‘Hello, Dolly!’
Matchmaking, mayhem and a little and manipulation light up QVAA musical
QUINCY — Audiences can put on their Sunday clothes and cast themselves back to the Gay Nineties this month as Quincy Valley Allied Arts brings “Hello, Dolly!” to the stage.
Country Sweethearts to benefit cancer patients, families
MOSES LAKE — The 16th annual Country Sweethearts benefit auction is coming up Feb. 1 and it’s going to be a doozy, according to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Executive Director Angel Ledesma.
A career of grace
Pastor Walter Klockers prepares to retire
MOSES LAKE — Pastor Walter Klockers has a guiding principle: “This is Christ's Church, and I know my place.” It’s a part of the creed he maintains for his ministry, he said; he regularly reminds himself that he is an imperfect person who is called to proclaim a perfect Gospel and to serve others rather than feed his own ego. “That, I review, because I fail so many times,” he added.
ENZO opens event room, expands kitchen
MOSES LAKE — ENZO owners and staff cut the ribbon on the restaurant’s newest facility, called the Riviera Room, Wednesday. ENZO already had a smaller banquet facility, called the Amalfi Room, owner Rhonda Cacchiotti explained, but it’s also used for everyday dining and even when it’s booked for private functions it can only accommodate 25-30 people. “This (Riviera) room has capacity for 60-80 people.” Cacchiotti said. “It has a private entrance. It has AV equipment (with) a drop-down screen. We have speakers, we have microphones. We have a podium that can be used. We have room to push tables into different configurations, where we can have a small dance floor. We have a full banquet buffet menu that we can also customize.”
Interest rates continue to drag down housing market in Washington
KIRKLAND — 2024 ended with a disappointing housing market statewide, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate across 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. Interest rates were responsible for much of the gloom, according to the NWMLS. While potential home buyers and sellers had hoped for a reprieve, the Federal Reserve’s three interest rate cuts in 2024 failed to produce a significant increase in the market. Rather, in early January the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.91%, the highest it’s been since last July. Median home prices went up statewide by 4.3% between December 2023 and December 2024. In Grant County, however, the median price dropped very slightly from $360,950 to $356,582 over the last year, and in Adams County the median price dropped 10.3% from $322,500 to $292,300, the second-lowest median home price of any county.
Open Mic brings out the talent in Soap Lake
SOAP LAKE — It’s 5:30 p.m, and 11-year-old Jimmy Ocampo is singing “Die with a Smile” in front of an audience of about 25 people. He’s the fourth performer to take the stage in the last half hour, and there’s a long waiting list after him. It’s Open Mic Night, and the sky’s the limit.
Curiosity keeps centenarian young
MOSES LAKE — It could be that the secret to living a long time is just not to get old.
Beta Lambda brightens Christmas for farm worker families
OTHELLO — Sixty Othello children had a better Christmas this year, thanks to the ladies of Beta Lambda. Members of the women’s service organization took gifts to families at Guadalupe Haven, the low-income housing complex owned by Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. This is the third year the organization has brought gifts to Guadalupe Haven, Beta Lambda member Trudy Doolittle wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Guadalupe Haven manager Maria Guzman said a representative of Catholic Charities put her in touch with Beta Lambda.
Four Seasons Farm Service
Serving the community year-round with practicality and a smile
EPHRATA — J.J. Heston, owner of Four Seasons Farm Service, was already familiar with the store long before he owned it. “All through high school and my young adult years, I’d say ‘Hey, Dad, what do I spray on this weed?’ ‘Go see (then-owner Bernie Martin),’” he said. “‘Hey Dad, where do you get fertilizer?’ ‘Go see Bernie.’ So I just kind of bypassed Dad and came to talk to Bernie.”
Moses Lake Museum exhibit explores humanity
MOSES LAKE — An exhibit opening next week at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will take a closer look at what it means to be human. “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?” will open Jan. 10, according to Gallery Director Veronica Talbot. It’s a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, she said.
