Ellington

Cherry harvest looking good for 2023

WENATCHEE — The cherry harvest is coming in full this year, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. The weather conditions that have played havoc with some other Washington crops, like hay, have been a real boon for cherry growers, according to Tim Kovis, WSTFA's director of communications...

Grant PUD warns of potential scammers

EPHRATA – The Grant County Public Utility District announced Friday that the county has been targeted by a scam from a third-party carll center. “It has come to our attention that a 3rd party call center, falsely claiming to represent Grant PUD, has been contacting customers to schedule home energy services audit appointments at their home,” the announcement read...

EPA allocates $1.17 million to improve access to drinking water in Washington

SEATTLE – The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday they are allocating $1.17 million in grant funds for disadvantaged communities in Washington state to support access to clean and safe drinking water...

Warden opens Hazard Mitigation Plan to public comment

WARDEN – The city of Warden announced on Friday in a news release that the city’s portion of Grant County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan is now open for public comment until July 14...

Fire season outlook grim

Residents urged to use caution when recreating, working outdoors

OLYMPIA — This year’s fire season is upon us, according to Washington State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz. “Fire activity has increased considerably from earlier spring months,” Franz said in a press conference Friday. “We've seen about 600 fires burn roughly 17,000 acres statewide so far. On lands under Department of Natural Resources protection, we have had more than 330 fires burn just over 1,200 acres. And these numbers obviously are going to increase as the season goes forward. But it's clear that fire season has arrived and we're in it.”...

Wash. Ag department continues fight against invasive Spartina

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced June 24 that this year’s treatment season for Spartina, an aggressive invasive weed, began June 1 and will continue through November...

NOAA opens funding opportunity for climate-related jobs

WASHINGTON – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on Friday that it has opened a competitive funding opportunity for the Climate Ready Workforce for Coastal States, Tribes, and Territories Initiative. According to the announcement, the initiative is intended to support coastal jobs that combat climate change...

Wash. HCA releases health insurance renewal info

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) released May’s renewal data for Apple Health on Friday, according to a news release from the HCA. After the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, states are required to resume eligibility verification for state health care...

Reyna convicted in Adams Co. Jail attack

RITZVILLE — A man who assaulted his cellmate and a corrections officer at Adams County Jail has been found guilty, according to a statement from Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner...

Nancy Bouker

Nancy A Bouker, 84, passed away Sunday, June 25, at her daughter’s home in Royal City, Washington. Mrs. Bouker spent the first 31 years of her married life as an Air Force wife. She traveled with and sometimes joined her husband at bases in the Philippines, England, across the United States, Italy and West Germany. She raised five children and worked in the hospitality industry as a food and beverage manager for restaurants and golf clubs, and finally as a buyer for Memorial Hospital in Broward County, Florida. After her husband’s retirement she served alongside him during his time as a deacon with the Diocese of Miami. She especially enjoyed the RCIA classes.

Judith Grable

Judith (Judy) Ann Grable passed peacefully on June 20, 2023, at Virginia Mason Medical Facility in Seattle, Washington. Judy was born Sept. 22, 1939, in Madison, Wisconsin to Almon and Agnes Osgood. She spent most of her childhood helping her family shop keep up with business. Throughout her youth Judy had always been a helping hand to everyone in need. She was a very independent woman until she met Oscar. They wed Oct. 31, 1959, and she became a homemaker. Oscar worked for the IBEW, which in turn meant they traveled frequently for his job. They welcomed three children throughout their travels: Mary, Charles and, Ann. They finally settled down in Moses Lake, Washington in 1984. She especially enjoyed spending her days baking, reading, watching her TV shows, volunteering at the local food bank, meeting friends for lunch or coffee and spending time with her family.

July 4 celebrations planned around Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — The nation’s birthday will be celebrated with a lot of flash and all kinds of events throughout the Columbia Basin, tomorrow in Moses Lake and Tuesday in Othello and George...

Othello juice bar burglarized two weeks before opening

OTHELLO – Heavenly Fresh, a juice bar located at 126 East Hemlock Street in Othello, was burgled of more than $5,000 of gaming and computer equipment the morning of June 14, just two weeks shy of its official opening. “We’ve lived here our whole life and we’ve never had something like this happen before,” said Emily Cordero, who started Heavenly Fresh with her husband Salvador De Jesus Solano. “I’m 21, it’s my first business, so it was a very big shock.” ...

Wildfire update for June 30, 2023

MOSES LAKE — The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties, according to an announcement from the NWS. The warning is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening...

Applications open now for affordable housing funds

OLYMPIA — Applications are available for affordable housing capital in Washington, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Commerce. On Wednesday, the Commerce Department opened applications for more than $302 million, the state’s largest single funding round to date, the statement said. Funds are available to eligible non-profits, local governments, community housing development agencies, tribal governments and housing authorities. Over $290 million comes from the Washington Legislature’s historic appropriation for the 2023-25 biennium, including a $24.2 million set aside for projects serving persons with disabilities and $107.4 million from the Apple Health and Homes program.

Dual purpose

Couple runs two home improvement businesses together

OTHELLO — What do garage doors and blinds have in common? They both open, they both close, and Kip and Ilene Burns can sell you both. The Burnses and their partner John Overton own both B and B Doors and Blinds For Any Budget. The two businesses are mobile, operating out of a trailer and a van, respectively. They actually came about as a sort of retirement project for the Burnses, who moved to the MarDon area from Kelso. “Four years ago, my wife and I were building our custom home,” Kip Burns said. “And our builder – who's a good friend of ours, CAD Homes – did a fabulous job on our house, but they were having trouble getting doors. And we're entrepreneurs. We actually just retired two weeks ago from our corporate jobs, but we started (B and B Doors) three years ago, because there was a demand.”

Legals for June, 30 2023

State revenue projection increases $327M

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s financial prospects are a little brighter than anticipated, according to a statement from the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Washington’s projected Near General Fund revenue collections for the 2023–25 state budget have increased by nearly $327 million, the statement said...

GCSO will up water safety enforcement

EPHRATA — Operation Dry Water, a national boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign, begins Saturday, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Firewood permits available for Colockum Wildlife Area

OLYMPIA – Firewood permits are available for the Colockum Wildlife Area near Wenatchee, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife...

BBCC announces academic achievers

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College announced Thursday their 2023 spring semester President’s and Vice President’s lists. The President’s List features students who completed 12 or more credits with a GPA of 3.75 or higher...

Quincy student board representatives recognized

QUINCY — Quincy School Board student representatives Nallely Uribe and Brianna Herrera were recognized for their tenure on the board at their official last meeting June 27...

Moses Lake student offered prestigious scholarship

OLD WESTBURY, New York — A Moses Lake student has been awarded a prestigious scholarship at the New York Institute of Technology, according to an announcement from the school...

Water rules tightening in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake city Council voted to make some changes to the city’s water conservation ordinance at its Tuesday meeting...

Suds ‘n Sun set for Soap Lake this weekend

SOAP LAKE — Soapbox racing, motorcycle derring-do and fireworks will be among the attractions at the Suds ‘n Sun celebration Sunday in Soap Lake.

10U, 11U Moses Lake All-Stars see high placings

MOSES LAKE – After high finishes at last week’s Golden Glove tournaments in Yakima, the 10U Moses Lake All-Stars (Gold) and 11U Moses Lake All-Stars get ready to travel to the North Washington State Tournament next weekend.

Moses Lake Rattlers to host tryouts mid-July

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Rattlers fastpitch softball organization is hosting open tryouts for 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U teams at Moses Lake High School in mid-July, the organization announced. ...

Nora McDowell

Nora Lapriel (Tolley) McDowell, 86, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia, having been lovingly attended to in her last days by her children and family. Lapriel was born on Feb. 8, 1937, in Vale, Oregon to Merl Zenos Tolley and Fern Elizabeth Bendixen Tolley. Although named Nora Lapriel, she much preferred the name “Lapriel” over “Nora” which she considered plain. She was the seventh child, placing her toward the middle of a family of 12 children. Her family moved to Granger, Washington and then settled in Moses Lake, Washington when she was in the fifth grade.

Theron Duvay Sainsbury

Theron Duvay Sainsbury was born June 13, 1930, in Rexburg, Idaho to Hazel (Strange) and Duvay Herbert Sainsbury on a ranch in the Teton Basin. In 1935 they moved to Toppenish (Yakima area), Washington to work in the fruit harvest. In 1941 they moved to a ranch in the Flathead Valley (Saint Ignatius, Montana) where they had milk cows, raised Angus bulls and farmed hay. Theron became an expert trapper, catching hundreds of muskrats, beaver and mink which he skinned and sold for a nice profit. In 1947 they moved back to Toppenish, Washington where Theron reunited with his fourth-grade classmates for high school graduation in 1948. After graduation Dad joined the Navy, serving four years aboard the USS Higbee DDR806. He fought in the Korean War (Company 535) where he earned several medals for bravery. In 1954 Theron attended BYU and in 1956 served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rarotonga (The Cook Islands) and developed a great love for the Polynesian people. When he returned he bought a farm south of Moses Lake and raised cows and wheat. He worked at the sugar beet factory and even served as a deputy sheriff for Grant County for a short duration.

Law enforcement records for June 29, 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.

Wildfire update for June 29, 2023

EPHRATA – According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, only two significant fires were burning in the state as of Wednesday afternoon. To date, Washington has had 598 wildfires reported and just less than 17,000 acres have been burned as a result. Of those, 142 fires were caused by debris burning such as in a trash pit and 116 have undetermined causes. May and June have been the busiest fire months with 121 occurring in May and 123 in June so far. May saw 191 DNR managed acres burned, while that number has jumped to 909 in June, to date...

MarDon Resort fishing update for June 28

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1039.8 feet, dropping 1.2 feet this week. The water temperature is right around 72 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-70s. 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 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 11 a.m.

Legals for June, 29 2023

Quincy School Board recognized by NCESD

QUINCY — The Quincy School Board received recognition for its selection as the School Board of the Year in the North Central Education Service District June 27, with NCESD Superintendent Michelle Price traveling to Quincy to present its members with a plaque.

Adams Co. to move forward with Hatton Road project

RITZVILLE – The Adams County Board of Commissioners awarded a bid for the Hatton Road Safety Project during Wednesday’s regular meeting to Central Washington Asphalt. The project is set to renovate a stretch of West Hatton Road several miles southwest of Othello...

Quincy School Board extends superintendent contract

QUINCY — The contract of Quincy School District Superintendent Nik Bergman has been extended through 2026. Quincy School Board members approved a new contract for Bergman with no discussion, as part of the consent agenda, at the regular meeting Tuesday. “The school district hereby employs Nik Bergman as the superintendent of schools commencing on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2026,” according to the contract...

Warden to apply for $9.8M in state funds

WARDEN - Warden City Council unanimously passed a motion during Tuesday’s scheduled meeting to apply for $9.8 million dollars in funding from the Washington State Public Works Board to pay for city infrastructure projects...

Soap Lake man arrested after standoff

SOAP LAKE – A Soap Lake man is in custody after a standoff at him home Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Soap Lake Police Department.

B and B door cuts the ribbon

MOSES LAKE – Kip and Ilene Burns, flanked by their partner John Overton, left, and their granddaughter Saylor Blodgett, cut the ribbon in front of the B and B Doors trailer and the Blinds for any Budget van at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce office Wednesday. The Burnses and Overton own both businesses. Look for more about B and B Doors and Blinds for Any Budget in Friday’s Homes section.

'A perfect fit'

New Ephrata boys wrestling coach brings experience to the mat

EPHRATA – Newly-hired Ephrata boys wrestling head coach Joe Knox is bringing over two decades of coaching experience into his first head coaching gig when the Tigers hit the mat this winter. Knox was an assistant coach with Ephrata from 1995-2006 before serving as an assistant coach at Columbia Middle School in Moses Lake from 2011-2023...

Japanese ag students arrive at BBCC

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College welcomed the newest group of Japanese Agricultural Trainees to campus this week. Twenty-nine trainees arrived Friday, ready to begin their 19-month adventure in the United States...

CWU names interim associate VP of academic affairs

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University announced this week that it has selected Dr. Kurt Kirstein as interim associate vice president of academic affairs.

Wine and a Grape time

White Heron Cellars keeps Quincy wine production in-house

QUINCY – White Heron Cellars is a vineyard and winery just outside of Quincy where they grow grapes and make them into wine sold all around Washington. Washington native Cameron Fries owns the vineyard and takes great pride in his craft. The winery is family-run and is the oldest north of I-90 and will sell directly to consumers, Fries said. They began in 1986 and have been experiencing success since...

Elmo Costello

On Friday, June 16, Elmo Costello, 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Elmo was born on Nov. 23, 1938, in Hardin, Montana. He attended school in Hardin where he met the love of his life, Marie. Elmo joined the Marines in 1956, then went on to marry Marie in 1958. They shared 64 years of marriage and three beautiful children. Elmo has been a resident of Grant County for over 60 years where he had careers in both farming and construction. Elmo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He could often be found at Rick's (formerly The Hang Out) having a cold Budweiser with his friends, lovingly referring to Rick's as his "office." Elmo and Marie suffered the sudden and tragic loss of their oldest son Duane "Hardy" Costello, which ultimately altered their lives forever. Elmo is also proceeded in death by his siblings Joe, Jesse, Rose and CeCe, and his beloved niece Kay whom he had a special bond with. He is survived by his wife Marie; his children Jay and Ruthena Costello and Suzi and Steve Tokunaga; his seven grandchildren Brian, Tiffony, Michael, Daniel, Maria, Ashley and Megan; and his 17 great grandchildren (the love he had for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was immeasurable). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Connie Costello and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Moses Lake development waiting for roundabout

MOSES LAKE - The owners of about 100 acres of land in Moses Lake adjacent to State Route 17 have big development plans for the land but are currently waiting on the installation of a roundabout before those plans can be implemented...

