GABRIEL DAVIS
Gabriel Davis is a resident of Othello who enjoys the connections with his sources. Davis is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University where he studied English and creative writing. During his free time, he enjoys reading, TV, movies and games – anything with a good story, though he has a preference for science fiction and crime. He covers the communities on the south end of Grant County and in Adams County.
Recent Stories
Running for paws: Othello Christmas 5K raises funds for ACPR
OTHELLO – Saturday’s Othello Christmas events started off with a bang as community members congregated outside Othello City Hall at 8 a.m. to begin the Run, Run, Rudolph 5K run or walk fundraiser for Adams County Pet Rescue.
Rural Community Leadership program going strong
OTHELLO – Othello’s Rural Community Leadership Program, a program under the Elevate Othello umbrella, had its third session and second in-person session November 30 at SkillSource’s Othello location and is going well, according to the program’s organizers. The leadership program is led by Christine Gilmore, the leadership services business manager with Rural Development Initiatives, Inc., the organization in charge of partnering with local agencies to implement the Elevate Othello program.
Columbia Basin Project moving forward
CASHMERE – The Columbia Basin Project is making gradual progress toward completion with significant accomplishments for the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program and other milestones in recent months, but is still decades away according to the project’s nonprofit arm, the Columbia Basin Development League.
Othello council passes 2024 budget, discusses ordinances
OTHELLO – The Othello City Council unanimously approved their final 2024 budget during the regular meeting Monday evening. The council also discussed temporary cargo containers on certain city properties.
Othello women’s organization fundraises thousands for food bank
OTHELLO – Xi Beta Xi, one of three Beta Sigma Phi chapters in Othello, recently presented the Othello Food Bank with $3,600 raised during the organization’s annual silent auction in October. Xi Beta Xi Secretary Linda Brady explained the fundraiser. “We've been doing it since like, by 2013. It's been at least 10 years, maybe a little more,” Brady said. “All proceeds go to the local food bank.”
WSDOT updating Highway System Plan
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation held a virtual public meeting Thursday regarding its draft for the 2024 Highway System Plan update. According to the plan, the previous version was released in 2007. WSDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Development & Delivery Kerri Woehler introduced the draft.
Elevate Othello to host community meeting Friday
OTHELLO – Organizers of the Elevate Othello project will be holding a community meeting and dinner in Spanish and English Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Othello Church of the Nazarene to discuss community priorities and advancements in Othello.
Agent breaks down Mattawa area housing trends
MATTAWA – According to Century 21 Alsted real estate agent Julie Johnson, who is based out of Moses Lake but covers all of Grant County, the housing market in Mattawa and Desert Aire is in line with trends for the national market.
Othello council discusses ACPR during final budget workshop
OTHELLO – Monday’s final budget workshop during the Othello City Council meeting led to a discussion around Adams County Pet Rescue and progress regarding its contract negotiations with the city.
Warden raises rates, approves budget
WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved the city’s final 2024 budget, as well as increases to both sewer and water utility rates, a public emergency for a well repair and an interlocal agreement with the Grant County Health District during Tuesday’s regular meeting. Warden City Administrator Kriss Shuler started by introducing the water utility rate increase. “This is the material that was reviewed by council for the rate increase for the water utility. We did discuss that the water utility has not been increased since 2016. We are supposed to raise it by cost of living every year,” Shuler said. “In our water system plan discussion, we have agreed that we are looking at raising that rate at 5% per year. At this point that can change. Council can make that decision each year. This year, they determined the 5% increase, so that amendment is in front of you.”
Othello expands Multi-Family Tax Exemption area, approves code of conduct
OTHELLO – The Othello City Council met Monday for its regular meeting, during which members approved an expansion of the city’s Multi-Family Tax Exemption program target area, a facility use agreement and fee waiver and the council code of conduct.
Montemayor hopes to bring new perspective to Othello port
OTHELLO – Newly elected Port of Othello Commissioner Homer Montemayor will be starting his term with the port on Jan. 1, replacing Kenny Schutte, who has been a commissioner since 2000. Montemayor said he hopes to bring a new perspective to the port.
