CHERYL SCHWEIZER

ACSO training details dangers of fentanyl

OTHELLO — There are not necessarily an infinite number of ways to package and distribute fentanyl, but there are a lot. And law enforcement officers and corrections department staff encounter them all. U.S. Army first sergeant Maria Lepe of the Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center laid out some of the possibilities for deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office during a training session on the drug Wednesday...

Wahluke EP&O levy narrowly passing

Communication key to public funding for schools, superintendent says

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters are narrowly approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy proposal in unofficial results from the special election Tuesday. The levy proposal received 254 yes votes, 51.52%, and 239 no votes, 48.48%, in results released Tuesday night by the Grant County Auditor’s Office. About 77 votes were left to count as of Tuesday, according to the auditor’s website. Because it’s a school EP&O levy, it requires a simple majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass...

Public hearing set for proposed traffic revision on Quincy’s B Street

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members will hold a public hearing during the May 3 meeting to solicit public comment on a proposal to turn one block of B Street Southeast into a one-way street.

Wahluke students attend Outdoor Career Fair

Professionals help students consider options

MATTAWA — The Outdoor Career Fair sponsored by the Wahluke School District Friday gave students a look at careers they might not have considered otherwise. . .

Quincy B Street Block Party seeks vendors, entertainers

QUINCY — The B Street Block Party committee and the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce are soliciting food vendors, entertainers, breweries and distilleries, as well as groups interested in doing activities like face painting, for a summer-long series of events on B Street. . .

New Quincy fire truck increases firefighting capability

City saves money with timely buy

QUINCY — Quincy public works maintenance supervisor Howard Van Baugh said the city got lucky when it went looking for a new aerial fire truck. . .

Real events form basis of latest Masquers production

Directorial debut inspired by real life women of the 1920s

SOAP LAKE — A tale of exposure to hazardous materials at work and the tragedy and societal change that came from it will be presented at Masquers Theater beginning April 22. “These Shining Lives” will be presented for three weekends, with the curtain going up at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The play is a departure for director Cynthia Beyer, a Masquers veteran. “I’ve never directed in my life, but this play just spoke to me,” she said...

MLHS’s Molahiettes bring home trophies

Dance/drill team gives credit to family support and hard work for victories

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School Molahiettes dance team coach Jaylynn Hernandez said the 2022 state dance and drill championships were a bit more nerve-wracking than usual.

City of Othello buys PJ Taggares Park

Added park space expected to be a boon for sports enthusiasts

OTHELLO — Othello city officials bought a park for $10 and closing costs last week, part of the city’s effort to expand recreation facilities. “It’s a great deal for the city. It comes at a time when we really need more park property,” Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said. “We know we’re going to have to put some money into that park, but this is worth it.” ...

‘Seatbelt Convincer’ comes to Soap Lake

Education efforts hoped to reduce the rise in unbelted driving

SOAP LAKE — When it comes to traffic collisions, certain rules of physics apply. “We all know here (that) in a traffic crash, the more you move, the more you will be injured,” said Alison Mitchell, Region 15 manager for the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero program...

DMLA seeks out Adopt a Pot participants

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association is soliciting business owners and volunteers for its Adopt a Pot program for summer 2022. Association director Lexi Smith estimated there are about 200 flower pots downtown, and some are still orphans. “There are plenty left,” Smith said...

Unusual April weather pattern responsible for unusual snowstorm

MOSES LAKE — What the - ? Was that - was that a snowstorm in the Columbia Basin Thursday morning?

Fire district commissioner has seen Mattawa grow, change

Paul Parker talks about grass-roots efforts to build community

MATTAWA — Paul Parker’s introduction to the fire service in Mattawa came not long after he and his wife Bonnie moved to town. “When I got here in 1957, into the trailer court, a guy came over to welcome us and told me, ‘You’re on the fire department and you’ve got to have a shovel and a garden hose in your car at all times,’” he said...

Wahluke SD asks voters for EP&O levy in special election

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a four-year educational programs and operations levy in a special election April 26. . .

Sewing a community together

Quincy Valley Museum hosts Community Sew Day

QUINCY — It was a good day to get together and work on a sewing project.

Low temperatures this week may cause harvest issues

MOSES LAKE — The calendar says it’s almost mid-April, but a cold low-pressure system passing through the Pacific Northwest has left it feeling more like it’s early March. . .

