Ellington

Corilla (Corky) Johnson

Corilla (Corky) Johnson passed away March 27, 2023, at the age of 99. Her son Chris was by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman Johnson. She will be missed by her three children Phil, Judy and Chris; her grandchildren John Mrkvicka, Jim Mrkvicka, Steven Johnson, Diana Johnson and Diana Thew and four great-grandchildren.

Pitch clock sparks Mariners rally for 3-0 win over Guardians

SEATTLE (AP) — J.P. Crawford was the beneficiary of a pitch-clock violation. One big swing from Ty France made certain it became noteworthy on opening day. Crawford's walk helped by a timer infraction called on James Karinchak sparked an eighth-inning rally that was capped by France's three-run homer, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 on Thursday night.

Royal schools adopt new math curriculum

Teachers excited about new methods that focus on helping students learn visually.

ROYAL CITY — Royal schools will be seeing some changes in math after the Royal School Board voted unanimously at its meeting Monday to adopt new K-3 and 4-6 math curricula. The curriculum for elementary students is called Eureka Math2 and makes extensive use of hands-on and digital aids. Second-grade teacher Rachel Dubes showed the board one such aid, an abacus-like device called a Rekenrek, and described how it had spurred her students into multiplication...

April 2023 community calendar

A community calendar for the Columbia Basin.

A call answered

Moses Lake pastor retires after 50 years in ministry

MOSES LAKE — There’s been a lot of change in American churches in the last 50 years. The Sexual Revolution, the Jesus Movement, megachurches, the end of the Cold War, the Internet, the pandemic – all these things have left their mark. And through it all, Pastor Floyd Wilks has been right there, in his pulpit, ministering...

Kriete recognizes MLPD officers

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete presented citations of valor to two Moses Lake Police Department officers during a regular city council meeting on Tuesday...

Smart move

A good mover can take some of the misery out of relocating

MOSES LAKE — Moving is one of those things everybody dreads. Loading all your earthly belongings piece by piece into a truck, hauling the whole shebang to the new location and then doing it all again in reverse has to rank right up there with an afternoon in the dentist's chair. With or without anesthesia. Fortunately, there are businesses out there that will take care of part or all of the process for you. Moving services aren’t necessarily cheap, but they can take a whole lot of stress – not to mention back strain – out of the equation. “Typically, what happens is that customers will … give us a call and say, ‘Hey, I'm looking to move a certain date. Can you come by and give an estimate?’” said Dylan Morris, owner of Door to Door Moving LLC in Moses Lake. “Then Redgy (Smith, Door to Door’s manager) and I will come by and we’ll have an inventory sheet and an estimate sheet. We'll identify if we need to pack up the house or if we're just taking the bigger items. Ninety-five percent of our jobs are typically just moving the heavier furniture: dressers pianos, safes, stuff like that.”

Legals for March, 31 2023

Soap Lake PD's Blair graduates academy

BURIEN – On March 28, Soap Lake Police Department announced the Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduation of Dakota Blair. Blair left on Nov. 15 and spent the last five months training at the academy in Burien. He will now be starting the field training portion of his training on the streets of Soap Lake. Send your news tips to editor@columbiabasinherald.com.

MLPD releases annual report

MOSES LAKE — Calls to the Moses Lake Police Department in 2022 increased by 6.3% over 2021, according to the department’s annual report, released Thursday.

Moses Lake man dies in Wednesday night collision

MOSES LAKE – A Moses Lake man was killed Wednesday night in a single-vehicle collision near Moses Lake, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Restoring enforcement

WA House passes pursuit and Blake decision bills out of committee

OLYMPIA – Tuesday evening the state House Committee on Safety, Justice and Reentry voted to advance two important bills; Senate Bill 5352 concerning vehicular pursuits and Senate Bill 5536 concerning a fix to the Blake decision regarding the possession of controlled substances. “We are conducting an executive session today on two of the most consequential bills in the entire legislative session,” said Committee Chair Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) as he called the meeting to order...

Basic American Foods evaluating aftermath of fire

MOSES LAKE – Basic American Foods continues to assess the situation caused by a fire at their facility just south of Moses Lake on State Route 17. “BAF is currently assessing the damage to the portion of the facility and working with the local authorities to determine the root cause of the fire. BAF’s priority is and always will be to provide a safe work environment and produce quality products for a fair value to our customers,” said BAF Chief People Officer Peter Vitarisi via an email to the Columbia Basin Herald...

Quincy school district awards district office remodeling contract

QUINCY — Construction is scheduled to begin April 3 on a project to remodel the old Quincy High Tech High building into the new Quincy School District office...

Moses Pointe Spring Golf Extravaganza set for April 15

MOSES LAKE – The Links at Moses Pointe will be hosting its Spring Golf Extravaganza on April 15, including the Pepsi Cola Long Drive Championship, junior golf clinic and more...

Knights swinging well

Royal softball sees strong start to 2023 season

ROYAL CITY – Averaging 15.2 runs per game this season, the Royal High School softball team has begun the 2023 campaign on a strong note. Over the first six games, the Knights have only allowed one run this season, which came in a 17-1 win over Naches Valley...

Jackrabbits move to 3-3 with win over Omak

QUINCY – The Quincy Jackrabbits evened their record at 3-3 with a 9-4 win over Omak on Wednesday, their third-straight win after beginning the season 0-3. The Jackrabbits have outscored their opponents 47-5 in their past three games...

Catherine Nelson

Catherine (Kitty) Nelson, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by family on Feb. 26, 2023, a beautiful sunny afternoon, at Samaritan Hospital. Catherine was born in Williston, North Dakota on Sept. 2, 1930. She was the second of six children born to Leslie and Harriet Holland. The family learned to appreciate the sunsets, birds, and flowers of nature. The children loved to roam and climb the hills and have family picnics watching the sunset on the hillside of their family coal mine. She attended school in Williston and graduated from Williston High School.

Wallace Jesse (‘Jess’) Morris

Wallace Jesse (Jess) Morris passed away at home in Meridian, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 7, 2023, at the age of 74. There is no plan for a memorial service. However, for those wanting to make a contribution in his memory, Jess held The Ronald McDonald House very dear. To read the full obituary, go to Jess's tribute page at www.relyeafuneralchapel.com.

Blue Palm Frozen Yogurt

Prepping for a cool treat as the year heats up.

MOSES LAKE — Palm trees may not be native to the Columbia Basin, but one local business has a blue palm tree perfect for finding shade under in the upcoming summer heat. “Obviously the big palm trees and the deck is kind of what (the business is) known for and we liked that,” said Cody Hall...

WA college sports March 30-April 5

WASHINGTON STATE – Whether you root for the Vikings, Eagles or the Bulldogs, ther’s a load of college sports going on this spring. Here is this week’s schedule for Washington college athletics...

Police logs for March 30, 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.

Legals for March, 30 2023

Senate and House capital proposals may fund Grant projects

OLYMPIA – While the final budget has not yet been decided, both the Washington House and Senate have released Capital Budget proposals detailing how much they want to allocate to different projects and organizations in each legislative district...

Moses Lake extends sleep center lease

Council opts to keep current location while planning continues

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council was all set at its regular meeting on Tuesday to vote on a new site for the city’s homeless sleep center when the owner of the current site at S.R. 17 and E. Broadway offered to extend the city’s lease on the site. Kevin Richards, president of Western Pacific Engineering and owner of the 1.52-acre site of the city’s homeless sleep center, said he was always willing to renew the city’s lease on the land for at least one year. He said he hadn’t heard back from the city on the issue when he brought it up. “I offered a second year,” Richards said. “Nobody reached out to me.” ...

Samaritan submits revised construction budget to USDA

MOSES LAKE — Substantial increases in projected construction costs prompted Samaritan Healthcare officials to submit a revised budget to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the proposed new Samaritan Hospital. Samaritan board members voted 5-0 to approve the resolution revising the project budget for the USDA. Samaritan CEO Theresa Sullivan said the updated budget proposal was requested by USDA officials...

Ephrata appoints assistant superintendent

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District appointed Ken Murray as the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources earlier this week. “Ephrata is growing as a community and as a school district,” said Ephrata School Board Chair Jim Adams, in a release by the district. “To ensure that we’re prepared to meet the future needs of our students, staff and families, it’s time to add additional support to the district office. Ken will not only solidify some of our most important business practices, but he will also have the added benefit of working closely with our superintendent and learning from one of the greats.” ...

Comeback win!

Huskies rally past deficit on the diamond to overtake Deer Park with solid W.

OTHELLO – Down 2-1 to Deer Park in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Othello bats came alive as the Huskies were able to ring off six runs in seven at-bats and earn a 7-2 win over the Stags. “We got a couple bounces; a couple things went our way,” Head Coach Sonny Garza said. “It’s good to see that. The excitement in the dugout; it was good for the kids.” ...

Remembering WWII

Historic exhibit comes to Moses Lake museum

MOSES LAKE — It was perhaps the defining event of the 20th century. “It’s an area of interest to a lot of people,” said Moses Lake Museum and Art Center Director Dollie Boyd. “It (World War II) was such a complex war, and so many people, so many countries, were involved. It touched every corner of the globe.” ...

Juan Vasquez

Juan "Bryan" Vasquez, 79, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed on Dec. 20, 2022. He was born in Caldwell, Texas to Sotero Vasquez and Aurelia Gomez. Juan enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles and listening to Mexican music and loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his brother Andrew Vasquez Sr., mother Aurelia Vasquez and sister Hermilinda Lopez. He is survived by his wife Erlinda Vasquez; his children Estella (Michael) Gonzales, Esteban (Barbara) Vasquez, Dina (Jeff) Lonas, Isabel (Neil) Maus, Sandi (Kevin) Greer, Juan (Sandra) Vasquez, Rosalinda Torres, Irene (Biniam) Afenegus, Teresa Witte, Christina Vasquez, Alex (Mina) Vasquez and Anthony Vasquez; 29 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

‘The new Cape Canaveral’

Inslee seeks to boost high-tech production in Moses Lake Tuesday

MOSES LAKE — “How can we help you?” It was the question Gov. Jay Inslee asked several times on Tuesday during a visit to Moses Lake to meet with the heads of several local technology companies in aviation and advanced battery technology during separate roundtable discussions at the Grant County International Airport and Big Bend Community College...

Bird fanatics

Sandhill Crane Festival draws full house

OTHELLO — Sandhill cranes have a special meaning for Debb Reiley. Reiley lives in Seattle now but spent 30 years in Alaska, the summer range for sandhill cranes. “The sandhill cranes would land by my house,” she said. The flocks would take flight early in the morning. “I would wake up, listen to them go overhead.” ...

Basin sports schedule March 29-April 4

COLUMBIA BASIN – With spring break just around the corner, many Basin teams will see a break from action next week. Check out this week’s sports schedule for a full slate of different events...

The murals of Moses Lake

Local artwork focuses on history, culture and keeping the city welcoming.

MOSES LAKE — There’s a very simple reason tattoo artist Shawn Willmorth painted the side of his building on W. Broadway Avenue. “We painted it because it was awesome,” Willmorth, owner of The Hive at 116 W. Broadway Ave. “We just wanted to make an impact.” ...

Lottery prize hits $7.1 million

OLYMPIA — The numbers will be drawn at 8 p.m. tonight for the Washington Lotto, a prize that has increased to $7.1 million...

Legals for March, 29 2023

UPDATED: GCFD 5 responds to Basic American Foods fire

MOSES LAKE – A fire broke out at the Basic American Foods facility just south of Moses Lake at Tuesday evening. Grant County Fire District 5 and Moses Lake Fire Department responded to the blaze around 9 p.m...

Othello High drumline competes

OTHELLO — The Othello High School drumline isn’t an easy gig. Freshman Martin Marroquin admitted he thought it over for a while before joining. “A friend of mine (said), ‘Hey, you should do drumline.’ And I said, ‘No, I kind of don’t want to do drumline,’” Marroquin said...

Bill to improve APS moves to Inslee’s desk

OLYMPIA – A bill aimed to improve adult protective services moves to the desk of Washington Governor Jay Inslee. The bill would require the state Department of Social and Health Services and law enforcement to share information contained in reports and findings of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults with each other. “This bill helps us protect our vulnerable adults,” said Sen. Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro-Woolley), sponsor of the bill. Senate Bill 5370 was unanimously passed by the Washington House on Friday after also being unanimously passed by the Senate, and now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration...

Royal High student arrested

ROYAL CITY — A Royal High School student has been arrested in connection with a drug investigation, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Mattawa woman charged after collision

MATTAWA — Charges of vehicular assault are pending against a Mattawa woman after her car crossed the center line and struck another car head-on Sunday...

Auction set to support local accident victim

MOSES LAKE – Central Washington Livestock, Inc., Moses Lake, is set to auction off Panda the Mexican steer Wednesday at 1 p.m. to support Caleb Berquist and his family as he recovers from a side-by-side ATV accident. “I actually grew up with Shane Berquist, Caleb’s dad,” said Randy Hull, Jr. of Central Washington Livestock, Inc. “We’ve been close friends our whole lives – grew up in the same little town. (He’s) the closest thing to a brother that I’ve got, and so, obviously I have known Caleb since he was born.” ...

Washington Beef Day set

OLYMPIA – A release from the Washington Cattlemen's Association announces that Beef Day on the Hill in Olympia will be held April 6. The Washington Cattlemen’s Association will be barbequing tri-tip provided by Washington beef along with milk and cookies from the dairy farmers of Washington. The event starts at Noon at the North Steps of the Capitol.

Royal City robotics team has chance to compete in California

ROYAL CITY — If they can raise the money, nine budding Royal City engineers will be headed to California next month. The Royal Middle School robotics team, dubbed the Power Rangers, excelled both at the regional competition in Richland and the state competition in Spokane, bringing home the Champion Finalist Award said their robotics teacher and coach, Theresa Piper. Their next stop, they hope, will be the Western Edge Invitational, held May 12-14 in Long Beach, California...

CWU instructor honored at theater festival

ELLENSBURG — A Central Washington University instructor was honored recently with a prestigious award, according to a statement from the university...

Mavs off to 5-1 start

MOSES LAKE – After suffering its first setback of the 2023 season in a loss to Mt. Spokane on Saturday, the Moses Lake softball team is looking to get back on track with four matchups this week. “5-1 is a good start, but obviously we’d want to have won them all,” Moses Lake Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “Mt. Spokane last weekend was better than us that day.” ...

