WEATHER Sept. 24-30, 2026
WEATHER Sept. 24-30, 2026
Legals for September, 24 2026
QB Sam Darnold returns to practice, no decision yet on Seahawks' game at the Commanders
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since he was injured in the team's season opener. Coach Mike Macdonald said Darnold would not take every rep in practice but he’d be ramped up as the week goes on. Darnold suffered a glute injury on the first series against the New England Patriots. Backup Drew Lock took over and helped the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory, then started in Sunday’s 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
What Ephrata residents should know about the city’s new sign rules
EPHRATA — More than a month after the Ephrata City Council unanimously approved an updated sign ordinance, city officials are encouraging residents, businesses and political campaigns to familiarize themselves with the new rules governing temporary signs. The ordinance, approved Aug. 19, updates the city's sign code and is intended to improve safety, reduce clutter and provide clearer guidance on where temporary signs may be placed. “This just gives a better, a cleaner way of showing what and where you can put the temporary signs,” Community Development Director Ron Sell said. “It's kind of more of a cleanup of where the signs can go because we were starting to get a lot of signs just all over.”
Indigenous teen still missing, may be in Soap Lake or Winchester area
EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the disappearance of 16-year-old Kioni Oman and requested a Missing Indigenous Person Alert through the Washington State Patrol Tuesday.
John Burt Vrieling
October 11, 1925 – September 3, 2026
John Burt Vrieling, 100, of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 3, 2026, just a little more than a month before his 101st birthday. John was born Oct. 11, 1925, in Everett, Washington, to Gerrit and Jennie Vrieling. He was one of eight children. Three of his siblings, Janet Lenssen, Lori Hunt, and Gerry Vrieling, survive him. At just 17 years old, John enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, serving his country for three years. It was an early example of the independence and determination that would characterize him throughout his long life.
Byron James Fitch
In loving memory
Byron James Fitch passed from his mortal body at the age of 84 into Heaven on Oct. 20, 2025. Byron dedicated his life to caring for the earth, spending 35 years working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Following this, he served as a Chemigation Specialist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture for 15 years, retiring in 2011. His love of nature and stewardship of the land was evident not only in his career but also in his personal interests. Byron enjoyed camping throughout the Pacific Northwest and took great pride in maintaining his property on Moscow Mountain in Idaho.
Moses Lake man arrested in stabbing incident
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault – domestic violence after he allegedly stabbed another man early Wednesday morning.
Tigers girls XC takes first at Apple Ridge
EPHRATA— The Ephrata Tigers had a successful day at the Apple Ridge Run Invite Saturday as the boys took third overall, while the girls took first out of 20 schools that competed. Tigers Head Coach Lyndsy Roberts said he was very proud of the way his athletes performed in the early season meet. "Our girls showed up and competed," said Roberts. "They didn't back down from the competition and proved they are going to be a team to watch this year. Winning this meet was a big step for the program." The Apple Ridge meet had a unique scoring format with three different race courses with two athletes scoring on each course, Roberts said. This gives a total of six scoring athletes rather than the traditional five.
Statewide burn ban to end Sept. 30, but fire season isn’t over yet
SOAP LAKE — As Washington's statewide burn ban is set to expire Sept. 30, fire officials are urging residents not to mistake the end of restrictions for the end of wildfire season.
Sheriff’s race Q&A part 2: candidates confront criticism
EPHRATA — As the race for Grant County sheriff heads toward the Nov. 3 general election, candidates Joey Kriete and Darrik Gregg are being asked not only about their plans for the agency, but also about their own shortcomings and how they respond to criticism.
Basin volleyball roundup, Sept. 15-22
MOSES LAKE — As the end of September draws near, so does the first month of Basin volleyball. Many teams over the past week navigated stiff non-league games as they look to set themselves up for a strong second half to the 2026 season. See below how your favorite teams fared last week.
Masquers’ ‘Anastasia: The Musical’ to open Oct. 16
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater’s production of “Anastasia: The Musical” will open Oct. 16, according to an announcement from the theater. The play will star Emma-Jean Wydur as the title character, with Ben McLain, Jeremy Hansen, Alec Lobe, Christy McLain and Auti Kirk in supporting roles, according to a previous announcement from the Masquers. Rachel and Stacey Bresee are directing, and Clark Dalton is the music director.
Tigers claim victory in Battle of the Basin
QUINCY — The Ephrata Tigers football team (1-2) earned a 62-7 victory over the Quincy Jackrabbits (0-3) Friday evening in the Battle of the Basin matchup. "I thought going into the game we had a really solid gameplan for what we wanted to do," said Tigers Head Coach Patrick Mitchell. "We were able to take the ball and establishing our run game early was the thing that we needed to do to be successful all night."
Library activities for October 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening this month for all ages at your local library. Coulee City 218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751 Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23 (Fridays): Preschool Storytime | 11 a.m. Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their adult
Othello e-bike regulations go into effect Sept. 28
OTHELLO — Regulations governing e-bikes and other electrically powered devices go into effect in Othello Monday. Othello City Council members approved the regulations Sept. 14.
Huskies passing game difference maker in victory over Eagles
SEATTLE — The University of Washington Huskies (3-0) defended home field 48-16 against the Eastern Washington Eagles (1-3) Saturday in the final non-conference matchup of the season for both teams. “Thought we did some good things on offense today,” Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch said during the postgame press conference. “There was a couple times that I thought we had some opportunities that we didn’t execute (on), but I felt for the most part we played the type of offense I’d like us to play. Defensively, very disappointed in the penalties. That is not okay to have 100 yards in penalties and multiple drives were kept alive because of penalties. We're too talented on defense to let our emotions get the best of us.”
A gem of a dog
Topaz has the perfect arrangement: you provide the couch, and he provides the daily highlight reel. This butterscotch-and-white gentleman may be small in size, but he's operating with flagship-model charm. Neutered, vaccinated and ready for his next adventure, Topaz is looking for a human who appreciates good company and excellent tail management. Adopt him from Grant County Animal Outreach and upgrade your household to the Topaz edition. To adopt Topaz or another furry friend, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or call 509-762-9616. 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.
Grant County Jail Roster for Sept. 22, 2026
Grant County Jail Roster for Sept. 22, 2026
Student removed from Royal High School after weapon found in backpack
ROYAL CITY — The discovery of a weapon in the backpack of a Royal High School student resulted in the removal of the student from school, but it did not trigger a lockdown. Royal Superintendent Roger Trail said RHS staff discovered the weapon after the student no longer had access to the backpack.
