Ellington

Buxton extends Minnesota's home run streak with 3-run shot as Twins top Mariners 5-1 Saturday

SEATTLE (AP) — Byron Buxton extended Minnesota’s home run streak to 18 straight games with a three-run shot in the sixth inning, Pablo López allowed one run over six innings, and the Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1 on Saturday night.

Grant Co. Health District concerned about chickenpox incidences

WARDEN – The Grant County Health District has issued a press release indicating that there has been an increase in the instances of chickenpox over the past few months. GCHD is investigating outbreaks in multiple locations, including a childcare center in Warden that has affected several children that were not yet eligible for the chickenpox vaccine.

STUDIO BASIN: MLSD, fire news, Strength of the Basin and summer sports

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss the ongoing issues with the Moses Lake School District, including an odd sidebar relating to the Grant County Morgue.

Marie Miller

May 1, 1926 – June 24, 2024

Marie Miller, 98, was born on May 1, 1926, on a farm near Ute, Iowa and passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at Columbia Basin Nursing Home in Ephrata, Washington.

QPD asks for assistance locating missing Quincy woman

QUINCY — The Quincy Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a Quincy woman last seen April 28. The QPD is working with the Latino Civic Alliance in an effort to find Carmen Flores, 27. She is autistic but is able to communicate.

Sabin resigns, Lewis named interim MLSD super

MOSES LAKE — Acting Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis has been selected as the interim superintendent for the 2024-25 school year. Lewis was appointed to the position after Moses Lake School Board members accepted the resignation of former superintendent Monty Sabin.

Dementia at home

How to set up a house to be safe for those suffering from cognitive decline

MOSES LAKE — A dementia diagnosis is a tough thing to hear, and it changes things all around the patient. Those changes extend all the way to how a patient’s home is arranged. “Most homes are not designed with the needs of someone living with dementia in mind,” wrote Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Senior Legion baseball roundup: June 28, 2024

MOSES LAKE – Senior Legion baseball teams from Coulee City, Moses Lake and Othello have been hitting the diamond over the past few weeks, competing in league games and tournaments around the state.

BASIN Events calendar for July 2024

MOSES LAKE – As June rolls into July, the days are getting a bit warmer, the fish are biting and the car enthusiasts, golfers and children of the Columbia Basin are celebrating their season. The events below are a partial listing of what is going on in Grant and Adams counties. July 4 events will be published separately to ensure folks can celebrate our nation’s birthday.

Ephrata grad takes mound in state all-star baseball game

EPHRATA – Ephrata graduate Cody Black wrapped up his high school career by taking the mound in one final baseball game last weekend, suiting up for Team Rainier in the Washington All-State Baseball Series in Yakima.

Chip seal project will cause delays on Highway 97A

CHELAN — Drivers on US Highway 97A should be prepared for delays as construction crews work on chip-seal projects between Chelan and Wenatchee. Crews will be repairing sections where drivers have worn down the pavement, starting July 1 and 2, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Transportation. After July 2 work will be suspended until July 8 and then will continue through the week of July 11. Crews will be chip-sealing from 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m.

Moses Lake man arrested for assault, robbery

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man has been booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of second-degree assault and first-degree robbery, among other charges, after he was arrested Thursday morning.

Lauzier Foundation awards BBCC $300K for greenhouse

MOSES LAKE – The Lauzier Foundation recently announced their 2024 charitable recipients list and Big Bend Community College was awarded one long-term pledge to build a Greenhouse Learning Center and an annual grant to support BBCC’s Cellarbration for Education!.

Water safety patrols increase next week

CRESCENT BAR — Marine Unit deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office will be out on county lakes and the Columbia River Next week as part of a campaign to reduce incidents of boats being operated by impaired drivers.

Local grocery store to sponsor food drive for 14th year

MOSES LAKE — Owners of the Moses Lake Grocery Outlet will be collecting donations of food and money for the store’s 14th annual “Independence from Hunger” campaign through the end of July.

GALLERY: WA Golf Men’s Amateur Championship

MOSES LAKE – 120 amateur golfers from around the state and beyond gathered at the Links at Moses Pointe for the WA Golf Men’s Amateur Championship this week, with competition being played Tuesday through Thursday.

GCSO, horse owner disagree on horse’s level of care after seizure, euthanization

MOSES LAKE– The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is seeking animal cruelty charges against the owner of a neglected horse that was euthanized this past week. However, the horse’s owner says the horse, Buddy, likely suffered from cancer which had caused a rapid decline in his health.

Law enforcement logs for June 28, 2024

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for June, 28 2024

STRENGTH: Tony Leibelt

On the front lines of his hometown

QUINCY – After 36 years as a firefighter, Tony Leibelt has seen it all. He’s stood on the front lines of wildfires, he’s rescued rock climbers on the cliffs above the Columbia River and once he even delivered a baby on a bathroom floor. Some of the calls are routine, some are tragic, and some are just plain weird.

STRENGTH: Gregg Fletcher

Focused on medical administration, provider success

MOSES LAKE — Gregg Fletcher said a career in medical technology, which eventually led to a career in medical administration, started with an interest in math and science and a conversation with a guidance counselor at Central Washington University.

STRENGTH: Jason Hilzer

LRS coach Hilzer back to coaching after bout with leukemia

RITZVILLE – Jason Hilzer has been coaching football, wrestling and baseball at Lind-Ritzville/Sprague for nearly a quarter of a century, assisting and leading the way in battles on the gridiron, wrestling mat and the diamond.

STRENGTH: Don Nutt

Coulee City artist lives out his dream supporting other artists

COULEE CITY – Don Nutt has been an artist all his life. “Every 5-year-old likes to draw and color,” he said. “I just never really stopped. Family members gave me how-to-draw books, (which was) the 1960s YouTube.”

McConihe area fire caused by welding accident

MOSES LAKE – First responders are asking the public to avoid the area near McConihe Road Northeast in on the north end of Moses Lake due to a roughly 100-acre fire in the area. Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman is on the scene and said the fire is very wind-driven and spreading quickly. At least one structure is burning as of 4 p.m. A Level 3 evacuation order has been issued for the area.

Patricia and Jerauld Cleven

In loving memory, we pay tribute to Patricia Irene Cleven (June 12, 1946 - January 18, 2024) and Jerauld Richard Cleven (September 8, 1944 - October 19, 2019).

Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson, 69, of Moses Lake has passed away. He was born in Spokane, Washington is preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Louise Olson and his brother Gary.

Batcopter creator’s home destroyed

SOAP LAKE – Looking at what is now left of his home after a structure fire Tuesday evening, Gary White of Soap Lake, known for his community involvement with his passion for all things Batman, including his replica Batcopter, admitted that he was still in shock from the events that took his home in the 500 block of Main Avenue East in Soap Lake and two of the family dogs’ lives.

RISING JUNIORS: MLCA/CCS’s Johnny Ferguson

MOSES LAKE – While tip-off of the fourth/sixth-place game at the 1B Boys State Basketball Tournament was an early one for the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School boys basketball team, sophomore Johnny Ferguson wasn’t going to let the Lions finish the year with a loss.

Registration open for Masquers summer drama camp

SOAP LAKE — Registration is open for a week-long summer drama camp sponsored by the Masquers Theater in Soap Lake. Camp begins July 22 with the finale performance July 26.

Hospital foundation-farm cooperation helps children learn, play

EPHRATA – Children played under a tree near a swing at Cloudview Farm in Ephrata Wednesday morning after picking radishes that morning and learning about pond ecosystems earlier in the week. They’re participating in Lil’ Sprouts, a camp hosted by the farm and funded this year by grant money through the Columbia Basin Hospital Wellness Foundation.

Ephrata High FBLA to compete nationally

EPHRATA – Several Tigers are headed to Florida. Not the four-legged kind, but the kind that have a fascination with professionalism and wander the halls of Ephrata High School. Ephrata High Future Business Leaders of America club advisor and EHS media teacher Ryan Shannon said he’s very proud of this year’s FBLA team.

WA Connections Academy announces Grant Co. graduates

TUMWATER – The Washington Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school that serves Kindergarten through high school seniors announced the graduation of four Grant County students this month.

Independence Day traditions take center stage in George July 4

GEORGE — July 4 being a day of tradition, the nation’s birthday will be celebrated in the traditional fashion at the annual celebration in George.

Moses Lake council, Fuhr express gratitude at his final meeting

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members, city staff and spectators gave City Manager Kevin Fuhr a standing ovation after accepting his retirement request during the regular council meeting Tuesday.

Legals for June, 27 2024

Sommer Rai Clark

Sommer Rai Clark, Born June 21, 2024 in Moses Lake, WA, passed away, unexpectedly, June 21, 2024."

Kirk T. Hartman

Oct. 22, 1945 – June 8, 2024

In his last days, Kirk was asking anyone he spoke with if he could have a new body. Well, the Lord was listening, and he received a new body in Christ on June 8, 2024. His earthly body was just too tired to fight anymore after many years battling various illnesses.

Transportation, health care focuses of S. Grant chamber

MATTAWA — Upgrades to State Route 243, expanded urgent care options and ways to make it easier to dispose of garbage are among the top areas of focus for the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, finishing its second year.