Fixing the damage
It’s wise to have a pro on your side when filing a claim
MOSES LAKE — It was, as they say, a dark and stormy night. Now it’s the next morning, and you’re looking with dismay at the tree that the wind sent crashing into your roof. You’ve got homeowners insurance, of course, but where do you go from there? “I hope you have an agent, as opposed to an 800 number,” said Chris Arnberg, an American Family Insurance agent in Moses Lake. “If you just have an 800 number, a company … where you don't have an actual person whose job it is to provide individual service, if you call to ask about opening a claim, they're going to open a claim.”
MLK Jr. program to take place Jan. 20
MOSES LAKE — The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program will take place Jan. 20, according to committee President Miranda Bridges, celebrating the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. “It's a chance for the community to come together and be supportive to one another, recognize Dr. King’s life and his dream and his vision for all of us,” Bridges said.
Bill headed to WA Legislature would allow private family cemeteries
OLYMPIA — Washington could allow family burial plots on private property, according to a statement from the office of Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who prefiled the bill Dec. 13. House Bill 1065 would amend state law to allow burials on private land if other conditions are met, according to the statement. The legislation addresses ambiguity in state law, protects property rights, and honors cultural traditions, Walsh wrote.
Carniceria La Nueva
Mexican store with drive-thru to open on Third Avenue in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — There’s a new Mexican store coming to town, and it’s got a twist: drive-thru service. Construction has been underway since August on a building at 914 W. Third Ave., which will be Carniceria La Nueva, according to owner Miguel Alanis.
Holiday tour
MOSES LAKE - Six-year-old Ellyas DeLaRosa introduces his Elf on the Shelf to the Christmas tree at Sinkiuse Square Tuesday. Because it was Christmas Eve, his mom Velma DeLaRosa explained, Ellyas was finally allowed to touch the elf, and so he was taking the elf on a tour of places he likes around Moses Lake.
'More than a statistic’
Civil Air Patrol, American Legion team up for Wreaths Across America
EPHRATA — More than 1,000 Grant County veterans were remembered Dec. 13 when the Civil Air Patrol, American Legion Post 28, Ephrata, and other community members laid wreaths on their graves.
Long journey: WSU scientists travel from India to Adams County
LIND — As the crow flies, the state of Rajasthan in Northwestern India is a long way from the state of Washington. But in some ways, they’re very similar. “A mountain range goes through the middle of the state (of Rajasthan),” said Dr. Surendra Singh, director of the Washington State University Lind Dryland Research Station. “The other side gets all the rain and we don't. And after 10 years, I ended up again on the drier side of the mountains.”
Festival of Trees raises funds for safe, affordable homes
MOSES LAKE — It was an evening of glittery trees, gaudy sweaters and holiday cheer at the Festival of Trees, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake’s annual banquet, auction and fundraiser. The event raised a little more than $70,000, according to Executive Director Rebecca Mabius.
‘The funnest day of the year’
Officers, families hit the aisles for Shop with a Cop Tuesday
MOSES LAKE — The Walmart store in Moses Lake was awash in uniforms Tuesday evening, as nearly every law enforcement officer in the area was gathered there for the annual Shop with a Cop event. “We get so many of our deputies that want to be part of this,” said Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete. “Every year we get some guys that keep coming back to do it, but we get a pretty good cycle of new people every year that want to be part of it.” “The nice thing is, everyone that’s here is here on their own (time),” said Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. “No one’s working tonight that’s here right now.”
Coulee City clinic, library both get new home
COULEE CITY — Coulee City got a twofer Tuesday, as officials cut the ribbon on the new building that will house both medical clinic and library. “We're just incredibly ecstatic,” said Port of Coulee City Commissioner Joy Beardsley. “After all these years, we get to walk into an actual building.”
Habitat for Humanity to focus on home repairs in 2025
MOSES LAKE — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake will focus on repairing existing homes rather than building a new one in 2025.
