CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Othello & Adams County working on pool ownership transfer

OTHELLO — Othello city officials will work with Adams County Parks and Recreation District 1 representatives on an amendment to an existing agreement that would give the city title to the Othello Community Pool. “It’s a cooperative arrangement we’ve had for some time,” Othello Mayor Shawn Logan said in a subsequent interview. “Adams County Parks and Recreation District 1 owns the pool.” ...

Catalytic converter thefts impact local food banks

MOSES LAKE — Thieves stole a catalytic converter from a truck at the Moses Lake Food Bank on May 8, a theft that has consequences beyond the immediate damage, said food bank director Peny Archer. “(The theft) means we’re having it repaired, which basically means there’s less food we can buy,” Archer said...

Fresh is best

Local chef says experimentation, creativity among attractions of cooking careers.

MOSES LAKE — Sameh Farag said when making a dish, fresh is best. Farag is the head chef at the Pillar Rock Grill, the restaurant at the Moses Lake Golf Club located at 1373 Road F.2 NW in Moses Lake. The Pillar Rock serves an extensive menu, from eggs benedict florentine for breakfast to Cuban panini sandwiches for lunch or steaks and thai shrimp pasta for dinner. Farag’s favorite style of cooking, however, comes from Italy. “I love making fresh pasta, garden-fresh sauces and seafood. The reason I love it so much is infusing the quality of freshness into every dish and the idea of family-style dining,” he said via email...

Stage front...

Guitarist wants music to be the focus of performances on tour through Basin

MOSES LAKE — Guitarist Pierre Bensusan will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Moses Lake for the first in a series of Columbia Basin appearances sponsored by the Learn from the Masters Music Outreach. Bensusan will perform in Moses Lake at the Civic Center Auditorium at 401 S. Balsam St. in Moses Lake, then in Ellensburg on May 19, in Wenatchee May 20 and at Cave B Winery near Quincy on May 21. All concerts are free of charge. Bensusan said his goal is to make the music, not the instrument or the player, the center of the performance. “I wouldn’t really want people to think about the guitar when I play, but about the music and what it evokes,” he said. “I’m telling a story with it, and after a while, player and guitar become invisible. People use sound and sonic images to go into their own inner self and dimension. Music is only a pretext for all of us to get there, player and listener.”

Quincy students may start school later on Mondays this fall

QUINCY — Quincy schools may start a little later on Mondays in the 2022-23 school year. Quincy School District administrators have requested that school start at 9:30 a.m. Mondays, beginning next school year. “The teachers and leaders said we really need more time to collaborate in order to get the work done that we need to do,” QSD Director of Teaching and learning Alicen Gaytley said during QSD Board of Directors regular meeting on Tuesday...

Dru Gimlin 3 on 3 seeks volunteers

QUINCY — Organizers of the Dru Gimlin 3 on 3 basketball tournament designed to benefit Quincy athletics are looking for volunteer help for the 2022 tournament. The tournament returns June 18; team check-in begins at 8 a.m. There are brackets for children and youths from third grade through high school, an open tournament and a tournament for adults...

Robert Trask retires after more than 40 years selling insurance

Four decades of service

MOSES LAKE — The staff at Trask Insurance/Robert M. Trask Agency had custom cookies made for Robert Trask’s retirement party, including some picturing a tie and white shirt. . .

Local candidate filing looms

EPHRATA — Filing week begins May 16 for people who want to run for offices on the ballot in the 2022 general election at the county level in Grant and Adams counties. All candidates wanting to run for office must file by 4 p.m. May 20...

Quincy seeks input on downtown revitalization plan

QUINCY — Quincy City Council members will hold a public hearing during the May 17 council meeting to get public opinion on the city’s proposed downtown revitalization plan. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. A draft of the plan is available on the city’s website, www.quincywashington.us. ...

Package prompts evacuation at Grant County Courthouse

EPHRATA — A suspicious package that was determined to be a gift for someone forced the evacuation of the Grant County Courthouse Friday morning.

Horse confiscated in animal cruelty case dies

LIND — A horse confiscated from an Adams County man who was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty had to be euthanized Wednesday. The horse, a donkey, two dogs and a cat were taken Saturday from a residence in the 700 block of South Longmeier Road, according to information from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Jared Potts, 33, was arrested May 1 and booked into the Adams County Jail on suspicion of three counts of first-degree animal cruelty...

Grant Co. PUD plans potential facility moves

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District officials are hoping to identify tentative locations for new equipment shops in Moses Lake and Ephrata by the end of 2022. Utility district officials also plan to replace the PUD headquarters building, with the work on all three projects scheduled to take about a decade. “We looked at what we would need in the future, 30 years out, and what it would take (to remodel) at each of the facilities we’re in now. They’ve reached the point where new facilities are the best value, both from a cost standpoint and the function of what we need,” Tim Fleisher, PUD facilities manager said...

Othello council moves forward with annexations

OTHELLO — Othello city officials will research the steps required to annex city-owned properties that are currently outside of the town’s city limits. Community Development Director Anne Henning listed the properties and talked about the annexation process during the May 2 Othello City Council meeting. “It’s an easy process for a city to annex city-owned properties when they are for a municipal purpose,” Henning said. “So there are some very easy ones, and there are some more difficult ones.” ...

Putting the best plate forward important at culinary event

MOSES LAKE — The Samaritan Healthcare Foundation didn’t call their fundraiser Bourbon & Bowties on a whim - it was all in on black tie, sparkly dresses, all that. As for the food, well, there was a contest. . .

Quincy officials examining next steps to build new hospital

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Medical Center officials and commissioners will meet May 11 to discuss design ideas, anticipated costs and funding options for a new Quincy hospital. Tom Richardson, QVMC director of information systems, said hospital officials advertised a request for qualifications from architects and construction firms interested in the project. Thirty responses had been received as of the hospital commission meeting April 26. Joe Kunkel, a consultant working with QVMC on the project, said additional responses were received April 27. “Some pretty major corporations,” Richardson said during the board meeting. “Joe is very happy with what he’s seeing. It’s more than he expected back.” ...

B.J. Garbe

Applying lessons from athletics leads to success off the field

MOSES LAKE — B.J. Garbe said the lessons he learned through sports have served him well his entire life. And those lessons, he said, can and are learned through many kinds of extracurricular activities. “There are so many character traits that you learn - that apply, most importantly, to the kind of person that you become,” Garbe said...

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. . .

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. . .

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.

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 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. . .

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. . .

‘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. . .

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. . .

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.

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....