CHERYL SCHWEIZER

STRENGTH: Gregg Fletcher

Focused on medical administration, provider success

MOSES LAKE — Gregg Fletcher said a career in medical technology, which eventually led to a career in medical administration, started with an interest in math and science and a conversation with a guidance counselor at Central Washington University.

Moses Lake council, Fuhr express gratitude at his final meeting

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members, city staff and spectators gave City Manager Kevin Fuhr a standing ovation after accepting his retirement request during the regular council meeting Tuesday.

Independence Day traditions take center stage in George July 4

GEORGE — July 4 being a day of tradition, the nation’s birthday will be celebrated in the traditional fashion at the annual celebration in George.

Transportation, health care focuses of S. Grant chamber

MATTAWA — Upgrades to State Route 243, expanded urgent care options and ways to make it easier to dispose of garbage are among the top areas of focus for the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, finishing its second year.

Bingo night to support nonprofits scheduled

MOSES LAKE — A classic game for a good cause - a whole list of good causes, in fact - will be the goal of a Bingo night sponsored by Care Moses Lake. Bingo is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 13

Adams Co. looks at jail improvements with available funding

RITZVILLE — Adams County officials have advertised for a consultant to conduct a study of the Adams County Jail, with the goal of suggesting options for refurbishing the facility with the available funds.

Conservation, alternate sources part of Quincy water plan

QUINCY — Like other cities in Grant County - cities throughout Central Washington, actually - Quincy officials are looking for ways to ensure an adequate water supply for the future as well as the present. As a result, Quincy city officials are reviving an old project and working on ways to encourage water conservation for businesses and residents.

Finances may impact use of MLSD facilities

MOSES LAKE — Looking for places to save money in light of a serious financial shortfall, Moses Lake School Board members will meet at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss water use, part of a larger discussion on the use of district facilities outside school hours. Recommendations include restrictions on use in the summer and facility rental fees for non-district activities and events.

Volunteer project brightens Larson Heights playground

MOSES LAKE — The playground toys at Larson Heights Elementary are still fun - after all, there’s nothing like some good climbing bars - and they’re durable, but they’re old. “The playground here is 60 years old,” said Art Brown, pastor of the Light of Larson church. Church members have been working with school administrators and the parent-teacher organization for about 10 years to make improvements, Brown said, and one of the current projects is raising money for new playground toys. But in the meantime there’s the existing equipment.

Furnishing outdoor space should reflect indoor space, at least a little

QUINCY — Summer is here, those long days and warm evenings tempting people to spend time outside. The question is how to make the most of that outdoor space, whatever it is. Sherri Van Diest, owner of Wild Willow Interiors in Quincy, said she tells her clients to take into account how the indoors looks to make the most of the outdoors.

Organization forming to support MLSD extracurriculars

MOSES LAKE — A group of Moses Lake School District patrons is in the process of forming a charitable organization to support the district’s extracurricular activities after the rejection of an educational programs and operations levy and financial challenges put them in jeopardy. The group tentatively is scheduled to discuss their ideas with the Moses Lake School Board at its regular meeting June 27.

Parker Horn Bridge to be paved this weekend

MOSES LAKE — Drivers using State Route 17 through Moses Lake should be ready for traffic delays this weekend, starting Friday, as road crews will be resurfacing the bridge over Parker Horn.

MLSD board examining funding priorities

MOSES LAKE — How to use the funding available to the Moses Lake School District, what programs or services should be supported and which can be deferred or cut, at least temporarily, was the subject of discussion at a special Moses Lake School Board meeting Tuesday.

New Iron Horse playground officially opens

OTHELLO — The brand-new Iron Horse playground in Othello’s Lions Park officially opened Friday afternoon with Mayor Shawn Logan and a supporting crew of Othello children cutting the ribbon.

Grant PUD revises non-union salary schedule

EPHRATA — Although it doesn’t change any salaries now, an updated salary scale for non-union Grant County PUD employees will increase salaries in the future.

Brent Reese Memorial Car Show raises $4K to fight ALS

MOSES LAKE — The first Brent Reese Memorial Car Show attracted old cars and new cars, muscle cars and street rods, tricked-out trucks and rat rods, and more than enough cars to fill the Scotty’s Auto Repair parking lot. The event gave locals an opportunity to enjoy cars while raising money to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

National issues have local impacts, Newhouse says

MOSES LAKE — There are issues that are important to Central Washington, but the region is not immune from national concerns, said U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse.

Rock blasting to close I-90 for brief period Thursday

ELLENSBURG — The first night of closing Interstate 90 near Easton for a short period to blast rocks is scheduled for Thursday.