Community meal
Othello community organizations host Thanksgiving meal for food insecure
OTHELLO – Several Othello organizations and businesses partnered Thursday evening to provide food-insecure individuals and families with a hot Thanksgiving meal. The Cow Path Bakery organized the event in partnership with the Othello Food Bank and the Othello Church of the Nazarene which provided a venue for the holiday celebration.
Adams Co. Public Works discusses transpo plan, public hearing
RITZVILLE – The regular Adams County Board of Commissioners Nov. 21 meeting featured discussion between the commissioners and Public Works regarding the 2024-2029 Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan projects, as well as progress on jail renovations.
Warden receives ARPA funds from Grant Co.
WARDEN – The city of Warden recently received $656,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the Grant County Board of Commissioners to address the city’s aging booster pump station, according to Warden City Administrator Kriss Shuler.
Port of Warden in good financial position, projects advancing
WARDEN – The Port of Warden is in a good financial position according to the port’s Executive Director Pat Millard. The Port Commissioners approved the organization’s final budget at the Nov. 16 regular meeting after a public hearing.
Real estate experts discuss housing shortages at national conference
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Real estate industry experts joined the Nov. 12 2023 National Association of Realtors NXT: The Realtor Experience conference in Anaheim, California to discuss multigenerational housing as a remedy for housing supply shortages, according to a Nov. 16 announcement from the NAR.
CBDL still pushing Columbia Basin Project forward
CASHMERE — Despite the completion of the Columbia Basin Project being potentially decades away, according to Columbia Basin Development League Executive Director Sara Higgins, the CBDL is still hard at work as the project’s nonprofit arm and advocacy group.
ECBID doing well, Odessa project flowing along
OTHELLO – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District is finally at a point where it has been able to start to implementing infrastructure improvements to its coverage area, mainly for the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, according to ECBID Secretary-Manager Craig Simpson.
Ephrata seeking Civil Service Commission volunteer
EPHRATA – According to a Nov. 16 public announcement from the city of Ephrata, the city is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Ephrata Civil Service Commission, which prevents political favoritism and bias from affecting police and fire hirings, promotions and appointments.
5K fundraiser for ACPR to kick off Miracle on Main Street
OTHELLO – Othello businesses Feel Good Fitness and Columbia Physical Therapy are partnering with the Othello Holiday Committee to host the Run, Run, Rudolph 5K Fundraiser for Adams County Pet Rescue Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. to kick off this year’s Miracle on Main Street celebration.
Warden mulls 2024 budget, plans for the future
WARDEN — The Nov. 14 Warden City Council meeting featured a public hearing and discussion of Warden’s 2024 preliminary budget, as well as comments on her election from city council member Rosalie Martinez, soon to be Warden’s mayor. Martinez led the council meeting due to Mayor Tony Massa’s absence.
STCU cuts ribbon in Othello
OTHELLO — Spokane Teachers Credit Union recently opened a branch in Othello at 1333 E. Main St. The new branch will offer financial services to the community. The photos here are from their recent ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the drive-thru branch’s opening.
Far-reaching influence
Adams County Pet Rescue finds support in Seattle business owners
OTHELLO — Adams County Pet Rescue has a far-reaching influence, according to Seattle business owner Staci Molzahn. Molzahn co-owns two restaurants, a catering service and a pet care business, all of which will be participating in fundraising for ACPR through the end of December. Molzahn said ACPR deserves everyone’s support, and she saw the fundraiser as a chance to have her businesses work together to help the organization. Molzahn adopted her dog, Kobe, from ACPR several years ago.
Othello preps for 2024 legislative session
OTHELLO – Othello’s state legislature lobbyist, Holly Sanabria of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations, gave a presentation at Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting on preparing the city for the 2024 legislative session.
