CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Adams County public works director resigns for new job

RITZVILLE — Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger will serve as the interim public works director while county officials search for new one. Longtime public works director Todd O’Brien resigned to take a job with the state County Road Administration Board. O’Brien said he has been employed by Adams County since a summer job in high school. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure to do what I’ve done for the last 35 years,” O’Brien said. Adams County Commissioner Jay Weise said the search is underway.

Samaritan Hospital opening scheduled for March 2026

MOSES LAKE — The projected opening day for the new Samaritan Hospital is about six months away. “We expect that we would get the temporary certificate of occupancy Dec. 12,” said Samaritan Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan. “And then the first patients March 7, 2026.” Construction has reached the stage of painting walls, installing doors, finishing installing lights and starting to install equipment. Crews were putting together some of the imaging equipment Tuesday morning.

Zolman retires from Quincy hospital commission after 20 years

QUINCY — Randy Zolman said he didn’t know much about the job when he joined the Quincy Valley Medical Center commission in 2005. “I had no idea,” he said. “I thought it would be interesting.” Zolman resigned earlier this month after 20 years as a QVMC commissioner; his term would have ended in December. Ronald Huxtable is running unopposed for the position and was appointed to the QVMC commission at its Sept. 22 meeting.

Gaines appointed Grant County Administrator

EPHRATA — Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines has been appointed as interim Grant County Administrator. Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter said it’s something commissioners have been thinking about for a while, and advertised for applications about two months ago.

Quincy-area fire burns 350 acres

QUINCY — A fire in an area difficult to access about 11 miles north of Quincy Thursday eventually grew to about 350 acres and required crews to remain on the scene overnight. The fire was reported about noon Thursday and Bob Horst, assistant chief for Grant County Fire District 3, said the scene is near GCFD 3’s boundary.

Moses Lake parks plan includes new Longview park

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials want to make some changes to Sinkiuse Square and build a new park in the Longview neighborhood. Those were the projects included in the city’s capital projects improvement plan for parks.

ROAD REPORT: Construction season winding down

MOSES LAKE — Fall is officially here – chilly mornings, shorter days, pumpkin spice lattes, all the things. With fall’s arrival, the end of road construction season is in sight, but there are still projects underway throughout the Columbia Basin.

MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Jeremy Davis is challenging incumbent Deanna Martinez for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. Both candidates were sent identical questions with a 150-word limit.

Fire burns in rugged terrain north of Quincy

QUINCY — Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to a brush fire about 11 miles north of Quincy around 1:45 p.m. Thursday. Air tankers were brought in to fight the fire as well.

Yakima man, woman arrested for suspected burglaries

MOSES LAKE — A Yakima man and woman were arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary after alleged multiple robberies of a storage shed at a residence near Moses Lake.

Moses Lake gets $2.1M grant to resurface S. Pioneer Way

MOSES LAKE — Upgrades are coming to South Pioneer Way in 2027. Moses Lake City Council members voted to accept a $2.1 million grant to pay most of the cost of rebuilding the driving lanes of South Pioneer Way from Clover Drive to West Broadway. The grant was awarded through the Washington Department of Transportation.

New MLFD chief sworn in

MOSES LAKE — Art Perillo was introduced as the new Moses Lake Fire Department Chief during a short ceremony at the Moses Lake City Council meeting Tuesday.

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 2: Spence vs. Madera

QUINCY — Incumbent Jeff Spence and challenger Rob Madera are running for Position 2 on the Quincy City Council. Both candidates were provided with identical questions that included a word limit. Madera did not respond after several requests for comment.

Royal City food truck ordinance under review, revision

ROYAL CITY — A vote is expected sometime in late October or during November on revisions to Royal City’s food truck ordinance. Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said Royal City City Council members plan to ask residents for their opinions once there’s a final draft.

Changes to Medicaid spark controversy, confusion

MOSES LAKE — New requirements for applicants and recipients of Medicaid, scheduled to go into effect in 2027, have caused confusion and controversy. Who qualifies and how recipients maintain eligibility have been the subject of extensive discussion since HR 1, the bill that established them, was approved by Congress in July. Democrats have claimed the bill will devastate health care for Americans, while Republicans have boasted about the measure's savings and potential to reduce the national debt.

OTHELLO MAYOR: Logan vs. Johnson

OTHELLO — Two candidates are running for the job of Othello Mayor, Ken Johnson and incumbent Shawn Logan. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit. Johnson did not submit any answers.

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 4 Q&A: Royer vs. Esparza

QUINCY — Andrew Royer, the incumbent, and Rey Esparza are running for Position 4 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, including a word limit. Esparza did not respond to several requests for comment.

