Ellington

WEATHER: May 1-7

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Plan to sweep $4B from WA police and firefighter pension fund spurs lawsuit

Supporters say the unprecedented move will still protect pension benefits. The lawsuit says it leaves them at risk.

Retired police officers and firefighters in Washington, including former Congressman Dave Reichert, sued the state Thursday to block an attempt to raid their pension fund to help with ongoing budget shortfalls.

Ephrata moves forward on grant for event structure at sports complex

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council authorized a new push to expand the city’s growing sports complex, approving an application for a $300,000 state grant aimed at funding the second phase of improvements.

Road Report: Road construction starting to ramp up

MOSES LAKE — It turns out that building a more pedestrian-friendly crosswalk involves digging. A lot of digging.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 30, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 29 and 30. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Museum’s Rusty Mammoth sale tomorrow to be the biggest in years

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center’s annual Rusty Mammoth Sale is tomorrow, and it’s a doozy, according to Museum Superintendent Dollie Boyd.

BBCC’s Franz and Richards given Trustee Emeritus status

MOSES LAKE — During Big Bend Community College’s April Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, Anna Franz and Juanita Richards were given Trustee Emeritus status.

Basin soccer roundup, April 23-30

MOSES LAKE — As the regular season nears it’s close for boys soccer, several teams are making their final pushes for postseason positioning. See below how your favorite teams fared in the last week and their current record.

Mavs earn home victory over a formidable Selah

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (12-1) gained 9-3 a home victory Wednesday afternoon against the Selah Vikings in a non-conference matchup. Selah is one of the top teams from the Central Washington Athletic Conference, sitting second in their league rankings. “We’re super excited about getting a win against a super high-quality opponent,” said Mavs Head Coach Mike Hofheins. “They’re a solid club, they’re probably going to place at the 2A state tournament, which is exactly why we wanted to play them.”

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 30-May 7, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College athletes head get ready for postseason appearances as the final weeks of the season draw near. See where your favorite teams will be competing this week.

Moses Lake council approves fiscal sustainability plan

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members approved a fiscal sustainability plan Tuesday, but City Manager Rob Karlinsey cautioned that the work is just beginning. “In short, as hard as this might have been to adopt the plan and get here, this is the easy part. Actually implementing it goes into much greater detail and is a much heavier lift,” Karlinsey said. Council members approved the plan with a 7-0 vote. City officials will use the plan for direction when working on the 2027 budget, a process that begins in the summer. Council members started discussing a sustainability plan late last year while working on this year’s budget. The city’s General Fund, which pays for most city operations – from the Moses Lake Fire Department to the Larson Ice Rink – was combined with the street budget. Both are funded through taxes and fees.

Your future best fur-end

This handsome 2‑year‑old Labrador‑retriever mix is big, black, and bursting with love. Tony is the total package: neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to fetch a forever home. Tony’s got that classic Lab charm — equal parts goofy grin and loyal shadow. Whether you’re looking for a walking buddy, a yard supervisor, or a Netflix couch companion, Tony is lab‑solutely up for the job. If you’ve got room in your heart (and maybe your car for adventures), Tony is ready to fill your life with tail wags and unconditional love. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out his application.

Kids, kites and color

Quincy’s first Kids & Kites Festival takes flight

QUINCY — Quincy’s first annual Kids & Kites Festival arrived on a gust of spring wind Saturday, turning Lauzier Park into a sky‑high kaleidoscope of color, motion and pure kid joy. With every breeze that swept across the grass, dragons, butterflies and bright geometric kites leapt upward. Children chased after them in zigzags, laughing as they tried to catch the wind. When the kites dipped too low and skidded into the grass, parents swooped in like pit crews – untangling string, adjusting plastic frames and sending their young pilots back into the fray. Arches of kites lined the park, swaying with the music drifting from Pear Radio’s speakers. DJ Rafael Aguilar kept the soundtrack lively, blending English-language hits with upbeat Hispanic tracks that matched the festival’s energy.

Moses Lake Adventist Church finished after 20-plus years

MOSES LAKE — After decades of fundraising, labor and repeated setbacks, the Moses Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church building is finally complete. “It was miracle after miracle,” said Hugh Thomas, a member of the church’s building committee. The building, located on West Valley Road across from the Grant County Fairgrounds, was mostly complete in October 2024, but one last piece remained: the sanctuary. Sabbath services were instead held in the large waiting area outside the sanctuary, which was roped off and inaccessible. April 25 marked the first time services could actually be held inside the sanctuary, and about 120 people came to celebrate.

Your future paw-tner in crime?

This small-but-mighty Chihuahua gentleman is ready to pour his love into a forever home. Brewer is an adult, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped good boy – so he’s all set, no fine print required. He’s still working on his house-training skills (hey, nobody’s paw-fect), but with a little patience and positive reinforcement, Brewer is sure to be top dog in no time. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a big personality packed into a tiny frame, Brewer might just be the pup you’ve been fetching for. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out his application. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for April, 30 2026

WEATHER: April 30-May 6

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind, 3 to 6 miles per hour. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 45. Light and variable south winds.

Judge blocks key parts of Washington sheriff decertification law

(The Center Square) - A Thurston County Superior Court judge has granted a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent SB 5974, the new sheriff decertification law from taking effect on Thursday, April 30. Judge Christine Schaller heard arguments from the plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lamb, representing four eastern Washington sheriffs seeking to block the law from being implemented at midnight, and from Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell from the office of Attorney General. The decision does not prevent the law from eventually being fully implemented, but means the bulk of SB 5974 will not take effect until the lawsuit plays out and the constitutionality of the measure is determined by the court.

Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations

WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”

Eagles honor seniors in final home meet

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles competed in their final two home matches facing Manson Monday and Liberty Bell Tuesday. The senior class was honored Tuesday for their accomplishments, and Eagles Head Coach Lee Leavell said it was a great moment to appreciate this special group of students. “It’s been an experience that I don’t think I’ll ever forget... (They’re) a class that’s going to be a defining moment in my career,” said Leavell.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 29, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 28 and 29. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Ephrata Parks Commission seeking to fill two open seats

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission, which serves as an advisory group to the Ephrata City Council, has two vacant board seats.

Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.

Three Mavericks sign their letter of intent

MOSES LAKE — On Wednesday, Brady Jay, Carter Anderson and Jeremiah Baker each signed letters of intent to play football at the college level next season. For Brett Jay, the 2025 Moses Lake Mavericks head football coach, seeing his players reach this achievement meant a lot, he said. “I just get flashbacks of all the workouts and practices over the past four to five years, those three committed to the process year-round. It's just neat to see them go to the next level and represent us across the state,” he said.

Molahiettes bring home another state championship

MOSES LAKE — Win or lose, state championship or not, the goal of the Molahiettes dance team is always the same – do the best routine possible. The 2026 team believed they had achieved that goal with their state-winning military dance routine.

Tigers topple Jacks on senior night

EPHRATA — On senior night where three seniors were recognized, the Ephrata Tigers (4-15) defeated the Quincy Jacks (7-14) 10-0 Tuesday evening. In addition to the win and seniors, the Tigers also took an opportunity to recognize former player Jett Johnson, who passed away two years ago in a car accident. Tigers Head Coach David Tempel was thrilled for his team following the win.

Garza hired as Othello city administrator

OTHELLO — Aaron Garza, currently Othello Police Chief, has been hired as Othello’s new city administrator. Othello Mayor Ken Johnson said Garza, an Othello native, will help with continuity in city administration. “We’re going to have him for the long term,” Johnson said. Garza is committed to Othello, Johnson said, and has education and training in public administration. Garza has administrative experience from his OPD career, Johnson said, and has support from Othello residents. “There are a lot of good qualities there,” Johnson said.

Children climb, dig and explore at MomCo Touch a Truck

MOSES LAKE — Fire trucks, excavators, police vehicles and even an aircraft became a playground for children at MomCo’s annual Touch a Truck event Saturday morning. “We have all new trucks this year,” said organizer Brittney Ketterer. “We have all new vendors. Our surprise is the airplane, which is a huge hit. All the kids are loving the airplane.” The airplane in question was a glider on loan from the aviation program at Big Bend Community College. The glider was called a Rutan VariEze, said instructor Cade Levine, who brought the craft over from the college, and was designed as a kit for the end user to put together. It was by far the most popular attraction, with children lined up for a chance to sit in it. “I was not expecting (it to be so popular),” Levine said. “They gave us a ton of room; I would have brought two planes if I’d known.”

Volunteers clean up downtown ML, plant trees

MOSES LAKE — The downtown core of Moses Lake is tidier due to the work of about 75 people at the Downtown Moses Lake Association’s annual Spring Cleaning Saturday morning. “I expected to see more trash, but we did a lot of picking up of weeds,” said Sara Guadarrama, “Weeds and cigarette butts.” Guadarrama and her coworker Kari Rodriguez were part of a group from Moses Lake Industries who came out together. Other local companies also came out in force for the event. “Moses Lake Industries and Sila Nanotechnologies wanted to work together for an Earth Day collab,” Rodriguez said. “We coordinated with the city and with DMLA … I saw a bunch of people from LocalTel and a couple of people from Genie. There a lot of groups out here.” About 75 people came out altogether, Guadarrama said.

Ephrata Police Department logs for April 17-26

The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Locations are not listed in the records. April 17 25EP0987: 2:50 a.m. A person reported security camera footage had been deleted; officers were unable to contact the caller. 26EP0989: 11:31 a.m. A disturbance report was linked to an ongoing mental health concern. 26EP0991: 3:03 p.m. A non-injury, non-blocking

Workshop aims to bridge gap between kids’ digital lives and parents’ awareness

QUINCY — Quincy School District and local youth prevention partners will host a free workshop Wednesday night aimed at helping parents navigate the fast‑changing digital world their children use every day.

Color Newman, adopt a best friend

Hi there! I’m Newman, a small, sandy‑colored bulldog and French bulldog mix with a big smile and an even bigger heart. I’m a good‑boy grad—that means I’m neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, so I’m all ready to go home with you. I love kid‑level cuddles, silly voices and being told I’m handsome (because I am). Think you can color my picture and then help me find my forever family? I’m waiting at Grant County Animal Outreach, dreaming of walks, naps, and a best friend just my size. Adopt Newman —because every coloring page deserves a happy ending. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out his application. To submit completed coloring pictures, email [email protected] to be featured in an issue of the paper. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for April, 29 2026

Seven arrested in MLPD, Safeway undercover operation

MOSES LAKE — Eight people were arrested Monday during an undercover operation designed to catch shoplifters and thieves at the Moses Lake Safeway, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. “This was a special request,” said MLPD Captain Jeff Sursely in a separate interview. The investigation was conducted by the MLPD’s street crimes unit. The operation lasted four hours. “By conducting the targeted operation, MLPD and Safeway are hoping to see a visible reduction of criminal activity in the store and in the area,” the release said.

WEATHER: April 29-May 5

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73.

WA asks judge to force Tacoma immigrant detention center operator to let inspectors in

TACOMA — Washington state health inspectors have tried for months to investigate complaints at the embattled immigrant detention center in Tacoma, to no avail. Now the state is taking its frustrations to court, asking a federal judge Tuesday to force the hand of the facility’s operator. It’s the latest development in the yearslong saga to provide state oversight there. Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown, both Democrats, announced their latest legal action in a press conference outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center, alongside religious leaders and community advocates.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 28, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 27 and 28. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Recall effort against Washington governor ends

Campaign finance activist Conner Edwards’ quixotic quest to recall Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson from office was intended to prod the governor into filling two vacant seats on the state’s Public Disclosure Commission. It worked. Late Friday, Ferguson appointed Teebah Alsaleh of Seattle, a lawyer for Microsoft, to the commission. Her selection came a week after the governor installed Matt Segal, a founding partner at Pacifica Law Group and former King County Superior Court judge, to the other opening. The first meeting for the two new commissioners will be May 28. With that, Edwards said he would end his pursuit of a recall.

Othello Museum opens for 2026 with new, refurbished exhibits

OTHELLO — One of the newest Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce members cut the ribbon at its upgraded facility Saturday. The Othello Museum opened its doors for the summer season. “It really has a new look and new feel,” said Molly Popchock, museum board secretary. The revived museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, with museum officials hoping to extend the season to October. As befits a museum, it’s one of the oldest buildings in town, originally the Othello Methodist Church built in 1908. It opened as a museum in 1972, but a lack of heating and cooling in the building limited its use in recent years.

Kratom ban enacted in Othello

City cites youth safety, FDA warnings in unanimous vote

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the sale, advertisement and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, making the community one of the first in the Columbia Basin to enact a full prohibition. The ordinance takes effect on Friday. The decision followed weeks of discussion, research by city staff and testimony from residents and advocates. The discussion began at the April 13 council meeting with Police Chief Aaron Garza letting council know the products are being sold locally in gummies, teas and shots without age restrictions. Mayor Ken Johnson said the issue first came to his attention when he learned an Othello resident had unknowingly consumed kratom and experienced serious effects.

Basin diamond roundup, April 21-27

MOSES LAKE — As we approach the final week of regular season baseball and softball, many teams have been working diligently to make their pushes for the postseason. See below how your favorite team has fared and their current record.

Records broken by Washington schools at Cougar Classic

PULLMAN — The Washington State Cougars hosted the Cougar Classic Friday that saw fellow Washington colleges like the Eastern Washington Eagles and Central Washington Wildcats compete. “It's an honor to compete at WSU. Our athletes have a deep respect for the program's rich history, and it brings meaning to every event for us,” Wildcats Head Coach Jonathan Hill said in a statement by CWU Athletics.

Mavericks shut out Cheney on the road

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (11-1) defeated the Cheney Blackhawks 8-0 Monday to earn their 10th consecutive win. “Cheney is a good team,” Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “For us to get some good competition this week before we have West Valley (Friday) was super beneficial for us. They had two outstanding pitchers and a really outstanding catcher, so a good challenge for us to go up there and face off against them.”

