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.

Pizza Hut opens in Othello

OTHELLO — Othello’s first Pizza Hut opened Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting followed by a line out the door for lunch.

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.

Youth coding marathon coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Budding coders, artists and musicians from sixth through 12 grade are invited this weekend to take part in Counterspell, a 24-hour hackathon in which participants will create games. “It’s going to be the first event of this kind in our region,” said Amiya Saha, a Moses Lake High School senior who’s one of the organizers. “A lot of these have been in Seattle and larger cities, but we want to share technology with rural communities.”

Trimmed and ready

Festival of Trees to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

MOSES LAKE — Folks who are pining for a Christmas tree will find them all spruced up with lights and decorations at the annual Festival of Trees Dec. 7. The event is Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake’s biggest fundraiser of the year, said President Rebecca Mabius. It will be held in the Advanced Technologies Education Center at Big Bend Community College. “This year we have 13 trees that will be available for purchase, and they’re donated and decorated by individuals and businesses here in the community,” Mabius said.

Socktober drive brings in 1,300 pairs of socks

MOSES LAKE — Some feet will be warmer this winter in Moses Lake. A whole lot of feet, in fact. Greenpoint Technologies and Red Door Cafe’s joint project, Socktober, brought in 1,300 pairs of socks last month, according to an email from organizer Amy Ward. This is the first year that Moses Lake has done Socktober and the response was overwhelming, said Phyllis Lavalle, Ward’s mother, who helped her count and package the socks Nov. 8. The drive was given a big boost by Bombas, a nationwide clothing retailer that specializes in socks.

‘Wonderful people’

Fabric Patch community contributes more than $52,000 to fight cancer.

EPHRATA — The Fabric Patch’s breast cancer auction was not your typical fundraiser. There was no expensive venue, no banquet, no volunteers pouring wine or selling raffle tickets. Just a camera, a few dedicated women, and thousands of bidders.

Serving the unseen

His Helping Hands helps people in need stay warm through the winter

EPHRATA — Cold weather and a tough economy can be a nasty combination, and sometimes people fall unseen through the cracks.

Vets honored at Ephrata parade

EPHRATA — It wasn’t a huge crowd that turned out for the Veterans Day parade in Ephrata, but it was a reverent one.

Local talent takes over at Moses Lake Museum

MOSES LAKE — The members take over the museum this month, as the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center’s Members Exhibition showcases local talent on tap. “The show features a wide variety of art in different styles,” Museum Communications Coordinator Natalia Zuyeva wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “Ceramics, acrylic, watercolor, stained glass and more are present in this year’s show.”

A family of service

Quincy clan counts 24 veterans

MOSES LAKE — Dietrich and Emma Thiesfeld’s 14 children could just about constitute an army in themselves. “Seven of them are or were veterans, and the other seven married veterans,” said Leland “Lee” Thiesfeld, 84 and the 10th of those children, who served in the Marine Corps in the early 1960s. Lee and his wife Charlene live in Moses Lake, where they raised their four children, one of whom followed his father into the USMC. Some of those overlap, like Lee’s oldest sister Elverda, who both served in the Navy and married a Marine, he said. Between the siblings and their children, the Thiesfeld family tree holds 24 military vets. Ironically, their father Dietrich never served, Lee said. “In the First World War, he got an exemption for farming,” he said. “He had to help on the farm. In those days, 60%, 70% of the population was farmers. Nowadays it isn’t even 10%.”

‘Moments of sheer terror’

Soap Lake veteran, comrades, awarded Congressional Gold Medal

SOAP LAKE — War is hell, it’s often said, and soldiers who get hurt or killed in action are rightly honored for their courage and sacrifice. But recently the U.S. Congress honored another group whose courage sometimes goes unnoticed. Operation Dustoff, the collective name for the medical teams who evacuated the wounded from the battlefields of Vietnam in helicopters, was honored in September with the Congressional Gold Medal. One of those men was Glenn Knight, who now lives in the Lakewood area of Soap Lake. “A Dustoff crew was made up of two pilots, a crew chief and a medic,” Knight said. “I was a medic.”

‘A beautiful setup’

Youth Dynamics unveils remodeled facility

MOSES LAKE — Youth Dynamics got a makeover recently, and it was unveiled Tuesday. “We redid the kitchen last year,” said YD Area Director Sean Sallis. “It was a full remodel … so we’re able to feed more kids. It’s a very beautiful setup in here.”

