CHERYL SCHWEIZER

Firefighting challenging, interesting, rewarding, ACFD 5 chief says

OTHELLO — It’s getting busier in Adams County Fire District 5, at a time when it’s more difficult to find volunteers. Chief Tom Salsbury said July 2025 was almost a record month. “(In June) we had 53 calls, and (in July) we had 58 calls,” Salsbury said. “Our call volume has really, really gone up from what it used to be.”

Adams County Jail remodel could begin early next year

RITZVILLE — Remodeling of the Adams County Jail could begin in spring 2026. Adams County Commissioners authorized county officials to go ahead with a draft design for the project within the existing budget Tuesday. Todd O’Brien, county public works director, said the goal is to determine what can be done with the money and square footage available.

Moses Lake considering options for fire, EMS services

MOSES LAKE — Options for changing fire and EMS delivery in and around Moses Lake, or whether to keep the existing system, will be the subject of a study commissioned by city officials. The city has issued a request for proposals for a consultant to study three alternatives, and Mayor Dustin Swartz said it’s a sign of growth in Moses Lake and the surrounding area.

Grant Co. opioid overdoses up in 2025

MOSES LAKE — With seven months of the year done, the number of overdose deaths in Grant County is running ahead of the same period in 2024. KC Sherwood, death investigator for the Grant County Coroner’s Office, said as of the end of July, Grant County has had 27 overdose deaths. “Last year, I think our total was 34. And we’re at 27 (cases) already,” Sherwood said. "There are more deaths due to overdoses than there were in the past.”

Othello street tax renewal to appear on November ballot

OTHELLO — Othello residents will be asked to approve or reject a proposal to extend a two-tenths of 1% addition to the city’s sales tax to pay for street improvements in the November general election. “That money has been going into the transportation benefit district fund. It’s a sole standalone fund, and those dollars are being used for various street projects, from total rehab of a street to crack seal (and) the smaller things,” said Spencer Williams, the city’s finance officer. “It’s not a new tax. If the members of the public want it, it would continue that tax for the next 10 years.”

Synthetic opioids driving increased overdoses

MOSES LAKE — More – and more powerful – controlled substances are making their way into the Columbia Basin, and that trend is making itself felt in overdose deaths and nonfatal overdoses. Mariah Deleon, harm reduction coordinator for the Grant County Health District, detailed some of the statistics. “Between 2016 and 2018, there were 19 deaths (in Grant County). Then, between 2021 to 2023, there were 63 deaths,” Deleon said.

Mobile fun

Rec van brings toys, crafts and games to Moses Lake neighborhoods

MOSES LAKE — Four-year-old Leilani Torres examined her artwork critically. “Okay, what else do I need?” she asked, as she searched through the piles of construction paper.

ROAD REPORT: Aug. 1, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Drivers should be ready for single lane traffic, delays and temporary ramp closures along sections of Interstate 90 between Dodson Road and Road O Northeast. Sections of the road and the access ramps are being repaved, with the work expected to continue through the end of the construction season.

Moses Lake city offices closed for Fuhr memorial

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department office will be closed Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday to allow MLPD officers and staff to attend the service for former Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr.

Basin thunderstorms possible Thursday and Friday

MOSES LAKE — One more day of hot weather will be followed by a gradual temperature drop down into the mid-80s by next week, but there is the chance of thunderstorms between today and those cooler temperatures.

Othello pool bond headed to Nov. ballot

OTHELLO — Othello residents will be asked to approve or reject a $3.55 million construction bond to make repairs and upgrades to the Othello Community Pool. The bond will be on the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election. The unanimous decision from the Othello City Council came after a lengthy discussion of the options. “I don’t think this is a very easy decision,” said Chris Dorow, the chair of a committee tasked with looking at the options.

New Othello Police Department officer sworn in

OTHELLO — Oscar Munoz returned to his hometown to start his law enforcement career. Munoz was sworn in as the newest Othello Police Department officer Monday.

Othello-area broadband project going out for bids

OTHELLO — The second and last phase of an Adams County project to expand broadband service should be advertised for bid by late summer. Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship said some of the areas originally in the county project got broadband service in the time since construction started. “We’re in the process of having the designers design around those areas,” Blankenship said.

Grant PUD examining rate structure changes again

EPHRATA — A new rate structure might be coming to Grant County Public Utility District customers in 2026, and customers will be able to tell PUD commissioners what they think about it beginning in September. Commissioner Tom Flint said electrical rates will be on an upward trajectory, given substantial increases in demand and increased costs to produce electricity.

Republican Party fairgrounds booth gets upgrade

MOSES LAKE — With the Grant County Fair dead ahead, it’s sprucing-up-fixing-up-freshen-up the booth time. The Grant County Republicans are working on a top-to-bottom renovation. “It’s looking pretty cool.” said Vickey Melcher, who’s leading the volunteer crew. “We’re pretty excited about it.”

Four lanes to stay on E. Wheeler Road

MOSES LAKE — A section of East Wheeler Road won’t be reconfigured to one lane in each direction and a left-turn lane. Moses Lake City Council members voted 6-1 July 22 to agree to a request from businesses along Wheeler Road to keep the current lane configuration.

Two Moses Lake annexations under consideration

MOSES LAKE — Two separate property owners have requested annexation into the city of Moses Lake, and Moses Lake City Council members have agreed to consider the requests. Vivian Ramsey, interim community development director, said considering the request does not mean the properties will be annexed.

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: 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.

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.

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.