Othello man injured in collision near Royal City

ROYAL CITY — An Othello man was seriously injured when the car he was driving was hit by another driver Sept. 19, about five miles east of Royal City.

Moses Lake man arrested after high-speed chase

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail early Saturday morning after leading Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high-speed chase on Interstate 90 late Friday night.

One killed in Sunday collision on SR 283

UPDATE: QUINCY — An investigation by the Washington State Patrol is underway following a head-on collision early Sunday afternoon that killed driver of one of the vehicles. EPHRATA — Drivers are being advised to avoid State Route 283 south of Ephrata due to a serious two-car collision that is fully blocking both lanes as of 2 p.m. Sunday.

Sale ends Quincy port’s attempt to develop Bishop Rec Area

QUINCY — The sale of a piece of Port of Quincy property signals the end of an attempt to establish a recreation area near Crescent Bar. Port commissioners approved the sale of what was known as the Bishop property Sept. 11. “(The property) was sold to a private party,” said Port Commission Chair Curt Morris.

Early morning search warrant served in Quincy

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is asking for the public’s help in an investigation that so far has resulted in the execution of a search warrant in the 100 block of L Street Southwest.

City and Port of Ephrata to join forces on grant application

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata will partner with the Port of Ephrata to apply for a grant that would pay most of the cost of analyzing city and port infrastructure needs. Ron Sell, Ephrata planning director, said the city would pay half of the required match, about $10,000, if the grant is awarded.

ROAD REPORT: Road resurfacing to continue in Moses Lake next week

MOSES LAKE — Drivers using Moses Lake’s downtown streets should be prepared for some delays or find routes around some streets as crews continue to resurface downtown streets, East Hill Street and East Wheeler Road.

New Grant Transit center to open next week

EPHRATA — The new Grant Transit Authority transit center in Ephrata should be ready for bus passengers Monday. Transit Authority General Manager Eric Loomis said next week’s opening is the first phase of a longer-term plan.

Moses Lake council weighing water concerns

MOSES LAKE — Water use, guaranteeing water supply and making sure there’s enough water as Moses Lake grows was the subject of an extensive discussion during a daylong planning session of the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday. City Engineer Richard Law said staff members are studying water rates and working on an overall plan for the water system to help make some of those decisions easier. “They’re coming together,” Law said.

Ag contributions recognized at FCAD in Quincy

QUINCY — The contributions of Quincy’s farmers and agricultural workers were recognized with a parade and a big party at Farmer Consumer Awareness Day Sept. 13.

Warrior Journeys returns with help of Wahluke Alumni Association

MATTAWA — Graduates of Wahluke High School are working to form an alumni association, and one of their first projects is the revival of a favorite high school program. Veronica Quintero, who’s one of the people working on the alumni association, said the group is looking for WHS graduates who want to participate in Warrior Journeys. Wahluke High School principal Cody Marlow said Warrior Journeys was started by former WHS counselor Jan Phillips. “(Phillips) had the idea of bringing Wahluke alumni to speak to current students,” Marlow wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “We had everything from college students to entrepreneurs to CEOs. After Mrs. Phillips retired Warrior Journeys stopped happening.”

Proposals sought for old Royal City Library building

ROYAL CITY — With a new Royal City Library open and operating, Royal City officials are asking residents for proposals on uses for the old one. Already on the table is a pending offer from an existing landowner to swap the property.

‘Right there’ on construction of new GCAO shelter

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach directors hope to start construction on a new shelter by the end of the year. Outreach board president Sara Thompson Tweedy said the construction permit is pending approval from the city of Moses Lake. “As soon as we get that permit, then we’ll be able to line up our contractors,” Thompson Tweedy said.

South Grant Co. forum examines challenges, opportunities

MATTAWA — Improvements to state Route 243, more options for solid waste disposal, increased housing in southern Grant County, and more apprenticeship and job opportunities for young people. Those were among the recommendations that emerged from a forum sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce Sept. 10.

Community learning centers coming to Othello schools

OTHELLO — The Othello School District will be implementing new before-school and after-school programs for elementary and middle school students with the help of a five-year, $2.5 million federal grant. Josh Meek, OSD executive director of teaching and learning, said the “community learning centers” will start in January 2026.

Moses Lake looks to plan ahead for financial sustainability

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be asked to weigh in on the opportunities and choices – possibly some tough choices – facing the city in 2026 and beyond. City manager Rob Karlinsey said residents will be asked for their thoughts on the future during the budget process and in early 2026.

ROAD REPORT: Chip-sealing coming to downtown Moses Lake next week

MOSES LAKE — Chip-sealing is scheduled to begin in the downtown area of Moses Lake sometime during the week of Sept. 15. East Hill Avenue and sections of East Wheeler Road are being chip-sealed this week. Drivers should be prepared for temporary detours and traffic control while chip-sealing is underway.