Graham Grindy: 1 in 100

COULEE CITY – Graham Grindy knew he wanted to get into teaching since he was in high school, but the idea to begin a career in coaching didn’t spawn until he was in college...

Fire report for June 28, 2023

WENATCHEE — State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Methow Fire just outside Wenatchee, according to a statement from the State Fire Marshal’s Office...

Legals for June, 28 2023

JATP back at Big Bend

MOSES LAKE – The 2023 Japanese Agricultural Trainee Program’s class of 2023 has arrived at Big Bend Community College. This year’s group is the 57th set of students to visit the area. These students will spend time in Moses Lake taking classes, going on field trips to local farms and then continue to host farms throughout the country, according to a statement from Big Bend Community College.

Tentative Quincy hospital construction start announced

QUINCY — Construction for the new Quincy Valley Medical Center is tentatively scheduled for this fall. “September 11 is our go date for construction,” said QVMC board member Anthony Gonzalez. “We’re trying to get this thing off the ground as quickly as we can.” ...

Moses Lake student makes university dean list

EREA, Ohio - Stephanie Foryan, a graduate of Moses Lake High School, has been named in Baldwin Wallace University’s Spring 2023 Dean List, according to an announcement from the university.

Installation of Othello playground to begin

OTHELLO — The long-running project to build a new playground and expanded basketball courts in Othello’s Lions Park should be completed by this fall...

Celebrating safely

Fireworks restrictions vary across county, but safe mindset it key.

COLUMBIA BASIN — Independence Day is next Tuesday and residents can expect a lot of booms, bangs and whistles, but in a dry climate like this, fireworks get out of hand easily and set off wildfires, said Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Chris Baker. “We have warmer, drier conditions that are going to be affecting the area,” Baker said. “In our jurisdiction, especially the north portion, we haven't had a whole lot of fires in recent years, so we have a lot of light, flashy fuels that are of concern. And of course, the increase in vacationers in the area means that there's a potential for even more issues. If we do have a fire that means evacuations, potential for people to get trapped, things like that.” ...

30 years: Downtown Moses Lake Association celebrates pearl anniversary

MOSES LAKE – Music, shoppers, bean bag tossers and fun took over downtown Moses Lake near Sinkiuse Square on Saturday as the Downtown Moses Lake Association celebrated three decades of serving the community – an anniversary ordinarily symbolized with a pearl if it were a marriage. “It went well,” said DMLA Executive Director Rosenda Henley. “It was a good turnout for being a first event.” ...

Hyatt named WSU dean of students

PULLMAN - Following a competitive national search, Jenna Hyatt has been named dean of students for the Washington State University system, and associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs at WSU Pullman, effective July 1.

WSU's's Voiland College receives $1.5M donation

PULLMAN — Washington State University has announced a gift of $1.5 million from the Dimond Family Foundation to support the construction of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture’s Schweitzer Engineering Hall on the Pullman campus...

LETTER: Honoring the 'Grant County Journal'

Dear Editor, This is to salute the service the Grant County Journal provided Ephrata residents over the years. As a former reporter for The Herald who covered the county seat, it's still hard to admit how many times Randy Bracht scooped me on stories. I always felt I had to work a lot harder just to keep up. It seemed like every morning we'd say hello as we made the rounds to the jail, courts, and other government offices...

LETTER: A quote from John Adams

Dear editor and fellow readers, On the eve of our 4th of July celebration, let us reflect on the words of John Adams, our second President. He was one of the guiding lights in the creation of our Constitutional Republic, and the Declaration of Independence...

Paul Ballard

Paul Thompson Ballard, 68, died June 22, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington, after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. Paul is survived by his beloved basset hound Charlie; his mother Anne Ballard of Moses Lake, Washington; sister Betsy (Gary) Bjorklund of Moses Lake, Washington; brother Mark (Cindy) Ballard of Moses Lake, Washington; sister Barbara Gillick of Windsor Colorado; niece Jamie (Michael) Olson of Moses Lake, Washington; nephews Brian (Carley) Bjorklund of Cashmere, Washington, Jordan Ballard of Pullayup, Washington, Brent Ballard of Everett, Washington; Timothy (Bianca) Sellers of Severance, Colorado and Mitchell (Kitty) Sellers of Shawnee, Kansas; numerous great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; his extended family; and numerous lifelong friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Ballard.

News bites for June 27, 2023

EPHRATA — Nicole Shenefelt, 25, is being held at the Grant County Jail after reportedly setting a fire in Ephrata, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. OTHELLO — An investigation is underway into an officer-involved shooting near Othello Sunday.

Adams County Pet of the Week: Meet Kemp

Did somebody say treats? My name’s Kemp, and I like treats. I also like you, I’m pretty sure, and I’d love to come home with you. You clearly need a Border Collie mix in your life and I’m just the pupper to fill that void.

Lower Crab Creek fire out, others still burning

BEVERLY — A wildfire that blazed up east of Beverly over the weekend is out, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman. The fire consumed about 65 acres, according to Neil Vargas, assistant chief for Grant County Fire District 10, which responded to the blaze. There were no injuries, Vargas added. No further information was available Monday afternoon, as Bureau of Land Management personnel were on the scene and no report had been made yet...

Legals for June, 27 2023

Newhouse leads field hearing on Snake River dams

RICHLAND – Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, hosted members of the House Committee on Natural Resources at Richland High School for a field hearing on Monday regarding the importance of the Lower Snake River Dams...

WSU memory and addiction study receives $2.9M grant

PULLMAN – Years into sobriety, seemingly innocent stimuli — like songs, smells or specific visuals — can trigger memories of earlier drug use and an intense craving that can cause even a long-recovered addict to relapse. But what if those memories could be manipulated to be less triggering? ...

Judge lets weapon ban stand

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s ban on certain types of gun will stay in place, a Thurston County Superior Court ruled Friday. “It’s another setback, but we’re gonna keep pushing forward,” said Guardian Arms owner Bruce Davis. “That’s all we can do.” ...

Temp staff costs push up Samaritan expenses

MOSES LAKE — The effort to recruit employees to fill open positions at Samaritan Healthcare may not bear fruit until 2024. Samaritan Chief Administrative Officer Alex Town said temporary employee expenses have not dropped as much as hospital officials hoped...

Evolving retail

Expanded opportunities for online shopping, but still room for brick and mortar

OLYMPIA — From pandemic lockdowns to a surge in thefts to major changes in shopping habits, it’s been a bumpy few years for retail businesses. Renee Sunde, president and CEO of the Washington Retail Association, said the road ahead could be getting smoother - or maybe not...

Six Basin athletes help take home win in Earl Barden Classic

YAKIMA — After a full 48 minutes of scoreless football, the Earl Barden Classic needed an overtime period to decide the winner of the all-star matchup between senior football players from 2A/1A/2B/1B classifications across the state. “It kind of feels like a dream come true,” Othello wide receiver Sonny Asu said. “I heard about this game when we were freshmen and sophomores, and as soon as I heard about it I knew I wanted to be here. I did everything I could to get here right now.” Royal running back Kaleb Hernandez scored the game’s first points on a three-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing two-point conversion attempt was true to give East an 8-0 lead. West scored on the ensuing drive, but a defensive stand on the two-point conversion gave East an 8-6 win. With the touchdown, Hernandez earned Offensive Most Valuable Player for the East team.

CWU nutrition program helps student find her passion

ELLENSBURG - When Leah Dambacher moved to Washington in the fall of 2020 for a dietetic internship with CWU, nothing felt certain. She wasn’t sure how to apply her undergraduate degree, she didn’t know anyone in Ellensburg, and the world was in the midst of a pandemic...

Local pride

New Hope hosts second annual color run in support of LGBT+ community.

MOSES LAKE - Almost 50 adults and children participated in Moses Lake’s second annual Pride Color Run, hosted this Saturday by Moses Lake organization New Hope. Sponsors of the event took up stations along the five-kilometer course to coat participants in colored powder as they passed by. “We had a good turnout for volunteers,” said Debbie Gonzalez, one of four lead advocates at New Hope...

Employers to begin deducting Washington Cares premiums

OLYMPIA - Washington employers will begin deducting premiums from Washington workers’ paychecks on Saturday for the Washington Cares Fund, announced a news release from the Washington State Employment Security Department. The Cares Fund is the state’s new long-term care insurance program. “Most of us will need some form of long-term care but don’t have a way to pay for it,” said Washington Cares Fund Director Ben Veghte. “Washington Cares will make a modest but critical amount of long-term care coverage affordable for all Washington workers for the first time.”

Abraham Guzman: Quincy SRO focuses on patience and uplifting students.

QUINCY — Abraham Guzman said the job of school resource officer involves a whole lot of responsibilities, only one of which is law enforcement. “For me, the school resource officer means being more of a mentor and advocate for our children in our community. I’m not there to punish or lay down the law.” ...

FIBERED UP: Grant Co. fiber expansion nears finish line

EPHRATA — A decades-long project to provide fiber optic cable, and fiber access, to most Grant County locations is almost done. Terry McKenzie, senior manager of wholesale fiber for the Grant County PUD, said the buildout is scheduled for completion in 2024. “We’re about 90-ish (percent) complete with the project customer base, with the customer count,” McKenzie said. “We’re about 60-ish (percent) complete on miles. The very last year and a half is going to be a lot of miles, getting very little customers, because we waited to do the rural (areas) at the end.” ...

News Bites for June 26, 2023

News briefs from first responder agencies across Grant and Adams counties.

Weather for Monday, June 6, 2023

Weather for Monday, June 26, 2023.

Grant County Pet of the Week: Meet Leo

Hello there. My name’s Leo and I’m a domestic shorthair mix with enough cute to keep you coming back for more. I’m a bit under five months old and I enjoy playing and cuddling.

Van Jorgensen

Van L. Jorgensen, 83, passed away at his home in Moses Lake, Washington on the morning of June 22, 2023. His memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1849 Nelson Road NE in Moses Lake on Monday, July 3. There will be a viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. Van will be buried at Pioneer Memorial Gardens, located at 14403 Road 2 NE in Moses Lake. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane Lyons Jorgensen and their children Bryan Jorgensen, Eleesa (Scroggins), Remina (Goude), Muriel (Ares) and Lyons Jorgensen. 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.

Gerry McLanahan

Gerry Ray McLanahan, 78 years old and a 63-year resident of Moses Lake, passed away on June 22. Gerry had a major stroke in April 2022 and spent some time in Spokane afterward to try rehabilitation. When rehab was exhausted, Larry and his wife Chris moved him to Kennewick as Gerry wanted to be closer to family. He was born Aug. 31, 1944, in Walla Walla, Washington to parents Milton (Mac) and Sally McLanahan. The family moved to Moses Lake in 1955 where Gerry went through most of his school years and graduated from Moses Lake High School. Gerry then enlisted in the Navy where he spent some time on the USS Constellation as well as in Vietnam. When he came back, he worked many jobs but eventually worked quite a few years with the Columbia Basin Irrigation District, where he then retired from. Gerry took every opportunity to go hunting for ducks, geese, pheasants, deer, elk or about anything he could and when he wasn’t hunting, he was fishing. He also loved to take his motorcycle out for a ride when the weather was nice.

Legals for June, 26 2023

“It was definitely really special”

Moses Lake’s Marwan Warnick had a strong 2023 with the Mavs, aims for similar results in 2024

MOSES LAKE – Marwan Warnick brought home several awards on the tennis court for the Mavericks last season, setting himself up for a strong senior season with Moses Lake. Warnick left the 4A Boys State Tennis Singles tournament with a seventh-place finish, earning Player of the Year, first team and sportsmanship honors in the Columbia Basin Big-Nine...

Volunteers provide free dental care

Moses Lake Seventh-day Adventist congregation helps locals take care of their teeth.

MOSES LAKE — From the outside the Crestview Christian School looked like it does every summer day last Friday and Sunday, but inside it was a dental clinic, and a busy one at that. The Moses Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation and an Adventist charitable organization teamed up to offer a free walk-in clinic. “We’re offering free dental services to the community. Moses Lake and the surrounding area,” organizer Linda Morgan said...

Grant Co. seeking new library board member

EPHRATA - The Grant County Commissioners Office announced Thursday they are seeking an interested citizen of Grant County to serve on the North Central Washington Libraries Board of Trustees, preferably one with a variety of skill sets...

Eastern Washington wineries earn awards

OLYMPIA - Nearly 80 wineries located throughout Eastern Washington won numerous medals at the 2023 Washington Wine Awards, according to an announcement from the organizers of the event, which was held in April...

STUDIO BASIN: Academics, word nerds and a sports junkie

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller is joined by Big Bend Community College President Sara Thompson Tweedy and Big Bend Director of Communication Matt Killebrew. The trio discuss Big Bend's academic achievements and its role in the community, and later talk about Thompson Tweedy's involvement with Grant County Animal Outreach and the challenges facing the shelter...

Soap Lake council passes 6-year Transpo Plan.

SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a motion Wednesday to update and amend the city’s Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. With the motion passed, the Council will now submit the plan to the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board...

Gerry McLanahan

Gerry R. McLanahan, 78, died June 22, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

MLK Committee celebrates Juneteenth

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee commemorated a milestone in American history with a Juneteenth celebration June 17 at McCosh Park. The festivities included dancing, music, poetry, exhibits and games. “(Juneteenth) recognizes the contribution and struggles of African Americans in the United States, and it commemorates the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of freedom,” wrote Miranda Bridges, vice president of the Moses Lake MLK Committee, said via email. “Juneteenth also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. It is a time for reflections, education and celebration of African American culture and history.” ...

Basin community calendar for June 23-25

COLUMBIA BASIN – There’s no need to be bored this weekend. Head out to enjoy these community events and spend some time with your neighbors...

