Ellington

Othello approves Scootney parking restriction and robotic field painter

OTHELLO – The Othello City Council unanimously approved during Monday’s regular meeting a motion to institute a no parking zone on both sides of East Scootney Street between South First Avenue and South Broadway Avenue and to approve funds for a new robotic field painter...

Layered learning

Onion Field Day offers growers and academics a chance to learn and network.

MOSES LAKE — The onion varietal trial in a field near Moses Lake is nearing harvest, but even once it’s in storage it’s still a work in progress. Like all farming, raising onions is a continual process of adjustment, which was highlighted during Onion Field Day Thursday. Co-organizer Carrie Wohleb, WSU Grant-Adams County Extension, said scientists planted 52 different varieties of onions. Brian Haddon, one of the many industry professionals in attendance, said farmers and industry experts were examining the onions for quality as they came from the field...

Quincy man arrested after standoff

QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested early Thursday afternoon after refusing to come out of an empty business building, leading to a standoff lasting about three hours...

Quincy superintendent welcomes students back

Dear Quincy School District families,  Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer break...

Stoke to test new project in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Stoke Space Technologies announced Wednesday it will begin testing its new vehicle in Moses Lake over the coming weeks...

Cougars open 2023 against Colorado State

PULLMAN – The long college football off-season ends on Saturday for the Washington State Cougars, who are preparing to travel to Colorado State for the 2023 season opener Saturday afternoon. “It’s very important to get a win and go 1-0, start fast on the year, because it gets that confidence going,” wide receiver Lincoln Victor said at a press conference on Tuesday. “It gets the ball rolling, and not only that, you get to see the mistakes you made and know we’re going to get better.” ...

Fresh news: Walleye, largemouth fishing good at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,028.25 feet, rising 0.55 feet this week. We are currently 1.75 feet above low pool. The water temperature is in the mid-70s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the low 80s. Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, the face of the dunes, and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater. The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are moving out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes. Walleye fishing continues to be good this week. The walleye are in 10-25 feet right now. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes with No. 5 or No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnows – trolled, jerk baits, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Jigging 3-inch plastics and grubs on a 1/4-ounce jig head is producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

Regional utility companies work to mitigate wildfire risks

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The interaction of electrical lines and the landscape around them, especially trees, often ends badly - it can cause power outages any time of year, but in the summer in particular it can cause fires. Keeping fires from happening requires close attention to power lines and the areas around them, and that’s not just a summer job. “Fire season is a condition that can exist at any time of year,” wrote JoDee Black of NorthWestern Energy, based in Missoula, Montana via email. “Each year’s weather conditions impact those situations differently: Early season rains encourage plant growth which fuels fires later in the growing season, and winters with little snow leave dry plant material available for late season fires.” ...

‘Bushels of Fun’

Wheat Land Communities’ Fair kicks off today

RITZVILLE — In late summer and early fall, when county fairs are at their peak, the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair can easily slip under the radar. There’s no carnival, no big-name musical acts on the stage or clowns wandering the grounds. This year’s theme is “Bushels of Fun,” and that’s what it offers. “We're a small community fair serving the communities of (Ritzville), Lind, Washtucna and Benge,” said Lori Williams, a volunteer and fair board member. The event used to be called the East Adams County Fair, but the name was changed in 1981 when the fair moved to its current location outside Ritzville. The fair has no staff, just a board of volunteers. It’s grown in the last 42 years, according to its website, from a single building to 13 buildings and an amphitheater...

Tigers look to build off strong 2022

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers flipped the script on the 2022 season, rallying from a 1-4 start to qualify for the 2A state playoffs and nearly upsetting No. 2 seed W.F. West.

New-look Cougars to hit the field in 2023

Former rugby player Dallyn McLean takes over program

WARDEN – There will be a new head coach patrolling the sidelines at Warden High School this fall, as South Africa native Dallyn McLean takes over the Cougar football program.

'Starting fresh'

Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions take to the gridiron for the first time

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Christian Academy and Covenant Christian School are breaking new ground on the football field.

Soap Lake confident heading into new season

SOAP LAKE – Eagles Head Coach Garrett Devine said that the team is much stronger than they were last season. Soap Lake’s first game of the season is Friday, where they will be playing against Wilbur-Creston-Keller at 7:00 p.m.

Coulee Medical Center important resource in isolated area

GRAND COULEE — Coulee Medical Center is one of those places that highlights the challenges and opportunities of rural medicine. “We’re just really looking to see what can we do that makes sense. That’s financially viable, that meets our mission and the needs of the community,” said Chief Executive Officer (and Chief Nursing Officer) Roberta Hicks. One of the examples is the Grand Coulee-based hospital’s obstetrics department, the only one in the area with the exception of Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak. Hicks said it’s a necessary service. “If you can make it to Omak from here, it’s 58 miles,” she said.

Experience counts

Warriors bring deep, more experienced roster into 2023

COULEE CITY – With a roster of 31 players, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors are entering 2023 with a more experienced squad than last year.

Quincy football sets goal of building on improvement

QUINCY — The 2022 football season saw some encouraging things happen for the Quincy High School Jackrabbits, and both Head Coach Russ Elliott and Jacks players want to build on that improvement.

Running for more

Knights aim for fourth-straight title in 2023

ROYAL CITY – Hoisting a state championship trophy is something that every high school football player dreams of at some point in their career – now, the Royal Knights are aiming to do the same thing for the fourth straight full season.

GALLERY: Royal’s 2022 title run

ROYAL CITY – The Knights were crowned the champions of 1A football for the third straight season in 2022, defeating Mt. Baker 35-20 in the state championship game in December. Check out these scenes from throughout the 2022 season.

Finishing down the stretch

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks were a hail mary away from winning their second-straight Columbia Basin Big-Nine title last season, and now enter the 2023 campaign with a goal of returning to the 4A State Football Tournament.

After just missing in 2022, Wahluke football looking to make playoffs in 2023

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School football team missed the first round of the 2022 playoffs by the smallest of margins, and Coach Anfernee Cortez said his team is looking to change that result in 2023.

'Every single game matters'

Broncos aim for state berth after 2022 crossover loss

RITZVILLE – After a 7-2 season that ended with a loss to Okanogan in the District 6/7 Crossover last season, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos are entering 2023 with the goal of returning to the state playoffs.

'It’s just going to take everybody to do their job'

Huskies look to replace 20-plus seniors in 2023

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies are coming off a 9-2 year in 2022, which featured an appearance in the 2A state quarterfinals. While excitement around the program is high, they enter the 2023 season after graduating 22 seniors from last year’s roster.

Legals for August, 31 2023

Royal City man crashes car, drags self to get help

QUINCY - A Royal City man is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following a single-car collision Tuesday morning near Quincy, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

SR 20 reopens west of Winthrop

WINTHROP — Washington Department of Transportation officials have reopened a section of State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, which had been closed due to fires in the vicinity. The road was closed from Newhalem to the Silver Star Campground about 22 miles west of Winthrop, according to a DOT press release. It reopened Wednesday...

Okanogan River Bridge at Oroville to close for repairs

OROVILLE — The Highway 97 bridge across the Okanogan River south of Oroville will close for several weeks beginning Sept. 6. The bridge is located about a mile south of town...

Soap Lake schools approve bargaining agreement for coaches

SOAP LAKE – After 14 years without a collective bargaining agreement, the Soap Lake School Board approved a CBA with the Coaches Association in the Soap Lake School District during Monday’s regular meeting. The agreement is in place until July 31, 2024. Board member Curt Dotson was initially against accepting the agreement without modifications...

FIRE REPORT: Small fires hit locally, regional fires burn on

EPHRATA — A small grass fire near Road J and Road 16 Northwest flared up Tuesday, which was quickly put out by Grant County Fire District 13. Lightning struck a fence post, according to a statement from GCFD 13, then appeared to arc multiple times down the fence starting small spot fires. The cause of a vehicle fire near Soap Lake Wednesday morning was a little less certain, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7. The blaze, which is under investigation, destroyed a van but firefighters knocked it down before it could reach a nearby garage. There were no injuries...

Ephrata dismisses Parks and Rec director

EPHRATA — Ephrata city officials are considering options to replace Parks and Recreation Director Traci Bennet after her employment was terminated. Ephrata City Council members confirmed Bennet’s firing on a 6-0 vote at the regular meeting Aug. 16...

Woman struck by train in Ephrata

EPHRATA — A 58-year-old woman suffered multiple injuries when she was struck by a train while trying to cross the tracks at the Ephrata Amtrak station shortly before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said. “I heard that she had several fractures,” Koch said. “So, both legs, arm and a possible neck fracture.” ...

On the front line

Job Corps students get first-hand experience fighting fires

MOSES LAKE — Wildfire season is frustrating. There’s smoke in the air, closed-off roads and evacuation alerts galore, but other than being careful with barbecues and praying for the firefighters’ safety, most area residents don’t see the fire line except in the newspaper or on TV. At the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center in Moses Lake, that isn’t the case. Students from the local center, along with Job Corps students across the country, are heading off to the firelines for weeks at a time, both to fight the fires and as support firefighting crews...

BBCC alum to teach poetry class at NCW Libraries

MOSES LAKE – NCW Libraries will be hosting poet and Big Bend Community College graduate Ricardo Ruiz for a two hour mindful poetry class Sept. 8 from at the Moses Lake Public Library, Sept. 9 at the Wenatchee Public Library and Sept. 19 at the Quincy Public Library, according to the NCW website...

‘Hometown rodeo’

Ritzville Rodeo is big entertainment on a small scale

RITZVILLE — It’s not a very big rodeo, but it’s an enthusiastic one. “We have all events,” said Ritzville Rodeo board member Julie Hartz. “Bareback, saddle bronc, ranch bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping, calf roping, team roping head and heel and some junior events like goat tying.” ...

PREVIEW: 2023 Gridiron Guide

COLUMBIA BASIN – Eleven local football teams hit the field to begin the 2023 season later this week, and the Columbia Basin Herald has season previews for each school in Thursday’s Gridiron Guide. See below for a brief look at how each team is looking with the season on the horizon, with full previews in the Thursday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald...

ACDC to hold career showcases in Othello, Ritzville

OTHELLO — The Adams County Development Council will hold the 2023 Othello Career Showcase Oct. 24 at Othello High School and the 2023 Lind-Ritzville and Washtucna Career Showcase Oct. 19 in Lind-Ritzville High School, according to announcements from the council. ACDC wants businesses operating in Othello to take part in the event, which will be held inside the gyms of each respective high school...

FIRE REPORT: MLFD helping with Oregon Road fire; new blaze appears in Seep Lakes

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department is taking part in firefighting efforts for the Oregon Road fire, about 31 miles north of Spokane, according to a statement from the MLFD. Firefighter Paramedic Rick Kelly and Probationary Firefighter Paramedic Gary Lebacken have been assisting the Mid-Columbia Strike Team with structure protection, the statement said. The fire, which has been burning north of Spokane since Aug. 18, was up to 10,817 acres and was 49% contained Tuesday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Costs were estimated at about $9.3 million...

African Children’s Choir tour coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The African Children’s Choir will perform free Sept. 17 at Moses Lake Christian Church, located at 200 E. Yonezawa Blvd, according to the choir’s website. The choir will perform at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The choir is managed by nonprofit charity the Music for Life Institute. The African Children’s Choir Manager Tina Sipp said that this tour is only the second since the COVID-19 pandemic put the choir on hold for almost three years. “We're just very happy to have a chance to get the children in front of people again, you know, they have such a sweet message to the West. I just think people need joy and hope in their lives,” said Sipp. “The tour experience is so profound for them in terms of setting a new trajectory for their lives, giving them vision and hope for their future.”

Legals for August, 30 2023

New academy on climate resilience to connect specialty crop professionals

PULLMAN - A team led by scientists at Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture & Natural Resources (CSANR) is establishing the Specialty Crop Climate Change Extension Academy to improve Extension and USDA professionals’ capacity to support climate preparedness. The new training academy is being funded by a $1.5 million Climate Hub grant from the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Foundational and Applied Science Program. Its goal is to facilitate forward-thinking conversations about climate change resiliency among professionals in the fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other specialty crops industries...

Chow line

ROYAL CITY - Students, teachers and even Chief of Police Rey Rodriguez stand in line at Royal Intermediate School’s open house breakfast on the first day of school Tuesday.

Race for Life series raises nearly $18K

MOSES LAKE – More than 100 BMX riders traveled to Moses Lake for the first night of the Eastern Washington Race for Life Series, part of a four-track series in collaboration with tracks in Spokane, Richland and Walla Walla. The Race for Life raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, with the Moses Lake track raising $5,500...

Legals for August, 29 2023

Marshals apprehend 26 violent offenders in eastern Washington

SPOKANE — On Aug. 25, the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force in eastern Washington completed a two-week warrant sweep titled, “Operation Centennial Trail,” according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Within a span of two weeks, law enforcement partners focused on apprehending violent fugitives and repeat offenders who were a risk to public safety within eastern Washington, said the release. The task force was led by the U.S. Marshals, but included numerous law enforcement agencies from eastern Washington.

Schools welcome back students

COLUMBIA BASIN — Students all over the Columbia Basin will head back to school this week and next. Schools in Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties all open between Aug. 28 and Sept. 6 for K-12. In Grant County, the Soap Lake School District celebrated its first day back at school Monday by rolling out a literal red carpet for students at Soap Lake Middle/High School. “As they entered school this morning, we had students, cheerleaders, staff cheering them on as they walked the red carpet into school,” said Soap Lake School District Superintendent Aaron Chavez. “Just a really awesome way to get kids excited about coming back for the school year.” Chavez said that they had a great first day and credited the school district faculty and staff for their work.

News bites for Aug. 29, 2023

EPHRATA — With school about to resume, it’s important for residents to know the rules of the road regarding school buses, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. On most streets and roads, all lanes of traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off kids, the GCSO wrote. However, on divided roads and highways, drivers traveling the opposite direction from the bus do not have to stop; only drivers traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. State law allows a fine double the standard limit up to $500, the GCSO added. Half the fine goes to the state's school safety zone account.