Linda Hardman

February 9, 1939 – July 28, 2025

Linda Beatty Lee Hardman, 86, died July 28, 2025, in Faywood, New Mexico. She was born Feb. 9, 1939, in Pasco, Washington, to Henrietta Russell and Raman Beatty. Linda graduated in the Sunnyside Class of 1957 and attended CWU in Ellensburg, Washington. There she met and married Jack Lee and they had two children, David and Susan. Linda married Peter Hardman in 1981, and with their medical transcription business they were able to live in many places before settling in the high desert of New Mexico. Pete’s three children Renee, Andi and Mark were much loved by Linda as if they were her own children. Linda also dearly loved each and every one her nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Bruce Elby Belisle

A service for Bruce Elby Belisle will be held Monday, May 4, 2026, at the VA Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.

Fairgrounds turns Grant County into a destination for horse competitors

MOSES LAKE — The sound of hoofbeats is a constant at the Grant County Fairgrounds. “We have a horse event almost every weekend starting in March through October, not including August because we’ve got the fair going on (that month),” said Events Administrator Shayla Anderson. The fairgrounds boasts two pavilions, a 5,000-seat rodeo ground, 444 horse stalls, more than 450 RV camping sites, located in the middle of the state and with a sunny desert climate. That combination draws horse enthusiasts from all over Washington.

Library activities for May 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s a lot going on at your local library. Find yours and check it out.

Reload, not rebuild

Haneberg eager to lead Mavericks football

MOSES LAKE — On Friday, Moses Lake Athletics Director Loren Sandhop announced Kyler Haneberg as the new head football coach for the Mavericks program, pending school board approval, according to a press release. Haneberg is fired up to represent the Moses Lake community, he said. “I'm so excited, it hit me today like a whirlwind. I just love this community so much, and I'm glad that I get to help lead it and help be a great example for these kids coming up. I hear all the time about how people hate on Moses Lake, and I'm about to make that change,” Haneberg said.

Legals for April, 28 2026

WEATHER: April 28-May 4

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 47. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 51. Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 51.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 27, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 25, 26 and 27. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. April 25 William Thomas Laroque, 42, booked for second-degree burglary, second-degree theft and third-degree malicious mischief. Tiffany Lynne Price, 35, booked for two Grant County District Court warrants, third-degree malicious mischief, third-degree theft and second-degree burglary.

Measles response in Grant County ends, officials urge continued vigilance

EPHRATA — Grant County Health District has officially closed its measles response after no additional infections were linked to the two confirmed cases reported in March, the agency announced Monday.

Rocks close one lane of SR 17 over weekend

SOAP LAKE — One lane of state Route 17 was closed for most of the weekend while Washington State Department of Transportation crews removed rocks from the cliff. The road originally was closed Friday evening and stayed closed until Sunday afternoon. “Someone driving by noticed a rock leaning out of a bluff and contacted us,” wrote Sebastian Moraga, WSDOT communications consultant, in answer to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald. “Our WSDOT geotechnical experts assessed the situation, (then) our contractors scaled it.” The northbound lane was closed at 5 p.m. Friday one mile north of Soap Lake, with drivers encountering alternating traffic, flaggers, slowdowns and delays. The lane was reopened at 1 p.m. Sunday. “We trimmed it first, knocked down the loose rock and then had it hauled away,” Moraga said.

Groff construction progresses across building

MOSES LAKE — Crews continue to work through a long list of structural and safety issues at Groff Elementary. District officials say the project remains on schedule for a fall 2026 reopening. “We are on schedule to open Groff Elementary for the 2026-27 school year,” Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. Shannon said exterior insulation work is underway to improve the building’s long-term performance. New insulation is being added to sections of the exterior wall, which will later be finished with metal siding.

Soap Lake: lake-focused groups not connected to city

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake city officials issued a clarification Monday to ensure people know that three lake‑focused advocacy groups are not connected to the city's municipal government. In a statement, the city said the Soap Lake Conservancy, the Lake Liaison Committee and Save Soap Lake operate entirely independently and “are not affiliates, agencies, departments, or representative bodies of the City of Soap Lake in any capacity.” Both the Soap Lake Conservancy and the Lake Liaison Committee are non-profit organizations. All three groups focus on the health and preservation of Soap Lake, but the city said they have “no formal legal, organizational, or operational connection” to elected officials or city staff.

Non-injury sheep collision Sunday morning

MOSES LAKE — One driver collided with a flock of around 50 sheep in the 700 block of Road 4 Northeast, near Mae Valley, at around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Gas prices climb across WA through April

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington continued their upward trajectory throughout April, mirroring national volatility, driven by shifting crude oil markets and renewed geopolitical tensions. According to AAA data, the Washington state average rose from $5.39 on April 6 to $5.48 on April 27, an increase of 1.7% or 9 cents over the month. Nationally, prices fluctuated but ended slightly higher, moving from $4.12 on April 6 to $4.11 on April 27, essentially flat with a 0.2% decrease. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the market remains highly reactive to global developments. “Average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week… However, that divergence may prove short-lived. Oil prices have been climbing again as markets react to renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran,” De Haan said.

Washington Supreme Court races could decide fate of controversial income tax

(The Center Square) - With a dozen candidates already in the race for five out of nine positions on the bench, the 2026 Washington Supreme Court election could be among the most consequential in years. The race comes at a pivotal moment in state history, as the court might rule on the constitutionality of a new 9.9% state income tax on annual household earnings over $1 million in the next year or so. Voters rejected income taxes 10 times in the last century, and the high court has struck them down three times. Emails uncovered by The Center Square between the state Office of the Attorney General and lawmakers frame the legislation as a way to force the court to reconsider a 1933 ruling that outlawed income taxes.

Basin tennis roundup, April 20-27

MOSES LAKE — Basin tennis has been busy in the last week as the regular season is getting closer to its finale with each passing day. See below how your favorite team has fared and their current record.

Wildcats sweep competition in final home series

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington Wildcats (12-29) earned key wins over Montana State University-Billings Saturday, 13-3 and 10-9 in a doubleheader matchup, according to a statement by CWU Athletics. “It came down to doing the little things right all weekend, and this team showed up for it. Mia Flores (was) absolutely clutch. A senior weekend to remember, they fought for every inch, every out, every moment ... never backing down when it got tough,” CWU Head Coach Ronnie Ladines said.

Knights tested in tough Saturday slate

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (11-6) fell short to the Lynden Christian Lyncs 1-4 and Cedar Park Christian Eagles 3-6 Saturday. Despite the losses, Head Coach Lisa Lawrence said these games were meant to challenge her players. “We really try hard to build tough games into our schedule. This (past) weekend was an example of that. Lynden Christian and Cedar Park Christian are both really solid teams in the 1A, so we knew we'd go into some tough games with some good pitching, which we really need to see to help prepare us for the postseason,” she said.

Othello man booked on three counts of vehicular homicide

OTHELLO — An Othello man is being held on $1 million bail on suspicion of three counts of vehicular homicide following a crash that killed three teen girls Sunday afternoon near Othello. One of the charges will include a domestic violence enhancement, according to Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner.

Joanna Kay Mathson

Sept. 13, 1943 – April 20, 2026

Joanna Kay Butchart Mathson was born Sept. 13, 1943, in Nampa, Idaho, to Wayne and Alice (Roberts) Butchart. She passed from this life into the presence of Jesus in her sleep on April 20, 2026, at Heritage Assisted Living and Memory Care in Twin Falls, Idaho. Her first home was in Sparks, NV. As a pastor for the Church of the Nazarene, her father’s calling took him on to churches in West Seattle, Washington; Reno, Nevada; McMinnville, Oregon; Salem, Oregon; and Yakima, Washington. In 1961, Joanna graduated from Eisenhower High School in Yakima. That same year, she entered Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, but illness forced her to leave college. After she recovered, she began working in a pathology lab, learning how to prepare slides such as pap smears for examination.

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BBCC Job and Career Fair connects job seekers with jobs

MOSES LAKE — More than 1,200 job seekers were expected to come out to Big Bend Community College for its annual Job and Career Fair Thursday. “(We’ve had) a great turnout, said Mindy McManis, human resources manager for Simplot in Othello. “We have a lot of people from the public. We have college students and even high school students who have attended today … I have, in the first hour or so, talked to a good 50-60 people.” More than 60 employers were represented, from huge companies like Microsoft and Simplot down to small local businesses, and including government agencies, health care facilities, high-tech companies and more. Tables were set up through the Masto Conference Center at the ATEC building, and out in the halls around. Some employers accepted resumes on the spot; others directed job seekers to a QR code listing available openings.

Adams Road overpass will require replacement, remains closed

GEORGE — The Adams Road bridge over Interstate 90 is still closed to traffic and could be closed for some time.

Gonzaga releases honor rolls for winter 2026

SPOKANE — Eight students from Grant and Adams counties were honored at Gonzaga University for winter quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. Students named to the President’s List are enrolled in 12 or more academic credits and have a semester grade point average (GPA) between 3.85 and 4.00. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must have a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 and less than 3.85. President’s List: Moses Lake: Llayleni Fuentes Quincy: Grace Odegard Royal City: Jace Allred, Genesis Castro Dean’s List: Moses Lake: Arely Farias, Javier Gonzalez, Daissy Quevedo Garduño Ritzville: Blake Earle

6 Basin students named to EOU Dean’s List

LAGRANDE, Ore — Six Columbia Basin students have been named to the Eastern Oregon University Dean’s List for winter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term. Moses Lake: Cooper Hancock, Kali Kast, Kaydence Martinez, Madison Olson Othello: Maggie Smith Royal City: Jose Medina

Legals for April, 27 2026

Fatal collision south of Othello Sunday, Othello man arrested for vehicular homicide

An Othello man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a collision south of Othello Sunday afternoon.

Richard ‘Dick’ Millard

Dec. 9, 1933 – April 19, 2026

Richard "Dick" Millard, 92, passed away suddenly on April 19, 2026, at home in Moses Lake, Washington. Richard was born on Dec. 9, 1933, in Brigham, Utah to Anna Harriett Hansen and David Saunders Millard. Richard was the third-oldest of 11 children. He married Phyllis Jean Roland on July 17, 1954. He later remarried to Linda Lou Millard on April 1, 1983. Richard stopped pursuing education in the ninth grade and started working. Over the years, he worked for farmers at an early age, sacked potatoes, ran a service station, farmed, and broke horses. Richard was drafted during the Korean War and served three years in the U.S. Army.

WEATHER: April 27-May 2

Monday: Sunny, high near 68. North winds 5 to 7 miles per hour, becoming southwest in the afternoon

MLSD hosting town hall on new elementary school tonight

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District is hosting a community forum tonight to discuss plans for its new elementary school.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 25, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 24. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Moses Lake collects debris, serves up lunch at Citywide Cleanup

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s Citywide Cleanup took in a lot of trash Saturday.

Parking part of discussion on new Moses Lake development standards

MOSES LAKE — A substantial discussion among Moses Lake City Council members about street widths in new residential developments also was a discussion about residential parking and stormwater collection.

Grant, Douglas and Chelan PUDs consider collaboration on geothermal energy

WENATCHEE — Three Central Washington public utility districts are exploring whether geothermal energy could become the region’s next major power source, as electricity demand continues to climb faster than utilities can build new generations.

Kyler Haneberg named Mavericks head football coach

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Athletics announced Friday that Kyler Haneberg will be the new head coach of the Mavericks football program this fall – pending school board approval, according to a press release. This announcement comes just a few months after the winningest season (11-1) in program history under former Head Coach Brett Jay.

Huskies defeat Cougars on senior night

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (8-5) defended their home field with a 2-0 win over the Warden Cougars (6-7) Thursday. Assistant Coach Kevin Hensley was happy with the Huskies performance. “I thought we passed the ball well, it's good to see our defense organized and get the shutout. It's good to get everybody playing time, that was really important for us today, was get everybody some playing time (and we) got to start all of our seniors,” Hensley said.

Mavs earn two wins over Davis at home

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (9-5) defeated the Davis Pirates 7-0 and 4-0 in a doubleheader matchup Friday. Head Coach Donnie Lindgren liked what he saw from his team in route to their two wins. “We played pretty good today. Defensively, our pitchers were outstanding. We had a couple clutch hits here and there; we took advantage of a couple of their mistakes, but we're going to have to hit the ball better if we want to take anything the next couple of weeks as we play two really good teams,” Lindgren said.

Tigers and Huskies show sportsmanship in Ephrata senior night

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers (8-9) earned a pair of convincing victories over the Othello Huskies (6-7) during the Tigers senior night. Both games were high energy as the Tigers honored their lone senior Dakota Durfee, with the excitement getting members of the opposing dugout involved in the fun. “Our first game was really good, we had some really good defense, we were there offensively,” said Durfee. “Second game, we had a little slump in the road, but we ended up getting the win.”

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 27 – May 4, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The regular season of spring sports is beginning to wind down, but competition is heating up as teams begin preparations for postseason play. Check out where the local teams will be heading this week.

One lane closed on SR 17 north of Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — The northbound lane of State Route 17 one mile north of Soap Lake will be closed to allow workers to remove rocks from the cliff above the road.

Bruce Elby Belisle

December 1, 1946 – March 13, 2026

Bruce Elby Belisle was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of Virgil H. Belisle and Willie B. (Hall) Belisle. Bruce was preceded in death by both his parents and younger brother, Steven L. Belisle. He is survived by his sister Frances Mathenia and brother Paul Belisle; his ex-wife Jackie and their four children Stacy, Michelle, Jacob and Shannon; several grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Bruce attended Moses Lake High School. He excelled in a variety of sports: wrestling, baseball, and football. He was voted most athletic of his class, 1965. Outside of school, he participated in rodeos, riding bucking horses and even trying his hand at bulls. Bruce served his country honorably. He served three years in the Army, one in Germany and two in Vietnam where he was a crew chief and helicopter gunner. He settled in Tyler/Cheney, Washington where he lived for the last 30 years. He was active in the local VA chapter and made many good friends in their weekly poker games. Bruce was known for his knowledge and wit. We will miss your stories, Bruce. Rest in peace.