CWU police expect therapy dog to make positive impacts

ELLENSBURG - The Central Washington University Police Department has a new best friend. And once the rest of campus gets to know him, they will, too. During a brief ceremony on May 30, Chief Jason Berthon-Koch swore in Archie, a therapy dog and the newest member of the police department. In a letter to colleagues, the chief said Archie's primary mission will be to provide support, comfort, and stress relief to CWU students, faculty, and staff — and "lend a helping paw when it matters the most." ...

Wilson Creek hosts bluegrass gathering

WILSON CREEK — Bluegrass in the Park is set to start today at Wilson Creek City Park. The inaugural event is set to bring music and visitors to one of Grant County’s smallest towns. “I've been listening to bluegrass my whole life,” said the event’s organizer Shirley Billings, whose family band plays on their porch every year for the crowd at the Little Big Show. “My whole family plays bluegrass. And I just wanted to kind of get something for the community going. So I just invited all the people that I know and they’ll come and camp and jam.” ...

Inner space

The Place at Knolls Vista puts new homes in the heart of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Most of the time, new housing developments crop up on the edge of town. But The Place at Knolls Vista, one of two CAD Homes projects in Moses Lake, is smack in the middle of one of the oldest neighborhoods in town. “It's a lot more difficult, because you're not working with nice big squares,” said CAD Homes owner Drew Scott. The development is located at the northwest end of West Pine Drive. There are 27 lots under development now, Scott said, and four more coming, for a total of 31. Most of it is in the excavation stages, although two houses that face onto Grape Drive are on their way to completion.

Taking to the sky

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Airshow was held this past weekend with a wide variety of aircraft participating in the event. The annual event was held Saturday and Sunday with people visiting from across the region. The event included flyovers of F-35s flown by Marine Corps pilots to privately owned aircraft and antique fighter planes still in operation. The show was first put on in June of 2019 and continues to grow on an annual basis. Presenting sponsors include Boeing, Gesa Credit Union, the Port of Moses Lake and the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Legals for June, 23 2023

George council OKs chickens, tables park district

GEORGE — Pavement, parks and poultry were among the topics of discussion at the George City Council meeting Tuesday. The first order of business was bids for street improvements to North Washington Way and East Montmorency Boulevard. The low bidder was Wheeler Excavation, which City Attorney Chuck Zimmerman pointed out had performed street improvements on South Washington Way. The council voted to award the contract to Wheeler for just less than $1.2 million...

Indian apple, pea and lentil tariffs to be lifted

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tariffs imposed on American apples, peas and lentils by the Republic of India in 2018 will be lifted within 90 days. Lifting of the tariffs was announced Thursday, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington D.C. “It’s a happy day when things go right,” said Kim Schrier (D-Washington), who represents the state’s Eighth Congressional District, which includes Chelan County and a small portion of Douglas County...

Ephrata council discusses city services to new jail

EPHRATA — Water and sewer service, land use and the new Grant County Jail were subjects of discussion by the Ephrata City Council at the regular meeting Wednesday. Council members approved an ordinance allowing the city to provide water and sewer services to the new facility...

Rage teams find success on the field

SELAH – Four Washington Rage fastpitch softball teams competed at the Summer Warm Up tournament in Selah over the weekend, with three of the four teams notching top-three finishes. The 10U Rage placed third, one of the 12U teams placed third and the 14U Rage took second in their respective age brackets...

CWU’s Namosimalua, Tinoisamoa named to U.S. U20 team

ELLENSBURG – Two Central Washington women’s rugby players – loose forward Winnie Namosimalua and center Kerena Tinoisamoa – were selected to compete with the United States U20 women’s rugby team when they travel to Canada next month...

Wenatchee River salmon fishing to close

WENATCHEE - Salmon fishing on the Wenatchee River will close one hour after official sunset Friday, said an announcement by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In-season catch-and-release estimates indicate fishing limits on wild spring Chinook will be met by the end of the day...

WSU men, Gonzaga women to play in Phoenix in December

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Basketball teams from both Gonzaga and Washington State will be competing at the Footprint Center in Phoenix this December, with the WSU men playing in the fifth annual Jerry Colangelo Classic and Gonzaga women playing in the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series, according to a release by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Wednesday...

WSU researchers studying oil production in plants

PULLMAN - Oil is a necessary source of energy and materials for the modern world, but petroleum won’t last forever. Replacing it with plant oil is currently the best solution, but we need a large amount, and can’t replace agricultural land to grow it...

Alvin Haug

On June 11, 2023, the world lost an amazing man, a loving husband and father, a best of friends, and a great warrior of God. Alvin Haug, 59, was a free spirit and lived a life of love and peace. Alvin was known for his big heart and his forgiving ways, and he left a mark on every person he crossed paths with. He was the type of man to take a stranger out of the cold and into his home or to give the shirt off his back to even the ones who wished him bad. He constantly won the hearts of people with his grace and love for others. There were very few people whom Alvin met who didn’t consider him a friend or family. A father of eight, Alvin was also known for his hard work. He loved his job as a plant mechanic and spent 30 years with Washington Potato and was said “to be the heart of the plant.” He instilled the same strong work ethic in his children. A simple man, Alvin always believed that a man’s legacy would be survived by his friends and family, to which he had in abundance.

Lawrence (Larry) Lee Tracy

Larry Tracy, 79, passed away at home on June 14, 2023. A lifelong resident of Moses Lake, he loved his family, friends, animals – especially cats – practicing law, music, driving and collecting antiques and artifacts. Lawrence Lee Tracy was born in Iowa on March 10, 1944, to Dr. Harold and Gladys Tracy in Iowa. He was the oldest of their seven children, followed 17 months later by his brother Ron. After their dad returned from service in Okinawa, the family moved to Eastern Washington in 1946 where he finished his residency in Spokane, then to LaCrosse, Washington. Their sister Barbara was born during those years. By 1949 they moved to Moses Lake, where they remained and the rest of the Tracy siblings were born. Larry was the quintessential big brother of the family.

Shoshone County PA not seeking death penalty for Kellogg homicide

Kaylor is accused of murdering Kenna Guardipee, 41, Kenneth Guardipee, 65, Devin Smith, 18, and Aiken Smith, 16, at their home in Kellogg on Father’s Day.

Law enforcement records for June 22, 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...

Commentary: Snake River Whac-A-Mole needs to stop

To supporters of the four Lower Snake River dams, the latest news that President Biden continues to pursue dam breaching is not shocking, but surprising, considering the growing shortfall in electricity predicted in the western states and his desire to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Biden’s March 21 announcement started another “Whac-A-Mole” game to determine the dams’ future. The news was reported in a Wall Street Journal commentary by Faith Bottum titled “Biden’s fishy plan to breach the Snake River dams.” She wrote that Biden is determined to bring “healthy and abundant salmon runs back to the Colorado River system.” (He really meant the Columbia River.)

Caleb Perez

Local student tackles the news business and other adventures

MOSES LAKE — Caleb Perez, whose byline you may have seen floating around in the Columbia Basin Herald’s pages, likes to try a little bit of everything, whether that’s sports, journalism or making a podcast with friends. “I did not do anything in high school other than what was required of me,” Perez said. “I did kind of have a philosophy that, if I don’t commit to anything in high school, then I can kind of try a lot more things, which I was able to do because I’d spend after school either playing games or learning to shoot hoops or even trying Frisbee golf. … Basically, anything that came up, I could try.”

Commentary: Staying sober on the Fourth

The Fourth of July is an incredibly festive time for millions of American families nationwide. It’s typically filled with picnics, barbecues, fireworks, days at the beach, sitting by the pool and spending quality time with family and friends. The Fourth of July is also America’s top beer-drinking holiday. Over $1 billion is estimated to be spent on beer over the holiday. It is no secret that copious amounts of alcohol are consumed, and binge drinking is common. In Washington state, roughly 15% of adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month, according to drugabusestatistics.org. Holidays like July 4 can be challenging for someone in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction, especially early on. Fortunately, there are practical tips that anyone can use to stay sober this Fourth of July weekend.

Spend a day at the museum

COLUMBIA BASIN — We often think of museums as something you find in big cities, but there are lots of them just a short drive away here in the Basin. Here are some places to enjoy art or learn about the area. Note: Many museums are staffed by volunteers and funded by donations, which means that hours and days of operation can change without warning. Visitors are advised to call ahead.

Legals for June, 22 2023

Legals for June, 22 2023

Investigators release more details in Gorge shooting case

WENATCHEE – Moses Lake Police Department Detective Edgar Salazar is on administrative leave following the incident wherein he reportedly shot shooting suspect James M. Kelly, according to a press release from Captain Brian Chance of the Wenatchee Police Department...

Grace named George clerk-treasurer

GEORGE — There’s a new clerk-treasurer in George, and she has a new assistant. Former Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Amy Grace, who has holding down the fort since the last clerk-treasurer left in March, was officially appointed to the position at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. SA temporary worker the city contracted to help Grace, Tonya Nelson, was appointed the new deputy clerk-treasurer at the same meeting. The city will pay more than $8,000 to the agency Nelson currently works for to allow her to work for the city immediately...

Samaritan construction plans moving forward

MOSES LAKE — An updated analysis of the cost of building a new Samaritan Hospital could be presented at the July 25 commission meeting. “(The project general contractor) is working on updating the guaranteed maximum price for the project, so we should see that sometime in July,” said Samaritan CEO Theresa Sullivan at the commission meeting Tuesday...

Snohomish roofing company fined for safety violations

TUMWATER — A roofing company based in Snohomish is faced with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries...

GALLERY: Local sports

COLUMBIA BASIN – Almira/Coulee-Hartline and Soap Lake wrapped up spring practices with a jamboree in Coulee City over the weekend, while the 18U Columbia Basin River Dogs hosted the Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament in Ephrata. Check out these photos from the tow events over this past weekend.

PRO RECAP: M's remain steady, Storm find groove

SEATTLE – As the Seattle Mariners approach the halfway point of the 2023 season, the Seattle Storm have started to string together wins after beginning their 2023 campaign with four-straight losses...

BBCC nursing program sends off 17 graduates

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College nursing program bid their 17 graduating students farewell during a special pinning ceremony Friday Graduates were surrounded by family and friends as they received their nursing pins and recited the official Nurse’s Pledge – both a symbolic welcoming into the nursing profession...

Grant Co. students graduate from WCA

GRANT COUNTY — Three Grant County locals graduated Tuesday from Washington Connections Academy, according to an announcement from the online public school...

Weather impacts hay quality

COLUMBIA BASIN — The first cutting is in for alfalfa hay in the Basin, and it’s not all it should be, according to Mark Anderson of Anderson Hay & Grain. “We were hoping to get a lot more high-test supreme and premium alfalfa for dairies,” Anderson said. “We struggled a little bit with weather that interrupted the perfect harvest window. So there's there's been a fair amount of inventory that's just under that supreme and premium testing.” ...

Compassionate planning

Local funeral director shares tips to plan end-of-life services and reduce stress for families.

MOSES LAKE – The passing of a loved one is never something that people like to think about in their day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, things happen and it’s important to have a plan in place. Susan Freeman who is the Funeral Director at Pioneer Memorial said the most important thing a person can do is be prepared. There are many times when people come in and there is nothing prearranged and the family has no idea what to do for the funeral, said Freeman...

Washington fire report for June 21

MOSES LAKE — These are the wildfires that were burning in Washington as of Monday afternoon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website...

Animal party

Tickets on sale for ‘Party for the Paws’ supporting Adams County Pet Rescue

MOSES LAKE — Groundbreaking is scheduled for early July for a new facility that its owners say will manufacture aviation fuel from hydrogen, carbon dioxide and electricity. Nicholas Flanders, co-founder and CEO of Berkley, California-based Twelve, announced the construction of the new facility Monday at the Paris Air Show, accompanied by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Washington sports schedule June 21-27

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

The Podium to host Big Sky indoor championships

FARMINGTON, Utah – The Big Sky Conference announced last week that the 2024 Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held at The Podium Powered by STCU in Spokane, in collaboration with Spokane Sports and Eastern Washington University.

Rattling Portland

Local 18U team competes at Valley Invite in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – The 18U Moses Lake Rattlers were one of nearly 60 teams to compete at the Triple Crown Valley Invite in Portland, Oregon over the weekend, though the final day of competition was rained out.

Legals for June, 21 2023

Sustainable jet fuel production coming to Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE — Groundbreaking is scheduled for early July for a new facility that its owners say will manufacture aviation fuel from hydrogen, carbon dioxide and electricity. Nicholas Flanders, co-founder and CEO of Berkley, California-based Twelve, announced the construction of the new facility Monday at the Paris Air Show, accompanied by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “We have a groundbreaking next month,” said Richard Hanover, director of business development for the Port of Moses Lake Tuesday...

UPDATED: Gorge victims, alleged shooter identified

EPHRATA — Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison has released the identities of the two fatally-shot victims from the Sunday evening shooting at The Gorge Amphitheatre’s campground and Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete has identified the alleged shooter. “The suspect is 26-year-old James M. Kelly of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He was hospitalized for a gunshot wound and was returned to Grant County today where he is lodged in the Grant County Jail. He is held for investigation of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of first-degree assault domestic violence,” Kriete said...

Newhouse to help lead field hearing on Lower Snake River Dams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, will help lead a field hearing in Richland for members of the House Natural Resources Committee on the importance of Eastern Washington’s Lower Snake River dams, according to an announcement from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, who will join Newhouse at the hearing...

BBCC celebrates a first with 2023 graduation

MOSES LAKE — With cloud cover providing cool weather Friday evening at Lions Field in Downtown Moses Lake, Big Bend Community College made history conferring its new Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management degree on 26 students along with 513 other graduates who received associate degrees or high school diplomas. “I really want to thank Big Bend for implementing this new BAS-AM program and making it accessible to our community,” said BAS-AM Cohort 1 representative Shelley Mease...

Applications open for broadband funding grants

OLYMPIA — The Washington Public Works Board is currently accepting applications for broadband construction funding offering a total of $13.5 million in low-interest loans for projects in unserved areas of the state, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Commerce...

