Rodeo kicks off with barbecue, fundraisers and fun
MOSES LAKE — There was a whole lot going on at the Grant County Fairgrounds rodeo gate Tuesday, when the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours combined with the kickoff of the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo. “It brings out some people who only go to one or two (chamber events) a year,” said Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. “The rodeo extends an invitation to all its major sponsors.” Doran-Martinez estimated that about 250 people came out to enjoy the warm sun, cold drinks and good food. Dinner was catered by Top Gun Concessions, and consisted of barbecued ribs with beans, salads and sides.
BASIN EVENTS Aug. 14-22
COLUMBIA BASIN — The third week in August is coming up, and we all know what that means: the Grant County Fair, Miner Services Demo Derby and Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo. But that’s not all that‘s happening this week. Check out these options as well.
Raap, Durfee advance to general election in Grant County Commissioner race
EPHRATA— With only about 150 ballots left to count in Grant County as of Aug. 13, Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee appear headed to the November general election in the race for Grant County Commissioner Position 3. The election results will be certified on Aug. 18.
Sushik comes full circle ahead of first season at BBCC
MOSES LAKE — The next step in Liana Sushik’s athletic journey has led her to play for the Big Bend Community College Vikings volleyball team this fall after a successful career with the Soap Lake Eagles. Joining the Vikings is something she feels has deepened her love for the sport, she said. “I fell in love with the fact that there’s more than just high school volleyball; there’s another level,” said Sushik. “It’s like a whole new chapter and I’m so excited to see what I have next because there’s a lot that I’ve been through to get here.” Despite her success on the court, Sushik said she didn’t initially start out as an athlete.
Building permits: Aug. 14, 2026
City of Moses Lake
‘Most big repairs start out as small repairs’
Local handyman builds business by helping homeowners tackle repairs before they become problems
MOSES LAKE — When Uziel Ortega launched Steadfast Home Services earlier this year, he wasn't sure whether the phone would ring. After leaving a stable job and betting on himself, the Moses Lake resident spent his first weeks as a full-time handyman driving around town, studying material prices, watching instructional videos and waiting for customers. "I probably got three calls in the first couple of weeks," Ortega said. "I was a little nervous." Those worries didn't last long. Months later, Ortega has grown Steadfast Home Services from a one-man operation into a team with two full-time employees and one part-time worker serving homeowners across the Columbia Basin. Along the way, he has built a reputation for tackling everything from door installations and flooring projects to minor plumbing, drywall and home maintenance repairs.
From Maverick to Warrior
Paige Richardson rises to first year challenges
MOSES LAKE — When former Moses Lake Maverick Paige Richardson first arrived at Walla Walla Community College, she did not anticipate getting to play as much softball as she did in her freshman season, she said. “I didn't know what to expect just because it's a whole different world once you step into college softball compared to high school softball,” Richardson said. “I was used to playing, pitching a lot for the Mavericks. My coach pretty much depended on two of us pitchers, and it just worked out that way, and we worked really well as a pair, and we were able to back each other up in certain scenarios, so I wasn't expecting it, but I'm glad it worked out the way it did.”
Meet Imelda
Looking for a fur-ever love? Imelda is ready to retrieve your heart! This beautiful 3-year-old retriever/Lab mix is black, beautiful, and ready to embark on her next tail-wagging adventure. Spayed, vaccinated, and full of love, Imelda is great with kids and enjoys the company of some canine friends (a meet-and-greet is required to make sure everyone paws-itively clicks). She may also do well with cats, though supervised introductions and some "purr-sonal space" are recommended. Don't let this sweet girl spend another day waiting in the kennel. She's ready to lab-rador her way into your family and become your most loyal companion. To adopt her or another furry friend, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or call 509-762-9616.
Grant County Jail Roster for Aug. 13, 2026
Grant County Jail Roster for Aug. 13, 2026
WEATHER Aug. 14-20, 2026T
WEATHER Aug. 14-20, 2026T
Legals for August, 14 2026
Moses Lake man arrested for unlawful gun possession
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked on suspicion of possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of firearms after a search of his home turned up four guns he allegedly wasn’t allowed to possess.
