CHERYL SCHWEIZER

ROAD REPORT: I-90, SR 282 projects under way

MOSES LAKE — It being the height of summer – long sunny days, long warm evenings, the swimming pool, barbecues – it's also the height of construction season. Drivers going to and from Ephrata and traveling certain sections of Interstate 90 through Grant County already know about the delays.

Moses Lake looking for provider for homeless support services

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials will advertise for organizations who want to provide support for homeless people looking for treatment for substance abuse and a way to get to that treatment. Liz Murillo Busby, the city’s housing grant manager, said the city money to pay for the contract will come from document recording fees. “We’re anticipating a contract of about $55,000 for this,” Murillo Busby said.

Moses Lake sit-sleep-lie ordinance approved

MOSES LAKE — New regulations in Moses Lake for sleeping, lying or sitting on sidewalks within a designated zone during specific times of day were approved Tuesday by the Moses Lake City Council. New rules governing shopping carts taken from businesses also were approved, but any fines levied against businesses that own shopping carts will be deferred for 90 days. Council member Deanna Martinez asked for additional time to look at alternatives for dealing with shopping carts once they’re abandoned.

Othello Bench Road annexation request delayed until October

OTHELLO — A public hearing on a request to annex 658 acres into the city of Othello will be continued to October. Mayor Shawn Logan said people who either oppose or support the annexation of property along Bench Road will have one additional opportunity to testify. “We’re going to continue this public hearing until Oct. 13 during the regular council meeting,” said Mayor Shawn Logan. City attorney Hilary Evans said rescheduling a new public hearing would mean any existing testimony would be eliminated from the record. After some discussion, council members decided to continue the hearing and allow people who had already testified, but who wanted to testify again, to do so.

SR 17-Cunningham Road roundabout scheduled for 2026

OTHELLO — A long-delayed roundabout will be coming to State Route 17 and Cunningham Road in spring 2026.

Othello council approves Hampton annexation request

OTHELLO — One piece of property submitted for annexation to the city of Othello was accepted by the Othello City Council, but the vote on a second annexation request was delayed. Council members unanimously approved the annexation of 164 acres which, said council member Corey Everett, fit the annexation criteria.

OTHELLO CITY COUNCIL POS. 1: Kelli Camp

OTHELLO — Kelli Camp said she thinks the Othello City Council may need a different approach, and that led her to run for an open position. “There has not been much, if any, turnover on the city council in a decade, as far as the seats that were open. I really felt like that was somewhere I could potentially bring fresh eyes and new ideas,” she said.

OTHELLO CITY COUNCIL POS. 1: Genna Dorow

OTHELLO — Genna Dorow said she’s running for a new term on the Othello City Council because she wants to see Othello grow in a way that doesn’t cause problems in the future, and thinks she has the skills to help do that. “I care about the future of Othello,” Dorow said. “As our city continues to grow, I want to make sure we do the right things the right way, with strong infrastructure, affordable housing, smart sustainable planning (and other things). I have a passion for service (for) the city, and there are reasons for that, because of my background. I bring a unique combination of know-how to lead Othello forward. I want to do my best for the people of Othello, and I want Othello to be its best.”

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POS. 5: Pete Shelton

QUINCY — Pete Shelton said he’s running for Quincy City Council because Quincy is changing, and he believes he can help with the transition. “I decided to run because Quincy, to me, is at a turning point,” Shelton said. “I’m working in the data center industry, and I’ve been a farmer, and I’m pretty rooted in both the tech industry and (agriculture). I see an opportunity as a council member to bridge the two worlds.” Shelton is running for council Position 5 against incumbent Dave Dormier. Ricardo Ruesga Loera also filed for the seat but told the Columbia Basin Herald that he’s not actively campaigning.

QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POS. 5: David Dormier

QUINCY — Dave Dormier said he’s running for a new term on the Quincy City Council because he thinks Quincy has made progress, and he wants to continue that progress. He cited the case of family friends as an example. “A young couple who graduated from Quincy High School. They didn’t go to college, but they were able to get good jobs in town, and after four years they were able to buy a brand-new house,” Dormier said. “That’s our goal, to have our town be that way. I want to be able to continue to have good job opportunities for people who want to stay and build their lives here.” Dormier is running for council Position 5. He’s being challenged by Pete Shelton. Ricardo Ruesga Loera also filed for the seat, but told the Columbia Basin Herald that he’s not actively campaigning.

REC Silicon to appoint new board of directors in August

No new information on future of silane facility in Moses Lake that closed in January.

MOSES LAKE — An offer from the biggest shareholder in REC Silicon to buy all outstanding shares has been accepted by the company’s board of directors. “On 11 July, (Anchor AS) announced that it had received acceptances which, together with shares held by (the Hanwa Group), represented 43.94% of the issued and outstanding shares in (REC Silicon),” according to a REC Silicon press release. “On 14 July, (Anchor AS) announced that the voluntary offer had been completed and that a mandatory offer will be launched within the deadline set out in the Norwegian Securities Act.”

QPlex design paused for more research

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Parks and Recreation commissioners have reconsidered the original design of the fieldhouse in Lauzier Park, known as the QPlex. Pat Haley, parks and recreation executive director and Quincy city administrator, told Quincy City Council the reconsideration of the design started with a conversation about facility operations. “It quickly became evident that it was going to be a big organization, and the simple structure that we had in mind wasn’t going to be suitable,” Haley said.

Detours near Ephrata, delays near Moses Lake as construction ramps up

MOSES LAKE — The balmy summer days where there’s almost no delay for road construction are coming to an end – the part with no road construction, not the balmy summer days. Work starts Monday on some major projects, including a roundabout at the intersection of Nat Washington Way and State Route 282. Tom Gaines, Grant County central services director, said the work will require closing SR 282 at the intersection. “This is a major impact,” Gaines said.

Classic cars, cool cars, Spud Run at All city Classic Car Show this weekend

OTHELLO — Slow drags, fun cars and the Spud Run return to Othello Friday and Saturday at the 29th All Cities Classic Car Club Show and Shine. Longtime organizer Jim Purdy said it’s open to all vehicles with wheels. “Cars, bikes, pedal bikes – bring them down,” Purdy said.

Moses Lake homelessness debate continues

MOSES LAKE — Alleviating homelessness and its impact on the community continues to be the subject of discussion in Moses Lake. An ordinance under consideration by Moses Lake City Council is the latest chapter in that discussion. Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director Debbie Doran-Martinez said that, from her perspective, chamber members are looking for responses that improve the overall situation. “We would just like to see something that would move the needle in the right direction,” Doran-Martinez said.

Grant PUD donation program gets new name

Power district offers multiple ways to help those struggling with electric bills.

EPHRATA — Because it’s used year-round, the Grant County Public Utility District has renamed its donation program. “Share the Warmth” is now “Share the Light.” Cary West, the PUD’s senior manager of customer solutions, said the name change better reflects the intended use. “Probably back in the 1980s is when we (started) Share the Warmth, but we’ve rebranded it to promote it throughout the year,” West said. “When it was Share the Warmth, it was promoted more during the winter months. But we have summer peak (usage) and winter peak usage, so the need is there year-round.”

Grand opening of Royal City Public Library fills the house

ROYAL CITY — The new Royal City Public Library filled the house during its grand opening July 12. Susan Piercy, president of the Friends of the Royal City Library, said it was a great day. “It was full. It was packed,” Piercy said. The Friends of the Library raised the money for the new library, which, at about 4,000 square feet, is more than three times the size of the former library.

Mattawa library expands hours, looking for new librarian

MATTAWA — Hours of operation have been extended at the Mattawa Public Library. Amanda Brack, communications and engagement manager for NCW Libraries, said the change came at the request of library patrons. “They recently expanded their hours after hearing from the community and city council that more evening hours would be helpful,” Brack wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald.