Family fun set for Neppel Landing this weekend

MOSES LAKE – To further support their members with shops adjacent to Neppel Park and to just simply have the community out for a good time, the Moses Lake Downtown Association is having a family picnic day at the park this Saturday.

Sentenced defendant thankful for arrest

Long-term opiate addiction led to poor choices, woman says

EPHRATA – Melissa Shelby Mattingly, 48, of Moses Lake was sentenced after entering guilty pleas on six felony charges – and thanked the court for compassion and said that her arrest was a blessing. “I think my arrest probably saved my life, and although I am facing an exorbitant amount of time away from my children and my parents, I know that I am lucky to still have my life, and I hope that I can at least use my experiences to let other people know that this is the result of fentanyl,” Mattingly said prior to sentencing.

WA Golf Men’s Amateur Championship tees off in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The 2024 WA Golf Men’s Amateur Championship teed off at The Links at Moses Pointe Tuesday morning, bringing in amateur golfers from across the state, as well as some from Idaho, Oregon and Canada.

Bingo night to support nonprofits scheduled

MOSES LAKE — A classic game for a good cause - a whole list of good causes, in fact - will be the goal of a Bingo night sponsored by Care Moses Lake. Bingo is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 13

FRESH NEWS: Largemouth, smallmouth, trout fishing good, walleye fair

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1042.10 feet – dropping 1.20 feet this past week. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 65 degrees. The sand dunes are in the mid to upper 60s after a warmer past week.

Pear Committee manager appointed

MILWAUKIE, Ore. – The Fresh Pear Committee met June 12 and appointed Jeff Correa as Manager of the Fresh Pear Committee of Federal Marketing Order 927, according to an FPC announcement.

Many WA voters still undecided on governor's race 6 weeks ahead of primary

(The Center Square) – With six weeks to go until the Aug. 6 primary in Washington state, a large percentage of registered voters say they haven’t made a decision on who will get their vote in the governor’s race.

Summer sports gallery: June 16-23

MOSES LAKE – Whether it was the football field or the baseball diamond, Basin athletes remained busy over the last few weeks. As the summer heats up, school-based sports have cooled down, but youth leagues are picking up steam throughout the Columbia Basin.

Legals for June, 26 2024

Fuhr retires as city manager after resigning from MLSD Board

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake City Manager Kevin Fuhr has decided to retire as of June 30, citing health reasons, according to a press release from the city of Moses Lake. He also recently resigned from his post on the Moses Lake School District Board of Directors for the same reason.

West defeats East in Earl Barden Classic

YAKIMA – Saturday’s Earl Barden Classic in Yakima saw the West end the East’s four-game winning streak in the all-state football game, taking home a 34-7 win while stifling the East’s offense.

GALLERY: Scenes of June

MOSES LAKE – June has been a busy month in and around the Columbia Basin. Community events, retirements and lots of sunshine have had the residents of Grant County out and about. The photos below are just some of the scenes that have made the area a wonderful place to live.

Conservation, alternate sources part of Quincy water plan

QUINCY — Like other cities in Grant County - cities throughout Central Washington, actually - Quincy officials are looking for ways to ensure an adequate water supply for the future as well as the present. As a result, Quincy city officials are reviving an old project and working on ways to encourage water conservation for businesses and residents.

Adams Co. looks at jail improvements with available funding

RITZVILLE — Adams County officials have advertised for a consultant to conduct a study of the Adams County Jail, with the goal of suggesting options for refurbishing the facility with the available funds.

FIRE REPORT: MLFD sees busy weekend, Soap Lake-area fire shuts down Hwy. 28

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Fire Department staff said the weekend was busy on both the fire and medical side over the past few days. Grant County Fire District 7 also responded to a fire that forced Highway 28 to close for a time Sunday.

New law aims to help WA funeral homes overwhelmed with unclaimed bodies

(The Center Square) – Washington funeral homes and coroners are now allowed to dispose of unclaimed human remains after 45 days. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed House Bill 1974, which reduces the length of time that funeral homes must hold onto unclaimed bodies from 90 days to 45 days.

WA GOP has 'no method or mechanism' to rescind Semi Bird endorsement

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Democratic Convention was held in Bellevue over the weekend, with the party adopting resolutions and a progressive platform touted as “rooted in human rights and dignity.”

Date set for 2024 Battle in Seattle

SPOKANE – The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Kentucky Wildcats will face off in the 2024 Battle in Seattle on Dec. 7 at Climate Pledge Arena, GU Athletics announced in a release on Monday.

NEWS BITES: June 25, 2024

NEWS BITES: June 25, 2024

Legals for June, 25 2024

Nancy L. Fisher

Nancy L. Fisher, 72, of Kalispell, Montana passed away June 7, 2024. Memorial Service on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. held at Adventure Church; 348 2nd Ave W; Kalispell, MT. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels Flathead County.

Sessler discusses priorities if elected to Congress

PROSSER – Jerrod Sessler, a Republican from Prosser, is running for the U.S. Congress against incumbent Dan Newhouse, R–Wash., and Tiffany Smiley, among others. Sessler said he feels he is a unique candidate.

Finances may impact use of MLSD facilities

MOSES LAKE — Looking for places to save money in light of a serious financial shortfall, Moses Lake School Board members will meet at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss water use, part of a larger discussion on the use of district facilities outside school hours. Recommendations include restrictions on use in the summer and facility rental fees for non-district activities and events.

ACH Legion sweeps East Valley

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Senior Legion baseball team swept the East Valley Knights in Friday’s doubleheader in Coulee City, following up a 16-5 win with a come-from-behind 8-3 win over the visiting Knights. The Warriors improved to 4-0 in the summer season with the win, though head coach Mike Correia said the team is still coming together on the field.

Weather for the week of June 24

Weather for the week of June 24

GALLERY: The pets of ACPR

OTHELLO – Adams County Pet Rescue in Othello has numerous dogs and cats available for adoption. Each of these animals is looking for a new home to join.

Earl Barden Classic competitors

YAKIMA - Four local football players - Ephrata’s Eric O’Neel, Othello’s Alex Mendez and Royal’s Bennett Brown and Case Christensen - competed for the East team in Saturday’s Earl Barden Classic in Yakima. Results from the game were not available in time for press deadline, but a full story from the game will be in Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

Illegal northern border crossings continue to break records

(The Center Square) – Illegal border crossings at the northern border continue to break records, according to the latest data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Volunteer project brightens Larson Heights playground

MOSES LAKE — The playground toys at Larson Heights Elementary are still fun - after all, there’s nothing like some good climbing bars - and they’re durable, but they’re old. “The playground here is 60 years old,” said Art Brown, pastor of the Light of Larson church. Church members have been working with school administrators and the parent-teacher organization for about 10 years to make improvements, Brown said, and one of the current projects is raising money for new playground toys. But in the meantime there’s the existing equipment.

Fuhr resigns from MLSD board, cites health

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District announced that Moses Lake School Board Member Kevin Fuhr has resigned from the board, citing health concerns, as of Friday.

One arrested in sexual assault incident at Samaritan

MOSES LAKE – Mitchell Jones, 37, of Cashmere, Washington was arrested Thursday after witnesses said he had assaulted an unconscious 29-year-old female patient at Samaritan Hospital, according to a Moses Lake Police Department press release.

Legals for June, 24 2024

Linda Lorraine Justesen

1948 – 2024

Linda Lorraine Justesen, 75, born Linda Lorraine Roland to Gordon and Florence Roland on December 21, 1948, in Rupert, Idaho, was a woman of remarkable resilience.

Furnishing outdoor space should reflect indoor space, at least a little

QUINCY — Summer is here, those long days and warm evenings tempting people to spend time outside. The question is how to make the most of that outdoor space, whatever it is. Sherri Van Diest, owner of Wild Willow Interiors in Quincy, said she tells her clients to take into account how the indoors looks to make the most of the outdoors.

Organization forming to support MLSD extracurriculars

MOSES LAKE — A group of Moses Lake School District patrons is in the process of forming a charitable organization to support the district’s extracurricular activities after the rejection of an educational programs and operations levy and financial challenges put them in jeopardy. The group tentatively is scheduled to discuss their ideas with the Moses Lake School Board at its regular meeting June 27.

QPD’s Harder receives Carnegie Hero Fund Medal

QUINCY – U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., presented Quincy Police Department Sgt. Stephen Harder with the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal on Thursday afternoon at Quincy City Hall, recognizing Harder for an act of extreme heroism in 2023.

2 Central Washington day trips for photography, nature lovers

EPHRATA – Since moving back to the Pacific Northwest, my wife and I have rekindled our love of photography and have regularly made it a point to go on various adventures in and around the Columbia Basin to play with our cameras and explore.

Suds ‘N Sun to feature 3-on-3 basketball tournament

SOAP LAKE – Part of the Suds ‘N Sun festival in Soap Lake on July 6 will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Soap Lake Prevention Coalition, aiming to bring awareness to the danger of vaping for youth through a day of basketball.

Four basin football players to play in Earl Barden Classic

YAKIMA – Four Columbia Basin high school graduates will suit up on the gridiron for the last time in their high school careers on Saturday, playing in the Earl Barden Classic at East Valley High School in Yakima.