Scotty’s marks 30 years
$100 down buys three4 decades of serving the Basin
MOSES LAKE — It started with an audacious gamble by a 25-year-old mechanic. “I went to (Bill Duncan, who owned an industrial building on Citation Street), and I said ‘I’d like to get started. I’ll give you $100 down on the building, and then I’ll promise to pay the rent in two weeks or I’ll get out,’” said Scott Myers, who owns Scotty’s Auto Repair with his wife Jeannette. “He looked me in the eye and said ‘OK, I’ll do it,’ and we shook hands, and he gave me the key.”
WA named most bike-friendly state again
OLYMPIA – There is no state more supportive of people who travel by bike than Washington, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars returns in January
MOSES LAKE — There will be some fancy footwork at the Wallenstien Theater Jan. 11, when Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars returns for a second time, according to an announcement from the Central Basin Community Concert Association. “Last year’s show raised over $13,000 and we hope to exceed that this year,” CBCCA board member Carol Eidsvig wrote in the announcement. “The show was unique and something Moses Lake hasn’t seen before, we hope to fill the theater and show the community all we have to offer.” Six Moses Lake residents will each be paired with a professional dancer from the Utah Dance Company and have a week to perfect their moves, according to the announcement.
Housing market dips, but less than last year
MOSES LAKE — ’Tis the season for a sluggish housing market, according to data released last week by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties.
Care Moses Lake unveils new van
MOSES LAKE — Care Moses Lake will hit the road this year in a new van, with help from the Rotary Club of Moses Lake and the Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake. “Kiwanis came up with the idea after a conversation with Care Moses Lake,” said Rotarian Dave Campbell at the van’s unveiling Monday. “It was a project for consideration of our golf tournament … and that ended up materializing into what we have today.”
Ready to shop
Moses Lake Shop with a Cop raises funds for gifts for families in need
MOSES LAKE — The Shop with a Cop program got a boost Wednesday and another Thursday. Wednesday evening the Columbia Basin Eagles Auxiliary presented the Grant County Sheriff’s Office with a check for $500.
Home at last
Habitat for Humanity’s latest house was a long time coming
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake family will move into its first home in the coming weeks, thanks to Habitat for Humanity. “This family is a family of four,” said Rebecca Mabius, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake. “They were able to select the flooring. They're able to select the color of their house, all the cabinets. They came in and they did the tile work themselves which, God bless them, that's a feat in itself.”
Ancient Lakes students collect hats, gloves
QUINCY — Three students at Ancient Lakes Elementary School in Quincy have made winter a little warmer for some folks. “(They collected) 97 pairs of gloves, 93 hats and eight scarves,” said teacher Kayla Hoffer.
Vocab VIPs
MLCA students give impressive showing in international vocabulary competition
MOSES LAKE — Next time you advise a Moses Lake Christian Academy student to use their words, be careful. They might use some you don’t know. MLCA emerged from the fall Vocabulary Bowl with some impressive honors: first place in Washington, second place in the U.S. and Canada in the under-500-students division and fourth place in North America overall.
Columbia Basin Foundation raffles trees for foster children
EPHRATA — The Grant County Guardian Ad Litem program, which advocates for children in foster care, will be the beneficiary of this year’s Columbia Basin Foundation Festival of Trees, according to CBF Executive Director Corinne Isaak.
Hometown shopping
Small Business Saturday brings rush of holiday sales to local shops
MOSES LAKE — Black Friday is big business, drawing huge crowds to huge stores with heavily advertised specials. But the next day, Small Business Saturday, hits a little closer to home.
Home repair help available for qualifying seniors
MOSES LAKE — Seniors whose homes need a little upkeep may be eligible for some help. The government offers grants and low-interest loans for home repairs, and some nonprofits are available to help out as well.
FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: ‘Be the calm’
Quincy PD sergeant builds ties with the community
QUINCY — For Quincy Police Sergeant Joe Westby, it’s all about the people. “It's just been really cool adapting to the community,” he said. “I hold value in the community like they hold in me. I try and make sure when the need arises, I do the best work I possibly can.”