Columbia Basin Railroad may be in process of sale

WARDEN — The Columbia Basin Railroad may be in the process of being sold. In a request filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board, Jaguar Transport Holdings, Joplin, Missouri, said it plans to buy CBRR.

Hot, dry, windy conditions incoming

MOSES LAKE — While the winds are forecast to die down Tuesday, hot summer temperatures – and increased fire danger – will be sticking around. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures will increase again after Tuesday. “(Temperatures) will be rebounding back up for the middle to the end of the week,” Wolf said.

Fire near Mart Road burns about one acre

MOSES LAKE — A fire near the shore of Moses Lake Sunday afternoon only burned about an acre, but difficult terrain kept Moses Lake Fire Department crews on the scene for a while. “We’re really lucky we were able to keep it to one acre. Access to that location is really tricky,” said Heather Kok, CARES coordinator for the MLFD.

Moses Lake youth arrested for possessing explicit images of children

MOSES LAKE — A 17-year-old boy was booked into juvenile detention Friday for possessing images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct after a search of his phone in connection with an unspecified homicide case.

Brush fire burns near Moses Lake Walmart

UPDATE: The fire was extinguished about 7 p.m. MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Fire Department crews were summoned to a small fire behind the Moses Lake Walmart, 1005 North Stratford Road, at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday. As of 5:30 p.m., crews are still on the scene of the fire, estimated at one to two acres. Updates will be added as the story develops.

Fire near Ephrata burns three acres

EPHRATA — A fire along State Route 283 briefly closed the highway Thursday afternoon. The fire originated near the intersection of SR 283 and Road 10 Northwest at about 5:50 p.m., according to a Grant County Fire District 13 release. The fire appeared to be less than an acre in size.

New rescue truck added to GCFD 3 fleet

QUINCY — A new rescue rig went into service at Grant County Fire District 3 July 10. Chief David Durfee said it replaces a rescue truck that was reaching the end of its service life. “It’s a rescue truck that houses all of our extrication tools for motor vehicle accidents, our specialty tech equipment, our rescue equipment. There are some added storage compartments and added lights,” he said.

Local hospitals face 'challenging financial landscape' after Big Beautiful Bill passage

MOSES LAKE — The recent approval of new federal Medicaid rules will affect local hospitals and medical providers. What that impact will be, however, is still unclear. “So much is still unknown,” Glenda Bishop, chief executive officer for Quincy Valley Medical Center, wrote in reply to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “We simply do not have enough data to predict with accuracy any outcomes.”

Two Moses Lake men arrested in drug distribution case

MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested, one of whom is being held in the Spokane County Jail, in connection with two search warrants served by the Moses Lake Police Department Wednesday. Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands said federal charges are pending against the two men. “These are both being prosecuted at the federal level. If the prosecutions are successful, these subjects will be out for quite a bit longer than state-level prosecution,” Sands wrote in answer to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald.

Two women found dead in Larson area home

MOSES LAKE — The identities of two women found dead July 5 in a house near Moses Lake were released Wednesday. J’Lene Ludtke, 46, and Haley Mathison, 23, were found dead early on the morning of July 5 in a residence in the Larson area north of Moses Lake. Josh Sainsbury, chief deputy of emergency operations, said there’s no evidence of foul play. The cause of death for both women is still undetermined, pending the results of toxicology tests, said Casey Sherwood, a death investigator with the Grant County Coroner’s Office.

Moses Lake considering new shopping cart, sidewalk ordinance

MOSES LAKE — Revisions to Moses Lake’s ordinance for the use of public sidewalks and a new ordinance governing shopping carts taken from businesses will be voted on at the July 22 Moses Lake City Council meeting. Council members reviewed the proposed ordinances during the July 8 meeting, and council member Don Myers suggested a change to the proposed shopping cart ordinance. “I was looking at Federal Way, and they had a (provision) in there that waived the fee for shopping cart retrieval if (the business) had security measures in place for shopping carts,” Myers said.