Parker Horn Bridge to be paved this weekend

MOSES LAKE — Drivers using State Route 17 through Moses Lake should be ready for traffic delays this weekend, starting Friday, as road crews will be resurfacing the bridge over Parker Horn.

WA considering delivery fee for online orders

(The Center Square) – Washington lawmakers are exploring a potential retail delivery fee for online purchases. The fee could generate millions of dollars every year and be spent on road maintenance and transportation projects. The retail delivery fee, or RDF, could apply to packages delivered by Amazon, or shipping companies like UPS and FedEx.

Law enforcement logs for June 21, 2024

The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Columbia Basin events for June 21-29, 2024

MOSES LAKE – This week offers several opportunities for fun. Step out and enjoy the summer weather at these events.

Legals for June, 21 2024

John Henry Winslow

John Henry Winslow of Moses Lake, Washington passed away June 15, 2024 at the age of 86. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

Norman Theodore Estoos, Jr.

Nov. 4, 1941 – June 15, 2024

Norman Theodore Estoos Jr. was peacefully ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior in the early morning of June 15th, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. Months ago Norm put it best, his “ticker” was just slowing down.

Ellen Ardean Conklin

Aug. 1, 1931 – Nov. 25, 2023

Ellen Ardean Conklin nee Malone passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born in Wenatchee, Washington on August 1, 1931, to Alice Malone nee Preston and William Malone, being the second child having been preceded by her brother, Pat.

Robert Kummer

Robert “Bob” James Kummer, 77, of White Salmon, WA, passed away on May 30th in his sleep.

Bluebird Boutique now open in Ephrata

EPHRATA – When you walk into The Bluebird Boutique in downtown Ephrata, the variety of products offered is immediately apparent. Shop owner BreAnna Bridges said that’s because it’s a reflection of her own tastes and several vendors she works with and everyone brings something unique into the mix.

MLSD board examining funding priorities

MOSES LAKE — How to use the funding available to the Moses Lake School District, what programs or services should be supported and which can be deferred or cut, at least temporarily, was the subject of discussion at a special Moses Lake School Board meeting Tuesday.

RISING JUNIORS: Almira/Coulee-Hartline’s Caden Correia

COULEE CITY – Like many student-athletes who hail from small towns, Almira/Coulee-Hartline sophomore Caden Correia spends his school year donning the Warrior uniform in three different sports. However, there’s one sport that stands out to him – baseball.

Moses Lake Airshow showcases all things airborne

MOSES LAKE — The weather on Saturday, the first day of the Moses Lake Airshow, gave a whole new meaning to the word “barnstorming.” “We almost didn't get the planes off the ground because it was a side wind,” said the show’s organizer, Terry Quick. “On the big runway, it was strong enough that if they were trying to lift off it would have blown them off the runway. As it worked out, we were able to open up a different runway and they could take off into the wind. One guy got airborne in less than 100 yards, so it was pretty strong winds, to say the least.”

2024 PRCA Rodeos for Washington, Oregon and Idaho

MOSES LAKE – As the summer comes around, contestants around the country will travel to upcoming rodeos throughout the region.

NEWS BITES: New officers, lassos and driving safe

NEWS BITES: New officers, lassos and driving safe

FIRE REPORT: Ephrata volunteers put out brush fire

EPHRATA — Wednesday afternoon a brush fire, possibly sparked by a passing train, broke out in the area of Road F Northwest and Road 11.7 southwest of Ephrata, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 13, which is based in Ephrata. With the help of Grant County Fire District 3, out of Quincy, the fire was caught at about two acres.

Legals for June, 20 2024

Washington AG candidates talk public safety, immigration at WSU forum

(The Center Square) – The three candidates vying to be Washington state's next attorney general laid out their positions Tuesday night at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland.

Skills in action

MATTAWA – Ephrata High School welding students had the opportunity to visit with Grant County Public Utility District staff and see what it looks like to put welding skills to work during a trip to Priest Rapids Dam earlier this week. Throughout the Grant and Adams counties, many high school students learn technical skills like welding through technical skills programs.

James Nganga

James Wamatu Nganga, 34, passed away June 7, 2024 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.

River Dogs aim to continue to gel on the diamond

EPHRATA – The 2024 summer baseball season is in full swing, with the 18U Columbia Basin River Dogs continuing to learn to play with one another through the early weeks of the season.

New Iron Horse playground officially opens

OTHELLO — The brand-new Iron Horse playground in Othello’s Lions Park officially opened Friday afternoon with Mayor Shawn Logan and a supporting crew of Othello children cutting the ribbon.

‘My journey has come full circle’

Big Bend graduates 613 Friday

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College graduated a wide spectrum of students at Lions Field in Moses Lake Friday, President Sara Thompson Tweedy said.

Grant PUD revises non-union salary schedule

EPHRATA — Although it doesn’t change any salaries now, an updated salary scale for non-union Grant County PUD employees will increase salaries in the future.

FIRE REPORT: Local firefighters train for the busy season

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 volunteers and staff have been training for wildland-urban interface structure defense in preparation for wildfire season, according to an announcement from GCFD 7. Training Monday night was available remotely, but next week will include hands-on training in evaluating structures and determining escape routes, safety zones and temporary refuge areas.

FRESH NEWS: Bass fishing good, Walleye fair, trout steady

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir Tuesday was 1043.30 feet – dropping 1.20 feet this past week. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 65 degrees. The sand dunes are in the mid to low 60s after a cool past week.

Moses Lake concert series starts Friday

MOSES LAKE – The City of Moses Lake Creative District Free Summer Concert Series starts this Friday at 8 p.m. at McCosh Park. The first concert in the series of six live music shows is The Wenatchee Big Band.

Zags announce signing of Ismaila Diagne

SPOKANE – The Gonzaga Bulldogs added seven-foot center Ismaila Diagne to its 2024-25 men’s basketball team, the school announced in a release on Tuesday. Diagne, a native of Nguekhokhe, Senegal, signed a financial aid agreement to attend Gonzaga University. This past season he averaged 10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and .9 blocks per game for Real Madrid’s Under-18 team, helping guide his team to the Adidas Next Gen Tournament championship in Berlin. During the Podgorica Tournament in 2023-24, Diagne averaged 11 points and 7.8 rebounds over a four-game stretch. Diagne played four games with the Real Madrid national team in the Spanish Liga Endesa, averaging five points on 58% shooting from the field, 4.5 rebounds an one block in 12.5 minutes per game. He also played two EuroLeague games with the national team.

WSU’s Jackson, Leger-Walker receive Tom Hansen Medal

SAN RAMON, Calif. – The Pac-12 announced the 2023-24 Tom Hansen Conference Medal recipients on Monday, with Washington State’s Brennan Jackson and Charlisse Leger-Walker both receiving the honors.

Legals for June, 19 2024

WA officials sign pledge to shift to treatment-first homelessness approach

(The Center Square) – Government officials across Washington state are signing a policy pledge that prioritizes a “treatment-first” approach to lowering the state’s rate of homelessness.

MLSD seeks help to provide extracurriculars in ‘24-25 school year

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District hosted a meeting Monday night to get community members’ input on how the district might fund sports and other extracurricular activities given the school district’s financial situation.

Francese Hall

Francese Kay Hall, age 78, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on June 13, 2024. Fran was born in Barre, Vt., to Clarence and Freda Hopson.

Brent Reese Memorial Car Show raises $4K to fight ALS

MOSES LAKE — The first Brent Reese Memorial Car Show attracted old cars and new cars, muscle cars and street rods, tricked-out trucks and rat rods, and more than enough cars to fill the Scotty’s Auto Repair parking lot. The event gave locals an opportunity to enjoy cars while raising money to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Three Sixers teams take titles at Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament

MOSES LAKE – More than 20 teams gathered at Larson Playfield in Moses Lake over the weekend for the 2024 Pete Doumit Memorial Tournament, where 48 total games were played in 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U divisions from Friday through Sunday.

Public school enrollment declining in WA, across the nation as spending increases

(The Center Square) – A new report finds public school enrollment is declining in America's most populous cities, even as staffing levels and spending have increased.

Fruit grower fined for Othello trench collapse incident

TUMWATER — Wenatchee-based fruit company Stemilt has been fined $353,000 for safety violations that led to a worker being buried and injured in a trench collapse last fall near Othello.

National issues have local impacts, Newhouse says

MOSES LAKE — There are issues that are important to Central Washington, but the region is not immune from national concerns, said U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse.

Spring gridiron gallery

MOSES LAKE – Football players from around the Basin gathered at jamborees last week, capping off spring practices with live scrimmages against other squads from around the area.

Big Bend celebrates new nurses

MOSES LAKE – A new class of 15 Vikings nurses graduated Big Bend Community College and celebrated with a Friday pinning ceremony. Staff with BBCC said the following people earned nursing certifications this year: Nayeli Garcia, Kelsey Kramer, Casey McKinnis, Mikayla Rushton, Ty Tait, Natasha Weidig, Hannah Metcalf, Yvette Moreno, Leslie Kelly, Karmen Lange, Karena Rodriguez, Estebanie Swanson, Jennifer Villarroel, Charlie Wood, Shelly Miller.