Seahawks select running back Jadarian Price of Notre Dame with No. 32 pick in NFL draft

SEATTLE (AP) — It took less than two months for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks to find a replacement for Kenneth Walker III. The Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, addressing one of their top needs. Price is expected to get opportunities with the starters from the jump, according to coach Mike Macdonald, and is eager to fill the void left by Walker, who after being named Super Bowl MVP left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

A glimpse of history

Quincy Valley Historical Society celebrates America’s semiquincentennial

QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Historical Society is going all-out for America’s 250th year. “I’ve been talking with people in the last six months about this, (and) some people will say, ‘Why do you want to celebrate America at 250?’” said Harriet Weber, director of operations for the Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum. “And I said, ‘You know, no matter what your political stance is, (we’ve had) 250 years of freedom, which I believe we take for granted.” One way the museum is celebrating is with its first-ever traveling exhibit, “Journey to Philadelphia 1776.” Volunteers are making the rounds of Quincy’s five elementary schools, one a week, with a sixth session at the museum for New Life Christian School in Ephrata and homeschool students, Weber said. “Journey to Philadelphia 1776” features 12 volunteer interpreters in costume, who lead the students through some of the high points of America’s founding.

BASIN EVENTS: April 24-May 31

COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re swinging into May and there are festivals, rodeos, live performances and more. Here are a few possibilities. April 24 Children’s Day Get ready for a day full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit at the new stage area in the park. Each child will receive a treat bag packed with goodies like snacks, candies, and fun surprises. 4 p.m. at Hund Memorial Park, Mattawa. Info: 509-932-4037. Hiram B. Freedom and his Honky-Tonk Holy Ghost Revival Live outlaw country music by the King of the Hillbilly Poets. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177.

Garden smarter

Lessons from Big Bend’s eco‑gardening workshop

MOSES LAKE — Home gardeners packed the ATEC building at Big Bend Community College on Saturday for a Master Gardeners eco‑gardening workshop that blended science, soil care and hands‑on pest management — all tailored to the Columbia Basin’s unique growing conditions. Start with your real life, not your Pinterest board Soap Lake farmer and certified arborist Issac Lnenicka opened the day by urging gardeners to begin with honest self‑assessment: what they eat, how much time they have and what their yards can realistically support.

Home prices vary across Basin

MOSES LAKE — Home prices were up in Moses Lake and Warden last month, but other Columbia Basin communities didn’t see the same increases. The median price of a home in Moses Lake was $374,495 in March 2026, a 13.1% increase compared to March 2025, according to data released by the real estate website Redfin. Soap Lake’s median home price stayed fairly steady at $328,000, only 1% above a year earlier. Ephrata and Othello both saw decreases: Othello by 8.4% to $320,000 and Ephrata by 20.4 to $338,000. Warden’s median home price leapt up 57.9% between March 2025 and 2026, to $500,000.

Building permits: Grant County, George, Quincy, Soap Lake

Grant County, George, Quincy, Soap Lake

Legals for April, 24 2026

WEATHER: April 25-30

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 23, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 23. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Othello roundabout construction to start May 4

OTHELLO — There was one false start, but there’s an official date for the start of construction of a roundabout at the intersection of West Cunningham Road and State Route 17.

Citywide cleanup in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will have a chance to dispose of household junk Saturday in trash bins at four locations around town. The citywide cleanup day also includes a barbecue for city residents.

Narcan dispenser installed at GCFD 7 aims to turn bystanders into lifesavers

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 has installed a new 24/7 Narcan dispenser outside its station, a move district leaders say is about one thing only: saving lives.

Drug take back events planned across Grant Co. this weekend

SOAP LAKE — Grant County residents will have several opportunities this weekend to safely dispose of unused or expired medications as local police departments, fire districts and prevention coalitions participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Huskies name Learman as new head football coach

OTHELLO — The Othello School District Athletics announced Wednesday the hiring of Jerome Learman as the high schools new head football coach. According to a statement by OSD Athletics, coach Learman brings a rare combination of elite academic preparation, extensive coaching experience, and high-level sports science expertise to Othello Athletics. According to Learman, he does not take this new role lightly.

Mavs fall to Wenatchee but look ahead to Inland

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks tennis team played in a competitive home matchup against Wenatchee, but in the end the boys fell 1-6 and the girls fell 0-7. Despite coming up short, Mavs Head Coach Mark Thompson said he was proud of how the team performed against a tough league rival. “Wenatchee is pretty much the top of our league right now ... they haven’t lost a match on the boys side or the girls side yet this season,” said Thompson. “Going into it, we were kind of changing some things up because we were more looking forward to districts and Inland.” Both the boys and girls Mavs players were experimenting with different lineups against Wenatchee, which translated to some successes on the court. This allowed players to face off against unfamiliar opponents in different positions, giving more experience in preparation for the tough schedule ahead.

ACH dominates in home doubleheader

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (7-5) swept the Wilbur-Creston-Keller Wildcats Tuesday 20-1 and 16-1 in a doubleheader. It was a good win for the Warriors, who were coming off tough losses over the weekend against Kittitas and Asotin, Head Coach Hunter Lee said. “We had kind of a tough weekend. We lost on a walk off on Friday night and a game that we could have, (or) should have won, if some plays would have (gone) our way. Then (we) had a really tough one on Saturday; we kind of got blown out. To come back to league games and take care of business was really good. It was a good bounce back for us,” he said.

Josh Naylor hits walk-off single and Cal Raleigh homers as Mariners beat A's 5-4 to avoid sweep

SEATTLE (AP) — Josh Naylor hit a game-ending single, Cal Raleigh homered for the third time in as many games and the Seattle Mariners beat the Athletics 5-4 on Wednesday to avoid a three-game sweep. The Athletics' seven-game road winning streak was snapped, while the Mariners won for just the third time in nine games.

WA College Sports Schedule: April 24-30, 2026

WEATHER: April 24-29

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 7 mph becoming northwest in the evening. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 35. North wind around 6 mph. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40. Monday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 41. Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 43. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 48. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 77. SOURCE: National Weather Service

Frederick Beierman

October 15, 1933 – April 8, 2026

Frederick Charles Beierman (Sonny), 92, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Moses Lake surrounded by family. Fred was born on Oct. 15, 1933, in Lindsay, Nebraska to Frederick Joseph Beierman and Agnes Elizabeth (Kurtenbach) Beierman. Fred was one of 16 children. Fred graduated from Holy Family High School in Lindsay, Nebraska. Fred met Hope Byrne on a blind date and they have been married 73 years. Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in January 1956. Fred and Hope and their young family followed his brother Don Beiermann out West and settled in Stratford, Washington before moving to Moses Lake. Fred was a construction worker for a while, working on the missile site and Larson Air Force Base. He then started his career at Lake Auto Parts and retired as the manager in 1995.

Crestview school raises funds with jog-a-thon

MOSES LAKE — The students at Crestview Christian School in Moses Lake had a little outside support for their annual jog-a-thon fundraiser Friday. “We had some of the neighbors come over, and they walked a couple of laps with the kids,” said school secretary Kim Dieter. “It was a gorgeous day, perfect for outside activity. Not too hot, not too cold.” About 30 people, including students from both Crestview and Brite Beginnings Preschool as well as some teachers and other adults, ran, jogged or walked around a makeshift track behind the school. Grownup volunteers tallied the laps and kept the walkers hydrated. A neighborhood puppy named River even trotted over and walked a few laps with the children.

Student with Basin roots heads to West Point

MOSES LAKE — The U.S. Military Academy West Point has a reputation as a tough school to get into and an even tougher one to get through. But one young woman with ties to the Columbia Basin is headed there next year. “It was a long process,” said Élodie Bennett of Anchorage, Alaska. “I definitely had to push myself, but it was very much worth it.” Élodie, a senior at South Anchorage High School, is the daughter of David Bennett, a 1982 graduate of Moses Lake High School, and the granddaughter of Tom Bennett, a longtime instructor at Big Bend Community College who still lives in Moses Lake. She’ll follow in her dad’s footsteps next year as she enters West Point.

Big grin, bigger heart

This sandy‑colored chihuahua is all smiles and ready to paws-itively steal yours. Wicho is a good boy through and through: vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and officially cleared for cuddles. His smile isn’t just for the camera — it’s his way of saying he’s ready to fetch a forever home. If you’re looking for a small dog with maximum charm, Wicho is ready to sit, stay, and smile his way right into your life. Visit Grant CountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out his adoption application. Don’t wait — happiness comes in small, smiling packages.

City says concession lease with Carson is settled, despite allegations

SOAP LAKE — Allegations were raised during a recent Soap Lake City Council meeting that Council Member Susan Carson owes unpaid rent related to a concession stand lease she held with the city. However, city records and interviews with current and former city officials present conflicting accounts and city staff say Carson does not have an outstanding balance.

Legals for April, 23 2026

Pole fires lead to multiple power outages

EPHRATA — Early morning rains led to multiple electrical outages throughout Grant County as electrical poles caught fire, according to a release from the Grant County PUD.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 22, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 22. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

WEATHER: April 23-28

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40. North wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 35. Northeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southeast in the evening. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 37

Jacks earn close victory over Tigers

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits (6-9) battled against a Central Washington Athletic Conference rival, the Ephrata Tigers (3-15), Tuesday evening in the first of their two Battle of the Basin games this season. The Jacks came out victorious on their home field with a 3-2 win over the Tigers. “We did what we needed to do,” said Jacks Head Coach David Garza. “We were able to make plays that kind of slowed everything down for Ephrata. There were a couple mental errors on both sides, but we were able to take advantage of their mistakes and capitalize.” The Jacks were the first on the board as they scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning after Jaxon Porter walked and Rocko Reyes hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run. The Tigers struggled to get things going as they went scoreless in the first three innings.

Eagles claim a strong victory at home

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (3-5-1) hosted the Entiat Tigers, Tuesday evening and earned a 6-2 victory. As the Eagles make their way through the remainder of the season, they hope to keep up their steady improvement. “I think the first half went kind of slow, the wind was on our side, but we still couldn’t make the shot,” said Nazar Goloborodko from the Eagles. “(In the) second half we gained more confidence; that’s where the game went up.” The game started out contested as neither team put up a score in the opening half. Soap Lake was persistent at the opposing goal toward the end of the half; the Eagles went into halftime with 13 shots on goal, but no points earned.

Mutually beneficial burn removes weeds, provides training

SOAP LAKE — A routine spring cleanup turned into one of Grant County Fire District 7’s most valuable training opportunities Saturday, according to GCFD 7 officials, when firefighters partnered with the City of Soap Lake to burn out heavy weed growth in the city’s treated water holding ponds and practice wildland firefighting on a live fire. GCFD 7 Wildland Captain Jake Friesen said the idea started as a simple request from the city. “The city has their treated water holding ponds up there, and they asked for our help to clear them out,” Friesen said. “I was like, ‘Absolutely, because we can use that as a wildland training opportunity for our guys as well as helping the city out.’ So, it’s mutually beneficial.”

Knights dominate on the pitch

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (9-2-1) earned a dominant home victory over the Zillah Leopards. Their 8-0 win extends their current win streak to seven straight. “We played some different guys, and we're still able to get some goals early, which let us play everyone and move some guys around...things went good,” Head Coach Jens Jensen said. So good in fact, the Knights went on the attack right away and were able to build a commanding lead early in the first half. By the 20-minute mark of the first half, the Knights took a 3-0 lead and added one more before halftime. In the second half, they continued to be aggressive in their attack, taking several shots on goal. By the 72-minute mark, Royal scored their eighth goal to seal the win over Zillah at home.

‘Hard decisions’ part of fiscal sustainability plan process

MOSES LAKE — How to provide city services – possibly raising taxes, possibly reducing some of those services, or both, or looking for other options – was the subject of a sometimes-contentious Moses Lake City Council special meeting Tuesday. Council members are considering service cuts and asking residents to approve or reject possible tax proposals, or find other places to cut, or find other ways to raise money or shift operation of some city services to other entities, in light of deficits in the city’s general fund. It pays for many city operations, from the Moses Lake Police Department to the Larson Recreation Center. Council Member Joel Graves said it’s a challenging situation regardless. “We can’t complain, because we signed up for this, but these are hard decisions that we have to make,” Graves said.

Mavericks girls golf finishes fourth at home match

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls golf squad hosted a league match at the Moses Lake Golf Club, with six golfers finishing in the top 25 and the team took fourth overall with a 425 score. According to Head Coach Collin Christensen it was a solid day all around. “There's lots of ups and downs and things like that. They're playing pretty okay lately. There were a few shots left out there, but that's okay, and we're still learning and growing,” Christensen said. The top scorer for the Mavs was Lilliana Roylance, who finished 10th with a 99. Having a personal best day was Ava Swett, Christensen said. She shot a 104, which earned her a 13th place finish. Tying for 21st place were McKenna Good, Amberly Vasquez and Tristan Raymond, who all shot a 111. Taking 25th was Ally Hindman who shot a 116 and Rebecca Rettkowski shot a 122 which put her in the top 30 at 28.

Moses Lake Police Department Logs for April 13-14

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. April 13 26ML04150: North Stratford Road. 1:36 a.m. A previously trespassed man stole items from the store and was arrested for burglary and theft.

