CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Port of Coulee City receives grant for new library, clinic upgrades

COULEE CITY — The Port of Coulee City has received a $200,000 Strategic Infrastructure Grant to start design work for a new standalone public library. Some of the money will be used for upgrades to the ambulance entrance at the Coulee City Medical Clinic, according to a port press release. The grant was awarded by the Grant County Commissioners. “The award enables the port to move forward with construction-ready plans for a new library building. The library is currently operating inside the medical clinic, which restricts clinical space and prevents the facility from functioning at full capacity,” the press release said. “Prior facility assignments have documented the need for a larger, purpose-built library to meet current and future community needs.”

Ephrata man arrested near Quincy

QUINCY — An Ephrata man was booked into the Grant County Jail Wednesday on suspicion of second-degree burglary and resisting arrest after being sought for alleged burglaries and other offenses committed in the Ephrata and Coulee Dam areas. Cody Miller, 34, was also booked for attempting to elude law enforcement and two Grant County District Court warrants, said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a media release. “They’ve been looking for him for a bit,” Foreman said in a separate interview. Miller ran from Quincy Police Department officers Wednesday morning, Foreman said.

PUD seeking comment on 2027 rates

EPHRATA — The public comment period is open for Grant County Public Utility District customers who want to weigh in on proposed 2027 PUD rates. Comments can be made on the PUD website, www.grantpud.org, under the "workshops and meetings" tab. Utility district commissioners will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. Nov. 10 for additional customer response. People can attend the hearing in person at the commission hearing room, 30 C St. SW, Ephrata. Access also will be available online. The proposed 2027 rates include increases for all customers. The smallest increase, 3.5%, will be paid by residential, small business, irrigation and general service customers. They're designated as "core customers."

Baumgartner, Conroy outline their top 5th Congressional District issues

RITZVILLE — Incumbent Republican Michael Baumgartner is being challenged for his position in the U.S. House of Representatives by Democrat Carmela Conroy. The winner will represent the Fifth District, which includes sections of Adams County. Conroy and Baumgartner also ran against each other in 2024. The Columbia Basin Herald asked both candidates the same questions about their candidacy. Their answers are below.

Othello School Board to consider capital levy request

OTHELLO — The Othello School Board will consider a recommendation at its Oct. 28 meeting about a possible capital request to be put before voters in 2027, probably in February. Othello Superintendent Pete Perez said it won't be a capital bond for construction or remodeling. "There will not be a bond in February 2027," Perez said. "There is real strong potential there will be a capital levy." The recommendation will be the first result of a months-long study by a committee looking at the district's current and future facility needs. Members of the "Future-Ready Schools" committee also have looked at the possibility of a construction bond sometime in the next few years – but not in 2027.

Port of Mattawa receives planning grant for road upgrades

MATTAWA — The Port of Mattawa has been awarded a $200,000 Grant County Strategic Infrastructure Program Grant to extend sections of Steven Street near the intersection with Government Road.

North Elder Street closed next week for utility extensions

MOSES LAKE — Streets around the construction site of a new business in Moses Lake will be closed to through traffic next week to allow for the installation of water and sewer lines.

Klicker, Palmer outline priorities in race for 16th District House seat

MATTAWA — Incumbent Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, is being challenged for his seat in the Washington House of Representatives by Democratic candidate Kyle Palmer. Both men were asked the same set of questions and given the same word limit.

Agreement reached in lawsuit by regional PUDs against federal government

EPHRATA — Three public utility districts who operate hydroelectric projects in the mid-Columbia River have settled a lawsuit they filed against the US government in late 2024.

Moses Lake Library incidents decreasing as use increases, administrators stated

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Public Library experienced a substantial drop in incidents between 2024 and 2025. The perception of the library was part of the discussion when library administrators delivered a report to Moses Lake City Council members Tuesday.

Ephrata street work planned for Sept. 29

EPHRATA — Drivers should expect delays at some intersections along Basin Street and lane diversions around town Tuesday as Washington Department of Transportation crews complete a project started earlier this summer.

Building upgrades to Moses Lake Public Library part of discussion with city

MOSES LAKE — Officials from NCW Libraries and Moses Lake city officials are starting discussions on a new facility use agreement and upgrades to the Moses Lake Public Library.

Othello e-bike regulations go into effect Sept. 28

OTHELLO — Regulations governing e-bikes and other electrically powered devices go into effect in Othello Monday. Othello City Council members approved the regulations Sept. 14.

Student removed from Royal High School after weapon found in backpack

ROYAL CITY — The discovery of a weapon in the backpack of a Royal High School student resulted in the removal of the student from school, but it did not trigger a lockdown. Royal Superintendent Roger Trail said RHS staff discovered the weapon after the student no longer had access to the backpack.

Trailer crash temporarily closes West Broadway

MOSES LAKE — No injuries were reported when a trailer broke loose from its hitch and crossed all five lanes of traffic on West Broadway Avenue Monday afternoon. The crash temporarily closed West Broadway and snarled traffic for about five hours.

