CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Warden man injured in tractor-trailer collision with train

BRUCE — A Warden man was transported to an out-of-area hospital after the tractor-trailer he was driving was hit by a train near Bruce at about noon Tuesday. "The extent of the driver's injuries is not known at this time," wrote Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner in a media release. "Preliminary information indicates the semi-truck was traveling above the speed limit and failed to obey posted requiring traffic to yield at the railroad crossing. The train was traveling at a slow speed," Wagner said. "He was moving. He wasn't stuck on the tracks," he said in an earlier interview.

Othello man arrested for Moses Lake attempted burglary

MOSES LAKE — An Othello man jumped into Moses Lake in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid Moses Lake Police Department officers last Friday. An MLPD media release issued Wednesday said Fernando Lira, 36, was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary in connection with the incident. Lira allegedly attempted to burglarize a business in the 600 block of East Broadway Friday morning. The business owner discovered him and chased him off the property, the release said.

Higher revenues, expenses projected in preliminary Moses Lake city budget

MOSES LAKE — While Moses Lake city officials have reduced expenses and revenues are projected to increase by about 7.9% in the city's preliminary budget, proposed expenditures are projected to go up by about 9.5%. Assistant City Manager James Richmond emphasized the preliminary budget presented earlier this month is not cast in stone. "The projected figures are not finalized. They are requests from departments based on projected 2027 operational costs. Largely, the figures are based on guidance from the city council during the financial sustainability plan analysis," Richmond wrote in answer to questions from the Columbia Basin Herald.

Moses Lake Classic Car Club donates to Moravida Festival trunk or treat

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Classic Car Club members came up with a novel way to raise a little money for a good cause. "At our last club meeting we painted pumpkins and then auctioned them off," said club president Mason Utter. "That was fun. It was funner than I thought it would be," said Jerry Fisher, club treasurer. The money was donated to the organizers of a Trunk or Treat scheduled for the Moravida Festival at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Halloween. Paul Brumly, who's part of the Moravida organizing committee, said it's greatly appreciated.

Wahluke Community Coalition works to reduce substance use

MATTAWA — The Wahluke Community Coalition starts with the premise that local problems are best solved with local solutions. Gigi Calaway, student support services director for the Wahluke School District, said Mattawa's size and location make it more difficult to provide services for people affected by substance abuse. As a result, the coalition is working on ways to keep everybody, especially children, from using substances in the first place. "Our school has to be a hub of education, even for our parents," she said.

Paving scheduled for next week on Royal City's Apple Avenue

ROYAL CITY — The first phase of upgrades to Apple Avenue Northeast is reaching the finish line as the construction season winds down.

Driver injured when truck hit by train

BRUCE — An unidentified truck driver sustained unspecified injuries when his tractor trailer was hit by an oncoming train Tuesday morning near Bruce.

Adams, Hiawatha road bridges scheduled for spring 2027 replacement

QUINCY — Washington Department of Transportation officials haven't made a definite schedule for replacement of the overpasses at Adams and Hiawatha roads, but they do have one in mind. "According to our project manager, we are looking at spring (2027) for both," said Summer Derrey, public information officer for the WSDOT North Central region. Derrey said any timeline would be subject to change, but spring 2027 for both is the goal.

Collision closes Vernita Bridge most of the day Monday

MATTAWA — A Desert Aire man was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center Monday after the car he was driving was hit by a car coming in the opposite direction. The collision closed the Vernita Bridge, which remained out of service for most of the day. Rogelio Cardenas, 40, was driving north on SR 24 about two to three miles from the Vernita Bridge at about 5:40 a.m., according to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol. Cardenas' car was hit by a car driven by Zachary Holder, 42, Richland, who crossed the centerline. Cardenas's car ran into a truck and trailer driven by Lwin Maung, 45, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Detours on I-90 in early November for Hansen Road overpass work

MOSES LAKE — While not much was visible above ground, work on the Hansen Road overpass has progressed to the point where detours on Interstate 90 will be required during the first week of November.

Possibilities for dressing up ML's West Third Avenue discussed at workshop

MOSES LAKE — Consultants hired by the city of Moses Lake to come up with some affordable options for dressing up downtown will be presenting some of their conclusions to residents, the Moses Lake City Council and city officials in December.