Othello working to establish city fire department

OTHELLO — An analysis of what the city of Othello would need to set up its own fire department is in the early stages of preparation. Greg Prothman, founder of GMP Consultants, which is working with city officials on the project, said the first step will be determining what the city is looking for. “We have a retired fire chief working with the mayor to put together a scope of work,” Prothman said.

Othello Mayoral Race: Shawn Logan

Incumbent says he wants to see Othello projects finished

OTHELLO — Shawn Logan said he’s running for a new term as Othello mayor because some projects still need to be finished and some questions still need to be answered. “There has been a lot of progress in the city of Othello over the last 12 years. I remember when I ran 12 years ago, one of the main questions I was asking at the time – and it seems like now it becomes even more important (is), ‘What kind of city do we want to be in five years, in 10 years?’” Logan said. “The reason I’m running again is because I think that question is still being answered. It hasn’t been completely answered yet.”

Othello Mayoral Race: Ken Johnson

Othello mayoral candidate discusses issues, suggests changes

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson said he thinks Othello needs some new leadership, and that’s why he’s running for mayor. Johnson is challenging incumbent Shawn Logan in the November general election. “There are some things that need to be changed,” Johnson said. “I feel like the only way we’re going to get it done is with a new mayor.”

Repairs start on Moses Lake sewer line

MOSES LAKE — Residents and visitors to Moses Lake are being advised to avoid a section of the lake near Montlake Park until further notice. That’s due to the partial break of a sewer line that allowed some untreated water to flow into the lake. The advisory to stay out of the water will be lifted once water tests show that levels of fecal chloroform match upstream and downstream, according to a notice delivered to residents in the area.

Cause of Lind house fire undetermined

LIND — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Lind residence in the early morning of July 5 is still under investigation.

Basin area fire departments see mixed July 4, regionally

MOSES LAKE — The July 4 holiday is traditionally celebrated with fireworks – and in summer conditions of the Columbia Basin, traditionally a time for fires. Some fire crews were answering calls all night, while others had little activity. “I’m just glad the Fourth is over this year. We made it through another one,” said Tom Salsbury, chief of Adams County Fire District 5.

Moses Lake facility among those affected by Group14 layoffs

MOSES LAKE — An undisclosed number of employees received layoff notices from the Group14 facility in Moses Lake July 1. Moses Lake facility manager Don Kersey said construction on the facility is continuing. “We did have a layoff (July 1),” Kersey said. “We can’t get into numbers, but we did rebalance our workforce to ensure the long-term resilience (and) competitiveness of our business. (The layoffs were) not just here in Moses Lake, but Group14 here in Washington state. It’s very unfortunate.”

Tower Pizza car show coming to Crescent Bar in August

CRESCENT BAR — There’s still a lot of summer to go, but – alas, eventually summer ends. The owners of Tower Pizza on Crescent Bar plan to send out summer with a bang Aug. 24. Michelle Walsh of Tower Pizza said 2025 will be the fourth year for the Tower Pizza car show. “A lot of us around here have old cars, and we thought it would be fun to bring them out,” Walsh said.

Road construction on hold through July 4 weekend

VANTAGE — People wanting to take to the open road for the July 4 weekend will find it pretty open, with most construction projects on hold until next week. The exception is the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 over the Snoqualmie summit. “We have a project on eastbound I-90 between North Bend and the summit, which is reduced from three lanes to two lanes,” wrote Summer Derrey, Washington Department of Transportation assistant communications manager for the south central region, in response to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald.

Wildland fire burns 40 acres near Quincy

QUINCY — Fire season is here, as evidenced by multiple fires in Grant County Fire District 3 from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said people should plan accordingly. “We’re just asking the public to be vigilant,” Durfee said.

Moses Lake council sets priorities at 2-day workshop

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members will review a plan July 22 detailing a set of priorities established by council members during two days of discussion earlier this month. City Manager Rob Karlinsey said the plan, whenever it’s approved, will be an important component as city officials make decisions for the future, beginning with the 2026 budget.

