CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Quincy, GCFD 3 finalize fire contract

QUINCY — The city of Quincy and Grant County Fire District 3 have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract for fire services. Quincy City Council members ratified the agreement last week.

Plethora of I-90 projects coming this summer

VANTAGE — Travelers going over Snoqualmie Pass this summer should add pencil in a little extra time for delays due to road work, and not just at the Vantage Bridge. Most of the work is concentrated between North Bend and Ellensburg and will involve lane closures, sometimes all eastbound or westbound lanes for short times.

Pet rescue asks for community help to support veterinary care

SOAP LAKE — Shawna Kluge, operator of The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, said the vet bill the organization has at Pioneer Veterinary Clinic illustrates the challenges associated with helping animals in need. Kluge put out an appeal for donations to help pay the vet bill early last week.

Mavs boys tennis wins against Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School boys tennis team handily won its dual match against Wenatchee Thursday, while the MLHS girls swept the doubles matches but lost to the Panthers 4-3.

MLSD levy voting closes April 23

MOSES LAKE — Ballots should be returned by Tuesday in a special election that will decide the fate of a two-year educational programs and maintenance levy proposal from the Moses Lake School District.

N. Cascades Hwy. opens for the summer, regional road construction projects continue

WINTHROP — In one of those signs that spring really is coming, the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) will open for travel today. The gates at either end of the 33-mile section will swing open at 10 a.m., according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

‘Love Letters’ slated for two weekends at Masquers Theater

SOAP LAKE — The story of a man and woman who never quite know what they want from each other comes to the Masquers stage for two weekends. “Love Letters” runs for four performances.

Remodeled Ephrata Middle School shown to district patrons at ribbon cutting

EPHRATA — Ephrata Middle School Principal Tina Mullings got help from her predecessors and current students to cut the ribbon - actually a paper chain - on the renovated and enlarged EMS Monday evening. District patrons got the chance to tour the building to see the changes. Mullings said the renovations expanded the options for EMS students.

Next stage of Grant Co. Jail construction to begin in May

EPHRATA — People driving by the site of the new Grant County Jail will start seeing progress soon.

Soap Lake water, sewer rates to increase

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake residents will see increases in their water and sewer rates, beginning in May. The increases follow a six-month study of water and sewer rates, and a 6-1 vote to approve the increases by the Soap Lake City Council April 9. Council Member Peter Sharp voted against the increase.

Statewide fishing season opens April 27, redesigned fishing app launched

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will recognize the opening of fishing season with a statewide trout fishing derby. Lakes throughout the state open April 27.

Chilly and dusty weather returns to the Basin

MOSES LAKE — The good news is the likelihood of snow in Tuesday’s forecast isn’t all that likely in the Columbia Basin. The bad news is that the warm, tantalizing, sunny, summerlike weather is gone and the dust and chilly temperatures will be sticking around for a few days.

Apple Blossom Festival 104-year-old Wenatchee tradition

WENATCHEE — Apples, apple blossoms, parades, a car show, carnival rides, live music, crafts for children, food booths and plenty of activities will fill the streets of Wenatchee during the 104th Apple Blossom Festival. Activities begin this week, with the grand finale, the Stemilt Grand Parade, May 4. There have been some interruptions – little events like World War II and a coronavirus pandemic – but for the most part, Apple Blossom has been part of Wenatchee since 1920. Director Darci Christoferson said the festival’s purpose, then and now, is to highlight the Wenatchee Valley and the industry that gave it a big part of its identity - and still plays a crucial role in the valley’s economy. “It celebrates our comm

Respiratory virus season ends for ‘23-24

MOSES LAKE — Grant County had three COVID-19-related deaths and three flu-related deaths in the 2023-24 in the epidemic phase of the respiratory virus season, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District.

Grant PUD sets community meetings on rate policy

Board seeking input on how residents feel rates should be set

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners and staff will be soliciting the opinion of PUD customers on the future of its rate structure in a series of public meetings beginning next week.

