CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Columbia Basin Railroad may be in process of sale

WARDEN — The Columbia Basin Railroad may be in the process of being sold. In a request filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board, Jaguar Transport Holdings, Joplin, Missouri, said it plans to buy CBRR.

Hot, dry, windy conditions incoming

MOSES LAKE — While the winds are forecast to die down Tuesday, hot summer temperatures – and increased fire danger – will be sticking around. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures will increase again after Tuesday. “(Temperatures) will be rebounding back up for the middle to the end of the week,” Wolf said.

Fire near Mart Road burns about one acre

MOSES LAKE — A fire near the shore of Moses Lake Sunday afternoon only burned about an acre, but difficult terrain kept Moses Lake Fire Department crews on the scene for a while. “We’re really lucky we were able to keep it to one acre. Access to that location is really tricky,” said Heather Kok, CARES coordinator for the MLFD.

Moses Lake youth arrested for possessing explicit images of children

MOSES LAKE — A 17-year-old boy was booked into juvenile detention Friday for possessing images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct after a search of his phone in connection with an unspecified homicide case.

Brush fire burns near Moses Lake Walmart

UPDATE: The fire was extinguished about 7 p.m. MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Fire Department crews were summoned to a small fire behind the Moses Lake Walmart, 1005 North Stratford Road, at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday. As of 5:30 p.m., crews are still on the scene of the fire, estimated at one to two acres. Updates will be added as the story develops.

Fire near Ephrata burns three acres

EPHRATA — A fire along State Route 283 briefly closed the highway Thursday afternoon. The fire originated near the intersection of SR 283 and Road 10 Northwest at about 5:50 p.m., according to a Grant County Fire District 13 release. The fire appeared to be less than an acre in size.

New rescue truck added to GCFD 3 fleet

QUINCY — A new rescue rig went into service at Grant County Fire District 3 July 10. Chief David Durfee said it replaces a rescue truck that was reaching the end of its service life. “It’s a rescue truck that houses all of our extrication tools for motor vehicle accidents, our specialty tech equipment, our rescue equipment. There are some added storage compartments and added lights,” he said.

Local hospitals face 'challenging financial landscape' after Big Beautiful Bill passage

MOSES LAKE — The recent approval of new federal Medicaid rules will affect local hospitals and medical providers. What that impact will be, however, is still unclear. “So much is still unknown,” Glenda Bishop, chief executive officer for Quincy Valley Medical Center, wrote in reply to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “We simply do not have enough data to predict with accuracy any outcomes.”

Two Moses Lake men arrested in drug distribution case

MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested, one of whom is being held in the Spokane County Jail, in connection with two search warrants served by the Moses Lake Police Department Wednesday. Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands said federal charges are pending against the two men. “These are both being prosecuted at the federal level. If the prosecutions are successful, these subjects will be out for quite a bit longer than state-level prosecution,” Sands wrote in answer to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald.

Two women found dead in Larson area home

MOSES LAKE — The identities of two women found dead July 5 in a house near Moses Lake were released Wednesday. J’Lene Ludtke, 46, and Haley Mathison, 23, were found dead early on the morning of July 5 in a residence in the Larson area north of Moses Lake. Josh Sainsbury, chief deputy of emergency operations, said there’s no evidence of foul play. The cause of death for both women is still undetermined, pending the results of toxicology tests, said Casey Sherwood, a death investigator with the Grant County Coroner’s Office.

Moses Lake considering new shopping cart, sidewalk ordinance

MOSES LAKE — Revisions to Moses Lake’s ordinance for the use of public sidewalks and a new ordinance governing shopping carts taken from businesses will be voted on at the July 22 Moses Lake City Council meeting. Council members reviewed the proposed ordinances during the July 8 meeting, and council member Don Myers suggested a change to the proposed shopping cart ordinance. “I was looking at Federal Way, and they had a (provision) in there that waived the fee for shopping cart retrieval if (the business) had security measures in place for shopping carts,” Myers said.

Othello working to establish city fire department

OTHELLO — An analysis of what the city of Othello would need to set up its own fire department is in the early stages of preparation. Greg Prothman, founder of GMP Consultants, which is working with city officials on the project, said the first step will be determining what the city is looking for. “We have a retired fire chief working with the mayor to put together a scope of work,” Prothman said.