DNR plans prescribed burns in Eastern, Central Washington

OLYMPIA — The Department of Natural Resources is planning a number of prescribed burns on State Trust lands in Central and Eastern Washington this spring, according to a statement from the department. “Prescribed fire is one of the most important tools we have to restore the health of our forests,” Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz wrote on the statement. “Prescribed fire is one of the most cost-effective ways for us to remove excess fuels and create defensible space for wildland firefighters as they fight to protect our homes and communities each summer.” ...

Lenora Wayson

Lenora Kay Wayson, 74, passed away March 9, 2023, at Samaritan Hospital. Lenora was born to Arthur Benjamin Crenshaw and Margaret Louise Gilbert Crenshaw on June 9, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois, and was soon adopted by Kenneth and Lenora Inez (Johnson) Montgomery of Kansas City, Kansas. She moved to the Moses Lake area as a teenager and attended school at Frontier. She married Martin Wayson and she became the proud mother of Corena Kay, Melissa Inez and Tanya Michelle. The family lived in Wheeler and Lenora worked many, many years at Carnation on the trim line. Lenora joins her sister, Norma Lee Raymond, in Heaven. She is survived by one sibling Robert Crenshaw, her three daughters, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ephrata Parks and Recreation makes spring plans

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Parks and Recreation department has created a number of new events for spring, and Ephrata Recreation Supervisor Josh Johnson said the city has a number of upcoming programs for residents. The core mission of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents through classes, events and activities, Johnson said. Upcoming spring events include a cornhole league and a dance program, as examples...

RECAP: Basin baseball March 20-25

COLUMBIA BASIN – Local baseball teams continued on through the early regular seasons, as many squads are now entering the teeth of league contests. See below for an update on the 10 Basin baseball teams and how they fared in last week’s action. All scores and records are per the WIAA...

Fielding the Basin's best

QUINCY - Track and field teams from Ephrata, Othello, Royal and Wahluke all traveled to compete in the Best of the Basin meet at Quincy High School last week. For full meet results of the competition, see tomorrow’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

Reading room

Royal City library moves closer to larger space

ROYAL CITY — Royal City’s library is about to have some breathing room. “We are hurting for space,” said librarian Jess Rosez. “Sometimes we have our programs indoors and they get a little bit tight. So we're really excited for the expansion.” The current library, located at 136 Camelia St., is only 1,200 square feet, said Susan Piercy, president of Royal City Friends of the Library.

Legals for March, 28 2023

Track & fielders compete in Quincy

QUINCY – Four local track and field teams joined the Quincy Jackrabbits at the Best of the Basin meet last week, with Ephrata, Othello, Royal and Wahluke all attending the meet. See below for the top five finishes for each event from the Best of the Basin meet...

Life saver

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, right, presents the 2023 Life Saving Award to Brian Walters of Grand Coulee, a UPS driver who helped save the life of a 7-year-old drowning victim in July 2022. Walters, who is also a volunteer firefighter, pulled the child, who wasn’t breathing, out of a pool at Smokiam Resort in Soap Lake. Walters performed CPR on the girl until she was revived.

Honoring the fallen

EPHRATA - Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, right, honored Ephrata craftsman Kurt Moore for his service to the community. Moore offered his skills in the creation of the Fallen Deputy Memorial at the Grant County Courthouse.

Road improvements?

Grant officials consider road improvement districts

EPHRATA — Grant County officials are looking at the possibility of residents using a long-existing state law to facilitate the development of roads in unincorporated areas. Grant County Engineer David Bren explained the concept of a “road improvement district” to commissioners last week. Bren said in a separate interview that the idea is to allow neighborhoods to work with county officials to improve a road, and set up the mechanism to pay for it...

Quincy annexes industrial property

QUINCY — The Quincy city limits have been extended to the east following the annexation of about 150 acres approved by the Quincy City Council on March 21. Municipal Services Director Carl Worley wrote the property is zoned industrial. Council members voted unanimously in favor of the annexation. The property is east of the previous city limits at Road O NW, south of Road 11 NW and extends to Adams Road North. A portion of the property, about 75 acres, is owned by Michael and Martha Rodgers. The other section, also about 75 acres, is owned by Daniel Blain...

Top coaching

Basin students get expert help at track and field camp in Ellensburg

ELLENSBURG – Braving the very cold day, nearly 200 youth gathered at Central Washington University Saturday to learn from some of the best track and field athletes and coaches in the world. For the fifth year, Wahluke High School hosted a track and field clinic featuring World Record holders, Olympians and elite coaches through an organization called World Records Camps...

The Old Hotel Art Gallery

Creativity, history come together at Othello business

OTHELLO — The Old Hotel Art Gallery in Othello is a place where local artists can have their arts and crafts displayed and sold on consignment. According to Gallery Director Jenn Stevenson, they fill many pairs of shoes in the community besides art. The main focus of the gallery is to promote art and art education, she said. Every month the gallery selects an artist of the month, and for March it is Sandy Taggares. She is a photographer of birds and wildlife and her family has deep roots ino Othello, Stevenson said. “We’re always looking for new artists,” Stevenson said. “Both to sell their items on consignment and to just feature as artist of the month.” ...

Kitty vaccinations

What cat lovers need to know about keeping their fuzzy felines healthy.

Kittens and cats, whether they live indoors or outdoors, can be exposed to diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. Vaccinations help protect our feline friends by preventing the spread of these diseases and boosting their body’s defense against potentially fatal illnesses. Because of this, Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, encourages owners to vaccinate their kittens and cats against common, yet fatal, diseases sooner rather than later...

Weather for Monday, March 27, 2023

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind around 6 mph, while Monday night is expected to be partly cloudy with a low around 34. Tuesday: A 20% chance of rain after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Tuesday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Wednesday night should be mostly clear, with a low of around 30. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59, while Thursday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Source: National Weather Service

Legals for March, 27 2023

Knights rally from early deficit, win 9-1

ROYAL CITY – The Knights bounced back from an early deficit to win 9-1 over College Place on Saturday afternoon, with three players scoring multiple goals in the win. “We’re playing the softer part of the schedule, so we have to be honest about that,” Head Coach Jens Jensen said. “That being said, still, that game is a win and you’ve got to get wins to be in the postseason. We’re happy about it. We’ve had some light scoring in the early season, so I hope that gives us some confidence in front of goal.”

Tigers sweep Grandview, move to 5-1

EPHRATA – Even though the weather was cold and wet to start Friday afternoon’s doubleheader against Grandview, the Ephrata bats stayed hot en route to 16-0 and 16-1 wins over the Greyhounds. “It was really good that the girls were seeing the ball better today and were able to be more patient at the plate,” Ephrata Head Coach Heather Wood said.

A song for the school board

Marmee (Ella Beck), center, gives Meg (Evan Arledge), right, some advice on going to a ball while Beth (Calissa Dalton) listens with interest. The cast of the Moses Lake High School production of “Little Women” performed a song from the show at the Moses Lake School Board meeting Thursday.

GCSO Seeks info on man in custody

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for any information the public might have about a man arrested near Coulee City on Thursday on suspicion of child rape. According to a GCSO statement released Friday, GCSO deputies arrested Tyrone Thomas Trexler, 52, of Coulee City, on March 23 on two counts of child rape and one count of unlawful imprisonment for an assault of a 6-year-old girl alleged to have occurred near Trexler’s previous home in the Moses Lake.

Brews & Tunes, AMR leaving Grant County on Studio Basin Podcast

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss last weekend's Brews and Tunes event in Moses Lake, American Medical Response's announcement of ceasing operations in Grant County and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona runs through the stores from this week's spring sports preview. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcasting apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/40pZIFk.

Out of this world

Sam Haring, 12, holds up a Spaceburger prepared by the Lioness Club of Moses Lake and sold out of the club’s booth at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The club opened up its booth to make and sell Spaceburgers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to raise money for local charities and non-profits, with long wait times on Saturday as people lined up. “It’ll be a bit,” said Haring, who volunteered to run the cash register and fill orders. “We’ve gotten nothing but big orders.”

Wilma Englund

Wilma Eileen Englund (née Hoffman), 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Ellensburg, Washington, on March 13, 2023, in the company of her husband of 36 years, Arlie, and twin sons Jake and David. Wilma was a resident of Grant County for over 50 years prior to moving to Ellensburg in 2013, working as a cosmetologist and homemaker in addition to being a volunteer at Moses Lake elementary schools and a foster mother. She also served as the mayor of Wilson Creek in 1984, and made history in 1972 when she bowled a record-breaking 288 at the Ephrata Bowling Center, the highest of any woman at the facility or in her league to that date. An avid fiber artist and gardener, Wilma donated hundreds of knitted projects locally and internationally while being a devoted wife and mother, and growing her flourishing garden in spite of the Columbia Basin's arid climate. A private ceremony was held by her family.

Unincorporated Grant Co. building permits for March 24

The building permits reported below are noncomprehensive.

Record hunt

Youth Outdoors Unlimited raises largest amount of funds for young hunters and anglers to date

MOSES LAKE — The room was brimming with both people and emotion at the Youth Outdoors Unlimited fundraiser banquet the evening of March 4. “We made a little over $129,000, which is an all-time record,” said YOU founder and director Cindy Carpenter. “We are so blessed to have such generous support from our hometown.” ...

Good time, lasting benefits goal of Youth Outdoors Unlimited

MOSES LAKE — Fishing guide Marc Bush said Youth Outdoors Unlimited fishing and hunting trips are designed to make sure the young people have a good time, but that the guides might have an even better time. ..

CJ’s Custom Meats

New meat market offers ML carnivores a variety of options with a local focus.

MOSES LAKE — CJ’s Meats is Moses Lake’s newest meat store located at 210 S. Gumwood Street. Here you can find a variety of locally raised meats and other food items. CJ’s originated in Wapato, said Store Manager Dawn Leslie, and all the beef comes from farms around the Wapato butcher shop. The pigs come from 4-H in Ellensburg...

Sandhill Crane Festival starts today

OTHELLO – The Othello Sandhill Crane festival begins today and runs through the weekend. Visitors to the area can stop by and help organizers celebrate the silver anniversary of the festival that celebrates the return of Sandhill Cranes to the Columbia Basin. Advanced registration is available at www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org. Festival events are hosted via the Othello Nazarene Chruch at 835 S. 10th Avenue and McFarland Middle School at 790 S. 10th Avenue in Othello. Events include a crane photo workshop, Rimrock Trail Hike, Potholes Reservoir Boat Birding Tour and several others with various costs associated.

Samaritan partnering with WSU

MOSES LAKE – Samaritan Healthcare has announced a partnership with Washington State University’s College of Medicine to support medical students, according to a Samaritan press release. “We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to advance our partnership with the WSU College of Medicine,” said Samaritan CEO Theresa Sullivan. “Their commitment to training physicians and medical professionals towards a rural track is vital to the development of our future workforce.” ...

Local music students showcase skills at recital

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake – Central Basin Chapter of Washington State Music Teachers Association held their 27th Honors Recital on Sunday, March 19 at Immanuel Lutheran Church...

Exploring the Seep Lakes can pay off for anglers

MARDON RESORT — Between Moses Lake and Othello, there’s a great big reservoir that boasts excellent bass, walleye and other fishing. Potholes Reservoir is kind of a well-known mecca for anglers. Head a little south and the landscape is dotted with myriad little spots of blue, somewhere around 70 of them – nobody really seems sure. These are the Seep Lakes, and they’re one of the Basin’s best-kept fishing secrets...

Home sales figures all over the map for February

MOSES LAKE — Figures were up and down for the real estate market in Grant and Adams counties in February, according to new data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service...

A line, a pole and some lakes to fish in

A brief guide to where the fish are biting in Grant County, according to a local fishing enthusiast

MOSES LAKE — It doesn’t take much to go fishing, according to Dave Graybill. Or as the words to a very old song say, “a line and a pole.” “One of the reasons it's very popular is that it doesn’t take a lot of money to get involved with fishing. A spinning rod, some bait, a few hooks, and you’re in business,” Graybill said. “In this area, and the Quincy lakes are a good example, you can just walk down to the shore and you don’t need a boat to have good success.” ...

Quincy trout derby this weekend

QUINCY — Anglers of all ages are being invited to drop a line in Quincy Lake and Burke Lake Saturday and Sunday in pursuit of trout and prizes. The 14th Trout Fishing Derby begins Saturday morning...

Legals for March, 24 2023

Teacher support for media literacy proposed

OLYMPIA - A public-school grant program to help students evaluate news reports would be established if a bill passed by the state Senate makes its way through the House of Representatives. The amount of the grant program awarded to teachers and school districts proposed in Substitute Senate Bill 5626 by Sen. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, is unspecified. Funding would be subject to the final budget approved later in this year’s legislative session for the 2003-2005 biennium, The bill passed the Senate 44-4...

List of mandated reporters for vulnerable adults may expand

OLYMPIA - More people working in public sector jobs would be required to report suspected abuse of senior adults under a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “Typically, the first idea that we have that abuse or neglect is occurring comes through mandatory reporters,” said Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, the bill’s sponsor. “It also lets everybody know who they can share information with under what circumstances.” ...

Upgrades coming to Grant fairgrounds

MOSES LAKE — Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-April for a project to expand the number of horse stalls at the Grant County Fairgrounds. It’s part of an overall plan for improvements throughout the fairgrounds, which include construction of additional storage and a new bathroom in the commercial building...

Deadline approaching to remove studded tires

OLYMPIA — With the arrival of Spring, the Washington State Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that Friday, March 31, is the deadline to remove studded tires from cars and trucks, according to a WSDOT press release...

Print praise

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriffs Office recognized Records Supervisor Dawn Prince, left, as January’s employee of the month in an announcement Thursday morning. Prince was nominated by Lt. Dan Durand for her efforts which lead to GCSO receiving a $20,000 grant from the Washington State Patrol to replace the department’s Livescan fingerprinting equipment. The new equipment is expected to assist investigators in obtaining information in an efficient and timely manner.

Time of Remembrance golf tournament returns this summer

WARDEN – The Time of Remembrance Golf Tournament will return to the Sage Hills Golf Club in Warden on June 10. The tournament is a four-person scramble and registration is $80 per golfer before June 5. The registration fee includes the green fee, cart and lunch. Holes are also available for sponsorship for $150. Side games at the tournament include a marshmallow drive, pool cue putt, male and female longest drive and closest to the pin. Those interested can register at www.timeofremembrance.org.

Paws-itivity

GCSO welcomes Nitro to the office

EPHRATA – Nitro, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, is putting his paws to work by being a peer support dog for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “We started looking into what are regulations, what does it take for a peer support dog and he either met or exceeded what was required of a medical facility,” said Josh Sainsbury, Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations at the Sheriff’s Office. “And we are not as strict because it is not a medical facility,” Sainsbury explained that he attended a conference at the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs last year that talked about the need for law enforcement to have more support within their departments due to the rising number of suicides in the profession...