Basin sports see cancellations from rain

COLUMBIA BASIN — The heavy rainfall that moved across the state had a direct effect on spring sports Wednesday as multiple matchups had to be cancelled or rescheduled for a later date. Below is a list of games that have been affected and their new dates along with other schedule changes.

Pole fires cause morning outages

EPHRATA — Pole fires are causing outages across Grant County, according to a statement from the Grant PUD. Crews are working to replace the poles and restore power, the PUD wrote. Anyone who sees damaged equipment is encouraged to report it at 800-216-5226. If you see a downed line, call 911 and stay at least 30 feet away from it. More information about outages is available at www.grantpud.org/outages.

Joye Lucas

Oct. 23, 1929 – Dec. 19, 2025

Joye Ann Mott Lucas, 96, was born on Oct. 23, 1929, the day the U.S. stock market crashed, in Spokane, Washington to parents Mary and Galen Mott, and passed away at home in Moses Lake, Washington on Dec. 19, 2025. Many residents of Moses Lake will remember her as a joyful and friendly neighbor or elementary school teacher; she was very active in the community serving at Kiwanis and the Audubon Society. In addition to that, she helped establish the local Moses Lake Bahá’í community.

Washington wolf population climbs to record high after 17% annual increase

OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population grew by more than 17% in 2025, reaching its highest level since wolves naturally returned to the state nearly two decades ago, according to a new annual report released April 13 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State and tribal biologists counted a minimum of 270 wolves, 49 packs and 23 breeding pairs as of Dec. 31, 2025. Which is up from 230 wolves, 43 packs and 18 breeding pairs the previous year. The count reflects the minimum number of wolves confirmed through aerial surveys, track observations, remote cameras and collar data, plus an additional 12.5% to account for lone wolves and dispersers. “We confirmed six new or reestablished packs in the annual count,” WDFW wolf biologist Trent Roussin said in the department’s announcement.

Youth baseball and softball season kicks off with parade

MOSES LAKE — The youth baseball and softball season kicked off in Moses Lake with the traditional Youth Day Parade downtown Saturday morning. The parking lots at McCosh Park and the Surf ‘n Slide Water Park were filled with pickup trucks and trailers, each decorated in team colors and bearing a team of eager young players from the Moses Lake Youth Baseball Association and the Columbia Basin Girls Softball Association. The parade wound down Fourth Avenue to Division Street, jogged north to head back up Third Avenue to Ivy Avenue, then returned to where they started. “The object is just to get as many kids playing as possible,” said MLYBA vice president Leo Cortez.

Piano students get expert guidance

MOSES LAKE — Forty-five Basin piano students participated in the Washington State Music Teachers Association’s Music Artistry Program March 27-28, according to an announcement from the association. “The students play two piano pieces, memorized or non-memorized, for the visiting artists,” said music teacher Harriet West, who had students participating in the program. “Then (the artists) write down comments and work with students at the piano.” The visiting artist was Dr. Fabio Menchetti, according to the announcement. Menchetti, a native of Lucca, Italy, is an assistant professor of piano at Washington State University. Menchetti has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Italy and the U.S., and regularly concertizes throughout the United States, both as a soloist and a chamber musician, according to his website.

Color your world with Vault

Meet Vault, a black‑and‑white Border Collie cutie who’s ready to leap into your heart. This medium-sized, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped boy has graduated from the Ridge Dog Prison Run Training Program, where he learned his paw‑some manners – sit, down, come when called and even how to heel like a champ. Vault is still learning the ropes inside a house (oops—not house‑trained yet), but with patience, crayons and love, his future is bright – just like your coloring page. So, grab your markers, color outside the lines, and adopt Vault—because this good boy is ready to fetch a forever home. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out his application. Send your finished coloring pages to [email protected] to have your art featured in the paper. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Wildcats set for final home series

ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington Wildcats (9-29) return to the diamond Friday for their final home weekend series of the regular season against Montana State-Billings. Their last time out, they went 1-3 in a four-game series against the Saint Martin's Saints on April 12. Despite the shortcomings, Head Coach Ronnie Ladines was complimentary of player Zoey Theophilus, according to a statement by CWU Athletics. “Zoey had an outstanding weekend and was a huge reason we stayed competitive in every game, giving our offense the chance to do its job. This team continues to improve each weekend, and it's exciting to see the progress,” Ladines said.

Legals for April, 22 2026

WEATHER: April 23-28

Wednesday: Rain, with a high near 66. Chance of rain is 80%.

LETTER: City council should value museum

As concerned, involved members of the community we were surprised, and troubled, to see the 04.16.26 Columbia Basin Herald news article depicting how low the Moses Lake City Council members ranked the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center. The Museum and Art Center is a vital, and integral, part of our community. It serves our entire population with art exhibits, education through a wide variety of classes and speakers, school field trips, entertainment, unique shopping opportunities, free activities for families, a forum for local artists, and area history preservation all of which are found nowhere else in the community.

LETTER: Cut to Pre-K disturbing; however...

Your article regarding a 25% cut to Pre-K programs was disturbing and prompted me to do further research. Supt. Chris Reykdal (D), whom I voted for, blames Democrats in the Legislature and Gov. Bob Ferguson (D). Reykdal thinks pressure from in-home care providers combined with purely wanting to save money influenced the final decision. Being a Democrat myself, and knowing Democrats value education, it appears that an important part of this article is missing. That missing information would be about the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP). The success of Pre-K is undeniable; however, it does not offer family and health services and does not focus on children with the least opportunities (poverty, unstable housing, poor educational resources, etc.) as does ECEAP. These are strong predictors of future low earnings.

GC Fire District 3, Columbia EMS reach agreement on new contract

QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 and Columbia EMS have reached agreement to amend the existing contract for emergency medical services. Fire District 3 Chief David Durfee said the one-year contract includes a 20% increase in the contract price.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 21, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 20 and 21. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

DOL takes services on the road to Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Department of Licensing “DOL2Go” unit, along with the Department of Social and Health Services, is coming to Mattawa on April 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Columbia Basin Health Association Wahluke Clinic, 601 Government Road. This event will provide a variety of resources for the community to utilize.

MLSD Citizen Financial Oversight Committee reports declining attendance, seeks new members

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee is seeking new members as attendance has dwindled in recent months, co‑chairs Audra Eckenberg and Karl Ferranti told the school board during its April 16 regular meeting. The committee was formed in 2023 after the district identified significant financial challenges. It was created to strengthen transparency, improve public understanding of school finances and provide a direct line between community members and district leadership, according to Eckenberg.

Moses Lake Police Department Logs for April 11-12

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ready to fall vine-over-paws in love?

OTHELLO — This sweet, large gal is the pick of the bunch at Adams County Pet Rescue. Kiwi Vine is an adult, spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to grow into your heart. She’s not house-trained yet – but hey, every great vine needs a little training trellis to climb. Kiwi is loyal, lovable, and a-peel-ing in all the right ways. If you’re looking to add a little zest to your life and don’t mind helping a good girl learn the ropes, Kiwi Vine is ready to put down roots with you. Come meet her today and see if you’re the one she’s been waiting to stick with – because this Kiwi is ripe for adoption. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out her application today.

Construction to begin this spring on Royal City road project

ROYAL CITY — The first phase of improvements to Apple Avenue Northeast is scheduled to begin this spring. Royal City City Council members voted on a contract for the project Tuesday. Public Works Director Mauricio Romero said construction is scheduled to begin either in late May or the first week of June. Council members voted on awarding the construction contract, about $903,300, to Wheeler Excavation, Benton City. Council members also voted on a $135,000 construction engineering contract with Anderson Perry, La Grande, project engineers.

Adams County passes accountability audit

RITZVILLE — Adams County received a clean bill of health in its latest accountability audit, with state auditors reporting no findings and concluding the county complied with laws, safeguarded public resources and maintained adequate internal controls during 2024.

Soap Lake sees large uptick of public records requests

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is experiencing a upsurge in public records requests this spring, with dozens of inquiries pouring in from residents, reporters and outside agencies as the city navigates ongoing investigations, staffing changes and questions about financial oversight.

Mavericks girls golf hits the green

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls golf hit the green Tuesday for a league match against Eastmont, Davis, Eisenhower, Sunnyside, Wenatchee and West Valley. Full results and a recap will be in Thursday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

Basin diamond roundup, April 14-21

MOSES LAKE — The spring season for Basin baseball and softball only has a few weeks left. In the last week they all took one step closer to the postseason, see below how your favorite team fared and their current record.

Sixers 9U earn first place in Yakima tourney

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sixers 9u – Lange (7-0-1) is off to a strong start to their season after going undefeated in their second tournament of the season. “The kids are doing good. It's back-to-back tournaments that we've placed very well and finished first in both tournaments. A lot of the kids, it's (their) first time experiencing a baseball tournament... a lot of unknowns of what to expect and everything else. I think they played well,” Head Coach Jameson Lange said.

3 hurt in collision south of Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A two-vehicle collision south of Moses Lake sent three people to the hospital Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Washington State Patrol.

Jessie Seibert

August 12, 1935 – April 8, 2026

Jessie Luther Seibert, 90, was born on Aug. 12, 1935, and passed into glory on April 8, 2026, while living at Serenity Place in Lewiston, Idaho. The service will be May 1, 2026, at Community Bible Church, Dayton, Washington. The viewing is at 10:30 a.m. and the service is at 11 11 a.m. with a meal to follow. For those unable to attend the service, starting at 10:45 livestreaming will be available at www.youtube.com; search for Community Bible Church, Dayton, WA. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Dayton is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at https://corbeillfuneralhomes.com.

Interlocal agreement could advance lake crossing study

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will take the lead in obtaining funding for an environmental impact study of a possible second crossing of Moses Lake. Moses Lake City Council members approved an interlocal agreement with Grant County April 14, and it’s scheduled for a vote of the Grant County Commissioners Tuesday. Moses Lake City Manager Rob Karlinsey told council members it’s a first step toward fulfilling one of the council’s top goals, which is to at least start studying the possibility of a second lake crossing. “We have applied for federal funding to help us study that. For us to receive that funding, we need to have an interlocal agreement with the county, because the likely locations of that lake crossing are going to be in (the) unincorporated county,” Karlinsey said.

CBAA auction moves inside with Kentucky Derby theme

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Allied Arts fundraiser auction will have a new venue this year, at the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel in Moses Lake. “They catered last year … and it was great,” CBAA Executive Director Shawn Cardwell said. “It felt like it would be fun to change it up … We really look forward to that beautiful lake view.”

Hayden Homes named Great Place to Work

REDMOND, Ore. — Hayden Homes is officially a great place to work, according to an announcement from the company.

Legals for April, 21 2026

WEATHER: April 21-27

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5-10 mph becoming southwesterly in the afternoon. Rain likely overnight, mainly after 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Two arrested in Warden on assault charges

WARDEN — The Warden Police Department received a report of a physical fight with shots fired at the Warden City Park, Friday, according to Warden PD. Two suspects were arrested: Alex Gonzalez, 19, of Warden and a 17-year-old male juvenile.

MLSD to host community forum on new elementary school

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District leaders will host a community forum Monday evening to gather public input on a proposal to build a new elementary school on the North Elementary property, a project that would merge North and Larson Heights elementaries and replace two of the district’s oldest buildings.

Moses Lake man arrested for assault after K-9 assistance

MOSES LAKE — Nicolas Brice, 44, of Moses Lake, was arrested Sunday after allegedly punching a woman in a face four times near Kathy Drive and Broad Street Northeast. The woman and the subject know each other, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Brice did not comply with deputies’ orders to surrender, choosing to take a confrontational stance, according to the GCSO. “Deputies, along with handler Deputy Zane Bundy and K-9 Malie were at the scene when deputies gave the order to Mr. Brice for him to surrender. He refused. So, Malie brought Mr. Brice under control,” Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 20, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 18, 19 and 20. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. April 18 Jeremy Andrew Gildow, 32, booked for Grant County District Court warrant. Jesus Celan Perez Molina, 35, booked for DUI and third-degree driving with license suspended. Samantha Gracie Thomas, 18, booked for fourth-degree assault – domestic violence.

Basin tennis roundup, April 13-18

MOSES LAKE — Another week of Basin tennis has concluded, with several teams making their push for the postseason. See below how your favorite teams fared and their current record.

Warriors claim two home wins over Inchelium

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors earned a pair of dominating victories over Inchelium during Saturday’s doubleheader, winning the first game 19-4 and the second 13-4. Warriors Head Coach Faye Butler said the team is coming together nicely as they work through the second half of the season. “I feel like the girls’ bats are getting more alive these days; (it) just takes them a little bit of getting into the season,” said Butler. The Warriors gained a strong lead in the bottom of the first inning with eight runs scored off hits from Josie Bayless, Grace Erickson, Savannah Monson, Lainee Baergen and Grace Okamoto. ACH’s push was stalled in the second inning as they were held to one run from Emma Brummett stealing home and Inchelium got on the board in the third with two runs.

Tigers split doubleheader at home

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers (6-9) split a doubleheader against the Prosser Mustangs, winning game one 8-3 and suffering a hard-fought loss 18-9. Head Coach Lesa Trevino said she was happy with how hard her team battled Saturday. “Our first game, our defense was solid. It was really cool to see them implement everything that we had worked on this last week,” she said.

Huskies take twin bill from Tigers on the road

EPHRATA — The Othello Huskies (12-3) swept the Ephrata Tigers (3-14) in a doubleheader Saturday. Game one was a competitive 4-1 win while game two saw an offensive frenzy ensue for a final score of 17-1. “We got another solid two outings from our two pitchers; (they) did really good on the mound, mixing it up and throwing a lot of strikes. Our defense played really well, made some plays, a couple of big-time plays from our infielders, and (we) kind of needed it late in game one, which was really helpful. And then our hitters just kind of stayed consistent,” Othello Head Coach Sonny Garza said.