Othello Mayoral Race: Shawn Logan

Incumbent says he wants to see Othello projects finished

OTHELLO — Shawn Logan said he’s running for a new term as Othello mayor because some projects still need to be finished and some questions still need to be answered. “There has been a lot of progress in the city of Othello over the last 12 years. I remember when I ran 12 years ago, one of the main questions I was asking at the time – and it seems like now it becomes even more important (is), ‘What kind of city do we want to be in five years, in 10 years?’” Logan said. “The reason I’m running again is because I think that question is still being answered. It hasn’t been completely answered yet.”

Othello Mayoral Race: Ken Johnson

Othello mayoral candidate discusses issues, suggests changes

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson said he thinks Othello needs some new leadership, and that’s why he’s running for mayor. Johnson is challenging incumbent Shawn Logan in the November general election. “There are some things that need to be changed,” Johnson said. “I feel like the only way we’re going to get it done is with a new mayor.”

Repairs start on Moses Lake sewer line

MOSES LAKE — Residents and visitors to Moses Lake are being advised to avoid a section of the lake near Montlake Park until further notice. That’s due to the partial break of a sewer line that allowed some untreated water to flow into the lake. The advisory to stay out of the water will be lifted once water tests show that levels of fecal chloroform match upstream and downstream, according to a notice delivered to residents in the area.

Cause of Lind house fire undetermined

LIND — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Lind residence in the early morning of July 5 is still under investigation.

Basin area fire departments see mixed July 4, regionally

MOSES LAKE — The July 4 holiday is traditionally celebrated with fireworks – and in summer conditions of the Columbia Basin, traditionally a time for fires. Some fire crews were answering calls all night, while others had little activity. “I’m just glad the Fourth is over this year. We made it through another one,” said Tom Salsbury, chief of Adams County Fire District 5.

Moses Lake facility among those affected by Group14 layoffs

MOSES LAKE — An undisclosed number of employees received layoff notices from the Group14 facility in Moses Lake July 1. Moses Lake facility manager Don Kersey said construction on the facility is continuing. “We did have a layoff (July 1),” Kersey said. “We can’t get into numbers, but we did rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience (and) competitiveness of our business. (The layoffs were) not just here in Moses Lake, but Group14 here in Washington state. It’s very unfortunate.”

Tower Pizza car show coming to Crescent Bar in August

CRESCENT BAR — There’s still a lot of summer to go, but – alas, eventually summer ends. The owners of Tower Pizza on Crescent Bar plan to send out summer with a bang Aug. 24. Michelle Walsh of Tower Pizza said 2025 will be the fourth year for the Tower Pizza car show. “A lot of us around here have old cars, and we thought it would be fun to bring them out,” Walsh said.

Road construction on hold through July 4 weekend

VANTAGE — People wanting to take to the open road for the July 4 weekend will find it pretty open, with most construction projects on hold until next week. The exception is the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 over the Snoqualmie summit. “We have a project on eastbound I-90 between North Bend and the summit, which is reduced from three lanes to two lanes,” wrote Summer Derrey, Washington Department of Transportation assistant communications manager for the south central region, in response to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald.

Wildland fire burns 40 acres near Quincy

QUINCY — Fire season is here, as evidenced by multiple fires in Grant County Fire District 3 from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said people should plan accordingly. “We’re just asking the public to be vigilant,” Durfee said.

Moses Lake council sets priorities at 2-day workshop

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members will review a plan July 22 detailing a set of priorities established by council members during two days of discussion earlier this month. City Manager Rob Karlinsey said the plan, whenever it’s approved, will be an important component as city officials make decisions for the future, beginning with the 2026 budget.

Small wildfire being mopped up near George

GEORGE – Fire crews responded to a fire north of Interstate 90 near George Tuesday evening. The blaze was estimated at 25 acres or less before it was put out by Grant County Fire District 3 crews. It is unknown what caused the fire to start shortly after 6 p.m. but crews had it contained and were mopping up by 7:30 p.m. More information will be published as it becomes available.

ACFD 5 considering levy lid lift request

OTHELLO -— Adams County Fire District 5 residents are being invited to the July 8 commission meeting to discuss a proposal to raise the district’s tax assessment, called a levy lid lift. Fire District 5 Chief Tom Salsbury said the increase will replace money the district will lose when its contract with the city of Othello expires in May 2026.

Big party in Othello for nation’s birthday

OTHELLO — The nation’s 249th birthday will be celebrated in Othello with games and a parade and tournaments and fireworks, just like the tradition. “I love the Fourth of July. It’s the biggest party in Othello,” said Jackie Wilhelm, president of the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce. Most of the activities will be in Lions Park.