Advisory vote on possible sales tax increase in Grant County on November ballot

EPHRATA — Grant County voters will be asked for their opinions on a possible one-tenth of one percent increase in the sales and use tax to fund additional mental health services - but they're not being asked to approve an increase. The request, which is called an advisory vote, will be on the November general election ballot. Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines emphasized the vote is advisory only and won't actually impose the tax. Whether or not it's implemented will be up to the Grant County Commissioners.

Grant County Fire District 3 releases updated strategic plan

QUINCY — As Grant County Fire District 3 grows, the need for services grows. That being the case, GCFD 3 officials prepared and released a new strategic plan to map out how they are going to meet those needs. Chief David Durfee said the district officials will be reviewing it every year to see if they're heading in the preferred direction, or if circumstances have changed and the direction needs to change. "We're going to work to those goals over time," said GCFD 3 Commission Chair Randy Zolman.

Public's help sought in investigation of possible drive-by shooting near Othello

OTHELLO — Adams County Sheriff's deputies are looking for the public's help in identifying people involved in a suspected drive-by shooting west of Othello Saturday night. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said in a separate interview that a shooting was reported at 11:08 p.m. in the 2100 block of West April Street, about a mile west of Othello. "Upon arrival, deputies located a parked vehicle that appeared to have been struck by gunfire," Wagner wrote in a media release. "No injuries have been reported or are known to have occurred as a result of the incident."

Public invited to learn about Moses Lake public safety sales tax proposal

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to three informational meetings to discuss a proposal to raise the sales tax by one-tenth of one percent to provide additional public safety funding. The proposal is on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Quincy schedules hearing on kratom ban

QUINCY — A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 6 for the Quincy City Council to ask the public's opinion on a proposal to regulate kratom sales in Quincy. The vote was 5-0; it was approved without discussion. Council members Andrew Royer and Dylan Kling did not attend the meeting.

Most 2026 road projects wrapping up -- except Hansen Road overpass

OTHELLO — A project to add new and more visible stop signs at intersections along SR 17 between Moses Lake and Othello, which was supposed to start this week, has been rescheduled but is still happening this fall.

Moses Lake Industries working on raw material recovery process

MOSES LAKE — The owners of Moses Lake Industries are exploring a process designed to recover more of a key component provided by MLI for the manufacture of semiconductors. Company officials are working to determine if the research done so far could lead to further testing in Moses Lake.

Rumor of Wahluke High School threat unfounded

MATTAWA — Reports of a possible threat against Wahluke High School, first rumored early Tuesday evening, were investigated Tuesday and Wednesday and determined to be unfounded. Rumors about the involvement of a specific WHS student were found to be untrue.

Othello voters consider vote on pool bond in 2027

OTHELLO — Othello city officials are considering asking voters for a construction bond to repair, expand or possibly replace the Othello Community Pool sometime in 2027. Othello City Council members are still discussing the details.

Quincy connects farmers to consumers at Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day

QUINCY — From two-story tractors to dancing horses to the FFA produce sale, Quincy's Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day Sept. 12 emphasized the importance of agriculture – to the world in general as well as Quincy. Not that everything was about agriculture; in its 45 years, FCAD has added a lot of other activities, from a car show to live music to games for children. The owners of DeHoog Dairy led the parade down Quincy's main street as the Farmers of the Year, followed by the family of Yesenia James, a longtime FCAD volunteer who passed away earlier this year. James was remembered with the Honorary Farmer award.

Moses Lake man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking

SPOKANE — A Moses Lake man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Jackson Wyatt Brown, 40, was sentenced Tuesday, according to a press release from the US Attorney's Office for the East

Never too early, or too late, to improve financial skills

MOSES LAKE — Certified professional accountant Kim Eldred the key to robust financial health is keeping track of where money is coming from and where it's going.

Moses Lake comprehensive plan survey underway

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake's residents will have the chance to give their thoughts on its future through a survey currently underway as part of the city's comprehensive plan update. "It basically is a plan for how the city will grow," said James Richmond, assistant city manager. The comprehensive plan covers a wide range of city services, from water and sewer to streets to future growth, economic development, law enforcement and fire services, recreation and how city officials will provide those services and accom

Small increase in solid waste costs for Moses Lake residents

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be paying a little more in utility costs; the Moses Lake City Council approved a 3% increase in solid waste rates Sept. 8. The increase will go into effect Nov. 1. The increases will be minor – 68 cents per month for 48-gallon residential garbage can, and $1.11 per month for a 96-gallon garbage can. A commercial 96-gallon garbage can dumped two times per week will increase by $1.54 per month. But city officials warned that price increases may be coming that are outside the city's control.

Route chosen for new pedestrian-bike path along SR 17

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials have been considering ways to make it safer pedestrians and bicyclists to get from Patton Boulevard Northeast to North Grape Drive, and Moses Lake City Council members chose a route along Northeast Market Street at their meeting Tuesday.

September 11 ceremonies honor courage, service, determination

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents, Moses Lake Fire Department and Moses Lake Police department personnel, Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center students and staff paid tribute to the people who died, and who were saved, during the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, in ceremonies Friday.

