Road fire briefly threatens nearby buildings, but is contained

MOSES LAKE — A fire of about an acre threatened some homes and outbuildings but was extinguished within about 90 minutes by Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department crews late Sunday morning.

Storm of the decade

High winds toppled trees and left thousands county-wide without power

MOSES LAKE — Winds in excess of 60 miles per hour knocked out power, blew down trees and caused extensive damage as a powerful thunderstorm blew through Grant County Thursday night. “Winds at the Ephrata airport were 71 (miles per hour) at the peak,” said Dan Butler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane.

Othello man killed in accidental BB-gun discharge

OTHELLO — An Othello man died Wednesday when he was hit with an accidental discharge from a BB-gun-pellet-style firearm.

With warmer weather construction season shifts into high gear

QUINCY — School is almost out, summer is dead ahead, and the open road beckons – um, well, the open road beckons but drivers also know there are road projects, and delays, out there.

Cool cars take to the street at Spring Festival car show

MOSES LAKE — Warren Strader of Moses Lake said the sticker in the window of his 1961 Volkswagen was really a joke. He hasn’t really gone bankrupt working on cars. “I’ve got 10 more at home,” he said.

Town named new Samaritan Chief Executive Officer

MOSES LAKE — Alex Town has been named as the new chief executive officer of Samaritan Healthcare, effective May 22. Town replaces Theresa Sullivan, who retired earlier this month. Town was the chief administrative officer before becoming CEO. He has been working at Samaritan since 2017. “I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and community,” Town said in a Samaritan press release announcing the change. “Theresa’s leadership has helped build an extraordinary foundation for the future, and I’m excited to continue that momentum.”

Samaritan Foundation raising money for residency program

MOSES LAKE — The Samaritan Foundation will be working to raise at least $2 million for a physician residence program currently under development by Samaritan Healthcare and the new Washington State University medical school.

Veterans, family members and friends remembered on Memorial Day

MOSES LAKE — Family members stood in a semicircle and recited a prayer at one end of Pioneer Memorial Cemetery Monday, while at the other end the Veterans of Foreign Wars remembered veterans with a Memorial Day prayer, “Taps” and a rifle salute.

Othello man arrested after attempting to flee traffic stop, crashes car

OTHELLO — Charges of DUI, felony eluding and possession of a firearm are pending against an Othello man after he crashed his car while allegedly attempting to flee from a Washington State Patrol traffic stop late Monday night.

Crosswalks, railroad crossings focus of Quincy street plan discussion

QUINCY — The annual review of Quincy’s six-year transportation plan also prompted a discussion of crosswalks and pedestrian safety by Quincy City Council members May 19.

QPlex design going through revisions

QUINCY — With groundbreaking scheduled for 2027, Quincy Valley Parks District board members are working on finalizing a design for the Quincy QPlex.

All Vantage Bridge lanes open for holiday travel – but expect delays

VANTAGE — The good news for Memorial Day weekend is that most road construction has been suspended from Friday through Tuesday morning. On the other hand, the weather forecast is for sunny skies, it’s a three-day weekend and it’s going to be busy out there.

No deficiencies in Wahluke School District audit

MATTAWA — An audit of the Wahluke School District didn’t find any deficiencies in the district’s federal program management or its financial reporting. It was the second straight deficiency-free audit for the district. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said that was due to WSD’s financial staff. “I continue to be impressed with (Gabriela) Chacon, our finance director, and her team’s hard work, growth and commitment to implementing and sustaining fiscal systems,” Harlow wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald

Tentative opening date set for new Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — Not only a new swimming pool but a new splash pad will be coming to Quincy this summer. Russ Harrington, Quincy parks and recreation director, said there are tentative opening dates for the new Quincy Aquatic Center and the park that includes the splash pad, although it may not be ready at the same time as the park. “We’re getting close,” Harrington said. The splash pad is one of the amenities in the new park at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and E Street Northeast. The park’s playground toys have been installed; Harrington said ground cover is the last piece for those toys, and it’s scheduled for installation within the next few days. The playground toys should be ready for use by June 1.

Mobile home destroyed in early-morning fire

MOSES LAKE — A mobile home north of Moses Lake was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning. Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Sean Killion said the fire was reported at about 4:20 a.m. on Broad Street Northeast, off Airway Drive Northeast. “It was vacant,” Killion said, and no one was injured. The trailer was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, but no nearby structures were damaged, he said. The trailer was a total loss. Firefighters were on the scene about 90 minutes, he said. “The cause of the fire is undetermined, per the fire marshal,” Killion said.

Quincy vandalism incidents under investigation

QUINCY — While the Quincy Police Department has identified some persons of interest in a recent rash of graffiti incidents in the city, they’re still under investigation. Captain Jorge Trujillo said the number of incidents has declined over the last two weeks.

ML council discusses grant applications, unintended consequences

MOSES LAKE — A request to apply for a grant kicked off a discussion about road projects, how to pay for them and unintended consequences.

New summer program coming to Wahluke School District

MATTAWA — Registration is open for a new summer program for Wahluke School District elementary and middle school students, designed to mix reading and math with experiments, sports, crafts, games and art, among many other activities. The DiscoverWorks program is free for participants. Bethany Martinez, Wahluke director of migrant and multilingual services, said it’s prompted a lot of interest among students and their families. “We actually are at capacity in almost every grade, and are starting a wait list, so it’s definitely something the community is excited for,” Martinez said. “Especially junior high – those kids were (saying), ‘No, Mom, I want to go.’ And seventh grade was our first grade to fill up, which is pretty exciting.”