Construction starts on Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — The main parking lot for East Park in Quincy will close to traffic this week as construction crews start working on the new Quincy Aquatic Center. Russ Harrington, Parks and Recreation Director, said crews are already excavating the site. “They’re already ripping some of the ground up,” Harrington said.

Revised design may be coming for Quincy fieldhouse

QUINCY — The architects designing the proposed Quincy fieldhouse are being asked to review revising the project to add more indoor courts, rework the layout and convert it to a steel building, along with estimating what that might cost. Pat Haley, executive director for the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District, said officials are considering splitting the building into two sections. “We want to reshape it so that the field is in one building and the courts are in another building,” Haley said.

Access, development part of discussion on Moses Lake street request

MOSES LAKE — Growth, access, development and city processes were topics of discussion at a public hearing June 24 on a request to vacate a Moses Lake street. Moses Lake City Council members decided to continue the hearing to get more information on the request to vacate South Western Avenue. It’s the continuation of what people who gave testimony said is a long-standing issue.

Moses Lake man arrested for possession, intent to sell

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail Wednesday on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell. “The warrant was the second operation this week targeting illegal drug sales in and around Civic Park,” a release from the Moses Lake Police Department said.

Traffic projects coming to I-90, SR 282

MOSES LAKE — Drivers on Interstate 90 between Road O NE and Dodson Road should be prepared for delays beginning in mid-July. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant for the Washington Department of Transportation, said construction crews will be paving both the eastbound and westbound lanes. “This year it will be day work,” Moraga said.

Bonnie Helvey and ARFS: Working to make life better for pets and pet owners

EPHRATA — Bonnie Helvey isn’t in her office in Ephrata on Fridays – which is part of her retirement plan, she said – but she’s not just at home. On a recent Friday she was on the road to Issaquah, dropping off some dogs at a foster home and picking up a cat for transfer to another foster home. Helvey is one of the co-founders of Animal Rescue Friends Society of Grant County, and its job is to help animals that are in need. “I’ll be able to do this more when I’m retired,” Helvey said. ARFS of Grant County was founded in 2019 by Helvey and friends Annette Hernandez and Tracy Williams, later Tracy Hill.

Youth spotlight: Quincy students turn raw materials into legacy for Quincy hospital

QUINCY — The old Quincy Valley Medical Center had a few trees next to the parking lot, including three pine trees planted in – well, back in the day, not long after the hospital was built in the late 1950s. The way the new hospital had to fit on the lot meant they were in the way, and they had to come down. That led to an opportunity for the Quincy High School advanced construction class. Career and technical education is a focus at QHS, with a lot of different classes and opportunities, from firefighting to agriculture to certified nursing assistant training. Advanced construction teacher Nick Heuker said Tom Richardson, QVMC director of information services, contacted QHS to see if there might be a use for the wood from those pine trees.

Changes coming to GCSO communication

EPHRATA — Staffing shortages and additional demands on department resources have led the Grant County Sheriff’s Office to make changes in the way GCSO communicates emergency information. Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said the program will be scaled back.

Two arrested, charged with murder in May shooting

SCHWANA — An East Wenatchee man and a Mattawa man have been booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of a man near Schwana May 28.

Moses Lake council approves homeless plan

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials will delay getting rid of buildings used at, or destined for, the now-closing Open Doors Sleep Center. Moses Lake City Council member David Skaug suggested looking for a local recipient first during a discussion on closing the sleep center at the regular council meeting Tuesday.

658-acre Othello annexation debate continued to July 14

OTHELLO — An overflow crowd and the Othello City Council asked a lot of questions about a proposal to annex property into the city of Othello during a lengthy public hearing at the regular meeting Monday. Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said the public hearing was, and will be, only to gather public reaction to the two annexation petitions. “Neither of the annexation requests are certified by the (Adams County) assessor in time for this meeting,” Logan said. “Therefore, no city council action is going to be taken tonight on either of these annexation requests.”

Ribbon-cutting celebrates Othello Walmart remodel

OTHELLO — Anthony Briceno, Othello Walmart store manager, was the designated cutter of the ribbon recognizing the store’s remodeling June 20. But he handed the scissors off to someone he wanted to recognize. “Long before I got here, and long after I leave, this lady will be making a lasting impression on the community,” Briceno said. “I would like her to do the honor of cutting the ribbon.”

Moses Lake council to consider homeless response tonight

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members will consider recommendations for the city’s response after the closing of the Open Doors sleep center tonight. Mayor Dustin Swartz said the city, if the council approves the draft plan, would focus on facilitation rather than providing direct services. “We understand that other agencies that operate both inside and outside Grant County are better equipped to deal with (providing services),” Swartz said.