‘A place of peace’

Palos Verdes cuts ribbon on new Moses Lake neighborhood

MOSES LAKE — Palos Verdes at Lakemont became official Tuesday, with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. “We're excited to work together,” said Palos Verdes CEO Angel Garza. “I think it's going to be something that is going to be great for the city of Moses Lake. We've been desiring to be here, and you gave us an opportunity.”

Lighting up the town

Moses Lake downtown tree lighting is Nov. 15

MOSES LAKE — The holiday tree in downtown Moses Lake will blaze up bigger and brighter this year.

‘It’ll come back’

Alumni, families support St. Rose school

EPHRATA — The students at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata were the winners Saturday evening, as the school’s annual fundraiser banquet and auction brought in more than expected. “The great thing about this dinner is that you are going to lose weight,” Bishop Joseph Tyson, who proudly proclaimed himself a native of Moses Lake, told the crowd. “You’re going to eat as much as you want, and you’re going to lose weight because you’re going to leave your wallets on the table.”

Seniors save on fishing in Washington

COLUMBIA BASIN — A day on the water with a pole and peace and quiet may just be what the doctor ordered, even if you have to wear some mittens as temps decline.

Halloween in Ephrata

EPHRATA — Forty businesses and organizations teamed up Thursday to give young – and some not-so-young – costumed visitors a trick-or-treating experience in downtown Ephrata.

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Hartline firefighter and EMT covers a lot of ground

HARTLINE — Grant County Fire District 6 covers 232 square miles of Northeastern Grant County with a population of a little over 2,200. That means resources can get stretched a little thin, said Charles Erickson, a fifth-generation farmer in the Hartline area. “For the most part, we’re all farmers out here, and a lot of times, I can be 12 miles north and two miles away from my pickup, and when the call comes out, it’s going to take me 10, 15 minutes to get back to my pickup and then another 10, 15 minutes to get into town,” Erickson said. Erickson – he’s equally at home being called “Charlie” or “Chuck” – is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician who also serves on the fire commission for GCFD 6. That makes him both Fire Chief Daryl Dormaier’s subordinate and one of his three bosses, which Dormaier is just fine with.

Murder in the house

Othello High School drama club presents ‘Clue’

OTHELLO — Othello High School’s fall play has it all: blackmail, murder, fake identities, jump scares and more unexpected twists than a logging road at midnight. “There's a lot of screams,” said Sophia Terayama, who plays Mrs. White in OHS’ performance of “Clue,” which opens Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 9 at McFarland Middle School. “There's a lot of murders going on. It's kind of to be expected.”

Keep ahead of water damage

MOSES LAKE — With fall turning into winter, there’s always a risk of water damage to the home from a sudden thaw or heavy rain or snowfall. “(Water damage) is one of the most common and expensive claims that homeowners need to file,” said Jennifer Hawton, a spokesperson for Pemco Insurance. “It accounts for 25% of all homeowner insurance claims, and it can move people out of their homes for weeks ... but it is also one of the most preventable kinds of damage.”

The dead live on in memory at the Moravida Festival

MOSES LAKE — This world and the next came together Saturday at the Moravida Festival at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Pet rescue to hold fundraiser at Moore Brewing

MOSES LAKE — Moore Brewing Company of Moses Lake will host a benefit fundraiser for Lost and Found Pets of Grant County, Washington, according to an announcement from the organization.

Sister story

Quincy High production of ‘Little Women’ takes a fresh look at the classic

QUINCY — One of the most beloved families in American literature will take the stage at Quincy High School. “Little Women,” a stage adaptation of the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, will be performed at the QHS Performing Arts Center Friday and Saturday, and again Nov. 7-9. The script is a little different from the original novel, said drama teacher and director Haliey Weber.

Homeschoolers host science fair

EPHRATA — Eighteen children showed what they had learned about the world around them Saturday at the Little House Science Fair in Ephrata. “Every year we have a theme, and this year’s theme is “Hands On,” said Hannah Gustafson, who organized the show for the Little House in the Desert Homeschool Group. “So when you look around at the projects, you can see that people are able to pick up something or practice with an example using their hands.”

A dance of murder

Ballet mystery lets the audience pick the villain

MOSES LAKE — It’s not often that the words “ballet,” “interactive” and “murder mystery” appear together. “You actually have never seen it before,” said Shawn Cardwell, executive director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which will present Ballet Fantastique’s “Murder at the Ballet” Friday at the Wallenstien Theater. “This is a world premiere. They have found no evidence that anyone else has ever done something like this.”