Ribbon cutting for new Almira school Thursday

ALMIRA — The new Almira Elementary School and Almira-Coulee/Hartline Middle School will be the center of attention at a ribbon-cutting and open house scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday. The building is located at 310 S. Third St. People can tour the new building after the ribbon is cut, said building Principal Kelsey Hoppe. “You’ll be able to walk around and check things out,” she said.

Radio-controlled aircraft show could be part of Moses Lake Airshow 2024

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Airshow may add a separate event for radio-controlled aircraft in 2024. That’s one possibility discussed by Port of Moses Lake commissioners during a presentation on the 2023 air show at the regular meeting Monday. Terry Quick of Entco International, Seattle, among the event promoters, said organizers are looking for sponsors for an RC component of the larger air show. Radio-controlled aircraft have been part of the airshow, but their part would be expanded. “If we manage to get enough sponsorship to do it the right way, we’ll be bringing in world-class pilots and planes,” Quick said. “There are a couple of world champions that we’re talking to.”

Local sports schedule Aug. 29 - Sept. 5

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local high school sports begin games this week, with all 11 football teams kicking off their respective seasons on Friday and Saturday.

Back to the gridiron

COLUMBIA BASIN — Football season in the Columbia Basin begins on Friday, and the Columbia Basin Herald is bringing full preview coverage of the upcoming season on Wednesday in the annual Gridiron Guide. From the Mavericks to the Knights and the Warriors to the newly-formed Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School program, each team will have a full story that takes a look at how they’ve prepared for 2023. Players and coaches speak on what’s changed about their teams, as well as their excitement for the new season.

GCFD 7 gets firefighting grant; small fires dot SW WA Cascades

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7, based in Soap Lake, announced Friday it had been awarded a $590,400 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant, which will be paid out over a four-year period, is designed to help fire departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, according to the announcement. The money will go toward personal protective equipment for new recruits, leadership and career training, new member costs such as apparel and textbooks and a marketing program for recruitment, as well as replacing the fire station sign with a programmable LED sign to assist with disseminating vital information and recruitment information.

Welcome back message from MLSD Superintendent Monty Sabin

Dear MLSD Families, I am excited to welcome you all back to the start of another school year. It is an exciting time to see and feel the energy generated by students and staff returning to their schools after a summer away from friends and colleagues...

News Bites for Aug. 28, 2023

SOAP LAKE – With the help of the Soap Lake Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Department found a man who had become separated from his companions on a hike near the Lake Lenore Caves Tuesday. Sheriff’s deputies issued a release on the incident Thursday...

Weather for Monday, Aug. 28, 2023

Weather for Monday, Aug. 28, 2023

Warden High institutes Work Based Learning program

WARDEN – The Warden School Board approved the credit offerings for a new state mandated Work Based Learning program, to be instituted at the Warden High School during the upcoming semester, during its regular board meeting Thursday...

Ephrata baseball coach Jason Laugen steps down

EPHRATA – Long-time Ephrata baseball head coach Jason Laugen is stepping down from the position, the Ephrata School District announced on Friday.

Car show, parade, tournaments part of Warden Community Days

WARDEN — A community dinner, a parade, a beanbag tournament and a show full of cool cars are among the events scheduled for Community Days, scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Warden. This is the second year for the revived Community Days, and events are spread throughout the weekend rather than concentrated on one day. The car show kicks off the weekend Saturday morning at Warden Volunteer Park, 300 E. Fourth St. Cars will be on display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Renay Jorgensen of the Community Days committee said car owners can register their rides from 8 to 10 a.m. Entry forms are available on the Warden Community Days webpage.

Four Basin football teams meet at Quincy jamboree

QUINCY – Varsity and junior varsity squads from Ephrata, Moses Lake, Quincy and Royal gathered at the Quincy High School football field on Friday, competing in a jamboree with Week 1 of the regular season just a week away.

Legals for August, 28 2023

MLSD board approves 2023-24 budget

MOSES LAKE — The general fund budget for the Moses Lake School District will be $152.47 million for the 2023-24 school year. Moses Lake School Board members passed the budget without discussion at their regular meeting Thursday. The vote was 4-0. Board member Alana DeGooyer did not attend the meeting...

CUTTING THE RIBBON: No Filter Med Spa

MOSES LAKE - A local family has opened No Filter Med Spa at 2900 West Broadway, Suite B in Moses lake. The business celebrated their opening and membership with the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Friday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The spa offers facials, peels, brow work, lash lifts, spray tanning, Botox, permanent makeup, skincare products, IV therapy and other spa services. The business may be reached at 509-431-1013 and more info is available online at www.nofiltermedspaml.com.

Homeland Security, Dept. of Education announce school safety awareness campaign

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice, announced Aug. 17 it had launched a public awareness campaign to highlight federal school safety resources and evidence-based practices available through SchoolSafety.gov...

STUDIO BASIN: Samaritan Hospital cost, boil water advisory and upcoming fall sports

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona discuss last week's headlines, including the cost changes for Samaritan Hospital, Ephrata's boil water advisory, the City of Moses Lake issuing a new graffiti ordinance and the Grant County Fair. Next, the two go over coverage for the upcoming Gridiron Guide, which previews each team in this upcoming football season, as well as recap the Moses Lake Roundup. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3KYMIBb.

Port of Quincy to consider options for Bishop Rec Area

QUINCY — Port of Quincy commissioners will get an updated title for a piece of port-owned property south of town, which might - or might not - be the first step to declaring the land as surplus.

DK’s Drive In

Local eatery looks to provide customers with quality food and a clean visit

EPHRATA – DK’s Drive In in Ephrata serves hamburgers, fries and other fast food items while trying to provide customers with quality food and a clean establishment...

Ray E. Richardson

July 20, 1953 — Aug. 14, 2023

Ray E. Richardson, 70, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away on Aug. 14, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. Ray was born to Bobbie E. Richardson and Shirley M. Reddell on July 20, 1953, in Wichita County, Texas. Ray moved to Washington with his family in 1983. Ray’s favorite pastimes were fishing, hanging out with his dog Baby Doll, playing cribbage, drinking Coca-Cola while eating sweet treats and watching his dog play in the yard while it was snowing. Ray enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whenever time would allow. Ray also liked having long talks with Katrina while traveling for his treatment.

Police logs for Aug. 25, 2023

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Design details

Expertise can help with projects large and small

QUINCY — Wild Willow Interiors owner Sherri Van Diest said her design business started during a conversation with a good friend who was in the process of building a new house.

16 Cougars and Huskies named to Senior Bowl watch list

MOBILE, Ala. – Sixteen Cougars and Huskies were named to the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list, a highly-touted college football all-star game hosted at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama in early February.

Legals for August, 25 2023

MLI donation will pay for new GCSO K-9

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office brought some of its coolest vehicles and all but one of its K-9s to Moses Lake Industries Thursday at lunchtime to thank the company for its donation. Chief Operating Officer Brent Hansen said MLI officials looked on the donation as a way to contribute to public safety and to thank law enforcement and first responders in general for what they do for Grant County...

Ephrata man arrested following gun incident

EPHRATA — A man is in custody following an incident in Ephrata Wednesday morning. Colt. L. Trumble, 19, of Ephrata was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of unlawful carrying of handling of a weapon, second-degree assault, harassment – previous conviction or threat to kill, illegal possession of a pistol by a person between 18 and 21 and carrying a pistol wihthout a permit, according to a statement form the Ephrata Police Department...

Gray and Oregon Road fires exceed 10K acres, continue burning

SPOKANE — The Gray fire, which started Aug. 18 about 17 miles west of Spokane, was 58% contained at 10,016 acres Thursday, according to a statement from the state Department of Natural Resources. The blaze prompted the evacuation of the entire city of Medical Lake, as well as the communities of Lakeland Village, and Four Lakes, for several days, but all evacuations had been downgraded to levels 1 and 2 .by Thursday and SR 902 had reopened...

Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center to host hip-hop lecture

MOSES LAKE – Artist and activist King Khazm will be lecturing on hip-hop music at the Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center Aug. 31 from 6 to 7 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. The Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center is partnering with the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau to host the lecture, which is titled “Hip-Hop and It Don’t Stop,” and will be on the art, history, philosophy, and ethics of hip-hop. The Speakers Bureau is an organization that provides free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy and spiritual traditions to Washington communities. “Hip-hop culture and its founding principles are often misunderstood due to its commodification and exploitation by corporate interests and mainstream media,” stated the release. “Few know its humble roots as a tool to unify, uplift, and amplify voices, particularly for youth of color.”

Commerce Dept. awarded funding to combat sexual assault

SPOKANE – United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref announced Thursday in a press release a Department of Justice grant award for the Washington State Department of Commerce. The grant allocates more than $1 million for programs that address sexual assault. The grant was awarded Aug. 22 by the Office on Violence Against Women 2023 Sexual Assault Services Formula Program, which was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, said the release. “It is critical that we work together – with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners – to address sexual assault in Washington state,” said Waldref in the release. “This latest grant award demonstrates the federal government’s continued commitment to combatting sexual violence, which disproportionately impacts women and vulnerable populations.”

Homeland Security, DOE push school safety awareness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice, announced Aug. 17 it had launched a public awareness campaign to highlight federal school safety resources and evidence-based practices available through SchoolSafety.gov. “Government has few responsibilities more important than ensuring the safety of our communities – especially our children. To protect our children and educators, we must ensure the schools they attend and work in are safe and secure,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

American Humane assists animals affected by Spokane fires

SPOKANE — American Humane announced Tuesday in a press release that it had deployed a rescue team to Spokane, Washington amid ongoing wildfires. The release stated that American Humane is actively surveying the needs of animals and the community. “Spokane County Emergency Management requested our help and we immediately responded,” said Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “This is the season for wildfires, hurricanes, and tropical storms. American Humane is constantly monitoring these situations and our team immediately headed to Washington to help. We will help heal the community and the animals that call it home."

Big Bend offering classes for adults at Warden High School in September

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College Basic Education for Adults night classes will be returning to Warden High School Sept. 18, according to a Thursday press release from the college. Classes include high school completion, GED preparation and English language acquisition courses. “The Basic Education program is focused on meeting the needs of our local population,” said BEdA Director Jody Bortz. “We focus on helping students prepare for college and careers within Grant and Adams Counties. By bringing classes back to Warden, we are meeting student and employer demand.” Through BEdA classes, students can prepare for the GED test, complete their high school diploma, advance their English language skills and receive advising and educational planning help to identify their next steps, according to the release. BEdA students can also co-enroll in college-level classes while completing their high school diploma.

WSDOT releases Labor Day weekend travel update

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Transportation released an announcement Thursday providing an update on Labor Day weekend travel and encouraging the public to use WSDOT tools to keep up with expected holiday traffic. “With the popular travel weekend fast approaching, now is the time to make plans for expected holiday congestion on most routes – whether by ferry, vehicle, bus, rail, foot, bicycle or plane,” said the announcement. “This year’s charts include U.S. 2, Interstate 90 and I-5 between Lacey and Tacoma as well as Bellingham to the United States-Canada border.” According to the press release, most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including Monday, Sept. 4 – to ease congestion. However, on State Route 970 near Teanaway River, east of Cle Elum, contractor crews are working on a project to fix roadway erosion that requires around-the-clock, single-lane, alternating traffic which is projected to result in delays of up to three hours during the Labor Day weekend.

GALLERY: Agri-Service Demolition Derby and Moses Lake Roundup

MOSES LAKE – Both the Agri-Service Demolition Derby and Moses Lake Roundup brought exciting action to the Grant County Fairgrounds last week. For results from the derby and the rodeo, see the links below. Moses Lake Roundup: https://bit.ly/3qOfbCX. Agri-Service Demolition Derby: https://bit.ly/3P8PAOq.

PBR bucks into Kennewick

KENNEWICK — Fans of Professional Bull Riders will have the chance to see the PBR in Kennewick early in September, with riders coming to Kennewick for the Challenger Series’ Tri-Cities Classic on Sept. 8 and 9. This is the third straight year that the PBR is coming to Tri-Cities, with the first event being held in 2021 when Newport native Cody Casper won with a three-for-three performance. Bill Henry won the 2022 edition of the Tri-Cities Classic. The Tri-Cities Classic is part of the PBR Challenger Series, which includes more than 60 events from May through October and ends with a championship hosted in Las Vegas in late October. The top 14 riders in the Challenger Series are all within 500 points of one another.

Fresh news: Walleye fishing looking up at MarDon

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1027.7 feet, dropping 1.3 feet this week. We are currently 1.2 feet above low pool. The water temperature is in the upper 70s on the main Reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s. Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, at the face of the dunes and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater. The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are moving out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes. Walleye fishing has picked up this week. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with No. 5 Flicker Shads – trolled, jerk baits, flukes, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Jigging 3-inch plastics and grubs on a 1/4-ounce jig head is producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

Barbara Larsen

April 29, 1930 – August 21, 2023

Barbara Larsen, 93, of Wilson Creek, Washington, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 21, 2023. Barbara was born in Nebraska on April 29, 1930. When she was 7, her family moved to Emmett, Idaho. They later moved to the Milton-Freewater, Oregon area. She called this home until she graduated from high school in 1948. Barbara went to business school for bookkeeping and worked for car dealerships in Walla Walla and Spokane, Washington. While working for Riegel Bros. Dodge, she met her future husband, Mick Larsen. They were married on Sept. 6, 1953 and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2003 with a large gathering of family and friends. Barbara actively participated in church and community events including 4-H, Grange, and home Bible studies. Family was always important to Barbara. She is survived by her children Paul Larsen of Wilson Creek, Keith Larsen (Suzanne) of Spangle, Brian Larsen (Elaine) of Redding, California, and Darla Geno (Mark) of Spokane; and grandchildren Rebecca, Janelle, Julie, Ryan, Adrianne, Celeste, Christian, Joey, and Emma as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Niece Bobbie Mandell will fondly remember her for numerous summers spent with the family.