Industrial development district to stretch from Warden to north of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners voted unanimously Monday to establish a district designed to give port officials more flexibility when working on development projects. Commissioner Kent Jones said the new Industrial Development District will help meet the demands of current and future development in the district.

Break in Quincy canal closes road Saturday

WINCHESTER — A break in the wall of an irrigation canal closed a road for a few hours about four miles south of Winchester Saturday morning.

Sue’s Boutique owner announces retirement

MOSES LAKE — From the beginning, Sue’s Gift Boutique has been a true family business. “It was easy to work around with my kids,” said owner Sue Torrence. Her sons Brian and Brent grew up at the store, and at her late husband Les’s barbershop down the street – the barbershop her son Brent operates now.

Bids opened for Moses Lake downtown resurfacing project

MOSES LAKE — Some streets in Moses Lake’s downtown area that are now two lanes in each direction will be reconfigured to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane as part of a resurfacing project. The chip-seal project is tentatively scheduled to begin in July.

Washington State Patrol plans emphasis patrol around Gorge Amphitheater

QUINCY — The Washington State Patrol will be conducting additional patrols in the area around the Gorge Amphitheater this weekend, the first of a number of “High Visibility Enforcement” patrols scheduled over the summer. Jeremy Weber, WSP District 6 public information officer, said the goal is to ensure people get where they’re going and back home without incident.

Road reconstruction starts in Quincy, almost done on Westshore Drive

MOSES LAKE — There is an old saying in road construction that there are two seasons, winter and construction. It is officially construction season in Quincy; a six-month project to upgrade Second Avenue Southwest began this week.

Some progress for ag in 2025 legislative session, Dent says

MOSES LAKE — While some progress has been made on revising the state’s Climate Commitment Act to reduce its impact on farming, Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said there’s still work to do. A bill sponsored by Dent, HB 1912, makes the process of getting an exemption for some CCA fuel sanctions easier. The bill also added propane to the list of fuels eligible for exemption. But Dent said he couldn’t get his colleagues in the legislature to agree on other provisions that would be of help to farmers. “Some of my colleagues - they don’t understand what agriculture really means,” Dent said. “They said, ‘(The exemption) is just for farm use.’ and I said, ‘Here’s the thing. The baler breaks down and I jump in my diesel pickup and drive to town to buy parts. Is that not agriculture use?’ And (the reply was), ‘Oh, we didn’t think about that.’”

Quincy street plan subject of July 1 public hearing

QUINCY — The Quincy City Council will hold a hearing July 1 to solicit public opinion on the city’s six-year street improvement plan. It's scheduled for 6 p.m. during the regular council meeting at Quincy City Hall, 104 B St. SW. Some proposed street improvements are tied to development, and others, said Quincy Engineer Ariel Belino, are added because the streets in question need some work.

Food truck ordinance under review in Royal City

ROYAL CITY — Royal City residents will get further chances to comment on updates to the city’s ordinances for mobile food vendors, a subject that’s been under extensive discussion by Royal City City Council members. Finance Director Janice Flynn said revisions have become a topic as mobile food vendors have become more popular.

Positive audit result of hard work by Wahluke School District staff, superintendent says

MATTAWA — After a few years of audits that identified deficiencies, Washington state auditors found that the Wahluke School District didn’t have any new deficiencies and corrected previously identified problems. District Superintendent Andy Harlow said the audit findings are a reflection of staff members that are committed to Wahluke, many of them WSD alumni.

Ybarra bill designed to make it easier to fulfill demands for electricity, transmission

OLYMPIA — A bill co-sponsored by 13th District Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, will make it easier for public entities to enter into agreements with private or other public partners to develop energy generation and transmission facilities. Ybarra and Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, sponsored House Bill 1253, which passed the Washington House 94-1 and the Senate 49-0. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on May 15 with an effective date of July 27, 2025. Ybarra said the new law is designed to address some of the challenges as state officials attempt to shift energy use to new sources. “We’re working both sides of the aisle to make this happen,” Ybarra said. “This isn’t a political thing for me, or an engineering thing. The physics book says, three laws of physics and this is how energy works. It’s not politics, it’s just physics and energy.”

Winds forecast to increase fire danger through Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Summer officially starts Saturday, but really it’s already here, and elevated fire danger is one of the signs. It's been dry in Central Washington over the last 30 days, and winds are expected to increase ahead of a cool front forecast for the weekend. Daniel Butler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said the highest risk is Wednesday.