MLCA/CCS Baseball Schedule

MOSES LAKE -- Moses Lake Christian Academy has started their second year fielding a baseball team after a hiatus. Below is this year's schedule...

Soap Lake boys win on Tonasket courts

TONASKET – The Soap Lake boys tennis squad got its first win of the season with a 3-2 win over Tonasket on Wednesday, winning two singles and a doubles match...

Trophy time

Moses Lake Tribe wins state tournament

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Tribe, a sixth-grade youth basketball team, recently took first place in the gold division at the 2023 Washington Middle School Basketball Championship in Spokane last weekend after sweeping through the tournament. “A cool group of kids that embraced the challenge,” Tribe Coach Matt Ahmann said. “They didn’t back down from anything.” ...

Bass tourney this weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Panhandle Bass Anglers will be staging a bass fishing tournament at Blue Heron Park on Saturday, March 25...

WDFW app keeps anglers up to date

OLYMPIA — Fishing limits, regulations and more are just a phone signal away. In 2021, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rolled out its FishWA for Apple and Android devices. The free mobile app is designed to convey up-to-the-minute fishing regulations for every lake, river, stream and marine area in the state, according to WDFW’s website...

Olympia considering regulatory updates

OLYMPIA - Only a small handful of bills in the legislature this session relate to fishing, while not all will survive, it is important to know what is being considered and how that will affect fishermen if the bills are passed into law...

'...It's been like not working.'

Coulee City art gallery owner reflects on 50 years of art in the Basin.

COULEE CITY – Throughout Central Washington, there are plenty of inspired artists willing to show off their work to the world. One of which – Cariboo Trail Studio – is Coulee City artist Don Nutt sells art inspired by the Columbia Basin. “I’ve been here for 15 years this spring,” said Nutt. “It’s been a good deal. This has been how I make my living.” ...

Larry Holterhoff

Larry Holterhoff, 74, passed away in Central Washington Hospital just weeks after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He was born in Wenatchee, Washington to Kenneth and Doris Holterhoff. He and his three brothers were all raised in Ephrata where Larry graduated high school in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967. Larry served in the military for three years where he earned both Vietnam and National Defense Service Medals. Larry met his wife of 50 years, Debbie, in 1970 where he would say he fell in love with her and her red Volkswagen Bug. They were married on Dec. 16, 1972. Larry and Debbie made their home in Ephrata and would eventually welcome their two sons, Ryan and Todd. Larry worked for Grant PUD, mostly as journeyman lineman, for 38 years.

BBCC baseball underway

Vikings reflect and prepare for the season ahead on the diamond

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College baseball team has begun their 2023 season and are ready to see more success and improvement after finishing the prior season 26-20. Coach Chase Tunstall had a lot to share in terms of where the team shines, where they need improvement and overall what to expect from the team. So far this season the team has done phenomenally on offense. The offense has managed to be in the top three in each category which is a great improvement as they are usually in the top five in most categories, said Tunstall.

Quincy B Street Market organizers look for aid

QUINCY — Current Quincy B Street Market manager Chelsea Putnam said the town’s street market will be open for summer 2023. However, Putnam said founders are looking for people to take over its operation to ensure it stays open in summers to come. Putnam is one of four people on the market’s board, and all of whom, she said Wednesday, are looking at moving on. “All of us are kind of being directed on different paths, for one reason or another,” she said...

Common heartworm preventative, other antiparasitics can be deadly for some cats

PULLMAN, Wash. –Warmer and wetter weather inevitably means the return of mosquitos and their insatiable thirst for blood.

Law enforcement logs for March 23

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

Legals for March, 23 2023

AMR announces Grant departure

County first responders plan future of local EMS with new provider.

EPHRATA – American Medical Response, which handles much of the ambulance services in Grant County, announced last week that it will be ceasing operations in the county, citing increased costs, among other reasons. “We were notified that there was going to be a need for financial supplement of AMR’s operations, and those (conversations) started taking place in January of 2023, where they said they need an additional $350,000 annually to supplement their operations in Grant County,” said Ephrata Fire Department Chief Jeremy Burns, who also serves on the Central County Ambulance Service Board, also referred to as the ASB...

Airport siting bill passes WA House, gets Senate hearing

OLYMPIA – A bill that would replace the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission established in 2019 to recommend possible locations for a new airport had a public hearing in the Washington Senate Tuesday. “The CACC established in 2019, didn't have enough time to do a thorough review of what they set out to accomplish,” co-sponsor Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) said in a release from his office. “COVID played a role, but the commission was also lacking adequate resources and did not provide enough outreach and notice to those who could have been impacted.” ...

Othello musicians prep for competition

OTHELLO — Othello High School junior Rachel Bates practices with the OHS drumline Tuesday prior to the group’s regional competition Saturday in Portland. The drumline’s entry into the Winter Guard International competition is titled “Eruption” and tells the story of ancient tropical legends.

Bill targets use of pill presses to make counterfeit drugs

OLYMPIA – A bill targeting people using pill presses to make fake pills that contain controlled substances had an executive session this week in the Washington Senate after passing in the House last week. “The industrious monsters making and pedaling these fake pills are playing Russian Roulette with all lives,” said Rep. Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), a co-sponsor of the bill...

Business expo draws locals to fairgrounds

MOSES LAKE — Kevin Farias is quickly soaping up the window sitting in front of him. It’s the first time the 22-year-old owner of Moses Lake-based Caged Cleaning has had a booth at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo, and he’s eager to show off his company and what he can do. “We have a window cleaning service company,” Farias said. “We service all of Grant County, and that includes Quincy, Ephrata, Royal City, Warden, and Moses Lake. We window cleaning, janitorial services, gutter cleaning, Christmas light installing.” ...

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival returns for 25th year

OTHELLO — All things natural, from animals to plants to geology, will be the subject of lectures, tours, hikes and workshops at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival scheduled for Friday through Sunday. This is the festival’s 25th anniversary. Sandhill cranes are the annual visitors and the focus, but the tours and lectures also feature other birds and animals from wolves to burrowing owls, as well as geological phenomena, conservation, and even the physical and mental benefits of getting outdoors...

Spring cleanup week slated for Othello

OTHELLO — Othello residents will be able to dispose of old leaves and grass, old appliances and scrap metals during the city’s annual cleanup week, April 3 through 8. Appliances and scrap metal will be picked up on April 3 and 4, according to a city press release. Appliances and scrap metal must be at the curb or in the residence’s alley by April 2 to be scheduled for pickup...

Warriors excel in skills competitions

Wahluke High School’s SkillsUSA program had the students below qualify for state competition, according to a WHS announcement...

Two arrested in Adams County drive-by shooting cases

OTHELLO — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Othello Police Department arrested two Othello men late last week in connection with two recent drive-by shootings. Jean Carlos Avila, 18, was arrested by the OPD, and Carlos Cerna Jr., 19, was arrested March 18 by the ACSO with the help of the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, according to an ACSO release. The arrests stemmed from the report of a drive-by shooting on March 12 inside the Othello city limits, the release said. Othello Police Chief Phil Schenck said no one was injured in that incident. The circumstances of the shooting resembled a similar incident in ACSO jurisdiction Feb. 15, said Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner...

Birth records for March 22

Othello Community Hospital March 1 Judith Castro-Preciado and Luis Alberto Moreno, Othello, daughter Nabani Mae Moreno Castro, 5 pounds 10 ounces. March 6 Lady Michalle Cerna Barajas, Othello, daughter Tracy Merlin Cerna, 8 pounds 7 ounces. March 10 Martha Veronica Herrera and Alexander Emmanuel Muñoz, Othello, son Moises Margarita Muñoz Herrera, 7 pounds 7 ounces. March 15 Tomasa Matias Lorenzo and Jose Perez Carillo, Othello, daughter Emma Zoe Linda Perez Matias, 8 pounds 1 ounce...

Huskies sweep Shadle Park

OTHELLO – The Huskies continued their strong start to the season with a sweep over Shadle Park on Tuesday, winning 10-0 and 15-3 Both games of the doubleheader ended in five innings. “We weren’t sure what to expect from Shadle,” Head Coach Rudy Ochoa said. “The first pitcher, she’s for real. We hit her pretty good and we’re happy with that. It feels good to start off like we have, beating Walla Walla and then Shadle Park.” ...

Farming still crucial to Basin employment

MOSES LAKE — Despite the rise of manufacturing in the Columbia Basin, farming is still the base for all economic activity in the region. “I think about the economies here (in Grant County) and six of the seven counties I serve, they’re heavily agriculture-based,” said Don Meseck, a labor economist with the Washington State Department of Employment Security in Ellensburg. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have other aspects of the economy, but it does mean that agriculture is a pillar of our local economy.” ...

New-look Warriors hit the field

COULEE CITY – Like many boys’ sports at Almira/Coulee-Hartline this year, the Warrior baseball team will have some new faces in starting roles this season. The Warriors graduated 11 seniors off of last year’s roster, which tied for third place in the 1B State Baseball Tournament.

Bronco baseball rides into 2023 season

RITZVILLE – With a solid core of returning players, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos are heading into 2023 with a strong sense of team chemistry. “Same as any other sport, if you know the guys you’re playing with you get in this rhythm of playing with each other,” Senior Cooper Miller said. “Makes it a lot easier, you play a lot better. Makes it more sound.”

MLHS girls swinging for state

Mav fastpitch looks to make it to 2023 state tourney

MOSES LAKE — Having fallen one game shy of qualifying for state in 2022, the Moses Lake fastpitch team returns to the field with the goal of making it back to the state tournament in Richland. “Falling short just by one game of making it to state fuels us a little bit more this year, just to take that extra step that we didn’t last year,” senior Ali Stanley said. “We don’t want to have that feeling again, we want to push through.”

Bonding on and off the field

Tigers playing well together early in the season

EPHRATA – The Ephrata fastpitch team has its sights set on reaching state after missing the tournament last season, and is doing so by bonding with one another on and off the field. Practices are lively and energetic, with players joking around and supporting their teammates.

Basin sports schedule March 22-28

COLUMBIA BASIN – Many teams in the Basin have entered the full swing of league competition as the spring sports season continues on. Check out this week’s sports schedule for a full slate of different events...

Hungry Huskies

Othello softball team looking to capture state title

OTHELLO — Last year’s 24-2 state runner-up Othello softball team is returning to the field with the goal of ending the season with a state championship. “Everybody feels like we’re going to do as well as we did last year,” Head Coach Rudy Ochoa said. “But it is high school, and you never know. I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but still, we’ve got some good hitters and pretty much the same team from last year.” ...

Warriors look to rebuild defense

MATTAWA — With 10 seniors having graduated from last year’s state-qualifying, 13-5-2 Wahluke boys soccer team, the Warriors will have a new look when they take the field this season. “We lost a whole defense, even the starters and the non-starters,” Head Coach Cele Lopez said. “We’re just rebuilding. We’re rebuilding on defense, and we’re rebuilding on, probably, every single line.” ...

Lions prep for second baseball season

MOSES LAKE — Now in year two of its return, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions are preparing for another season on the diamond. “We had our first year last year after a hiatus of about five years,” Head Coach C.J. Cheatwood said. “They brought back the program and asked me to head it up.”

Cougars take experienced roster into 2023 season

WARDEN — After a near-perfect regular season, the Warden Cougars bowed out of the 2B State Softball Tournament with losses to Rainier and Toledo last year. Now, the Cougars enter the 2023 season with goals of advancing further at state. “I’m really excited coming into my senior year because I’ve been playing softball for a long time,” senior Alexis Leinweber said. “I think we left the season short last year and we have a lot to come back to. I’m really excited to see what we can do as a team.” ...

Adams Co. police logs for March 22

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...

Brews and Tunes returns

MOSES LAKE – The annual Brews and Tunes event was held over the weekend, bringing folks together for an afternoon of beer and music of all varieties. The event, put on by the Downtown Moses Lake Association, featured over a dozen businesses that hosted a brewery or musician, or both in some cases. From noon to 5 p.m., Third Avenue was bustling with laughter, smiles and great conversation as the attendees got to browse and shop local businesses while enjoying fine brews, good music and even country line dancing. The 2022 event had attendees grateful for something to get out and do as life started to return to normal from the pandemic...

Legals for March, 22 2023

Recall issued for frozen strawberries

OLYMPIA — Several brands of frozen organic strawberries and one brand of frozen tropical fruit are being recalled after an outbreak of Hepatitis A that has caused at least five Washington residents to get sick, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Health...

Soap Lake Conservancy to hold public meeting

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Conservancy is holding a public meeting to discuss the organization’s Outstanding Resource Water application to the state. The meeting will discuss what the conservancy has learned in its research and how the Outstanding Resource Water recognition will impact the area, as well as answer any questions attendees may have. The meeting will be at 2 p.m. on March 25 at Masquers Theater, 322 Main Ave. E. For more information, visit TheLake.org or contact Peggy at 509-289-0292.

Sales tax exemption for seniors’ meals passes WA House

OLYMPIA – Washington House Bill 1431, sponsored by Rep. Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham), would provide a sales tax relief for residents of senior living communities when it comes to meals...

Crisis center legislation would help bring solutions to crisis intervention, sponsors say

OLYMPIA — A bill to create crisis relief centers licensed by the Washington Department of Health will help bring solutions to many issues surrounding people going through a crisis if it is passed, local legislators say. “The mental health crisis is the number one issue we have in our country today,” said District 13 Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake). “We do not have the facilities it takes to handle it; we don’t have the treatment, we don’t have the workforce, we just don’t have it. And we’re trying to build it up, so this looks like a good idea.” Senate Bill 5120, which has already passed the Senate and is working its way through the House, would create local places for those going through a crisis to admit themselves voluntarily and get more specialized care and long-term resources, if enacted...

USDA grants aim to help plan and prevent wildfires

ASHLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Forest Service announced it is giving nearly $25 million in grants to help plan for and prevent wildfires across Washington, according to a USFS press release. The grants are part of the Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant program and are being given to 14 organizations from Spokane to South Bend in Pacific County, the press release stated. However, more than $11 million — including a $10 million grant — is going to three organizations in Kittitas County, including Kittitas County Resilient Landscapes.

