CHERYL SCHWEIZER

‘Hard decisions’ part of fiscal sustainability plan process

MOSES LAKE — How to provide city services – possibly raising taxes, possibly reducing some of those services, or both, or looking for other options – was the subject of a sometimes-contentious Moses Lake City Council special meeting Tuesday. Council members are considering service cuts and asking residents to approve or reject possible tax proposals, or find other places to cut, or find other ways to raise money or shift operation of some city services to other entities, in light of deficits in the city’s general fund. It pays for many city operations, from the Moses Lake Police Department to the Larson Recreation Center. Council Member Joel Graves said it’s a challenging situation regardless. “We can’t complain, because we signed up for this, but these are hard decisions that we have to make,” Graves said.

GC Fire District 3, Columbia EMS reach agreement on new contract

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 and Columbia EMS have reached agreement to amend the existing contract for emergency medical services. Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said the one-year contract includes a 20% increase in the contract price.

Construction to begin this spring on Royal City road project

ROYAL CITY — The first phase of improvements to Apple Avenue Northeast is scheduled to begin this spring. Royal City City Council members voted on a contract for the project Tuesday. Public Works Director Mauricio Romero said construction is scheduled to begin either in late May or the first week of June. Council members voted on awarding the construction contract, about $903,300, to Wheeler Excavation, Benton City. Council members also voted on a $135,000 construction engineering contract with Anderson Perry, La Grande, project engineers.

Interlocal agreement could advance lake crossing study

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will take the lead in obtaining funding for an environmental impact study of a possible second crossing of Moses Lake. Moses Lake City Council members approved an interlocal agreement with Grant County April 14, and it’s scheduled for a vote of the Grant County Commissioners Tuesday. Moses Lake City Manager Rob Karlinsey told council members it’s a first step toward fulfilling one of the council’s top goals, which is to at least start studying the possibility of a second lake crossing. “We have applied for federal funding to help us study that. For us to receive that funding, we need to have an interlocal agreement with the county, because the likely locations of that lake crossing are going to be in (the) unincorporated county,” Karlinsey said.

Moses Lake Grange to sponsor candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Grange No. 1151 will sponsor a forum where people can listen to candidates for the Fourth Congressional District from 3 to 5 p.m. May 9 at the Grange building, 14724 Road 3 SE.

Ephrata to consider impact fees for new development

EPHRATA — The possibility of adding transportation and parks impact fees for new development will be under consideration by the Ephrata City Council, starting with a discussion April 29. Community Development Director Ron Sell said development fees would be a new thing for Ephrata. “Currently we don’t have any impact fees in place. We do have a parks mitigation fee in place,” Sell said.

Surveys of Moses Lake residents show attitudes toward service cuts, sales tax increase

MOSES LAKE — About 49% of Moses Lake residents contacted as part of a survey of community attitudes and priorities said they were satisfied with the direction of the city, with about 42% saying they thought the city was on the wrong track. The biggest concerns of survey respondents centered around homelessness and public safety. The survey was part of a larger project to get public input on possible revisions to city programs due to a deficit in the general fund. “We’re trying to understand how voters look at their values and what kinds of things you might have the opportunity to do in the future as you’re thinking about corralling this budget. Where are the opportunities, where will you find resistance and (where) will you find more agreement among voters?” said Ian Stewart, of Fulcrum Strategy group, which conducted the survey.

Paving begins Monday night on I-90 from Vantage to George

VANTAGE — Drivers traveling between George and the Vantage Bridge should plan for single-lane travel and reduced speeds at night as road crews repave the section of Interstate 90 between George and the bridge beginning Monday. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant with the Washington Department of Transportation, said in a press release that crews will be working through approximately mid-August. “Work will occur primarily at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday each week,” Moraga said. “Contractors will repave and restripe approximately 11 miles of I-90 to extend the service life of the pavement.”

Royal City to consider rules for new soccer field

ROYAL CITY — Usage schedules for the new soccer field in Royal City’s Lions Park will be on the agenda for discussion by the Royal City City Council next Tuesday. City Finance Director Janice Flynn said the project was built with the help of a grant, which means there are some conditions for its use. The soccer field was built to provide a place for children and teens to play, Flynn said. “Because it is a youth soccer field, the youth will be given priority there,” she said.

ML Council looks at tax increases, program cuts

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members discussed what city services they wanted to keep and which ones they might decide to cut, or turn over to other operators, for three hours Tuesday, then adjourned with more discussion to come. Council members will convene a special meeting April 21 for that additional discussion. “Hopefully, (council members) can give us direction, then we can take that, put it in writing and bring it back to you on (April) 28), hopefully for adoption,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey. The goal is to have priorities established that will be used to prepare the 2027 city budget, a process that starts in July, Karlinsey said

Othello council approves fire contract extension, commits to annexation vote

OTHELLO — After a year and a half of discussion and controversy, Othello City Council members approved a short-term extension to the city’s contract with Adams County Fire District 5 at its Monday meeting. Fire District 5 commissioners considered the contract at their meeting Tuesday night. The contract was approved by the council on a 7-0 vote. Council member Angel Garza said it’s time the two sides reached a deal. “We have to make a decision and move forward and get something done,” Garza said.

