CHERYL SCHWEIZER

One arrested for July 4 shooting near Othello, rest of Basin relatively quiet

OTHELLO — An Othello-area man was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault following a shooting July 4 near Othello.

July 4 celebration fills Othello park

July 4 celebration fills Othello park

Repairs, restoration of Grant Co. Courthouse exterior nearly done

EPHRATA — Repairs to the steps and sections of the exterior of the Grant County Courthouse are almost complete. Construction crews have been working on the terracotta panels on the ground floor exterior, the columns and portico, and the decorative elements around the top floor.

Road construction projects to resume Monday

SOAP LAKE — The slope stabilization project on State Route 17 north of Soap Lake is scheduled to be finished sometime between late August and early September. The project area is the section of SR 17 from Soap Lake to the Lake Lenore Caves, where the road runs between Soap Lake or Lake Lenore and the rock embankment. The idea is to stabilize the rock face.

Moses Lake likely eyeing contracted EMS services

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members may be considering eliminating the city-funded ambulance service and hiring a private contractor, according to a statement released by the Moses Lake Firefighters Local 1258.

Triple-digit temps incoming

Summer heat to hit the Columbia Basin hard this weekend

MOSES LAKE — It’s to be expected, of course – it is summer, after all. What the National Weather Service is calling a “long-duration heat wave” is forecast to arrive Friday. Joey Clevenger, meteorologist with the NWS office in Spokane, said the heat will stick around at least through the beginning of next week.

Quincy’s Nancy Schanze retires after 32 years with the city

QUINCY — Nancy Schanze has deep roots in Quincy. “We moved there when I was five,” she said. “I was a 12-year senior. I raised my daughter there, and I have sisters that live there with their families. We’re a Quincy family.”

Construction cost for new Grant Co. Jail finalized by late July

EPHRATA — The actual cost of the new Grant County Jail should be finalized around the end of July. County officials are forecasting it will come in below the guaranteed maximum price of $131.56 million.

Sidewalks, street rebuilds in Mattawa 6-year plan

MATTAWA — Improvements are planned to Mattawa’s Riverview Avenue in 2025, the first project in the city’s updated six-year street plan.

Suds 'N Sun by the lake

Annual Soap Lake festival to kick off this weekend

SOAP LAKE — A three-on-three tournament on the new basketball court, a car show, the Seattle Cossacks motorcycle drill team, a parade, the second annual Soap Box Derby and fireworks are among the attractions at the annual Suds ‘N Sun celebration in Soap Lake Saturday. It’s sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Unemployment rate creeps up in Grant, Adams in May

MOSES LAKE — Unemployment in Grant County in May was higher than in some neighboring counties but lower than in others. Adams County's unemployment was lower than most of its neighbors, according to data released by the Washington Employment Security Department last week.

MLSD seeking to sell two land parcels

Grant County interested in one of the two as it plans new morgue

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board will hold a public hearing at its July 25 meeting to take public comment on a resolution to declare two parcels of district property surplus. Board members approved the resolution at their regular meeting Thursday.

BOOM: Moses Lake ready to get patriotic for July 4

MOSES LAKE — The nation’s birthday will be celebrated with the sounds of the 133D Army National Guard Band and a fireworks display over Moses Lake July 3. “Red, White and Boom!” also will feature food vendors and the Moses Lake Recreation Department’s mobile recreation van in the park Wednesday evening.

Fireworks regulations vary around Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks are a big part of celebrating the nation’s birthday. However, different towns, and Grant County, have different rules for setting off fireworks.

Sabin resigns, Lewis named interim MLSD super

MOSES LAKE — Acting Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis has been selected as the interim superintendent for the 2024-25 school year. Lewis was appointed to the position after Moses Lake School Board members accepted the resignation of former superintendent Monty Sabin.

Dementia at home

How to set up a house to be safe for those suffering from cognitive decline

MOSES LAKE — A dementia diagnosis is a tough thing to hear, and it changes things all around the patient. Those changes extend all the way to how a patient’s home is arranged. “Most homes are not designed with the needs of someone living with dementia in mind,” wrote Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Chip seal project will cause delays on Highway 97A

CHELAN — Drivers on US Highway 97A should be prepared for delays as construction crews work on chip-seal projects between Chelan and Wenatchee. Crews will be repairing sections where drivers have worn down the pavement, starting July 1 and 2, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. After July 2 work will be suspended until July 8 and then will continue through the week of July 11. Crews will be chip-sealing from 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.