CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Grant PUD fiber project at the finish line

A quarter century of effort to ensure connectivity in the Basin

EPHRATA — A Grant County Public Utility District project that has been in the works since 2000 is about five miles from the finish. The last piece of the PUD fiber optic buildout is projected for completion by early December. The last section under construction is along Johnson Road Northwest, west of Soap Lake. Completion of the project will mean all PUD customers will have access to the utility’s fiber network, wrote Christine Pratt, utility public affairs officer, in a press release.

Initial review of Moses Lake city manager candidates underway

MOSES LAKE — Consultants hired to assist with the search for a new Moses Lake city manager are conducting an initial review of candidates.

Vantage Bridge to drop to single lanes in each direction

VANTAGE — Drivers should be prepared for single-lane traffic across the Vantage Bridge through Nov. 22. Crews are working on patching the bridge deck and making repairs to the guardrails, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation.

Applications sought for GCFD 8 commissioner

MATTAWA — Applications are being accepted through Dec. 6 for an open seat on the Grant County Fire District 8 commission. The goal is to appoint a new commissioner at the Dec. 9 meeting.

Quincy hospital commission approves 2025 budget

QUINCY — Both revenue and expenses are projected to increase for the Quincy Valley Medical Center in 2025. Medical center commissioners approved the 2025 budget at a special meeting Wednesday.

Wide-ranging discussion on taxes, revenue by Moses Lake council

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council approved a 1% increase in its property tax assessment Tuesday, but not without a wide-ranging conversation about taxes, revenue and city projects. The vote was 5-2 with council members Deanna Martinez and Don Myers voting no. City Finance Director Madeline Prentice estimated the increase would add an average of $68 per year to the tax bill for property worth $300,000. Along with the 1% increase, that includes an estimated increase in assessed property value in the city and what Prentice called “banked capacity.”

Moses Lake 2025 budget projected at $119 million

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake is projected to spend about $119.62 million in 2025, an increase of about $13 million from 2024. That includes an increase of about $8 million in capital projects. The preliminary budget was presented to the Moses Lake City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday; city residents will have a chance to comment on it during a public hearing at the Nov. 26 council meeting. Balancing the 2025 budget will require a transfer from the city’s reserve funds. City Finance Director Madeline Prentice said during the budget presentation that the projected city revenue is about $107 million. That will require the transfer of about $15.87 million from the reserves to balance the budget.

Trash rates to be part of larger Mattawa finance discussion

MATTAWA — A discussion about garbage rates in Mattawa turned into one about city finances and resources at the regular Mattawa City Council meeting Nov. 7.

Adams Co. turnout down from 2020 general election

RITZVILLE — About 62.5% of eligible Adams County voters cast ballots in the 2024 general election. That’s a lower percentage of voters that cast ballots in either 2020 or 2016. About 72.6% of eligible voters voted in 2016, and about 76% in 2020.

Mattawa council holds budget workshop

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa tentatively is projected to spend about $12.1 million in 2025, an increase of about $1.5 million over projected expenditures in 2024.

‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” on stage at MLHS

MOSES LAKE — The curtain rises Friday on the tale of a teenager who discovers his life is way more complicated than he knew comes to the Moses Lake High School theater Friday. “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” runs for two weekends.

Weise leads Rivard in Adams commission race

RITZVILLE — Incumbent Jay Weise is leading challenger Hank Rivard in the race for Adams County Commissioner, District 2. In unofficial results updated Friday, Weise is leading Rivard with 3,099 votes (66.19%) to 1,498 (31.99%) for Rivard. As of Friday, there are 85 write-in votes.

Mattawa council wrestles with planning regulations

MATTAWA — Mattawa City Council members will discuss reviewing the city’s parking regulations Nov 21. It’s the continuation of a discussion started about regulation and the regulatory process after a property owner requested a variance to parking regulations.

Othello schools trims budget

District to cut elementary teachers, close Desert Oasis High in 2025-26

OTHELLO — Parents and Othello School District patrons will be invited to informational meetings as OSD implements a downsizing plan for the 2025-26 school year.

Fish and Wildlife to use drones to monitor pygmy rabbits

QUINCY — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will add drones to its list of tools to monitor pygmy rabbit populations in Central Washington. Drone flights will start in December and continue through October 2026, according to a WDFW press release.