Applications open for law enforcement education classes

MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted through Friday for a series of informational classes for people who want to learn more about how law enforcement works, according to a release from the agencies involved. The Columbia Basin Multi-Agency Citizens Academy will begin April 2. The five-week series will be held in the ATEC building at Big Bend Community College, 7662 Chanute St. NE. The classes, nine in all, will be each Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr wrote that the academy returns after a three-year hiatus. Fuhr wrote that organizers are hoping to sign up at least 20 to 30 people. The purpose is to encourage positive relationships between law enforcement officers and community members through education on the basics of the profession, according to the release...

Eagle tennis continues to grow in 3rd year

SOAP LAKE — Now in their third year on the court, the Soap Lake boys and girls tennis programs will look to build off of an attentive freshman class. “I went from having kids who basically never picked up a tennis racquet, didn’t know a thing about tennis, and now I’ve got kids that are – literally, over the summer I drive past the tennis courts and see four kids playing tennis for my team,” Head Coach Lee Leavell said. “I’ve got kids who are so interested that we actually did some summer tournaments.” ...

Jacks look to improve on state finish

Quincy soccer players jump onto the pitch with goals in mind.

QUINCY — After falling to Seattle Academy in the first round of the 1A Boys State Soccer Tournament, the Quincy Jackrabbits are returning to the field this season and hungry for a better end result. “We’re using that (loss) as our motivation, making sure that doesn’t happen this year,” said senior Jorge Nunez, the 2022 Caribou Trail League Player of the Year. “Especially being our last year.” ...

Othello woman sentenced to federal prison in connection with stolen firearms

OTHELLO — An Othello woman was sentenced to almost four years in federal prison Monday after pleading guilty to helping a co-defendant sell stolen firearms. One of the guns was used in the fatal shooting of a child in Othello in February 2021, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Alondra Yaniz, 25, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, the release said. She pleaded guilty on Dec. 14 to being a felon in possession of firearms. Yaniz was sentenced in Adams County Superior Court to one year for second-degree theft in connection with the same case. That sentence will be served consecutively. According to U.S. District Court documents, Yaniz advertised guns for sale on social media in late February 2021. The guns had been stolen; Yaniz’s co-defendant, Guillermo Valdez, broke into a Spokane-area home on Feb. 24, 2021, and stole 11 guns. One of the guns was sold to an Othello man who shot and killed his four-year-old child on Feb. 27, 2021...

Knights swing for higher finish at state

ROYAL CITY — After an early exit from the 2022 1A State Softball Tournament, the Royal Knights are entering the 2023 campaign with the goal of going further in state. “I want to go out with a bang in my senior year,” Senior Addi Lawrence said. “I’m hoping to make it farther than we did last year. My goal is fourth place or higher at state this year.” ...

Stack to speak on dangers of marijuana

MOSES LAKE — Laura Stack, CEO and founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, will be speaking at 6 p.m. on March 30 at Columba Basin Technical Skills Center in Moses Lake regarding the risks associated with marijuana use. Stack founded the organization after her son, Johnny Stack, died by suicide in 2019. “Johnny had no medical issues, no mental illnesses until he used marijuana and no genetic history for psychosis. He wasn't depressed, neglected, or unloved. But after getting a ‘medical’ marijuana card and using high-THC products, Johnny became psychotic, paranoid and delusional,” Stack said in a statement...

Area students make UW dean’s list

SEATTLE – Students from the Columbia Basin have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Washington for the Spring 2023 quarter. To qualify for the dean's list, a student must have completed at least 12 graded credits and have a grade point average of at least 3.5...

Robert Hylander

1953 - 2023

Dr. Robert Hylander, 70, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away March 19, 2023. No services are being planned at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

Esther Marie Kirby

Esther Marie Kirby, 98, of Ephrata, Washington, slipped peacefully into heaven at the Ephrata hospital on Monday, March 13. Esther was fortunate to be able to live on her own until she was admitted to the hospital 24 hours before her passing. Esther was born on April 11, 1924, in Twin Falls, Idaho, the daughter of George Simpson Cope and Ozia Mabel Vaughn. She was the seventh of nine children. She was nicknamed “Babe” and was known by “Babe” by her family and close friends throughout her lifetime. On Oct. 2, 1941, she married Kenneth Kirby, and together they had seven children. Kenneth preceded her in death in 1960 and she later married Lawrence Wilhalm in 1972 and has lived in the Quincy and Ephrata area since that time. Esther was also preceded in death by her daughters Joyce Kirby and Sandra (Bill) Coggins, son Jack Kirby and several grandchildren. Esther is survived by her children Susan (Mark) Fanning, Connie Kirby, Cindy (Eric) Stones and Michael (Jen) Kirby, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Former counselor files lawsuit against MLSD

MOSES LAKE — A former Moses Lake School District counselor has filed suit against the school district alleging discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination following what she alleges was a demotion and involuntary transfer. Dana Santos also named former MLSD administrator Dave Balcom and Columbia Middle School assistant principal Michael Nordsten as individuals in the suit. The lawsuit was filed in Grant County Superior Court March 13...

Baseball season swings into action

Warden and ACH start strong as other teams work to ramp up.

COLUMBIA BASIN – Baseball season is in full swing here in the Columbia Basin. See below for a recap of each team’s games over the past week, complete with scores and team records. All scores and records are according to the WIAA...

An 80-hour week is child’s play

Ephrata realtor thrives on job she loves to pass time with.

EPHRATA – For Kim Meaney Randolph of Ephrata, an 80-hour work week is normal, but only because she loves what she is doing. Randolph, a real estate agent with Kellar-Williams, has a very outgoing personality and has a passion for the Basin...

Legals for March, 21 2023

Rough morning

QUINCY - The Grant County Sheriffs Office responded to an accident near the intersection of Adams Road North and Road 9 NW Monday morning. The driver had fled the scene of the accident wherein the pictured vehicle hit a power pole, causing an unspecified number of Grant PUD customers to go without power for a time. The investigating deputy later made contact with the driver, who was not arrested. The unnamed driver told GCSO he’d fallen asleep behind the wheel on his way home from working a night shift. GCSO officials said no decision had yet been made on whether to file charges against the driver.

Chapman serves as page for Ybarra

OLYMPIA – Jacob Chapman, 15, a Selah homeschool student, recently traveled to Olympia to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives by sponsorship from District 13 Representative Alex Ybarra. "It was a pleasure sponsoring Jacob," said Ybarra (R-Quincy), in a release by his office. "I hope he enjoyed his week at the state Capitol making new friends and learning the ropes at the Legislature. I know he represented the 13th District well." ...

Larry Holterhoff

Larry Holterhoff, 74, of Moses Lake, died Thursday, March 16, 2023. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Pioneering espresso stand still brewing strong in Othello

OTHELLO — Kelly Carvo said her husband Kevin was skeptical when she told him she wanted to open a drive-thru espresso stand. After all, espresso stands weren’t as popular and widespread in 2001. “We went back and forth for five years. And he kept telling me, ‘It’s a fad, it’s going to go away,’” she said. “I wanted to do it for so long.”

Pet of the Week: Mack

My name is Mack and I'm a little over 1 ½ years old and came to Grant County Animal Outreach as a stray. I'm about 45-55 pounds and am a very excitable young dog! I am learning how to play with other dogs and slowly learning how to respect their boundaries, but I don't think I can handle being around a cat. I tend to be pretty shy and leery of strangers but am very affectionate with people I know and am ALWAYS ready to chase a ball! I'm ready for a patient home willing to give me a second chance at a happy life. Call (509) 762-9616 if you have any more questions!

Legals for March, 20 2023

Warriors draw 1-1 to Wolves

MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors left the field with a 1-1 draw against Wapato on Saturday after both squads couldn’t break a second-half tie. Wapato and Wahluke traded goals just before the second half but couldn’t convert shots in the second half. “We need to create space and move off the ball,” Wahluke senior Orlando Nunez said. “Just go for it. Some of those, we hesitate to take some (shots). Sometimes we’ve just got to let it go.”

Two men arrested in connection with stolen lawnmower

SOAP LAKE — Two Moses Lake men were arrested on suspicion of second-degree vehicle prowling, second-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespassing after allegedly stealing equipment from a property near Soap Lake. Troy Hughes, 43, and Gabriel Gonzalez, 43, were arrested Thursday afternoon, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred in the 2000 block of Road 20 NE.

Development, housing to be subject of Mattawa workshop

MATTAWA — Mattawa residents are being invited to review some of the ideas for regulating development and adding housing at a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. March 30 at the Mattawa City Hall, 521 Government Rd. Spanish translation will be provided.

The economics of labor and the week in sports on the Basin Studio Podcast

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporter Charles Featherstone sits down with Don Meseck, a regional labor economist with the Washington State Department of Employment Security, The two discuss the labor force in Grant and Adams Counties. Next, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer and sports reporter Ian Bivona discuss this past week's sports action, as well as take a look at the Columbia Basin Herald's upcoming spring sports preview. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3yTrVbD.

Perfect fit

Achievement Award winner has found her niche

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, the profession and the person just match up neatly. LeRae Redal has a story like that. The owner of Moses Lake Real Estate Group, who received the Achievement Award at the Moses Lake-Othello Realtors Association in January, sort of fell into real estate 25 years ago and has been thriving there ever since. “I had a store downtown, (called) The Perfect Ac’Scent,” Redal said. “I decided that it was time to sell that and move on, and I got an offer on it. Then I was taking care of my dad's RV park – he was sick and going for treatment.”

Legals for March, 17 2023

Have truck, will move

Dylan Morris, owner of Door to Door Moving in Moses Lake, cuts the ribbon Thursday afternoon on his new moving truck in the parking lot of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce at 606 W. Broadway while surrounded by family members, employees and Chamber of Commerce members.

Search leads to catalytic converter seizure

KENNEWICK — Hundreds of catalytic converters were seized from a Kennewick business a day after the search of a Moses Lake business and home by officers with the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officers served a search warrant at PDX Scrap Metal Wednesday afternoon, according to a GCSO press release. They seized 533 catalytic converters, the press release said, as well as raw materials from catalytic converter cores and equipment used to extract precious metals from catalytic converters.

Grant County tax statements mailed

EPHRATA — Grant County property owners who have not received tax statements by today should contact the Grant County Treasurer’s Office, according to a press release from the GCTO. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant wrote that tax statements have been mailed, including statements to landowners with delinquent taxes and assessments. Treasurer’s office employees are working on amended statements for property owners who made changes after the original statements were written, he wrote.

Big Bend looks to increase Mattawa offerings

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College is looking at expanding the college’s offerings in Mattawa, according to President Sara Thompson Tweedy during a meeting of the BBCC Board of Trustees on Wednesday. Tweedy said the college teaches English language classes, high school completion courses, a commercial driver's license class, pre-elementary education, and business information and management classes in Mattawa. Tweedy said the college is looking at offering medical receptionist certificates, medical assisting, and college in the high school.

Newhouse hears from Central WA constituents about priorities for Farm Bill

BENTON CITY – Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, held three roundtable discussions in Central Washington this week to discuss priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill from farmers and other industry professionals. “We want to get it right,” said Newhouse. “We want to make sure the Farm Bill actually helps; all the places it can be improved and the programs that we have that could work better – areas that may need to be beefed up a little.”

Basin Winter Sports all-league lists

COLUMBIA BASIN – Over 150 high school athletes in the Columbia Basin earned all-conference awards for their achievements in the 2022-2023 winter sports season. See below for a list of those athletes, including a handful of players of the year.

Warrants served in catalytic converter trafficking case

MOSES LAKE - Search warrants were served at a business and home along Stratford Road Wednesday morning in connection with the suspected trafficking of catalytic converters. “Catalytic converters (thefts) are a hot topic again, with so many going on, so we want people to know that we've identified at least some of the people who are involved in that crime enterprise,” said Kyle Foreman, Public Information Officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office...

Quincy School Board recognizes Siebert

QUINCY — Quincy School Board chair Chris Baumgartner, right, presents a plaque of appreciation to recently retired Quincy Police Department Chief Kieth Siebert at Tuesday’s board meeting. Board members recognized Siebert for his willingness, and that of QPD officers, to work with school officials. “You hear the phrase ‘community policing’ a lot nationally,” said Quincy Superintendent Nik Bergman. And when it heard it described, it was like, ‘Well, that’s exactly what the Quincy Police Department does.’”

Working Families Tax Credit boosts Washington families

Through my working with Yakima Rotary Food Bank (partnering with Community Services of Moses Lake) and Washington's Faith Action Network (a multi-faith advocacy coalition), I especially appreciate faith communities across our region supporting neighbors who need food, transportation and other emergency assistance. We know one unexpected medical bill or another can put an entire young family into a spiral of crisis.

Hands-on education in wood leads to small business

MOSES LAKE — A nice cutting board can be a thing of great beauty. But that’s no reason to be gentle with the cutting boards made by Samantha and her husband A.J. Simmonds and sold in their store A Plus Woodshop, the newest addition to the Downtown Moses Lake Association’s Obra Project business incubator at 205 S. Division St. “It’s hardwood,” Samantha Simmonds said. “It’ll blunt the knife edge before it scores the wood.” The cutting board Simmonds holds up is nearly a rainbow hue of colors — brown, tan, magenta, orange — all from the fairly exotic hardwoods the two have learned to work with over the last several years.

LETTER: Feral cats out of hand

I'm fairly new to Moses Lake. I've only lived here for four years, but it quickly became apparent that the cat population is extremely out of hand. The only way the high population of cats can receive any help at all is through the gumption and generosity of far too few individuals. Some are trapping these cats and paying themselves for spaying/neutering or by asking for donations.

Legals for March, 16 2023

State wealth tax bill garners support in WA Senate hearing

OLYMPIA – A bill currently before the Washington State Senate would levy a special wealth tax on financial assets with an assessed value of more than $250 million. “We have an upside-down tax code that’s deeply in need of reform, and we continue to have massive needs for investments in education, housing, services for those with disabilities, and so much more,” said Senator Noel Frame, sponsor of Senate Bill 5486...

WA Senate passes bill to create battery recycling program

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature is looking at a measure that legislators hope will increase battery recycling in the state. “We know that the use of batteries will continue to increase and it’s urgent we take action to ensure these products containing hazardous materials don’t continue to pile up in our landfills or other places they can cause health and safety concerns,” Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, sponsor of Senate Bill 5144, said in a press release...

ML Council delays discussion of homeless site purchase, talks new PD

MOSES LAKE -- The Moses Lake City Council met for nearly four hours Tuesday and failed to discuss all of the items on the council agenda, including selecting a new site for the city's sleep center for the homeless...

Royal City man arrested on cocaine charges

ROYAL CITY — A Royal City man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute following a search of his home Wednesday.