Ephrata superintendent welcomes students back

Ephrata Students, Families and Educators: It is with great joy and a heart full of gratitude that I welcome you all back to Ephrata Schools for the start of a new school year...

BBCC proposes Tech Hub for Grant, Adams

OTHELLO – The Adams County Board of Commissioners met in Othello Wednesday and heard a presentation from the Othello School District and Big Bend Community College on making Grant and Adams a national tech hub and supporting Othello students along the way. Big Bend Community College Vice President of Instructional Programs and Student Services Bryce Humpherys and Othello School District Student Services Director Amy Parris, who is also on the Big Bend board of trustees, ran the presentation...

News bites for Aug. 24, 2023

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday evening that a semi had rolled over near the intersection of Beverly-Burke Road and Road 1-NE. Two people were trapped in the incident. No further information was available as of press time...

Water masters

Siphon setters show their skills at the Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — It’s a little ironic that the World-Famous Siphon-Setting Contest may be the best-kept secret at the Grant County Fair.

Legals for August, 24 2023

NCW Libraries hires new leadership staff

MOSES LAKE — NCW Libraries announced Monday in a press release that they hired four new staff members to critical leadership roles in Moses Lake and Wenatchee and promoted two additional staff members. “We are thrilled to welcome these new staff members to critical roles that will help build organizational capacity. They will provide hands-on, practical support for staff and serve our communities through strategic partnerships, programs, and collections,” said Barbara Walters, NCW Libraries’ executive director...

Cost reduced for new Samaritan hospital construction

MOSES LAKE — The construction of a new Samaritan Hospital will cost about $2.1 million less than first projected. Construction will begin sooner than originally anticipated, with site preparation scheduled to begin in mid-September. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 6...

Calling out cancer

Moses Lake City Council declares September to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake City Council declared during Tuesday’s regular city council meeting the month of September would be officially recognized by the city as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The council also unanimously passed a graffiti regulations ordinance...

Warden teams to host community night on Friday

WARDEN – With the beginning of fall sports season just around the corner, the various fall sports at Warden High School are gathering for a community sports night on Friday, raising money for the Cougar cheerleading, cross country, football, girls soccer and volleyball programs. The idea for the event was brought by new Warden football coach Dallyn McLean...

Ephrata boil advisory lifted

EPHRATA — The boil water advisory for the city of Ephrata was lifted shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday, Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry said. The advisory had been issued because of some concerns with water pressure and backflow into the city’s water infrastructure. “We felt very confident the results would indicate there was no threat to the community based on the situation, and we think the state drinking water people felt the same way. That’s why it was an advisory boil and not a full-blown boil order. It was strictly a precautionary step,” said City Administrator Ray Towry...

William Dean Fode

William Dean Fode (Billy) of Moses Lake, Wash., left this world on August 14, 2023, at the age of 60...

Directing futures

CWU hires new dean of the College of Business

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University recently hired a new Dean for the College of Business, Faiza Khoja, who took over for Jeffrey Stinson according to a June 27 press release from CWU. Khoja said she officially accepted the position in June, ahead of the 2023-24 school year. Her first week in the position began Aug. 15...

Man arrested for possession of sexually explicit pictures of minors

QUINCY — A Quincy-area man was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of possession and distribution of sexually explicit pictures of minors after a joint investigation of the Othello Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Two arrested in alleged drive-by shooting

OTHELLO — A Warden man and an Othello woman were booked into the Franklin County Jail following a drive-by shooting in the 1000 block of East Cedar Street in Othello Aug. 18.

RECAP: Red-hot Mariners shine, Seahawks pick up preseason win

SEATTLE – The red-hot Seattle Mariners strung together their seventh-straight win on Tuesday night, riding high after a sweep of the division rival Houston Astros. For more on the Mariners, as well as a look at the Seahawks and Storm, read along below.

Eagle offense shows efficiency in Monday scrimmage

CHENEY, Wash. — After having their scrimmage on Saturday canceled due to poor air quality caused by nearby wildfires, the Eastern Washington University football team was able to get back on the field on Monday afternoon for their first team scrimmage of fall camp. Offense earned bragging rights after two unexpected off days, turning in several highlight reel plays.

Washington sports schedule Aug. 23-29

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring local and statewide sporting events.

Enrollment projections drop in Othello School District

OTHELLO — Othello School District officials anticipate district enrollment for 2023-24 school year to be the equivalent of about 4,463 students, a decrease of seven students from actual enrollment in the 2022-23 school year. The preliminary budget was presented to Othello School Board members at the Aug. 14 meeting.

Japanese beetle found near Pasco; more could be hiding

PASCO — A Japanese beetle was confirmed in Pasco in July, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. A Franklin County Horticultural Pest and Disease Board trapper found the beetle and state officials responded to the catch, verified the beetle, and set up a delimiting trapping grid around the find, according to the statement. “This is an excellent example of just how important agency collaboration is,” Camilo Acosta, WSDA Japanese beetle eradication project coordinator, wrote in the statement.

Othello Port Commissioner Kenny Schutte not running for re-election in the fall

OTHELLO – Kenny Schutte is opting not to run for re-election as a Port of Othello commissioner for District No. 1. Schutte said that he will serve until Jan. 1, 2024, leaving the position to one of the two candidates running in November.

The lies advertisers tell you

“Why, all advertising is exaggerated. Nobody believes it”, said Coca-Cola's attorney, which inspired Coke’s Sam C. Dobbs to create a group of businesses to monitor each other’s advertising and was the beginning of the Better Business Bureau. During Dobbs' time, the early 20th century, advertising promised consumers various outcomes; however, the claims weren’t based on any facts. Fast forward to 2023, and if you have played any gaming apps or viewed social media recently, you have seen ads that promise you will lose weight fast or product offers that are too good to be true. The ads look authentic, and the offer is so enticing that consumers click the buy button. However, many customers are dissatisfied with their purchase after receiving the order because the product wasn’t as advertised or they never received it. While ethical businesses follow advertising codes, the market is filled with fraudulent companies exploiting consumers. How do consumers know if the ad is false and if it is, who can they report it to? With over 110 years of experience, the BBB still holds businesses accountable for eight standards, one of which is to advertise honestly.

Legals for August, 23 2023

Employment Security Department releases July unemployment rates

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Employment Security Department announced Tuesday county unemployment rates and employment data for July 2023 are now available online on the ESD’s website. According to the EDS website, Grant County’s unemployment rate for July was 3.6% and Adams County's unemployment 3.2%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the EDS unemployment report stated that preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate non-farm employment in Washington fell by 6,400 in June 2023. BLS estimates the private sector lost 1,400 jobs during the month and the public sector lost 5,000 jobs. Estimates for July 2022 through July 2023 – not on a seasonally adjusted basis – indicate

NCW Library hires new leadership staff

MOSES LAKE — NCW Libraries announced Monday in a press release that they hired four new staff members to critical leadership roles in Moses Lake and Wenatchee and promoted two additional staff members. “We are thrilled to welcome these new staff members to critical roles that will help build organizational capacity. They will provide hands-on, practical support for staff and serve our communities through strategic partnerships, programs, and collections,” said Barbara Walters, NCW Libraries’ executive director. According to the press release, Austin Fogelsong began his role as the Supervising Librarian II at the Moses Lake Public Library in August. Growing up in the Quincy area, Fogelsong spent a significant amount of time in the Quincy, George, and Moses Lake Public Libraries, said the release. He volunteered at the Quincy Library while going to school. Most recently, Fogelsong worked at the Quincy School District as a High School English Teacher.

Shooting at mini-mart leaves teen in hospital

MOSES LAKE — Two men were jailed and a third hospitalized following a shooting at a Moses Lake convenience store early Monday morning. Caleb Rossell, 21, and Dakota Perry, 19, were arrested at a residence in the 500 block of South Division Street and booked into Grant County Jail, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. At about 1:30 a.m., Moses Lake Police officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of North Stratford Road, according to the statement. Officers found evidence of the shooting at the store and discovered the 19-year-old male victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and been driven to the hospital by a friend.

Ephrata boil-water advisory still in effect

EPHRATA — A boil-water advisory remains in effect in Ephrata, at least until city officials learn the results of tests on water samples taken Monday. Full test results are expected Wednesday morning. The advisory was issued for the northeast and southeast parts of town, wrote city Administrator Ray Towry in a Tuesday press release. It does not include the Grandview Heights neighborhood. The boil-water advisory was issued Monday afternoon following a malfunction of sensors that regulate the city’s water reservoir system. City officials expected some preliminary test results Tuesday night.

News bites for Aug. 23, 2023

GEORGE — An Everest, Kansas, woman was arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault – domestic violence, early Monday morning after she allegedly shot her boyfriend after he hit her in the face. Margo Hudspeth, 42, was arrested after an incident near the Wild Horse Monument south of George, wrote Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred about 11:45 p.m. Sunday on the eastbound side of Interstate 90. The unidentified man allegedly hit Hudspeth in the face, and she shot him in the elbow, Foreman wrote. The man was transported for the gunshot wound.

GoFundMe hub set up for fire victims

MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A centralized hub has been established at GoFundMe for anyone who would like to help people affected by wildfires in eastern Washington, according to an announcement from the fundraising site. The hub will direct people to organizations that GoFundMe has verified as legitimate, to keep scam artists from preying on potential donors. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the wildfires burning throughout Eastern Washington,” GoFundMe Communications Manager and Spokesperson Jeff Platt wrote in the announcement. “At GoFundMe, being a safe and trusted place to give and receive help is our top priority. To help keep the platform safe, donations are processed by our payment partners, held, and then released only to the person named as the recipient of the funds (the beneficiary). Before funds are transferred to the beneficiary, their personal information must be verified. If any questions arise, our processors will hold the funds until the recipient is verified.”

Vivian Richard

Vivian Michelle Richard, 63, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 18, 2023. She was born May 23, 1960, to Charles and Marcella Richard. She attended school in Orangevale, California; Hermiston, Oregon; and Othello, Washington. She moved to Moses Lake after living in Hermiston, Oregon and remained here the rest of her life. She was working for Windermere Property Management at the time of her death where she had been dedicated to her tenants and property owners for many years. She was a member of the Lioness Club of Moses Lake for many years, serving as the president of the organization for one term.

His father’s son

Ned LeDoux follows proudly in his dad’s musical footsteps

MOSES LAKE — Some children of legendary performers struggle to get out from under their famous parent’s shadow when they make a name for themselves. Ned LeDoux is not one of those. “He's Dad to me,” LeDoux said of his father, singer-songwriter Chris LeDoux, who passed away from cancer in 2005. “That's it. And I know what everybody else sees and it just makes me a proud son.” ...

Going to market

Hard work pays off for youth at livestock sale

MOSES LAKE — It’s kind of a high point, the moment when hard work is rewarded in hard cash. Livestock sales are an integral part of a county fair, when a 4-H or Future Farmers of America student sees the benefit from all the effort they put in through the year raising a heifer or a pig or a goat. “What’m I bid? What’m I bid? Do I hear 1,900? 1,900! Do I hear 2,000? All done, all gone…” said auctioneer Chuck Yarbro Jr., machine-gunning the ritual auction phrases Friday morning at the Grant County Fair’s Kenny Ardell Pavilion as one young person after another brought a critter into the ring to be sold. The teens looked nervous but proud as they showed off several months’ to several years’ worth of work.

Legals for August, 22 2023

Spokane-area fires claim two lives, trigger evacuations

SPOKANE — Fires in the Spokane area, including two over 10,000 acres, claimed at least two lives as well as causing evacuations and traffic hassles over the weekend. A body was found in the area burned by the Oregon Road fire north of Spokane on Sunday afternoon, according to an Associated Press report. Another person died in connection with the Gray fire that started Friday west of Spokane. The Gray fire had grown to 10,014 acres by Monday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire was 10% contained Monday and costs were estimated at $1,250,000. The blaze prompted the evacuation of the entire city of Medical Lake, as well as the communities of Lakeland Village and Four Lakes. Interstate 90 is closed to traffic between the Four Lakes and Tyler interchanges until further notice, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Traffic is being detoured both directions on SR 904 through Cheney.

Nominations open Sept. 1 for Education Service District board position

WENATCHEE — Nominations will be accepted from Sept. 1 to 16 for a position on the North Central Education Service District board representing five school districts in Grant County. The NCESD board member will represent District 4, which includes the Ephrata, Quincy, Wilson Creek, Warden and Soap Lake school districts. Qualifying candidates must be US citizens, registered voters and live within the boundaries of one of the five school districts. Applicants can’t be school employees or a school board member from any of the districts they would represent. Applicants also can’t be on the Washington State Board of Education.

Masquers announces auditions for ‘Elf: The Musical'

SOAP LAKE — Auditions will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 and 28 for the Masquers Theater production of “Elf: The Musical.” Auditions will be at the theater, 322 East Main St., Soap Lake; actors only need to attend one audition session. Clifford and Stacey Bresee are the directors. The show opens Nov. 25 and will run weekends through Dec. 16. Auditions are open to actors from 9 years of age to adult roles.

Chamber, sponsors give breakfast to fair youth

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, with help from local businesses sponsorships, provided breakfast for 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Washington State Grange members and their families Sunday morning at the Grant County Fair. The breakfast was served from the window of the Chamber’s vendor building at the fairgrounds. Chamber President and CEO Debbie Doran-Martinez said that the breakfast is specifically meant for children and families who are busy packing up and preparing their livestock to go home on Sunday. “We do it every year,” said Doran-Martinez. “Those kids have worked really hard all week long, with their animals. They're part of the attraction of the fair for city kids to come and see that life, and so we just want to want to feed them.”