Baumgartner leads Conroy in Fifth District race

SPOKANE — Republican Michael Baumgartner has a substantial lead over Democrat Carmela Conroy in the race for the Fifth Congressional District, which includes most of Adams County.

Incumbent Reykdal leading challenger in OSPI race

OLYMPIA — Incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is leading opponent David Olson in the race to retain his job.

Blankenship ends Election Day with strong lead

RITZVILLE — Incumbent Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship is leading challenger David Lobe in the race for the District 1 seat. In unofficial results released Tuesday night, Blankenship has 1,624 votes (61.52%) to 985 (36.55%) for Lobe.

Work on Adams Co. bridge widening underway

MOSES LAKE — Design and engineering analysis is underway on the first of six bridges in Adams County that are being widened across the East Low Canal. Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship provided an update on the progress of the bridge work at the annual meeting of the Columbia Basin Development League Oct. 29.

Voters helped at Adams Co. service center on Election Day

OTHELLO — People asked questions, answered a few, showed identification, picked up a voter pamphlet. A steady stream of voters kept Adams County election workers busy at the service center at the SkillSource office in Othello on Election Day.

Weird and wonderful creatures in downtown Quincy Halloween night

QUINCY — Ninja turtles, walking coffee cups, elf princesses, dinosaurs, firefighters, walking tequila and lime, staff from Hogwarts and all kinds of creatures filled Quincy’s main street Halloween night for the Downtown Trick or Treat.

WA gas prices dropping, but still above national average

MOSES LAKE — Gasoline prices in Washington dropped over the last week and have been dropping over the last month, according to a report from the online gas price tracker GasBuddy. Washington gas prices remain substantially above the national average, however.

Outreach part of removing homeless encampment

MOSES LAKE — The removal of a homeless camp in Moses Lake was preceded by about a month of contact and outreach with its residents. The camp was located on private property on North Block Street. Moses Lake Police Captain Jeff Sursely said it was removed at the request of the landowners, Maiers Enterprises LLC.

Local food banks asking for Thanksgiving support

MOSES LAKE — Thanksgiving is not quite a month away, and local food banks are taking donations of food to go in the baskets they will distribute for the holiday.

Person hospitalized after climbing over bridge railing

MOSES LAKE — An unidentified person was hospitalized after the person was reported possibly trying to jump off the bridge at the intersection of State Route 17 and Stratford Road Thursday.

QVMC examines 2025 prelim budget

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center is projected to finish 2025 with a carryover of about $275,400, according to the 2025 preliminary budget reviewed by QVMC commissioners Monday. Both expenses and net revenues are projected to increase in 2025 as QVMC moves into a new facility.

Change in Moses Lake parks rules affects activity trails

MOSES LAKE — Bad behavior on the activity trails in Moses Lake can get people prohibited from their use under a revised ordinance approved by the Moses Lake City Council last week. The ordinance already applied to city parks.

Evolution, adaptation discussed at CBDL meeting

MOSES LAKE — Integrating and upgrading technology and how the Columbia Basin Project is evolving were the topics of discussion at a panel of irrigation district directors during the Columbia Basin Development League annual meeting Tuesday.

Royal School District updating phone policy

ROYAL CITY — An updated cell phone use policy will be reviewed and possibly approved by the Royal School Board at its November meeting. Royal School District Superintendent Roger Trail said the updated policy will place restrictions on cell phone use.

'If you're not improving, you need to retire'

Interim Ritzville PD chief focused on bettering department, community connections.

RITZVILLE — Interim Ritzville Police Department Chief Bill Benner said he thought the department’s biggest strength is its connection with the community. Benner was sworn in as the interim in early October. “They know a lot of the community members. You get help from the community when you least expect it. So that’s a positive,” Benner said.

Licensing requirements added to Othello home business ordinance

OTHELLO — Home-based businesses will be required to obtain a license under the provisions of a revised ordinance considered Monday by the Othello City Council.

Grant PUD considering new rate class for agriculture

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District is researching a new rate class for agriculture uses other than irrigation. If it’s approved by PUD commissioners, the “agriculture service” rate would go into effect in April 2025. Julio Aguirre, PUD program manager of rates and pricing, said it would give ag customers another option that might lower their costs. “Our intent is to have a specific rate that is dedicated to this activity,” Aguirre said. “It’s really to be able to isolate the (rate) class, understand their usage, their behavior, and be able to offer a rate that is more favorable for that activity.”