Port of Moses Lake officials help family get answers to 75-year-old questions

MOSES LAKE — Carol Hawk said she does not know what prompted her to try to contact the Grant County International Airport. "I made a call a couple of weeks before we met with them, and I don't know why in the world I made that call. No clue what sent me in that direction or anything," she said. "I knew what I was still looking for. But I didn't know why I went that direction." Michael and Carol Hawk were looking for information about Michael's father Leonard, a family story that both did and didn't have an ending. His wife and two children, and eventually his grandchildren, knew that Leonard Hawk died July 20, 1950, when his plane crashed at Larson Air Force Base.

Adams County Commissioner candidate answers questions about objectives

RITZVILLE — Incumbent Adams County Commissioner Miguel "Mike" Garza is being challenged for his position by Eleanor Brodahl, Othello. Both candidates were sent identical questions about their ideas and positions.

Adams County Sheriff candidates discuss issues, ideas

RITZVILLE — Incumbent Dale Wagner is being challenged by Matthew Carlson, Ritzville, for the office of Adams County Sheriff. The Columbia Basin Herald gave each candidate a set of identical questions about their candidacy. Their answers are below.

Othello council vote clears way for fire district annexation vote next year

OTHELLO — Othello residents will be asked to accept or reject a proposal to annex the city into Adams County Fire District 5 in April 2027. Othello City Council members approved an ordinance Monday affirming the city’s intent to annex into the fire district and committing the city to an April 2027 vote. The subject of annexation has been under discussion since late 2025, but the ordinance commits the city to putting the proposal on the special election ballot. “This is our commitment to go along with the process,” said Othello Mayor Ken Johnson.

Bischoff named next ECBID secretary-manager

OTHELLO — Bobby Bischoff, the assistant manager of operations and maintenance for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, has been selected as the next secretary-manager. Bischoff will take over the job June 1, 2027. Bischoff will replace Craig Simpson, who was selected as secretary-manager in 2007. "Bobby has served the district well in each of the positions he's held, and I'm excited to see the district flourish under his leadership," Simpson said in an ECBID press release. "This promotion is well-deserved."

Adams County Assessor candidates discuss qualifications, duties

RITZVILLE — Veronica Rodriguez and Curtis Templin are running for the office of Adams County Assessor. Each candidate was asked the same questions by the Columbia Basin Herald, and their answers are below. What prompted you to run for assessor? Rodriguez: I have been part of the assessor’s office since 2015, when I began as the administrative assistant. Over the years, I worked in different areas of the office, gaining firsthand experience and a thorough understanding of its responsibilities and the many programs we administer. When the prior assessor retired, I applied to fill the vacant position. I was selected for the appointment, and that opportunity allowed me to put my years of experience and knowledge of the office to work in a leadership role. I have continued serving as assessor and I am proud of the work we have accomplished.

Quincy port approves contract award for intermodal expansion

QUINCY — Construction crews will be working this winter on the first phase of expansion of the Port of Quincy’s intermodal facility. Port commissioners approved awarding a $4.62 million contract to Active Construction, Tacoma, for the project Monday. The vote was 3-0. Port commission chair Curt Morris said the first phase will be focused inside the existing facility. “We’re basically adding a mile of track inside the intermodal,” Morris said. “We're preparing to cross Road O (Northwest), but we’re not going to put track across Road O.”

Moses Lake residents asked for their practical downtown ideas at Thursday workshop

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will get a chance to discuss their ideas – their affordable and practical ideas – for enhancing Third Avenue and adjoining streets in a pair of community workshops Thursday.

Qualifications, duties focus of Adams County Assessor candidate forum

OTHELLO — Qualifications for office, correcting inaccuracies and appealing assessments were among the topics discussed by the candidates running for Adams County Assessor.

Adams County Auditor candidates discuss ballot security, office operations

RITZVILLE — Adams County voters will be choosing a new auditor in the November general election, and two current employees, Jacque Laird and Courtney Fanning, are running for the position.