‘Very preliminary’ 2024 Grant PUD budget released

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD customers could see an overall 2.5% rate increase in 2024. The preliminary 2024 budget was released for the first review at the PUD commission meeting Aug. 8. John Mertlich, senior manager of financial planning and analysis, called it a “very preliminary” review. According to information presented to the commissioners, the Aug. 8 presentation meets a state-mandated requirement. Commissioners will approve a resolution to file a preliminary budget today, also meeting a state requirement. The budget will be presented for two public hearings in October, and commissioners will approve the final version in November.

'It’s always a good show'

Roundup wraps up with strong showings from competitors

MOSES LAKE — The 80th year of the Moses Lake Roundup was celebrated Thursday through Friday, when competitors from around the world traveled to Moses Lake for a chance to take home thousands of dollars in the rodeo. “It’s a good rodeo, good contractors,” saddle bronc rider Jake Clark said. “Great hospitality – they treat the competitors great here.” The stands in the Rodeo Arena were packed each of the three nights of the Roundup, watching the numerous competitors take part in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. “This is a great crowd; they all get into it the whole rodeo. It’s not just the bull riding,” bull rider Laramie Mosley said. “It makes it fun when you show up here and see the stands full, everybody cheering and hollering. It makes it enjoyable.”

Boil water advisory issued for Ephrata

EPHRATA — Ephrata residents in the southeast and northeast sections of town are being advised to boil city water before drinking it. The boil-water advisory was issued by city officials late Monday afternoon. Residents should bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool prior to using it, according to a press release from City Administrator Ray Towry. Samples of the water have been sent to a state-certified lab for testing, he wrote. “The test requires 24 hours in the lab. The city anticipates receiving results by Wednesday,” Towry wrote.

Hundreds attend Grant County Fair Livestock Awards

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County branches and chapters of 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Washington State Grange partnered to host the annual livestock awards at the Grant County Fair Saturday afternoon in the Sale Barn. The awards honored youths for their livestock showings throughout the fair week. Bleachers surrounding the hay-covered floor were filled with hundreds of children, teens and family members waiting to see if they won an award or to support other youth livestock competitors. The Washington State University Extension Animal Sciences Regional Specialist Sarah Maki Smith – who works with and organizes 4-H and FFA educational programs – was one of the organizers of the awards and one of the many presenters at the event itself.

New grant to help grain farmers find low falling numbers sooner

PULLMAN - Washington State University will develop a new test that could save wheat growers millions of dollars thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR). A diverse team of researchers and stakeholders from WSU and across the U.S. is developing a faster, cheaper, more accurate test that directly measures alpha-amylase, a protein that contributes to low falling numbers in wheat...

William Graham

Elder William Gaston Graham was born Dec. 25, 1936. The eldest son of a sharecropper reigning from Raleigh, North Carolina, often Elder Graham would testify saying he was born one step from slavery and look how far God had brought him from. He was humbled that God took a little black boy from the tobacco fields and anointed him to preach the Gospel. He joined the U.S. Force April 15, 1954. He was stationed in Austin, Texas where he met the love of his life, Billie Joyce Bonner, at a skating rink. He called her “floor glider” because she could and loved to dance. His term of endearment for his wife remained “love of his life” and for 66 years they enjoyed the blessings of the covenant of marriage.

Pedal tour

Swedish father and son travel across U.S. by bike

OTHELLO — Axel Andersson said his travels on a bike, which brought him and his dad Eric to Othello Thursday, started with a dilemma back in 2018. “It was after my first year in university, and I didn’t know what to do during the summer,” he said. “So I said, ‘I’m going to bike through Sweden.’ And the longest I’ve ever biked before that, I think, was seven miles or something like that.” ...

Weather for Monday, Aug. 21, 2023

Weather report for Monday, August 21, 2023.

Legals for August, 21 2023

Dewey Spurbeck

Dewey Masaru Spurbeck, 70, lost his battle with cancer on Aug. 5 and as a child of God has entered into the presence of our Beloved Savior. He was born at the U.S. Army hospital in Yokohama, Japan on Oct. 19, 1952, to Sid and Katsuko Spurbeck. His father was a Navy officer so after being reassigned back to the USA the family lived in Norfolk, Virginia, Corpus Christi, Texas and San Diego, California. In 1957 his father retired from the Navy and was offered a position as a commercial airline pilot for Saudi Arabian Airlines. He accepted the position and the family moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where they lived in a compound next to the airport for the following six years. While living overseas the family visited such exotic places as Egypt, Kenya, Israel, Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong along with several European destinations.

Vawn Burk Davis Sr.

Vawn Davis Sr. passed away on Aug. 15, 2023, at the age of 59. Vawn was born Jan. 24, 1964, in Anacortes, Washington to Kenneth Gordon Davis and Bonna Rose Burk. He was the youngest of five boys, raised from a young age in Yakima, Washington where he attended Eisenhower High School. Vawn moved to Moses Lake, Washington in the mid-’90s where he lived the remainder of his days. Vawn was an avid racing fan and enthusiast. He met his future wife Mary Nan Willey at the race track. They married in 1995 and had two boys, Steven and Vawn Jr (Bo). They raced for NVS Racing (family team) all over the Inland Northwest in hobby and street stock divisions. They divorced in 2001. He enjoyed his weekends watching NASCAR, the Seahawks and the Mariners. In his later years, he turned his attention to two wheels, building and riding motorized bicycles all over Moses Lake.

Three local fires spring up, and one killed in fire near Medical Lake

MOSES LAKE — If going out the front door Saturday morning felt – and smelled – like walking into a giant ashtray, there’s a reason for that. The Air Quality Index in most of central Washington, including the Columbia Basin, was rated unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency, using data from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The AQI, determined by measuring particulate matter in the air, ranged between 163 in Mattawa and 190 in Ritzville. Moses Lake’s AQI was 176, while Quincy was at 182 and Soap Lake was at 189. The air in the Spokane area was even worse, according to the EPA, with AQIs well over 300 in places. For the air to be rated as healthy, the AQI must be lower than 50...

TRAVEL ALERT: Work hours on Leavenworth guardrail construction extended

LEAVENWORTH — Travelers should be aware that the work schedule has been extended through Friday on a project to replace guardrails on US Highway 2 along Tumwater Canyon west of Leavenworth...

I-90 closures scheduled Tuesday, Thursday

HYAK — A section of Interstate 90 will be closed Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting about an hour, to allow crews to do some rock blasting along the roadsides, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. Eastbound travelers will be stopped at milepost 63 and westbound travelers at exit 70 near Easton...

GALLERY: Moses Lake Roundup

MOSES LAKE – The first two nights of the Moses Lake Roundup took place at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Thursday and Friday, with competitors coming to Moses Lake from around the state, country and world.

FFA hosts tractor driving contest

MOSES LAKE – The Future Farmers of America held a tractor driving contest Saturday at the Grant County Fair in the warm-up arena, where FFA members competed to show who had the most skill operating a tractor under pressure. Former FFA member and tractor contest competitor Austin Kern was helping organize and manage the event...

Soap Lake adjusts office hours, discusses waste disposal

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council voted four to two during Wednesday’s regular meeting to approve temporary changes to City Hall’s public hours. The council also heard a presentation from the Grant County Health District on an out-of-compliance solid waste disposal site. For the next two weeks, starting Monday, Soap Lake City Hall will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with employees taking staggered lunches so someone will always be available to the public. Mayor Michelle Agliano said that the temporary change is meant to help devote more hours in the morning to training Soap Lake’s two recently hired city hall employees...

Walls set to start going up this month at Group14

MOSES LAKE — Construction is underway on a new facility in Moses Lake to produce silicon materials that will, its owners say, contribute to making substantial improvements to the next generation of batteries. Grant Ray, vice president for global marketing strategy for Group14, said the company’s new facility on Wheeler Road will produce an important component in the quest to produce batteries that last longer and are quicker to charge...

Othello company fined for environmental violations

SEATTLE – The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that Multistar Industries Inc. of Othello will pay $850,000 for violations of environmental laws. The violations relate to Multistar’s storage of a hazardous chemical called trimethylamine, or TMA, at its facility in Othello, Washington...

NCW Libraries hosts storytimes throughout Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE – NCW Libraries from all over Grant County hosted daily children’s storytimes throughout the duration of the Grant County Fair, including the Ephrata Branch’s storytime Friday at 11:30 in the fairgrounds Youth Building. Aaron Loeffelbein, the Ephrata Public Library branch supervisor, was set up with a microphone in front of rows of blanket-covered hay bales for the children and parents to sit on. Loeffelbein had several books ready to read...

STUDIO BASIN: Council conundrums, fair fun and derby daring

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer and Sports Reporter Ian Bivona go over last week's headlines...

Ephrata School District suspends staff member

EPHRATA – In a brief statement, Ephrata School District Superintendent Tim Payne announced Friday that a district employee has been placed on administrative leave...

Margaret P. (Peggy) Johnson

The family of Margaret P. (Peggy) Johnson invites those of you who knew her and would like to help us celebrate her life to join us at Valley Christian Center at 1621 S. Methow St., Wenatchee, Washington on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 2 p.m.

A plan to buy

oing homework ahead of time can smooth out the homebuying process

EPHRATA – The housing inventory in the Columbia Basin is tight, but preparing ahead of time can make the process of buying one of the homes that is available a lot easier. “The starting point is to find a lender that they trust and get a pre-approval through the lender,” said Staci Faw of Windermere REal Estate/Central Basin, LLC. “Because without having a pre-approval, they don’t know what their buying power is.” ...

News Bites for Aug. 18, 2023

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake Police Department Interim Chief Cpt. Dave Sands issued a statement regarding a Sunday shooting in the 800 block of Loop Drive in Moses Lake. In the announcement, Sands said Jeremy Flores, 36, of Moses Lake, was killed as a result of wounds sustained in the incident. Two other Moses Lake residents, ages 16 and 18, are expected to recover from their injuries sustained in the same shooting...

Proper equestrians

4-H and GCYEP host English Equitation contest at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE – 4-H and the Grant County Youth Equine Program partnered to hold horse-riding-related events throughout the week at the Grant County Fair, including English Equitation Wednesday morning in the Gene Harwood Pavillion. Stephanie Roeter, the 4-H regional specialist for Grant, Douglas and Chelan Counties and the 4-H horse barn superintendent for this year’s fair, emceed the event...

Police logs for Aug. 18, 2023

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Building permits for Aug. 18, 2023

City of Moses Lake, unincorporated Grant County

Legals for August, 18 2023

‘Professional Zaniac’

Fair performer mixes juggling chops with hyperactive comedy

MOSES LAKE — If ever there was a man who perhaps should consider switching to decaf, it’s Alex Zerbe. “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,” Zerbe boomed over the speaker from backstage as he began his set Thursday afternoon at the Grant County Fair. “It is my pleasure to introduce a man so famous, he's giving his own introduction while standing backstage...

Nursing education grant available

OLYMPIA — The state of Washington will offer scholarships for qualifying applicants considering nursing careers...

Soap Lake City Council swears in new member

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously to approve Fred Slipper to fill the vacant position No. 2 on the council during Wednesday’s regular meeting. Slipper will hold the position until Jan. 1, 2024. Slipper’s letter of interest to the city outlined some of his background and involvement...

Demo derby rolls into Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The two-night Agri-Service Demolition Derby wrapped up on Wednesday night, with nearly 200 drivers hitting the track inside the Rodeo Arena at the Grant County Fairgrounds across the two nights. “It was pretty awesome to take over and try to put on a good show,” said Alex Alvarado, a member of the board of directors for the Moses Lake Roundup overseeing the derby. “That’s what we’ve always wanted to do, just put on a good show for everybody. It was a lot of responsibility, but in the end, I think it was worth it. And, I enjoyed it.” ...

Smokey skies prompt health warning

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for all areas of the county. Wildfires in Washington and British Columbia are affecting air conditions in Grant County, according to the advisory, and air quality is expected to be in the moderate to unhealthy range into the weekend.

BBCC's TRiO Upward Bound celebrates Summer Academy graduates

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College’s TRiO Upward Bound program celebrated the end of its annual six-week Summer Academy with an awards banquet on campus Friday, formally recognizing the 45 students from Moses Lake, Othello, Royal City, and Warden high schools who successfully completed the program...

Development League calls for award nominations from members

CASHMERE – The Columbia Basin Development League announced in a press release that they are calling for nominations from members of the league for their Perseverance Award and Honorary Life Member Award, to be announced at the league’s annual conference Nov. 14 in Moses Lake...

Harvey Vern Bohnet

In the early morning of Aug. 7, 2023, Harvey Vern Bohnet, 90, with his wife Katherine at his side, finished his long journey through life. It was filled with many triumphs and traumas. He was born March 4, 1933, to Fred Bohnet and Bertha Schuh Bohnet on the family farm south of Hartline, Washington. He barely survived his birth, and that resulted in being affected with cerebral palsy. He joined a brother Harold, and four years later his sister Doris was born. When he was 7 his mother died, and her death had an impact throughout his life. Friends told his father about Shriners Hospital in Spokane. The surgery there on his affected arm and leg enabled him to walk independently. He never forgot the loving care he received then and later as a teenager. In 1942, they moved to a farm north of Wilson Creek.

William Walker

William "Bill" Walker, 79, died August 15, 2023, in Spokane, Washington. No services are scheduled at this time.

Shirley Jean (Shockley) Schuller

Shirley Jean Schuller passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington, where she had resided since 1957. Shirley was born in 1931 in Yakima, Washington. She was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Irene Shockley and granddaughter of E.J. and Lula Shockley, who were early pioneers. She was the great-granddaughter of Hugh and Mary Ann Wiley who homesteaded the present area of Wiley City, Washington. Shirley attended grade school in Wiley City, riding her horse each day. She graduated from Yakima Senior High in 1950.