Homes to start going up soon in Quincy’s Jackrabbit Estates

QUINCY — Construction crews are already moving dirt at the site of the new Jackrabbit Estates, and houses should start going up by the end of April. Developer Angel Garza and family members both cut the ribbon and pulled out the golden shovels for a ceremonial groundbreaking April 8. “The first 55 lots are being built as we speak,” Garza said. “We should be building our first home in six to eight weeks.”

Grant PUD sets public meeting to gather rate policy opinions, ideas

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners and staff will be soliciting the opinion of PUD customers on the future of its rate structure in a series of public meetings beginning next week. Commissioners will be talking to different classes of customers at different times throughout April and May. A meeting with ag customers is up first, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 16 in the commission hearing room at PUD headquarters, 30 C St. SW in Ephrata. The meeting with small and medium-size business customers also is April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St. Residential customers are invited to a discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. May 21 at the Civic Center Auditorium in Moses Lake.

Construction underway on new pedestrian crossing in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Work has already started on a project to build sidewalks on one side of South Daisy Street and add flashing lights at the crosswalk of Daisy Street and Third Avenue Southeast. Soap Lake Mayor Allen DuPuy said a project to overlay a number of city streets should go to bid soon. Daisy Street is state Route 17 where the highway passes through the city limits. The upgraded pedestrian crossing is designed to improve safety for people walking across the street, said city consulting engineer Michael Woodkey in a presentation to the Soap Lake City Council in February. Sidewalks are being replaced on the east side of Daisy Street between First and Third avenues as part of the project, DuPuy said. Total project cost is about $282,000.

Grant PUD buys land for new Ephrata service center

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners have approved the purchase of 34 acres near Ephrata for the eventual site of the new equipment storage and maintenance facility, known as the Ephrata service center. Utility district officials paid $525,000 for the property, located next to the site of the new Grant County Jail, at one time the Ephrata Raceway.

Grant Co. accepts $155.5 million price for new jail

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners have decided to accept a “guaranteed maximum price” of about $155.55 million for the new Grant County Jail. Marc Seeberger, project manager for general contractors Lydig Construction, gave commissioners an estimate of the total project cost, one option including administrative offices for the Grant County Sheriff, the other without the offices.

Behavioral health, drug use among biggest Grant health concerns

MOSES LAKE — About 88% of participants said mental and behavioral health services as one of the biggest health challenges in Grant County. Another was drug use and alcohol abuse. Those were among the results reported in the 2023-24 Community Health Assessment conducted by the Grant County Health District and released April 5.

Double jump: Jacks take doubleheader from Royal

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits baseball team used good pitching, some timely hits and aggressive baserunning to take both games of a non-league doubleheader from the Royal Knights Saturday.

Local doubleheader

Quincy's Evander Stephen's hits an inside the park home run to give the Jacks an 8-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning of the first game of a doubleheader with Royal Saturday. The full story will be available in the Tuesday Columbia Basin Herald.

Quincy regional parks district board in process of formation

QUINCY — Selecting board members will be the next step in the formation of the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District. Quincy City Council members approved an interlocal agreement for the city’s participation in the district’s governing board April 2. The agreement must be approved by all three governing entities that make up the district, which includes the cities of Quincy and George and Grant County. The proposed district was approved by voters in November 2023.

Grant Co. health report highlights disease and mortality rates

MOSES LAKE — LIfe expectancy in Grant County went down in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and life expectancy in Grant County was lower than the statewide average in 2020. Statistics on life expectancy were among the information included in the “Community Health Assessment” released by the Grant County Health District Friday.

Sprint to success: Mavs 4x100 relay team breaks school record set in 1978

MOSES LAKE — As everybody who’s ever been involved in track and field knows, relays are tough. Sprint relays are even tougher. Not only does the leadoff have to get out of the blocks - a clean start is crucial in sprints - but the handoffs have to be precise, especially when runners are coming in fast and going out fast. It’s so easy to mess up the pass. Or worse, drop the baton...

