CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Othello School Board considers new meeting schedule

OTHELLO — The Othello School Board will consider moving one of its two monthly board meetings to a different time. Board members will be discussing their options March 9.

Victim of 2011 Grant County homicide identified

POTHOLES RESERVOIR — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public in determining what happened to a man whose body was found near the Potholes Reservoir in 2011 and recently identified.

Royal High School to add new classes

ROYAL CITY — Royal High School will be expanding its class offerings for students in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Kaiden Garcia, RHS counselor, said the subjects were chosen after a survey to determine which classes students want to take and teachers want to teach.

Moses Lake fiscal sustainability discussion kicks off

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and city officials are starting a process to determine what services the city should be providing – and paying for – and which could be reduced if necessary. It’s part of city officials’ attempt to eliminate a budget deficit in the city’s general fund, a deficit that’s projected to increase over time without changes to the way the city is spending its money.

Focused on family and community

A look at the life of Othello's Frank Ochoa Jr.

OTHELLO — Frank Ochoa Jr. did a lot of things in his life, from coaching children in boxing and baseball to helping build Lions Park in Othello to helping raise eight children – and being good at all of that, his family said. And while he had other careers, he really was a farmer.

Gonzaga, UW program designed to improve region's health care

MOSES LAKE — Geoff Jones, a physician and assistant clinical dean at the University of Washington Medical School, said giving medical students a wide variety of experience benefits both the students and their future patients.

Open house Saturday at new Samaritan Hospital

New facility set to open to serve patients March 7

MOSES LAKE — The final doors are being installed in the intensive care unit, one of two surgical robots is in the building, the signs are up – although they’re still covered – on Yonezawa Boulevard. The new Samaritan Hospital opens for patient care March 7.

District patrons get first look at new Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare District patrons got their first look at the new Samaritan Hospital Tuesday with tours of the building, a ribbon-cutting and a champagne toast.

Moses Lake starts new program to track city repairs, answer questions

MOSES LAKE — Now typically, when a business or an agency does the ribbon-cutting thing, they’re cutting a ribbon for a building, or because they moved to a new location, or because they have a new service truck – a physical asset. The Moses Lake City Council cut a ribbon Tuesday on a new web portal, making it a unique occasion.

East Adams Rural Health expects emergency rural hospital approval soon

RITZVILLE — East Adams Rural Healthcare could be converted to an “emergency rural hospital” as early as this summer.

City of Othello, ACFD 5 restart fire contract negotiations

OTHELLO — Officials from Adams County Fire District 5 and the Othello City Council have returned to the table to see if the two sides can come to an agreement on a new contract for fire services. Council members have scheduled a special meeting Thursday to discuss the city’s options.

Water rate increases likely for Moses Lake residents

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake water users could see a yearly increase in their water rates over the next seven to eight years as city officials work to save money for a series of water projects. Jessica Cole, the city’s utility services manager, said city officials have a lot to do.

Decision pending on state victim services funding

MOSES LAKE — A projected budget shortfall in 2026 has Washington legislators analyzing state spending, with agencies advocating to keep funding at what they say are adequate levels. Suzi Fode, director of the New Hope and Kids Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, said the news in the Senate and House budget proposals is promising.

Ritzville hospital announces $10.5 million loss over last three years

RITZVILLE — Investigations are ongoing into allegations that mismanagement and possible fraud left East Adams Rural Healthcare with what its current administrators say was a $10.5 million loss between 2022 and 2025. Hospital officials announced Thursday at a press conference in Spokane that they have filed a request with state and federal authorities to convert to a rural emergency hospital. “With our latest model, EARH will employ between 55 and 60 people,” said Chief Executive Officer Todd Nida in a statement. The current staff is 69 people, he said.

Quincy council approves co-living housing rule

QUINCY — Quincy city residents will be able to set up “co-living housing” units under the terms of an ordinance approved by Quincy City Council members Tuesday. Public Works Director Carl Worley said it’s something new in Quincy, required by recent actions by the Washington Legislature. Worley said city officials weren’t sure there would be much impact in Quincy, but council member Dylan Kling said he thought it could make a big impact.

Port of Othello breaks ground for new water tower

OTHELLO — It took a few years, but Port of Othello commissioners broke ground on a second water reservoir on port property in Bruce Thursday morning. Port Commissioner Gary Weaver said the new reservoir will mean more business opportunities in the Othello area. “The main reason we really needed the water here is so we can expand,” Weaver said. “We're kind of locked here because of our water – we had to have more water storage in order to develop this. And it's a big deal for Othello, because this gives the opportunity to bring businesses here, not just little business, but businesses with good paying jobs (and) benefits.” The new water tower will be on the east side of Booker Road and will hold about 200,000 gallons. The port received a combination of a $3.75 million low-interest loan and a $1.25 million grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board to pay for the project.

Bill expanding military, veteran benefits passes WA Senate

OLYMPIA — A bill that would extend access to state benefits and other opportunities for veterans, military spouses and other uniformed personnel has passed the Washington Senate and is pending in the Washington House of Representatives.