Data centers, including Sabey, play crucial role

QUINCY — A lot of work and thought has gone into making online access as easy as possible for consumers. Pick up the phone or open the computer, and it’s possible to connect with anyone almost anywhere in the world. It seems easy. In reality – as anyone knows who’s dealt with a tech failure knows – it’s a complex network of connections and reconnections that must move fast and without interruption. At the base of it all is the machine that coordinates all of that electronic activity. Ryan Beebout, western vice-president for Sabey Data Centers, said the servers that power the system are the equivalent of the electrical grid. “Almost everything you do on your phone runs through a data center,” Beebout said. “People want their phones to be small and lightweight, and they want their batteries to last a really long time. A lot of the things that you do are very computationally intensive. You can’t do that on a device like (a cell phone).”

ID still pending on body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon. “A kayaker found the body in the water Saturday evening about 3.5 miles east of state Route 243 near Beverly in southwestern Grant County,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a release issued Sunday night. “Deputies used a drone to pinpoint the body. For safety reasons, they returned at dawn on Sunday to begin the recovery. Access to the remote site was hindered by dense overgrowth.”

Autopsy pending on body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon.

Road 2 SW haystack fire unlikely to reignite but will smolder

MOSES LAKE — Drivers near the intersection of state Route 17 and Road 2 Southeast may continue to see smoke – and possibly flames – from a haystack fire that closed a section of Road 2 for two days.

Myers announces candidacy for 13th District House position

MOSES LAKE — Don Myers, Moses Lake deputy mayor, has announced his candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Myers will be running for the position left vacant when current Representative Alex Ybarra announced he would run for the 13th District Washington Senate position. Myers will be the third candidate in the race. Ellensburg business owner Jeff Leichleiter and former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez announced their candidacies April 3. Myers said he’s been on the Moses Lake council about 10 years, and his experience there influenced his decision to run for the legislative seat.

One roundabout completed, another starting by month’s end

EPHRATA — The last phase of construction at the roundabout at Nat Washington Way and State Route 282 should be done today, at least Grant County’s portion of it. “If not Friday morning, then Friday afternoon,” said Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines Thursday. The roundabout was closed for the week so crews could replace the temporary lights installed in fall 2025 with new permanent poles and lights. It was built as part of the construction of the new Grant County Jail, which is scheduled to open this summer. The actual roundabout was built last fall, but delivery of the lights was delayed, Gaines said. Detour signs installed by the county remained in place over the winter, although they were covered. But they’re no longer needed.

Section of Road 2 Southeast closed following haystack fire

MOSES LAKE — A section of Road 2 Southeast between Road N Southeast and Road O Southeast has been closed to traffic due to a haystack fire next to the road, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Othello residents asked to fill out comprehensive plan survey

OTHELLO — The comprehensive plan currently being prepared by Othello city officials is designed to answer some questions about the city’s future. Othello is growing, but where should that growth be directed? What kind of housing will be needed in town? What kind of industries should the city be working to attract? What kind of jobs? Is it important that Othello in 2047 has the same atmosphere as Othello in 2026? Residents are being asked for their opinions on those and other topics in a resident survey that will be open for responses through May 10. The comprehensive plan is one component that determines future growth, but Anne Henning, Othello community development director, said it’s an important one.

Seven arrested in Othello sex trafficking investigation

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department arrested seven men for involvement in prostitution following a two-day investigation last week. Othello Police Chief Aaron Garza said combating human sex trafficking is an ongoing focus for the department. “We don’t believe human beings are for sale,” Garza said. “We conduct these operations quite regularly here. It’s really starting to get traction – people actually know not to come to Othello and try to buy sex.” The OPD has been conducting sex trafficking investigations for a few years, he said, a practice that started when OPD detectives expressed an interest in trying to fight it.

Representative Tom Dent announces reelection bid

MOSES LAKE — Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, has announced he will run for reelection in 2026. It would be Dent’s seventh term in the Washington House of Representatives if he’s reelected. Dent said he’s third in seniority in the House Republican Caucus and about 15th in seniority in the entire House. That does and will make a difference, he said. “Seniority is everything in the legislature. When you have seniority, you get so much more done,” he said. “Every year it gets a little easier.”

Martinez announces candidacy for state House seat

MOSES LAKE — Former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez has announced her candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Martinez is running for the position left vacant when Rep. Alex Ybarra announced he was running for Washington State Senate. Martinez is one of two candidates for the position so far. Business owner Jeff Leichleiter, Ellensburg, announced Friday he was in the race. Martinez said she has identified some areas she wants to focus on if she’s elected, starting with public safety.

Cost of Hansen Road bridge to impact on other WSDOT projects

MOSES LAKE — Closing the overpass on Hansen Road was inconvenient to a lot of Moses Lake residents and travelers passing through town, not to mention the Washington Department of Transportation. Chris Keifenheim, North Central Regional administrator, estimated the cost would be $15 to $17 million to demolish the old bridge and build a new one, coming at a time when most of DOT’s money for repairs in the 2025-27 budget was already allocated.

Mattawa Council considering stray animal concerns

MATTAWA — Mattawa city officials will continue to pick up stray dogs and house them temporarily at the municipal maintenance facility. Mattawa City Council members reaffirmed support for city policy after a social media post claimed dogs were being mistreated.

Road closures, roundabout, mean construction season underway

EPHRATA — The grass is starting to turn green, the trees are starting to leaf out, construction crews are starting to build roundabouts – hey, it’s spring. At least one roundabout project is in its final phase, held over from fall 2025. The intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way will be closed the week of April 6 to allow crews to install permanent lights. “This really is the final (closure),” wrote Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines in a media release. “The roundabout will close at 6 a.m. Monday, and we plan to reopen by Friday, possibly sooner if the work finishes early.”

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.