New Mattawa police chief focused on community

Transparency, solutions for all are top priorities

MATTAWA — Robert Salinas said transparency and making connections are a big part of successful law enforcement. “If I see somebody in a convenience store, (if) I’m pumping gas, I’m talking to them. I’m asking them what their perception is of the police department, what their experience is. Because I’m trying to find out what concerns they have,” he said. Salinas is the new chief of the Mattawa Police Department. Prior to coming to Mattawa he was a sergeant with the Granger Police Department. He was selected for the role by the Mattawa City Council...

Quincy Valley Medical Center free of debt to Grant County

QUINCY — For years Quincy Valley Medical Center commissioners and hospital officials have been working to pay back the debt QVMC owes to Grant County. . .

Quincy council asks for design, cost estimate for pump track expansion

QUINCY — A bike-skateboard-scooter track - known as a pump track - slated for construction in Quincy’s East Park could be expanded, either this year or in 2023. . .

‘Nailed it’

Othello Dance and Drill team wins state title

OTHELLO — Othello Dance and Drill team leader Bridget Maldonado said she wasn’t ready for the announcement when it came ...

Broadway coming to the MLSD stage

'Oklahoma!' set for April 15 debut

MOSES LAKE — A classic Broadway tale of love, loneliness, jealousy and their consequences comes to the Moses Lake High School stage next week. The MLHS Drama production of “Oklahoma!” opens April 15 at the MLHS theater, 803 East Sharon Ave. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. April 15 through 19, with a matinee at 2 p.m. April 16. “Oklahoma!” is always described as a classic of American theater, and being a classic also means...

Accessible security

Calzadillas uses diverse skillset to keep Mattawa students safe

MATTAWA — JJ Calzadillas said school security is a team effort, one that takes diligence, some practice and building relationships with students and the community. Calzadillas is the safety and security coordinator for the Wahluke School District. He gave credit to the student body for being an asset in keeping the schools safe. “We have kids that are willing to...

3 Adams Co. roads scheduled for repair

OTHELLO — Three sections of road in Adams County will be the focus of construction projects this summer, according to county officials. Work will start on 3.98 miles of Booker Road, east of Othello, about May 25. Adams County Engineer Scott Yeager...

Homelessness declines in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The number of unsheltered homeless people in Grant County dropped between 2020 and 2022, according to an annual survey conducted by local social service agencies. . .

Samaritan Healthcare ends 2021 in the black

COVID-19 repercussions cause backlog

MOSES LAKE — The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to make themselves felt, including financially.

Adolfo Coronado works to teach life lessons to his basketball team

OTHELLO — Adolfo Coronado said he tries to apply some of the lessons from his day job to his coaching job. . .

Thello softball off to a fast start

Huskies shut out Vikings in doubleheader

SELAH — The Othello High School softball team continued its early-season undefeated streak with a sweep of Selah High School in a doubleheader Saturday in Selah. The Huskies won 12-8 in the first game and 15-4 in the second game. Head coach Rudy Ochoa II said...

Dog and cat vaccinations, Ephrata dog licenses available Saturday

EPHRATA — Microchipping and some vaccinations will be available for cat and dog owners, and Ephrata residents will be able to purchase discounted dog licenses, at an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW. The event is hosted by...

Desert Rose Floral Designs Local owner celebrates a team effort

OTHELLO — Desert Rose Floral Designs owner Melody Anguiano was looking for a career opportunity, and found it in a business that technically wasn’t for sale...

Grant County revamps processes in wake of audit findings

EPHRATA — Grant County officials will introduce new procedures when awarding federal funding following a finding from the Washington Auditor’s Office that county officials didn’t have adequate supervision of funds distributed for COVID-19 relief. The cause, according to the audit report, was...

Grant PUD resumes in-person services

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD commissioners will meet in person for the first time in about two years today in the commission office at PUD headquarters, 30 C St. SW. Customer service offices have been reopened as well. Commissioners have been meeting...

East Park improvements discussed at Quincy meeting

QUINCY — Planned and possible upgrades to Quincy’s East Park, and discussions related to design and design costs, dominated the Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday. East Park is home to the city’s skate park and the city swimming pool, the Quincy Aquatic Center. City officials are working on plans to add a pump track to the skate park, and are considering replacement of...

Adams Co. transportation improvement discussed

RITZVILLE — Improving public transportation in Adams County, and getting the word out about what is available, was the subject of a meeting called by QUADCO Regional Transportation Planning Organization to discuss transportation issues and needs Monday. Madelyn Carlson, chief executive officer for the People for People...