MarDon Resort Fresh News: Keep an eye on depth

MARDON - The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1041.00 feet – dropping 1.10 feet this week, as of Tuesday. The water temperature is right around 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low-to-mid-70s...

Accused murderer Kaylor has first appearance in court

After reviewing and reading him his rights, Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine read Kaylor his charges – which also included a felony burglary charge, each count of murder included the names of his alleged victims, Devin Smith, Kenna Guardipee, Kenneth Guardipee, and a juvenile identified only as A.S.

Senator steps down to serve as Kitsap commissioner

OLYMPIA - Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) announced her resignation Tuesday from the Washington State Senate. She is stepping down to serve on the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, according to a press release from her office...

Monica St. Romain

Monica St. Romain passed away on June 7, 2023. She was born in South Bend, Indiana on Nov. 29, 1933. She spent all of her school years in South Bend and graduated from high school there. While working for the telephone company she was a pen-pal with a serviceman named Ralph St. Romain. After writing to each other for several months, they had three dates and were married. Ralph finished his military service and moved to Washington, where he got a job at Boeing, then finished college and got his first teaching job in Newport, Oregon. Monica went on to graduate from Oregon State University with a degree in journalism. She worked for the News Times in Newport, Oregon and freelanced for The Oregonian.

Patrick Patterson

Patrick O. Patterson, 75, dedicated family man, community sponsor and exceptional musician passed away June 13, 2023. He had a passion for continuous learning and immersing himself in the educational process. Patrick’s entire life has been dedicated to teaching his children and grandchildren about music and engaging them in his many interests. As a longtime teacher of music, he taught at Big Bend Community College for 23 years. He enjoyed engaging his students in the passion of making and appreciating music, as well as helping to coordinate their success at the college. Patrick immersed himself in all things musical, and enjoyed the chaos of coordinating community events, participating in a variety of regional musical groups, and diving into his church music ministry.

News Bites for June 20, 2023

OTHELLO — Caring Neighbors, a nonprofit established by Big Bend Energy Cooperative, donated $2,375 to Adams County Fire District 5 on Thursday, according to an announcement from ACFD 5. The money will help to fund the replacement of older extrication tools, the announcement said.

Details emerge in Kellogg shooting deaths

Just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday, law enforcement responded to a call reporting multiple gunshots had been heard coming from a multi-dwelling residence at the corner of Utah and Brown Streets behind Mountain View Congregational Church.

Legals for June, 20 2023

Idaho shooting leaves four dead

KELLOGG, Idaho – Four people are dead and a Kellogg man is in custody following a shooting on Father’s Day. "This is a tragic situation that will affect the Kellogg community. Detectives continue working to establish a timeline and what led to the shooting," Idaho State Patrol District 1 Investigations Lieutenant Paul Berger said. "As this case will go through the judicial process, we are ensuring every angle is covered with a thorough investigation." ...

Washington wildfire summary for June 19

MOSES LAKE — These are the wildfires that were burning in Washington as of Monday afternoon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website...

Mattawa considering second cleanup event

MATTAWA — The spring cleanup in Mattawa was a big enough success that city officials are considering a second one in the summer or fall. “We collected 10.8 tons, which is 21,000 pounds of solid waste,” said city Public Works Director Juan Ledezma during the Mattawa City Council meeting June 15...

BBCC to debut Intro to Communications

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Communications Studies Department will add a new course to its offerings this year, Introduction to Communications, according to an announcement from the college...

Prowler caught following assault

MOSES LAKE — A suspected vehicle prowler who allegedly punched his victim and fled was caught in Moses Lake Wednesday...

Moses Lake student to perform at music teachers conference

MOSES LAKE — Lydia Jensen will represent Moses Lake at the Washington State Music Teachers Association’s annual conference in Winthrop June 26, according to an announcement from piano instructor Marina Munter. Jensen, a 2023 graduate of Moses Lake High School, is a student of Gracie Payne, according to the announcement. She has been playing piano since she was 5, the announcement said. She took up the violin when she was 10, it said, but time constraints forced her to choose between the two instruments and she picked the piano.

David Alsup

David R. Alsup, 66, died June 6, 2023, of complications from diabetes. He was a lifetime resident of Moses Lake. David was in DeMolay and also Upward Bound as a teen. He joined the Army and loved the traveling he did while enlisted. He was a cook by profession. David loved fishing and his sense of humor was legendary.

Late Wanapum leader honored by Grant PUD

Rex Buck, Jr. recognized for contributions preserving tribal heritage, culture.

EPHRATA — The late Rex “Puck Hyah Toot” Buck Jr., longtime leader of the Wanapum, was honored by the Grant County Public Utility District commissioners at their regular meeting June 13. The resolution follows the end of a year of respect traditionally observed by the Wanapum after the death of a tribal member...

River Dogs drop North Spokane

Local sluggers knock down Dodgers on the diamond in memorial tourney.

EPHRATA — The 18U Columbia Basin River Dogs ended the Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament with a win on Sunday over the North Spokane Dodgers, using a four-run rally in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead after being down three runs. “With a young ball club and playing quality, older teams, what we were most impressed with was their ability to continue to fight despite sometimes making young mistakes,” said Brock Lybbert, co-head coach for the River Dogs. “They were able to gut out some of those wins by continuing to compete and stay in the fight.” ...

Eloise Wilma Huston

Eloise Wilma Huston passed from this life in the early morning of June 14, 2023, at age 94. She greeted a new dawn, reunited with her beloved husband Fred, daughter Margaret Jo and son Charles Harvey, who all preceded her in death. Eloise died wearing Fred's wedding band, in his memory. She and Fred were married 66 years until his death in 2017. She was a longtime resident of Moses Lake for 69 years, beginning in 1954 when she arrived as a young wife and mother. Eloise lived in Ellensburg near her daughter Mary for the last year. Eloise is survived by her daughter Mary (Robert) of Ellensburg, Washington, son Bill (Ludel) of San Diego, California and brother Jimmy (Monita) of Issaquah, Washington.

School is OUT for MLSD retiree

‘I truly love the seven (and) eight-year-olds. I’ve always just related.’

MOSES LAKE — Joan Dopps said her career as a second grade teacher started with a visit to her former second grade teacher. “I went through many different bouts of ‘what am I going to do.’ I worked a year in a bank; I got an AA degree from Big Bend,” she said. “I went to visit (her former teacher) in California. And then I came back home and quit the bank, commuted to Ellensburg and became a teacher.” ...

Basin prepped for July 4

Area communities set to celebrate nation's birthday.

COLUMBIA BASIN — The nation’s birthday will be celebrated with parades, tournaments, flash and plenty of sparkles, with three local communities sponsoring festivities and fireworks. Moses Lake leads off with “Red, White and Boom!” July 1...

News Bites for June 19, 2023

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department officers arrested Kyle L. Knemeyer, 33, of Spokane and Mandilynn A. Law, 25, of Clarkston on June 9 after they allegedly stole a pistol out of a vehicle parked at the WinCo Foots at 960 N Stratford Road in Moses Lake, according to an MLPD statement. “The suspects were caught on video taking the firearm out of the car early Thursday morning. Between MLPD officers and deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to identify the suspects,” the MLPD statement said...

Juneteenth 2023 weather

Juneteenth: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 6 to 11 mph. A 20% chance of showers evening that will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 47...

Legals for June, 19 2023

Susan Patrice (McWatters) Curtis

Susan Patrice (McWatters) Curtis, 65, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 5, 2023, at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Susan was born on May 26, 1958, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Susan and her siblings grew up in Moses Lake, Washington after the family immigrated in 1965. She graduated MLHS in 1976 and then started a career as a legal secretary. A stroke at age 22 interrupted that ambition. That health issue was just the beginning; those who know her are aware of her lifelong health challenges. Susan is survived by sisters Donna Lee (husband Warren) Shaull and Jackie McWatters; her brother Rodney (wife Vikki) McWatters; nephews Larch (wife Leslie) McWatters (and their four cherished children) and Micah Shaull; niece Sophie Shaull; uncles Herb Himmelspach and Fred Barton; and many cousins in Canada.

UPDATED: Active shooter arrested at Gorge Amphitheater

GEORGE – An evening shooting at The Gorge Amphitheatre campground near George has left two victims dead and three people, including the shooter, injured, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “At about 8:20 p.m. or thereabouts, there was a shooting in the campground. The shooter was fleeing the scene and also firing shots,” Foreman said...

2023 Vikings

MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College's Class of 2023 walked on Friday to get their degrees. These Viking alum not move on to push their academic or professional careers forward.

BBCC holds nurse pinning ceremony

MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College held its graduation festivities Friday, starting with a nurse's pinning ceremony. Above, 17 newly-graduated nurses pose for a photo during the ceremony.

STUDIO BASIN: Fire and water, football and diamond action

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, Managing Editor Rob Miller and senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss water conservation across the Basin, fires and fire season as well as recap graduation and Quincy's 100% graduation rate. Next, Sports Reporter Ian Bivona recaps the Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament, a football scrimmage held in Royal City and other sporting goodness in the Basin. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/446s0GA.

Riverdogs compete in Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament

EPHRATA – The 18U Columbia Basin River Dogs hosted the Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament over the weekend in Ephrata, playing in games from Friday through Sunday. For ful coverage of the tournament, check out the Tuesday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

Forest Service waives fees for Juneteenth

PORTLAND, Ore. — The USDA Forest Service is waiving recreation fees for day-use sites in Washington and Oregon on Monday, June 19, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, according to an announcement from the Forest Service...

Pigskin fun

Warriors, Eagles compete in spring jamboree

COULEE CITY – Both Almira/Coulee-Hartline and Soap Lake wrapped up spring football at a jamboree in Coulee City on Friday, joined by football teams from Wellpinit, Curlew, Republic, Waterville-Mansfield and Wilbur-Creston-Keller. “I love this spring format – there’s no pressure, we’re just playing football again,” Walsh said. “It’s fun. The kids are excited about today, and they did a good job. We had a good spring camp and we’re excited for the fall.” ...

Quincy roundabout opening delayed

QUINCY — The opening of the new roundabout at the intersection of White Trail Road and State Route 28 has been delayed to June 26. Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for the North Central region of the Washington Department of Transportation, said the plan was to open it June 14, but it was put off due to the need for repairs...

Summer meals for kids offered in Mattawa

MATTAWA — Breakfast and lunch will be served free of charge to qualifying children over the summer through the Summer Food Service Program sponsored by the Wahluke School District...

Local ag leaders join Cantwell for farm bill forum

WENATCHEE — Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined a forum of nearly 30 state leaders in agriculture to discuss the upcoming re-authorization of the farm bill, according to a press release from Cantwell’s office. Cantwell was joined in Wenatchee by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the release said...

A BIT OF QUINCY HISTORY

QUINCY – This mural-bedecked building at the intersection of F Street SE and Road Q NW in Quincy is currently for sale, according to signage at the property. Anyone with information regarding the building’s history is asked to email information to Columbia Basin Herald Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com for use in an upcoming feature.

Patrick Patterson

Patrick Patterson, 75, died June 13, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, Washington.

Quincy High graduates 100% of senior class

QUINCY — All eligible students in the Quincy High School class of 2023 made it to graduation, according to district officials. “We were at 161 (graduates) of 161 (eligible),” said district superintendent Nik Bergman during the regular Quincy School Board meeting Tuesday...

Family options

A high-level look at listings in the Basin

EPHRATA – If you’re looking for a larger, but not too large, home with four or more bedrooms and 2,000 to 3,000 square feet to live in, the Columbia Basin has options right now...

18U River Dogs prepare for Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament

EPHRATA – The 18U Columbia Basin River Dogs enter their third tournament of the season this weekend, preparing for the Jerry Henderson Memorial Tournament that will be hosted at Johnson-O’Brien Stadium in Ephrata beginning Friday night.

GALLERY: Scenes from the field

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local athletes took to both the diamond and the football field this past week, competing in both the Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament in Moses Lake and a football scrimmage in Royal City.

Legals for June, 16 2023

BBCC dean retires

Big Bend Community College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences, Kathleen Duvall, is retiring after 29 years at Big Bend Community College. Above, she holds a jarred brain and is seen posing Biology Professor Theresa Calip.

900 acres burn near Rocky Ford Creek

EPHRATA – A Wednesday afternoon fire near State Route 17 at Rocky Ford Creek was reportedly caused by a vehicle fire involving a farm tractor, said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman...

News Bites for June 16

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking for concertgoers to be careful at the Gorge Amphitheater this summer. They recommend taking the following steps to be safe...

Juneteenth commemoration Saturday

MOSES LAKE — A program to commemorate the day the last slaves in the United States learned they were free men and women is scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the McCosh Park Amphitheater in Moses Lake...

WSU director has a love for dry land farming

LIND — The dryland wheat farming region of Washington state is probably the driest place in the world where farmers manage to grow wheat without irrigation, according to Surendra Singh, the new director of Washington State University’s Lind Dryland Research Station. “Because we have rain for around nine and nine-and-a-half inches, which is just barely enough,” Singh said...

Moses Lake student inducted into Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE, La. — Eastern Oregon University student and Moses Lake resident Simeon Hickman was recently inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest all-discipline college honor society, according to a society press release...

Moses Lake exchanges gifts with sister city

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake is giving a pair of landscape prints from a local artist to the city of Yonezawa, Japan, in response to Yonezawa’s gift of a tapestry to Moses Lake last year. “In a show of gratitude for that, we’ve decided to present them with these two prints from local artist Kim Matthews Wheaton that show the agriculture in the area and some of the local geology, which is obviously unique to our area,” said Council Member Dustin Swartz at the start of a regular meeting of the Moses Lake City Council on Tuesday.

Quincy FFA announces officers

QUINCY – The Quincy Future Farmers of America announced its 2023-24 officers on May 23. The officer team was installed during the coinciding Parent-Member Banquet...