Fair showing

Horse showmanship competitors display promise, practiced skills

MOSES LAKE – Perhaps the only thing more colorful than the variety of horses in the Harwood Pavillion Tuesday morning were the outfits of the young equestrians who came to show off their skills. One standout was Bailey Brown, a young horse lover who dressed in more English than Western attire for the event she’d worked hard to prepare for...

Cooling livestock

Local feed store operators discuss available options for helping livestock healthy in extreme heat

EPHRATA – The sign at the SubWay in Ephrata read 105 degrees Wednesday afternoon, and temperatures throughout the area have been high all week, including on the various ranches in the area. Ranchers have a variety of tools though to help keep their livestock from overheating. Ensuring animals have easy access to clean water troughs is important, said Megan Feekes of Hales Farm and Feed in Ephrata...

RECAP: Seahawks open preseason with win, Mariners two games back of wild card

SEATTLE – The Seahawks opened the 2023 preseason with a win last Thursday, while the Seattle Mariners had their streak of six series wins in a row snapped against the Baltimore Orioles. For an update on the two squads, as well as the Storm stringing together two more wins, check out this week’s Washington pro sports recap.

Cougars, Huskies named to preseason watch lists

WASHINGTON – With Week 0 of the 2023 college football season just nine days away, the National College Football Awards Association has been revealing preseason watch lists since July 31. Read along for a full view of Cougar and Huskie players on the major award watch lists.

Legals for August, 17 2023

AC 101: Maintaining your air conditioner

An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases...

Construction zone

Hammers, paint, nails, finished projects at Kids Workshop

MOSES LAKE — Donning carpenter aprons, the builders went to work. Hammers pounded industriously. Projects were painted, sometimes carefully, sometimes not...

Simple fun

MOSES LAKE - As fair activities go on around them, children find a spot to play in the dirt in the Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fair Wednesday.

Soap Lake Conservancy pushing for Outstanding Resource Water classification

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Conservancy and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation are pushing for Soap Lake to be designated as an Outstanding Resource Water by the Department of Ecology, the proposal for which is open to public comment until Sep. 27...

Clean cow

MOSES LAKE - Josie Wilson of Soap Lake gives her cow a bath prior to beef market competition Wednesday at the Grant County Fair.

Fine swine

Keeping cool in the show ring matter of self-discipline say market pig competitors

MOSES LAKE — It wasn’t incredibly hot in the Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fair Wednesday morning. Every fan in the place was running, along with a portable behemoth more than six feet tall. For anybody wearing a light shirt, maybe shorts, taking a seat and not moving around a lot, it was - bearable. Unfortunately, the competitors in market class livestock don’t have any of those options...

BANG! CRASH! SMASH! FUN!

MOSES LAKE – The Agri-Service Demo Derby got rolling on Tuesday night in Moses Lake, as drivers competed in various different events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Full coverage of the derby will be in Friday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

Stevani Sheri Alvarado

Feb. 12, 1973 – Aug. 7, 2023

Stevani Sheri Alvarado was born in Moses Lake, Washington on February 12, 1973, and left us to be with her Lord on August 7, 2023 at the age of 50. She was raised by her mother Rosa Arambula along with her two younger sisters Estacia Arambula and Tiffani Ellis. She also had two sisters by her father who were Christiana and Elisa Arambula...

Russell Bernard Solberg

Jan. 5, 1931 – July 30, 2023

Russell Bernard Solberg was born on January 5, 1931. He passed away July 30, 2023, at Regency Rehab in Wenatchee, Wash. at the age of 92.

Mary Anne Rast

Mary Anne Rast died Aug. 10, 2023, in Yakima, Wash. at the age of 74. She is in the care of Neptune Society of Kennewick.

CWU Deaf and Sign Language Studies celebrates first deaf graduate

ELLENSBURG - Ivan Alfaro knew that being deaf was about more than just sign language, so when he found the Deaf and Sign Language Studies program at Central Washington University, he knew this was the degree to pursue. At June’s commencement ceremony, he became the first deaf student to graduate from the DSLS program...

SLPC seeks volunteers, promotes training opportunities

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Prevention Coalition is seeking volunteers to assist with launching the PAX Good Behavior Game, as well as promoting training opportunities In Bellevue and Spokane, the coalition announced earlier this month...

FRESH NEWS: Reservoir level down, water temps up, largemouth biting

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1029 feet – dropping two feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper-70s on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the mid-to-upper 80s...

Othello police logs for Aug. 16

The reports below were provided by the police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

'...we're just people too.'

Othello’s National Night Out brings hundreds out to community gathering to connect with first responders.

OTHELLO – The Adams County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the Othello Police Department to host a National Night Out event Saturday evening at the Othello Columbia Basin Health Association Clinic. Adams County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant Sandra Gomez led the Sheriff’s Office’s coordination of the event...

Vacated seat

Othello council opts to leave newly-vacant council position open until Nov. election

OTHELLO — Othello City Council members will leave one council position vacant until the November general election. Council members decided not to replace Jon Erickson, who announced his resignation at the regular meeting Monday. The vote was 6-1 with council member Mark Snyder voting in opposition...

GALLERY: Barn views

MOSES LAKE – A large part of the fair in any rural area is friendly competition among area youth agricultural organizations such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America and The Grange...

Washington sports schedule Aug. 16-22

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring local and statewide sporting events.

Moses Lake BMX to host Race for Life next Friday

MOSES LAKE – BMX riders from across the east side of the state will travel to Moses Lake for the Moses Lake BMX’s Race for Life next Friday, part of a four-track series with BMX facilities in Tri-Cities, Spokane and Walla Walla.

Legals for August, 16 2023

Stevens Hay Farms take Hay King title

MOSES LAKE — Award-winning hay is a matter of hitting the weather window. Bill Stevens of Stevens Hay Farms said the weather has to be dry enough for freshly cut hay, but not too dry. “Dry enough to let the hay dry, but not a lot of humidity, say at night,” Bill Stevens said. “Too much humidity will bleach the hay before you get a chance to bail it.” ...

FIRE REPORT: Red flag warning issued, fires burn around the Evergreen State

MOSES LAKE – The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Monday afternoon in light of extreme high temperatures, potential for high winds and low relative humidity throughout the Pacific Northwest, but especially on the western side of the Cascades. "Today's red flag warnings are in effect for extremely hot, dry, unstable weather west of the Cascade crest,” said Regional Fire Planner for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service Ian Rickert. “The challenging fire weather conditions coincide with areas that are experiencing abnormally dry to severe drought.” ...

Adams Co. primary vote finalized

RITZVILLE — Council incumbents in Lind and Ritzville will face challengers in the November general election, an EMS levy was approved in Othello and maintenance and operations levies were approved for two parks and recreation districts and one cemetery district. The 2023 primary election was certified Tuesday. The general election is Nov. 7...

'23 Grant Co. primary results set council, mayoral and hospital races

EPHRATA — The Moses Lake and Warden city councils will have new members, two Coulee City council incumbents will square off and Royal City area voters approved extending a six-year EMS levy for Grant County Fire District 10. The primary election was certified Tuesday...

Motorcyclist killed near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A motorcyclist died in a collision in Adams County early Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol...

WSU's Ward named to Manning Award watch list

NEW ORLEANS – Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward was named to the 2023 Manning Award Watch List, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Tuesday.

Santiago “Jimmy” Meza

May 1, 1954 – Aug. 14, 2023

Santiago “Jimmy” Meza, 69 peacefully passed away at home on August 14, 2023, alongside his wife, Janie, and daughters Andrea, Amanda, and Amelia...

Masquers to hold gala

SOAP LAKE – the Masquers Theatre troupe has announced that it will be holding its annual membership gala on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. In the announcement, the theater troupe said the theme for this year’s event will be based on a board game and will involve attendees dressing up as their favorite characters from the game...

Food grants

Moses Lake Food Bank implementing new funding and still going strong

MOSES LAKE — Community Services of Moses Lake, a local food bank and regional food distribution center, is still going strong and preparing to implement new grant funding, said CSML’s Operations Manager Peny Archer. CMSL provides a food bank for residents of Moses Lake and distributes food to 49 food banks across Grant, Adams, Lincoln, Benton, Yakima and Whitman counties, said Archer, who has worked at the food bank for 23 years after starting as a volunteer...

Legals for August, 15 2023

Local residents tell cancer to take a hike

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department officers, members of the community and at least one loving wife joined Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for a fundraising walk to support the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s efforts to battle the disease. “I’m not a crier,” Fuhr said. “But, when I came around the corner and saw how many people had showed up, I got a little verklempt.” ...

Wake for Warriors ramps up

CRESCENT BAR – Wake for Warriors, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by veterans to support veterans held a fundraiser over the weekend for their efforts to help veterans connect and enjoy life regardless of challenges stemming from their time in service. According to one organizer, the fundraiser brought in about $17,000, nearly twice last year’s event which brought in about $9,000. To find out more about the organization, visit www.wakeforwarriors.org.

Walsh named state GOP chairman

BELLEVUE — State Rep. Jim Walsh, who represents District 19 in the Aberdeen area., was named chair of the Washington State Republican Party, according to an announcement from the WSRP...

FIRE REPORT: High temps increase fire risks

PORTLAND, Ore.— Almost 85% of all fires in the Northwest this year have been caused by human action, according to data from the Northwest Interagency Fire Center, which tracks wildfires in Washington and Oregon...

One killed in Moses Lake shooting

MOSES LAKE — A shooting claimed one life and injured two other people in the Knolls Vista neighborhood of Moses Lake early Sunday morning...

Sizzlin’ fun

Shade, staying hydrated among keys to keeping cool at the Grant County Fair.

MOSES LAKE — It being summer and with the weather gods sometimes having a nasty sense of humor, it was probably to be expected. “It’s going to be hot this week,” said fairgrounds manager Jim McKiernan while talking to volunteers Monday morning...

Couple convicted in carjacking on reservation

YAKIMA — A White Swan couple was convicted Friday of serious felonies on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Washington...

Pinning the competition

Moses Lake’s Prescott placed sixth at Fargo nationals, aims for strong sophomore campaign

MOSES LAKE – Many athletes spend time over the summer working on their craft – that’s no different for Moses Lake sophomore Reese Prescott, who placed sixth at last month’s 2023 USA Wrestling 16U National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota. “To even place at Fargo, I felt really cool and (I was) happy and excited about it,” Prescott said. “I went to this big tournament, I ended up placing. You look at your teammates around you and some of them are cheering you on and everyone’s still there – I just thought it was really cool.”

Ricardo ‘Richard’ Perez

Ricardo “Richard” F. Perez, 76, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away at his home in Moses Lake on Aug. 9, 2023. Born Aug. 14, 1946, in Atolinga, Zacatecas, Mexico, he shared fond memories of his childhood in rural Mexico. He came to the United States on July 7, 1961, where his family settled in Oxnard, California. His arrival coincided with the beginning of surf culture, which is how he taught himself the English language in part by listening to the Beach Boys. Born with a desire for adventure, he started traveling at a very young age. Those travels took him all over the western United States until he met his wife in 1966.

Gayle Michelle Bonato

Gayle Michelle Bonato, 61, of Holts Summit, Missouri, formerly of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away Aug. 8, 2023. She was born Aug. 27, 1961, in Othello, Washington, a daughter of the late William A. and Susan D. (Kanenwisher) Whitmer. Gayle enjoyed quilting, playing the guitar and singing. She was a very selfless person and enjoyed helping others. She was furthering her education before her illness by attending college online at Capella University. Gayle loved her family but she especially cherished every minute spent with her grandchildren. Gayle is survived by her husband David Bonato of Holts Summit; one daughter Jennifer Mwangi (Wilson), also of Holts Summit; one son James Whitmer of Washington; daughter-in-law Allison Bonato-Garcia of Oregon; grandchildren Rachael, Rivers, Gianna, Samuel, Ruth and Sarah; sister Courtney; and brothers Scott, David and T.J. Along with her parents, Gayle was preceded in death by two sons Tony Bonato and Matthew Bonato and sister her Brenda.

Randy Fish

Randy Fish lost his battle with colon cancer on Aug. 7, 2023. Randy was born and raised in Deer Park, Washington. He joined the Navy in 1971 and was honorably discharged in 1974. Randy lived in Seattle before setting roots and raising a family in Moses Lake, Washington. Randy made it a point to enjoy every single day. He enjoyed cooking new recipes and sharing the food with people he cared about. He loved his family, hunting, fishing and taking walks with his dog Maggie.

Louise Peeples

Louise Peeples, 80, went home to her Savior on Aug. 9, 2023. She was born in Seattle, Washington on April 15, 1943, to John and Lola Parker. She attended Seattle schools until her father’s career took her to Diablo Dam in the High Cascades where she attended Concrete High School. She came to Moses Lake where she gave birth to both of her daughters at Larson Air Force Base. She met her husband David through a coffee date that blossomed into their 52-year marriage. Dave’s career moved them to Spokane where Louise was a keypunch operator for several years. Louise always enjoyed supporting her daughters Connie and Teri in their cheerleading and choir activities with unconditional love as they matured and grew. She enjoyed cake decorating and began painting again.

Jerri Cleis

Jerri Cleis of Moses Lake passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 11 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, with her loving husband Chuck by her side as he has always been. She was born in Emmett, Idaho to Ross and Thora Brittain. Ross worked for the Bureau of Reclamation which brought them to Warden when she was 3 and then on to Moses Lake when she was 5. After living in the beautiful state of Montana on and off for several years, Jerri and Chuck re-located back to Moses Lake to take advantage of the milder climate and made their home in Cascade Valley.

Vittles for a queen

Fair, rodeo season kicks off with Cowboy Breakfast

MOSES LAKE — Seven-year-old Lila Stacy began her reign as queen of the rodeo at the annual Cowboy Breakfast Friday. The Cowboy Breakfast is the traditional kickoff to the Grant County Fair and the Moses Lake Roundup; the fair begins Tuesday, the rodeo Thursday. The breakfast is a community service project of the Moses Lake Kiwanis chapter, and for 2023 they got considerable assistance from Jessica Cox of Country Financial. Cox helped pay for the food and music, and ran the annual Pee Wee Rodeo...