Nat Washington House earns national historical recognition
'We are on the map'
EPHRATA — A house in Ephrata that preserves the legacy of one of Washington state's most influential families will soon receive national recognition. The Nat Washington House has been approved for a William G. Pomeroy Foundation Hometown Heritage Marker, making it one of few sites in Washington state to receive the distinction. The marker, funded by the New York-based foundation, is currently being manufactured and is expected to be unveiled during a public dedication ceremony in October.
Othello School District 2026-27 finances healthy -- but there are warning signs
OTHELLO — While the Othello School District is in good financial condition for 2026-27, things look a little bumpy over the next four to five years unless there’s some advance planning. Othello School Board members reviewed the proposed 2026-27 budget Monday, and Othello Superintendent Pete Perez said there could be some tough decisions ahead.
Mason’s Place opens in new location
More space with larger kitchen
MOSES LAKE — For Heather Mason, the opening of Mason’s Place’s new location is about more than fresh paint, expanded seating or future menu offerings. It is the culmination of more than a decade of relationships, regular customers and community support that helped transform a small coffee shop’s dream into one of Moses Lake’s most popular third spaces. After 11 years in the Smith Martin Building, Mason’s Place has moved into a larger standalone space that allows for a full kitchen, room to grow and new opportunities to serve customers. But as she looked around the café shortly before opening day, Mason said what struck her most was not the renovation itself.
Masquers announce ‘Anastasia’ cast
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater has announced its cast for “Anastasia: The Musical,” which will open in October. Emma-Jean Wydur will play Anya, a young woman with amnesia who may or may not be the youngest daughter of the Russian Tsar Nicholas Romanov II, who was executed with his family in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Ben McLain will appear as the con artist Dmitry, and Jeremy Hansen will play Vlad, an exiled Russian aristocrat. Alec Lobe will be the Bolshevik general Gleb. Christie McLain will be the Dowager Empress, the grandmother of the real Anastasia, and Auti Kirk will be her lady-in-waiting, the Countess Lily. Other members of the Romanov family round out the ensemble.
Meet Luminos
Ready to add a little luminosity to your life? Luminos is a small adult pug mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He's neutered, vaccinated, and all set to brighten someone's days with plenty of love, laughter, and adorable pug charm. House training status? That's still a bit of a mystery, but every great friendship starts with getting to know each other! What we do know is that Luminos is looking for a family to help him shine. Don't let this little light wait too long. Come meet Luminos at Adams County Pet Rescue and see if he's the missing spark in your life. Adopt Luminos and let your home glow with love. To adopt him or another furry friend, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.org or call 509-488-5514. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call the Columbia Basin Herald Advertising Manager Jeannie Austin-Cook at 509-765-4561.
GRANDMA GREEN SAYS: Are we learning from history?
The other day, as I was grocery shopping, I heard a gentleman complaining about the high prices. Before I thought, I said, “Be glad we don’t live in Ukraine.” I got to thinking how true that is. We are concerned about the cost of gas and groceries and the skyrocketing cost of living, and some people about whether they can afford to go on a vacation. The people of Ukraine are worried about their existence, spending time in shelters due to Russia’s bombing, lack of food, medical needs, et cetera. I am 100% sure that Ukraine and those countries in turmoil would gladly trade places and only have to worry about gas and grocery prices.
Building a community at Desert City Fitness
EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata welcomed its newest athletic club earlier this summer with Desert City Fitness setting up along Basin Street. Since their grand opening June 6, the club has worked to become a strong contributor to the community in Ephrata. “We just opened our doors and whoever comes in, that’s how we do it,” said Bryan Boney, owner of Desert City Fitness. Boney, who owns the club alongside his wife Tracy Fillion, decided to open Desert City Fitness to keep himself active after retiring six years ago. Boney said he has invested all his money from retirement into purchasing the property, remodeling and getting the equipment necessary to open his fitness center.
Ephrata businesses rally for Spokane wildfire victims
EPHRATA — As Spokane-area communities begin the long process of recovering after a series of wildfires, one Ephrata business owner is bringing Grant County residents together to help.