Frederick Beierman

Frederick Beierman, 92, died April 8, 2026, in Moses Lake, Washington. A Celebration of Life will be held May 1, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake, Washington. Rosary at 10 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Honor Guard and inurnment at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the Fatima Center. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Fred's name.

Gust G. ‘Gus’ Mandelas

June 28, 1944 – April 15, 2026

Gust “Gus” George Mandelas, 81, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Washington, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 28, 1944, in Ellensburg, Washington, the youngest of five children born to Gust and Mary Mandelas. Gus married the love of his life, Victoria Ducharme Walker, on Aug. 10, 1963. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their son Tim and daughter Teresa. A dedicated plumber by trade, Gus was known for his humor and often referred to himself as a “UT (Urban Turd) Chaser,” a title he wore with pride. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing the accordion. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time with family and friends, good country music, a good drink and a great cigar.

Woo goes 7 strong innings as the Mariners power past the Rangers 5-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Bryan Woo pitched seven strong innings, Rob Refsnyder homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first and the Seattle Mariners topped the Texas Rangers 5-2 on Sunday. J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena each hit two-run homers for the Mariners, who won for the second consecutive day to take two of three in the series after losing their previous four games.

Two dead after collisions near Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Two collisions left a driver and passenger dead on Road 3 Northeast near Moses Lake Sunday afternoon, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. At about 4:45 p.m., the Washington State Patrol responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision on State Route 17 at the Stratford Road intersection, according to a statement from the WSP. An unidentified male driving a 2003 Toyota Corolla attempted to exit SR 17 at the same time as Savana R. Oliphant, 19, of Moses Lake. Oliphant was transported to Samaritan Hospital with injuries, and the unknown driver fled the scene with Grant County Sheriff’s deputies in pursuit.

Moses Lake School Board passes updates to sex ed, ELA materials

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board approved updates to its secondary English language arts curriculum and adopted revisions to its comprehensive sexual health education materials Thursday during the regularly scheduled board meeting. District leaders said the updates will modernize instruction and bring materials in line with state requirements. The board also passed a resolution supporting school-based celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

BBCC Job & Career Fair returns Thursday

MOSES LAKE — There are jobs out there, and people who are looking for jobs, and the two will come together Thursday at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome more than 60 exhibitors to campus for the 33rd annual Job & Career Fair,” Alissa Scriven, Career Pathways Coordinator at Big Bend Community College, wrote in an announcement. “Each year, this event continues to grow, and it reflects the strong partnerships we have with local employers and organizations that are committed to strengthening our workforce. It’s a unique opportunity for students and community members to have real conversations with employers and explore what’s possible right here in our region.” The Job Fair is hosted by BBCC, and organized in conjunction with Washington State Employment Security, OIC of Washington, the Department of Services for the Blind, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services/DVR, SkillSource and Job Corps, all agencies that help connect people with jobs. Those entities will have booths, but they’ll be joined by scores of employers from the private sector looking to expand their teams.

CWU releases winter 2026 honor roll

ELLENSBURG — One hundred eleven students from the Columbia Basin were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for winter quarter 2026, according to an announcement from the university. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 graded credits in the quarter earned with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Legals for April, 20 2026

WEATHER: April 20-24

Monday: Partly sunny, high near 81. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low about 50.

Cleaning up

Around 50 volunteers painted over graffiti Apr. 11.

Moses Lake Grange to sponsor candidate forum

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Grange No. 1151 will sponsor a forum where people can listen to candidates for the Fourth Congressional District from 3 to 5 p.m. May 9 at the Grange building, 14724 Road 3 SE.

Ephrata to consider impact fees for new development

EPHRATA — The possibility of adding transportation and parks impact fees for new development will be under consideration by the Ephrata City Council, starting with a discussion April 29. Community Development Director Ron Sell said development fees would be a new thing for Ephrata. “Currently we don’t have any impact fees in place. We do have a parks mitigation fee in place,” Sell said.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs for April 9-16

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Location is not provided for all incidents. April 9 26GS03743: 8:53 a.m. Administrative matter at Grant County Jail. 26GS03744: 9:32 a.m. Car break‑in reported.

Grant County Jail Roster as of April 18, 2025

Surveys of Moses Lake residents show attitudes toward service cuts, sales tax increase

MOSES LAKE — About 49% of Moses Lake residents contacted as part of a survey of community attitudes and priorities said they were satisfied with the direction of the city, with about 42% saying they thought the city was on the wrong track. The biggest concerns of survey respondents centered around homelessness and public safety. The survey was part of a larger project to get public input on possible revisions to city programs due to a deficit in the general fund. “We’re trying to understand how voters look at their values and what kinds of things you might have the opportunity to do in the future as you’re thinking about corralling this budget. Where are the opportunities, where will you find resistance and (where) will you find more agreement among voters?” said Ian Stewart, of Fulcrum Strategy group, which conducted the survey.

‘Bend, don’t break’

Huskies top Jacks in overtime thriller

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (7-4) defeated the Quincy Jacks (5-6) 3-2 in overtime penalty kicks Thursday. Huskies Head Coach Bernie Garza was happy to see his team find a way to win. “They showed a lot of heart,” Garza said. “(Quincy) scored some good goals, but I'm proud of my guys with the way they came back.”

Mavericks sweep Wenatchee at home

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (8-1) were victorious in both doubleheader games against the Wenatchee Panthers Friday. “Any time you can sweep a league opponent, it's a good day,” Head Coach Mike Hofheins said. “They're scrappy, I’ve got to tip my cap to them a little bit. Even though we won by six and then won by seven, I never felt super comfortable, because I always felt like they had a couple hits in them.”

Nimmo hits leadoff homer, deGrom works 4 scoreless innings as Rangers beat Mariners 5-0

SEATTLE (AP) — Brandon Nimmo hit a leadoff home run, Jacob deGrom threw four shutout innings and Gavin Collyer earned his first career win as the Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 5-0 on Friday night. Seattle lost its fourth straight game, and was shut out for the fourth time in 21 games, falling to 8-13. The Mariners were shut out six times during the 2025 season. Texas won its third straight game.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 20-27, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is beginning to heat up and so is the competition for spring sports as athletes head into the final weeks before postseason play. See where the local high school teams will be headed this week.

Eagles fall at home against Okanogan

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles had a hard-fought battle against Okanogan Thursday evening but ultimately fell 1-5 by the end of regulation. As the Eagles make their way further into their second soccer season, they plan on making consistent improvement and further gel as a team. “It was a pretty good first half, it was intense,” said Eagles senior Lenny Campos. “They came out hard just like us.”

Lillian Sadako Tokunaga

April 22, 1924 – April 14, 2026

Lillian Sadako Tokunaga, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away on April 14, 2026, just eight days before what would have been her 102nd birthday. She lived a life of extraordinary depth – one that carried her through some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century – and through it all, she met every chapter with grace, resilience and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Born April 22, 1924, in Seattle, Washington, to Manichi and Chiyono Yamaguchi, Lillian was raised in a Japanese-American family steeped in tradition. At the age of 14, as was customary in many Japanese families of the time, she was sent to Japan to learn the language and customs of her heritage. When the war broke out in 1940, she found herself unable to return home, and spent the years that followed living in Hiroshima. In one of history's most striking twists of fate, Lillian was sent away from the city on the morning of Aug. 6, 1945 – the day the atomic bomb was dropped. She survived. Many of her classmates did not. She carried the weight of that day quietly and with deep reverence for those she lost.

Paving begins Monday night on I-90 from Vantage to George

VANTAGE — Drivers traveling between George and the Vantage Bridge should plan for single-lane travel and reduced speeds at night as road crews repave the section of Interstate 90 between George and the bridge beginning Monday. Sebastian Moraga, communications consultant with the Washington Department of Transportation, said in a press release that crews will be working through approximately mid-August. “Work will occur primarily at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday each week,” Moraga said. “Contractors will repave and restripe approximately 11 miles of I-90 to extend the service life of the pavement.”

Pipes, punk and tradition

Leavenworth to host Cascade Celtic Festival

MOSES LAKE — The pipes will skirl and the fiddles will ring out at the Cascade Celtic Festival in Leavenworth May 1-3. “Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 festival expands its programming, deepens its cultural partnerships, and welcomes visitors for a full weekend of music, dance, storytelling, artisan craft, and community connection,” Festival President Alice Cloutier wrote in a press release announcing the festival. The festival will feature traditional – and not-so-traditional – Scottish and Irish music by more than 20 artists, many from Washington but also coming from Northern Ireland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There are also dance troupes from the Northwest and beyond, showing fancy footwork to Celtic strains. Three stages will showcase everything from traditional pipe and drum bands to high-energy Celtic punk rock.

Sprinkle of luck

OTHELLO — Meet Strawberry Clover. This Irish setter–black Lab mix puppy is sweet, smart, and ready to fetch her way right into your heart. She’s spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and currently accepting applications for a forever cuddle buddy. Adopt Strawberry Clover from Adams County Pet Rescue and let your happily‑ever‑after start with four paws and a wag. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out her application. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

BASIN EVENTS: April 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — Is it spring or isn’t it? You’d never know by the way the weather has gone back and forth this month. Don’t let that stop you from getting out and doing things this week, though. Here are some things to check out: April 17 Safe Kids, Strong Communities Free family-friendly event in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pizza, face painting, child safety education and hands-on activities for children of all ages and abilities, as well as prize giveaways. All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 3-7 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-764-8402.

Support students and save some green at FFA plant sales

MOSES LAKE — This is the time of year when FFA students get to show the fruits of their labor – literally – at plant sales all over the Columbia Basin. Nearly every high school will offer flower and vegetable starts for sale around the end of April and the beginning of May.

BUIDLING PERMITS: City of Ephrata

City of Ephrata March 2026

Legals for April, 17 2026

WEATHER: April 17-23

WEATHER: April 17-23 Friday: Widespread frost before 8 a.m.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 16, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 16. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. Zachary Nathanal Campbell, 25, booked for two Grant County District Court warrants.

Warden woman arrested for warrants, protection order violation

WARDEN — One arrest was made Wednesday in Warden during a routine patrol, according to Warden PD. At around 11 a.m., a Warden Police officer observed a female subject, later identified as Adriana G. Rodriguez, 45, of Warden at a residence in the 400 block of South Main Street. The officer recognized the subject and knew there was an active domestic violence court order prohibiting the female from being at the residence. The officer made contact with Rodriguez. After a records check, the officer discovered around eight active warrants for her arrest, according to Warden PD.

Royal City to consider rules for new soccer field

ROYAL CITY — Usage schedules for the new soccer field in Royal City’s Lions Park will be on the agenda for discussion by the Royal City City Council next Tuesday. City Finance Director Janice Flynn said the project was built with the help of a grant, which means there are some conditions for its use. The soccer field was built to provide a place for children and teens to play, Flynn said. “Because it is a youth soccer field, the youth will be given priority there,” she said.

Electric bikes give MLPD faster access to hard-to-reach areas

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department is rolling into spring with a major upgrade to its bike patrol program. The department recently got four new fat‑tire electric bicycles designed to boost officer mobility, visibility and community engagement throughout the city. Captain Jeff Sursely said the department has used bicycles for roughly three decades, but this is the first time officers will patrol on e‑bikes capable of reaching up to 28 mph. “This is the first year we’ve moved to an e‑bike,” Sursely said. “The fat tire version will allow us to go off‑road … behind Walmart, the movie theater, some of the areas where we’ve had some illegal camping.”

Tigers dominate on the road against Toppenish

TOPPENISH — The Ephrata Tigers (5-8) earned two dominating victories in Tuesday’s doubleheader on the road against Toppenish. At the end of the evening, the Tigers went home with 28-8 and 24-3 victories. “The girls have been playing phenomenally; they’re finally clicking, which is really cool to see,” said Tigers Head Coach Lesa Trevino. “They’ve hit a spot where they are knowing each other, having each other’s backs, but also knowing what everybody’s strength is.” The Tigers got off to a hot start as they scored 10 runs in the first inning and immediately followed with an additional eight in the second while holding Toppenish to one run. After a scoreless third inning, Ephrata got back on track with seven runs in the fourth and three runs in the fifth, while only allowing seven more Toppenish runs, closing out the game 28-8.

College baseball recap

MOSES LAKE — With the college baseball season halfway through, several teams across Washington are in the thick of highly competitive league matchups, pushing for higher positioning in their conferences and the postseason. See how your favorite programs have fared recently.

Warden Council restricts drug paraphernalia, tackles parking codes

WARDEN — The Warden City Council passed an ordinance restricting where drug paraphernalia can be displayed within storefronts. Council also began discussion on banning kratom and setting up parking zones and rules, asking for ordinances to be brought to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Paraphernalia For the last couple of meetings, the council has been discussing issues with how drug paraphernalia is displayed within some stores. They had concerns about the accessibility of the items to minors, because the items are easily accessible. “We don’t want to restrict the sale of these items to legal adults,” Council member Emily Campos said at a previous meeting. “We just don’t want children to be able to access it.”

Cut to pre-K program leaves WA school officials frustrated

An early learning program designed to prepare children in Washington for kindergarten will soon shrink by nearly 2,000 slots due to cuts state lawmakers approved earlier this year. The state’s top schools official is slamming Democrats in the Legislature and Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson over the move, which will chop funding for the Transition to Kindergarten programs by 25%. Local school officials are frustrated, too, saying the program performs well and fills a critical gap in the education system. Ferguson proposed slashing the program in the spending plan he put out late last year. And the budget he signed into law earlier this month will reduce it by $27 million. “In my 30 years in education, I have never seen a more ill-advised and damaging cut to education funding,” said state Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “School districts are struggling to understand why a successful, evidence-informed program was targeted by the Democratic majorities.