Weather for Monday, Aug. 14, 2023

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for much of eastern Washington and northern Idaho from Monday through Thursday. An extreme heat watch indicates high risk for heat-related illnesses for much of the population, pets, and livestock, especially with extended outdoor exposure. Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Clear in the evening, with a low around 72. Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Mostly clear late in the day, with a low around 72. Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Mostly clear at night, with a low around 71.

Legals for August, 14 2023

GALLERY: Basin summer sports

COLUMBIA BASIN — From the diamond to the golf course, local athletes stayed busy throughout the summer. With fall sports practices beginning this week, let’s take a look back at the moments from summer here in the Columbia Basin.

BBCC brings on Daviaire Dickerson as men’s wrestling coach

MOSES LAKE — As a former collegiate wrestler himself, Daviaire Dickerson knows how to connect with wrestlers from the role of a coach. Now, Dickerson is looking to continue that as the new head coach of the Big Bend men’s wrestling program. “I definitely can sympathize with my athletes and understand why they might be struggling in wrestling, because it may be coming from a completely outside source,” Dickerson said. “I graduated from college four years ago, so I remember those times. I remember how hard some of those days were.” A graduate of Arizona Christian University, Dickerson got his first head coaching gig at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, where he coached the Warriors’ women’s wrestling team on an interim basis.

News bites for Aug. 14, 2023

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Patrol has released more information regarding the fatal collision on I-90 east of Moses Lake Aug. 9. Derek Jay Duplichan, 30, of Warden, was driving a 2001 Acura MDX eastbound in the left lane on I-90 near the Road U/Warden exit when he drove into the median in an attempt to pass a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva driven by Brent T. Palmen, 34, of Moses Lake, according to the WSP. Duplichan then reentered the lane and struck Palmen’s vehicle, causing both drivers to lose control. Palmen’s vehicle crossed the median into the westbound lanes, where it struck a 2022 Toyota Highlander driven by Kellie A. Taylor, 54, of Snohomish, causing Taylor’s vehicle to run into a fence. Palmen’s and Taylor’s vehicles came to rest on the westbound shoulder, while Duplichan’s vehicle rolled multiple times and came to rest on the cable barriers in the median. Duplichan, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.

Fire update for Aug. 14, 2023

LAHAINA, Hawaii — The wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii had claimed at least 80 lives as of Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The city of just under 13,000 on the island of Maui was left in ashes by a fire that began Tuesday, according to the AP. A combination of high winds, an small firefighting force and power outages that interfered with fire warnings made matters worse. “I am devastated by the lives lost and the destruction in Lahaina,” Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands wrote in a statement.

Fair week

Grant County prepares to show off

MOSES LAKE — Everything slows down a little bit in Grant County during the third week of August. It could be because it’s the hottest part of the summer, or it could be that a lot of people are out of town on vacation. But it could also be because that’s the week of the Grant County Fair, and that’s where everybody is. “In 2021 we had 92,000 people through the gates,” said Fairgrounds Manager Jim McKiernan. “In 2022 we had 87,000.” ...

Distilled ribbon cutting

Moses Lake Distillery cut the ribbon Thursday on its new location at 121 W. Third Ave., inside Love & Lumber in downtown Moses Lake. Moses Lake Distillery offers tastings, bottle sales and weekly rotating cocktails, according to the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. The location boasts outside seating as well as an outside window to serve patrons. Hours are 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday.

Murray visits UW Computer Science and Engineering School

SEATTLE – Senator Patty Murray, D–WA, visited the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering Wednesday for a tour and briefing from UW researchers on AI development and research, according to a press release from Murray’s office...

Warden council approves port annexation agreement

WARDEN – The Warden City Council voted unanimously during Tuesday’s regular meeting to approve and sign an annexation agreement with the Port of Warden following a public hearing on the issue. The council also discussed grant applications for transportation infrastructure updates. Before the public hearing, Warden City Administrator Kriss Shuler explained to the council what the annexation agreement is...

80th ride: Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo has full slate for its oak anniversary

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo turns 80 this year, and it’s doing it in a big way. “It's going to be huge,” said Tyler Brown, treasurer of the rodeo committee. “We've got 430 entries for all the events, which is a pretty big number. Probably up 10-15% (compared to previous years). We've got a full slate of contestants in every event, which is really spectacular.” ...

Moses Lake council looks at water project funding

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake City Council approved a motion six to one during Tuesday’s regular meeting to revise the city’s 2023 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending plan to fund $3 million for water remediation projects to address the lack of potable water in Moses Lake. According to the city staff report, the spending revision will draw funds away from a water and sewer extension in Cascade Valley, a downtown stormwater project, a gravel street project and a conversion of city parks to lake water...

STUDIO BASIN: Grant Co. Sheriff Joe Kriete and talking local sports stars

MOSES LAKE – In this month's segment with Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller discusses National Night Out, fighting cancer, domestic violence and an update on the new Grant County Jail facility with the sheriff. Kriete also shares that his daughter, a long-time standout in the local softball arena, will be leaving for college soon to play at the college level...

Quincy port considering sale of Bishop Rec Area

QUINCY — Whether or not to sell the Bishop Recreation Area, and how to sell it if that’s the decision, was a topic of discussion by Port of Quincy commissioners and staff Wednesday. The rec area overlooks the Columbia River, about 10 miles downriver from Crescent Bar. The land is in the port’s industrial development district, and that, said port Comptroller Darci Kleyn, will make a difference in how it’s sold - if commissioners decide to sell it...

Denver Lawrence ‘Larry’ Jones

March 24, 1932 – August 7, 2023 Larry Jones, 91, was born March 24, 1932, in McVeigh, Kentucky, and left us Aug. 7, 2023, in Battle Ground, Washington. Larry moved to the Pacific Northwest with his family as a young boy and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1950. After time at Oregon State University and service during the Korean War, he purchased his farm north of Battle Ground in 1960. Farming was his love and he was a dairy farmer for many years.

Rotary project adds games to Moses Lake park

MOSES LAKE — Setting a heavy concrete top on an immovable concrete base is a game of inches. Sometimes quarter-inches. Moses Lake Rotary member Gary Ash was doing just that Wednesday morning, securing the top of a new concrete ping pong table in Carl T. Ahlers Memorial Park. It needed to be adjusted ever so slightly, about a quarter inch...

Law enforcement logs for Aug. 11

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office, jail or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

'Just be prepared to go full circle.'

Othello housing market strong compared to surrounding area, local real estate pro says

OTHELLO – Brenda Roosma, co-founder of the Othello Realty Group, provided an update on the Othello housing and real estate market and said it’s fairly strong compared to surrounding areas, even as interest rates climb. “I feel the market is still pretty stable, overall,” said Roosma. “For the Othello area, I've never seen a decrease. I've been doing this for 24 years, and the Othello area has always been strong, and it's always increasing. I haven't seen it go the other way.” ...

Legals for August, 11 2023

James Treutle

James Frederick Treutle, 82, of Moses Lake, Washington, was peacefully reunited with his wife of 53 years Judith Ann in the house of the Lord on July 20, 2023. James was born Nov. 22, 1940. He learned to love the outdoors from a very young age growing up in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of 9, James became a golf caddie at a club on the other side of town. He worked hard and gained a reputation as a very good bagman at the time and was selected to caddie in the 1957 PGA Championship at Miami Valley Golf Club in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. This and many more experiences gave James a true appreciation for the game of golf. He continued his love for the game into his high school years. His senior year in a match against Upper Arlington High he shot 75, his best round ever. But a senior from UAH by the name of Jack Nicklaus shot 64.

Wilson, Zhang capture titles at WJGA State Championship

MOSES LAKE — After three days of competition, the 47th Annual Washington Junior Golf Association’s State Championship concluded at the Moses Lake Golf Club on Thursday, with winners crowned across the eight separate divisions. Angela Zhang, 14, of Bellevue, won her second straight WJGA overall title in the girls ages 14-18 division, and Ben Wilson, 15, of Burlington, won the boys ages 14-18 overall title. “I always enjoy playing events in Washington and having the support of everyone here at home,” Zhang said. “It’s really great to be able to win here two times now, super special, and I can’t wait to compete here next year.”

WSU interim dean publishes book on the Irish Free State

ELLENSBURG - CWU’s Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Jason Knirck proudly announced last month that his book, Democracy and Dissent in the Irish Free State, has been published...

West Nile virus found in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — Two mosquito samples taken in Grant County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a statement from Grant County Mosquito Control District No. 1...

Lengthy internet outage caused by aging equipment

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD employees restored internet service to all county customers early Thursday morning after an outage that in some cases lasted more than 24 hours. Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer, said internet service providers began notifying the PUD about the outages Tuesday night, but it took a while to locate the source of the issue...

WSU’s Watson named to Doak Walker Award watch list

DALLAS – Washington State running back Nakia Watson was one of 74 players named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s top college running back...

EWU women’s soccer picked fifth in Big Sky

FARMINGTON, UTAH – Coming off a seventh-place finish in the Big Sky in 2022, Eastern Washington women’s soccer was picked to finish fifth in the conference in a release on Thursday...

Crusading against domestic violence

Auction buyers, donors Man Up to support New Hope in battling household violence

MOSES LAKE — If you see folks wearing purple at the Moses Lake Roundup this year, it’s not just a fashion statement. They’re manning up. For the last several years, the Moses Lake Roundup has partnered with New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services in Moses Lake in the Man Up Crusade, both to raise awareness of domestic violence and to raise funds to actually do something about it...

Hunter safety courses filling fast

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that mandatory hunter education courses are likely to fill up soon. Fish and Wildlife urged prospective hunters to take classes soon...

Lola Louise Peeples

Lola Louise Peeples, 80, died Aug. 9, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Robert H. Hughes III

Robert Hamilton Hughes III (Bobby) was born on Feb.11, 1965, and passed away on July 28, 2023. Although he was born in Seattle, Washington, he moved from there when he was only 15 months old and did live out of state as a preschooler. First he moved to Austin, Texas, then Corpus Christi and then San Angelo before moving to St Joseph, Missouri where he started kindergarten. He moved again to Adrian, Michigan where he finished his kindergarten school year, before moving to Moses Lake, Washington in 1971. He spent most of his life there until he moved to Spokane to be near his son and his family for the last 10 years of his life.

Revved up to help?

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help with community events, according to an announcement from the chamber. Events are planned for throughout the year, the announcement said, including the Anything with Wheels show, the Wine Walk, the Sage-N-Sun festival and Bells on Basin. The chamber will host a volunteer meeting in September to prepare for the events. Above is a photo from one of the car shows the chamber put on earlier this year. Anybody interested in volunteering is invited to contact the chamber at 509-754-4656 or by email at ephratawachamber@gmail.com.

Regional fire report for Aug. 10

WHATCOM COUNTY — The Sourdough fire, in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area about 60 miles east of Bellingham, was up to 1,710 acres Wednesday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire, which was discovered July 29, is still 0% contained and has cost about $16 million so far...

Waterworks: Ephrata finalizing plans for water infrastructure upgrades

EPHRATA — Providing water and sewer services to a city laid out like a reverse saddle is challenging, but the city of Ephrata is working to improve the associated infrastructure, which is aging and needs adjustments to meet the needs of the county seat. “You know, 90% of this stuff is due to aging treatment plants,” said Nancy Wetch, a project engineer with Gray & Osborne, Inc., a Yakima-based firm helping the city with fresh water and sewer systems upgrades. “There are some issues with capacity, but for the most part, it’s because your plant is 25 years old. Nothing is getting younger and nothing is getting newer. That’s why we’re doing this upgrade.” ...

Moses Lake Alumni select scholarship winners

MOSES LAKE — Fourteen Moses Lake High School seniors will have a little help with college thanks to a scholarship from the Moses Lake Alumni Association. This is the 17th year the association has offered the scholarships, according to association Secretary (and historian) Susan Blackwell...

“It’s going to be exciting to see what he can do”

Roberts looks to build relationships in first year as HC of Tiger cross country

EPHRATA – Lyndsy Roberts ran both cross country and track for the Ephrata Tigers when he was in high school, and now the 1998 Ephrata graduate is taking over as head coach of the Tiger cross country program. “I think there’s a lot of great programs around this area, but there’s something special for me about the Ephrata School District and this cross country running program,” Roberts said. “It helped shape me when I was in high school, and now that I’m able to be a part of the other side, I’m hopeful to do a lot of the same.” ...

3-vehicle collision claims 1 on I-90

MOSES LAKE — A three-vehicle accident on I-90 claimed at least one life and injured nine people Wednesday afternoon...

Othello approves facility use agreements

OTHELLO – Members of the Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve two facility use agreements – for the Latino State Championship and the Columbia Basin Health Association Run for a Cause – as well as a Police Department dispatch console upgrade and a bargain collective agreement...

Annexation more complicated than it seems, Royal council told

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council learned some things about the process of annexation at its Aug. 1 meeting. The discussion was occasioned by an application by Gerald Brown, owner of Golden West Farms, LLC, for the city to annex two parcels of Golden West land, one 70 acres and the other 7.7 acres south of the city limits. The council set aside part of the meeting as a public hearing on the petition...

Quincy school board reviews school clinic

QUINCY — An in-school medical clinic at Quincy High School, called the Wellness Center, treated 571 Quincy School District students, staff or community members. Quincy School Board members got an update on clinic operations at the regular meeting Tuesday. Moses Lake Community Health Chief Executive Officer Sheila Berschauer said that while not many community members take advantage of the clinic the opportunity is there...

American Legion Auxiliary to host Patriot Day ceremony

EPHRATA – Unit 28 of the American Legion Auxiliary, assisted by Legionnaires, will be hosting a Patriot Day ceremony on Sep. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata, according to a press release from the organization...

Bank robbery flops in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — An attempted bank robbery fizzled Tuesday afternoon in Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department...