BBCC honors 58 graduates at graduation Student Support Services celebration

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College TRIO Student Support Services program celebrated its group of 2023 graduates during a ceremony Tuesday night. Fifty-eight students were recognized during the event...

Othello man sentenced in child’s death

SPOKANE — An Othello man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after an incident that left his 4-year-old child dead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Spokane...

WDFW eyes 3-year hunting season plans

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for the public’s feedback as it begins its latest three-year season-setting efforts, according to a WDFW press release...

BBCC to host 30th annual job and career fair

June 22 event set to connect employers and job hunters.

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College (BBCC) Job and Career Fair will be returning to the Big Bend Campus at the end of June for its 30th consecutive year.

Op-Ed: The importance of Lower Snake River Dams

As a trusted provider of electricity to the families, small businesses, and agriculture industry in our region, Big Bend Electric Cooperative recognizes the critical role the Lower Snake River Dams play in supporting our economy...

Little Big Show '23

Wilson Creek hosts annual car show

WILSON CREEK — The little town of Wilson Creek more than doubled in numbers Saturday. The town, which had a population of 207 at the last census, welcomed more than 300 visitors to its annual Little Big Show, according to organizer Nicholas Odorizzi. “Good turnout this year,” Odorizzi said. “We had, I think, 104 cars. We had more vendors this year, which was great. One of our food vendors sold out. So that was a good problem to have.” ...

Quincy schools look to get more parents involved

QUINCY — Encouraging parents to get more involved in school is easier when school officials start with something familiar to the parents. Victoria Hodge, director of support services and programs for the Quincy School District, said that’s been a lesson reinforced during the 2022-23 school year. “The first strategy is to expand parent groups in each building,” Hodge said during a presentation to the Quincy School Board at its regular meeting Tuesday...

Law enforcement records for June 15, 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.

Fresh News from MarDon Resort

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1042.1 feet, dropping 1.7 feet this week. Water temperatures are at 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the low to mid-70s. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with jerk baits, flukes, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Fish the main channels back in the sand dunes, Crab Creek and the face of the dunes. The walleye fishing has been fair but improving. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. A lot of two- to four-pound fish are being caught. Fish are being caught on a wide variety of baits. Jigs, swim jigs, chatter baits, Senkos, lipless crankbaits and frogs have been producing. Fish 2-15 feet of water. Fish the sand dunes.

Legals for June, 15 2023

Water conservation considered by Moses Lake council

MOSES LAKE — With the obvious decline of water levels in the aquifers that provide Moses Lake with water drinking, bathing, cleaning and lawns, the time has come for the city to stop looking at the problem and focus on solutions, according to Council Member Mark Fancher. “We know the problem. We’ve got to not spend so much time on the problem,” Fancher said during a regular city council meeting on Tuesday. “We have got to start spending a lot of hours on the solution.” ...

WSP to conduct motorcycle emphasis patrol

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol troopers will be conducting additional patrols along Interstate 90 June 23-25 to teach bikers and drivers about motorcycle safety. The patrols will span I-90 from Snoqualmie Pass to Spokane, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District...

REC secures financing leverage

MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon has secured a $30 million loan from New York’s Standard Chartered Bank to help fund the company’s restart as well as proposed expansions, according to an REC press release...

Fire season starts in Grant Co.

SOAP LAKE — Fire season has kicked off in Grant County with three fires in less than 24 hours – one just north and east of Soap Lake, one at the intersection of State Route 17 and Stratford Road in Moses Lake on Tuesday and another at Rocky Ford Creek between Ephrata and Moses Lake on Wednesday...

Triple play

Knights, Mavs and Jacks wrap up spring ball with scrimmage play

ROYAL CITY – Three local football squads wrapped up spring practices in Royal City on Tuesday, with Moses Lake, Quincy and Royal competing in a scrimmage at David Nielsen Memorial Field in Royal City...

Basin community calendar for June 17-21

Basin community calendar for June 17-21

Barnyard brawl

Farm machines duke it out at Lind Combine Derby

LIND — In the heart of Adams County, wheat is king. And once a year, its knights meet in the Lind Lions Club Arena for a tournament to rival the most enthusiastic joust, armored in blue jeans and ball caps and mounted on steeds familiar to anyone who lives in farm country: combines...

News Bites for June 14

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Police Department officers arrested Byron Combs, 30, of Moses Lake on Monday after receiving a call that took them to the 800 block of Loop Drive, according to an MLPD statement. Contractors working nearby had overheard a man and woman arguing and believed the woman was being assaulted. The workers wenter to intervene when Combs reportedly pulled a firearm, pointed it at the workers and threatened to kill them...

Royal parents learn to identify drug risk factors

ROYAL CITY — Between 20 and 30 people gathered at Royal Intermediate School June 8 for Healthy Youth, Healthy Families. The bilingual event, sponsored by Educational Service District 105, among other organizations, was designed to help families identify signs of substance abuse in youth. “My demographic right now is particularly 10- to 13-year-olds,” said Ariana Martinez, a student assistance professional for ESD 105 attached to the Royal School District. “They're the ones kind of keeping up with the Tik Tok trends, whether that's using tampons to get drunk, putting them in alcohol, or challenges (to see) who can show up the highest at school and not get caught.” ...

Exploring macro worlds

Macro photography exhibit brings bugs into focusing

MOSES LAKE — It all started with some boozy bugs. “I went out in the front yard, and I went up to a tree in which there were always tens of butterflies, and I couldn't figure out why,” said Walter Klockers, whose macro photography is currently on exhibit at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center...

Desert Aire Fly-In scheduled for Saturday

DESERT AIRE — People will get a chance to see some cool airplanes and eat a pancake breakfast at the Desert Aire Airport Saturday. The annual Desert Aire Fly-In is scheduled for 7 to 11 a.m. at the airport hangar at 121 Desert Aire Place. “It’s really intended to provide an opportunity for the community to come together, see some airplanes, talk to pilots,” said Joyce Trantina, the event organizer. “It’s the airport’s only fundraiser, but that’s not its main purpose. It’s for community building.” ...

Devils celebrate accomplishments

WILSON CREEK — Like so many students who gathered to celebrate high school graduation this year, the seven students of the Wilson Creek High School class of 2023 took time to reflect on their lives, thank all those who helped them along the way and considered what their futures might look like. “First, I’d like to say thank you to all the teachers and staff,” said Wilson Creek High School 2023 valedictorian Aimee Willis during her graduation speech. “And let’s not forget to mention all the family and friends who have given their support and encouragement throughout high school.”

Gratitude marks Ephrata 2023 graduation

EPHRATA — One of the things Ephrata High School graduating senior Kacie Shannon said she came to realize in high school is that no one is solely responsible for their own success. “In every case, there was some type of support system in place, whether it be a friend, a family member, a teacher or a mentor. In some cases, success was derived directly from a bit of friendly competition,” Shannon said during her speech at the Ephrata High School class of 2023 graduation ceremony on June 2.

‘Exude compassion’

Lind-Ritzville students ready for the next challenge

RITZVILLE — “Exude compassion.” That was the advice given to Lind-Ritzville High School seniors at their graduation ceremony Saturday by LRHS history teacher and guest speaker Bryce Court. “When I say to do that, I mean it should be the defining attribute of your character, the thing you are and do by accident,” Court said. “And I believe compassion should be separated from synonyms like love and charity. Compassion is distinguishable from love because, while I know it's difficult to love those whom you strongly disagree with, you can always show those darn angry fools compassion.”

‘Do hard things’

Royal High School grads prepare to change the world

ROYAL CITY — One hundred eleven Knights sallied forth from the Royal High School football field Friday, June 2, ready to take on any dragons that might come their way. “Many things make you an exceptional graduating class,” said RHS Principal Courtney McCoy in her welcoming remarks. “You are driven. You are strong. You are gregarious. You get things done. You have that we-can-do-things we-are-going-to-do-things je ne sais quoi about you … So take that magical mojo of yours and always remember the American author Glennon Doyle's mantra: ‘We can do hard things every day.’ You can do hard things. Do them: the big, the small, things for you, things for others, things for the entire world. Our world is waiting for you, Royal High School’s wildly capable Class of 2023.”

‘Always a Warrior’

MATTAWA – For the 170 graduates of Wahluke High School and 11 graduates of Sentinel Tech, Friday’s graduation ceremony was full of callbacks to previous years, celebrations of achievements and the excitement of post-graduation plans. “Seniors – what a journey these past four years have been,” Wahluke Principal Cody Marlow said during the ceremony. “Filled with many good, and some not-so-good memories; hardship, sadness, excitement, anticipation – plus a whole lot more. All of these have been valuable lessons that will help you in your next chapter.”

ACH grads sent off with a song

COULEE CITY — The 15 graduating seniors of the Almira Coulee Hartline High School class of 2023 gathered on the stage in the gym on the afternoon of Saturday, June 10, to receive their diplomas. And in each one of those diplomas was a sticky note with a song title. “I thought of a conversation I’d actually had with (co-valedictorian) Isabel (Brink) earlier when she was working on her valedictorian speech,” said Kelley Boyd, who is both Superintendent of the Almira Coulee Hartline School District and principal of ACH High School.

Excitement, mixed emotions at Othello graduation

OTHELLO — Luis Alvarado, Othello High School class of 2023, admitted to mixed emotions as he left Huskie Stadium after OHS graduation ceremonies. “Happy. Most definitely,” he said.

Lions roar out of The Den

MLCA’s class of 2023 looks to the future and thinks back on the past

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Christian Academy graduating senior Jeff Boorman said his favorite memories of his time at MLCA were the bonds he was able to make with friends and classmates. Benjamin Eldred said his favorite memories involved being able to play baseball with his friends. At MLCA’s 2023 graduation ceremony, both young men and their classmates said they were excited to be moving on to new adventures in their adult lives. The aspiring entertainers, engineers, athletes, pilots and academics are the first class to utilize MLCA’s new gym, The Den, for their graduation ceremony.

Hard work pays off for 2023 Jacks

QUINCY — Brand-new Quincy High School graduate Xavier Tagle said there was a lesson in the ceremony on June 10. “All those years, all that work, and it pays off,” he said. “It feels great (to graduate). I can’t wait for the future.” Tagle said his goal is to work in the tech field, starting with a couple of years at a community college. Mya Nguyen echoed Tagle’s sentiments about the pleasure of seeing work pay off. “I’m very grateful,” she said. “It’s very rewarding for all the hard work I’ve put in,” she said, adding that she plans to become a nurse.

Vivian Vetter-Gama

Vivian, 83, died March 25, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. Please join us on Saturday, June 17, 2023, to celebrate Vivian's life. Her memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 616 E. Juniper St., Othello Washington with a Rosary prayer service at 1:30 p.m., and a Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. After the service, the family invites everyone to join them at the Othello Eagles, 127 E. Larch St., Othello, Washington to share in a memorial reception and luncheon that will be held from 3 until 6 p.m.

Warden grads focus on kindness, hard work

WARDEN — Work hard and be kind. Those are what Warden High School class of 2023 valedictorian Quinn Erdmann said are the most important things she learned during her four years of high school. “We learned to work hard, dream big, make mistakes and be kind,” Erdmann told her fellow graduates. “We persevered and worked together to get here today. With help from our teachers and staff members, this has prepared us for life outside of high school.” While everyone is going to have to work hard to realize their dreams and achieve their goals, being kind is by far the most crucial thing Erdmann said she learned in high school.

Mavs and Chiefs

MLHS Class of 2023 goes out with style

MOSES LAKE — With mortar boards bedecked in flowers, back-the-blue flags, comedic statements, family names and hopes for the future, this year’s Moses Lake High School graduates walked the stage and stepped toward their futures, proud families watching from the stands at Lions Field. MLHS Principal Sheila Kries opened the ceremony with an analogy discussing how life’s experiences are like a watershed – appropriate for one of the larger schools in the Columbia Basin – and wished the students well. This year’s graduating class chose former School Resource Officer Zach Jennings as their staff speaker, and he shared a few memories of his time with the 2023 Mavs – who appeared to identify more as Chiefs, having had that mascot for much more of their high school careers – and a bit of humorous advice. “Growing old is mandatory – growing up is optional,” Jennings said.

Desert Oasis High School seniors persevere

OTHELLO — Valedictorian Michelle Torres summed it up after the Desert Oasis High School class of 2023 had received their diplomas. “Start of a new day, you know?” she said. The 29 seniors officially finished school, five of them through a SkillSource program, in a ceremony June 5. In her valedictory speech, Torres said she knew it hadn’t been easy for her classmates. But they had done it nonetheless. “As for those who have cut us down, made us feel less of ourselves, and told us we weren’t getting far, look at us now. We are graduating, and this is just the beginning,” she said.

Soap Lake honors 45 members of the class of 2023

SOAP LAKE — Dressed in graduation caps and gowns, 45 Soap Lake High School seniors walked through the high school’s gymnasium for the final time as Eagles on Saturday, earning their diplomas and becoming Soap Lake alumni. “Looking back, maybe we should have brought some tissues,” Soap Lake Principal Levi Spencer joked during his welcoming remarks. After seniors walked into the gym in groups of two to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the soon-to-be graduates and those in the crowd were welcomed by Spencer and watched a video with photos of the graduates from their youth, set to the tune of Macklemore’s “Good Ole Days.” Graduates then rose from their seats in front of the gym and walked into the crowd for the rose ceremony, passing out roses to loved ones in the crowd.

Legals for June, 14 2023

Learning to fly: Former refugee earns scholarship for Big Bend flight training.

MOSES LAKE — Victoire Wilondja is learning to fly because he wants to do something big with his life. “The freedom of dreaming big,” said Wilondja as he sat in the Flight Training Center at Big Bend Community College. “Something that I never thought I could do.” ...

Moses Lake to host walkability workshop

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will host a one-day workshop on Thursday, June 22, to discuss future possibilities for creating and improving walkability in Moses Lake, according to a city press release.

