RACHAL PINKERTON
Staff Writer
Recent Stories
Leaving children, pets in hot cars is dangerous
EPHRATA/OTHELLO — While it may only be 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside of a car can quickly rise to over 100 degrees. As sunny days and warm weather continue throughout the summer, it is important to not leave children and pets inside vehicles.
Spike in new COVID-19 cases in Grant, Adams counties
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — There were a lot of new cases of COVID-19 reported in Grant and Adams counties this past week. From Friday, May 22, to Monday, June 1, 38 new cases were reported in Grant County, bringing the new number of confirmed cases to 236. The only cities not to see new cases were Royal City, Soap Lake and the Grand Coulee/Electric City area.
Royal student competes in Global Amazing Shake
ROYAL CITY — Five sixth-grade students from Royal Intermediate School competed in the Global Amazing Shake last week. One of them, Logan Piper, placed seventh overall.
March, April unemployment numbers available for Adams County
ADAMS COUNTY — The non-farm unemployment rate in Adams County in March looks much better than was expected for a month that saw the closing of businesses across the state. Non-farm unemployment rates for March 2020 were 5.6 percent. In March of 2019, the non-farm unemployment rate was 8.7 percent. While this appears to be good news, these numbers were collected in mid-March before the effects of COVID-19 could be felt, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.
Grant, Adams counties see a few more COVID-19 cases
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — Not much change was made in COVID-19 cases in Grant and Adams counties between Monday, May 18, and Friday, May 22. Both Grant and Adams county health departments were closed over the Memorial Day weekend and did not issue new numbers.
Local school districts announce graduation plans
Othello Royal City Warden Mattawa
Two superintendents reflect on school closures
ROYAL CITY — The COVID-19 school closures have changed the rules for school districts across the state. Districts have had to approve a variety of plans and policies to stay in compliance with new state regulations.
Wahluke science teacher creates unique learning opportunities
Wahluke science teacher creates unique learning opportunities
MATTAWA — When Wahluke Junior High science teacher Mike Bosko started teaching, he had an idea for how to give students hands-on experience in the field of science. He created a program that allowed students to learn about stream ecology firsthand.
Adams County applies for, receives Phase 2 variance
RITZVILLE — On Thursday, May 21, the Adams County commissioners announced that they had completed the application for a variance to open to Phase 2, according to a press release from the Office of the Adams County Commissioners on May 21. The next day, Friday, May 22, the county received word that the variance had been approved.
Adams County to move on to Phase 2
OTHELLO - The Adams County Health Department has received word from John Wiesman, Washington State Secretary of Health, on Friday, May 22, that Adams County has approval to move to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan.
Adams County to move on to Phase 2
OTHELLO - The Adams County Health Department has received word from John Wiesman, Washington State Secretary of Health, on Friday, May 22, that Adams County has approval to move to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan.
Adams County applies for a Phase 2 variance
RITZVILLE - On Thursday, May 21, the Adams County Commissioners announced that they have completed the application for a variance to open to Phase 2, according to a press release from the Office of the Adams County Commissioners on May 21. The State of Washington has acknowledged that they have received the application.
Adams County applies for a Phase 2 variance
RITZVILLE - On Thursday, May 21, the Adams County Commissioners announced that they have completed the application for a variance to open to Phase 2, according to a press release from the Office of the Adams County Commissioners on May 21. The State of Washington has acknowledged that they have received the application.
Othello mayor encourages residents to write to governor
OTHELLO — The mayor of Othello is encouraging residents to write to Governor Jay Inslee to let him know how the COVID-19 lockdowns are affecting them.
Grant County resident dies from COVID-19 related complications
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — A fourth Grant County resident died on Monday, May 18, from COVID-19 related complications. The patient was a male in his 50s from the Grand Coulee area.
Wahluke School District to showcase student talents
MATTAWA — What started as an opportunity for elementary school students in the Wahluke School District to show off their musical and athletic talents before their families, friends and teachers has turned into a district-wide online event to showcase the abilities of all students and staff.
Royal City Summerfest postponed to 2021
ROYAL CITY — The 2020 Royal City Summerfest has been postponed until 2021 due to the restrictions in place because of COVID-19.
VFW cancels Othello Memorial Day ceremony
OTHELLO — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8889 has announced that it will not be holding its annual Memorial Day ceremony in Othello. The cancellation is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to attendees.
Wi-Fi hot spots installed for public use
EPHRATA — Area agencies are providing Wi-Fi hot spots to the public in partnership with the Washington State Broadband Office.
Othello Chamber cancels 4th of July celebration
OTHELLO — The annual Fourth of July celebration, put on the Othello Chamber of Commerce, has been canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A look at the history of Steamboat Rock
GRAND COULEE — About 15 miles south of Grand Coulee Dam stands a feature that has graced the landscape since the time of the Missoula Floods. Steamboat Rock is a landmark and recreational area in the north of Grant County. The surrounding area is full of history, captured in a new book, “Steamboat Rock,” by John M. Kemble, published by Arcadia Publishing.
Number of new COVID-19 cases drops dramatically
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — Grant County only had four confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the past week, from Monday, May 4, to Monday, May 11. Mattawa, Moses Lake and the Grand Coulee/Electric City area were where the new cases were reported. Mattawa went from 42 to 43 confirmed cases; Moses Lake gained two new cases, bringing their total to 36 cases. The Grand Coulee/Electric City area got an additional case, giving them their second. Royal City stayed at 12 confirmed cases, Warden at four, Quincy at 68, Ephrata at 16 and Soap Lake at four.
Othello School District hosting virtual student art show
OTHELLO — Having the school year end abruptly has forced teachers and school district staff to get creative with ways to allow students to display their creativity and learning. The art teachers in the Othello School District are no exception.