Summer fixes

Quincy School District schedules summer remodeling projects

QUINCY — Quincy School District officials will remodel the former High Tech High building into a new district office this summer, among other projects, at an estimated cost of about $842,000. Quincy School Board members reviewed the list of construction projects and how district officials will pay for them at the regular meeting Tuesday...

RECAP: Seahawks open free agency, Kraken drop three straight

SEATTLE – There will be some new faces on the Seattle Seahawks this season, as the team signed two players to the defensive line. The Seattle Kraken found themselves in a losing skid, while the Mariners continue on through spring training. Check out this week’s professional sports recap for an update on the three squads...

Mavs earn first win of the season, down Tigers 2-0

MOSES LAKE – After a draw at the half, Moses Lake scored two goals in the second half to ride past Ephrata and earn its first win of the 2023 season. Moses Lake junior Joshua Zamora scored a goal in the 45th minute to break the tie, then Maverick sophomore Miguel Arreola added a goal of his own in the 64th minute...

Mavs place seventh at ML Girls Golf Invite

Othello, Warden take 8th and 9th

MOSES LAKE – Golf season began for girls teams from Moses Lake, Othello, Warden and more at the Moses Lake Girls Golf Invitational on Monday, hosted at the Moses Lake Golf and Country Club...

Murals depict Quincy history

QUINCY — Drivers poking around Quincy will spot them from the street, here and there around town – harvesting wheat here, posing for a team picture over there. They are a record of Quincy history, dating back to the town’s founding. Harriet Weber, director of the Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum, wrote the murals are the result of a project undertaken by artists from local schools and the youth group from the Quincy-area Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scott Lybbert was the project director, Weber wrote. “They used an overhead projector in the dark, with paint brushes in a ‘dab-on’ style, similar to pointillism,” Weber wrote in response to a question from the Herald. The sepia tones are designed to give the impression of old-school photography, she said.

Mary Ann Bolyard

Mary Ann Bolyard, 88, of Soap Lake, Washington, sadly left us on March 9, 2023, at home with her family. Mary Ann was born to Palmore and Mary Clayton in Bozeman, Montana, on Jan. 13, 1935. She was the oldest of eight children. In 1951 her parents came to the Ephrata area. Following that she met Perry Bolyard and was married June 7, 1953, in Coulee City. Soon after their marriage they moved to Soap Lake, Washington where they lived out their lives. They had two children, Pamela and Darrell Bolyard. Mary Ann worked at the phone company in her early years and then became office manager for the family business at Country Boys Farm Supply.

Irrigation water to flow next week

MOSES LAKE —The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District will begin filling the East Low Canal for the 2023 irrigation season on March 22, according to a statement from the ECBID. The East Low Canal serves the Moses Lake, Warden, and Othello areas of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and the Connell (Block 18) area of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District.

Spreading love

Local musician looks to ensure his passion for music is contagious

MOSES LAKE — For L.J. Polmateer, music is a labor of love. “I love playing music. I love taking care of my family, and what got me into music was the message of love,” Polmateer said. “I like trying to spread that message of love.” A guitarist, Polmateer has been playing his reggae-flavored music in and around Moses Lake both as a solo artist and as part of One Solution with percussionist Cotey Fondren for about 12 years now, keeping busy as he raises his family and works full-time during the days on RVs...

Safety concern: Adams Co. Jail in need of repairs, staffing to reopen

RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the situation facing Adams County in its efforts to reopen and maintain the county jail is not unique. “There are a couple of sheriffs who called me (recently) and said, ‘How did you shut your jail down? Because we can’t do it right now.’ Everybody is dealing with it,” he said...

Basin sports schedule March 15-21

COLUMBIA BASIN – Spring sports are now in full swing here in the Basin, with a full slate of baseball and softball games, track meets and more taking place over the next week.

‘A director is a teacher’

Working with actors is crucial to success in directing, Cheri Barbre says

SOAP LAKE — For Cheri Barbre, the play’s the thing. Barbre is the artistic director of Masquers Theater, an actor and director with the troupe for more than 20 years. But her involvement with the theater dates back to her days at Ephrata High School. “Last time I counted, it was 60 plays total. That’s everything, directing and acting,” she said...

Hi Tide to perform in concert April 3

MOSES LAKE — The sounds of the Caribbean will be coming to the stage at the Wallenstien Performing Arts Center; the Cayman Islands duo Hi Tide will perform in concert at 7 p.m. April 3. The concert is sponsored by the Central Basin Community Concert Association...

Spring art show coming to Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE – Mihail Kivachitsky will be holding a spring reception and art talk at the end of this month featuring new work created for the Soap Lake gallery...

Gorge Amphitheater shows for 2023 - so far

GEORGE - The following shows are currently scheduled at The Gorge Amphitheatre located at 754 Silica Road NW in Geirge. Prices are subject to change at the discretion of the host and do not include booking fees and other incidental charges. Some ticket prices are only valid if purchased in pairs or greater amounts. Camping is also available for some shows at an additional cost. For more information, visit www.gorgeamphitheatre.com.

Columbia Basin Allied Arts

Local organization works to ensure rural Washington has access to creative performances

MOSES LAKE – Columbia Basin Allied Arts has been around for nearly five decades, said CBAA Executive Director Shawn Cardwell. The organization started at Big Bend Community College and works to ensure everyone in Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties has access to the arts. “There are so many events that I’m really proud of; that I love doing,” Cardwell said. “But I really think I am most excited about serving some of the most rural and smallest school districts and on the other hand, some of the largest elementary schools with the lowest income or highest (non-English speaking student percentages in the student body)” ...

Legals for March, 15 2023

Mattawa man dies in trailer fire

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man died when the travel trailer he was living in caught fire late Saturday night. Juan Castaneda, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire in the 21000 block of Road 24.7 SW, according to a press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The fire was reported at about 10:30 p.m. ...

Othello roundabout construction rescheduled

OTHELLO — Construction of a roundabout at Cunningham Road and State Route 17 in Othello, originally scheduled for 2023, has been delayed to 2024 or 2025. Lauren Loebsack, North Central region communications manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, wrote that the project is in the design phase in 2023. “We are working on 60% design this spring,” Loebsack wrote in response to an email from the Herald...

WA Senate passes police pursuit bill

Bill would expand law enforcement's ability to enforce the law, but some say it doesn't go far enough.

OLYMPIA – Senate Bill 5352, a bill related to vehicular pursuits, passed the State Senate floor last week and moved on to the House. Local police and legislators say the bill is an improvement, but not enough though to deal with skyrocketed property crime and other offenses. “There are still some gaps but for the most part this is a good bill,” said Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr. “It restores reasonable suspicion, instead of having to have probable cause which is huge for us,” said Fuhr...

‘The very concerned zone’

Moses Lake faces water supply issues as population grows

MOSES LAKE — It’s Moses Lake Municipal Services Director Kirk Holmes’ job to make sure that everyone in Moses Lake has enough water to drink. Making sure that goal is maintained over the next few years, especially as the city grows and the deep aquifers that provide much of its water slowly decline will take a lot of work...

WSU women earn No. 5 seed in NCAA Tournament

PULLMAN – After winning the Pac-12 Tournament for the first time in program history, the Washington State women’s basketball team earned a No. 5 seed in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Cougars will match up against No. 12 Florida Gulf Coast in the first round of the tournament on Saturday. “They are just so unbelievably good, (Head Coach Karl Smesko) does such a good job at Florida Gulf Coast,” WSU Head Coach Kamie Ethridge said after the team’s NCAA Tournament Selection Show watch party on Sunday. “They have a lot of transfers in every year, he meshes them together. He’s one of the best coaches in the country, so it’s going to be a really tough matchup.” ...

Margaret Hinshaw

Margaret L. Hinshaw, 88, passed away March 10, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Legals for March, 14 2023

Quincy Valley Medical Center bonds issued

QUINCY — Property owners in Grant County Hospital District 2 will be paying a little less than first projected for the construction bonds to build the new Quincy Valley Medical Center. Property owners will be paying an estimated 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, down nine cents from the original projection.

Am. Legion announces oratorical scholarship finalists

EPHRATA – The American Legion held its Washington semi-finals and finals of its Constitution Speech Contest at Big Bend Community College on March 11...

Quincy man arrested for alleged gasoline theft

QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested on suspicion of theft and trespassing after he allegedly broke into the gas pump at an orchard near Quincy to fill his car...

Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue

OLYMPIA — A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senate-passed bill is approved by the House and governor. The bill, Senate Bill 5477, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, would implement recommendations identified in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force...

Catalytic converter theft bill gets hearing

OLYMPIA — A bill to combat catalytic converter theft in Washington moves forward today with a hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee, according to a statement from Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview...

GCSO welcomes new deputy

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete, left, administered the oath of office to Deputy Sheriff Eli Verduzco on Monday. Verduzco comes from the Lower Yakima Valley and will be going to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in the near future, a release by the Sheriff’s Office stated.

WSU, EWU match up in NIT

PULLMAN — After both teams finished the regular season with winning records, the Eastern Washington Eagles and the Washington State Cougars will face off in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament on Tuesday. “(The Eagles) are a different team,” WSU Head Coach Kyle Smith said. “I could see it coming a little bit; I’m just glad we caught them when we did there. They were still playing eight, nine guys, still trying to figure out who their rotation was … Our styles are not that different, where we play this year, and the more they play together the more continuity is there. They’re a really smart, really good offensive team.” The Eagles (22-10) finished the regular season as champions of the Big Sky Conference but were upset by Northern Arizona in the quarterfinals of the Big Sky Tournament last week. At one point this season, Eastern had won 18 straight games from Dec. 17 through Feb. 23 and held the nation’s longest winning streak in Division 1 basketball this year.

Moses Lake temple visitation day announced

MOSES LAKE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has announced the opening of its new temple in Moses Lake to the public for tours...

Creative District Program looks to enhance local creative sectors

COLUMBIA BASIN – The Columbia Basin is full of art, whether it’s artists or art itself, it seems to be abundant for all to participate in or enjoy. “I think a lot of us have that artistic impulse,” said Dollie Boyd, Moses Lake Museum and Art Center Superintendent. “You know they might call themselves crafters – just because they’re not academy-trained artists doesn’t mean they don’t have something to contribute.” ...

Wenatchee-produced film to premiere March 30

WENATCHEE — The documentary “We’re Not Lost: The Last Ride of the Show Ponies,” produced by North Forty Productions of Wenatchee, will premiere this month in Wenatchee, according to a statement from North Forty. The film chronicles the American indie-grass band The Show Ponies on their final tour in 2018, bidding farewell to their fans, each other and their dreams of success in the music industry, according to the statement. The band’s tour stops included Wenatchee and Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Along the way, they examine their success, failures, and the toll it takes to keep a dream alive and a touring band on the road, the statement said. The premiere will be at 7 p.m. on March 30 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee. Screenings will follow in Seattle, Prosser and Los Angeles at dates to be determined, the statement said.

CWU musicians to perform at international conference

ELLENSBURG — A group of musicians from Central Washington University will perform at an international music conference next year, according to a statement from the university...

Daniel J. Theriault

Beloved husband, father, and pépère, Dan, 66, passed away on Feb. 17 with his family by his side. His life was filled with the love of his wife Ann (Violette), his sons Adhem and Albert, daughter-in-law Jenna (Holberg), and darling granddaughters Violette and Everly. Dan graduated from Van Buren District High School in1974, and earned degrees from the University of Maine, Orono in 1978, and University of Maine, Presque Isle in 1985. His career spanned over 35 years, primarily in food manufacturing management. Dan is survived by his wife, sons, daughter-in-law and granddaughters; two sisters Gae Bernier and Gisele Minella; four brothers Rudy, Guy, Conrad and Ronald; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Annette (Madore) and Romeo Theriault, his brother Roger and sister Jocelyn Smith.

Ruth Leone Rinehart

Ruth Leone Rinehart, of Chelan, Washington, passed away on Feb. 13, a day before her 85th birthday, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her children and passed peacefully at home with her beloved husband and son at her bedside. Ruth was a Valentine's Day baby, born in 1938 to Gladys and Charles Reese in Williamston, Michigan. After graduating from Williamston High School in 1956, Ruth enrolled in Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. RN diploma in hand, she worked briefly in St. Paul, Minnesota, before returning to Williamston in 1960 to marry her high school sweetheart, Delbert Rinehart, for whom she had promised to wait until he was discharged from the Air Force. They returned to St. Paul, where she resumed working as a nurse until the birth of their first child, David. She became a stay-at-home mom, having two more children, Daniel and Delece. Del’s job took them to Sundance, Wyoming, where their last child, Darrell, was born. After short stops in Great Falls and Glasgow, Montana, Ruth and her family settled down on a small farm 13 miles outside Opheim, Montana. It was so rural, Ruth would haul the kids to the bus stop in a trailer behind her snowmobile, ensuring they got on the bus safely during severe winters.

Weather for Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

Monday: Rain likely, mainly after 10 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a south wind of 14 to 21 mph and gusts possibly as high as 31 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday night should see a chance of rain before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low of about 33. Breezy. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50, and the chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday night should see a slight chance of rain before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 31 and a chance of precipitation around 20%. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 52. Wednesday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 28. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 54, while Thursday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Source: National Weather Service

Cafeteria patrol

Police officers and firefighters visit Groff Elementary Wednesday to connect with students.

MOSES LAKE — Chocolate milk on cereal? Officer Campbell was skeptical. Moses Lake Police Department Officer Ian Campbell was having breakfast with students at Groff Elementary Wednesday, and one of his breakfast buddies insisted that chocolate milk was the best option for cereal. Campbell said he didn’t know about that, but he did concede chocolate milk might make more sense on chocolate cereal. “Chocolate milk would make it double chocolate,” he said...

Backyard chickens

What to do to raise happy, healthy egg producers

After egg prices hit record highs in late 2022 and early 2023, having a flock of backyard chickens to provide a personal supply of eggs can be tempting. Dr. Isabelle Louge, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers tips for designing coops and researching hatcheries before bringing chickens home and keeping them healthy and happy. First, Louge suggests that owners prepare a spacious coop with fencing to prevent overcrowding and predation, which is the act of one animal killing another for food.

Legals for March, 13 2023

Woman arrested and charged with raping 15-year-old boy

EPHRATA - Andrea Campos Hernandez, 22, Moses Lake has been arrested after an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old Warden High School student, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. “The alleged misconduct started in 2021 when the boy was 13 and Hernandez was 21,” the statement said...

