Ellington

STUDIO BASIN: A round-up of MLSD contract, strike coverage

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston and Editor R. Hans Miller discussed the conflicts at the Moses Lake School District, including the budget shortfall, recent teacher contract and financial plans for the future.

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 19-27

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and a lot of people will be spending time at home with their families or at the church of their choice. Still, there are a few things happening around the Basin. Here are some ideas:

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS: January 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the holidays behind us, things are slowing down a little in the Basin, but there’s still plenty to do coming up in January. Here are a few possibilities:

GALLERY: 2025 at the Masquers

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater brought laughter, drama and joy to the stage in 2025. Here’s a look back at the troupe’s productions for the year. The theater continues to be a big draw for visitors to Soap Lake and puts on a variety of productions throughout the year, including dramas, musicals and comedies.

STUDIO BASIN: New Year’s traditions and plans

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller, along with reporters Nance Beston, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discussed New Year's plans and traditions. Miller is taking it easy with plans to fish and spend time with his wife. Maynard shares a story about scaring the demons away into the new year. Beston talks about the passing grapes under the table. Perez plans to spend time with his nephews to bring in the new year.

Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars returns Jan. 10

MOSES LAKE — Six homegrown hoofers will take the stage again Jan. 10 at Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars. “It’s part comedy (and) part dancing – of course,” said Carla McKean, a board member of the Central Basin Community Concert Association, which puts on the show as its annual fundraiser. “So many people have their favorite dancer coming in. They know the people, so they’re rooting for them.”

SENIOR EVENTS: January 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — After the hoopla of the holidays, it’s time to wind down a little and start getting into a routine. Here are a few things to keep your time occupied.

Metalwork exhibit opens Jan. 15 at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host Ferrous, a group exhibition of 15 innovative contemporary artists who transform iron into evocative works of art. The opening events will be held Jan. 15, beginning with a curator's talk by Renee Adams from 4-5 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 117. Adams is an alum of the CWU Department of Art + Design (MFA, 1999), as well as a local sculptor and blacksmith. A reception will be held in the gallery (Randall Hall, room 141) directly following the talk, from 5-7 p.m.

BASIN EVENTS: Jan. 9-17, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the holidays safely in our rear-view mirror, the calendar in the Basin isn’t as crowded as it was a few months ago. Still, there are plenty of things to get out and enjoy for those who want to. Here are a few possibilities.

‘Four Corners of the Year’

Moses Lake Museum exhibit shows the turning of the seasons

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center’s first exhibit of 2026 encompasses the entire calendar. “The title of the show is ‘The Four Corners of the Year,’” said Gallery Coordinator Veronica Talbot. “It goes through all four seasons. We wanted to start with winter, since that’s where we’re currently at, and then move our way down the year.” Pamela Petry-McKinsey’s exhibit, which opens Friday, is almost entirely done in acrylics. Her work harks back to the Impressionism of the 19th century, which emphasized feelings and spontaneity over realism, Museum Superintendent Dollie Boyd said. “I personally love the color in this show,” she said. “It’s really wonderful to have such exuberant color up on the walls in the middle of winter. … The love of nature really shines through her work.”