MIKE MAYNARD

GALLERY: Grant County Youth Equine Program on full display at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair is in full swing, and with each year, comes another week of competition for the Grant County Youth Equine Program. See below some highlights from the GCYEP senior and intermediate competitions.

Moses Lake prepares fall sports for unpredictable air quality

MOSES LAKE — With wildfires popping up across Eastern Washington, most of the state has also felt their impact – specifically in the daily air quality. With fall sports only a couple of weeks away, Moses Lake High School Athletic Director Loren Sandhop offered some insight into how they’re navigating the unpredictable wildfire season. “Even our Lake Lifts, we’re having to take that into account,” Sandhop said. “They not only lift weights, but they go outside to do running, plyometrics and speed stuff like that.”

Fuhrman scores first-round TKO in amateur MMA debut

SPOKANE — Dominic Fuhrman, 18, was victorious in his amateur MMA debut on Saturday at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, earning a first round technical knockout. The local Ephrata native was ecstatic after his first fight. “I put on a good show,” Fuhrman said. “I wasn’t boring, so I feel amazing. It was a great first debut win, and I’m excited for the future.”

Othello 10U All-Stars turn state run into summer of memories

OTHELLO — As summers end draws nearer, the Othello Little League All-Stars 10U (8-2) are set to come away with a handful of core memories after finishing second in the state tournament. Theirs and the 12U softball success this summer were celebrated at a recent Othello City Council meeting, where Mayor Ken Johnson signed a proclamation making Aug 10 as City of Othello Little League All Star Day “We had so much support from the community,” Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II said. “Words of encouragement, donations from local businesses and families, and at the state tournament these kids felt it. They elevated their game because they knew that the whole community was behind them; it was nice to see that. Even in defeat, we push to win or lose with class. I felt like it was a good closure because even though it was defeat, those ones that were supporting them were still supportive even when they came back home.”

From Maverick to Warrior

Paige Richardson rises to first year challenges

MOSES LAKE — When former Moses Lake Maverick Paige Richardson first arrived at Walla Walla Community College, she did not anticipate getting to play as much softball as she did in her freshman season, she said. “I didn't know what to expect just because it's a whole different world once you step into college softball compared to high school softball,” Richardson said. “I was used to playing, pitching a lot for the Mavericks. My coach pretty much depended on two of us pitchers, and it just worked out that way, and we worked really well as a pair, and we were able to back each other up in certain scenarios, so I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did.”

MLCA athletics enters new era under Todd Gregory

MOSES LAKE — Todd Gregory was named the new Athletic Director at Moses Lake Christian Academy earlier this summer. As he heads into his first year in the role, things are already expected to look different this school year. For instance, the Lions will not have a football team this season. “We did not renew our contract with Covenant (Christian School), so we lost some athletes this year,” Gregory said. “I think in the long run we'll end up getting some of those families that want to do athletics but stay in the Christian school atmosphere. I'm hoping that happens and we're able to get football going again.”

Moses Lake Roundup returns to Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The 83rd Moses Lake Roundup is just over a week away from kicking off at the Grant County Fairgrounds Aug. 20-22. However, community members don’t have to wait until the 20th for the fun to start, as the demo derby will take place Aug. 18-19.

Desert Green Turf in Moses Lake installs logo for Mariners 50th Anniversary

MOSES LAKE — When Nathan Cox started Desert Green Turf in 2006 at a farm in Moses Lake, the initial plan was to sell to local landscapers and homeowners. Fast forward 20 years and his business has grown into a consistent turf producer for major sports franchises – including the installation of the Seattle Mariners 50-year anniversary logo at T-Mobile Park on Friday. “I thought it turned out great,” Nathan said. “I was able to tune in (Friday), and results came back very positive from the Mariners management and Kevin (Dvorak), the groundskeeper there, I think everybody was happy.”

Missed chances cost Mariners in series-opening loss

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners (56-61) are currently 3-3 in August after suffering a 2-1 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays (69-46), Friday. This loss comes at the start of an 18-game stretch against teams that currently hold playoff spots, including two more against the Rays.

Carlos Gonzalez finds his stride at Othello High School Athletics

OTHELLO — Clear skies and the morning sun had set over the Basin on May 23 as the first pitch was thrown for the Othello Huskies state baseball game. For the first time in program history, the Huskies were hosting a state tournament game on their home field. For Carlos Gonzalez Jr, the athletic director at Othello High School hosting a state baseball regional wasn’t just a logistical triumph—it was proof that his hometown community would rally around its kids when given the chance.