Muscle for a cause

MOSES LAKE – Car lovers eye the chrome-highlighted vehicles at the Brent Reese Memorial Car Show. The show was organized by Reese’s son, Jeremy Reese, who said his dad simply loved vehicles of all sorts. The show ran from 3-9 p.m. Saturday and attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the battle against ALS by donating to the ALS Foundation and Team Gleason Foundation.

10th Annual Senior Picnic brings the color, conversation and fun

MOSES LAKE — The annual Senior Picnic has become something of a tradition for Bryce Newcomb and his wife Nancy Newcomb. There’s always a photo booth, and attendees are encouraged to stop by and pose for a picture. “We’ve been to many (senior picnics), and we always do that,” Bryce Newcomb said. “And every one is on display at the house.”

ROAD REPORT: Both lanes of Vantage Bridge will be open through summer

MOSES LAKE — State Route 17 repaving project through Moses Lake is in the homestretch. Crews were working at the intersection of SR 17 and Wheeler Road Wednesday night. The project involves removing the top two to three inches of asphalt and replacing them with new asphalt, as well as repaving bridges, the Stratford Road overpass and its onramps and offramps. The road has been repaved from the bridge at I-90 to the intersection with South Pioneer Way, and now crews are working north to the intersection of Patton Boulevard.

Funds allocated, possible sites identified for new GC Animal Outreach shelter

MOSES LAKE —There definitely is funding – and some tentative ideas about a design and location – for a new animal shelter to be operated by Grant County Animal Outreach. Animal Outreach board president Sara Thompson Tweedy said the project was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation earlier this month, which will be paid over time, to buy new indoor-outdoor kennels for the facility when it’s built. The Moses Lake City Council voted May 14 to award $1 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan funding to the project, with the provision that the city would have space in the facility for 20 years. The Grant County Commissioners also are considering awarding $1 million in ARPA funding to the project. The GCAO board has a tentative design that would provide about 3,800 square feet of climate-controlled space for dogs and cats. Dogs would have kennels with outdoor access, with a separate room for cats.

Endurance, perseverance highlighted at Moses Lake High School graduation

MOSES LAKE — The class of 2024 started high school in fall 2020, in what Moses Lake High School senior Alena Speed called “the blip.”

Signs of summer — local swimming pools opening this week

MOSES LAKE — It took a while but it’s finally here. Summer has arrived, and one way to tell is that the swimming pool is open. Opening day is different in different communities, but it’s usually tied to the day school is dismissed for the summer. Tuesday was the first day of daily operation at the Surf ‘n Slide water park in Moses Lake, which will be open through Aug. 27. Surf ‘n Slide, 401 W. Fourth St., is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Quincy High School seniors overcome challenges on way to graduation

QUINCY — Graduation ceremonies ended high school for the Quincy class of 2024, but co-valedictorian Allie Manly thought about how it began.

Wahluke graduates celebrate milestone

MATTAWA — Class of 2024 graduates of Wahluke High School said it was an important day, both for them and their families.

Quincy plan to reduce water use may involve revised rates

QUINCY — Quincy city officials will look at ways to reduce water use and clean and reuse water, while pursuing additional water sources. Water program manager Bob Davis told the Quincy City Council that the city is approaching the limits of its existing water permits. Davis presented an update to the council June 4.

Moses Lake updating development code

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake Planning Commission will meet for a workshop on the proposed updates to the city’s development code at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. It’s part of an ongoing process to review the existing code and make revisions where necessary.

Responsibility, taking risks themes at Quincy graduation

QUINCY — Quincy High School class of 2024 co-valedictorian Allie Manly reflected on the fact graduation means the seniors must assume responsibility. “After today, everything is completely up to you,” Manly said

Reflection, emotion themes at Wahluke High School graduation

MATTAWA — Every school has traditions at graduation, some formal, some not. It’s a tradition at Wahluke High School graduation that the gym will not only be full, but so full it’s standing room only. That tradition continued when the class of 2024 graduated Friday night.

Son honors his dad at Brent Reese Memorial car show

MOSES LAKE — His son said Brent Reese loved vehicles that had some power. Of course he had cars, Jeremy Reese said, but it didn't have to have four wheels. A motorcycle, a boat - it didn’t matter.

‘It’s absolutely amazing every time’

Chief for a Day event brings out the smiles

EPHRATA — The children chosen as Chief(s) for a Day get to do some pretty cool things. They get a ride in a fire truck or police vehicle, they get a badge, they get a uniform representing their agency in just their size - which in the case of Candace Shearer, chief for the Washington State Patrol, means she got one of those really cool hats.

Report suggests fixes for WA housing crisis

OLYMPIA — Alleviating the shortage of affordable housing in Washington will require a combination of more money for affordable housing, reducing the cost and complexity of the permitting and land use process, and looking for ways to expand the acceptable residential options. Those were among the conclusions from the “Housing Advisory Plan” issued by the Washington Department of Commerce in May.