‘Mystery Masquerade’ the theme of St. Rose auction Saturday

EPHRATA — “Mystery Masquerade” will be the theme of the 41st annual St. Rose of Lima Catholic School auction Saturday. “It’ll be really fun to see what everybody comes as,” said St. Rose Principal Amy Krautscheid. Costumes aren’t required, she added.

A cycle of abuse

Domestic Violence Action Month focuses on a problem often kept under wraps

MOSES LAKE — On a single day in October, the Moses Lake Police Department received 62 calls for service, according to its records. More than one in eight of those was a domestic incident.

New builder in town

Homes ready to go at The Refuge at Mae Valley

MOSES LAKE — The neighborhood is there. Now all it needs is some neighbors. “Being a new builder and a new name to town, it does take a little bit to get name recognition up and running,” said Realtor Amy Leicht at the ribbon-cutting Tuesday for The Refuge at Mae Valley, a new housing development by Tri-Cities-based Pro Made Homes.

Localizing the park

Lower Peninsula Park garden highlights low-water, pollutant-filtering plants

MOSES LAKE — Lower Peninsula Park is moving beyond the usual grassy fields, with some help from the Columbia Basin Conservation District and the city of Moses Lake. Staff from both the city and CBCD were out Wednesday morning preparing a demonstration garden that will show how native, low-water plants thrive in the region

Hayden Homes named among best places to work

REDMOND, Ore. — Hayden Homes recently received two of the nation’s top honors for construction and mid-sized workplaces from Fortune magazine and the website Great Place To Work, according to an announcement from Hayden Homes.

Teaching America

Quincy classes help prepare for U.S. citizenship test

QUINCY — Folks who would like to prepare to become U.S. citizens can get some help through the Quincy Public Library, according to an announcement from NCW Libraries. There is no charge for the classes. The space for the classes is supplied by NCW Libraries, and Hand in Hand Immigration Services, a Wenatchee-based nonprofit, will provide the instruction, content and materials. The classes are offered in both English and Spanish.

Meeting in the middle

Developer looks to fill housing gap with duplexes

MOSES LAKE — A new housing development in progress on the south side of Moses Lake could expand the housing options in town. “You guys need entry-level housing,” said Troy Schmeil, owner of Bellevue-based Sapphire Homes Northwest, which is developing a tract of land off South Division Street. “On both sides of the state, you have … older apartment buildings and single-family (homes), and there’s nothing in between.”

‘They’re amazing’

Moses Lake Chamber honors outstanding members, welcomes new board

MOSES LAKE — Incoming Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Kim Pope had some things to say about the town’s growth Tuesday night. “Moses Lake is growing,” said Pope, the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin. “We have more businesses coming to town than in – I don’t even want to say this – the 40-plus years that I’ve lived here.”

Making the rounds

Ephrata Wine Walk showcases local wines, costumes Saturday

EPHRATA — The Wine Walk will take over downtown Ephrata Saturday, and it’s a good idea to get tickets online.

Faith, fun and food

Faith & Blue brings police, churches together for tailgate party

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department and local churches joined forces Friday for Faith & Blue at Lions Field in Moses Lake.

‘Worth fighting for’

Crossroads banquet speaker tells story of life and love

MOSES LAKE — Steventhen Holland had a question Saturday as the featured speaker at a fundraiser banquet benefiting Crossroads Resource Center, which provides care, counseling and supplies to people facing unplanned pregnancies as an alternative to abortion. “I want you to think about how you answer this,” he said. “Is life worth fighting for? I think the way we answer that really dictates the actions that come.”

‘Under the Sea’

Old Hotel benefit auction has a maritime theme Saturday

OTHELLO — Art lovers – and others – are invited to take a dive Saturday. “Under the Sea” is the theme of the Old Hotel Art Gallery’s annual benefit auction and although it’s not required, attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly. “We’ll be having a costume contest,” said gallery director Samantha Copas. “Something under the sea: mermaids, a ship’s captain, or just beach wear.”

Down on the farm

First-graders learn about agriculture on field trip

MOSES LAKE — More than 500 children got a close-up look at agriculture Wednesday at First Grade Farm Day on Moses Lake. “It really comes back to ag advocacy,” said Moses Lake High School ag teacher Tony Kern. “Even though we’re in an agricultural community, there’s fewer and fewer people who actually know where their food comes from, how it’s made, being around animals or even understanding the breadth of agriculture.” Farm Day is a deep-rooted tradition in Moses Lake. Kern has taught at MLHS for 26 years, he said, and he thought the event went back at least another 20 years before that.