Jacks open 2023 season with 10-0 win over Tonasket

QUINCY – The Jackrabbits put on a show to start the year, scoring 10 goals in their 10-0 win over Tonasket on Saturday. Quincy senior Antonio Valadez opened the year with a hat trick, while fellow senior Jorge Nunez and freshman Erick Zepeda both netted two goals of their own.

Healthcare industry to collect demographic data

OLYMPIA — More than 400,000 health care professionals in Washington would be required to provide information on their race, ethnicity, gender, and spoken languages under a bill that passed the House and is now being considered by the Senate. “This is something that we need to do to align our racial and ethnic makeup, and also just understanding better how we can get the workforce that reflects our state,” said Rep. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane. “This is needed to help us have a more robust and diverse workforce.”

Royal City, engineering firm to offer scholarship

ROYAL CITY — Engineering firm Anderson Perry & Associates announced it has created a scholarship it will award on behalf of the City of Royal City, according to a letter sent by the company to the city. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is available to Royal High School students, according to the letter. Anderson Perry & Associates will coordinate the selection of the winner, with input from representatives of the city, the letter said.

Food pantries seek flexibility to aid families

OLYMPIA — Legislation currently making its way through the Washington State Legislature would give food banks the ability to spend more money on diapers, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and other non-food items in order to meet increasing demand. Substitute House Bill 1499, by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oak Harbor, allows food banks to expand the percentage of food assistance funding they can spend on non-food items from 10% to 25%.

Ephrata students involved in I-90 rollover accident

No serious injuries reported

COLUMBIA BASIN – Six Ephrata High School students and one staff member were involved in a roll-over crash early Friday morning. A release by the district stated that shortly after 8 a.m. an Ephrata School District vehicle was involved in a single vehicle roll-over crash just east of Moses Lake on I-90 between the Moses Lake SR 17 exit and the Schrag Rest Area.

Test flight, a new elementary school for Moses Lake, and a basketball recap on Studio Basin Podcast

On this episode of the Studio Basin podcast, senior reporters Charles Featherstone and Cheryl Schweizer discuss recent electric engine test flights at the Grant County International Airport, a new school in the Moses Lake School District and more. Next, sports reporter Ian Bivona recaps the state basketball tournaments in Yakima and Spokane, where three local teams took home hardware. The Studio Basin podcast can be found on your favorite podcast apps, or downloaded directly at https://bit.ly/3T4dDOR.

Fire fighting support bill passes WA House

Local fire chief says legislation will be a big asset if enacted

OLYMPIA – Legislation to fund aerial fire suppression assistance for small and rural fire departments passed the state House Wednesday. “Listening to some of the people here at my district, they have always been afraid to order aircraft because of that dollar amount,” said Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Chris Baker. “So, we’ve had some fires that could have definitely used it that were very large. I think it’s about time and as long as we have training in place to ensure that everyone is responsible with that resource, it’s going to be really important – a great asset for us.”

ML school board mulls design for new school

MOSES LAKE — The 12th Moses Lake School District elementary school will be located in Mae Valley and will resemble Groff Elementary but will cost more. A schematic design of the proposed school was presented to the Moses Lake School Board at its regular meeting Thursday. Matt Whitish of Design West, the principal architect on the project, estimated the current cost at about $33.9 million if district officials decide to implement some of the changes suggested by staff to the existing Groff Elementary design. There’s also an option to add eight classrooms. If district officials decide to do that, Whitish said, the construction estimate is about $38.5 million.

Mitsubishi Scuttles the SpaceJet

TOKYO — Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced in February that it is ending its development of the SpaceJet regional jetliner and has scuttled at least one of the planes housed in Moses Lake. Near the end of a conference call reviewing the company’s earnings for the third fiscal quarter of 2022, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries — parent company of Mitsubishi Aircraft — said it will discontinue the development of the regional jetliner citing both the cost and complexity of the program.

Brian Slaugh

Brian Eugene Slaugh passed away quickly of a heart attack on Feb. 26, 2023, at 62 years of age. Brian was a resident of West Valley City, Utah at the time of his death. He attended school in Moses Lake, Washington during his junior high and high school years and graduated in 1979 from Moses Lake High School. He also attended BBCC, EWU and Weber State. Brian was single at the time of his death. He is survived by his parents Phil and Doreen Slaugh, sisters Susan Chatterton (Alan) and Sharon Helke and brother Don (Verna) Slaugh. He was preceded in death by his brother Darron. He had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a good cook and worked at Perkins and Porterhouse restaurants in Moses Lake and Marie Callender’s in Utah. He spent 25 years as an employee of the IRS as an examiner in Ogden, Utah and had taken an early retirement because of health issues.

6T Ranch

Family and faith push local rancher

SOAP LAKE — Darren Hinen, of Soap Lake, has been in the cattle business most of his life. He started as a teenager with a job feeding cows nearby, but by 20 years old he had his first two. He said he prefers ranching over farming, as there is “less equipment to break down.” He said he credits his cattle interest to his grandfather, Irv Toler. Toler started Polar Lockers in Ephrata in the 1940s and was in the business of raising and processing animals for many years. In fact, Hinen used some of his grandfather's equipment for a time while getting started in his own operation. Hinen's ranch is next door to his grandfather's place, providing a reminder of his roots, even though he is striving to take his operation to a higher level. As such, he's developing a web presence and is establishing a brand name for himself – 6T Ranch Beef, an extension of his 6T Ranch.

Paul Eide

Dr. Paul A. “Opa” Eide, 78, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 6 at Samaritan Hospital with his wife of 54 years at his side. Paul was born in Washington, D.C. in July 1944 to Inger Eide. He lived in Juneau, Alaska until he finished high school, when he moved to Longview, Washington to attend Lower Columbia College. There he met his wife Carol Linderholm. Together they attended Central Washington University. After graduation they moved to Moses Lake, Washington to take jobs teaching in the school district. Soon after they started a family. Paul taught for the Moses Lake School district for 35 years at Frontier and Chief Moses middle schools and later Moses Lake High School. He taught mathematics, social studies, history (world, U.S. and Washington state), economics, civics and geography. Subjects included the 10 regions of the world, seven factors of culture, three factors of civilization, three branches of the government and the three factors of economics. During these years he also coached basketball, ran tournaments, coached debate and formed a chess club and a Latin club. He was also recognized as an outstanding educator by Who’s Who Among Teachers for eight years.

Darrell Adolphsen

Darrell Kenneth Adolphsen, 71, passed away on Feb. 24, 2023, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington, after a brief illness. Born in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 21, 1952, to Gordon and Marcella Adolphsen, he was the youngest of three children. Darrell grew up and attended school in Moses Lake, Washington. In 1970 he married Coral Smith. They had two children, Angelete (Friedbauer) and Boe Adolphsen. From May 1979 to 1999, he was married to Kim Morlan (Johnson). Darrell worked at Chief Moses Middle School, and more recently at Longview Elementary as a custodian, where the students adored him. He was well known for his bottomless pockets of Life Savers. He retired from the school district in 2020.

RECAP: 2022-23 Basin basketball season

COLUMBIA BASIN – Of the 24 basketball teams in the Basin, five teams qualified for state competition and three ended up taking home hardware. With the 2022-2023 season now in the rearview mirror, see below for a recap of how local boys and girls teams fared this season...

Ready for a Space Burger?

Lioness Club of Moses Lake looks to serve tastiness in late March.

MOSES LAKE — Space Burgers are coming back.

Registration open for Ephrata business expo

EPHRATA — Registration is open through March 20 for the Business After Hours Business Expo, scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. April 12 at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. The expo is sponsored by the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce.

Early days

It’s not time to plant yet, but there’s still plenty of garden preparation to do

MOSES LAKE — Spring is finally here, or so we all hope, although last week’s weather may have shattered many people’s faith in the season. And spring means the garden is calling. But don’t be too eager to answer that call, experts say. “Things are still really dormant, you know, and so people need to be a little patient,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City. “One thing that you need to remember is it's still way too early in our area for most types of plants to be out. We're in Zone 6B here in Moses Lake, and our last frost date is approximately May 2. I don't ever put my plants out, my seedlings and annual flowers, until around Mother's Day,” said Valerie Parrott, president of the Moses Lake Garden Club and owner of Seed Cupboard’s satellite nursery in Moses Lake.

Legals for March, 10 2023

Ready for a cold one

MOSES LAKE - William Stakelin and his wife Claudine, sons Connor and Dylan, and business partner Luke Kindred cut the ribbon on the Moses Lake Taproom at 530 W. Valley Road with members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Hunting group files suit against WA wildlife commissioner

OLYMPIA - A nationwide hunting advocacy group is attempting to give the boot to a Washington wildlife commissioner for serving on another volunteer board.

Bill to protect retired public employees’ health insurance passes WA Senate

OLYMPIA — A bill to protect retired public employees’ access to health insurance unanimously passed the Washington State Senate Wednesday...

Boots and Bling set for Saturday

EPHRATA — The Soap Lake Parents for Kids Boots and Bling Auction will be held Saturday at the American Legion Art Semro Post 28, located at 276 8th Ave NW in Ephrata...

Pesticide Advisory Board bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA – Legislation that would create the Pesticide Advisory Board unanimously passed the state House of Representatives Tuesday...

Feds indict Ephrata man for child pornography

SPOKANE — An Ephtata man convicted last month of multiple charges of sexually abusing a minor has been charged by a federal grand jury with producing child pornography, according to an indictment handed down in Spokane on Tuesday...

One arrested in Othello on outstanding warrants

Firearms charges sought by Adams County DA

OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested March 7 on outstanding felony warrants after refusing to surrender for about 40 minutes...

Charles Hayes

Charles “Chuck” Oliver Hayes Jr., 83, passed away March 7, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington. Charles was born in April 1939 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Charles and Elnora Hayes. Charles married Fay Oct. 11, 1958, in Moses Lake and worked as a diesel mechanic. Charles is survived by his wife Fay Hayes; daughter Cindy; son Randy; grandchildren Jake Breaux, Alice Noe and Haley Hayes; and great-grandchildren Madelyn and Sophia Noe. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister and one daughter.

MLIRD funding bill faces glitch

Grant County treasurer concerned about change

MOSES LAKE — A bill sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) and intended to fix the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District’s current inability to assess, recently passed the state Senate but may have hit a snag as it goes on the state House of Representatives. “We may not have gotten it right,” said Warnick during a phone call early Wednesday from Olympia, where the state legislature is currently in session...

Local aerospace developer, Stoke, gets historic launch site for testing

KENT — Reusable rocket engine maker Stoke Space Technologies announced late Tuesday that it has been assigned a launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for continued testing of the company’s proposed reusable rockets – currently in testing in Moses Lake – by the U.S. Space Force, according to a Stoke press release...

Green hired as chief of Quincy PD

QUINCY — Ryan Green was sworn in as the new Quincy Police Department Chief at the Quincy City Council meeting Tuesday. Green had been serving as the interim chief following the resignation of Kieth Siebert in February. Council members voted 5-0 to approve a contract with Green and appoint him as the new chief...

Stepping out into nature

Local Audubon Society seeks nature lovers, mentors

MOSES LAKE — The Central Basin Audubon Society is looking for a few good volunteers. “You don’t have to be a teacher,” said Gayle Talbot, president of the local Audubon Society. “You can be a person who’s just interested in children and interested in the environment.” Every year, society volunteers lead field trips for elementary school students to the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, which covers about 30,000 acres between Moses Lake and Othello, mostly south of Potholes Reservoir, to see a relatively undisturbed example of the local environment and the wild creatures that live there or migrate through, said Talbot.

Law enforcement logs for March 9

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...

Letter: Fox journalists lied about election

For your readers who may not know, Dominion Voting Systems is suing Fox News Network and Fox Corp. for defamation. The court documents show that Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch knew that Fox News hosts lied about the 2020 election, but he valued the lies and profits over telling the truth.

Legals for March, 9 2023

Moses Lake chamber officially opens new offices

MOSES LAKE — After a couple of years of wandering in the wilderness — well, working from home, actually — the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce finally has new office space on Broadway Avenue near downtown Moses Lake. “This office came available, and it was remodeled, so we didn’t have to do anything to it,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, owner of Cornfusion Gourmet Popcorn and the chamber’s executive director. “We could just move in and start operations.” ...

Man sought in Okanogan couple’s deaths

SPOKANE — The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man in connection with the murder of a couple in Okanogan County in February 2022...

St Patrick’s Day dinner and Auction set for March 18

EPHRATA – Annual St Patrick’s Day Girls State and Boys State Dinner and Auction is coming up soon...

Bill would make WA clergy mandatory reporters of abuse

OLYMPIA — A bill currently making its way through the Washington State Legislature would require clergy to report child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse to the authorities, according to a press release from bill author and sexual abuse survivor Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle...

Basin sports schedule Mar. 8-14

COLUMBIA BASIN – Spring sports season has arrived here in the Basin, with many schools beginning competition as soon as Friday...

Othello Community Hospital announces births

OTHELLO – The births below were reported by the Othello Community Hospital. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates the parents on their new arrivals.

Sun Tribune events calendar

The public events below are coming up in the southern portion of Grant County or in Adams County in the near future.

ADUs dominate Mattawa council housing discussion

MATTAWA — The possibility of “accessory dwelling units,” and how to enforce regulations on construction and development, was the subject of a lengthy conversation at the March 2 meeting of the Mattawa City Council...

'You gotta protect your noggin.'

Keeping safety in mind when heading out to play in the sand.

MOSES LAKE - With warm weather getting closer, it’s about that time of year to break out outdoor toys and enjoy the sunshine. It is also important to remember to be safe while out riding on ATVs and off-road vehicles, whether that’s in the sand dunes near Moses Lake or other locations. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jesse King, who oversees ORV safety programs for the department, said there are laws and safety steps things to keep in mind when out riding. While he said that he has not seen too many issues with people out in the dunes he emphasized that it is important to follow the laws...

GALLERY: Othello heads to 2B girls basketball tournament

YAKIMA — The Othello Huskies girls basketball team brought home a sixth-place trophy from the 2023 WIAA 2B state tournament, winning two games at state and losing two.

Legals for March, 8 2023

Moses Lake Chamber cuts another ribbon - its own

Cameron Whittle, past chair of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon with chamber Executive Director Debbie Doran-Martinez, Marketing Director Lori Robbins, chamber business ambassadors and members on the chamber's new offices at 606 W. Broadway Ave. Suite C on Tuesday.

Tenant protection bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA — The Washington House of Representatives last week passed a bill to protect tenants from unreasonable damage claims, according to a statement from Rep. My-Linh Thai’s (D-Bellevue) office...

Burglary suspect nabbed via footprints in snow

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man Monday morning for a burglary near Soap Lake...