Mavs girls fall one match short against Sunnyside

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls tennis team came just short of a team victory as they fell 3-4 to Sunnyside Wednesday. Mavs Head Coach Mark Thompson said the young team is still putting in great work as they head into a tough schedule next week. “They’re doing alright, we’ve got a lot of learning to do as a young team right now,” said Thompson. “It’s kind of a brand new varsity lineup for the girls, so they’re figuring things out.”

Mavs boys earn full team victory over Sunnyside

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys tennis team earned a shutout victory, defeating the Sunnyside Grizzlies 7-0 at home. The Mavs prepare for a tough week ahead as they head into the final matchups of the regular season. “They had some really great matches,” said Mavs Head Coach Mark Thompson.

Basin soccer roundup, April 9-14

MOSES LAKE — As schools come out of spring break, Basin soccer continues where it left off. Though a smaller batch of teams were active in the last week, the competition did not decrease on the pitch. See below how your favorite teams fared and their current record.

St. Rose breaks ground on prayer garden, wedding space

EPHRATA — The sacred garden at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata is beginning to take shape.

Out of this world

OTHELLO — This small, fluffy Pomeranian is an adult gentleman with star-quality charm. Milky Way is house-trained, neutered, vaccinated, and ready to orbit straight into your heart. He’s smoother than milk chocolate, melts hearts faster than a candy bar in the sun and proves that the best things in life aren’t just sweet — they’re adoptable. No sugar rush required, just cuddles, couch time, and unconditional love. Adopt Milky Way today, because calories fade… but puppy love is forever. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out his application.

Soap Lake tables stripping mayor’s pay, establishes hiring committee

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council weighed two major governance actions — one to strip the mayor’s salary during ongoing investigations, and another to overhaul how the city hires department heads — as tensions over leadership and legal authority continued to dominate.

On the books, Ephrata PD fully staffed

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is fully staffed, on paper, with two officers completing field training and one at the academy. “It’s exciting to finally get our numbers at a reasonable level,” Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said. “I am just trying not to count my chickens before they hatch, but we are excited. We are not seeing anything that is indicating that we are not going to get there.” Officers Ricky Barquet and Romen Hernandez have both graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basin Law Enforcement Academy. Barquet graduated at the end of March, and Hernandez graduated in December. Both are working on completing their field training program.

Ephrata Comprehensive Plan open house tonight

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is hosting its comprehensive plan update open house tonight. Residents will be able to speak with city staff and planning consultants, review early concepts, explore challenges facing the city, and participate in activities designed to gather feedback. “You can’t be a government of the people, by the people, for the people, if the people aren’t involved,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “We want people to give us their feedback.”

The Way Cafe opens in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It had only been open about an hour and a half, but already The Way Cafe was bustling Tuesday morning.

Celebrating National Library Week

What brings you joy? For me, it’s driving through our beautiful region to visit our branch libraries, serving ice cream at the Peshastin Library’s annual summer social, and meeting with county commissioners to talk about what local libraries mean to rural communities.

Legals for April, 16 2026

ML Council looks at tax increases, program cuts

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members discussed what city services they wanted to keep and which ones they might decide to cut, or turn over to other operators, for three hours Tuesday, then adjourned with more discussion to come. Council members will convene a special meeting April 21 for that additional discussion. “Hopefully, (council members) can give us direction, then we can take that, put it in writing and bring it back to you on (April) 28), hopefully for adoption,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey. The goal is to have priorities established that will be used to prepare the 2027 city budget, a process that starts in July, Karlinsey said

Grant County Jail roster for April 15, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 15. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

WEATHER: April 16-22

WEATHER: April 16-22 Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Jacks earn convincing road victory over Huskies

OTHELLO — The Quincy Jackrabbits (6-10) earned a close 3-2 victory over the Othello Huskies (10-3) while on the road Tuesday. This victory was earned following the Jacks 1-19 loss at home last week to the Huskies. “Coming off this win is huge,” said Jacks senior Ashton Barnes-Keller. “I think it really boosts our confidence as a team, especially since Othello is a top contender in the whole state.” With two scoreless innings to start out the game, the Jacks were the first to score in the top of the third when Barnes-Keller singled to the right side of the infield, Jace Reyes singled to left field and Rocko Reyes grounded out with each scoring a run.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 16-23, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College athletes around the state continue to compete through the remainder of the spring season as postseason draws near. Check out where your favorite teams are headed this week.

Lions split doubleheader with Waterville-Mansfield

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (3-6) split their home doubleheader against Waterville-Mansfield Tuesday, earning an 18-8 victory in the first game and falling 2-17 in the second. Lions Head Coach Todd Gregory said the victory in the first game was the team’s most convincing win this season. “The first game was the best game I’ve seen them play all year. It was great,” said Gregory. “If they play like that, they can play anybody, so you just got to figure out how to do it in two games.” Waterville was the first to score in game one with a homerun that scored three runs in the first inning, but the Lions responded with two runs of their own. In the second inning, Waterville added five runs to the scoreboard and MLCA/CCS trailed just behind with three runs to put the game at 5-8.

Mavs suffer home loss after late rally by Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (6-3) suffered a 3-2 loss to the Wenatchee Panthers Tuesday. Despite a competitive game, the Mavericks made too many errors, Head Coach Donnie Lindgren said. “I thought our pitchers threw well enough to win,” Lindgren said. “And we talked about it last week and yesterday, about how we can only give them three outs an inning, instead of giving them four or five outs an inning. That's what cost us.” The Mavericks started strong, taking a 2-0 lead after the first two innings. Defense was the name of this game, as Moses Lake held Wenatchee scoreless through the first four innings. However, the Panthers got home twice in the top of the fifth and once in the sixth to claim the lead. Despite their best efforts, the Mavericks could not get home the rest of the game and Wenatchee sealed the win.

Othello council approves fire contract extension, commits to annexation vote

OTHELLO — After a year and a half of discussion and controversy, Othello City Council members approved a short-term extension to the city’s contract with Adams County Fire District 5 at its Monday meeting. Fire District 5 commissioners considered the contract at their meeting Tuesday night. The contract was approved by the council on a 7-0 vote. Council member Angel Garza said it’s time the two sides reached a deal. “We have to make a decision and move forward and get something done,” Garza said.

Hands-on history

Youth Heritage Project to explore Ellensburg history, alternative energy

MOSES LAKE — Some students in the Columbia Basin will get a chance to experience history at close range this summer. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting applications for its four-day Youth Heritage Project, which will be July 13-16 in Ellensburg this year. “We go to different places in the state every year … and do a deep dive into a place,” said Moira Nadal, director of preservation for the WTHP. “We … want the students to have a chance to get to know a place. They could be in a classroom anywhere, (but) walking around, spending time in a place, doing site visits, those are really important.”

Ephrata Youth Fishing Derby Saturday

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Lions Club will host its annual Youth Fishing Derby from 6 to 8 a.m. this Saturday at Ping Pond, formerly Oasis Park Pond, according to Lions Club member Bill Sangster. The event is free for all children 4-14 years old. No registration is necessary; kids can just show up and fish. A fish farm is stocking the pond, Sangster said. “They (said they’re) going to put some big ones in, six- or seven-pounders,” Sangster said.

Moses Lake ready for spring cleaning

MOSES LAKE — The annual Downtown Cleanup will be this Saturday, with an expanded range. “We’ll be cleaning up downtown Moses Lake, probably spanning from Balsam Street up to Cedar, and then we’re extending over to Neppel Landing Park this time,” said Mallory Miller, executive director of the Downtown Moses Lake Association, which organizes the cleanup. There has been some concern about needles or other sharps being found at Neppel Landing, Miller added, so only those volunteers who are comfortable with that possibility will be asked to clean that area.

Color Tate, then come meet him

Meet Tate, a small mixed‑breed pup who’s 3 months old and paws‑itively ready for adoption. He’s vaccinated, microchipped, neutered, and waiting at Grant County Animal Outreach. To adopt this sweet boy, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.” Color his cute face, then come meet him – you might just draw the best friend you’ve been looking for. Submit your completed coloring pages to [email protected]. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for April, 15 2026

Grant County Jail Roster for Apr. 14, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 14. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. Pedro Craig Torres, 34, booked for Grant County District Court warrant. Alfredo Ochoa Costaneda, 33, booked for unclassified court order for confinement. Sabrina Ann Nicole Bolden, 26, booked for three Grant County District Court warrants.

Authorities await identity confirmation for body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — Investigators made a possible match Monday evening in confirming the identity of the man who was found along Crab Creek, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “Coroner’s investigators believe they have found the family of the man who was recovered from Crab Creek on Sunday,” Kyle Foreman wrote in the statement. The coroner’s staff has not yet released the man’s name because they are awaiting a familial DNA test to verify the identity, according to the statement. There is no current timeline for those results to return.

Graffiti is seeing uptick in Grant County; here's how to help

QUINCY — Law enforcement agencies across Grant County say graffiti vandalism is rising with the spring weather, prompting renewed requests for community vigilance, quick cleanup and better reporting as officers work to curb a crime that is easy to commit and difficult to catch.

Task force recommendation could protect WA public employees' jobs from AI advances

(The Center Square) - A proposed recommendation by the State Attorney General’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, if adopted into law, would offer protection to public sector employees from losing wages or employment due to AI adoption. According to a draft of the task force’s recommendations, “Artificial intelligence technology has advanced significantly since the original establishment of technology-related management rights, now capable of directly impacting employee wages, performance evaluations, and job security through machine learning algorithms that make decisions traditionally associated with human judgment.” The proposed recommendation comes as many private sector industries have experienced significant job loss due to AI. Half of the 80,000 tech sector jobs lost in the first quarter of 2026 were related to AI, Nikkei Asia, a news organization, recently reported. The New York Times recently reported that “tech workers, it is becoming clear, have been building their A.I. replacements.”

Beware of Bitcoin scams

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are warning residents about a sharp rise in scams involving Bitcoin machines, after three people were targeted in the past week alone. Capt. Jeff Sursely said scammers are increasingly directing victims to local Bitcoin kiosks, machines that function like ATMs, and convincing them to deposit money under the guise of paying fines, fees or urgent debts. “Scammers are always finding new ways to victimize our citizens,” Sursely said. “There isn’t a single entity that will call you on the phone and tell you to send Bitcoin that’s legitimate.”

Ephrata Police Department logs for April 6-13

The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Locations are not listed in the records. Apr. 6 26EP0864: 11:11 a.m. Officers assisted a hotel with removing a male subject. No crime. 26EP0865: 12:13 p.m. APS reported a possible abuse or neglect concern; follow‑up pending.

Gerald Trautman

February 19, 1947 – April 3, 2026

Gerald (Gary) Alvin Trautman, 79, departed this world for his eternal dwelling place with Jesus on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. Gary was born February 19, 1947, to Alvin and Beatrice Trautman in Everett, Washington. He grew up in Everett and graduated from Cascade High School in 1965. He went on to attend Central Washington University until the Vietnam War Draft caused him to voluntarily join the United States Army in June of 1967. After completing Officer Candidate School and helicopter pilot training that same year, Gary was selected to fly the renowned Cobra gunship. Gary graduated Cobra training in 1968 and deployed to Vietnam from October 1968 to October of 1969. He returned to Fort Rucker, Alabama and separated from active duty as Chief Warrant Officer 2 in December of 1969.

Basin diamond roundup, April 7-13

MOSES LAKE — Over the last week, we have crossed the halfway mark of the spring sports season for Basin baseball and softball. While many schools were enjoying a relaxing spring break, many others still stepped out on the diamond as they work toward the postseason. See below how your favorite teams fared and their current record.

Candidate filing period May 4-8 for Adams County offices

RITZVILLE — One Adams County Commission position and a number of county offices, including sheriff and prosecutor, will be on the ballot in the 2026 general election. Adams County Auditor Heidi Hunt announced Tuesday that the filling period will be May 4-8. “Candidates are encouraged to file for office online,” Hunt wrote in a press release. “Candidate filings are accepted online at www.co.adams.wa.gov beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 4 and will remain open continuously until 5:00 p.m. on May 8.” People also can file in person at the Adams County Election Office, 106 W. Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of the filing week.

‘A real concern for our youth’

Othello considers banning kratom

OTHELLO — The city of Othello is weighing whether to outlaw the sale of kratom and concentrated 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, citing rising safety concerns, unregulated access for youth and new federal data showing the compound behaves like a potent opioid. The proposal, introduced during the April 13 council meeting, would prohibit the sale, advertisement and distribution of any kratom or kratom derived product within city limits. Police Chief Aaron Garza told council members the products are already being sold locally in gummies, shots and teas, with no age restrictions. “There’s no regulation on it. There’s no restrictions on how old you have to be to buy it, or how much you can buy,” Garza said. “That’s a real concern for our youth.”

Jack Watrous

Jack Watrous, born July 23, 1959, has passed away. A Moses Lake resident for over 30 years, he founded the Unchained Brotherhood, helping the community for the past 20 years. There will be a Celebration of A Legacy April 19, 2026, at the Hansen Memorial Park at 3 p.m. A ride will be held before the celebration in the Ross Parking Lot starting at 11 a.m.

Eagles fall to Entiat on the court

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles boys and girls tennis teams both fell 2-3 against Entiat Tuesday evening. After a long day of matchups going back and forth, the Eagles came just short of earning team victories on both sides. “It was good, that was our second time playing them, and I felt like the kids played a lot better,” said Eagles Head Coach Lee Leavell. “I was a little nervous with them coming back from break, but they responded pretty well and despite us losing, I was pretty happy with it.”

Wildcats finish 1-3 in weekend series against St. Martins

LACEY — The Central Washington University Wildcats (9-29) wrapped up their road trip over the weekend 1-3 against Saint Martin’s with a 6-2 victory in game three Sunday, according to a statement by CWU Athletics. Their victory in game three was led by the Wildcats pitcher Zoey Theophilus. “Zoey had an outstanding weekend and was a huge reason we stayed competitive in every game, giving our offense the chance to do its job,” said Wildcats Head Coach Ronnie Ladines. “This team continues to improve each weekend, and it’s exciting to see the progress.”