Boeing announces coming job cuts, third-quarter loss

MOSES LAKE — Boeing plans to cut its workforce by about 10%, according to an announcement Friday from CEO Kelly Ortberg. Ortberg did not give a timeline for the job cuts, saying only that they would be instituted “over the coming months.” “Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together,” Ortberg wrote in the announcement. “Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.” How the cuts will affect the company’s operation in Moses Lake, which employs about 800 people, isn’t yet clear, said Boeing spokesperson Bobbie Egan.

Home efficiency aid

New program to help with upgrades as well as heating bill assistance

MOSES LAKE — When the wind turns chilly in a few weeks, Basin residents can get a little extra help with their heating, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

‘Cowboy up for Youth’

Youth Dynamics auction and banquet coming Oct. 19

MOSES LAKE — “Cowboy Up for Youth” will be the theme of Youth Dynamics’ annual dinner and auction Oct. 19. The auctions in the past haven’t really had themes, said YD Director Sean Sallis, just allusions to the organization’s outdoor youth adventures.

‘All the accolades’

Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Kim Pope honored on multiple levels

MOSES LAKE — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin Director Kim Pope got just a little embarrassed at Saturday’s fundraiser banquet. “In this community, we know how amazing Kim Pope is,” Boys & Girls Clubs Board Member Kelly Price told the crowd. “However, this is even bigger: She received the CEO (of the Year) Award from the Boys and Girls Club from the Washington and Alaska clubs.”

CBH’s Bivona named WA Sportswriter of the year

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Herald sports reporter Ian Bivona was caught completely flat-footed when he found out he’d won the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s Sportswriter of the Year Award last weekend. “I was pretty shocked,” he said. “I had no idea … that I was nominated at all.”

‘Leapin’ lizards!’

“Annie” opens next week at Masquers Theater

SOAP LAKE — It’s the hard knock life at the Masquers Theater starting Oct. 18, as “Annie” takes the stage. The beloved musical set in Depression-era New York follows 11-year-old Annie, played by Carlee Howard, from an orphanage to a mansion, stopping at a shantytown and the White House along the way.

‘They deserve for us not to give up'

Boys & Girls Club auction raises funds for community youth

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin raised about $250,000 Saturday night at its annual banquet and auction, and the money will go straight to the kids who need it, said club Director Kim Pope. “When they come to our club, what do we do?” Pope asked the crowd. “Well, one of the main things we do is feed them.”

Royal Middle School celebrates Hispanic Heritage Day

ROYAL CITY — Royal Middle School students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Day Thursday with music, food and presentations about Hispanic cultures. “One (teacher) was teaching the importance of football and what that means for the Hispanic community,” said Principal Jerred Copenhaver. “One teacher was teaching them how to make tortillas, so the kids were making them this morning. I had another teacher teaching about the art history of Hispanic culture. Some other teachers were having kids do research on certain people and presenting on it.” In a school where about 80% of the student body is of Hispanic origin, Copenhaver said, the program was very popular. Students’ families were invited to take part as well, he said.

MLPD, churches to host Faith & Blue tailgate Friday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department will join with local churches Friday at Lions Field to mark National Faith & Blue Weekend, according to an announcement from the MLPD. “We’re tailgating at the football game to provide an opportunity for community outreach and engaging with people,” said MLPD Capt. Jeff Sursely. The event is part of a nationwide Faith & Blue Weekend, which brings police agencies and faith-based organizations together in thousands of communities across the country. More than 1,400 Faith & Blue events are planned nationwide, according to the organization’s website.

Molly in the Mineshaft to perform at Wallenstien

MOSES LAKE — It’s called “newgrass.” That’s how the members of Molly in the Mineshaft describe the mixture of folk, bluegrass, blues, jazz, Celtic and rock they’ll be bringing to the Wallenstien Theater Oct. 17. The show is the second in the Central Basin Community Concert Association’s 2024-25 season.

Dude, Where’s My Cart tournament highlights frustrations of Alzheimer’s

WARDEN — Some people take their golf very seriously. Fortunately, those people were not at Sage Hills Golf Course Saturday, because the challenges of the Dude, Where’s My Cart?! Alzheimer’s fundraiser tournament would have driven them bonkers. “Each challenge we had – we had nine of them – is dementia-based,” said Karisti Cox, sales and marketing specialist for Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care and the organizer of the tournament. Those ranged from special goggles that affected players’ vision to swinging while sitting on a toilet to driving with a club 1/3 the size of a normal one.