FIRE REPORT: Yakima Valley fire threatens town, Pioneer Fire swells again

MOSES LAKE — Evacuation notices for the Yakima Valley town of Zillah were downgraded Monday to level 1 as crews fight the Beam Road Fire, which flared up Saturday afternoon.

MLSD hires new finance director

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced the appointment of Mitch Thompson as MLSD’s new executive director of finance and operations Monday. Thompson’s appointment was effective June 14.

Gas prices dropping as summer approaches

(The Center Square) – Fuel prices typically surge as summer approaches because of supply and demand. Higher temperatures – along with kids being home from school – means increased traveling, which in turn leads to greater demand for gasoline. Also, the summer blend of gas – uniquely designed to not evaporate as quickly in warmer weather – is more expensive than the winter blend. But in Washington state and across the nation, the cost of gas is bucking that trend by going down.

Legals for June, 18 2024

Ephrata's Grandview Heights impacted by sewer outage

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata is asking residents in the Grandview Heights neighborhood not to flush toilets, run washing machines or take other actions which put waste into the city’s sewer system. Backup issues in the area are causing a problem north and west of the intersection of Statter and Maringo roads. City staff are working to address the issue and the city will provide updates as they become available.

Jake Watterson

Feb. 24, 1937 — June 11, 2024

Jake Watterson passed away on June 11, 2024, at the age of 87. His serious battle with colon cancer in recent years showed his courage in facing this terrible illness.

Law enforcement prioritizing safety after pursuit restrictions lift

EPHRATA – As of June 6, Initiative 2113 took effect and walked back restrictions on when law enforcement can pursue suspects that were set by legislation passed in Olympia in 2021. The initiative allows broader officer discretion and local and state authorities say they’ve updated policies to reflect the new law.

Basin libraries begin summer programs

MOSES LAKE — Heading into summer, Mid-Columbia Libraries and NCW Libraries have already begun implementing their summer reading programs, providing an opportunity for kids and adults alike to keep up their reading and attend library events. Mid-Columbia Libraries Associate Director of Communications Carlos Orozco said the summer reading program is to keep kids engaged and motivated over the summer. “We just want people to read over the summer and not fall behind in school. I know that's kind of naturally what happens when they take that summer break, they hit that summer slide, which (we) want to work with the community to prevent that,” Orozco said. “We're hoping some of the prizes and performances and stuff will get them excited about being able to read over the summer.”

MLSD board continues close examination of funding

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board heard about some measures being taken to cut costs at its meeting Thursday, scrutinizing some items that were brought to it for approval and discussing with Acting Superintendent Carol Lewis some ways of making up the roughly $13 million shortfall.

ACH, Soap Lake wrap up spring practices with jamboree

COULEE CITY – Spring football practices came to a close Friday for Almira/Coulee-Hartline and Soap Lake, capping off with a jamboree hosted by the Warriors and attended by five other eight-man football squads from across the east side of the state.

Rock blasting to close I-90 for brief period Thursday

ELLENSBURG — The first night of closing Interstate 90 near Easton for a short period to blast rocks is scheduled for Thursday.

Muscle for a cause

MOSES LAKE – Car lovers eye the chrome-highlighted vehicles at the Brent Reese Memorial Car Show. The show was organized by Reese’s son, Jeremy Reese, who said his dad simply loved vehicles of all sorts. The show ran from 3-9 p.m. Saturday and attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the battle against ALS by donating to the ALS Foundation and Team Gleason Foundation.

Viking celebration

MOSES LAKE -- New Big Bend Community College graduate Digna Rodriguez, takes a celebratory photo with family friends Bobbie Lee Hubbard, left, and Amanda Carson, right, and Rodriguez’s daughters Kira McEachern, 9; Mila McEachern, 7; and Jada McEachern, 5. Rodriguez was one of 20 members of BBCC’s first Bachelor of Applied Science program graduating Friday.

Phone scammers still prevalent, but can be stopped

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said his staff received at least six calls on June 5 alone from area residents saying someone had called posing as a deputy and demanding they deposit money into an account to avoid being arrested. Those calls, he said, are scams.

Legals for June, 17 2024

Audit: 11 Washington agencies potentially mishandled $1.17B in COVID aid

(The Center Square) – A new report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office found a record 86 issues with how 11 state agencies spent federal COVID-19 aid, noting documentation deficiencies and $1.17 billion in questioned costs in the fiscal year 2023.

STUDIO BASIN: Sheriff Joey Kriete on summer safety and sports awards

MOSES LAKE – In this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller sits down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete to talk about summer safety. Kriete went over factors contributing to increased dangers during the summer and education efforts GCSO has in place to help keep area residents safe.

Dan Mohr

May 18, 1931 – May 31, 2024

Daniel Mohr passed away at the age of 93 on May 31, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. He leaves a legacy behind to all who knew him well, of honor, loyalty and kindness - and a hole in the hearts of his loved ones, which were many. Born May 18, 1931, to Walter A. and Hilda (Krueger) Mohr in Washington, Texas, Dan was raised in the Washington, Texas area, attended grade school at Brown’s Prairie School and graduated from Brenham High School. Dan enlisted in the U.S Air Force and was stationed at the 637th Radar Squadron, Othello, Washington. He met “the best catch in Adams County,” Bonnie Jean Roloff, and the tall, slender, handsome soldier with the soft Texas drawl caught her eye. They were married in Warden, Washington on March 15, 1953, and remained together for 71 years. After Dan was honorably discharged from the USAF, he developed a leadership career as an electrical foreman at the Othello AFB, a stint at Geiger AFB, Spokane, Washington, and later the Othello Community Hospital.

10th Annual Senior Picnic brings the color, conversation and fun

MOSES LAKE — The annual Senior Picnic has become something of a tradition for Bryce Newcomb and his wife Nancy Newcomb. There’s always a photo booth, and attendees are encouraged to stop by and pose for a picture. “We’ve been to many (senior picnics), and we always do that,” Bryce Newcomb said. “And every one is on display at the house.”

ROAD REPORT: Both lanes of Vantage Bridge will be open through summer

MOSES LAKE — State Route 17 repaving project through Moses Lake is in the homestretch. Crews were working at the intersection of SR 17 and Wheeler Road Wednesday night. The project involves removing the top two to three inches of asphalt and replacing them with new asphalt, as well as repaving bridges, the Stratford Road overpass and its onramps and offramps. The road has been repaved from the bridge at I-90 to the intersection with South Pioneer Way, and now crews are working north to the intersection of Patton Boulevard.

Royal’s Scroggins receives High School Broyles Award

ROYAL CITY – Royal Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Scroggins received the High School Broyles Award for Washington, the Washington State Football Coaches Association announced on social media last week.

Work-based learning programs foster hands-on learning in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — With its significant recent growth in industry, Moses Lake is also seeing increasing opportunities for work-based learning and workforce development, such as Sila Nanotechnologies’ partnership with local schools, alongside traditional educational options like Columbia Basin Job Corps Center.

Moses Lake Special Olympian throws out first pitch at Mariners game

SEATTLE – When Moses Lake resident Kassandra Sandgren was told she could throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game, she couldn’t believe it.

Wenatchee library to host citizenship services

WENATCHEE – People who are interested in becoming United States citizens are being invited to a program that will provide local access to citizenship resources June 25-27 at the Wenatchee Public Library, 310 Douglas St.

Boys & Girls Club begins serving summer meals

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin will begin offering breakfast and lunch to local children today through the Summer Meal Program.

FIRE REPORT: Pioneer, Cold Creek fires increase

MOSES LAKE — The Pioneer Fire on the shore of Lake Chelan about 30 miles northwest of Wenatchee had almost tripled in size Thursday, swelling from 600 acres to 1,756 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The cause of the fire was still undetermined. The estimated cost of suppressing the fire was $10 million.

Mobile rec activities bring free fun for children

MOSES LAKE – Children ages 5-12 can enjoy free, interactive summer activities through the Mobile Recreation program in Moses Lake, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Coumbia Basin events calendar for June 14 – 21

Coumbia Basin events calendar for June 14 – 21

Law enforcement logs for June 14, 2024

Ephrata Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department, Grant County Jail

Hayden Homes cuts ribbon on new model home in Polo Ridge

MOSES LAKE — Hayden Homes held a ribbon-cutting June 6 to celebrate a new model home in Moses Lake’s Polo Ridge community for potential home-buyers to tour, attended by Moses Lake city officials and Hayden Homes representatives. During the ribbon cutting, Marketing Coordinator Holly Anderson said a few words. “I also wanted to thank the community for their support with Hayden Homes,” she said. “We really appreciate the city of Moses Lake just coming and supporting us.” The model home is one of Hayden Homes’ Hudson designs. Regional Marketing Director Gina Donangelo Barnecut talked about the benefit of a new model home.

Legals for June, 14 2024

Court to hear legal challenge to new WA Parents Bill of Rights

(The Center Square) - A King County Superior Court judge will next week hear arguments in a lawsuit over the new parent’s bill of rights, adopted by lawmakers from citizen initiative I-2081. The new law gives parents, among other things, access to instructional materials and notification when a student is seeking counseling or medical care for issues related to sex or gender confusion.