Cougs’ extend win streak after win over Portland

PULLMAN — The Washington State Cougars (19-17) extended its win streak to five after defeating the University of Portland Pilots 9-3 Monday, according to a statement by WSU Athletics. Pitcher Brock Blatter was happy with his performance after coming back from a recent injury. “It felt good (to) give us a good start and stuff and get us in good position and get a win on a Monday,” Blatter said. “(I just) keep getting innings and building up my pitch count and stuff like that and continue to build each outing. (I) got four innings today and continued to build the pitch count.”

Moses Lake Police Department logs for April 8-9

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Family drama

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ opens Friday in Quincy

QUINCY — The Biblical story of Joseph will come to life in song this weekend, as Quincy Valley Allied Arts opens “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Friday. “(The writers) originally wrote it for a kids’ school,” Director Brian Higgins said. “You have a bunch of different genres of music. There’s a country-western song in the show. There’s a sad song. There’s a little bit of early rap elements. It’s kind of a tour through different musical genres to keep kids interested.” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” follows a story familiar to many from the Bible. The patriarch Jacob has 12 sons, but his clear favorite is Joseph, the second-youngest, who has dreams that his destiny is to rule over his brothers. Naturally, the other 11 are not huge fans of this idea, and when Jacob gives Joseph a fancy coat of many colors, that proves too much for them and they sell him into slavery.

Data centers, including Sabey, play crucial role

QUINCY — A lot of work and thought has gone into making online access as easy as possible for consumers. Pick up the phone or open the computer, and it’s possible to connect with anyone almost anywhere in the world. It seems easy. In reality – as anyone knows who’s dealt with a tech failure knows – it’s a complex network of connections and reconnections that must move fast and without interruption. At the base of it all is the machine that coordinates all of that electronic activity. Ryan Beebout, western vice-president for Sabey Data Centers, said the servers that power the system are the equivalent of the electrical grid. “Almost everything you do on your phone runs through a data center,” Beebout said. “People want their phones to be small and lightweight, and they want their batteries to last a really long time. A lot of the things that you do are very computationally intensive. You can’t do that on a device like (a cell phone).”

Youth Dynamics to mark 30th anniversary

MOSES LAKE — Youth Dynamics will hold a three-day party this week to mark 30 years of Christian outreach. “I was talking to the president of Youth Dynamics, and I (said), ‘I’d really like to do a celebration weekend,’” said Moses Lake Youth Dynamics Director Sean Sallis. “It’s not a fundraiser; we’re not going to have an auctioneer here selling items or anything like that.” The event will celebrate four pillars of Youth Dynamics’ ministry over the years.

WEATHER: April 15-21

Wednesday: A 30% chance of rain mixed with snow after 7 a.m. then gradually ending.

Legals for April, 14 2026

More than basketball

Grant County Red Tails emphasize mentorship while earning dramatic home victory

MATTAWA — The Grant County Red Tails (6-5) are the Basin’s newest professional basketball team. Part of The Basketball League, the Red Tails aren’t only focused on hoops, they’re also driven by community service. “We came together because we saw the need, number one, that we could revitalize the mentorship and the leadership things that are missing in this community, with touch points, with kids and families and family engagement, being in such a rural area, and we wanted to really take advantage of that and be the answer,” Co-Founder Antonio Williams said. Alongside Doug Foodies and Ryan Purdie, the trio has brought another option for entertainment to Mattawa and Grant County as a whole. Williams pointed to a new jail being built in the area as motivation for pursuing this endeavor, he said.

Moses Lake golf hosts league match

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks hosted a Big 9 league match Monday at Moses Lake Golf and Country Club. Stay tuned for Wednesday’s Columbia Basin Herald for full results and recaps.

Naylor homers twice, Kirby pitches into 8th as Mariners beat Astros 6-2 for 4-game sweep

SEATTLE (AP) — Josh Naylor hit his first two homers of the season and drove in five runs, George Kirby allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings, and the Seattle Mariners completed a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros with a 6-2 win on Monday. It was Naylor’s seventh career game with five or more RBIs.

Basin tennis roundup, April 4-11

MOSES LAKE — While many took a rest during their spring break, a handful of Columbia Basin tennis teams competed fiercely in matches as their seasons march forward. See below how your favorite teams have performed.

One arrested in theft from Dollar General

WARDEN — Warden Police Department arrested Brian Sanchez-Martinez, a 19-year-old male from Warden on suspicion of stealing two cases of alcoholic beverages from Dollar General Sunday morning, according to a statement from Warden PD.

ACH sweeps Knights in weekend doubleheader

ROYAL CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (5-3) swept the Royal Knights (6-6) 9-3 and 10-7 in a doubleheader Saturday. Warriors Head Coach Hunter Lee was proud of his team for earning the road win. “It was great to come down here and take two from a good 1A school,” Lee said. “We got some great hits when we needed it. We competed on the mound really well, and Caden (Correia) and Max (Grindy) threw great. We ran the bases really well (and) took advantage of some walks by them. It was a great result for us coming to win two against the bigger school. It’s going to look really good for our non-conference (record) the end of the year.” The Knights took the lead in the bottom of the first inning to start game one. From there, the Warriors held them scoreless while they climbed back into the game. In the sixth inning, ACH erupted with five runs to take a commanding lead and held on through the seventh to seal their first win of the day.

Only 41% of Washington drivers comply with ignition interlock mandate after DUIs

(The Center Square) - Less than half of the drivers required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles did so between 2018 and 2025, despite $14.5 million in state spending to bolster compliance. Washington state lawmakers allocated $400,000 in 2024 to the bipartisan Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to examine installation rates and issue recommendations to improve them. Staff returned on Wednesday with three after realizing that no one was responsible for tracking compliance. The JLARC performance audit released this month reviewed 66,000 drivers with IID requirements from January 2018 to June 2025. Only 41% of those drivers completed the requirement or currently have a device installed; the remaining 59% of drivers facing IID restrictions had not installed one as of June.

ID still pending on body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon. “A kayaker found the body in the water Saturday evening about 3.5 miles east of state Route 243 near Beverly in southwestern Grant County,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a release issued Sunday night. “Deputies used a drone to pinpoint the body. For safety reasons, they returned at dawn on Sunday to begin the recovery. Access to the remote site was hindered by dense overgrowth.”

WEATHER: April 14-20

Tuesday: Increasing clouds and a 20% chance of rain in the afternoon, with a high near 59.

Gas prices stable this week, large increases since January

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across Washington were largely unchanged this week, but drivers are still paying significantly more than they did in early January as global tensions continue to pressure oil markets. The relative stability follows several weeks of volatility tied to escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for crude oil. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said drivers should be prepared for more price swings. “Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” De Haan said in a statement. As of April 13, Washington’s average gasoline price remained $5.39 per gallon, the same as the previous week, according to AAA. In the beginning of January, prices were sitting at $3.84, which marks a 40.4% increase in fuel prices from the start of the year.

Grant County Jail roster for Apr. 13, 2026

Grant County Jail roster for Apr. 13, 2026

Getting last-minute taxes done right

MOSES LAKE — The April 15 tax deadline is just one day away and across the nation there are still those who might not have filed yet. Pillar Rock Accounting’s tax expert Mandy Schuh said it is ideal for taxpayers to have all their tax documents together by April 1, but if there are any issues in making deadline, there are still some steps to take to avoid being late. “If they’re getting close to the deadline, then they’re going to want to extend, and there are some options out there that they can extend on their own for free,” said Schuh. There are two ways an individual can request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension, according to the IRS website. The first is to use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile and the second is using File Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File.

Randy Pugh

Randy Pugh, 69, of Moses Lake passed away March 1, 2026, at Sacred Heart Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be April 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W Ivy Ave. Full obituary available at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, www.kayserschapel.com.

Donald Child Fletcher

January 16, 1940 – April 8, 2026

Donald Child Fletcher, 86, passed away April 8, 2026. He was born Jan. 16, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Clyde and Viola Fletcher. He was the second of five children. His family moved to Moses Lake, Wash., in February of 1953 under the Grand Coulee Project. They bought a farm in the Columbia Basin.

Farm fun

Palmer’s Adventure Farm features friendly animals, play equipment and apple artillery

MOSES LAKE — There’s a whole lot to do at Palmer’s Adventure Farm, about five miles east of Moses Lake. We have a train for the kids to go on,” said Shane Palmer, who owns Palmer’s Adventure Farm with his brother Kyle Palmer and their wives Vanessa and Janelle. “We added animals this spring. We’ve got a mini-Highland cow. We’ve got goats and bunnies and donkeys, and they can feed the animals. We just put in two jump pads for the kids. They’re air pillows inflated with a big blower and a fan, and the kids jump on it like a trampoline and have a blast. We’ve got a mega-slide (and) a double barrel slide into a corn pit. It’s like a sandbox, but it’s full of corn and the kids play in it.” Palmer’s Adventure Farm started out four years ago as Strawbelly’s Straw Maze on Wheeler Road, Shane said.

Ephrata Sports Complex construction to begin today

EPHRATA — Construction on the Sports Complex Addition Project begins Monday, bringing temporary closures, a partial dog park shutdown and the start of a major, multi‑phase renovation expected to reshape one of the city’s busiest recreation hubs, Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson said.

Bierlink commits to Whitworth basketball

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks’ Pierce Bierlink has declared his intent to pursue basketball at the collegiate level by committing to the Whitworth Pirates. According to him, he’s been working toward this goal for a long time. “It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I've been playing basketball since before I can remember,” Pierce said. Coming into the 2025-26 school year, there was some uncertainty surrounding what might be next for him after he graduates.

Young voices

Teen town hall tackles mental health, substance abuse with local officials

MOSES LAKE — Five middle school students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin discussed mental health and substance abuse Wednesday with local officials.

Legals for April, 13 2026

Autopsy pending on body found along Crab Creek

BEVERLY — An autopsy is pending to help determine the identity of a dead person found along Crab Creek Saturday night and recovered late Sunday afternoon.

WEATHER: April 13-17

Monday: A 20% chance of rain in the morning. Otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 68. West winds up to 14 miles per hour, with gusts up to 24 mph.

Roadwork, intersection upgrades coming in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It being spring and all, roadwork is starting up not only on state and county highways, but also in municipalities around town. A couple of projects are scheduled for Moses Lake before the end of April.

Road 2 SW haystack fire unlikely to reignite but will smolder

MOSES LAKE — Drivers near the intersection of state Route 17 and Road 2 Southeast may continue to see smoke – and possibly flames – from a haystack fire that closed a section of Road 2 for two days.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for April 6-7

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cougars earn home victory over Lake Roosevelt

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (3-10) earned a convincing 9-2 home victory over Lake Roosevelt Thursday evening. The Cougars remained dominant throughout the game and will have some time between games to prepare for the remainder of the season. Warden came out strong in the first inning, holding Lake Roosevelt scoreless in the top of the inning and earning three runs when scoring off an error and Kameron Jensen grounding out to score two runs, according to stats from GameChanger. The Cougars added to their lead in the bottom of the second inning with Jensen singling to score two runs, Carson Whitaker grounding out to score a run and another error scoring a run.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 13-20, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — High school athletes around the Columbia Basin return from spring break for the second half of the season as teams begin setting their sights on postseason play. Check out where the local teams will be heading this week.

Cougars go 1-2 in three game series over the weekend

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (5-3) competed in a three-game series starting with an 11-1 victory over Lake Roosevelt Thursday afternoon then followed by a 4-10 loss to Adna and a 0-10 loss to Pe Ell-Willapa Valley. The Cougars entered the series determined to come back after falling in two games the weekend prior. “We wanted to come back stronger (Thursday) and win,” said Cougars player Jamylex Pruneda.

Myers announces candidacy for 13th District House position

MOSES LAKE — Don Myers, Moses Lake deputy mayor, has announced his candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Myers will be running for the position left vacant when current Representative Alex Ybarra announced he would run for the 13th District Washington Senate position. Myers will be the third candidate in the race. Ellensburg business owner Jeff Leichleiter and former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez announced their candidacies April 3. Myers said he’s been on the Moses Lake council about 10 years, and his experience there influenced his decision to run for the legislative seat.

Bring home some Irish sunshine

OTHELLO — Saint Patrick’s Day may have passed, but Shamrock is still ready to sham‑rock your world. This adorable Irish setter–black lab mix is a young pup (under one year old) with a heart full of love and paws full of puppy energy. He’s neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and just waiting to dig his way into your life through Adams County Pet Rescue. Sure, he’s not house trained yet — but let’s be honest, even the best things in life need a little work. Shamrock is a lucky charm in dog form: playful, sweet, and guaranteed to bring more joy than a pot of gold. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out his application today. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

One arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke sees need for change as team struggles

SEATTLE (AP) — By his second season as CEO of the Kraken, Tod Leiweke had witnessed firsthand just how impactful a successful team can be for the city of Seattle. The Kraken not only qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs in their second year of existence, the 2022-23 season, but they also advanced to the second round, in which they lost to the Dallas Stars in seven games. Leiweke joked Thursday that some oblivious fans left a handful of those home playoff games after the second intermission, unaware that hockey didn’t feature solely a halftime like basketball or football games.

One roundabout completed, another starting by month’s end

EPHRATA — The last phase of construction at the roundabout at Nat Washington Way and State Route 282 should be done today, at least Grant County’s portion of it. “If not Friday morning, then Friday afternoon,” said Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines Thursday. The roundabout was closed for the week so crews could replace the temporary lights installed in fall 2025 with new permanent poles and lights. It was built as part of the construction of the new Grant County Jail, which is scheduled to open this summer. The actual roundabout was built last fall, but delivery of the lights was delayed, Gaines said. Detour signs installed by the county remained in place over the winter, although they were covered. But they’re no longer needed.