‘Whimsy in the Park’ in Smokiam Park May 30

SOAP LAKE — People are being invited to let their inner Victorian croquet player – or Alice in Wonderland croquet player, or court of Henry VIII croquet player – pick up a mallet at the first “Whimsy in the Park” in Soap Lake.

Contract for Hansen Road overpass to be awarded next week

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Transportation expects to award the contract for replacement of the Hansen Road overpass next week. That in turn will help answer the question of a construction schedule.

Theresa Sullivan retires as Samaritan Healthcare chief executive officer

MOSES LAKE — Theresa Sullivan said what really interested her in the job at Samaritan Healthcare, back in 2014, was the potential for growth. Then-Chief Executive Officer Tom Thompson was recruiting an administrator. “What really attracted me was what he described in the need for services here,” Sullivan said. “I had been in a rapidly growing organization where we grew a lot of services, and I was excited about that possibility.” Sullivan took chief operating officer job and was promoted to the CEO job in 2015. After 11 years in that job, she’s retiring next week.

McFarlane named interim Othello Police Chief

OTHELLO — Brent McFarlane has been appointed as the interim chief of the Othello Police Department. McFarlane has been working as assistant chief since late February. Mayor Ken Johnson said McFarlane’s appointment will be in effect until city officials determine what they want to do. “We’re still undecided as to the direction we want to take,” Johnson said. McFarlane replaces Aaron Garza, who took over the job full-time in January. Garza was hired as the Othello city administrator in April and started his new job May 1.

After lengthy discussion, Royal City food truck ordinance approved

ROYAL CITY — After more than a year of discussion, Royal City has a revised ordinance governing food trucks. “Times have changed since we did the first one 40 years ago,” said Mayor Ryan Piercy. The revisions removed a section that caused a lot of discussion and debate when the ordinance was first reviewed in spring 2025. “We did away with some of the distance restrictions we had before,” Piercy said. The original ordinance prohibited a food truck from operating within a designated distance of a restaurant serving a similar menu. But because Royal City’s business district is not that big, former Mayor Michael Christensen said in an earlier interview that the restrictions limited the area where food trucks could operate. It also only applied to food trucks, so two restaurants serving similar food could operate next to each other without restrictions.

Port of Moses Lake power generation project moving forward

MOSES LAKE — Some existing Port of Moses Lake customers are considering expansion, and potential customers are looking at Moses Lake as an option. But, said Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting, there are some roadblocks.

Energy and energy alternatives discussed at Newhouse summit

MOSES LAKE — Representatives of industry, government and power generation spent Monday discussing the present and future of power production at an Energy Summit hosted by Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse. Newhouse said the goal was to talk about solutions as well as challenges. “(The summit) focused on – well, a lot of different aspects of energy,” Newhouse said. “Tremendous need, that’s probably the best word for it. A shortage, which is not allowing our potential to be realized here in Central Washington. How do we address that? How do we increase the amount of energy production in a timeline that makes sense? We can’t wait years and years; we need to get things done as quickly as possible. How do we do that at a cost we can afford?”

BBCC student information not hacked during computer shutdown

MOSES LAKE — Personal information of Big Bend Community College students was not compromised as the result of a cyberattack against a company that provides system management software. Matt Killebrew, BBCC director of communications, said the college does use the Canvas system, which allows students to access class and financial information, and communicate with instructors, among other things. The company that owns the Canvas system was hacked in early May, according to information on the Wired website. “We still don’t know who did it, but we do know no important information was accessed,” Killebrew said.

No injuries reported in aircraft emergency landing

WILSON CREEK — No injuries were reported in the emergency landing of an aircraft along Road P.5 Northeast about 11 miles south of Wilson Creek Friday morning.

Road closure starts Monday near Othello

OTHELLO — Drivers should prepare for delays on State Route 17 at the intersection with West Cunningham Road in Othello as construction of a new roundabout gets to the cutting-pavement and construction stage.

Quincy man sentenced in controlled substance homicide

EPHRATA — A Quincy man was sentenced to two years in prison in connection after he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Tuesday. Abraham Florez Velazquez pleaded guilty and was sentenced in connection with the December 2024 death of Ariel Armas Flores, 27, Quincy. “An autopsy concluded Armas died from an overdose of fentanyl that investigators say was furnished by Florez,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a media release. In a separate interview, Foreman said that Florez was charged with a controlled substance homicide. Those are cases where the victim dies from using controlled substances furnished by the defendant.

Cause of Mattawa-area fire still under investigation

MATTAWA — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Mattawa-area wine production facility Tuesday is still being determined. “I’d say it’s still under investigation at this time,” said Derek Beach, deputy fire marshal for Grant County, Wednesday. Fire crews were briefly called back to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility and tasting room Wednesday. The fire that destroyed the facility about three miles north of Mattawa was originally reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were on the scene for most of Tuesday evening.

Scam victim hopes to keep others from falling victim

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman lost thousands of dollars to a scammer earlier this week, a story that Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said was all too familiar. “The scammer’s career is based on the fact they’re very, very good at convincing people they’re legitimate,” Foreman said. “The contacts are meant to be convincing.” The victim declined to give her name, but said the scammers had what seemed like legitimate answers to the questions she asked. She was concerned that other people would become victims of the same scam. She also wanted people to know what it took to protect herself after she became aware of the scam.