Voters to decide fate of four initiatives in November

OLYMPIA — Washington voters will be considering ballot measures to repeal two specific taxes and allow Washington residents to opt out of a third in the Nov. 5 general election. A fourth initiative would prohibit banning natural gas as an option for Washington residents.

Traffic light work in Moses Lake, Quincy this week

MOSES LAKE — Contractors for the Washington Department of Transportation will be working on signal lights along State Route 17 in Moses Lake and Quincy this week.

Nominations, donations sought for Quincy PD holiday charity

QUINCY — Quincy Police Department officers are looking for both nominations and donations for their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas charitable projects. Quincy Detective Jazzlyn Silva, who’s in charge of the Cops Kids Christmas and Thanksgiving, said officers want to expand the program for 2024.

Water rate study planned for Quincy

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members will be asked to commission a study of the city’s water rates and rate structure as part of a long term project to upgrade its water system.

Wanapum unveil new mobile museum

EPHRATA — An upgraded mobile museum that tells the story of the Wanapum Band of the Priest Rapids Indians was unveiled to Grant County Public Utility District commissioners Tuesday. Commissioners got a tour of the new Native American Discovery Unit, which replaced a vehicle that had seen better days. There’s still some work to be done, but when it’s finished the mobile museum will visit schools and other events around the region, according to a PUD press release.

Port of Othello reservoir scheduled for 2025 construction

OTHELLO — A project to build a second water reservoir at the Port of Othello facility in Bruce is scheduled to go out to bid in early 2025. Port commissioner Homer Montemayor told Adams County Commissioners Tuesday that design for the $6.25 million project is approaching 90% completion. Executive Director Chris Faix said Wednesday that 90% completion is required before the project can be advertised for bid.

Henderson addresses commissioner election issues

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidate David Henderson said he would support streamlining regulatory requirements for infrastructure projects. He also would support reopening the county’s work release center.

Threat closes Lind-Ritzville schools

RITZVILLE — A 14-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday and Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools were closed for the day after a threat was made against Lind-Ritzville High School.

New Othello Public Works Director says job requires attention to detail

OTHELLO — New Othello Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said it’s her department’s job to make sure city services are running smoothly. That takes, she said, a lot of attention to detail.

Moses Lake Classic Car Club recognized for 50 years

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Classic Car Club members went cruising to Lynnwood last month to accept special recognition from the Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame.

Consultants review recommendations for Moses Lake traffic

MOSES LAKE — Another crossing across Moses Lake, or more than one, extending the lakeshore at Neppel Landing behind West Broadway Avenue and additional crossings of State Route 17. Those were among the suggestions from a planning firm asked to recommend ways to improve transportation options in Moses Lake.

Kiehn appointed to Quincy School Board

QUINCY — Kacey Kiehn said the biggest challenge he sees facing the Quincy School District is accommodating the community’s substantial growth. Kiehn was appointed to the Quincy School Board earlier this month. Kiehn replaces Tricia Lubach, who resigned to take a job as executive director of the Washington State School Directors Association. The school board seat will be on the ballot in November 2025.

Gubernatorial candidates address crime, law enforcement

OLYMPIA — Whether law enforcement in Washington is where it should be, addressing juvenile crime and the role of the Washington Legislature in law enforcement were among the topics addressed by gubernatorial candidates Dave Reichert and Bob Ferguson in separate recorded interviews with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

Incumbent commissioner discusses county issues

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Commission candidate Rob Jones discussed infrastructure, the commissioners’ role in funding county departments and the work release center in a candidate forum Oct. 7.

Regional construction wrapping up for 2024

QUINCY — if one of the signs of spring is the appearance of big machines to grind pavement and rebuild roadbeds – road construction, in short – one of the signs of winter is the disappearance of all those machines and the end of all those projects. And halfway through October, most of those projects are done for 2024.

Changes to Moses Lake roads considered at public meeting

MOSES LAKE — Alternative ways to cross Moses Lake, better lake access and reducing traffic congestion at key intersections were among the suggestions from a meeting Monday looking at the future of traffic design in Moses Lake.

Grant County PUD buys land for new service center in Moses Lake

EPHRATA — A section of farmland near Moses Lake was attractive to the Grant County Public Utility District in part because it allowed the PUD to avoid what might have been expensive environmental mitigation.

City denies parking variance for proposed Mattawa business

MATTAWA — A request for a variance in parking rules submitted by a developer interested in building a convenience store in Mattawa has been denied. The denial was issued Sept. 30.