Cougars, Huskies on to Pac-12 tournament

LAS VEGAS – With the regular season coming and going, the Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies now prepare for the 2023 Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas starting on Wednesday...

Driver’s ed to teach sharing road with trucks and buses

OLYMPIA - Driver’s education courses will include guidance about sharing the road with big trucks and buses if a bill approved by the Washington House gets an OK from the Senate...

Banks Lake drawdown brings warnings to stay away

COULEE CITY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to stay off Banks Lake, according to a GCSO statement...

Sackmann named to American Angus Association

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The American Angus Association announced last week that Nia Sackmann of Warden has been named as a new junior member of the association, according to a press release...

David G. Finlay

David G. Finlay, 80, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Feb. 20, 2023, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake with his daughter at his side. He was well taken care of by the ICU doctors and staff. David was born on Nov. 6, 1942, in Salida, Colorado and grew up in the Sacramento area of California. David was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Charlene Finlay. David is survived by his brother Wes Finlay, sister-in-law Pat Finlay, daughter Rudeen Larsen, son-in-law Doug Larsen, granddaughter Racyna Henson and her husband Caleb Henson, two great-grandchildren Ryker and Mayzi Henson and uncles, aunts and cousins from the Boring family.

Full house

Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show draws crowds

MOSES LAKE — It was only about an hour into the first day of the Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show Friday morning, and already the place was packed. “I’m very happy with the way it’s started,” said Joe Eaton, behind tables laden with hot sauces and jerky. “You know, I've been vending for 28 years. And when someone says it's a first-time event, I always get a little nervous.” The show occupied the Commercial Building at the Grant County Fairgrounds, and it wasn’t just customers who filled the venue. The show’s organizers, the team at Seed Cupboard Nursery, had originally planned for 50 vendors, but ended up having closer to 70. Originally, the organizers had asked a different organization to put the show together, Seed Cupboard owner Lisa Villegas said, but couldn’t get anyone interested, so they ended up organizing it themselves.

WA House unanimously approves bill to help find missing persons

OLYMPIA — The state House of Representatives gave unanimous approval Wednesday to a bill that would provide additional tools and resources to help locate and recover missing persons in Washington state. “The first 24 hours of when a person goes missing is very critical,” said Rep. Gina Mosbrucker (R-Goldendale), prime sponsor of the bill. “This bill would create a much-needed resource that could be accessed instantly so that we can help those families who may be missing a loved one.” According to a release by Mosbrucker’s office, House Bill 1512, also known as the “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons and Lucian Act,” is a recommendation from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force and the Office of the Attorney General. It is also named after Lucian Munguia, a four-year-old Yakima boy with autism who was reported missing from a local park on Sept. 10, and whose body was discovered nearly three months later in the Yakima River.

Proposal aims to keep people alive during extreme heat

OLYMPIA — Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility services between Nov. 15 and March 15 if a resident follows certain steps, including agreement to a payment plan. House Bill 1329, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, would prohibit involuntary termination of electric or water utility services due to lack of payment in certain high-heat events.

Proposed bill would require sex trafficking education in schools

OLYMPIA — Sex traffickers often manipulate their victims with lies or threats and force them to participate in sexual acts, and the most vulnerable victims are between the ages of 12 and 18. “Sex trafficking is rampant, indiscriminate and insidious, especially among youth, but it’s rarely thought as (of as) such,” said Ria Bahadur, a member of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council at Eastside Preparatory School. “I like to believe humans are good people, and I like to believe when given the right education, we’re stronger and smarter than any pimp out there,” she said. To make children stronger and more aware, Bahadur helped shape a bill sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Seattle, which is now moving through the state Legislature. The bill requires school districts to provide education on sex trafficking and identification at least once between seventh and 12th grade. The bill was approved in the Senate and now moves to the House.

EWU falls to NAU on buzzer-beater in Big Sky tourney

BOISE, IDAHO —The top-seeded Eastern Washington Eagles fell on a buzzer-beater to No. 9 Northern Arizona in the men’s Big Sky tournament quarterfinals on Saturday. Lumberjack guard Oakland Fort had the ball kicked out to him after an attempted drive-by guard Jalen Cone with 1.4 seconds remaining, and Fort’s shot left his hand with .4 seconds on the clock. Fort’s shot rang true, as players and coaches swarmed the freshman guard on the opposite end of the floor in celebration. The Eagles and Lumberjacks played back-and-forth all game, with both squads being tied at 35 at the half. Neither team led by more than eight points all night in Boise.

Soap Lake hosts meeting regarding Purple Sage Meadows development

Some leave feeling their questions were not addressed

SOAP LAKE — A public hearing regarding a 236-lot manufactured home condominium development was held at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center on Friday. The meeting had a large turnout of about 50 people, who had questions and concerns regarding the development. “This will give the first-time homebuyer an opportunity to build equity far faster than if they were buying a trailer in a rental park or if they were renting,” said real estate agent and former Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle, who represented the developer, North Pacific Investments Inc., at the meeting. The development, called Purple Sage Meadows, sits on about 39 acres along Division Street South, on the west side of the street between Eighth Avenue Southeast and SR 28. The site had originally gone through a process to become a 189-stall RV park before changing gears to the currently proposed development.

Scenes from the state basketball tournament

SPOKANE — The Warden Cougar girls and Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Bronco boys both left the Spokane Arena with hardware in last week’s 1B and 2B state basketball tournaments. Check out these photos from the state tournaments, including the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys and girls squads that both qualified for state.

Not spring yet

Snow showers forecast for week’s end

MOSES LAKE — The only question anybody had about the snow that fell Sunday night and Monday morning was, when was it going away? Well, there were two questions. Is it coming back? It being early March, it’s not going to stick around too long. But, said Rachael Fewkes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Spokane, said at least a little snow might be back by the end of the week, but early March is looking erratic.

Malnutrition bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA – House Bill 1274, a bill to help prevent child malnutrition, passed the Washington House unanimously Saturday. “While a child malnutrition field guide seems like a small step, it's a step we can take right now to ensure that when these state agent visits happen, they can take immediate action. No longer can anyone have the excuse that they didn't know what child malnutrition looks like,” said Representative Travis Couture (R-Allyn), in a release by his office...

Rolando Ramirez

Rolando Joel Ramirez, known to us as Roland, who grew up in Moses Lake before settling in Coral Gables, Florida, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25 surrounded by family and loved ones in Fort Lauderdale. He was 30. Roland was born in February 1993 to Rudy Ramirez Jr. and Rosalinda Saenz. In middle school, Roland began his passion for music that influenced him to follow his dreams of being in the music industry. Roland earned numerous awards and honors playing for the high school band, which was capped off by earning a spot in the Honor Band to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, after an audition. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 2011. After graduating high school, Roland earned his associate’s degree at Big Bend Community College and continued to follow his dream and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music performance with an emphasis in jazz from Washington State University, graduating with cum laude honors. In July of 2020, Roland received a call from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, letting him know he was accepted in the music program. You could not wipe the smile off his face. Hours later, he received another call. It was from the Los Angeles College of Music, where you guessed it, it was too late. Not that he would have chosen differently. Roland packed his belongings and along with a buddy, drove across the U.S. and found his new home in Coral Gables. Roland graduated spring of 2022 with a master’s degree in music business and entertainment. The day of graduation, while preparing for the ceremony, Roland received a call and was offered his first job with his master’s degree, as a music data analyst. He was currently working for 1021 Creative. He was very self-driven and motivated, and worked tremendously hard to earn all his accomplishments.

Legislation would make changes to successful Quincy School District program

QUINCY — Changes may be coming to a Quincy School District program that have shown some success in getting children ready for kindergarten. Colleen Frerks, director of the district’s Whole Child program, told Quincy School Board members the Transitional Kindergarten program is for children who have had little or no access to preschool classes.

Legislature moves to cap insulin costs

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate unanimously approved a bill that will limit out-of-pocket costs of insulin to $35 per month until Jan. 1, 2025. “For people with Type 1 diabetes, this bill is literally life or death,” said Matthew Hepner, the father of a child with diabetes in support of the measure.

Driver’s education making a comeback?

OLYMPIA - Prospective drivers aged 18 to 22 will be required to pass a driver’s education course before receiving a drivers license undr a bill recently passed the Washingto State Senate. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5583, which passed 41-7 on March 1, also includes fee increases. The measure now moves to the state House of Representatives.

Weather for Monday, Mar. 6

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Monday night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Tuesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Wednesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Thursday: A 10% chance of rain and partly sunny, with a high near 44. Thursday night will see a slight chance of rain and snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. The likelihood of precipitation is 20%. Friday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. The possibility of precipitation is 30%. Source: National Weather Service

Legals for March, 6 2023

Warden Cougars bring home third-place trophy

SPOKANE – After falling to No. 1 seed Colfax in the 2B girls state semifinals, No. 4 Warden bounced back with a 54-47 win over No. 3 Napavine in the third/fifth-place game on Saturday, placing in the top three for the second-straight year. “We’ve got a lot of really tough-minded girls,” Warden Head Coach Josh Madsen said. “A lot of hard-working girls. Made a lot of sacrifices the past couple of years, but have a lot to show for it.”

Broncos take fifth at 2B boys state tourney

SPOKANE – The exhaustion of playing four games in as many days at the 2B boys state tournament finally started to wear on the No. 9 seed Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, as they fell to No. 4 Columbia (Burbank) 70-49 in the third/fifth-place game in Spokane. “It seems like we’ve been in playoffs forever, which we kind of have,” LRS Head Coach Dustan Arlt said. “It’s been a month – really, we’ve been in a lot of loser-out games trying to get to this point and place. A lot of tough matchups. The kids stuck together. Played our best at the end of the season this last month, there’s no question about that. To get hardware as a nine seed is a great accomplishment.”

Othello girls take sixth at state tournament

YAKIMA — The Othello High School girls basketball team accepts the sixth place trophy at the WIAA 2B State Tournament Saturday. The Huskies season ended with a heartbreaking 34-32 loss to Sequim in the fourth place-sixth place game, with Sequim hitting the game-winning shot with four seconds to play. It was the first time the Huskie girls have appeared in the state tournament since 2009 and the second-highest state finish in the program’s history.

Applications being accepted for Quincy Police Officer Association scholarship

QUINCY — Applications are due Mar. 30 for a scholarship to be awarded by the Quincy Police Officers Association to a graduating senior enrolled in the Quincy School District.

Abortion bill protects Washington residents from outside restrictions

OLYMPIA — Reproductive health care services including abortion and gender affirming treatment would be protected in Washington State under a bill passed recently by the House in a 59-38 vote. The legislation, House Bill 1469, was sponsored by Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island. Hansen said it establishes the state’s right to protect the insurance coverage of protected healthcare services, regardless of a person’s location when receiving those services.

State healthcare mask mandate to end April 3

OLYMPIA — The mandate requiring masks in health care facilities, extended-care facilities and adult correctional institutions will end April 3. The end of universal masking in those facilities was announced in a Friday press release from the Washington Department of Health.

Regional apprenticeship bill passes WA House

OLYMPIA – House Bill 1013 passed the Washington State House of Representatives on Thursday and, if enacted, would create regional apprenticeship programs for high school students. "My bill is an effort to provide an education for the future and help ensure the success of our students, while making the most of their high school education. There's no reason a high school diploma can't lead into successful career opportunities," said Representative Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, prime sponsor of the bill. "We need to encourage them to explore new opportunities and expose them to trades and careers they may have never thought of before."

Lions fall out of 1B tourney with loss to Orcas Island

SPOKANE – The MLCA/CCS Lions weren’t able to overcome a slow start in the first half of Friday’s consolation semifinal round of the 1B Boys State Basketball Tournament, falling 67-39 to Orcas Island. The lid on the top of the basket closed for the Lions in the first quarter, as they were unable to put points on the board for the first nine minutes and 46 seconds of game time.

Colfax tops Warden in state semis

SPOKANE – In a rematch of the 2022 2B girls state finals, the No. 4 seed Warden Cougars once against shared the court with the No. 1 Colfax Bulldogs in the Spokane Arena. However, this year’s game finished with a victory for Colfax, who overcame a 4-point deficit to start the fourth quarter to beat Warden 66-53.

Broncos fall in state semis

SPOKANE – After holding a nine-point advantage at halftime, the No. 9 seed Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos fell to the No. 5 seed Brewster Bears 55-50 in the 2B boys state semifinals on Friday in Spokane. Brewster opened the second half on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 34, and the Broncos and Bears exchanged the lead three times down the stretch of the third and fourth quarters.

Artificial and real collide in CWU art show

ELLENSBURG — What happens when the digital world becomes more comforting than the real world is the subject of an art exhibit at Central Washington University this week, according to a statement from the university. The show ‘Digital Dependence” by Katherine Mo opened Monday, March 6 at Gallery 231 on the second floor of Randall Hall at CWU, and will run through Friday, the statement said. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In “Digital Dependence,” Mo portrays the digital world she yearns for by merging photography with her digital renders, the statement said. Through a combination of several digital mediums including photoshop, computer-generated imagery, projection mapping and AI-generated imagery, Mo creates otherworldly images that merge both real and artificial, the university wrote.

CWU students strut stuff at Rubik’s Cube tournament

ELLENSBURG — Two Central Washington University students made a good showing at the Sleepless in Seattle 24-hour Rubik’s Cube Tournament last month, according to a statement from the university. CWU mathematics major Ethan Davis won two events at the Feb. 18-19 competition in Everett, including 3x3x3 Multi-Blind, where competitors memorize several cubes, put on a blindfold and try to solve them all without looking, the statement said. Davis also won in an event called Megaminx, in which he solved his puzzle in less than 30 seconds, putting him among the top 10 competitors in the history of the event, the university said. Meanwhile, according to the statement, CWU mechanical engineering major Eli Kirk solved a Rubik’s Cube in less than nine seconds and took third place in an event called “Skewb,” in which competitors try to solve a skewed cube.

Lions fall to DeSales in 1B boys quarterfinals

SPOKANE — The No. 5 seed Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys fell victim to a strong defensive showing by No. 3 DeSales on Thursday night in the Spokane Arena, losing 65-35 in the 1B boys state quarterfinals. The Irish used a 12-0 run from the end of the first to the middle of the second quarter to jumpstart their big win, running a tenacious full-court press and trapping the Lions in the backcourt. “(DeSales is) physically aggressive, that’s all that was,” MLCA/CCS Head Coach Emerson Ferguson said. “Just really physically aggressive, and when that happens you’ve got to be prepared for it. You’ve got to match it and be able to handle it. That was one thing that I don’t think that we did.”