ROAD REPORT: Paving crews head north on SR 17

MOSES LAKE — The big asphalt paving machines are making the turn north at the intersection of State Route 17 and South Pioneer Way.

Grant PUD asks public for more input on rates

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Public Utility District customers will have until July 31 to submit their ideas and opinions on future rate policy, and therefore future rates, in a survey available on the PUD website. Chief Customer Officer Ty Ehrman said Tuesday that options for a revised rate policy are scheduled to be presented to PUD commissioners July 23, although that date is subject to change.

Exhibits, activities on the schedule for local museums

MOSES LAKE — A photo contest in Moses Lake, tractor rides and honeybees in Quincy and ice cream and Scoundrels Getting their Just Deserts in Ephrata are among the activities planned for Grant County museums this summer.

Marijuana moratorium extension requested in Grant Co.

EPHRATA — Grant County development officials are recommending a six-month extension of the moratorium on new marijuana production facilities in the county. If Grant County Commissioners agree, the moratorium will be in effect through the end of 2024.

Hispanic-owned businesses show power of hard work

MOSES LAKE — Brothers Vincent and Ben Hernandez and friends Ulises Sanchez and Hector Guerrero all had pretty good jobs. They had different goals though, goals that required a willingness to take a risk and do some hard work. Sanchez explained why he and Guerrero decided to open Mattawa Fitness in 2022 in a building that had been vacant for about seven years.

Time for AC?

Columbia Basin to heat up later this week

MOSES LAKE — All of a sudden, serious summer is supposed to show up, just in time for the weekend. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures in the Columbia Basin will warm up fast as the weekend approaches. Wednesday’s high is forecast to be 77 degrees.

Grant PUD meets most 2023 financial targets

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD expects to finish the buildout of its fiber network in 2024, along with a project to upgrade some of its transmission, distribution and substation components.That was among the information included in the PUD’s annual report, released Monday. The PUD met most of its financial targets in 2023, according to the report.

WDFW continues pygmy rabbit management

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on an updated recovery plan for pygmy rabbit populations in Central Washington. The “draft status report” recommends keeping the rabbits on the state’s endangered species list. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 27.

Mavs grads celebrate

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School class of 2024 wrapped up high school with graduation ceremonies Friday night at Lions Field.

MLSD board approves loan to general fund

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board members will take out an interfund loan to ensure the district can meet its payroll and at least most of its expenses in June. Board members approved the loan from one fund to another at a special meeting Thursday.

ROAD REPORT: Stratford Road bridge to be resurfaced this weekend

MOSES LAKE — Drivers will have to find alternate routes over the bridge at State Route 17 and Stratford this weekend - construction crews will be working to resurface it.

Grant County looking for new morgue site

MOSES LAKE — Grant County will need a new morgue, and county officials are looking for land to build one. Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison said the need for a new facility arose because the existing one is in Samaritan Hospital. A new Samaritan Hospital is under construction, but it won’t include a new morgue. Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said that’s because there’s only so much space available at the hospital.

Almira Coulee Hartline takes ‘silver’ in state 1B baseball

EPHRATA — The Almira Coulee Hartline baseball team finished a successful season with an appearance in the state 1B final four, falling to DeSales Catholic 6-0 in the state championship game at Johnson-O’Brien Stadium Saturday. Warriors coach Hunter Lee said the day belonged to DeSales and winning pitcher Sal Sisk.

Spring Festival organizers plan future, celebrate success

MOSES LAKE — As anyone who was downtown - or in McCosh Park, or played 3 on 3, or went to one of the concerts, or ran in the fun run, or walked in the parade - can attest, the 2024 Moses Lake Spring Festival packed them in. In fact, there was so much going on the organizers were thinking about ways to accommodate more growth in the future.

‘Everybody that’s here loves cars’

Spring Festival car show fills Moses Lake’s Third Street with cool cars

MOSES LAKE — The bass contest proved that none of the trucks at the Moses Lake Spring Festival car show had sound systems so powerful they could break windows. But anybody standing next to the orange 2005 Chevrolet Silverado felt their lungs vibrate when owner Santana Palacios turned up the volume. A lot of people were impressed.

Othello council considers pushcart rules

OTHELLO — In the age of mobile businesses and part-time side gigs, Othello city officials are working to ensure proper city regulation while promoting entrepreneurship. Othello City Council members passed an ordinance in April to regulate food truck operation and considered pushcart regulations at the regular council meeting Tuesday.

Adams Co. planning broadband infrastructure expansion

RITZVILLE — Construction could start as early as August on a project to bring fiber optic cable to the Ritzville and Lind areas. Adams County Public Works Director Todd O’Brien said fiber installation in the two cities would be the first phase of a two-phase project. The second phase will be the addition of fiber in an area south of Othello.