Washington sports schedule June 14-20

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

Knox hired as Ephrata boys wrestling coach

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District announced that Joe Knox will be taking over the Tiger boys wrestling program in a release on Tuesday. According to the release, the selection committee sought an experienced leader, with a strong background in both coaching and building relationships with student-athletes...

18U Rattlers open season in Pasco

MOSES LAKE – The 18U Moses Lake Rattlers began their season at the Kate Austin Memorial Tournament over the weekend, going 3-2 in games against teams from across the Pacific Northwest. With high school softball season having ended just under three weeks ago, it was a quick turnaround for the Rattlers before their tournament in Tri-Cities over the weekend...

Royal City gains new council members, approves water main upgrade

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council swore in two new members during its meeting Monday evening. Rick Kannely and Ryan Piercy were selected to fill vacancies left when other members moved out of town. “I'm here as a volunteer to support the community, to serve the community that I live in,” Kannely said. “I love this place. It’s the best place I’ve ever lived.” ...

Coulee City chiropractor’s license suspended

COULEE CITY — A Coulee City man’s chiropractic license has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of child rape and unlawful imprisonment...

Play ball!

Teams from across the state compete at Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament

MOSES LAKE – Hosted by the Moses Lake Youth Baseball Association, the third annual Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament took to the diamonds of Larson Playfield from Friday through Sunday, crowning four winners over the four different age divisions. The 10U Whatcom Prep, the 11U Lake Stevens Riptide, the 12U Ellensburg All-Stars and the 13U Tri-Cities Spartans all left with tournament titles.

Color and imagination

Othello artist works to put human interest into watercolors

OTHELLO — Duke Stoker paints the landscapes he sees in his imagination.

NRCS chief tours Columbia Basin Project

MOSES LAKE — Terry Cosby, chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, had some words of encouragement Monday morning for local officials looking to get more funding to replace well water with Columbia River irrigation water in the eastern portions of the Columbia Basin Project. “We’re here to help,” Cosby said.

Spooky Behavior

Two local artists are able to share their talents and love of art with the world

Kelsey Gribble is a local artist who owns Sole Performance and takes photos on the side. Gribble, along with coworker and fellow artist Kate Hooper, started their own brand – Spooky Behavior.

Parks district vote could be coming up in Quincy

QUINCY — Residents of Quincy, George and some rural areas around Quincy may be voting on a proposal to create a new regional parks district. Quincy Administrator Pat Haley said money raised through the district would help pay for the proposed indoor sports facility, called the Q-Plex, along with a new Quincy Aquatic Center and help pay for their operation.

News Bites for June 13, 2023

SOAP LAKE — Two fire districts were brought in for a rescue at Lake Lenore Caves Sunday, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7.

Lending a paw

Builder rallies community to upgrade animal shelter

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach recently got some much-needed upgrades. Moses Lake developer CAD Homes teamed up with several other businesses this spring to build new kennels at the county animal shelter, along with some other much-needed improvements.

Hannah Konishi-Howell

Hannah Konishi-Howell passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 28, 2023, at Hospice of Spokane. Hannah Miyaki was born in Spokane, Washington, on April 3, 1925. She graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. Hannah married Joe Konishi in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1948. They moved to Quincy in 1950. Hannah was proud to work in the fields and instilled a strong work ethic in her children and grandchildren. Hannah was never reluctant to try something new and was always “game” to go anywhere at any time. She moved to Spokane and worked at a floral shop, loving working with flowers and plants. She moved to Moses Lake to work at Menti’s Jewelers. From Moses Lake Hannah moved back to Quincy to help her daughter with a retail baby store and then office manager of her real estate office. Organizing the office and taking special care of customers were a few of her many talents. When Hannah wasn’t working, she was an advocate and fierce supporter of her grandchildren. Watching baseball in the rain, driving to horse training, teaching them the “proper” way to make sushi, and smiling from ear to ear from the pride of knowing these little ones were hers. Hannah loved life, loved laughing, sometimes at her own expense, and loved her kids and grandkids.

CBAA sponsors music at farmers market, demo derby

MOSES LAKE — It’s not all that difficult, actually, to find local musicians who want to play live music, according to Shawn Cardwell, executive director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts. It’s why Allied Arts has been able to sponsor performers at the Moses Lake Farmers Market nearly every other weekend this year until the end of October. “We did an open call for musicians in the spring, and it was those folks that kind of applied. And then we had some of the performers we’ve had from years past,” Cardwell said. “There’s never really been an issue of finding performers in Moses Lake and the surrounding areas.”

Legals for June, 13 2023

Caps and gowns

COLUMBIA BASIN – Graduations continued over the weekend with students walking stages across the Columbia Basin the last few days. Below are some photo highlights of those graduations. Full coverage of area graduations will be printed in a keepsake edition of the paper this Wednesday so area students can have something with themselves and their friends from throughout the region in one place. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald congratulate this year’s graduates and wish them the best of luck in their futures.

Frank Winkler

It is with great honor we share that our dear and kind Frank Winkler, 60, of Soap Lake, Washington passed away on March 19, 2023. Frank was raised by his mother and father Anne and Ben Winkler in the Tri-Cities. They later moved to Soap Lake and made it their forever home. He enjoyed eating with his friends and spending time at the senior centers of Soap Lake and Ephrata. He had great love for music, as well as playing the organ and piano. We recognize that he made a positive impact on everyone’s lives that knew him, including ours, with grace and appreciation. He had great a great love for his mom, our grandma Anne; they were two peas in a pod.

Written in Stone

Those impacted by cancer leave words for 'heroes, past, present and future.'

MOSES LAKE — The encouragement, the remembrances, the sentiments won’t be visible, but they’re there. “‘No one fights alone.’ God.” ...

Airshow roaring over town on Father’s Day Weekend

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Moses Lake Airshow is going to be a little louder than the previous three airshows. Largely because the number of jet acts, everything from the most modern warplanes in U.S. inventory to one of the oldest combat jets flying is scheduled to show off and grace the skies of this year’s Moses Lake Airshow, which is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, at the Grant County International Airport...

MLHS's Byers signs to hit the Spokane CC court

MOSES LAKE – Jayson Byers, a six-foot-seven post for the Mavericks, signed to play college basketball at Spokane Community College on Wednesday to continue his athletic career. “I’m so excited, it’s a huge opportunity for me,” Byers said. “I’m really looking forward to it.” ...

Sage-N-Sun '23

Not much sunshine but a lot of fun at Ephrata festival

EPHRATA — With an overcast sky and temperatures in the mid-60s, there wasn’t much sun on Saturday for Ephrata’s annual Sage-N-Sun festival. But that didn’t bother participants or spectators one bit. “It’s a good day today. It’s a wonderful day,” said James Burton, a long-time Ephrata resident who rode a little electric scooter alongside this year’s parade down Basin Street. “It’s nice to have Sage n’ Sun with nice weather.” ...

News Bites for June 12, 2023

EPHRATA — An Ephrata man reported as missing Wednesday was found safe and sound Thursday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Weather for Monday, June 12, 2023

Weather for the week of June 12.

Legals for June, 12 2023

Memories, pride at MLHS PALS graduation

MOSES LAKE — Six students in the PALS club (the Life Skills class) at Moses Lake High School were recognized for their accomplishments with a special graduation ceremony June 7. “Amazing students,” said Life Skills instructor Cristina Dinges.

MLPD investigating Grape Drive shooting

MOSES LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting Wednesday evening, June 7, at the intersection of Grape Drive and Ted Yao Way, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department...

STUDIO BASIN: Adkinsons and the week in sports

On this week’s Basin Studio podcast, Senior Reporter Charles H. Featherstone talks with outgoing Ephrata Interim city administrator, former Ephrata police chief and 25-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol Kurt Adkinson about his time in the WSP and what he learned as a police officer...

UW tour to pass through Basin

The University of Washington is hitting the road again...

BBCC celebrates 2023 Outstanding Student Award winners

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College has released its list of 2023 Outstanding Student Award winners, according to an announcement from the college. BBCC faculty recognized their top students from the 2022-23 academic year during a ceremony Thursday evening...

Getting 'Rad'

Moses Lake BMX kicks off summer racing

MOSES LAKE – Riders of all ages took to the Larson BMX Track on Friday night to kick off Moses Lake BMX’s Summer Series, moving the weekly Local Single Point Races to Friday evenings. “Here in Moses Lake we run what’s called total points, which means all the riders get a score regardless of their place,” Assistant Track Operator Russell Beck said. “First place gets the most points, second place gets a little less and so forth. Those points are totaled by their placing. It’s like an accumulative point total.” ...

Triumphant Tigers

Ephrata announces 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District announced eight individuals and one team that will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, the fourth class of Hall of Fame inductees. The new inductees were announced Friday. Ephrata’s Athletic Hall of Fame is a collaboration between Ephrata High School and the Tigers Boosters club, and has inducted 23 individuals and three teams in the three previous classes...

Warden school board mulling student reps

WARDEN — The Warden School Board is considering adding two student members to the district’s governing body this fall. “The board of directors really recognizes the value of student representation and student input as we’re conducting daily business on behalf of the school district,” Superintendent Scott West said during a first read of a proposed policy...

Arnold Huddleson

Arn, 80, left us in April on his own terms (as he always did) in Richland, Washington with many family members saying their goodbyes. He was born on Oct. 16, 1942, in Tacoma, Washington to Maxine and Loren Huddleson, followed soon after by his brother Danny. Maxine moved with her boys to Soap Lake where she met and married Bob Gray who raised the boys as his own. The family grew again when his sisters Colleen and Linda were born. "Ark" attended all 12 years of school in Soap Lake, graduating as class president with the class of 1962. He excelled at sports, football and baseball, and was a state wrestling champion.

Thomasene Gail Lybbert

Even in the last three years, as she had done the previous seven decades, despite COVID (or perhaps because of it), Thomasene made new friends. After moving into a new home in Richland, Washington, she did not sit and wait and hope someone would come knock on her door – she went out and met everyone. Growing up, Thomasene overcame childhood illnesses that interrupted many things in her early life. Despite some of these disadvantages Thomasene enjoyed many childhood and teenage activities. She played the flute in the high school band and enjoyed performing at the high school football games. She enjoyed church dance festivals and danced in the All-Church dance festival in Salt Lake City. Thomasene graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1968. She then attended Brigham Young University.

‘I like to stay young and party all night’

Moses Lake youth brings big energy to a ‘crunched up’ town.

MOSES LAKE – Maximiliano Robert House has aspirations – and all of them involve having fun. “I like to stay young and I party all night,” Max said...

Added options

George development eases the housing strain a little

GEORGE — The new housing in George is almost finished. “We had a 27-lot subdivision,” said Drew Scott, owner of CAD Homes LLC, which is building the houses. “We started last year and it's all sold out now. It went quick.” ...

Events calendar for June 13-18

COLUMBIA BASIN – There’s plenty to do in Grant and Adams counties over the next week. Take a look:

MLCA/CCS to bring on football in fall 2023

MOSES LAKE – There’ll be a new football team hitting the Basin gridiron this fall, as the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions will be competing in eight-man football in the 2023 season.

Moses Lake’s Holterhoff signs with CWU

MOSES LAKE – Coaches, family and friends gathered inside the Moses Lake High School gymnasium to celebrate with Maverick senior Camryn Holterhoff, who signed on to run both cross country and track at Central Washington University on Thursday.

Legals for June, 9 2023

Sabey Data Centers expands in Quincy

QUINCY — Sabey Data Centers Executive Director John Sabey said the company expects data centers to be a growth industry for some time to come. “We anticipate the business is going to grow quite rapidly,” he said Thursday. “There’s always a next data center push that uses data center demand.” ...

Potato market looking strong

DENVER — The value of grocery store potato sales rose 16% during the first three months of 2023 as the total volume of sales fell by 4.4%, according to a press release from PotatoesUSA, the national marketing board representing U.S. potato growers...

2023 Chief for a Day

Grant County youth honored by emergency responders.

EPHRATA — There were some very excited kids in uniform Thursday afternoon outside the Grant County Courthouse. “This is Chief Jesus Flores from the Royal City Police Department,” said Rey Rodriguez, who serves as Royal City’s police chief on all the other days. “He’s a second grader, attends Red Rock Elementary. He likes to color, and his favorite color is blue. And its favorite character is Spider-Man because he likes to save the day.” ...

Ephrata to spend $135K for emergency well repairs

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is going to spend around $135,000 on emergency repairs to one of its wells. According to Interim City Administrator Kurt Adkinson, the city needs to do emergency repairs work on Well 9, which serves the southwest portion of the city and provides some water to the reservoirs that ensure adequate water pressure in Ephrata...

Adams County Pet of the Week: Meet Welder

Welder has decided he already loves you and would like to come help you make sure all the crumbs on your floor don’t go to waste. He’s a Husky or Husky mix and his blue eyes put Frank Sinatra’s to shame – Just don’t tell Frank we said so. Welder is currently hanging out with his friends at Adams County Pet Rescue located at 1961 W. Bench Road just outside of Othello. Like all of his foster-family at ACPR, he is microchipped, fully vaccinated and neutered. Welder is good with other dogs, but is unsure about cats. He’s a larger furry friend, so will need room to play and will need regular grooming. For more information, contact the shelter at 509-488-5514.

Grant County Pet of the Week: Meet Teddy

Teddy might be a little older, but she’s got plenty of love to share with a forever home. An 11-year-old German Shepard mix, she came to the shelter with her son Bear, who she is bonded to and should be adopted with. She enjoys being outside doing her own thing, but wants to be able to be close to Bear, otherwise she gets anxious. She is great with most dogs, people and children, but she’s afraid of cats. To adopt Teddy, contact Grant County Animal Outreach at 509-762-9616. The shelter is located at 6725 Randolph Road NE in Moses Lake and is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Sundays. Additional pets can be viewed at www.grantcountyanimaloutreach.org.