Soap Lake enrollment drop affects revenue, places staffing at risk

SOAP LAKE — Enrollment in the Soap Lake School District dropped substantially from the 2021-22 school year to the current school year, and that brought with it a drop in revenue. The Soap Lake School Board declared a financial emergency at its March 25 board meeting, citing a drop in enrollment as one of the factors in their decision.

Sail On to bring sounds of Beach Boys to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The sounds of endless summer come to the stage at the Wallenstien Theater April 9. Sail On, a quintet paying tribute to the Beach Boys, performs at 7 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association.

Road upgrades near Gorge Amphitheater on schedule

GEORGE — The asphalt is going down on sections of Silica Road Northwest and Southwest and West Baseline Road near the Gorge Amphitheater. Grant County Engineer David Bren said the project is on schedule. “They’re paving already,” Bren said.

Social media contributes to bullying in Quincy schools

QUINCY — A survey of Quincy Middle School and Quincy High School students indicates that most students believe they can get help from an adult if they think they are being bullied. Data from the 2023-24 school year to date indicates relatively few referrals to administrators for bullying cases. But Superintendent Nik Bergman said it’s still a concern in Quincy schools, and that district officials need the help of parents to combat it.

Grant County property tax statements mailed

EPHRATA — While some property owners will see new taxes and levies on their 2024 property tax statements, for most areas the total levy rate is lower than 2023. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant wrote in a press release that property tax statements were mailed late last week.

MLSD levy ballots mailed this week

MOSES LAKE — Ballots will be mailed to Moses Lake School District voters later this week for a special election to decide the fate of a two-year educational programs and operations levy request. Ballots must be returned by or postmarked April 23. The levy proposal is identical to one rejected by voters in February. If it’s approved property owners will pay $2 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That’s an increase of 50 cents per $1,000 from the levy approved by voters in 2021.

Molahiettes bring home state championship

MOSES LAKE — Being a member of the Molahiettes brings with it a set of expectations. The Moses Lake High School drill team successfully defended its title in the military category at the WIAA Drill/Dance State Championships March 23. By the nature of competition, few teams win a state title, but for the Molahiettes it’s kind of – expected. It’s what the Molahiettes do. It’s tradition. Co-captain Ashlynn Tate said coping with the pressure is a tradition too.

SR 17 paving work starts Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Construction will begin Wednesday on resurfacing a seven-mile section of state Route 17 through Moses Lake. Construction crews will be working from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, and drivers should plan for delays during working hours.

Royal dance team brings home third straight state title

ROYAL CITY — As high school coaches know, every year is a new team. Seniors graduate, participants decide to do something else, somebody is sidelined due to injury – every year is different. Royal High School dance Coach Makynlee Myrick said that’s part of the appeal. “It takes, really, a whole year to get the girls competition-ready,” she said. “It’s always pretty cool, though, to know that every year we’re coming in with new members and they’re working with the girls who were on the team from the previous year. It’s always cool to see them come together.” The Knights successfully defended their state title in 1A/2A military dance competition Saturday night, taking their third straight title in the category. To add to the challenge Royal was the last team, not just for military competition but for the entire tournament, taking the floor at 9 p.m.

Garden wisdom

Growing plants, greening lawns and saving water subject of Grant-Adams Master Gardeners symposium at BBCC

MOSES LAKE — Using water more efficiently in the garden and on the lawn will be the subject of presentations and demonstrations April 20 at the Eco-Gardening Symposium by the Grant-Adams Master Gardeners.

Soap Lake School Board asks for superintendent’s resignation

Board declares financial emergency, asks for ‘modified education plan’

SOAP LAKE — First-year Soap Lake School District superintendent Aaron Chavez will not be returning for the 2024-25 school year, following action by the Soap Lake School Board Monday. “My status is, I’ve been asked by the board to resign,” Chavez said Tuesday. Chavez has been asked to stay through the end of the 2023-24 school year. Board chair Curt Dotson and board members Signe Knudson, Donald Clark and Nicole Frazier did not return phone calls asking for more information on the decision.