Internet outage cause still under investigation

EPHRATA — An internet outage affecting some, but not all, residents in Grant County is under investigation. There was no estimated time of repair as of 4 p.m. Wednesday...

Ephrata schools to hold free developmental delay screenings

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Special Services Department announced in a Thursday public service announcement that they will be sponsoring a free screening September 6 for children ages three through five whose parents have concerns about their child’s development...

CWU to host One Health Conference on Aug. 16

ELLENSBURG - Central Washington University will be hosting the 2023 One Health Conference(link is external) on Wednesday, August 16, on the Ellensburg campus. The event, co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Health and Washington State Department of Agriculture, is an opportunity for cross-sector sharing and collaboration on human, animal, and environmental health issues...

Noel Alaniz

It’s with great sadness we are sharing that Noel Alaniz, 63, passed on May 3, 2023. He will be greatly missed. Noel was born at Samaritan Hospital, Moses Lake to Julio and Angelica Alaniz. He was the youngest of six. He’s preceded in death by his parents Julio and Angelica Alaniz, sister Enedelia (Nellie) Rentaria and brothers Hector and Julio Alaniz. He is survived by his sister Enelina (Nina) and husband Patrick Powers, and his brother Charles and wife Belinda Alaniz.

Concepcion Gonzalez

Concepcion Gutierrez Gonzalez, "Concha," 89, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Aug. 3, 2023. Born Dec. 3, 1933, to Alfredo and Benita Gutierrez in Barancos de Guadalupe, Chihuahua, Mexico, she moved to Texas at 8, California at 17 and settled in Moses Lake, Washington in 1953. She married Manuel V. Gonzalez on Nov. 7, 1955. She was the mother of 10, five girls and five boys; grandmother of 26; great-grandmother of 46; and great-great-grandmother of 10. Concha will be remembered as a strong and courageous woman, as well as being independent. From home repair to crafts, you name it; she got it done on her own. Concha had a heart for the sick, needy and less fortunate. Her loving ways, big smile and happy heart is how she will be remembered.

New Grant Co. jail site prep to begin in Sept.

EPHRATA — Grant County residents can expect to start seeing activity on the site of the new Grant County Jail in early September. Grant County Central Services Director Tom Gaines said the first phase of the job will be cleaning up the site at 14156 Road B.3 NW, Ephrata. Contractors interested in bidding on that job walked around the site Tuesday...

Washington sports schedule Aug. 9-15

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring local and statewide sporting events...

Mattawa developing parks plan

MATTAWA — Mattawa residents will be asked their preferences for recreation facilities in town as part of the preparation of a parks and open space plan. The city received a grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office to write a plan, the prerequisite to applying for funding for parks projects...

Legals for August, 9 2023

NCW Community Foundation accepting grant applications

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of NCW is now accepting applications for its Regional Impact Grant and Woods Family Music and Arts Grant, according to an announcement from the foundation...

Adams Co. approves juvenile court contract

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Board of Commissioners voted during their regular meeting on Aug 1 to approve and sign the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Implementation County Program Agreement, which continues the Adams County Juvenile Services funding and cooperation with JDAI...

Port of Othello secures CERB funding for new water tower

OTHELLO — The Port of Othello unanimously approved a resolution during Tuesday’s regular meeting to accept $5 million from the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board for the installation of a new water tower on Port property at the north end of Bruce...

Othello annexes 445 acres east of 14th Avenue

OTHELLO – The Othello City Council voted unanimously during Monday’s regular meeting to annex a 445-acre portion of land east of 14th Avenue, from Lee Road to West Cunningham Road, including residential, commercial, and light industrial zoning. “Staff recommends accepting the annexation with the proposed zoning,” said the City of Othello staff recommendation section of the annexation agenda memo. “Additional land is needed for residential development in order to reduce the housing shortage, and commercial development along Main Street at a major entrance to the city makes sense.” ...

PRO RECAP: M’s string together wins, Seahawks prep for 2023

SEATTLE – Since the passing of last week’s MLB trade deadline, the Mariners have been on an impressive winning streak while the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the beginning of the 2023 preseason. Read along for updates on the two squads, as well as the Seattle Kraken and Storm...

Coug MBB sets non-conference slate

PULLMAN – The Washington State men’s basketball team will play in seven home non-conference games along with four neutral site non-conference contests in this upcoming season, the school’s athletic department announced on Monday.

Lightning, rain cause electrical outages

MOSES LAKE — A lightning strike during a Monday morning thunderstorm cut power to customers in the Warden and Moses Lake areas, while the same storm resulted in other outages throughout Grant County. The outages affected about 5,500 customers countywide, said Christine Pratt, PUD public information officer...

Fire continues to burn near Grand Coulee Dam, blazes continue statewide

GRAND COULEE — Of the five fires that broke out Sunday in the Grand Coulee Dam area, only one, the Pendall Road fire, is listed as burning by the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire was previously reported at 500 acres, but that figure has been reduced to 170 acres, according to the Central Washington Interagency Communications Center...

The music is the draw

Despite weather and lineup adjustments, Watershed attendees celebrate country music

GEORGE - Watershed attendees showed their dedication and determination to enjoy the festival this year facing wind, rain and sun in the three-day event. Not only did shedders deal with changing weather, but first night headliner Cody Johnson had an hour delay due to the wind and Sunday night headliner Luke Bryan canceled due to illness...

FRESH NEWS: Fish beginning to move out of dunes as water rises

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,031 feet, rising 0.2 feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper 70s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s. The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are beginning to move out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes. Walleye fishing has been tough this week. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with No. 5 Flicker Shads – trolled, jerk baits, flukes, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Fish the main channels back in the sand dunes, Crab Creek and the face of the dunes. Fish tight to weed lines! It is an early morning bite, slowing down around 10 a.m. The walleye are starting to move out of the sand dunes to the face.

Daton Garnes

Daton Allen Garnes, 48, was born on Sept. 20, 1974. He departed this world on July 25, 2023, in Soap Lake, Washington. Daton's journey was one fueled by his unwavering passions. A devoted drag racing enthusiast, he lived life in the fast lane. Whether he was racing down the track or reviving classic cars, his dedication to car restoration was unmatched. The thrill of snowmobiling and boating were among his cherished moments, as he embraced the open waters and snowy terrains.

‘Cancer sucks’

Moses Lake police chief faces cancer with family, community and Fred Hutch by his side

MOSES LAKE — “Cancer sucks.” That’s what it says on the new cancer survivor’s ribbon tattoo on Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr’s abdomen, which he got recently after having surgery to have his gallbladder and surrounding cancerous tissues removed...

Bingo-ing out cancer

Local taproom, sheriff host game night to support Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation.

MOSES LAKE — The cage spun, the little balls went clack-clack-clack, and a hand reached in to pull one out. “B-9,” Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete shouted over the sea of voices, and a room full of people looked up from their beverages and marked their cards...

Making connections

Mattawa National Night Out a way for officers, residents to get better acquainted, chief says

MATTAWA — Joao Garcia was interested in all those mysterious things carried by Mattawa Police Department officer Edgar Villa, and Villa explained them all. Garcia was also intrigued by the police vehicles, lights flashing, sitting on the lawn in Hund Park. Villa invited him to take a look inside - Garcia could even sit in the police car if he wanted, Villa said...

News Bites for Aug. 8, 2023

News bites from first responder agencies around the Columbia Basin.

Legals for August, 8 2023

Wildfire defense funding grants available

PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new round of federal investment in wildfire protection last week, according to a statement from the USDA...

Vehicles destroyed in Soap Lake area fire, other fires continue statewide

SOAP LAKE — A fire east of Soap Lake burned about 9.5 acres, according to statements from Grant County fire districts 7 and 13. The fire, in the 3800 block of SR 28, destroyed about 20 vehicles, five recreational vehicles and nearly 100 appliances. Volunteers fought the fire until about 4 a.m. Saturday, returning later in the morning for mopping up, according to GCFD 7...

OSPI releases free and reduced lunch materials

OLYMPIA – The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction provided application materials and information for parents and school districts in their bulletin for the week of July 31 through Aug. 4 regarding free and reduced lunch programs across the state...

Moses Lake's Carlile takes first runner up in Distinguished Young Women program

PULLMAN — Sydney Ohlemann, a senior at Cle Elum/Roslyn High School, has been selected as Washington’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2024, according to an announcement from the Distinguished Young Women program. Addy Carlile of Moses Lake was the first runner-up...

Planning begins for new Quincy public works shop

QUINCY — The city of Quincy might be building a new public works shop. Quincy City Council members awarded a $22,000 contract to MJ Neal Associates, Wenatchee, to design the new shop and prepare a project budget at the regular meeting Aug. 1...

Early delivery

Embankment work to be completed this month at Priest Rapids Dam

EPHRATA — A project to reinforce an embankment at Priest Rapids Dam should be completed by the end of this month, about a year ahead of schedule. “We’re in the final push of that project,” said Dale Campbell, senior manager of power production for the Grant County PUD. “If you haven’t taken a tour, you don’t have much time left. It’s going to be done (by) the middle of August.” ...

Mavs put in off-season work

MOSES LAKE — Though team practices for wrestling season don’t begin until mid-November, the Moses Lake Mavericks have been putting in off-season work throughout the summer. Last weekend was Moses Lake’s Chasing Gold Camp, a two-day camp for wrestlers to work on technique. “We focus on technique,” head coach Jose Tanguma said. “Takedowns, finishing them to the mat and little things that we miss throughout the season. That’s why we like to bring in a clinician to help us out, especially Frank Almaguer – he’s a D1 athlete from California Baptist University, he’s shown us some great stuff.”

Anita Graham

Anita Louise Graham, 79, was born on March 1, 1944, in California. She passed away on July 20, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. She worked at McDonalds and then at Walmart for many years. Anita loved quilting, crocheting and traveling with her husband. She spent many summer weekends in Leavenworth, Washington showing her art at Art in the Park. She is survived by her children Jack Graham, Lorri Robinson and John Graham, 10 loving grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Graham. She is missed. Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.

Larry Kling

Larry Kenneth Kling, 78, passed away July 29, 2023, at his home in Woodinville, Washington. Larry was born in Sidney, Montana to Leah and Reinholt Kling on July 2, 1945. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart Linda Kay Rieker on Feb. 11, 1967, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake, Washington. He worked as a visual merchandise manager at JC Penney for 39 years. He also worked for Northshore School District as a school bus driver for 16 years where he knew all the kids’ names on his bus. Larry is preceded in death by his beloved mother Leah Kling and his father Reinholt Kling.

Celton Kimmell

Celton, 30, was born Dec. 18, 1992, in Moses Lake, Wash. He died in a motorcycle accident in Moses Lake, Wash., on July 31, 2023. Celton moved to Boise, Idaho, where he lived until seventh grade. He then returned to Moses Lake, attending schools in both Moses Lake and Warden, Wash. He continued to live in Moses Lake in his adulthood in Mae Valley. He was currently employed at Vickery Construction where he framed and built residential dwellings.

Glen Bensch

Glen Lee Bensch, 53, of Ephrata passed away July 17, 2023. Glen was born in Brewster Sept. 12, 1969, to Jim and Dorothy Bensch. He was fifth of seven children, born three hours before his twin sister Glenda. As twins, Glen and Glenda shared a special, close relationship. Glen grew up in Ephrata, but lived most of his adult life in Colorado. He had various jobs in his life like roofing and landscaping, but his favorite was working on oil rigs in Colorado. The happiest time of Glen’s life was while he worked in the oil fields and he was married to Haley. He loved family life with Haley and her two children.

Shrewd apples

Innov8.ag hosts Smart Orchard field day at Grandview Ranch

GRANDVIEW – Innov8.ag partnered with Washington State University Extension, the Washington Fruit Growers company and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission to host a Smart Orchard Field Day at Grandview Ranch Wednesday morning. The field day showcased technologies that can automate and assist orchard data collection and growth. The founder of Innov8.ag, Steve Mantle, said that the Smart Orchard project, a collaboration between the organizations involved in hosting the field day, is in its third year of research...

“The hard work has paid off”

MLHS’ Perkins, Blackman compete at Junior Olympics

EUGENE, Ore. – Two of Moses Lake’s track and field athletes took their talents to Eugene, Oregon for the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic Championships last week, with senior Paige Perkins and junior Hunter Blackman both having strong showings at the meet. “Being able to go there and represent (Moses Lake) is pretty big,” Perkins said. “Of course, we had Hunter (Blackman) there, and he did phenomenal for it being his first time and being younger in his age group. The honor of it is pretty big.” ...

Weather for Monday, Aug. 7, 2023

Weather report from the national weather service.

Eat up!

Annual Cowboy Breakfast, traditional fair and rodeo kickoff, set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — Following the tradition that any gathering of cowboys and cowgirls starts with a good breakfast, the annual Cowboy Breakfast is scheduled for 7-10 a.m. Friday in Sinkiuse Square. The breakfast is the traditional kickoff to the Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Roundup; the fair opens its gates Aug. 15, the annual demolition derby is Aug. 15-16 and the rodeo is Aug. 17-19...

Legals for August, 7 2023

Watershed 101: Having a fun and safe time at the Gorge

GEORGE - The Gorge Amphitheater and its festivals can be a fun place to enjoy music in the summer. This past weekend, Watershed returned for its 11th year at the Gorge. When attending Watershed, or any other concert or festival at the Gorge, there are some tips, tricks and advice that will help attendees to have a fun and safe time. “A big thing is to plan the trip,” said Josh Sainsbury, Grant County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations...

Reclamation releases Yakima Basin August water supply forecast

YAKIMA – The Bureau of Reclamation announced in a press release Friday that they have released the Yakima basin August water supply forecast for the June through September total available water supply...

Baird Springs fire prompts guardrail repairs this week

QUINCY — Travelers between Quincy and Wenatchee could face delays Monday and Tuesday as contractors make repairs to guardrails that were damaged by fire July 10...