Mattawa-area ladies keep town supplied with masks, blankets
MATTAWA/DESERT AIRE — For over 10 years, a group of ladies known as Cozy Comforts has been making blankets for children in the South County area who may need a blanket hug.
Asian giant hornets spotted in western Washington
COUPEVILLE — State officials are asking Washington residents to report sightings of the Asian giant hornet, also known as the Japanese giant hornet, known for killing honeybees.
An earlier pandemic: A look at 1918 Spanish flu in Ephrata
EPHRATA — A little over 100 years ago, a different kind of illness swept through the nation, closing down life as residents knew it. The illness was the flu epidemic known as Spanish Influenza.
Othello Food Bank sees increase in clients
OTHELLO — Like other food banks, the Othello Food Bank has seen an increase in families coming to get food, thanks to the closures ordered by the state to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. But unlike other food banks, the Othello Food Bank is not feeling a pinch from the increase in clients.
Wahluke seniors receive letters from their younger selves
MATTAWA — On Monday, April 27, Wahluke High School seniors received their caps and gowns. They also received letters they had written to themselves at the end of their eighth-grade year.
Sun Tribune offers matching grants for small businesses
MOSES LAKE — Many small businesses are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 shutdowns. With the shutdowns, business owners have gotten creative to try to keep money coming in. Yet for many, it isn’t enough.
Royal seniors wrestle with loss of traditional graduation
ROYAL CITY — The loss of a traditional graduation event has been a disappointment to some seniors who have been looking forward to the ceremony. One Royal School District student, in particular, is wrestling with the loss.
Wahluke School District looks to rest of this, next school year
MATTAWA — There was a lot of discussion during the Wahluke School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 28, about COVID-19’s effect on the second half of this school year and what may happen next year.
Othello receives grant for housing plan
OTHELLO — The city of Othello has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the creation of a Housing Action Plan, according to Anne Henning, community development director for the city of Othello. The goal of a Housing Action Plan is to encourage affordable housing construction.
COVID-19 weekly update
GRANT AND ADAMS COUNTIES — As of Monday evening, May 4, Grant County had 182 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That is up 24 cases from 158 on Monday, April 27.
Wahluke School District honored for green practices
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District recently earned a national distinction as a Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award winner.
School district staff help feed Moses Lake children
MOSES LAKE — Schools are closed by state order due to the coronavirus pandemic, but local school employees continue to supply children with the meals they normally would be receiving at school.
Royal schools advance on online learning, graduation
ROYAL CITY — Like other districts in the area, the Royal School District is moving forward with online learning and making plans for graduation.
Othello to form group to address reopening the city
OTHELLO — How to begin reopening the city was a topic of discussion during the regular, online Othello City Council meeting on Monday, April 27. Among those joining the discussion were Sharon Skorick, manager for the Othello Chamber of Commerce; Chris Darrow, an Othello dentist and member of the Othello Planning Commission; and John Cox, also with the Othello Chamber of Commerce.
Othello to donate $10,000 for small businesses
OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted almost unanimously to donate $10,000 to help fund grants for small business owners in Othello. The money is part of an effort that Adams County Economic Development and Adams County Development Council are making to help get small businesses back on their feet due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Third COVID-19 death reported in Grant County
For the second week in a row, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Grant County has declined, but a third death as a result of the virus was reported this past week.
Inslee begins to slowly open state
Inslee talks about easing limits on some activities, staying safe
OLYMPIA — Over the past week, a lot has happened to begin reopening the state after being shut down since March 25 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Wahluke School District earns national award
MATTAWA — The Wahluke School District has been awarded the Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award. Five districts or schools in Washington state are nominated by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for a chance to receive national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. This year, all five Washington nominees received national recognition.
FFA groups hold annual plant sales
SOUTH COUNTY — Despite the lack of normal school activities, area FFA groups are continuing with their annual plant sales. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the plant sales are not being held as normal to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Warden Food Pantry helps keep community fed
WARDEN — The Warden Food Pantry is serving the needs of the hungry in its community.
Two new COVID-19 cases in Grant County
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Grant County on Saturday, bringing the county’s total to 157 cases. The new cases were Quincy and Mattawa area residents, bringing Quincy’s total to 52 and Mattawa’s to 38.
GC Fire District No. 8 to get new station
MATTAWA — Friday was an exciting day for members of Grant County Fire District No. 8. The district broke ground on a new fire station.
Fewer new COVID-19 cases found
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — The rate of increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Grant and Adams counties slowed in the past week.
Mattawa Food Bank seeks more protein for food distributions
Mattawa Food Bank seeks more protein for food distributions
MATTAWA — Making 400 boxes of food is nothing to sneeze at. That is approximately how many boxes of food the Mattawa Food Bank has handed out the last two times it has distributed food.
Cascade Organic Flour mill donates to food bank
ROYAL CITY — As the need for food increases as people are out of work, food banks are attempting to keep up with the demand. To help, Cascade Organic Flour, located in Royal City, recently donated 21 tons of organic flour to Second Harvest in Spokane.
Local education leaders move forward with instruction, graduation plans
Local education leaders move forward with instruction, graduation plans
Schools don’t normally take six weeks off in the middle of the school year. They also don’t normally close their doors for the last three months of the school year.
Law enforcement answers questions about stay-home order
MATTAWA — After the state shut down schools, churches, many businesses and most normal activities to combat the coronavirus pandemic, rumors have started circulating and people are asking questions. How are police enforcing the stay home order? Are essential-worker papers necessary to be able to drive to work? Will the actions being taken by the state lead to martial law?