Travelers urged to check for travel impacts at Vantage Bridge, along alternate routes

VANTAGE — Work on the Vantage Bridge is expected to lead to delays – maybe long delays – especially on busy summer weekends. As a result the Washington Department of Transportation is suggesting that drivers look for alternative routes on those busy weekends. The $79 million project will repair the bridge deck, which has shown signs of deterioration. Work is scheduled for spring, summer and fall through 2027. Cost of the project is about $79 million. Megan Lott, DOT public information officer for the South Central region, said travelers should prepare for longer trips, no matter what route they take.

Design starting for event center at Grant Fairgrounds

MOSES LAKE — A preliminary design for a new event center across the street from the Grant County Fairgrounds could be finished this year. The existing fairgrounds complex is scheduled for some upgrades sometime this year, including additional lighting in a spot that’s very popular during the fair. Fairgrounds manager Jim McKiernan said the event venue would be something a little different for Grant County. “Our goal is to be able to host a 750-person event, with catering, kitchens and some breakout rooms, and stuff like that,” McKiernan said.

Two Basin schools win state drill championships

YAKIMA — Two Columbia Basin dance teams brought home titles from the WIAA Dance/Drill State Championships over the weekend.

School resource officers offer human connections at MLSD campuses

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department Officer Ray Lopez said the biggest part of the job of a school resource officer – also known as an SRO – is to make connections.

Four Columbia Basin teams compete at state dance and drill

YAKIMA — Dance teams from Moses Lake, Quincy, Othello and Royal school districts were among the teams competing in state competition Friday and Saturday at the Yakima Sundome.

Mavs’ Vela signs to play soccer in Walla Walla

MOSES LAKE — Family, teammates, coaches and friends got together at the Moses Lake High School to recognize Mavs girls soccer goalie Gabi Vela, who has signed to play for Walla Walla Community College.

Quincy council approves B Street Northeast variance

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members have approved a variance for two blocks of B Street Northeast, ending long-standing discussions about the street and a repaving project that narrowed it. Some residents and business owners along that section of the street said in their opinion the repaving project narrowed it too much. The variance was approved on a 5-1 vote, with council member Dave Dormaier voting no. Council member Josey Ferguson did not vote. After the vote Mayor Paul Worley said city employees will be looking to see if there’s any way to alleviate some of the concerns with B Street. The city’s 2024 budget includes money for preliminary design work on A Street Northeast, the next block over.

Land use designation process for Moses Lake 12th elementary school still in the works

EPHRATA — Advertising for bids for - and construction of - the 12th elementary school in Moses Lake is on hold while the land sale is still pending. Grant County officials said the process of revising the land use designations to allow construction and use is ongoing.

Road closure revisions starting Monday north of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Traffic control measures will be changed for a few weeks on a project to remove some of the rock slope along state Route 17 from Soap Lake to the Lake Lenore Caves. Sebastian Maraga, communications consultant for the Washington Department of Transportation, said the changes will go into effect March 25, and may last at least three weeks. “The contractor will move to single-lane alternating traffic with 20-minute holds,” Moraga wrote in a press release. “At 20 minutes, traffic will be released in one direction, then stopped to allow traffic to clear in the other direction. The road will be open to two-way traffic without restrictions during non-working hours.”

Moses Lake High School drama, speech competitors bring home state awards

MOSES LAKE — Students in the Moses Lake High School speech and drama clubs brought home medals and awards from state competition earlier this month.

Non-surgeons try out surgical robot at Samaritan demonstration

MOSES LAKE — The brightly colored little cones were a little bigger than chocolate kisses. Under magnification from the demonstration da Vinci surgical robot, they looked more the size of cupcakes.

Work underway on some county roads, scheduled for others

EPHRATA — Drivers who frequently travel on Road 9 Northwest between Dodson Road and State Route 283 already know it, but drivers who don’t might want to find an alternate route while the road gets some work. Road construction also is planned for a section of Road H Southeast near Royal City, and upgrades to sidewalks and pedestrian ramps in the Larson area north of Moses Lake.

Quincy baseball wins two for two against Wahluke

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits baseball team took a doubleheader from the Wahluke Warriors Saturday, in a match of what both coaches said are young teams with room to learn.