Crash Responder Safety Week highlights traffic dangers for emergency responders
MOSES LAKE – This week, from Nov. 13 to Nov. 17, is Crash Responder Safety Week, according to an announcement from the International Association of Fire Fighters. The initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Othello Council discusses tourism budget
OTHELLO – Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting featured a discussion between council members regarding the funding for Othello organizations and agencies that promote tourism. Othello Finance Director Spencer Williams explained the subject up for discussion.
Othello PD names Garza assistant chief
OTHELLO — Othello Police Sergeant Aaron Garza was promoted to assistant chief of police and sworn in with a badge-pinning ceremony at the regular Othello City Council meeting Monday evening. Garza is filling the position of assistant chief after David Rehaume took over as chief of police earlier this year.
Gang activity low in Warden, police chief says
WARDEN – Warden Chief of Police Rick Martin said Warden’s gang activity has been significantly lower since the 2010s but the city still works with surrounding communities and within its own boundaries to prevent gang issues from returning.
Healthy waters
Soap Lake Resort last haven for mineral water lovers
SOAP LAKE – Melinda Henry, the general manager of the Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort, said that the resort is the last business in town able to pipe water from Soap Lake for use in the resort’s facilities...
Royal City approves 2024 property tax levy
ROYAL CITY – Tuesday’s regular Royal City City Council meeting featured two public hearings on the 2024 budget revenue sources and the 2024 property tax levy, as well as a vote on the levy, which passed unanimously.
More Adams Co. jail staff leaving, Wagner discusses needed maintenance
RITZVILLE – Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner spoke with the Adams County Commissioners during Tuesday’s regular meeting to discuss the Adams County jail’s staffing and maintenance issues...
Othello hosts budget retreat, hears from Chamber of Commerce
OTHELLO – Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting featured an informal budget hearing on the city’s preliminary 2024 budget, as well as a brief update from the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce.
Othello earmarks additional $50,000 for ACPR in preliminary budget
OTHELLO — During Monday’s regular Othello City Council meeting the city listed an additional $50,000 in its preliminary budget workshop for its animal control services contract with Adams County Pet Rescue, and ACPR submitted a letter requesting a total of $150,000. ACPR Board President Ken Simmons submitted a letter to the council for Monday’s meeting explaining the funding request. “ACPR is facing a public health crisis. Despite funding from the city of Othello and generous donations, our shelter is in danger of closing,” Simmons said. “We are asking for increased funding to keep up with the rising costs of inflation, minimum wage, longer-term animal care and desperately needed maintenance at the rescue.”
Even dozen: Warden Mayor reflects on 12-year term
WARDEN – Warden Mayor Tony Massa will serve his last days in office at the end of 2023 before unopposed mayoral candidate Rosaelia Martinez takes over the position at the start of 2024 after Massa opted not to run for re-election.
Othello Port approves 2024 budget, in good financial position
OTHELLO — The Port of Othello approved its 2024 budget during the Oct. 31 regular Board of Commissioners meeting, after minor discussion and adjustment of some budget items. Port Executive Director Chris Faix explained the budget compared to the previous year. “I think we're up just a little bit … between 5% and 10% up on the budget,” Faix said. “And we do have our water tower project starting next year, and we have that airport project that's going to be (starting) and that's mostly grant money.”
Annual tree lighting set for Friday evening
MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association will host the annual tree lighting downtown in Sinkiuse Square, located at 306 S. Ash St., from 4 to 6 p.m. The actual lighting of the tree is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. The Downtown Association’s new Executive Director Mallory Miller explained the basics of the tree lighting. “It's basically just an event to get families and kids downtown to kind of kick off the holiday season of holiday shopping and Christmas festivities, in a sense,” Miller said. “We have hot cocoa being handed out, and then we also have crafts for the kids to do. There's going to be a craft station put on by one of our sponsors.”
Mattawa Council approves annual property tax levy, budget
MATTAWA – The Mattawa City Council unanimously passed a resolution during Thursday’s regular meeting to approve the 1% annual levy increase to the city’s property tax collection after a public hearing on the resolution, as well as the city’s preliminary budget.