Margaret V. Spies/Sala

Margaret V. Spies/Sala went to see her Lord and many dear friends, passing away peacefully in her Moses Lake lakeside home on Feb. 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Margaret was born the youngest daughter to Jay Wynn and Daisy Wynn on Jan. 20, 1933, in Brimley, Michigan, and in 1945, with her parents and sister Ruth, moved to Moses Lake, Washington. Margaret met and married Robert E. Spies, to whom she was married for 28 years. They had two wonderful sons Daniel (Dan/Danny) J. Spies and James (Jim/Jimmy) E. Spies, whom Margaret was devoted to because of her strong belief in family ties. Spending time together was more important to her than anything else. She continued to hold that strong family belief up to her death.

Cougars on to semis after 15-point win over La Conner

SPOKANE – Defense was the theme in No. 4 seed Warden’s 58-43 win over No. 6 La Conner in the 2B girls state quarterfinals, forcing the Braves into 17 turnovers in the win. Warden used its stifling defense to create fastbreaks and scores in transition from start to finish on Thursday.

Bill to create crisis relief centers passes WA Senate Wednesday

OLYMPIA – SB 5120 passed the Washington Senate unanimously Wednesday, which would direct the Department of Health to license or certify crisis relief centers. “Our state’s new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national model,” said Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), sponsor of the bill and chair of the Law and Justice Committee. “But with that model, we have to step up and deliver the services it promises to people in a mental health or substance use crisis.”

Settler's Natural Market

Basin-based business looks to offer variety, personal service

MOSES LAKE - In the heart of Moses Lake at 118 W. Third Avenue lies a health food store called Settler’s Natural Market. Here there are all sorts of healthy and organic food and natural products to choose from. “Our goal is to give everyone in the Columbia Basin a place to find healthy food that is normally hard to find”, says store operations manager Danette Preston...

WA House passes legislation to increase housing options

OLYMPIA – A bill that seeks to increase housing options through lot splitting passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday. "We need more options to tackle our housing supply problem,” said Representative Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia), sponsor of the bill.

Growing excitement

Seed Cupboard Nursery opens for the season

ROYAL CITY — It takes a little work to get to Seed Cupboard Nursery, a mile or so west of Royal City. Every year though, lots of people think it’s worth the drive. We draw from around the entire community,” said Seed Cupboard owner Lisa Villegas. “From down in Desert Aire, Mattawa, they drive from Ellensburg, a small group from Wenatchee, Quincy, Ephrata, a lot of people from Moses and Othello. So we're kind of in the center. We're not in just one of those locations, so we're fortunate to have really loyal customers that come from all of those locations and support us.” Seed Cupboard, which opened for the year on Wednesday, is in its eleventh year of business, Villegas said. It started in a small red barn and one greenhouse, as Villegas’ retirement project, but that small scale didn’t last for long, she said.

Legals for March, 3 2023

Warden bests La Connor 58-43

Warden senior Quinn Erdmann runs out of the tunnel of Cougar players during player introductions before playing La Conner, which Warden defeated 58-43 late Thursday to advance in the 2B girls state semifinals. For more complete coverage, check out Monday edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

No. 9 Broncos upset No. 2 Morton-White Pass, advance to state semis

SPOKANE – Foul trouble was present on both sides of Thursday’s state quarterfinals matchup between No. 9 seed Lind-Ritzville/Sprague and No. 2 Morton-White Pass, but the Broncos were able to hold on for the upset and win 51-44. Morton-White Pass senior Josh Salguero, a six-foot-seven forward, got in foul trouble early in the second quarter allowing LRS to build a lead throughout the game, navigating some foul trouble of their own along the way.

Search warrant served, Othello man, woman arrested

OTHELLO — An Othello man was arrested for burglary and theft, and an Othello woman was arrested on outstanding warrants, following the search of a home on Barbara Road west of Othello on Tuesday night.

Battle of the Lions

MLCA/CCS boys advance with 58-54 win over Sound Christian

SPOKANE — Despite a scare late in the fourth quarter, the No. 5 seed MLCA/CCS Lions held on to advance to the 1B boys state quarterfinals with a 58-54 win over the No. 12 seed Sound Christian Lions on Wednesday night, surviving to leave the Spokane Arena with a state playoff win. The game flipped in the third quarter, where MLCA/CCS held Sound Christian to just five points. Sound Christian rallied late in the fourth quarter, nearly erasing a 10-point MLCA/CCS lead before falling short of the comeback win.

Othello takes 33-31 state playoff win

YAKIMA — The Othello Huskies used tough defense and hit a couple of critical free throws to defeat the Lynden Lions 33-31 and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2A Girls State Basketball tournament Wednesday. The Huskies took a three-point lead on a single free throw from Riley Farman with about one minute left in the game; Lynden scored to cut the lead to one. A free throw from Annalee Coronado put Othello up by two with eight seconds left. A Lynden shot at the buzzer fell short. It was the first time the Othello girls basketball team has won a game at the Sundome since 2009, and Othello Coach Adolfo Coronado took a moment to appreciate it.

GCIA hosts another first in electric flight

MOSES LAKE — It was another day for the aviation record books at the Grant County International Airport on Thursday. “We are, I think, the second-largest hydrogen airplane ever to fly after the Tupolev 155, which the Soviet (Union) flew in 1988,” said Paul Eremenko, the co-founder and CEO of Hawthorne, California-based Universal Hydrogen. “But I think we can reasonably claim to the fact that we are the largest to cruise principally on hydrogen.” Eremenko spoke to a crowd of about 100 people gathered in the GCIA main terminal following a roughly 20-minute test flight of a special Dash 8 commuter airliner which flew with one electric engine powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system created by Universal Hydrogen.

Dist. 13 legislators update community at chamber breakfast

MOSES LAKE — Legislators of the 13th District met via video conference with members of the Moses Lake community Wednesday morning to discuss how the legislative session is going and what the community’s concerns are this session. “The reason that (the Washington Policy Center) wants to host these breakfasts across Eastern Washington is in recognition of the fact that it's a lot more difficult for our Eastern Washington legislators to get home and hear from their constituents and meet with their communities when they’re stuck in Olympia during session; particularly this year with the long session,” said Sean O’Brien, Eastern Washington Director for the Washington Policy Center. Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and Reps. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, and Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, joined the video conference from Warnick’s office.

Kevin McLean

Kevin Patrick McLean of Leavenworth, 66, passed away Jan. 27, 2023, in Seattle of heart failure. He was born on March 23, 1956, in Moses Lake. Kevin graduated from Moses Lake High School, Class of 1974. He went on to Gonzaga University for undergrad and law school. He spent his career as a defense attorney, working for 20-plus years as a public defender with ACA. Friends were always important to KP and he maintained many lifelong relationships from school and the law community. The friendships he valued most were his supporters in AA for more than 30 years. Kevin often led meetings, supported others and welcomed newcomers.

Paradise in the desert

Family farm boasts 97 years of existence

COULEE CITY — While he may not know the reason behind his family swapping land in 1926 with a man called Badger, Dan Bolyard still lives off the land that has been in his family ever since. “Everyone in the family just calls it ‘the ranch’ but the original homesteader called it Paradise Farms,” said Boylard. The story behind the property begins nearly 100 years ago when Bolyard’s great-grandfather, Doliver Bolyard, swapped land with Albion Wilson, a man whom locals called Badger, Dan said.

Grant Co. Republicans gather for annual fundraiser

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Grant County Republican Party gathered last week to listen to their state legislators, raise money and honor long-time GOP volunteers. “I think it’s a big part of recognizing the people who built the Grant County Republican Party,” said David Hunt, the newly elected chair of the county GOP...

Law enforcement logs for March 2

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.

MLFD gets $3.3M grant for additional personnel

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to employ a number of new firefighters and paramedics over the next three years, according to MLFD Chief Brett Bastian. Speaking to the Moses Lake City Council during a regular meeting on Tuesday, Bastian said the grant – which the city council unanimously voted in favor of – under DHS’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program has no strings attached and no requirement for city matching funds, so long as the grant money is spent solely on salaries and benefits over the next three years...

Public should get look at new Quincy hospital design by April

QUINCY — Quincy residents should get a look at the design of the new Quincy Valley Medical Center by the end of April. “I expect with the finishing of all this stuff, we will have renderings of the facility for public consumption in the next 30 to 60 days,” QVMC consultant helping coordinate the new facility, Joe Kunkel said...

‘Beauty and the Beast’ opens Friday at Quincy High

QUINCY — A classic tale of love, sacrifice and rediscovering one’s humanity comes to the Quincy High School stage for the next two weekends.

Broncos use strong fourth quarter to overwhelm Adna

SPOKANE — A six-point lead going into the fourth quarter turned into a 15-point win over Adna for the Lind-Ritzville Broncos in the Round of 12 in the 2B Boys State Basketball Tournament. The Broncos outscored the Pirates 17-8 in the fourth quarter, using their depth to keep fresh legs late in the fourth quarter. “That’s kind of what we’ve done to teams lately,” LRS Head Coach Dustan Arlt said. “It seems like they’ve worn out, we’ve got a lot more depth. Picking teams up full-court. At the beginning of the season fourth quarters weren’t always our strong point, but since these 10 or 11 games we’ve been playing four-quarter games and not falling off in the second half.” Sophomore Jayce Kelly finished with 24 points, including converting three of six three-pointers. Senior Hunter Dinkins also finished three of six from three, scoring 11 points in the win. Senior Chase Galbreath scored 14 points in the win.

Quincy SD board gets special guest star

QUINCY — Hailey Beegle, who plays Belle in the Quincy High School production of “Beauty and the Beast,” performs a song from the musical for Quincy School Board members Tuesday. The play opens at 7:30 p.m. in the QHS theater, 403 Jackrabbit St. NE, and runs for two weekends.

Lions fall to Odessa in girls 1B state tournament

SPOKANE — In a back-and-forth first game inside the Spokane Arena, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions fell to Odessa 55-50 in the Round of 12 portion of the 1B Girls State Basketball Tournament. “The girls, they played their hearts out,” MLCA/CCS Head Coach Josh Kast said. “They’re disappointed in the way it ended. They’re pretty heartbroken.” The Tigers used free throws to capture the lead late in the fourth quarter after the Lions had led for the majority of the second half.

Cannabis concentration bills fail to grow in state legislature

OLYMPIA — Two bills that aim to limit the potency of cannabis products have not progressed through the Washington House and look like they will not make the final cut this session. “The high use of recreational drugs concerns me a lot,” said Representative Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake), secondary sponsor of the bills. House Bills 1641 and 1642, if passed, would have created a graduated cannabis excise tax based on THC concentration and limit the potency of cannabis concentrates. “It really concerned me because they are so much stronger than they used to be,” said Dent.

Downtown food truck court work continues in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The food court set for the corner of South Alder Street and Fourth Avenue in downtown is one step closer to reality following the delivery of the compass rose, the centerpiece of the food truck court, according to Levi Bisnett, a surveyor with the city who is currently overseeing the project.

Jeffrey Sellen

Jeffrey David Sellen, who grew up in the Columbia Basin region before settling in Lynnwood, passed away on Feb. 19 from heart failure. He was 62. Jeff, born May 4, 1960, graduated from Warden High School in 1978. As a teenager, he loved to work on classic cars and motorcycles. Jeff moved out of state to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but he left university after his freshman year to follow his passion for the arts, becoming one of the most highly sought-after artists, designers, and masters of stone masonry in the Seattle area. During a four-decade career in stone masonry, he founded his own firm, J.D. Sellen Design Stone & Marble Company. His attention to detail and precision with natural stones has been displayed in catalogs and magazines of fine home building for decades.

William ‘Willie’ Thomas Lowe

William Thomas Lowe, 94, of Moses Lake, Washington, died Feb. 21, 2023. Willie Lowe was the son of Thomas Lee Lowe and Lillian Lee Lowe (nee Taylor), and loving husband of Donna Patricia “Pat” Lowe (nee Terry). He is survived by his three daughters Cathy (Bruce) Clark, Linda D. Lowe and Terri (Ed) Morrison. He is also survived by four grandchildren Joshua Pittsenbarger, David (Whitney) Pittsenbarger, Jessica Sturgeon (nee Morrison), and James Morrison. Additionally, he is survived by nine great-grandchildren Natalie, Jacob, Shayden, Annaka, Theofilia, Westen, Robert, Michael and Alexander. Willie was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Lillian Lowe, his infant son Robert Thomas Lowe, his wife Pat Lowe, and his sister Norma Lee Mathies (nee Lowe).

Basin sports schedule Mar. 1-7

COLUMBIA BASIN – It’s the final week of the winter sports season here in the Basin, as five local boys and girls basketball teams chase their dreams of achieving a state title in their respective brackets...

Centenarians have lots of stories to tell

MOSES LAKE — Edna Watkins, Ann Klobucher and Helen Theis have seen a lot. They were girls in grade school when the Great Depression started, in their late teens and early 20s when World War II started. They were in their late 40s when men walked on the moon and in their early 80s at the start of a new century. They’re still going, 100 years – or more –after they were born. Tice will celebrate her 100th birthday March 9; Kobucher will be 102 years old March 7 and Watkins turns 103 years of age March 3. “Gee, Mom, you’re the young ’un here,” Tice’s daughter Jackie Chmela told her when the three women and members of their families got together at Monroe House, where they live. Tice is a Spokane girl, the daughter of a farm family, she said.

Othello Chamber hosts annual awards banquet

Johnson, Kix Stand Espresso and others recognized for service excellence

OTHELLO — Ken Johnson fought back emotion as he accepted the Citizen of the Year award, and Maria Montalvo almost didn’t believe it when the presenters gave her the Civil Servant of the Year award. The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce presented those and other awards at its annual banquet Friday. Kix Stand Espresso was named Business of the Year, with the final votes cast during the banquet. Janette Zuniga-Gomez, a teacher at Lutacaga Elementary School, was the K-5 Teacher of the Year. McFarland Middle School teacher Regina Holmes-Zamora was the 6-12 Teacher of the Year...

Lookin' to get hitched?

Weekend bridal expo offers ideas to local couples.

MOSES LAKE — On the bar in front of Jessica Ramynke sits a number of little, plastic shot glasses of purplish-magenta liquid on ice. It’s the signature drink and service of Ramynke’s company, Yakima-based Raise Your Glass. “It’s huckleberry syrup,” Ramynke said. “Either we buy it or I make it my own at home. I go out and pick the huckleberries in the mountains. We take it home and boil it down and make the syrup out of it.” ...

Legals for March, 1 2023