Othello athletes recognized for academic achievement

OTHELLO — The Othello High School dance and drill team was named Class 2A academic state champions, and four OHS boys wrestlers received Class 2A academic all-state honors....

Othello Council discusses open meetings tech

OTHELLO — Possible upgrades to the video and sound system in the Othello City Council chambers were the subject of discussion at the regular council meeting Monday, though no final decision was reached. . .

Royal City man arrested for vehicle theft

RITZVILLE — A Royal City man was booked into the Adams County Jail for suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle after he attempted to flee from Adams County Sheriff’s deputies. . .

Three arrested near Warden

WARDEN — A Ritzville man and two Warden residents were booked into the Adams County Jail on outstanding warrants following an investigation into a theft near Lind. . .

Othello wins both games of season-opening doubleheader

OTHELLO — The Othello High School girls softball team took both games of the team’s season-opening doubleheader Saturday in Othello, winning both games in five innings. . .

As coronavirus mandates change, Quincy schools adjust

QUINCY — Students and staff are no longer required to wear masks indoors in Quincy schools as of Monday. Masks won’t be required on Quincy school buses moving forward either. Some protocols instituted to fight the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be mandated by state authorities...

Sky’s Coffee owner following family tradition

MATTAWA — For Sky’s Coffee owner Alisha Avalos, small business runs in the family.

Cello, vocal duo to perform in concert in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Tenor Branden James and cellist James Clark will perform in concert at 7 p.m. March 22 at the Moses Lake Alliance Church, 1100 North Grape Drive. The duo performs as Branden & James. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association. Typically CBCCA performances are...

YOU banquet raises money for youth hunting, fishing trips

MOSES LAKE — Cyrus Levine bagged his bear in record time. “It was the fastest (bear hunt) that they said they’ve done yet,” he said. Levine went hunting with the help of Youth Outdoors Unlimited, a Moses Lake-based organization that takes children and teens with physical challenges...

Celebrating a Century

MOSES LAKE — Edna Watkins and Ann Klobucher remember things like the Great Depression - Watkins was nine years of age, and Klobucher eight, at the time of the 1929 Wall Street crash that started it all. They were 21 and 20, respectively, when the attack on Pearl Harbor catapulted the U.S. into World War 11. Watkins celebrated her 102nd birthday March 3, and Klobucher her 101st birthday March 7. And for her birthday, Watkins got a motorcycle ride.

Othello moves to acquire PJ Taggares Park

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will start negotiations to take over ownership of PJ Taggares Park, and is taking over park maintenance this spring. Othello City Council members voted to approve an interlocal agreement with Adams County Parks and Recreation District 1, the current park owners, at the Feb. 28 council meeting. Parks and rec commissioners had previously approved the agreement...

Coronado named CWAC girls basketball coach of year

OTHELLO — Othello High School girls basketball coach Adolfo Coronado was named Central Washington Athletic Conference coach of the year and OHS junior Annalee Coronado was named to the CWAC all-conference team. The all-conference basketball teams were announced last week. Coronado led the Huskies to a third-place finish...

Othello High School wrestlers named All-Conference

OTHELLO — Four Othello High School girls wrestlers were named to the Central Washington Athletic Conference all-conference team, and two OHS boys wrestlers took first team CWAC honors. The 2021-22 wrestling all-conference teams were announced last week. The Othello boys wrestlers were...

Stella & Me

Family business offers one-stop fashion options

MOSES LAKE — The boutique Stella & Me is the realization of a longtime dream. Owner Mary Davenport’s mom Tami owns a boutique in Tri-Cities, where Davenport grew up. “Small business has always been in our family,” Davenport said...

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival back in action

Tours, hikes, lectures and birds take the stage

OTHELLO — After two years of self-guided tours, the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is back in-person for 2022. The festival is scheduled for March 25 through 27. “It feels good to come back and have a presence again,” festival committee member Chris Braunwart said. There will be some changes for 2022, including new venues

Quincy High School drama club to present ‘High School Musical’

QUINCY — The story of a star-crossed romance and its effect on East High School comes to the Quincy High School stage for two weekends starting Friday.

Jacks win first state game

YAKIMA — After some first-half jitters, the Quincy Jacks scored a convincing 69-51 win over the Blaine Borderites in the first game at the 1A Hardwood Classic state basketball tournament Wednesday. Quincy trailed 33...