Small wildfire being mopped up near George

GEORGE – Fire crews responded to a fire north of Interstate 90 near George Tuesday evening. The blaze was estimated at 25 acres or less before it was put out by Grant County Fire District 3 crews. It is unknown what caused the fire to start shortly after 6 p.m. but crews had it contained and were mopping up by 7:30 p.m. More information will be published as it becomes available.

ACFD 5 considering levy lid lift request

OTHELLO -— Adams County Fire District 5 residents are being invited to the July 8 commission meeting to discuss a proposal to raise the district’s tax assessment, called a levy lid lift. Fire District 5 Chief Tom Salsbury said the increase will replace money the district will lose when its contract with the city of Othello expires in May 2026.

Big party in Othello for nation’s birthday

OTHELLO — The nation’s 249th birthday will be celebrated in Othello with games and a parade and tournaments and fireworks, just like the tradition. “I love the Fourth of July. It’s the biggest party in Othello,” said Jackie Wilhelm, president of the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce. Most of the activities will be in Lions Park.

Construction starts on Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — The main parking lot for East Park in Quincy will close to traffic this week as construction crews start working on the new Quincy Aquatic Center. Russ Harrington, Parks and Recreation Director, said crews are already excavating the site. “They’re already ripping some of the ground up,” Harrington said.

Revised design may be coming for Quincy fieldhouse

QUINCY — The architects designing the proposed Quincy fieldhouse are being asked to review revising the project to add more indoor courts, rework the layout and convert it to a steel building, along with estimating what that might cost. Pat Haley, executive director for the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District, said officials are considering splitting the building into two sections. “We want to reshape it so that the field is in one building and the courts are in another building,” Haley said.

Access, development part of discussion on Moses Lake street request

MOSES LAKE — Growth, access, development and city processes were topics of discussion at a public hearing June 24 on a request to vacate a Moses Lake street. Moses Lake City Council members decided to continue the hearing to get more information on the request to vacate South Western Avenue. It’s the continuation of what people who gave testimony said is a long-standing issue.

Moses Lake man arrested for possession, intent to sell

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail Wednesday on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell. “The warrant was the second operation this week targeting illegal drug sales in and around Civic Park,” a release from the Moses Lake Police Department said.

Traffic projects coming to I-90, SR 282

MOSES LAKE — Drivers on Interstate 90 between Road O NE and Dodson Road should be prepared for delays beginning in mid-July. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant for the Washington Department of Transportation, said construction crews will be paving both the eastbound and westbound lanes. “This year it will be day work,” Moraga said.

Youth spotlight: Quincy students turn raw materials into legacy for Quincy hospital

QUINCY — The old Quincy Valley Medical Center had a few trees next to the parking lot, including three pine trees planted in – well, back in the day, not long after the hospital was built in the late 1950s. The way the new hospital had to fit on the lot meant they were in the way, and they had to come down. That led to an opportunity for the Quincy High School advanced construction class. Career and technical education is a focus at QHS, with a lot of different classes and opportunities, from firefighting to agriculture to certified nursing assistant training. Advanced construction teacher Nick Heuker said Tom Richardson, QVMC director of information services, contacted QHS to see if there might be a use for the wood from those pine trees.

Bonnie Helvey and ARFS: Working to make life better for pets and pet owners

EPHRATA — Bonnie Helvey isn’t in her office in Ephrata on Fridays – which is part of her retirement plan, she said – but she’s not just at home. On a recent Friday she was on the road to Issaquah, dropping off some dogs at a foster home and picking up a cat for transfer to another foster home. Helvey is one of the co-founders of Animal Rescue Friends Society of Grant County, and its job is to help animals that are in need. “I’ll be able to do this more when I’m retired,” Helvey said. ARFS of Grant County was founded in 2019 by Helvey and friends Annette Hernandez and Tracy Williams, later Tracy Hill.