Association honors locals at real estate banquet
R. HANS MILLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 11 months AGO
Jeannie Austin-Cook, right, was recognized for her commitment to the Grant County Community at this year’s Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors annual banquet on Saturday. Austin-Cook is the founder and one of the admins of a local Facebook group that works to support parents in Grant County. Tammi Canfield, president of the association, who presented the award is pictured on the left.
COURTESY STEFANIE BLAURET VIA JEANNIE AUSTIN-COOK
Jeannie Austin-Cook stops for a photo with her plaque recognizing her for her work in the community. She was nominated for the award by Allison May of Better Homes and Gardens Gary Mann Real Estate in Moses Lake.
Managing Editor Rob Miller is a 4-year U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Western Montana in a community about the size of Soap Lake. An honors graduate of Texas State University, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandee, and their three dogs, Draco, Pepper and Cinnamon. He has one son, William. During his free time, he enjoys photography, video games, reading and working on the house he and his wife bought in Ephrata. He is passionate about the First Amendment and educating communities. | January 23, 2023 4:30 PM
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake-Othello Association of Realtors held their annual banquet on Saturday, Jan. 21. The awards recognized community members and real estate professionals in five categories.
Jeannie Austin-Cook, a member of the Moms helping moms of Grant County WA Facebook group — and incidentally the receptionist at the Columbia Basin Herald — was honored as the Citizen of the Year.
“I feel humbled and honored,” Austin-Cook said. “A little taken aback because what I do isn’t about being recognized.”
Austin-Cook was nominated by Allison May of Better Homes and Gardens Gary Mann Real Estate for her work in the community.
Austin-Cook founded the online support group, she said, and is glad that the online activity has spread into outreach around Grant County. That includes the gift drive the group of about 3,000 people has done for more than four years now. During the 2022 drive, the group was able to provide Christmas presents to about 200 children in the community.
“The group is only successful because of the community. This group has opened my eyes to the needs of many and this is a way for those who need help and those who can help get connected without judgment,” Austin-Cook said.
Moms helping moms of Grant County is open to fathers who could use a hand as well, she said. It’s all a matter of supporting one another. Sales in the online group are prohibited, but gifts and asking for assistance or advice are permitted.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/MOMSHELPMOMS
Also nominated for Citizen of the Year were Moses Lake School Board President/Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr, Grant County Economic Development Council Director Brant Mayo, Richard Pullis of Agri Com Appraisals and the Grant County K-9 unit.
Tara Zerbo of BHG Gary Mann Realty was recognized as Realtor of the Year. Heather Adkinson and Lynn Garza of Windermere/K-2 were also nominated for that category.
LeRae Redal of Moses Lake Realty Group was honored in the Realtor Achievement category. Other nominees included Cindy Fancher, Mark Fancher, Blake Rollins and Tyson Mollotte of Coldwell Banker Tomlinson. Lynn Garza of Windermere/K-2 was also nominated.
In the Realtor Community Service category; Kevin Burgess of Windermere/K-2 was recognized for his service to the community. Mark Fancher was also nominated for the award.
Ami Satterfield of Frontier Title was honored as Affiliate of the Year. Other nominees included Angie Knutson of Movement Mortgage and Stewart Title of Grant County.
Editor’s note: Additional coverage of the awardees at this year’s banquet is in the works and will be published as soon as we can speak with those who were recognized.
ARTICLES BY R. HANS MILLER
Ferguson, GOP submit supplemental budgets
OLYMPIA — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has released his proposed supplemental budget for the upcoming legislative session which is set to start Jan. 12. The governor submits his proposal and the legislature sets their own priorities as a budget is worked out. “I’m providing a road map to the legislature,” Ferguson said during a Tuesday press conference. “This is, of course, the first step in a conversation about how best to balance our budget. Legislators will, of course, have their own ideas, and obviously, I've had conversations with leadership in recent weeks regarding my proposed budget. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with them and all members, of course, of the legislature as this proposed budget moves over to the legislative branch.”
Local group holds holiday give-away
MOSES LAKE — Moms Helping Moms of Grant County – a Facebook group that has grown to include parents of both sexes and people of all ages – held a Christmas give-away event at Rick’s in Moses Lake last week.
WSP warns of scams in wake of trooper's death
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Patrol is asking the public to respect the family’s privacy and to be mindful of potential scams after Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting was killed in a roadside accident near Tacoma Friday. “Though we are grateful for the intended kindness and support, the Washington State Patrol does not accept monetary donations from the public,” said WSP Director of Public Affairs in a statement released Tuesday.