Cutting the ribbon for Florist in the Garden

MOSES LAKE – Adamari and Rosa Guerrero, center, cut the ribbon as the new owners of Florist in the Garden at 221 E. Third Ave. in Moses Lake on Wednesday with members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Viola Meyer Eden

Viola Meyer Eden was born Sept. 24, 1932, to Pete and Emma (Alberts) Meyer, the first of five children, near Davis, South Dakota. Having attended Middleton Township District No. 23, a one-room school, for the first eight years, she graduated from Hurley High School in 1950. Viola attended Northwestern Jr. College in Orange City, Iowa, earning a teaching certificate for rural schools in SD. After teaching for three years, she attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota, before transferring to Seattle Pacific University (then Seattle Pacific College) from which she graduated in 1956 with a BA in education. She taught in Glenora, Spangle, Lind, Rockford and Freeman, Washington schools from 1956 to 1982.

Don Blades

Donald "Don" Ray Blades passed away peacefully with his beautiful wife and loved ones by his side on June 2, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington at the age of 75, after fighting a brief battle with cancer. Born to Amos and Roberta Blades in Raton, New Mexico on Oct. 4, 1947, Don graduated high school in Visalia, California in 1966. After he graduated high school Don attended Sequoias College. After only a few months of attending college, Don enlisted in the Army on Oct. 24, 1966. Don served in the Vietnam War as a heavy equipment operator. He was honorably discharged in 1969, six weeks before his release date, by a letter written from his agricultural education teacher for a job working on a Charolais Cattle Ranch in Enterprise, Oregon.

White Trail roundabout may open next week

QUINCY — The new roundabout at White Trail Road and State Route 28 could be ready for traffic by next week and possibly by tomorrow, although that’s less likely. “Looks like we could see the intersection open by early next week, with a couple of days of flagging to add permanent striping after the materials have set,” wrote Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for the North Central region of the Washington Department of Transportation, in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald...

Letter from the Editor: Sad but fond farewell

The Columbia Basin will be losing a valued friend this month. After more than 116 years, the Grant County Journal will print its last issue at the end of June. The closure was announced in the Journal’s June 1 edition. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald is saddened by the loss of another local newspaper, especially one so close to home. We’ve been happy to have a good relationship with the staff at the Journal and deeply respect and appreciate the service they’ve provided to the region for so long...

Spring all-league teams announced

COLUMBIA BASIN – Nearly 250 athletes across the Columbia Basin received all-league honors during the 2023 spring sports season. See below for a full list of those awards, from first-team all-league to honorable mention, along with coaches and players of the year...

Law enforcement records for June 8, 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN - 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...

News Bites for June 8, 2023

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office will be closed today from noon to 3 p.m. for staff to participate in the Chief for a Day event. The event, as stated in yesterday’s news bites, honors Grant Co. youths impacted by long-term or life-threatening medical conditions...

Legals for June, 8 2023

Samaritan, Sportsman’s Warehouse team up to give away gun lockboxes

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Hospital, along with a number of sponsors including Sportsman’s Warehouse, are teaming up to give away 300 lockboxes on Saturday to help people keep their handguns safely stored, according to a Samaritan statement. The giveaway will be held at Sportsman’s Warehouse at 1020 N. Stratford Rd. in Moses Lake on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m, according to Carrie Nordberg, Samaritan Hospital’s physician recruiter and community outreach specialist, and is the first fully live version of the lockbox giveaway since 2019, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19...

Section of Quincy pool opening may be delayed

QUINCY — One section of the Quincy Aquatic Center may open late this summer, or may not open at all. Parks and Recreation Director Russ Harrington said mandatory revisions to the original pool, called the lap pool, may keep it dry for at least part of the summer. “Whenever you go to do something new to your pool, you have to come up to that (current) standard,” Harrington said Wednesday...

Addressing the Basin's water future

Local business leaders discuss water and other challenges in economic development.

MOSES LAKE — Kristofer Johnson noticed something a little different about the concerns of the Moses Lake business people who gathered to hear him speak on Wednesday. “Water. Water percolated here, which hasn’t in a lot of communities, I would say,” said Johnson, president and CEO of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s chamber of commerce. “I think that’s the next big challenge we have as a state, for communities, for industrial land development, for residential land development, it’s about water.” ...

Bill to protect gas stoves introduced in Congress

OLYMPIA — A bill introduced Monday would protect gas stoves from proposed federal limitations, according to an announcement from Rep. Dan Newhouse, R – Washington. In February, the U.S. Department of Energy proposed an “energy efficiency standard” for gas cooking products. This would be the first energy performance standard imposed on residential cooktops, the announcement said...

John Foryan

August 15, 1942 – June 4, 2023

John A Foryan; beloved brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on June 4, 2023...

Lane changes

Mattawa approves speed limit update, no-parking zones.

MATTAWA — Speed limits will be lowered to 25 miles per hour on Road 24 SW from the roundabout at State Route 281 to Pat-Chee Drive, and no parking will be allowed on sections of Boundary Road and Riverview Avenue. Mattawa City Council members approved the changes after extensive discussion at the regular meeting June 1...

News Bites for June 7, 2023

EPHRATA — Some special kids will get a chance to wear the chief’s hat Thursday...

‘Desert Sun’

Moses Lake Museum exhibit reflects artist’s love of light

MOSES LAKE — Here in the Basin, we know we have a lot of sunshine, and we generally like it that way. But sometimes it takes a relative newcomer to give us a fresh appreciation. “I've lived here three years now, and I love all the sunny days,” said artist Fran Church, whose exhibit “Desert Sun” is currently showing in the Ramon Cerna Community Gallery at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center. “I thought the desert sun would be a good theme for the show since I've been doing sunbursts for a while.” ...

Summer entertainment coming up for local communities

EPHRATA – A long summer evening just seems like a good time to be outside. Three local towns will help families make the most of summer evenings with a monthly series of free outdoor movies. In Ephrata there’s also a free summer music series....

MarDon Resort Fresh News for June 7, 2023

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1043.8 feet, dropping 0.85 feet this week. Water temperatures are close to 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low to mid-70s. The walleye are in five to 20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with 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. The walleye fishing has been fair, but it’s improving.

Legals for June, 7 2023

Shooting suspect sought in Adams Co.

RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in a drive-by shooting, according to a statement from the ACSO...

Congrats Desert Oasis grads!

OTHELLO - Graduation season is continuing across the Columbia Basin. As a reminder, we will be printing a special keepsake edition with full coverage of local graduations on June 14.

Varner named CEO of Washington STEM

SEATTLE — Washington STEM recently tapped Lynne K. Varner to be its new CEO, according to a release from the organization...

Birth announcements for June 7, 2023

The Columbia Basin welcomed several new residents over the last few weeks.

Health district seeks volunteers to sample lake water

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District and the Columbia Basin Conservation District are looking for volunteers who can regularly collect water samples from Moses Lake and take pictures to help both districts and the general public stay informed about the condition of the lake water...

Saddle up!

State high school rodeo finals coming to Grant County Fairgrounds in 2024 and 2025.

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State High School Rodeo Association finals are coming to the Grant County Fairgrounds in 2024 and 2025, according to incoming association President Chance Gartner. The state championship will feature high school and junior high school-age riders, Gartner said, and will take place on Memorial Day weekend both years...

Washington sports schedule June 7-13

COLUMBIA BASIN — Check out this week’s Washington sports schedule, featuring professional, collegiate and local events across the state. Wednesday, May 7 Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres - 1:10 p.m. NCAA Outdoor National Championships - men’s track and field meet including athletes from EWU, Gonzaga and WSU. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas.

WIAA moves State Football Championships to Husky Stadium

RENTON — The state football championship games for all Washington Interscholastic Activities Association classifications will be hosted at Husky Stadium in 2023, the WIAA announced in a release on Tuesday. The six games will be played over a two-day span in Husky Stadium in Seattle, with 1B, 1A and 3A classifications playing on Friday and 2B, 2A and 4A classifications playing Saturday. Game times have yet to be announced. “We are thankful to the University of Washington Athletics leadership team for their continued support and allowing students to make lifelong memories at a world-class facility,” WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman said in the release. “We are hopeful that this format will provide a positive experience for the schools involved and will be embraced by the Washington football community.”

New Viking in town

Hopkins looks to bring an “exciting” playstyle to Viking MBB

MOSES LAKE – New Big Bend Head Coach Jason Hopkins comes to Moses Lake looking to bring excitement back to the Vikings on the basketball court. “I was really attracted to the history and tradition of the program,” Hopkins said. “I’m from Washington, from Edmonds, and I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of coming back home and coaching, being a head coach in the state.” Hopkins brings a myriad of experience to Big Bend, including; being a junior college assistant, an assistant coach at Idaho State, a head high school coach in Hawaii and a club coach in Seattle, as well as a playing career collegiately at Lipscomb and professionally in Mexico and China. The new Big Bend head coach said his playing and coaching careers have helped him identify which types of players can help a program.

Fish & Wildlife encourages hunter education before fall busy season

OLYMPIA — The fall hunting season may seem a long way off, but it’s still time to think about mandatory hunter education classes before it begins, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife...

Saving those who served

Empathy key to reducing veteran suicides.

EPHRATA — Every 28 seconds or so, a U.S. military veteran attempts to take their own life. “Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. There were 46,000 deaths by suicide in 2020 and there were 1.15 million attempts,” said Mike Badgley, a suicide prevention peer specialist for the Washington State Department of Military Affairs...

John A. Foryan

John A. Foryan, 80, died June 4, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Reclamation releases Yakima Basin June water supply forecast

YAKIMA – The Bureau of Reclamation’s June 2023 water supply forecast for the Yakima basin indicates the water supply will be adequate to meet irrigation demands this season. The June–September total water supply available would provide senior water rights 100% of entitlements and junior water rights 77% of entitlements.

News bites for June 6, 2023

SOAP LAKE — A hike took a frightening turn when a hiker fell at the Lenore Caves Friday afternoon. At about 2 p.m., responders from Grant County Fire District 17 were called to the scene about half a mile from the parking lot of the popular hiking area north of Soap Lake. There they found a middle-aged woman who had fallen and injured her leg and hip, according to a statement from the fire district. The victim was unable to walk, the statement said...

CBBRC hosts Spring Classic race

MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin Barrel Racing Club kicked off its classic race schedule with the Spring Classic on Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds, where riders competed in two races on Saturday morning.

Encore!

Basin Community Theatre show samples the music of Broadway

MOSES LAKE — The tunes that made Broadway great will fill the air, as Basin Community Theatre presents “Encore! A Broadway Musical Review” this month. “We've taken favorite musicals from our cast and from our director, and put a show together,” said producer Marion Wyman. “So it's going to be songs, it's going to be dances … We had (cast members) write down their suggestions, and if they wanted to sing a solo, and that’s how we put the show together.” The show takes songs and dances, 12 of them solos, from about 30 different Broadway musicals, although Wyman said the list wasn’t yet complete as of Wednesday. The range of musicals is broad, including “Oklahoma!,” “Funny Girl,” Camelot” (and the Monty Python spoof, “Spamalot”), “The Wizard of Oz” and more.

Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 tournament takes to streets of Quincy

QUINCY – The Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 basketball tournament returned to the streets of downtown Quincy on Saturday, commemorating the 20th year of the Dru Gimlin Foundation and honoring the 20 years since Gimlin’s passing in February 2003.

Legals for June, 6 2023

Sage ‘n Sun to light up Ephrata

EPHRATA — Ephrata will take to the streets this weekend with the 111th annual Sage ‘n Sun Festival. “Last year we we had started out brand new, kind of redeveloped it And we're in the process to continue to make it grow and to build it into something a little bit bigger if we can. Last year we did not have very many vendors. This year, including food and craft or info booth-type vendors, we've got 42. That's pretty good for our small area, so we're really excited.” ...

Preventing invasion

State asks outdoors enthusiasts to clean their gear and pets to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

OLYMPIA — State agencies are asking people to clean up their gear, pets and clothing to prevent invasive plants from establishing here, according to a statement from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. State law requires landowners to control noxious weeds when they are present on their properties, the statement said, but when people are coming and going on public lands, that’s not completely possible...

Fees waived for Get Outdoors Day

PORTLAND, Ore. — Day-use sites in Washington and Oregon will be free on June 10 in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, the USDA Forest Service announced Monday, as a way of encouraging people to explore the outdoors...

Dodson Road project underway

Grant County works to upgrade roadway between I-90 and Ephrata.

EPHRATA — Drivers using Dodson Road between State Route 282 and Road 4 NW will be experiencing some delays as that section of the road gets a new layer of asphalt. “It’s under construction right now,” said Grant County Engineer Dave Bren...

Marland Drake

Marland J. Drake passed away peacefully at his home in the wee morning hours of Feb. 18, 2020. He was born May 16, 1930, to James Albert Drake and Jane Kirk Drake in Rose, Oklahoma. Marland served in the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge after four years of service. He worked at Hanford and lived in Richland. He retired from Hanford after working there for 37 years. While at Hanford he and Jane would drive up to O’Sullivan Lake. They wanted to retire here so they could fish. They saw an opportunity to buy land and start a mobile home park. Drake’s Mobile Home Park was started in 1974.

Senior events for June 2023

Here's a few of the things happening in the Basin this month that seniors can enjoy. June 6 TOPS Weight loss support group. 8 a.m. every Tuesday at Lake City Foursquare Church, 333 N. Central Drive. Info: 509-350-2175. Tech help hour Basic computer and internet use assistance with the librarian. Online guided basic computer use tutorials through Northstar digital and WISC-Online. 2-3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Ephrata Library, 45 Alder St. NW. Info: (509) 754-3971 or ephrata@ncwlibraries.org.