Confluence Health honored with two heart care awards

WENATCHEE – Confluence Health announced Thursday in a press release that they were recently awarded the 2023 Award of Excellence in Cardiovascular Surgery by the Foundation for Health Care Quality, as well as a performance award from the American Heart Association...

WASHDOT releases construction updates

COLUMBIA BASIN – The Washington Department of Transportation released in a Friday press release construction updates and travel advisories for Grant and Adams counties for the week of Aug. 7 to Aug. 11...

STUDIO BASIN: QSD Superintendent Nik Bergman, MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr and sports update

MOSES LAKE – To open this week’s edition of the Studio Basin podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer talks with Quincy School District Superintendent Nik Bergman. Bergman talks with the Studio Basin podcast about his background, some of the challenges facing QSD, some of its successes and the district's path forward. ...

Port of Warden makes progress on ongoing industrial road project

WARDEN – The Port of Warden Commissioners and Port officials discussed updates and progress regarding their ongoing Road Infrastructure Improvement & Expansion Project, specifically funding and contracting for the project, during Thursday’s regular meeting...

Raging success

18U, 14U Rage claim top-three finishes at NAFA nationals

NEWBERG, Ore. – Two Washington Rage fastpitch softball teams brought back hardware from the North American Fastpitch Association Summer Nationals, with the 18U and 14U Rage placing second and third in their respective brackets. “For our teams to go down there and do as well as they did, it’s pretty exciting,” said Bob Richardson, general manager of the Washington Rage organization and head coach for the 18U and 14U teams. “It bodes well for the future, especially with these younger girls.” ...

William R. (Bill) Lovin, D.C.

On April 19, 2023, Bill Lovin passed away in Green Valley, Arizona. He was the husband of Kathy Morrison Lovin for 56 years and father of son Jay R. (Angie) of Eagle, Idaho and daughter Janelle (Victor) Mancha of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also survived by brothers Jell (Donna) of Sumner/ Lake Tapps, Washington and Stephen of Newport, Oregon, three nieces, two nephews and five grandchildren. Bill grew up in Tacoma, Washington, was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. Served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed on the Point Glass.

Scientific collaboration takes Wildcat Rocketry to NASA competition

ELLENSBURG – Every year, a dedicated team of Central Washington University students assembles a rocket, and launches it 5,000 feet into the air as part of NASA’s Student Launch(link is external) competition in Huntsville, Alabama...

Unique home town

Circumstances make Quincy real estate market different

QUINCY — The old saying in real estate is that it’s all about “location” – a word that means a variety of things., Quincy makes the point; it’s like all other towns in Grant County, but it’s not. “The Quincy market is different,” said Tom Parrish, managing broker at Windermere Real Estate Central Basin-Quincy office. “Based upon one factor, and that’s price.” ...

Cougs to face Boise State in Spokane this December

PULLMAN – The Washington State men's basketball team will face Boise State in a neutral site game, Dec. 21, 2023 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, as part of the Numerica Holiday Hoops 2023 supporting Numerica CARES for Kids, the organizations announced in partnership with the Spokane Chiefs and Brett Sports.

Legals for August, 4 2023

MLFD responds to multiple fires, statewide fire season continues

MOSES LAKE — One building was seriously damaged when a series of four fires sprang up along I-90 Wednesday evening, according to Moses Lake Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Hollie. The fires were reported a little before 7 p.m., according to the wildfire alert website Watch Duty. All of the fires were in town and on the north side of I-90, Hollie said...

Sewage spill at Sun Lakes stop short of water

COULEE CITY — A power failure at a lift station caused a small sewage spill at Sun Lakes State Park Tuesday, according to Dennis Felton, area manager for Coulee Area State Parks, but the lake water wasn’t affected...

Moses Lake man arrested outside dunes

MOSES LAKE — A driver tried, but ultimately failed, to elude law enforcement near Moses Lake Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Soap Lake looks to digitize records

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously voted during Wednesday’s regular meeting to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to digitize city records. The meeting also featured a notice from the Soap Lake Community Prevention Coalition as well as the swearing-in of a new Soap Lake Police Officer...

Police logs for Aug. 4, 2023

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

‘The future is happening in our town’

Port tour highlights aviation, innovation

MOSES LAKE — A group of about 60 people – including a number of state legislators and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck – got a first-hand look at the future Wednesday, on a tour that included stops at Big Bend Community College, Boeing and other businesses at the Port of Moses Lake, as well as presentations by three local cutting-edge companies...

QVMC site prep to begin in September

QUINCY — Demolition of existing structures and site preparation for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center will begin in mid-to-late September. Quincy hospital board members approved authorization for the contractor, Graham Construction, to start the first phase of the project. The cost of the first phase is $3.2 million. Kayla Van Lieshout, project manager for the Klosh Group, one of the consultants, said the contractors will be asking for approval for two additional phases...

Eagles eye defense

EWU football team excited for season as fall camp opens

CHENEY – Coming off a 3-8 season, the Eastern Washington defensive unit has been the subject of a months-long focus among players since January, which players and coaches got to get a first look at on Thursday at the opening of fall camp...

Wallace (Wally) Maygren

Wally Maygren passed peacefully in Moses Lake, Washington, on July 20, 2023, at the age of 88. His friends and family will certainly miss his sense of humor and lust for life. He is survived by his (elderly) children David Wallace and Dana Lynn; six grands Bowen Maygren, Matthew Maygren, Brett Maygren, Tami Wilson, Jake Hunter and Rikki Hunter; 12 greats and two great-greats. Wally was married to Myrna for 60 years until her passing in 2017.

Community policing

MLPD hosts National Night Out to build relationships with the public

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department partnered with other city departments and organizations to host National Night Out Tuesday evening in McCosh Park. The event featured games, activities, informational booths and free food. MLPD Evidence Technician Miranda Martínez is responsible for community outreach from the department, including National Night Out...

Commentary: Don’t forget trucking on the road to employment

This back-to-school season, consider other career paths besides college

While August in the Pacific Northwest is still prime summer vacation time, it’s hard to fight off the rapidly encroaching back-to-school vibes. By the end of August, most kids in the U.S. are heading back to school. For secondary students nearing the end of their high school career, they need to start making post-graduate plans. What should they do after high school? For the last several decades, there has seemingly been only one answer to that question: college. With the sky-high price of college tuition, there has never been a better time for young people to make sure they consider all of their options. Among them, foregoing college to pursue a good-paying job that turns into a rewarding career in the commercial trucking industry. The job that likely first comes to mind in the commercial trucking industry is truck driver.

Legals for August, 3 2023

Power, water, workforce and dams subjects during Murray visit

MOSES LAKE — Senator Patty Murray said Wednesday that she would not support the removal of four dams along the lower Snake River, at least until the Pacific Northwest has met the challenges the removal would create. Murray said she had researched the issues involved in dam removal in partnership with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and their conclusions were released last year...

Roberts to take over ESD cross country program

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District announced that Lyndsy Roberts has been hired as the new head coach of the Ephrata cross country program on Monday. Roberts has been an assistant coach with the team for the previous three years and is the head coach of the Ephrata Middle School track and field team...

News bites for Aug. 3, 2023

RITZVILLE — The newest deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office swapped his blue uniform for a green one. Deputy Mark Cameron, who was sworn in Wednesday, comes to ACSO after 16 ½ years with the Ritzville Police Department, according to an announcement from the ASCO. “We want to wish Mark great success in this new adventure in his career with the Adams County team,” the ACSO wrote in the announcement.

West Hallett fire gets costlier, other fires burning across Washington

SPOKANE — The acreage of the West Hallett fire, located along Spokane-Cheney Road just southwest of Spokane, had been re-estimated at 155 acres Wednesday after remapping showed it to be smaller than the 200 acres previously reported. The estimated cost, however, had grown to $300,000 so far, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire was still 0% contained. These wildfires were also burning in Washington as of Wednesday, according to the NIFC:

WJGA state tournament comes to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – More than 250 youth golfers will be in attendance for the 47th Annual Washington Junior Golf Association State Championship in Moses Lake next week, with golfers ages 8-18 competing in eight different divisions over a three-day span. “We’re very excited,” WJGA Executive Director Tyler Johnsen said. “It’s our culminating event of the season, and this is actually the first time we’ve ever been in Moses Lake.” ...

ESD names assistant director of teaching and learning

EPHRATA - The Ephrata School District has hired Deb Knox to serve as the assistant director of teaching and learning, according to an ESD press release...

Ephrata campus facelifts move forward

EPHRATA – Remodeling work is ongoing at Ephrata Middle School and Columbia Ridge Elementary, according to a press release from the Ephrata School District...

WSU breaks ground on new Plant Sciences building

PULLMAN – Federal officials joined Washington lawmakers and Washington State University leaders Tuesday afternoon for the groundbreaking of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Plant Sciences Building on the WSU Pullman campus.

CWU geology professor honored by national association

ELLENSBURG - Longtime Central Washington University Geological Sciences Professor Nick Zentner learned this summer that he will be presented with GSA Public Service Award from the Geological Society of America later this year.

Thomas Marthini

1936 – July 28, 2023

Thomas Marthini was born in 1936 in Kenmore, Wash. and passed away July 28, 2023 at the Dementia Center in Moses Lake, Wash. He was 87.

Soap Lake pet rescue gets big help with vet bills

SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry in Soap Lake got a sizable boost recently from the Moses Lake-Grant County Humane Society. It wasn’t the first time the MLGCHS had helped out the fledgling animal rescue, said Shawna Kluge, who started and runs Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry, but it was certainly more than she expected...

Spokane, Okanogan fires continue to threaten homes

SPOKANE — The West Hallett fire, located along Spokane-Cheney Road just southwest of Spokane, remained at 200 acres Tuesday. The fire, which sprang up suddenly Monday afternoon, was 0% contained and costs were estimated at $150,000 so far, according to the National Interagency Fire Center...

Police logs for Aug. 2, 2023

OTHELLO - The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law...

Cloudview Farms celebrates summer, sunflowers, and community

EPHRATA – Hundreds of community members came out Saturday to Cloudview Farm for the Second Annual Summer Sunflower Fest, which featured numerous local vendors, booths and activity stations for children and adults. “We have grown our reach and had double the amount of people that attended from the first year,” said Julie Johnston, Cloudview’s education and community coordinator...

Adams Co. approves Hatton Road contract

RITZVILLE — The Adams County Public Works Department discussed Tuesday during the regular Adams County Board of Commissioners meeting approving the Hatton Road Safety Project contract with Central Washington Asphalt, along with another project’s pay retainage estimate and updating the interlocal agreement with the city of Othello. “The Hatton Project; I have contracts here for that for the board to look at,” said Assistant Public Works Director Troy Reynolds. “That one starts in a month or so.” ...

Moses Lake Wrestling Club prepares athletes for future success

MOSES LAKE – Many sports have youth organizations that help prepare young athletes for future competitions. Whether it’s soccer, football, basketball or swimming – wrestling is no different. “If you start playing seven-on-seven at a young age, or AAU basketball, eventually that is going to transition, hopefully, into a successful high school student-athlete,” said Jaime Garza, a coach with the Moses Lake Wrestling Club. ‘That’s what we’re trying to do.” ...

Proud to serve

Veteran remembers Pearl Harbor attack, war service

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes memory fades, sometimes things that happened a long time ago get overlaid with new experiences. Sometimes the memories remain, though. Geb Galle turned 102 years old in mid-July, and he still remembers that Sunday morning, even though a lot of things happened afterward...

Legals for August, 2 2023

Adams County primary election results as of Aug. 1

RITZVILLE – The results below are incomplete and do not include all ballots that have been cast in Adams County primary elections. Results are as of 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 1. Updates will be provided as they become available. So far, 1,572 ballots have been counted. Adams County has 7,778 registered voters...

Grant County primary election results as of Aug. 1

EPHRATA – The results below are incomplete and do not include all ballots that have been cast in Grant County primary elections. Results are as of 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 1. Updates will be provided as they become available. So far, 6,484 ballots have been counted. Grant County has 38,174 registered voters...

Gene editing could rid sheep of problematic long tails

PULLMAN — Longer tails have long given sheep producers across the globe problems — but a research project spearheaded by Washington State University graduate student Brietta Latham could eliminate the trait...

Moses Lake man killed in Monday accident

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was killed Monday in a collision, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department...

One killed in Othello area accident

OTHELLO — A Grandview man died Monday night in a single-vehicle accident near Othello, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol...

QPD gets corny with the community at National Night Out

QUINCY — The line was long at the booth where Quincy Police Department officers were serving hot dogs and roasted corn – “Hot corn! Hot corn! Coming through! Coming through!” said QPD Detective Damon Powell as he made his way to the booth with a full pan...

Washington sports schedule Aug. 2-8

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring local, regional and statewide sporting events...

Ukelele time

NCW Libraries to host learn-to-play program

QUINCY – NCW Libraries will be hosting Aaron Canwell, founding member of Portland-based children’s band Micah & Me, at five Grant County libraries from Aug. 9 to 10 for learn-to-play ukulele programs, according to the NCW Libraries website.

FRESH NEWS: Water lower but warmer while fishing remains good

MARDON - The water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.80 feet – dropping another 1.7 feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper-70s on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s.

Quincy schools project higher enrollment

QUINCY — Quincy School District officials expect a slight increase in enrollment for the 2023-24 school year. The projected enrollment for 2023 is the equivalent of 3,160 students, according to information provided to the Quincy School Board at the July 25 meeting. That’s an increase from the 20223-23 school year. Enrollment for 2022-23 was the equivalent of 3,103 students, which was slightly below the budget projection...

Moses Lake temple tour

New Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints shows its new facility to the community.

MOSES LAKE — “Holiness to the Lord,” reads the sign over the door. “The House of the Lord.” Those words are engraved above the front entrance of every temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the world, said Elder Shayne Bowen...

Legals for August, 1 2023