James Merrill Kimble

James Merrill Kimble, 87, of Warden, Washington went to Heaven on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Viewing is at Kaysers Chapel on Friday, June 21 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 22 at 1 p.m. at Moses Lake Baptist Church.

Francis Conrad Larosee

Francis Conrad Larosee, age 83, passed away June 10, 2024 in Warden, WA. Services will be held at a later time.

Judy Kay Dykes

Jan. 19, 1953 – June 10, 2024

On Monday, June 10, 2024, Judy Kay Dykes, loving wife and mother of three, passed away at age 71. Judy was born on January 19th, 1953, to Arthur Briggs and Marjorie Church. Judy grew up in a big family being one of fourteen children and while there was not a lot to go around financially, there was always a lot of love. Love is something that defines Judy to the core. She loved unconditionally and in her final days, she was surrounded by people who loved her.

‘Old Ephrata’ spirit

Live music, family fun highlights of Sage-N-Sun 2024

EPHRATA – The annual Sage-N-Sun festival for 2024 featured a lot of music, a lot of food and a lot of people enjoying an outing on the Grant County Courthouse lawn Thursday, Friday and Saturday. “I was just very excited that we had such good music,” Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Board President Jenni Bates said after the event.

Spencer named Ephrata Middle School assistant principal

EPHRATA – Levi Spencer has been named the new assistant principal at Ephrata Middle a School, according to an Ephrata School District press release. He will start in that role July 1.

Building permits for June 14, 2024

Building permits for June 14, 2024

MLSD deficit more than $13 million after cuts

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board held a study session Tuesday to discuss the district’s reduced education program for the next school year.

Fire report: New blaze flares up on Hanford Reservation

MOSES LAKE — A wildfire kindled suddenly Wednesday morning on the Hanford Reservation, and was estimated at 150 acres at a little after 2 p.m., according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Legals for June, 13 2024

AG's office launches 24/7 confidential youth reporting system

(The Center Square) – The Washington Attorney General’s Office has launched a 24/7 confidential youth reporting system in which young state residents under 25 years old can reach out to regarding a variety of issues, including mental health and physical safety. Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, Attorney General Bob Ferguson described HearMeWa as "a first-of-its-kind statewide reporting system exclusively focused on the safety and well-being of young people.”

Miller to take the reins at Ephrata High

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has selected Ashlie Miller to take over as principal of Ephrata High School after Aaron Cummings, her predecessor, was selected to take on the assistant superintendent role for the Ephrata School District. “I just want you to know, we're ecstatic to have (her) join our team. She's going to push us with some innovative thinking, innovative ideas, and Ephrata is better off because Ashlie is joining us and we're just super, super excited to have her,” said Ken Murray, incoming superintendent for Ephrata schools. Miller, who will be the first female principal at EHS, said she was excited to make the move from Dallas, Oregon – just west of Salem – to Ephrata. The move is a solid fit for her, she said, because she enjoys working in smaller school districts and at the high school level so that she can have deeper interactions with students. High schoolers have a different level of academic thought and social experiences, and that appeals to her.

UW president to step down next year

SEATTLE — Ana Mari Cauce, who has served as president of the University of Washington for a decade, announced Wednesday that she’ll be stepping down at the end of her second five-year term in June 2025. She plans to return to her faculty position. “Throughout her tenure, President Cauce has been a skilled relationship-builder, a champion for student success, and a strong advocate for the importance of public universities like the University of Washington,” said Ken Denman, UW Foundation Board chair. Cauce, the 33rd president in the university’s history, is the first woman, first Latina and first openly-gay person to serve as president.

Major drought for Yakima Basin growers means paying more for irrigation water

(The Center Square) — A dismal snowpack for Washington this past winter spells a bleak water picture for much of the state. That has the Washington Department of Ecology declaring a new drought declaration. The Yakima Basin is in bad shape with a water supply forecast at 47% according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. That’s the lowest since 2015. Emily Tasaka is the Central Region Communications Manager for the Department of Ecology. “The reason that this was declared was because of snowpack, which was very very low this season,” Tasaka told The Center Square. “For junior water-rights holders, that is serious and this is going to impact them a lot this irrigation season.”

Funds allocated, possible sites identified for new GC Animal Outreach shelter

MOSES LAKE —There definitely is funding – and some tentative ideas about a design and location – for a new animal shelter to be operated by Grant County Animal Outreach. Animal Outreach board president Sara Thompson Tweedy said the project was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation earlier this month, which will be paid over time, to buy new indoor-outdoor kennels for the facility when it’s built. The Moses Lake City Council voted May 14 to award $1 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan funding to the project, with the provision that the city would have space in the facility for 20 years. The Grant County Commissioners also are considering awarding $1 million in ARPA funding to the project. The GCAO board has a tentative design that would provide about 3,800 square feet of climate-controlled space for dogs and cats. Dogs would have kennels with outdoor access, with a separate room for cats.

Veda Bessie Griffiths Hadley

Veda Bessie Griffiths Hadley, 86, Moses Lake. WA, passed away on June, 5, 2024 after sustaining a debilitating stroke. Veda was born Tuesday, December 7, 1937, the youngest of 10 children, to Andrew Heggie Griffiths and Adline Griffiths Godfrey at the family home in Clarkston, Utah.

Joyce Ninnemann

May 27, 1941 – May 23, 2024

Joyce Ninnemann, 82, our loving mother, matriarch, mentor and force of nature has passed from this world to be with her beloved husband, Jerry, in Heaven. Joyce passed on May 23, 2024. Joyce was born in Yakima, Washington on May 27, 1941, to Ellen Sheets and Lloyd Wise. Depending on who you ask, she was either born moments before or after her twin sister Janice.

Linda Lorraine Justesen

Linda Lorraine Justesen, 75, of Moses Lake, Washington passed away June 7, 2024. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Local squads clash in spring football jamboree

ROYAL CITY — There are still a few months to go until the scoreboard gets turned on and teams step onto the field for Friday night lights, but local football squads from Moses Lake, Royal, Wahluke and Warden hit the field for their spring jamborees on Tuesday afternoon in Royal City. “It’s great, we love it,” Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “It’s a good time, we have the surrounding towns in here and their squads. It’s a good chance for the kids to play against somebody else and get the feel of full-speed football again.” Brief scrimmages were played at the varsity, junior varsity and C-squad levels Tuesday afternoon, with one school’s offense matching up against another school’s defense for a 10-play scrimmage beginning on the opposing 40-yard line.

Endurance, perseverance highlighted at Moses Lake High School graduation

MOSES LAKE — The class of 2024 started high school in fall 2020, in what Moses Lake High School senior Alena Speed called “the blip.”

Othello honors 2024 graduating class of almost 300 students

OTHELLO – The Othello School District filled the bleachers and lawn of Huskie stadium Friday evening with a large crowd of friends, family and community members celebrating the Othello High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony.

MLCA/CCS’s Wiser takes the podium at state track

MOSES LAKE — While MLCA/CCS’s Rebecca Wiser hasn’t reached high school yet, the Lion eighth grader has already started to leave her mark on the track. Wiser took fourth in the 3,200-meter run at last month’s 1B State Track and Field Championships in Yakima, completing the event with a personal-best time of 12:32.06 minutes.

Signs of summer — local swimming pools opening this week

MOSES LAKE — It took a while but it’s finally here. Summer has arrived, and one way to tell is that the swimming pool is open. Opening day is different in different communities, but it’s usually tied to the day school is dismissed for the summer. Tuesday was the first day of daily operation at the Surf ‘n Slide water park in Moses Lake, which will be open through Aug. 27. Surf ‘n Slide, 401 W. Fourth St., is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Othello PD achieves accreditation for third consecutive term

OTHELLO – Othello Police Chief David Rehaume announced Monday during the regular Othello City Council meeting that the OPD had achieved accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Cheifs. The city will also seek grant funding to continue funding a second School Resource Officer.

NEWS BITES: June 12, 2024

EPHRATA — A 22-year-old Quincy man was jailed Tuesday for possessing sexually explicit images of children, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

'It definitely hasn’t been the easiest ride, but it has been the most memorable'

ACH graduates 24 seniors

COULEE CITY – Twenty-four Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School seniors received their diplomas at Saturday’s graduation ceremony at the Paul Lauzier Activity Center in Coulee City, celebrated by classmates, school faculty, family members and past ACH graduates.

FRESH NEWS: Walleye, trout fishing solid

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1044.50 feet – dropping one foot this past week. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 65 degrees. The sand dunes are in the upper 60s.

Quincy High School seniors overcome challenges on way to graduation

QUINCY — Graduation ceremonies ended high school for the Quincy class of 2024, but co-valedictorian Allie Manly thought about how it began.

Faith, accomplishment, contributing themes for MLCA graduation

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Christian Academy celebrated its four-person graduating Class of 2024 Saturday with pomp, circumstance and prayer as Dennis Fountain, Caleb Jones, Maria Lynch and Jonah Robertson walked across the stage to collect their diplomas.