GALLERY: Saturday graduations

COLUMBIA BASIN – Graduations continued over the weekend with students walking stages across the Columbia Basin on Saturday at Wilson Creek, Lind-Ritzville and Covenant Christian School. Below are some photo highlights of those graduations. Full coverage of area graduations will be printed in a keepsake edition of the paper on June 14 so that area students can have something with themselves and their friends from throughout the region in one collective regional “yearbook” of sorts. The staff at the Columbia Basin Herald applaud this year’s graduates and wish them the best of luck in their academic and professional lives as they move forward.

Twila M. Benjamin

Twila M. Benjamin, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Nampa, Idaho at the age of 95. Born to Bertha Cusic Montgomery and Ralph Eugene “Monty” Montgomery, Twila began her journey on July 19, 1927, in Colorado. Twila would proudly boast about attending Princeton and Harvard (high schools), sharing the amusing irony of the prestigious institution names. Twila went on to live a remarkable life filled with faith, family, and adventure. Twila's path led her to Caldwell, Idaho, where she met and married William Hiram Benjamin. They were united in marriage on Feb. 20, 1949, and were married for 37 years until Bill’s passing in 1986. They were blessed with seven children, who brought immeasurable joy and pride to their lives. In the late 1950s, Twila and Bill relocated to Royal City, Washington, where they purchased land and forged lasting connections within the community. Twila's passion for faith led her to become a founding member of the Royal City Church of the Nazarene, where she actively participated in various church programs and ministries, including Sunday school, Caravan and Bible quizzing.

Roy Emery Colver

Roy Emery Colver passed away on June 1, 2023, after a six-year struggle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Gina Marie Adams Colver, and their three children Lillian B. Diediker, Roy Kenneth and Rose Vera. He is also survived by his mother and father Roy Dean and Patricia Ann Colver and nine siblings and their spouses: Arthur Dean (Suzy), Forest Allan (Teren), Justin Lane (Nina), Jessica Ann Morris (Jeff), Tadd Nathaniel (Carol), Andrew Ross (Paweena), Monty Alexander (Erica), Preston Samuel (Michelle) and Mitchell Cameron. He was a beloved uncle to 61 nieces and nephews, and even two great-nieces and -nephews. He was loved by all his in-laws and friends. Roy was an easy person to love.

Mavs kick off spring practices

MOSES LAKE – The Maverick’s season-opener is still nearly three months away, but the Moses Lake football team began its spring practices on Tuesday last week to give players an opportunity to get back on the field as a team. “It’s new and fresh to finally get out there,” Moses Lake Head Coach Brett Jay said. “See the new squad, a bunch of new faces. See everybody that’s put in the work and grown, skillsets are better. It’s a lot of fun.” ...

Weather for Monday, June 5, 2023

Weather report from the National Weather Service.

Post office clerk retires after 30 years

MOSES LAKE — Phil Bilodeau said he wants his customers to know he appreciated their business. Bilodeau retired Friday after 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service, most of them at the customer counter at the Moses Lake Post Office.

Grant Co. pet of the week: Meet Chancho

Hi, my name is Chancho I am a 6-year-old neutered male pitbull mix. While I am good with some people, I have a mild case of stranger danger which makes me nervous around new people. I cannot be in a home with other animals or young kids, but I am extremely smart, I love to play, I listen well (I know how to sit, stay and shake), and I am very motivated to learn -- especially if you have treats. If you are interested in me please contact Shae at 509-762-9616 or email thegcao@gmail.com

New class comes to BBCC this fall

MOSES LAKE — A new class being offered this fall at Big Bend Community College, HUM 102, will investigate how the representation of women has changed over the last century in popular culture. The class, called “Kick Ass Women in Popular Culture”, will be taught by Dr. Allison Palumbo. The class, as described by Palumbo, helps students gain critical literacy skills that will make them more effective and inclusive readers and thinkers. “I hope students walk away understanding that we can analyze our fantasies and see if those fantasies actually reflect our true values or if they’re convincing us to accept things that aren’t really good for us,” Palumbo said. “Ultimately it’s about learning how to critically engage with media.”

Legals for June, 5 2023

Middle school swimmers compete at Future Maverick Invite

MOSES LAKE – Middle school swimmers from Columbia, Endeavor and Frontier middle schools competed against one another at the Future Maverick Invite on Thursday, the second meet that the Moses Lake swim program has hosted this spring. “It diversifies the swimming community – brings in different kids who may not get to do club for commitment or financial reasons,” said Jason Hart, head swim and dive coach at Moses Lake High School. “We can be able to reach out with a good product to help them in their lives.” ...

GRAD GALLERY: Celebrating the class(es) of 2023

COLUMBIA BASIN – Celebrations aplenty occurred throughout Grant and Adams counties over the weekend as about two weeks of graduations at area high schools began. Below are some photo highlights of the festivities. The Columbia Basin Herald will have full coverage of the graduation ceremonies in a special keepsake edition of the paper on June 12 so that area students can have something with themselves and their friends from across the region in one place. We congratulate the class of 2023 and we wish them nothing but success as they venture onto the next stages of their lives.

Celebratory ribbon cutting

Covenant Christian School Principal Alicia Stanley and Patriot Church Pastor Aaron Noble cut a ribbon Thursday surrounded by students, parents and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce as part of a celebration of the school’s faculty, students, staff and its 2023 graduates during its 2023 end-of-year carnival celebration.

STUDIO BASIN: Looking for young leaders and recognizing young athletes

MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the Studio Basin podcast, General Manager Bob Richardson joins to preview the Basin Business Journal's 40 under 40 program, highlighting upcoming leaders in business around Eastern Washington. To submit someone for recognition, visit https://bit.ly/BBJ-40u40-2023. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps last weekend's results in state softball tournaments, state track and field meets and state tennis matches. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3qqpsop.

Mattawa council approves housing action plan

MATTAWA — After about five months of discussion, the Mattawa City Council approved a housing action plan at its regular meeting Thursday. City officials are working to apply for funding to upgrade and expand the city’s water and sewer systems, and updating development regulations, including an action plan, is part of that. “The plan has also been reviewed by the (Washington Department of) Commerce and it is sufficient,” said Rachelle Bradley of SCJ Alliance, the city’s planners...

9 taken into custody in MLPD emphasis patrol

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police officers, assisted by members of the Washington State Department of Corrections and agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, arrested a number of people in what the MLPD calls an emphasis patrol of a Moses Lake hotel Wednesday afternoon. “We’ve been receiving complaints from citizens regarding the Econo Lodge,” MLPD Detective Sgt. KyleMcCain said, noting concerns about foot traffic around the hotel and suspicions people might be selling and buying drugs...

Salmonella outbreak hits Washington state

OLYMPIA — An outbreak of salmonella has sickened 13 people in Washington state, one of them in Grant County, according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health. This is part of a nationwide outbreak that has sickened 104 people in 31 states, the statement said. In Washington, four people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported, it said...

911 upgrades

Grant County call center looking at improving systems to serve community.

MOSES LAKE — Grant County’s Multi-Agency Communications Center fielded a record number of calls in May — over 10,000 for the month — according to MACC Technical Services Manager Gerrit Klein. “On the 28th (of May), we, for the first time in our history, surpassed 10,000 calls for service in one month. Our computers actually crashed,” Klein said. “We ran out of (case) numbers.” ...

Summer reading programs offer books, events

WENATCHEE — With sunny weather and warm days dead ahead, summer reading programs are beginning at local public libraries. The Mid-Columbia Libraries system, which includes the Othello Public Library, already started its “Summer Reading Challenge.” Children and adults can participate; the challenge requires participants to read or listen to books for a minimum of 15 hours prior to Aug. 18...

GALLERY: Spring Fest Headliners

MOSES LAKE – Tone Loc, Montell Jordan and Vanilla Ice headlined Spring Fest in Moses Lake this year. The photos below highlight portions of their shows which celebrated the music of the ‘90s and had the rappers performing some of their hits from that era.

Viola D. Eden

Viola D. Eden died May 29, 2023, in Liberty Lake, Washington. A full obituary with service details will be published at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories, Moses Lake, Washington.

News Bites for June 2, 2023

The Quincy Police Department participated in the Fire on Top-Cop on Top fundraiser last Friday, teaming up with other first responder agencies to raise money for Special Olympics, according to an announcement from the department. Officers and firefighters were taken up in a scissor lift for a squirt gun battle with local youth, according to the announcement....

RECAP: Basin teams conclude baseball, softball seasons

COLUMBIA BASIN – High school baseball and softball seasons across the Basin wrapped up last weekend, with four teams taking home hardware from their respective state tournaments. Read along to see how each team finished in 2023. All scores and records are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association...

Home greenery

Tough, neglect-resistant houseplants need less maintenance

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin has always been a place for people who love the great outdoors. Sometimes, though, that’s just not enough and you want to bring a little nature indoors. Houseplants add a touch of green to a room, and breathe life – literally – into a living space. Studies have shown that they can even remove some harmful chemicals from the air, as well as reducing stress. And if you get the right kind, they’re remarkably easy to care for, said Breanna Verduzco, owner of Evalee Ray’s Plant Shop in Moses Lake. “For beginners, I always recommend pothos,” Verduzco said. “It’s a pretty quick grower. You oftentimes see them in clinics, doctor’s offices, because they can do well in lower light. They will survive.”

Legals for June, 2 2023

Ephrata schools to offer free summer meals to children

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will provide free meals to children 18 and younger this summer beginning on Wednesday, June 14, and lasting through Thursday, July 27, according to a press release from the Ephrata School District...

Big Bend students participate in civics simulation

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College students get to participate in mock scenarios of different parts of the American Government in Political Science 202. Instructors Chris Riley and Webb Waites teach the five-credit course together and have taught various courses together for over 10 years at Big Bend...

'Walk with Ease'

New Dept. of Health program helps residents get healthy.

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Health has started a new online program designed to help people manage and possibly prevent chronic conditions by going for a walk. The “Walk with Ease” program information is available in English and Spanish. “Walking is still one of the best exercises out there for overall health (benefits) and low injury,” said Dale Kemper, manager of Evolve Fitness in Moses Lake...

GU’s Watson returning for 2023-24 season

SPOKANE – Bulldog senior forward Anton Watson is returning to Spokane for a final season in the 2023-24 campaign, according to a release from Gonzaga Athletics on Wednesday...

Pamela Cassiano Curnel

Pamela Cassiano Curnel, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Pam was born June 16, 1952, to Joseph Sr. and Marylou Cassiano. She was one of five children. Pam graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1970 and attended Big Bend Community College and Central Washington University.

Dale Johnson

Dale Johnson, 101, passed away May 26, 2023, in Payson, Utah. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com.

Tigers, Mavs take home top-5 finishes at state championships

COLUMBIA BASIN — Ten local schools were represented at state track and field championships in Yakima and Tacoma over the weekend, with Moses Lake and Ephrata each sending 15 athletes to the state meet in Tacoma. Ephrata sent 15 athletes to the state meet, placing fourth overall as a team with 43 points: Angel Avila, Josh Green, Benjamin Belino, Alexander Belino, Felipe Esquivel, Hunter Handy, Travis Hendrick, Weslee Kriete, Hayden Malone, Mckenzie Paullin, Tyler Raine, Zachary Reyes, Hayden Roberts, Landon Schafer and Daniel Villa.

June 2023 Community Calendar

June 2 First Friday Jam Anyone with an instrument can come and play; anyone with ears can come and listen. Potluck at 6 p.m., jam 7-9 p.m. at George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency Blvd. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com. Preschool story time Kids will read books, do fingerplays and action rhymes, sing songs, and explore with other activities. 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday at the Warden Library, 305 S Main Ave. Info: 509-349-2226. June 3 Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 basketball tournament This will be the 20th anniversary for the tournament. The tournament features an adult division ages 18 and older, youths in fifth grade through high school and boys and girls divisions. Proceeds go to the Dru Gimlin Foundation, named for the QHS student who died in a traffic accident. The foundation works to ensure children in Quincy can participate in athletics. First game starts at 9 a.m. on Central Avenue South in downtown Quincy. CBBRE Spring Classic Barrel racing. Begins at 7 a.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, Moses Lake. Moses Lake Farmers Market Every Saturday until the end of October. Fresh produce, crafts and more. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at McCosh Park, Moses Lake. Info: moseslakefarmersmarket.com. Family Free Saturday Twirling ladybug or bee. Continues until supplies have been exhausted. Adult must accompany child during activity (no drop-offs). 12-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam. Info: 509-764-3830.

Law enforcement logs for June 1

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.

Fairgrounds seeking some fee increases for 2024

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan is proposing a new fee structure for the Grant County Fairgrounds next year that will set minimum stall usage requirements for horse events and raise some fees for commercial and animal-related events. “We’re raising some rates slightly,” McKiernan said. “These are fairly small increases, and we’ve decreased the fee for the rodeo arena to get more people to use that.”

News Bites for June 1

QUINCY — Saturday’s sudden rainstorm triggered a flash flood at Adams Road and Road 13 Northwest, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Mud, rocks and debris were scattered across the roads, the GSCO wrote. Grant County Road District 3 responded to the area and cleaned the road up, and the GCSO statement did not indicate any injuries or property damage. Here’s what else happened over the weekend in the Columbia Basin:

Suspect found dead in car after police pursuit

The following story contains information that might be traumatic for some readers. Discretion is advised. MOSES LAKE — A man sought in connection with a domestic dispute appears to have taken his own life during an encounter with Moses Lake Police officers Tuesday night, according to MLPD Capt. Mike Williams. Williams said officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they were told a man in his mid-20s, who was not from Moses Lake, had left the scene and was reportedly armed. Williams declined to comment on the man’s role in the disturbance.

Columbia Basin swimming pools publish opening dates

MOSES LAKE — It’s that time of year – city crews have swept out all the dead leaves, all the toys are back up and the pool is full, or almost full. Summer is dead ahead. The Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, 401 W. Fourth Ave., has already opened for the summer – the joint was jumping Memorial Day weekend – and will be open the first two Saturdays and Sundays in June. Daily operation begins June 15, after Moses Lake School District classes are dismissed for the summer.

Legals for June, 1 2023