‘More than we ask or imagine’
Othello Nazarene Church celebrates 70 years of faith
OTHELLO — “The days of our years are threescore years and ten,” the Biblical poet wrote in Psalm 90, but the Othello Church of the Nazarene, which celebrated that milestone this year, shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. The church celebrated its 70th birthday with displays of photos and oral history in the gathering area outside the sanctuary.
Home value increases only slightly nationally, more locally
MOSES LAKE — Home prices are up 4.3% nationwide from a year ago, according to a report released Tuesday by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the lowest price growth year-over-year in a decade.
Miss East Cascades looks to elevate young women
MOSES LAKE — Young women from Grant County are invited to try out for the Miss East Cascades scholarship program, the first step toward Miss America, said Miss East Cascades Executive Director Deloma Sherwood.
BBCC women’s basketball making some noise this year
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College women’s basketball Coach Preston Wilks is optimistic this year.
Big Bend women’s wrestling prospects looking up this year
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend women’s wrestling bobbled a little at the beginning but picked up quickly, according Head Coach Desiree Alejandro. The Vikings lost their first dual Nov. 16 against Umpqua Community College 30-9, but got their own back the next day at the Mike Clock Tournament.
Attitude, solidarity key for BBCC men’s basketball
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend men’s basketball team got thrown a bit of a curve ball when they started their season in Arizona, said Head Coach Jason Hopkins.
BBCC men’s wrestling off to up-and-down start
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend men’s wrestling season started off fast, said head coach Daviaire Dickerson.
ACH girls have height and speed, work on swagger
COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline girls basketball team is standing tall this year. Literally.
Ritzville Winter Fest set to spread cheer over two weekends
RITZVILLE — Apparently, Ritzville has so much holiday spirit, it must take two weekends for Winter Fest.
‘Mary Poppins’ auditions Dec. 2 at Basin Community Theatre
MOSES LAKE — Basin Community Theatre will hold auditions Dec. 2 for its upcoming production of “Mary Poppins.” “We thought that we would do a family show instead of an adult show,” said Toby Black, director of the play and president of BCT. “You know, one that the kids could come in, laugh and giggle, and try to entertain the younger kids. So we … chose Mary Poppins.”
New CBH reporter loves to tell the community's stories
MOSES LAKE — Nance Beston has always loved finding out things and telling stories. “My grandma got me a camera when I was really young,” Beston said. “And as soon as I got that camera, I harassed everyone to get their photos, including random strangers. At a certain point, my dad no longer allowed me to bring it to the store, because I was taking pictures of random people and they were not happy.”
Ag Parade coming Dec. 6 to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake will celebrate agriculture and the holidays downtown Dec. 6 with music, food and the traditional Ag Parade.
Washington voted to lift natural gas restrictions, but will the changes stick?
OLYMPIA — Of the four initiatives that were on the Washington ballot this year, only one passed, and it’s one that affects housing statewide, including in Grant and Adams counties.
Gesa ‘Stock-the-Sock’ gift drive begins
RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union announced Wednesday the beginning of its annual “Stock the Sock” gift drive.
Local mothers group collecting toys for Christmas
MOSES LAKE — Christmas can be a really worrisome time for families with children, especially during tough economic times. However, when people are worried, moms come to the rescue.
Moses Lake tree lighting kicks off the holiday season
MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake blazed into light Friday evening as the enormous holiday tree in Sinkiuse Square was lit to mark the beginning of the holiday season. About 500 people came to the event, said Mallory Miller, executive director of the Downtown Moses Lake Association, which staged the event. In addition to the tree lighting itself, there were craft tables and a scavenger hunt for the kids and hot dogs and hot cocoa for everybody. The turnout was bigger than last year, said volunteers Jesseanne Polmateer and Mason Golliher, who were handing out fliers for the scavenger hunt. There were about 300 people at the end of the night last year, Golliher said, and within the first half hour they had already given out more than 100 fliers.