Hunter Biden convicted

WILMINGTON, Del. – Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, has been convicted of three felony charges stemming from the purchase of a revolver in 2018. The charges are based on a form wherein the President’s son indicated he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

Lind-Ritzville graduates 34 students in 2024 commencement ceremony

RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville High School Class of 2024, school staff and community members met for this year’s commencement ceremony June 1 at Gilson Gym in Ritzville to honor 34 students’ graduation from the Lind-Ritzville Cooperative School Districts.

‘Overwhelmed with emotions’

Royal High School celebrates Class of 2024

ROYAL CITY — For their final time as high schoolers, 119 Royal High School seniors walked onto David Nielsen Memorial Field for the RHS graduation ceremony Friday evening, for a program to recognize their achievements made during four years of high school.

Wilson Creek celebrates nine graduates for the Class of 2024

WILSON CREEK – The Wilson Creek School District celebrated and honored nine graduates in the Class of 2024 Saturday at Wilson Creek High School with a ceremony put on by the graduating class.

Othello Independence Day celebration set for all-day July 4

OTHELLO – The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce will kick off its annual Independence Day celebration July 4 at 10 a.m. with a parade down Main Street before moving to Lions Park for an all-day celebration culminating in a fireworks display. Chamber Manager Jackie Wilhelm outlined what to expect.

FIRE REPORT: Spokane neighborhood evacuated

SPOKANE — A fast-spreading wildfire triggered level 3 (leave now) evacuation orders to a 2.5-square mile area southwest of Spokane Tuesday afternoon, according to Spokane County Fire District 3.

Salmon, steelhead season extended on Columbia River

OLYMPIA — The recreational fishing season for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River has been extended, including the section of river downstream from the Highway 395 bridge in Pasco.

New director appointed for WSU School of Hospitality and Business Management

PULLMAN - Jim Harbour, a career-track associate professor in the Carson College of Business, has been appointed director of the School of Hospitality Business Management. He will officially assume director duties on Aug. 16.

Wahluke graduates celebrate milestone

MATTAWA — Class of 2024 graduates of Wahluke High School said it was an important day, both for them and their families.

Eagles encouraged to reach for their dreams

SOAP LAKE – The gymnasium was decked out with school colors and balloons, and filled with excited graduates, their families, and community members as the Soap Lake High School Class of 2024 received their diplomas. Valedictorian Anthony Beregovoy stood tall as he encouraged his classmates to reach for their dreams.

Tigers walk with a little something extra

EPHRATA – The Class of 2024 Tigers walked onto the field to graduate with a bit more pizzazz than some other graduating classes. Backflips, leg sweeps, “proposals,” tons of confetti cannons and even some heavy metal devil horns marked the opening of the ceremony that celebrated Ephrata High School’s most recent graduates. “Today marks a monumental moment in our lives as we gather here to celebrate years of hard work, dedication and learning,” said opening speaker Harper Grizzel. “Thank you for being a part of our journey, for standing by us through the highs and lows and for making this day even more special with your presence.”

Legals for June, 12 2024

WA child marriage ban now in effect

(The Center Square) – Washington is now the 11th state in the country to ban child marriages via a new law that went into effect on June 6 that makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to get married. House Bill 1455, passed by the Legislature this session and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in March, took effect on June 6.

Kirk Thomas Hartman

Kirk Thomas Hartman, age 78, passed away on June 08, 2024 in Othello, Washington. A celebration of life will be held at a later time this year.

Ron Yancey

Sept. 12, 1950 – May 26, 2024

Ronald James Yancey was born September 12, 1950 in Batesville, Arkansas. He was called to the Lord on May 26, 2024.

Community Coalition hosts town hall on gangs in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Members of the Moses Lake community came together Thursday evening at the Moses Lake Civic Center for a town hall discussion on gang activity and prevention, hosted by the Moses Lake Community Coalition.

Parks and places

Easy day trips in the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — School is letting out for the summer, which means families have a chance to spend a little more time together. Most communities have pools and summer programs, but sometimes it’s nice to go a little farther afield. One option is to pile the kids into the car and spend a day – or a weekend – at one of the state and national parks within easy driving distance.

2024 college baseball roundup

Conference tournaments, stats and all-conference awards

MOSES LAKE — While a handful of baseball teams around the country are still competing, the 2024 baseball season has come to a close for regional colleges. Read along for a look at where Big Bend, Central Washington, Gonzaga and Washington State finished this spring.

Quincy plan to reduce water use may involve revised rates

QUINCY — Quincy city officials will look at ways to reduce water use and clean and reuse water, while pursuing additional water sources. Water program manager Bob Davis told the Quincy City Council that the city is approaching the limits of its existing water permits. Davis presented an update to the council June 4.

Central WA vet's nonprofit ordered to pay $1.5M for sexual harassment

(The Center Square) - The owner of a small Washington-based veterans nonprofit is in hot water after a jury ordered on Thursday that he and the business pay approximately $1.5 million for sexually harassing 12 women.

UW announces Winter 2024 Dean’s List honorees

SEATTLE – Students from the Columbia Basin have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Washington for the Winter 2024 Quarter.

2024 Cougars seek to make a positive impact

WARDEN – On a verdant lawn with families, friends, teachers and hundreds of other community members out to celebrate with them, the Warden Cougars graduating class walked the stage on Friday. Warden High School Principal Katie Phipps started the ceremony on a high note. “You are prepared, you can conquer all of the firsts life will throw at you. Your future is bright. Your future holds endless possibilities. Your future is yours for the taking,” she said.

FIRE REPORT: Lake Chelan fire strands hikers

MOSES LAKE — A wildfire along the shore of Lake Chelan necessitated the evacuation of some hikers Saturday, according to a statement from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

NEWS BITES: June 11, 2024

EPHRATA — Two Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies assumed new roles Monday. Sheriff Joe Kriete gave the oath of office to Corrections Division Corporal Liz Ramirez and Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Legals for June, 11 2024

WA gun law may force small arms shops out of business

(The Center Square) - Gun store owners across Washington have one more year to figure out if they can comply with a new law that requires expensive security upgrades. Opponents have dubbed the legislation, an FFL Killer. FFL refers to gun shops with a Federal Firearms License.

Running to college: Moses Lake’s Salas Tepale signs to run with Spokane Falls

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake senior Ambar Salas Tepale signed to run both cross country and track with Community Colleges of Spokane on Thursday, becoming the third Maverick runner to advance to the collegiate level this year.

High-flying fun

Moses Lake Airshow set for Father's Day weekend

MOSES LAKE – The 2024 Moses Lake Airshow is set for June 15 and 16 at the Grant County International Airport and will be featuring a range of activities for attendees, including aircraft performances and two competitions new to this year’s event. Airshow Organizer and founder Terry Quick highlighted some of the key aspects of this year’s event.

Moses Lake updating development code

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake Planning Commission will meet for a workshop on the proposed updates to the city’s development code at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. It’s part of an ongoing process to review the existing code and make revisions where necessary.

Weather for the week of June 10, 2024

Weather for the week of June 10, 2024

Reflection, emotion themes at Wahluke High School graduation

MATTAWA — Every school has traditions at graduation, some formal, some not. It’s a tradition at Wahluke High School graduation that the gym will not only be full, but so full it’s standing room only. That tradition continued when the class of 2024 graduated Friday night.

Responsibility, taking risks themes at Quincy graduation

QUINCY — Quincy High School class of 2024 co-valedictorian Allie Manly reflected on the fact graduation means the seniors must assume responsibility. “After today, everything is completely up to you,” Manly said

Son honors his dad at Brent Reese Memorial car show

MOSES LAKE — His son said Brent Reese loved vehicles that had some power. Of course he had cars, Jeremy Reese said, but it didn't have to have four wheels. A motorcycle, a boat - it didn’t matter.

Sheriff urges safe driving as summer fun begins

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete has something he wants to say to the people of the Columbia Basin – slow down. “I’ve been working collisions for a long time in Grant County and the top factors that we have in our collisions that we investigate are speed, inattention and alcohol,” Kriete said. “And it’s not necessarily in that order, because it does change. And of those things, the only thing that’s really measurable for us is speed, and if we can address the speed issue that we have, then that’s a big win for us.”

Cougs walk in Warden

WARDEN – The sun was bright and the field was green as the Warden Cougars celebrated this year’s graduates. Dozens of students walked onto the stage at the field beneath Warden High School.

Single-vehicle crash in Moses Lake claims life

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man is dead and another is in jail after a single-vehicle collision in the wee hours of Friday morning, according to a statement from Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands.

Lions show pride, faith in MLCA grad ceremony

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Christian Academy Class of 2024 may not have been large – four now-former students walked the stage – but it made a loud roar.

FIRE REPORT: Wind whips up wildfire at Sun Lakes

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 tackled a wildfire June 1 at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, according to a statement from the fire district.

Royal softball earns WIAA Team of the Month

ROYAL CITY – Just under two weeks after coming out on top of the 1A State Softball Tournament, another award came in for the Royal softball team – the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association’s Team of the Month award for May.

Warriors walk the stage

COULEE CITY – Twenty-four Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School seniors received their diplomas at Saturday’s graduation ceremony at the Paul Lauzier Activity Center in Coulee City, celebrated by classmates, school faculty, family members and past ACH graduates.