Port of Othello discusses potential for Othello Airport FBO
OTHELLO – The Port of Othello heard aircraft broker Kevin Raver speak about his informal proposal for starting a Fixed-Based Operator at the Othello Municipal Airport, which Raver said would facilitate fuel sales, provide maintenance and could help prepare the airport for community events or training certifications.
Principal motivations
Warden High principal, former MLSD teacher pushing academics, job training forward
WARDEN – Now entering her third year as Warden High School Principal, Katie Phipps said she finally feels like she has found her footing. Phipps moved to Warden High in 2021 from the Moses Lake School District. Phipps explained how she came into the position, transitioning from Moses Lake, where she taught at Frontier Middle School and then Moses Lake High School. Phipps said she has been in education for twenty years.
Q&A: Othello School Board pos. 1
OTHELLO – Incumbent Kelli Camp is facing Aaron Gerber for Othello School Board Director Position 1.
Q&A: Othello City Council candidates
OTHELLO – Darryl Barnes is running against Eugene Bain for Othello City Council Position 4.
Q&A: Warden City Council Position 4
WARDEN – Leilani Pruneda is running against Jesus Martinez for Position 5 on the Warden City Council.
Wahluke School Board members discuss state of the district at forum
MATTAWA – The South Grant County Chamber of Commerce’s Oct. 25 candidate forum at Wahluke High School featured a discussion between candidates for the Wahluke School Board and Superintendent Andrew Harlow about what is going on at the district.
Big Bend eligible for $1M Aspen prize
MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College announced Thursday that the Aspen Institute named Big Bend as one of 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Fire focus: GCFD 8 Commissioner speaks at candidate forum.
MATTAWA – Last week’s South Grant County candidate forum featured unopposed candidate for Grant County Fire District 8 Commissioner Debra Crain, who spoke during the forum about GCFD 8 and gave advice to the public.
Mattawa candidates speak about the city’s issues
MATTAWA — Unopposed and opposed candidates for Mattawa City Council and Mattawa mayor attended the South Grant County candidate forum Oct. 25 at Wahluke High School, put on by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce. Incumbent mayoral candidate Maria Celaya and incumbent council candidate Brian Berghout were not in attendance. Candidates answered the same questions and spoke about various topics and issues in Mattawa.
Warden’s new student assistance professional addresses mental health
WARDEN — The Warden School District welcomed a new staff member earlier this month. Araceli Flores joined Warden High School as its new student assistance professional, a position intended to help students’ behavioral and mental health. Warden High School Principal Katie Phipps said the position is fully funded by a grant through the North Central Educational Service District. Warden joins other schools in Grant County, including Soap Lake, Quincy and Moses Lake, that have hired a student assistance professional. “This is grant-funded, which is nice for us because our resources are fairly limited, of course,” Phipps said. “So the ESD wrote a grant and then that allowed for a salaried position to bring in somebody that has more of a background in mental health, because that's definitely a need that we have, and it's a harder one to fill. It's especially a harder one to fill when you don't have the funding for it.”
Warden School Board approves levy renewals
WARDEN — The Warden School Board unanimously approved a motion Thursday to renew the district’s educational programs and operations levy and its capital technology initiatives levy. The board also approved the Public School Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement and swore in three student representatives to the board. Warden School District Superintendent Scott West introduced the levy renewal. “We had a special board meeting last night and we were going to try to get (in touch) with Cory Plager to see if our thoughts were going to be conservative enough and to make sure that the information that he shared, in the paper and also the packets that he provided, is accurate so we can be able to get the most out of what we're asking of our taxpayers,” West said.
S. Grant chamber hosts community forum
MATTAWA – The South Grant County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate and small municipality forum Wednesday evening at Wahluke High School, featuring current officials and candidates for Mattawa City Council and Mayor, Wahluke School Board, Grant County Fire District 8 and Grant County Airport District 1.