Efforts to promote water conservation coming to Quincy

QUINCY — Water is a critical commodity throughout the Inland Northwest, and it’s even more critical in growing cities like Quincy. City officials are working on a program to encourage city residents to conserve water, starting with a booth at Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day. Bob Davis, water program manager for the city, said he’s going to be wearing an, um, eye-catching costume.

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day returns to Quincy on Saturday

QUINCY — The agricultural industry – and agricultural bounty – of Quincy and its surrounding area will be celebrated at the annual Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day Saturday. Leia Watkins, FCAD president, said recognizing agriculture and the contributions of farmers is as important as ever. “Especially in this day and age, so many people don’t understand the importance of agriculture,” Watkins said.

Mattawa clinic puts levy proposal on November ballot

MATTAWA — Grant County Hospital District 5, also known as the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic, is asking voters to consider a proposal to change the amount of money collected through the hospital district levy in the Nov. 3 general election. District 5 Commissioner Barb Davis said the “levy lid lift” would raise the amount of money collected through the clinic’s existing maintenance and operations levy.

OTHELLO CITY COUNCIL POSITION 1 Q&A: Dorow vs. Camp

OTHELLO — Incumbent Genna Dorow is being challenged by Kelli Camp for Position 1 on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate that included a word limit.

Future of Moses Lake to be discussed at daylong council meeting

MOSES LAKE — The future of Moses Lake, and how to plan for it, will be the subject of a daylong Moses Lake City Council meeting Sept. 16. City Manager Rob Karlinsey said Moses Lake has some challenges ahead, and planning for them will make it easier to meet them. “The morning will be spent going through capital improvement plans,” Karlinsey said. “(In the afternoon) we’re going to be talking about the water systems plan. And then we’ll be talking about the water resources strategy, and that, to me, is going to be a highlight of the day. What are we going to do wean ourselves off this reliance on the deep basalt aquifer?”

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 5: Dormier and Shelton

QUINCY — Incumbent Dave Dormier is being challenged by Pete Shelton for Position 5 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald gave identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit.

Othello Fair & Rodeo coming Wednesday

Fair may be small, but it makes up for it with friendly atmosphere, welcoming community

OTHELLO — Longtime volunteer Becky Flint said there’s just something about the Othello Fair. “We may not be the biggest, but we definitely are the friendliest,” she said.

No injuries in separate shots-fired incidents

MOSES LAKE — No injuries were reported in separate disturbances that involved shots fired in Moses Lake and Quincy late Saturday and early Sunday.

Mattawa officials discussing food-based fundraising rules

MATTAWA —Mattawa residents will be asked for their opinions on possible changes to existing ordinances to regulate the sale of food-based fundraisers by groups and individuals at a community meeting sometime this fall. Mattawa City Council members continued an ongoing discussion Thursday about what should and should not be allowed.

Fire alarms but no fire at Moses Lake civic complex Friday

MOSES LAKE — An electrical interruption triggered fire alarms in Moses Lake municipal buildings Friday night but didn’t cause any damage.

Shell of new Quincy pool scheduled to arrive this month

QUINCY — While it’s not scheduled to open until next summer, the new Quincy Aquatic Center will really start taking shape this fall. Construction crews started excavating the site in July, and Quincy Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said there’s been a lot of progress below ground level.

Arrests made in Mattawa homicide

MATTAWA — Two juveniles have been arrested and booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Detention Center in connection with the murder of a Mattawa man Aug. 17. The Mattawa Police Department announced the arrests Thursday night.

Grant helps fund WSU residency program at Samaritan

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare and Washington State University have received a $750,000 federal grant to begin planning for residency program at Samaritan. Students in the family medicine program at WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine will receive some of their training in Moses Lake.

Audit shows $32K misappropriated from East Adams hospital

RITZVILLE — A former employee at East Adams Rural Healthcare misappropriated about $32,000 in 2023, according to a report released Thursday by the Washington State Auditor’s Office. The report said the former accounting clerk pleaded guilty to four charges in April 2024 and served 60 days in jail.

Royal City Lions Park Phase I upgrades near completion

ROYAL CITY — A new soccer field in Royal City’s Lions Park should be ready for use in early October. “The project is not complete, (but) the major part is complete,” Royal City Mayor Mike Christensen said. “The turf is down; the fence is in.”

Smoke forecast to stick around through Friday

MOSES LAKE — Wildfires and light winds have combined to produce poor quality throughout Eastern Washington, a situation that is forecast to persist for a few days. “We’re kind of under this stable (air) layer,” said Charlotte Dewey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane. “We don’t have a lot of (air) mixing near the surface.”