Young Lind-Ritzville team looks to place wrestlers on the podium

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Head Coach Jason Hilzer said he’s optimistic that the Broncos can get some wrestlers on the Mat Classic 2026 podium in what has been a year of growth. “We’re young. The increase in the skill level from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is huge for the freshmen and sophomores,” Hilzer said. “That’s what I’m really pleased about.”

Experience big factor for Royal boys at Mat Classic

ROYAL CITY — Royal High School boys wrestling coach Darrin Miller said his team’s experience should help them when they get to the Tacoma Dome. “We have a large group of seniors this year, so I think the consistency of showing up to practice every day for four straight years for a lot of these kids, as well as the underclassmen learning from some of those upperclassmen,” Miller said. “Everybody has just been really committed up to this point, which is what it really takes in the sport to be successful.”

Royal girls wrestlers rise to the challenge, have high hopes for state tournament

ROYAL CITY — They’ve had a lot of success on the mat, but it’s still been a tough year for the Royal High School girls wrestling team. Their coach Seth Weeks said the girls have risen to meet the challenge. Jesus Carlos Villa, the head coach who led the Knights to a second-place finish at the 2025 Mat Classic, suddenly passed in a car accident in July 2025. Coach Carlos has been missed, Weeks said.

Grant Co. solar projects moving forward

COULEE CITY — A new solar electrical generation facility near Coulee City has received a conditional use permit from Grant County officials. When it goes into operation, Dry Falls Solar is projected to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity, said Grant County Planning Director Jim Anderson-Cook.

Wahluke qualifies two wrestlers for Mat Classic

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School girls wrestling team advanced two wrestlers to Mat Classic 2026 in what coach Windy Lovejoy said was a learning year. “We have primarily freshmen on the team,” Lovejoy said. “There were three upperclassmen.” Her team adapted to a pretty steep learning curve, however.

Othello High next focus with EP&O levy passing

OTHELLO — Voters in the Othello School District are approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy in updated vote totals from the Feb. 10 special election released Friday. The levy proposal had 794 yes votes and 434 no votes, about 64.7% approving. Because it was a school levy, it needed a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.

Haley resigns as Quincy city administrator

QUINCY — Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley announced his resignation, effective immediately, in a press release issued by the city Tuesday morning. Danielle Marchant, the city’s attorney, declined to specify the reason for Haley’s resignation. “As a matter of policy and out of respect for his privacy, the city will not be commenting on this matter,” Marchant said.

Local REC Silicon plant remains closed as more stock issued

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake REC Silicon facility will remain closed, at least for now, as its owners announced an issuance of new stock to raise money for continuing operations and pay off debt.

Standalone energy project eyed for Quincy

QUINCY — While it’s only in the beginning stages, the Port of Quincy and a California Native American tribe will be working on a project to bring a standalone energy project to Quincy. Ken Ahmann, chief operating officer of Colusa Indian Energy, said the project would help the Quincy area in the search for a diversified – and robust – economy.

Moses Lake to prioritize services in financial sustainability planning

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members – and Moses Lake residents – will be asked to determine where they think the city should spend its money, a process that started with a look at the city’s current financial state at the Feb. 10 council meeting.

Moses Lake officials working to correct audit issues

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are working to correct errors identified by the Washington State Auditor’s Office and catch up on delayed audits. Municipal Finance Director Madeline Prentice said city officials are working to have the delayed audits for 2023 and 2024 submitted by May. “Trying to get caught up on the audits is our first priority,” Prentice said. “We have actually brought in an outside accounting firm to assist us with that.”

Hansen Road, Quincy basketball made news in January

MOSES LAKE — Traffic disruption in Moses Lake, historic numbers for a Quincy Jacks basketball player and a new Dancing with the Stars king are among the big stories of January 2026.

Wheeler roundabout construction scheduled for Feb 23

MOSES LAKE — If the weather cooperates, construction will begin Feb. 23 on a roundabout at the intersection of Road L Northeast and East Wheeler Road. Moses Lake’s financial contribution to the project is about $81,000. Contributions by other stakeholders in the project was not immediately available.

Intermodal terminal gets freight where it needs to go, supports Eastern WA economy

KENNEWICK — By definition, freight is something – goods of whatever kind, from fresh produce to sound system components – that is moved in bulk on trains, trucks, ships or aircraft. Teri Zimmerman, vice president for sales and marketing at Tri-City Intermodal in Kennewick, said the company’s role in the freight business is connecting different methods of transportation to move freight. Which sounds simple enough.

Adams, S. Grant Co. EP&O levy requests being approved

EPHRATA — Educational and operations levy requests in three Grant County are still winning approval by substantial margins in three local school districts in updated election results released Wednesday.

Moses Lake residents asked to weigh in on financial priorities

MOSES LAKE — With the Moses Lake City Council working on a financial plan that will require what council member Jeremy Davis said will be hard decisions, city officials want to hear which services residents think are the most important.