Adams County Sheriff’s candidates talk retention, AC Jail at Othello forum

OTHELLO — Recruiting and retaining staff and continuing work on the Adams County Jail were among the questions fielded by the candidates for Adams County Sheriff at a candidate forum Tuesday. Incumbent Dale Wagner is being challenged by Matthew Carlson, an officer with the Ritzville Police Department. The two men ran for the same office in 2022. When asked about priorities, Wagner said the jail is one of his top priorities, but it’s a very complicated problem.

Adams County Auditor candidates discuss elections, ideas for future

OTHELLO — The two candidates for Adams County Auditor detailed their ideas for auditor’s office operation during a candidate forum Tuesday in Othello.

No one injured in Thursday evening shooting in Ephrata

EPHRATA — No injuries were reported in a dispute that ended in a shooting at an apartment complex in northeast Ephrata Thursday evening.

No decisions made on possible Ephrata School District bond

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District patrons will have one more chance to express their opinions on a possible district construction bond in a “listening session” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Ephrata Middle School Library. Ephrata Superintendent Ken Murray said district officials will use the information gathered from community discussions to determine their recommendation on a possible bond to the Ephrata School Board. District voters rejected a $75 million, 25-year construction bond proposal in February 2026. Murray said he started talking with ESD patrons in early March in an effort to determine what the community would – and could – accept in a bond proposal, if district officials decide to try again. “I tried to get out and find out where the community was at,” Murray said.

Fiscal responsibility, growth discussed by Adams County commission candidates

OTHELLO — Candidates for Adams County Commissioner answered questions about fiscal responsibility and cooperation in a forum Tuesday in Othello.

National Fire Prevention Week

Fun, fire safety focus of fire district open houses

MATTAWA — Children get the chance to knock down plastic cones with the fire hose in Mattawa and meet the talking fire hydrant in Othello – and incidentally learn a little bit about fire safety – at open house events this week in each community.

Rescue asks Mattawa for animal control cooperation

MATTAWA — Abandoned and stray animals in and around Mattawa, and how to address the problem they present, may be the subject of future discussions by the Mattawa City Council. Bonnie Helvey, co-founder of ARFS of Grant County, an animal rescue organization, requested a chance to talk to council members about cooperation between the city and rescue organizations at the Oct. 1 council meeting. “We've been down here several times distributing food supplies into the community, and we will continue to do that. But we need some change,” Helvey said. “We have spent a tremendous amount of time, resources and money responding to abandoned, injured, sick, neglected, and stray animals from this community, and we believe the situation has reached a point now where the rescues and the city need to work together on a solution.”

Othello Education Association official arrested in theft investigation

OTHELLO — An Othello Education Association official is under investigation for possible misappropriation of OEA funds. Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane said Lena Jenson, 50, was arrested Sept. 30 on suspicion of first-degree theft and released on her own recognizance. The case, he said, is still under investigation. “She hasn’t been charged yet,” McFarlane said. Jenson is being investigated in connection with suspicious activity involving the OEA bank account. She was the OEA treasurer. McFarlane said the investigation does not involve Othello School District funds, only OEA funds.

Police arrest Othello man in connection with graffiti incident

OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked on suspicion of second-degree malicious mischief after he allegedly sprayed graffiti on a fence near South Cobblestone Avenue Sunday.

Analysis of Moses Lake city service fees scheduled for 2027

MOSES LAKE — Some fees charged by the city of Moses Lake could go down, others could go up and there might be some new fees entirely. Those were some of the results of a fee study commissioned by city officials. The study was a result of the city’s “sustainability plan,” approved by the Moses Lake City Council in April. The goal is to reduce and eventually eliminate deficits in the city’s general fund, which ran deficits in 2025 and 2026. Assistant City Manager James Richmond said the fee study covered “general government” fees, services such planning and development fees, the Surf ‘n Slide water park and other city recreation and cultural facilities.

Residents get first look at Moses Lake 2027 preliminary budget Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will get their first look at the city’s 2027 preliminary budget during a Moses Lake City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The 2027 budget is the second item on the agenda.

Othello man, juvenile arrested in connection with graffiti incidents

OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and third-degree malicious mischief after two reports of graffiti in and around Othello Thursday.

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.