Gas prices see relief nationally, but not in WA
MOSES LAKE — After a brief dip last week, gas prices climbed again across Washington, the nation, and locally in Grant and Adams counties, reflecting continued volatility in oil markets as February begins.
Deer doodle
Deer are one of the most common animals in the Inland and Pacific Northwest, including in the Columbia Basin. Color the photo above, snap a picture or scan it, and email it to [email protected] with a note on what your favorite animal in the Columbia Basin is. We'll print your picture and your response in an upcoming issue.
Take a wander, see a wonder
MOSES LAKE — Living in Central Washington has a lot of perks, and one of those is the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters as of Feb. 2, 2026
The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lady Vikings rally in fourth quarter for statement win
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings (21-2) defeated Walla Walla Community College Warriors 60-46 Saturday. With this win, they sit firmly in first place of the Eastern Region of the Northwest Athletic Conference. Head Coach Preston Wilks was ecstatic after the win.
A cute little bean
MOSES LAKE — Pinto is a pretty girl who is just over two years old and a bit under 24 pounds. Fully grown, she is up to date on all of her shots, has been spayed and microchipped.
'It never goes away’
Three decades after Frontier tragedy, Moses Lake heals the way it always has — quietly, together
MOSES LAKE — Three decades after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School on Feb. 2, 1996, Moses Lake is still healing – quietly, together and steadily. Sunday the community gathered for “We Remember,” a 30‑year commemoration at Frontier Middle School, not to relive the trauma, but to honor the strength, unity and continued care that followed it.
After decades of struggle, local man finds stability through Community Court
EPHRATA — Wednesday afternoon, as supporters filled the Grant County Community Courtroom, 54‑year‑old Johnny Metzker walked to the front of the room to accept something he once thought impossible – graduation. For decades, Metzker’s life was defined by addiction, homelessness and a long list of driving‑related offenses that began when he was 19. His record included multiple DUIs, habitual driving offenses and more than a dozen charges for driving while license suspended, dating back to 1989. For much of his adult life, the only constant was chaos, he said.
Washington lawmakers push to regulate data centers
OLYMPIA — Land of the french fries and all things potato, Quincy has become home base for Washington’s data center boom. Home to 13 data centers, the industry has fueled economic growth while spurring significant environmental and energy concerns. Now, Washington lawmakers are confronting the state's high power demand in newly proposed companion bills.
Two Grant County solar farms under construction
QUINCY — Construction has started on two solar electrical generation facilities in Grant County, with five more in the permitting or planning phase.
Moses Lake sisters spend week as legislative pages
OLYMPIA — Twin sisters from Moses Lake served as Washington legislative pages, one in the state Senate and one in the state House of Representatives, for a week in January. Abigail Shearer worked as a page for 13th District Representative Tom Dent, while her sister Elisabeth was a page for 13th District Senator Judy Warnick.
WEATHER: Feb. 2 – Feb. 7, 2026
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Mostly cloudy evening, with a low around 34. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Plenty of confusion in the moments after
MOSES LAKE, Feb. 5, 1996 — Ministers and counselors arrived at Frontier Junior High School about 30 minutes after the shooting. Students were just being let back into the gym.
Legals for February, 2 2026
Mattawa man arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault
DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man was arrested and booked on suspicion of vehicular assault after he allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people outside a house in Desert Aire late Saturday night.
Air quality monitoring routine, Ephrata School District officials say
EPHRATA — The heating-cooling system at Ephrata Middle School is working as designed, according to Ephrata School District officials, and the building has not seen extended periods of elevated levels of carbon dioxide.
Basin sports schedule, Feb. 2-9
MOSES LAKE — As the conclusion of the regular season nears, teams are starting to push for the best tournament seeding possible in their respective sports. See below where your favorite team is headed next.
Othello PD arrests DOSA fugitive
OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department announced the arrest of Gregorio Orozco Jr. for an outstanding warrant out of Benton County for violating the conditions of his alternative drug offender sentencing, under the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative program.
Lady Jacks push past Prosser
QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks defeated the Prosser Mustangs 58-24 Thursday at home as they try to finish the season strong. Head Coach Mark Kondo said his wrestlers did a good job in their win as they get ready for the postseason.
MLCA/CCS comes out with road victory over Devils
WILSON CREEK — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (11-7) earned a 66-40 road victory over the Wilson Creek Devils (13-4) Thursday evening. It was a hard-fought matchup that tested the skills of both teams throughout.