Legals for June, 10 2024

Eagles soar into the future as grads are celebrated in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE – The gymnasium at Soap Lake Middle and High School was full of students, community members, family and friends of grads, and the graduates themselves on a sunny June 1 afternoon.

Royal celebrates class of 2024

ROYAL CITY – For their final times as high schoolers, 119 Royal High School seniors walked onto David Nielson Memorial Field for the school’s graduation ceremony Friday evening, for a program to recognize their achievements made during four years of high school.

STUDIO BASIN: PUD rates, Chief for a Day and Dru Gimlin 3-on-3

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN podcast, senior reporter Cheryl Schweizer breaks down the Grant PUD seeking public input on its future rate policy, as well as Chief for a Day being hosted in Ephrata.

‘It’s absolutely amazing every time’

Chief for a Day event brings out the smiles

EPHRATA — The children chosen as Chief(s) for a Day get to do some pretty cool things. They get a ride in a fire truck or police vehicle, they get a badge, they get a uniform representing their agency in just their size - which in the case of Candace Shearer, chief for the Washington State Patrol, means she got one of those really cool hats.

Report suggests fixes for WA housing crisis

OLYMPIA — Alleviating the shortage of affordable housing in Washington will require a combination of more money for affordable housing, reducing the cost and complexity of the permitting and land use process, and looking for ways to expand the acceptable residential options. Those were among the conclusions from the “Housing Advisory Plan” issued by the Washington Department of Commerce in May.

Moses Lake wins Kings of the Columbia tournament

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake came out on top of last weekend’s Kings of the Columbia 7-on-7 football tournament, defeating Chiawana 30-14 in the championship game. In last year’s tournament, Moses Lake fell 28-27 to Richland in the championship game.

Desert Aire Airport Community Appreciation Breakfast flying in June 15

DESERT AIRE – This year’s Desert Aire Regional Airport Annual Fly-In & Community Appreciation Breakfast is set for June 15. A pancake breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. allowing an opportunity for community members to gather and enjoy a meal.

ROAD REPORT: Paving crews head north on SR 17

MOSES LAKE — The big asphalt paving machines are making the turn north at the intersection of State Route 17 and South Pioneer Way.

Moses Lake Scorpions qualify for Spring Games

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Scorpions soccer team travels to Tacoma for the Special Olympics’ Spring Games this weekend.

Airborne fun

MOSES LAKE – A member of the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team descends upon the Grant County International Airport during the first Moses Lake Air Show in June 2019. This year’s show is set for Father’s Day weekend. Find full coverage of what you can look forward to at the show in Monday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

COLUMN: The ups and weirds of home ownership

EPHRATA – In February of 2022 my wife and I embarked on a new adventure – home ownership.  Prior to marrying my wife, I’d never really been interested in home ownership. I liked having all the maintenance be the landlord’s responsibility to manage and I usually lived in apartment complexes with amenities like pools, gyms and hot tubs.

LETTER: Thanks for the good reads

Hello. My name is Mr. Tony, school bus driver Rt. 29 Moses Lake School District and I want to give my most heartfelt appreciation of thanks to all those who donated a box of books to my book program. Many were dropped at the transportation office and at Fredrick’s Jewelry.

WCC announces men’s basketball matchups

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO – The West Coast Conference announced its men’s basketball matchups for the upcoming 2024-25 season on Thursday, including Gonzaga and Washington State playing a home-and-away series against one another this winter.

MLHS’s Bishop, QSD’s Valle awarded NCESD regional awards

WENATCHEE – According to a Wednesday announcement, the North Central Educational Service District has selected Kristy Bishop as the 2025 Regional Teacher of the Year and Maria Valle as the 2024 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year for the North Central Washington region.

OSPI addresses Parent’s Bill of Rights initiative

OLYMPIA – According to a Wednesday statement from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, some provisions of Initiative 2081, establishing the Parents’ Bill of Rights in Washington, conflict with current law – particularly around students’ right to privacy in school.

Basin events for June 7-14

MOSES LAKE - Activities abound this week in the Columbia Basin with festivals, car shows and a bunch of other fun activities to get out of the house and enjoy the early summer weather. If you're looking for something to do, Grant and Adams counties have plenty to offer over the next week.

Police logs for June 7, 2024

MOSES LAKE – The reports below were provided by the sheriff’s office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

UW Dean’s List recognizes Grant, Adams scholars as university preps for graduation

SEATTLE - Students from Grant and Adams counties have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Washington for the Autumn 2023 Quarter.

Legals for June, 7 2024

EHS celebrates scholarship awards

EPHRATA – During a May 29 assembly at Ephrata High School, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships were doled out to hardworking students headed toward ongoing education programs.

Soap Lake Community and Senior Center looks to be community hub

SOAP LAKE – Perry McClellan wants the Soap Lake Community Center to be a place where people gather to enjoy events and time with one another. McClellan, who serves as the center’s director, said he’s aware that there aren’t enough seniors participating in events at the center to really utilize the facility to its full potential. As a result, he and his team of volunteers are working to make sure that the community knows everyone is welcome to walk through the nonprofit’s doors and enjoy time with neighbors from around the area.

Moses Lake Community Coalition hosting town hall on gangs

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Community Coalition will host a forum on gangs and gang prevention in the Moses Lake Civic Center and City Hall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, featuring a panel of local experts and subsequent community discussion.

Grant PUD asks public for more input on rates

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Public Utility District customers will have until July 31 to submit their ideas and opinions on future rate policy, and therefore future rates, in a survey available on the PUD website. Chief Customer Officer Ty Ehrman said Tuesday that options for a revised rate policy are scheduled to be presented to PUD commissioners July 23, although that date is subject to change.

Driven Tiger: Ephrata's Roberts closes out high school career on high note

EPHRATA – Making his third appearance at the 2A State Track and Field Championships, Ephrata senior Hayden Roberts knew he wanted to close out his high school career with a high placement at state.

MLHS, Vanguard complete WA accreditation process

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District announced Wednesday that Moses Lake High School and Vanguard Academy have successfully completed the Washington State Accreditation process.

Exhibits, activities on the schedule for local museums

MOSES LAKE — A photo contest in Moses Lake, tractor rides and honeybees in Quincy and ice cream and Scoundrels Getting their Just Deserts in Ephrata are among the activities planned for Grant County museums this summer.

Ephrata summer meals program expanding

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District will be offering both on-site and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals for children over the summer, according to a press release from the district.

‘A step back in time’

Washington’s oldest rodeo is June 7-9

BICKLETON — Out in the wheat country of eastern Klickitat County, time sort of stands still. The little town of Bickleton, population 92 at the last census, is home to a couple of Washington’s most time-honored institutions. The Bluebird Inn, established in 1887, has a good claim to be Washington’s oldest tavern. The Herschel-Spillman carousel at the Bickleton Carousel Museum is one of fewer than 10 still operating. And the Alder Creek Pioneer Association is host every June to the state’s oldest rodeo.

2024 Congressional Art Competition winners named

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., announced Tuesday Spokane resident Hawwi Jebena as the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition from Washington’s Fifth Congressional District, according to an announcement from Rodgers’ office.

Legals for June, 6 2024

16-year-old Mattawa girl dies by overdose

MATTAWA – Grant County detectives are investigating the suspected fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old Mattawa girl, according to a Wednesday statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Alfred Waco "Al" Cordell

Feb. 24, 1947 – May 18, 2024

Alfred "Al" Waco Cordell, Jr., aged 87, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, at his home in East Wenatchee, Washington, surrounded by his family. He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and community leader, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Kathleen Powell Rodriguez

Kathleen (Kathy) Powell Rodriguez, passed away at her home May 26, 2024.  She graduated from Grandview High School. She loved working around the farm and enjoyed raising and working with horses. She served as a 4-H Leader for many years, spending many weekends at horse show events with her kids. She loved participating and was involved in playing volleyball and other events with her children. She was a Grandview School Bus driver for several years as well as a driver for People for People in Moses Lake.

Craig Beecroft

April 21, 1968 — May 6, 2024

We are sad to announce the death of Craig Warren Beecroft who passed away May 6, 2024, at the age of 76.

Darlene B. Brink Le LaCheur

June 16, 1934 – May 8, 2024

Darlene B. Brink Le LaCheur went home to be with the Lord on May 8, 2024, and will be missed so much by her children (Carmen, Kim and Wade), her grand and great-grandchildren and her many friends. She was born June 16, 1934, in Platte South Dakota and passed away in Moses Lake, Washington. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

Pamela Lynn Smith

Pamela Lynn Smith, age 58, passed away in Othello, Washington on June 01, 2024.

Tiger pride

Ephrata’s Josh Mullings represented the Tigers well with an eighth-place finish in the 2A Boys Singles tourney in Seattle last month. The Tigers tennis team was popular this season with a larger team than it had seen in some time.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Let’s stand together

The Moses Lake School District is facing some challenges. They’re not the only district in our area to have some difficulties. The Wahluke, Soap Lake, Quincy and other districts in the area are facing challenges too.

Senior Picnic celebrating 10 years of fun

MOSES LAKE – The venue is booked. The menu is prepared. The band is scheduled. It must be time for another Senior Picnic at the Grant County Fairgrounds. This year sees the annual event celebrating a decade of fun for the Columbia Basin Senior Forum’s signature event, said Karisti Cox, chairperson for the event.

