CHERYL SCHWEIZER

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.

Soap Lake SAIL class provides physical and mental benefits

SOAP LAKE — Leanna Hayes said the Stay Independent and Active for Life class at the Soap Lake Senior Center is focused on helping seniors stay active, but its benefits go beyond that.

GCFD 8 emphasizes pedestrian safety on first day of school

MATTAWA — Grant County Fire District 8 crews used the first day of school to emphasize school crossing safety by putting in a shift as crossing guards.

Like other local districts, Quincy’s school enrollments declining

QUINCY — The trend is gradual, but it’s the same in the Quincy School District as other Columbia Basin school districts, and districts statewide – student enrollment is declining. For the 2026-27 school year, QSD officials are projecting enrollment at the equivalent of about 3,120 students, plus 48 children in the district’s transitional kindergarten class. The 2025-26 school year ended with the equivalent of 3,181 students, but the graduating senior class was considerably bigger than the incoming kindergarten class.

Quincy Intermodal Terminal to expand

QUINCY — The Port of Quincy will be expanding its intermodal rail yard. Commission chair Curt Morris said the port has an apparent low bidder for the project, but the contract award is delayed until federal rail officials give final approval for the funding. “We should have that (approval) this week, for sure,” Morris said.

Health district reports possible toxic algae bloom at Crescent Bar

QUINCY — People are being advised to avoid a section of the Crescent Bar shoreline between Trinidad Beach and Chinook Park after a dog died Aug. 26 from possible exposure to blue-green algae.

Grant County PUD preliminary budget released, budget hearings scheduled

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will hold two public hearings on the 2027 budget Oct. 27 at the PUD headquarters building, 30 C St. Southwest in Ephrata. Commissioners approved both the meeting schedule and filing the preliminary budget at their Aug. 25 meeting.

Road projects continue as September approaches

QUINCY — The dirt is flying on A Street Northeast in Quincy. Construction crews were moving excavated soil and compacting the roadbed Thursday morning. A Street Northeast is being completely rebuilt from the intersection with Third Avenue Northeast to Sixth Avenue Northeast. The section of Sixth Avenue to the intersection to B Street Northeast is part of the project also.

Roundabout, sidewalks, road rebuilds part of Othello six-year street plan

OTHELLO — A roundabout at the intersection of SR 26 and South 14th Avenue is the top priority for Othello city officials, with the goal of construction in 2029. The project is part of the city’s annual six-year street plan approved by the Othello City Council Monday. Othello Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said the plan can be amended as needed.

Next phase of Othello water project to start in about two weeks

OTHELLO — There’s at least one more test, but when it’s completed, the city of Othello should be ready to build the first phase of a facility that will treat water from irrigation canals to municipal use standards.

Othello City Council wrestles with vintage downtown, modern parking needs

OTHELLO — The former Othello Public Library will be up for sale after Othello City Council members voted to declare the land and building surplus, but not before a discussion about parking.

Fewer incidents, increased attendance at 2026 Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — An increased law enforcement and security presence helped keep incidents at the 2026 Grant County Fair to a minimum.

Royal School District enrollment dropping gradually

ROYAL CITY — The Royal School District is experiencing the same declining enrollment trends that are affecting other local school districts. Royal Superintendent Roger Trail said so far, the district has been able to absorb the resulting staff cuts.

Groff Elementary to reopen with ribbon cutting, facility tours

MOSES LAKE — The repaired Groff Elementary school will be introduced to Moses Lake School District patrons with a ribbon cutting and facility tour Aug. 31. The ribbon cutting for the remodeled school will be at 7 p.m., with tours immediately following.

Royal City’s new police union to begin contract negotiations

ROYAL CITY — Negotiations should begin soon between the union representing the Royal City Police Department and the city. Royal City Council members appointed a negotiation committee at the regular meeting Aug. 18.

Summer’s end approaches, but roadwork continues

MOSES LAKE — Summer is winding down, but road construction season still has a couple more months to go – something drivers will have to keep in mind when school starts next week. Sections of A Street Northeast and Jackrabbit Street Northeast in Quincy remain closed for construction.

Grant County Fair history barn keeps fair memories alive

MOSES LAKE — There was a time, that time being 1911, when Wilson Creek was the up-and-coming town in a county that was only two years old. Back in the day, every self-respecting county had to have a county fair, so the good folks of Wilson Creek sponsored one. The history barn at the Grant County Fairgrounds has a picture of the 1911 fair parade as well as a copy of the fair program. Some existing events can trace their roots back to that first fair – livestock exhibits, for example – but others are long gone. The 2026 fair isn’t sponsoring three-legged races, potato sack races, or a footrace for men weighing more than 200 pounds.

First-year rabbit competitor takes home Grand Champion ribbon

MOSES LAKE — Remmi Reffett and her rabbit Domino did pretty well at the 2026 Grant County Fair, all things considered. “We won Grand Champion in showing,” Reffett said. “And he got Best of Breed and Reserve (Champion) Best in Barn. This is also only my first year showing rabbits.”