Feb. 10 initial election results

EPHRATA — Voters were asked to approve or reject educational programs and operations levy requests from a number of Grant and Adams county school districts in Tuesday’s special election. Voters in the Ephrata School District and East Adams Rural Healthcare decided the fate of specific proposals. Unofficial results released Tuesday night are listed below with additional votes coming in via mail over the next few days. Mailed-in ballots must have been postmarked by Feb. 10, 2026 to be counted.

Upgrades to Mattawa City Hall subject of feasibility study

MATTAWA — What kind of improvements could and should be made to Mattawa City Hall – or whether it would be better to replace it – will be the subject of a feasibility study by the city’s engineers. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, Yakima, said the idea is to produce information that city officials can use to look for funding for the project.

Big street projects coming to Quincy in ’26

QUINCY — Drivers going around Quincy can expect some delays as road projects ramp up around Lauzier Park, along a section of M Street Northeast and sections of A Street Northeast this summer. City Engineer Ariel Belino said some big projects are planned for those locations.

Othello splash pad construction on schedule for spring 2026

OTHELLO — The construction of a new splash pad in Othello’s Kiwanis Park is still on track to start this spring. Construction originally was scheduled for 2025, but Mayor Ken Johnson said the need for state agency approval slowed down the project. “I’m excited for that to finally happen,” Johnson said.

Planning a healthy move underway at Samaritan

MOSES LAKE — Finishing work is still underway, but there’s plenty of activity at the new Samaritan Hospital on Clover Drive. Patients will start being treated at the new facility at 7 a.m. March 7. Joe Kunkel, the consultant who’s been working with hospital officials on the project since its inception in 2018, said the timing is crucial. “That’s the switchover time,” Kunkel said.

Respiratory illnesses rising in Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE — As of the first week of February there has been one flu-related death in Grant County during the 2025-26 flu season. Lexi Smith, communications coordinator for the Grant County Health District, said it’s been a pretty active respiratory illness season so far.

Bridge deck repairs Monday at Hiawatha Road Northeast overpass

MOSES LAKE — Drivers who are using the Hiawatha Road Northeast overpass as the detour route to Moses Lake should be prepared for delays Monday while Washington State Department of Transportation crews make repairs to the bridge deck. Drivers can expect flagger-controlled traffic on the overpass from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a WSDOT press release. Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for WSDOT’s North Central region, said the Hiawatha Road overpass is showing signs of damage, although not as severe as the now-closed Hansen Road Northeast overpass. “It’s definitely got some deterioration on it as well,” she said.

Council discusses options to ensure Moses Lake water supply

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members discussed ways and means of obtaining more water and making more efficient use of water at a lengthy special meeting Tuesday. Mayor Dustin Swartz said water is a problem throughout the Columbia Basin, and cities, counties, ports and other entities would benefit from a common effort.

Inattention causes driver to hit GTA bus, GCSO says

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man received a traffic citation Tuesday night after he T-boned a Grant Transit Authority bus near the scene of a previous collision on Patton Boulevard.

Grant County PUD rates to increase April 1

EPHRATA — Rates for all classes of Grant County Public Utility District will increase in 2026, but the percentage of increase won’t be the same for all customers. The new rates will go into effect April 1. Utility district commissioners voted in November 2025 to change the way rates are calculated, a change Commissioner Tom Flint said he supports. Flint said he’s been on the commission for 25 years, and the Jan. 27 vote was the second time he voted in favor of the rate proposal. “This is a great opportunity. It protects the core customers, it increases the rate that non-core customers, large industrials are going to pay, and it’s going to be substantially above what the core customers pay,” he said. “It’ll give (industrial customers) a 10-year forecast that they’ve been asking for.”

Two arrested after chase north of Ephrata

EPHRATA — A Wenatchee man and a Moses Lake woman were arrested and booked on suspicion of burglary after allegedly breaking into a residence in Douglas County and trying to elude law enforcement in Grant County Monday afternoon.

Adams County receives more money for jail project

RITZVILLE — Adams County has received an additional $2 million through the federal appropriations process for upgrades at the Adams County Jail. Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship said the money will help pay for the second phase of jail improvements.

Upgrades coming to The Gorge Amphitheater

GEORGE — New improvements and previously requested upgrades are scheduled for the Gorge Amphitheater starting in 2026. Grant County Planning Director Jim Anderson-Cook said county officials have approved plans from Live Nation, the venue owner, to add some upgraded camping sites, what Anderson-Cook called “glamping” sites, and a new water reservoir.

Two Grant County solar farms under construction

QUINCY — Construction has started on two solar electrical generation facilities in Grant County, with five more in the permitting or planning phase.

Air quality monitoring routine, Ephrata School District officials say

EPHRATA — The heating-cooling system at Ephrata Middle School is working as designed, according to Ephrata School District officials, and the building has not seen extended periods of elevated levels of carbon dioxide.

Warden man arrested for alleged burglary

WARDEN — A Warden man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after Warden Police Department officers allegedly found him inside an empty residence.

Two arrested on narcotics charges after search of Moses Lake residence

MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of distributing narcotics following the search of a residence on Kathy Drive in Moses Lake Thursday.