Othello Fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby set for this week

OTHELLO — The Othello Fair is bigger than ever. No, really – Othello Fair Committee member Becky Flint said the number of entries has surged to record levels. She estimated about 7,000 entries between the livestock, arts and crafts, horticulture, photography and fine arts departments, among others.

Research recommended before buying new windows

MOSES LAKE — New windows are a big investment for any homeowner. Justin Vanerstrom, owner of Al's Glass in Moses Lake, said that being the case, it pays for a homeowner to do some research first.

A helping hand

Brookdale Senior Living volunteers give back to the community

MOSES LAKE — The volunteer group at Brookdale Senior Living has a lot of projects. "We do volunteer work outside the community,” said Helping Hands Committee member Meri McCann. “We go to different organizations and help with their projects or help when they have events. We do Kid's Hope; we've been to a couple of their events. The senior picnic, for instance – we made how many centerpieces - 92 or something?"

Road construction projects starting to wrap up

QUINCY — Labor Day is in the rear-view mirror, school is back in session, football season is here, and the road construction season is in the home stretch. Some projects are wrapping up, some will continue through the end of October, and some will just keep going until they're done.

No injuries when plane attempts to land at Moses Lake Sand Dunes

MOSES LAKE — No injuries were reported when a small plane attempted to land at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes early Wednesday evening. Ty Svancara, 24, Moses Lake, was the only occupant of the Piper PA-18-150, and was not injured, said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Conditional use permit for Holy Cross Church subject of Mattawa council discussion

MATTAWA — What is and isn’t allowed under the provisions of a conditional use permit was the subject of extensive discussion at the Oct. 3 Mattawa City Council. The rules will have an impact on an event sponsored by the Holy Cross Catholic Church, scheduled for this weekend.

Favored Farmhouse expands business – more to come

MOSES LAKE — The owners of the Favored Farmhouse celebrated expanding their business by cutting the ribbon for the new drive-through Thursday – and co-owner Daphne Martinez said there’s more to come.

Woman arrested after stealing cat at knifepoint

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was booked on suspicion of felony harassment – threats to kill after allegedly threatening a man on Patton Boulevard Northeast and allegedly stealing his cat.

Woman arrested after stealing cat at knifepoint

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman was booked on suspicion of felony harassment – threats to kill after allegedly threatening a man on Patton Boulevard Northeast and allegedly stealing his cat.

Moses Lake man arrested after running from law enforcement, getting tasered

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked on suspicion of first-degree criminal trespassing Sept. 1 after allegedly threatening behavior toward Moses Lake Police Department officers caused them to tase him.

Man dies when tractor rolls into canal

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man died Sept. 4 when the farm tractor he was riding rolled into an irrigation canal, trapping him underneath it.

Care Fair moves to Farmers Market for 2026

MOSES LAKE — There are a lot of volunteer opportunities for people who want to get involved, and organizer Michaelle Boetger said helping people find those opportunities is what the Care Fair is all about.

Fighting wildfires from above

2 Aerial firefighters based in Moses Lake share their experience

MOSES LAKE — Wildland fires can be fierce and chaotic. Fighting them, however, is a precision task, even when it looks like it would be hard to be precise. Matt Gilstrap, an aerial firefighter with Henry’s Aerial, said the aircraft that apply water and retardant have a specific purpose in mind.

Road projects on hold for Labor Day weekend

MOSES LAKE — With Labor Day weekend dead ahead, drivers will be able to move freely about the state. Most road projects are on hold for the holiday weekend. Nobody will be working on the Hansen Road overpass on Interstate 90, but the lane restrictions that are in effect will continue through the end of the project.

Dryer vent cleaning is important -- but often overlooked

MOSES LAKE — Not all the maintenance a house needs is visible. Sometimes a potential problem just goes unnoticed until it causes trouble, sometimes serious trouble. But a lot of potential problems give off warning signs. Clothes dryers often do when they need a good cleaning.

Cost estimates for water source alternatives given to Moses Lake City Council

Protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, efforts are ongoing to keep it self-sufficient

MOSES LAKE — It’s going to cost a lot of money to provide alternative water sources for the city of Moses Lake, but some of the possible alternatives will cost more than others. City officials provided the Moses Lake City Council with costs for various alternatives Tuesday.

Connecting farm to consumer focus of Quincy celebration

QUINCY — After 45 years, the purpose of Quincy’s annual celebration remains what it’s been from the beginning. “The whole point is to connect the farmer with the consumer,” said Leia Watkins, chair of the Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day committee. It’s scheduled for Sept. 12.

Corrective action taken against Quincy teacher after student report

QUINCY — Quincy School District officials have issued a statement following a complaint from the guardian of a Quincy High School student that the district mishandled an allegation against a QHS teacher. The teacher is still employed by the school district.

Information campaign coming for Mattawa Community Medical Clinic district voters

MATTAWA — Mattawa Community Medical Clinic commissioners plan a more intensive information campaign following the rejection of a proposal to raise the amount collected through the district’s property tax levy. District voters voted down a similar proposal in 2025.