Spring all-league lists released

COLUMBIA BASIN – Nearly 300 athletes and coaches from around the Columbia Basin were named to their respective all-league lists during the spring sports season. Read along for a full list of selections, including numerous player of the year awards.

Hispanic-owned businesses show power of hard work

MOSES LAKE — Brothers Vincent and Ben Hernandez and friends Ulises Sanchez and Hector Guerrero all had pretty good jobs. They had different goals though, goals that required a willingness to take a risk and do some hard work. Sanchez explained why he and Guerrero decided to open Mattawa Fitness in 2022 in a building that had been vacant for about seven years.

Port of Mattawa moving forward with 2 grant projects

Sale of wastewater plan temporarily put on hold

MATTAWA – The Port of Mattawa is moving forward with two grant-funded projects this year after the Grant County Treasurer increased the port’s warrant limitations, according to the port’s Executive Director Gil Alvarado. Alvarado said the port has also temporarily paused selling its wastewater treatment plant.

Marijuana moratorium extension requested in Grant Co.

EPHRATA — Grant County development officials are recommending a six-month extension of the moratorium on new marijuana production facilities in the county. If Grant County Commissioners agree, the moratorium will be in effect through the end of 2024.

Development at Othello Port intersection pushing forward - slowly

OTHELLO – Port of Othello Executive Director Chris Faix provided an update on the port’s progress in finding funding for a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 26 and South 14th Avenue, as well as their contract negotiations with Meritage Companies.

Cougars head to NCAA Championships in Eugene

PULLMAN — The Washington State Track and Field programs will send four members to the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Championships, June 5-8, in Eugene, Oregon. Competing for the Cougars will be decathlete Lee Walburn, shot putter Nana Gyedu and 100m hurdlers Maribel Caicedo and Micaela De Mello.

New law expands recreational fishing license requirements

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has signed new legislation requiring Washington fishers to possess a recreational fishing license for freshwater smelt, crawfish, and carp, according to a Tuesday release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

State tennis results

COLUMBIA BASIN – Nine local tennis players qualified for state tournaments two weeks ago, with four bringing home placements.

WA Republicans protest court-ordered redistricting plan

(The Center Square) – Washington state Republicans gathered outside of the federal courthouse in downtown Seattle on Tuesday to protest a recent court-ordered redistricting plan.

June 2024 Senior Events

COLUMBIA BASIN – This month offers a variety of events for seniors and their families in the Columbia Basin, including live music, a farmers market and community events.

FRESH NEWS: Trout, bass biting in potholes

MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1045.50 feet – dropping 0.55 feet this past week. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 63 degrees. The sand dunes are in the mid to upper 60s.

Legals for June, 5 2024

Legals for June, 5 2024

Broncos celebrate Class of 2024

RITZVILLE – The Lind-Ritzville High School Class of 2024, school staff and community members met for this year’s commencement ceremony Saturday at Gilson Gym in Ritzville to honor 34 students’ graduation from the Lind-Ritzville Cooperative School Districts

Time for AC?

Columbia Basin to heat up later this week

MOSES LAKE — All of a sudden, serious summer is supposed to show up, just in time for the weekend. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures in the Columbia Basin will warm up fast as the weekend approaches. Wednesday’s high is forecast to be 77 degrees.

Dru Gimlin tournament returns to Quincy

QUINCY – The sounds of dribbling basketballs echoed through the streets of downtown Quincy on Saturday, as players of all ages gathered for the Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

Pesticides a necessary but increasing expense in ag

MOSES LAKE — Where there’s a crop, there are critters trying to eat that crop and it’s up to the grower to ensure that doesn’t happen before it gets to market. That means using a variety of tools, including pesticides, to protect crops and keep them profitable.

Grant PUD meets most 2023 financial targets

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD expects to finish the buildout of its fiber network in 2024, along with a project to upgrade some of its transmission, distribution and substation components.That was among the information included in the PUD’s annual report, released Monday. The PUD met most of its financial targets in 2023, according to the report.

News Bites for June 4, 2024

News Bites for June 4, 2024

USDA wildfire plan issued

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland issued Monday a joint memo to federal agency leaders with wildfire responsibilities outlining their vision and goals for managing wildland fires this year, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Murray visits Center for Native American Health

PULLMAN - U.S. Sen. Patty Murray toured WSU’s Center for Native American Health on the Spokane campus Thursday, speaking with students, faculty, and staff about the vital work underway to address healthcare disparities across the region.

WA Health Authority launches addiction program

OLYMPIA – According to a Monday release from the Washington State Health Care Authority, the organization is launching a program that expands access to medications for opioid use disorder - also known as MOUD. The program, ScalaNW, equips emergency room clinicians with tools to treat patients for opioid use disorder, or OUD, and connect them to community-based care.

Pharmacists prove effective, less costly care option for minor illnesses

SPOKANE. — Greater use of pharmacists to treat minor illnesses could potentially save millions of dollars in health care costs, according to new research led by Washington State University. The findings also indicate a way to improve healthcare access by expanding availability of pharmacists’ clinical services including prescribing medications, amid an ongoing shortage of primary care providers.

Three Wildcats earn GNAC awards

PORTLAND, ORE. – Central Washington’s Johan Correa, Isabella Haarer and Emy Ntekpere earned Great Northwest Athletic Conference awards on Friday, with Correa winning the Male Athlete of the Year award, Haarer winning the Female Newcomer of the Year award and Ntekpere winning the Female Freshman of the Year award.

Lawsuit challenging warning labels on WA initiatives in court this week

(The Center Square) - Backers of a lawsuit challenging Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s plan to put "warning labels" on initiatives to the ballot, will get a court hearing this week.

Washington DNR accepting applications to turn properties into habitats

(The Center Square) - The Department of Natural Resources is asking Washingtonians to help protect endangered species by selling their property under a program accepting applications through June 30.

Legals for June, 4 2024

Algae treatment starts in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Treatment for algal blooms in Moses Lake waters began Monday and continues through June 12, according to a press release from the Pollack Group, which represents EutroPHIX, the contractor performing the treatment.

CWU to host Mass Casualty Incident training

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington University campus will be the site of a full-scale Mass Casualty Incident training exercise on June 12, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sidney Paul Gregory

April 2, 1936 — May 26, 2024

Sidney Paul Gregory, 88, born on April 2, 1936, in Monroe, Washington, was a man of many chapters. As the youngest of six boys to George and Grace Gregory, he grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where he developed a strong sense of family and community.

WDFW continues pygmy rabbit management

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on an updated recovery plan for pygmy rabbit populations in Central Washington. The “draft status report” recommends keeping the rabbits on the state’s endangered species list. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 27.

Basin community calendar for June 2024

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s June, school is almost out, summer is dead ahead and there will be lots of things to do in the Columbia Basin.

DIAMOND RECAP 2024

A look at the Basin-area high school softball and baseball seasons

MOSES LAKE – Baseball and softball seasons have come and gone across the Columbia Basin, with state tournaments wrapping up last weekend. Read along for a look at where teams finished in their leagues, as well as districts and state tournaments.

Weather for the week of June 3, 2024

Weather for the week of June 3, 2024

Mavs grads celebrate

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School class of 2024 wrapped up high school with graduation ceremonies Friday night at Lions Field.

Online CWU Master’s of Education program now offers special education endorsement

ELLENSBURG – Ever since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became law, K-12 schools have been required to offer special education services to students with unique needs, in order to ensure equitable access to education for all. However, teachers certified to provide these services are in short supply, partially due to a lack of flexible options for getting those certifications.

Earned recognition

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dan Durand retired Friday after 37 ears of service and was presented with a certificate in appreciation of his efforts to keep the citizens of Grant County safe.

GALLERY: Dru Gimlin tournament

QUINCY – Basketball players of all ages gathered on the street of Quincy for the Dru Gimlin 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, bringing in teams from across the region for a day of basketball. Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for a full story on the tournament.

CBIT investigation of Motel 6 incident moves forward

EPHRATA – The Central Basin Investigation Team is continuing the investigation into the May 4 officer-involved shooting at the Motel 6 in Moses Lake that resulted in injuries to the suspect, Zachary Allen Stockton, 37, and Moses Lake PD Sgt. Adam Munro, according to statement issued by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Ephrata celebrates Class of '24

EPHRATA – Tigers roamed marched in line down the central aisle to show off and collect high school diplomas Friday evening at 7 p.m.

NEWS BITES: June 3, 2024

NEWS BITES: June 3, 2024

Fire prompts evacuation on north end of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has put out an advisory of a Level 3 evacuation associated with a wildfire in the intersection of Road 6.6 NE and Road E.5 NE in the area near the shore of Moses Lake.

STUDIO BASIN: Moses Lake School District, graduations and state championships

MOSES LAKE — Some tough decisions for the Moses Lake School District, a timeline for a new Grant County morgue and seniors saying goodbye to high school are among the topics for the Studio Basin podcast this week.

New protections for WA warehouse workers take effect soon

(The Center Square) - New protections for warehouse workers will take effect in Washington, but opponents of the law change call it unnecessary and duplicative to protections already in place.