BASIN EVENTS: April 10-18

COLUMBIA BASIN — Crafts, theater, music and more await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few chances to get out and about.

Moses Lake KFC employee among 11 nationwide to receive top scholarship

MOSES LAKE — Krystal Salmeron thought she was headed to take a passport photo. Instead, she walked into her workplace at KFC to find flowers, a crowd of supporters and a giant check with her name on it — for $20,000.

A sea of color

Palmer’s Adventure Farm debuts Tulip Fest

MOSES LAKE — Palmer’s Adventure Farm has begun its first annual Inland Northwest Tulip Fest.

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: Thank You for Being Part of Our Story

Some days sharply remind me why this work matters. Thursday was one of those days.

Active listings up, sales steady in Washington statewide

MOSES LAKE — More homes were on the market in March 2026 than a year earlier, but sales are about the same, according to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties.

BUILDING PERMITS: City of Moses Lake

City of Moses Lake March 2026

Huskies girls show dominance on the court

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies girls tennis team (8-0) earned a 4-1 team victory Wednesday afternoon against Toppenish to continue their undefeated streak. The Huskies had multiple players playing through illness but powered through to find success on the court.

Reader art: Michael renames dog of day 'Coco'

Six-year-old Michael Aazzerrah of Damascus, Oregon colored this picture of Columbia Basin Herald Dog of the Day Bobo, whom Michael renamed Coco. Michael was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, his cousin Vaughn Blethen of Moses Lake wrote in an email. Blethen sends Michael all of the Columbia Basin Herald’s coloring pages, she added.

Quincy Police Department logs for April 2-8

The reports below were provided by the Quincy Police Department. All suspects listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for April, 10 2026

WEATHER: April 10-16

Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 73. A 20% chance of showers after 11 p.m., otherwise mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southwest wind around 6 mph, becoming north in the evening.

DNR prepares for fire season; too early to predict severity

Grant Co. Jail roster for April 9, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 9. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. Ayden Alexander Doak, 18, booked for drive-by shooting and third-degree assault. Tasha Marie Wehrli, 36, booked for Grant County Superior Court warrant. Trysten Blake Lazier, 28, booked for Department of Corrections and Detention Order.

4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”

Basin teams tee off at Colockum Ridge

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks hosted the Ephrata Tigers, Othello Huskies and five other 2A schools at Colockum Ridge Golf Course Wednesday. The three placed in the middle of the pack, as the Tigers finished in fifth place, the Huskies sixth and the Jacks seventh.

One arrested for drive-by shooting in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A drive-by shooting was reported to the Moses Lake Police Department Thursday morning at around 12:30 a.m. at West Gary Street and North Buell Street.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for April 4-5

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. April 4 26ML03755: Location not listed. 6:34 a.m. A nuisance complaint was reported involving loud neighbors. The reporting party was advised to contact the landlord. 26ML03756: E Sharon Ave. 7:34 a.m. A woman reported possible fraud related to tax-preparation services and was advised to follow up with the company.

Huskies boys earn close team wins over Toppenish

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys (6-2) tennis team earned a 4-1 victory at home against Toppenish Wednesday afternoon. Once again, multiple players filled roles where they were needed and found success. “Even when we’re shorthanded, we have players that can step up big,” said Huskies Boys Coach Caleb Tovar. The Huskies boys started the afternoon with George Arevalo stepping up from second doubles to fill in the first singles position, as the starting singles player is still out with a knee injury. Arevalo battled hard against a tough Luis Godines from Toppenish, but ultimately, Toppenish took the first match 4-6, 5-7. Tovar said he was very proud of the effort that Arevalo gave Wednesday and noted that his match was the closest any of the Othello players have come in facing Godines on the court.

Moses Lake BMX ready for another successful season

MOSES LAKE — As the spring weather rolls in, outdoor sports like BMX are kicking off their new seasons. For the Moses Lake BMX track, they are eager to build off the momentum of a successful 2025, President Jeff Niehenke said. “We are picking up where we left off last year. A lot of momentum (coming) into the spring,” Niehenke said. From track renovations to new riders leagues, the Moses Lake BMX track has a lot planned this year.

Linda Taylor

December 14, 1936 – November 1, 2025

Linda was born on Dec. 14, 1936, in Havre, Montana to Leo and Edith Wall. Linda did not meet her father, Leo, as he died the day before she was born. Linda lived with her mother and maternal grandparents Hilbert and Eva Peterson until she was 5 years old. At this time, her mother Edith married Verlin Hurd. Verlin adopted Linda, and she affectionately called him Daddy, and she then was Linda Hurd. Four siblings followed into the Hurd family: Ruth, Sandra, Sharon and Russell. Linda graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1954. She then attended Pacific Lutheran College and graduated in 1958 with a degree in education. Her first job was in the Shoreline School District, just outside of Seattle, where she taught second grade. While there, she met Dean Taylor, who was a senior in dental school at the University of Washington.

Desiree ‘Desi’ Goering

January 28, 1962 – April 3, 2026

Desiree Lynne (Welch) Goering, 64, stormed right into Heaven in true Desiree fashion, unexpectedly passing away at her home in Moses Lake, Washington on April 3, 2026. Desi came roaring into this world on Jan. 28, 1962, born to Connie and Phillip Welch in Tacoma, Washington. She spent her days sharing her own special brand of feisty with the world. She charmed others from the time she was young and made people laugh right up to the end of her days. A bright and driven woman, Desiree was always up for a challenge, and she modeled perseverance and strength for all around her, especially her children. Life wasn’t easy, but Desiree had unwavering resolve. Her strength was admirable and her charisma was adored by all. Desi was also full of humor and was known to crack jokes with her quick wit and a twinkle in her eye.

Party for the Paws

ACPR auction to support shelter

OTHELLO — There’s still time to run away with the circus at Adams County Pet Rescue’s Party for the Paws fundraiser Saturday.

Jacks win with overtime PKs against Tigers in Battle of the Basin

QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits (4-4) faced the Ephrata Tigers (5-6) Tuesday evening in a rivalry matchup that remained close throughout. The two teams battled all the way into overtime penalty kicks where the Jacks earned the 3-2 victory.

Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing

MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”

Kids scoop up prizes at Brookdale Hearthstone Easter egg hunt

MOSES LAKE — How long does it take for 120 kids to pick up 2,000 plastic eggs? “Eleven minutes,” said Karisti Cox, Senior Living Sales Specialist for Brookdale Hearthstone. “I looked down at my watch (when) the door opened promptly at one, and when I saw people walking back because the eggs had been found, it was 1:11.” Brookdale Hearthstone has done Easter egg hunts in the past, Cox said, but only for the residents’ families. This year they put the invitation out on social media and got an enthusiastic response. Exactly how many people came, Cox wasn’t sure, but she did know that there were 100 ice cream treats to give out after the egg hunt, and some families had already left before getting ice cream.

Reader art

MOSES LAKE — Teagan, 7, and Ashlynn, 11, sent us their coloring art of Northon and Bobo, pups that have been featured in our Dog of the Day. Thank you, Teagan and Ashlynn!

The mightiest mutt in the realm

Thor isn’t just a Norse god of thunder — he’s a god of good boys. This large, handsome German shepherd mix is ready to fetch your heart and rule your couch like Asgard itself. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and a big boy with an even bigger heart. Thor is the kind of dog who will hammer out your bad days, thunder happily into adventures, and guard your home like it’s the Bifrost. Whether you’re throwing a ball or binge-watching shows, he’s always ready to be your paw-some protector. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application today. If you can’t adopt but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.” This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

‘It changed me’

Ephrata FFA seniors find purpose, confidence and community

EPHRATA — For two Ephrata High School seniors, the blue corduroy jacket has been more than a uniform. It has been a road map. One that led them to unexpected skills, statewide success and ultimately, their future careers.

Legals for April, 9 2026

‘Our new normal’: WA confronts another year of drought

Washington’s Department of Ecology announced a statewide drought emergency Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive year that part or all of the state has been in a drought. “We declare drought when water supply drops below 75% of normal,” said Casey Sixkiller, director of Ecology. “This year, every watershed in our state has met that threshold.” Snowpack in the mountains is at about half of normal. The emergency declaration follows an above-average wet winter where precipitation levels were 104% of what is considered normal. But warmer temperatures limited snowpack growth. Snow turned into rain or melted.

Grand tour

‘Around the World in 80 Days’ takes audience on a global adventure

SOAP LAKE — There’s adventure, comedy and mystery in the Masquers Theater’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days,” opening Friday. “You have elephants, you have typhoons, you have a (scene in India) where they’re being chased by people who are shooting at them,” said director Cynthia Beyer. “A lot of action.” “Around the World in 80 Days” has 32 characters and was originally written for a cast of six people, Beyer said. That was a little bit much for the Masquers to take on, she said. “One actor was supposed to do 15 parts, another was supposed to do 12,” she said. “And I’m like, yeah, we’re not professionals here. We’re community theater.”

Grant Co. Jail roster for Apr. 8, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 7 and 8. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

WEATHER: April 9-15

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 40. North wind around 6 mph. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. A 20% chance of showers after 11 p.m., otherwise mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind around 6 mph, becoming west in the evening Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a high near 67 and 30% chance of rain, mainly after 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain overnight. Low around 43. Sunday: A 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a 20% chance of rain before 11 p.m. and a low around 40. Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 37. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Mostly cloudy overnight, low around 41. Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Partly cloudy overnight, low about 35.

Local sheriffs weigh in on SB 5904

MOSES LAKE — Four sheriffs across Eastern Washington, John Nowels of Spokane County, Glenn Blakeslee of Pend Orielle County, Brad Manke of Stevens County and Ray Maycumber of Ferry County, have taken legal action to challenge SB 5974, which was signed by Governor Bob Ferguson April 1. Those four sheriffs, along with others across the state, have stated that there are aspects of the bill that go against the rights of the voter to choose their leaders in law enforcement. “The big piece of it is how it removes the right of the voters to be able to specifically select their sheriff as well as (the ability) to remove that sheriff from office if need be,” said Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete. “The whole philosophy of removing and stripping the right of voters is the primary concern of this whole bill.”

Creating Ephrata’s ‘vision board’ for next 2 decades

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is asking residents to help shape the community’s next two decades as it launches a major update to its 20‑year comprehensive plan, a state‑mandated blueprint that guides housing, transportation, parks, utilities and long‑term growth. “It’s the ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ vision board for the community,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “It’s a document that helps the local government stay focused on meeting goals.” City officials are encouraging residents to participate through an online survey and an in‑person open house scheduled for April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 9-16, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College athletes continue through their spring seasons as the weather gets warmer and the competition gets more intense. Check out where your favorite college teams will be heading this week.

Huskies topple Jacks on the road

QUINCY — The Othello Huskies (8-2) defeated the Quincy Jacks (2-10) with a convincing 19-1 final score.

Section of Road 2 Southeast closed following haystack fire

MOSES LAKE — A section of Road 2 Southeast between Road N Southeast and Road O Southeast has been closed to traffic due to a haystack fire next to the road, according to a release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Sand Scorpions host annual egg hunt and poker run

MOSES LAKE — The Sand Scorpions ORV group brought the community out for an afternoon in the Sand Dunes for their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Poker Run Saturday. Brandon Douglass, the event organizer for the Sand Scorpions, said this year showcased another successful event. “It went really well,” said Douglass. “Weather was awesome, tons of kids, tons of eggs, lots of fun. I didn’t see a single unhappy face.” The Easter Egg Hunt kicked off at noon with 34,000 eggs hidden across five acres of the dunes. He said that there were so many eggs that hiding them was no longer an option, and the dunes were spotted with a variety of different colored eggs.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Logs for March 29-April 1

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Location is not provided for all incidents.

Moses Lake baby fights brain tumor

MOSES LAKE — Little Aylanie Reyes has been at Seattle Children’s Hospital since March 13, battling a brain tumor. She’s putting up a good fight, but it’s not easy, said her dad, Ricardo Reyes. “She’s pretty down right now,” Reyes said. “They have her on morphine, for pain, and she’s pretty sleepy. She can’t eat; they have a feeding tube in her.” Aylanie, who turned 6 months old on Sunday, just started her first round of chemotherapy, Reyes said. She’ll have six cycles of chemo for six months.

Othello residents asked to fill out comprehensive plan survey

OTHELLO — The comprehensive plan currently being prepared by Othello city officials is designed to answer some questions about the city’s future. Othello is growing, but where should that growth be directed? What kind of housing will be needed in town? What kind of industries should the city be working to attract? What kind of jobs? Is it important that Othello in 2047 has the same atmosphere as Othello in 2026? Residents are being asked for their opinions on those and other topics in a resident survey that will be open for responses through May 10. The comprehensive plan is one component that determines future growth, but Anne Henning, Othello community development director, said it’s an important one.

Man arrested after MLPD finds drugs, rifles and a 3D printer

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police arrested Steven Johnston, 63, for possession of firearms and possession of narcotics, and are potentially pursuing charges related to a 3D printer found in his residence, which could be used to create untraceable firearms, according to a statement from the MLPD. The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit served a search warrant Friday on Johnston’s trailer at the Cougar Campgrounds in Wheeler, east of Moses Lake, according to the statement. Johnston was suspected of methamphetamine sales. Johnson attempted to leave the location in his vehicle but was taken into custody pursuant to the search warrants.

Color your world with Bubble Gum

OTHELLO — Meet Bubble Gum, the sweet pup who’s ready to stick to your heart. This adorable girl is the paw‑fect coloring-page cutie: full of charm, a little messy around the edges (she’s still learning her housetraining), and totally worth adding to your life’s palette. She’s already spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so all that’s missing is you. From playful puppy energy to bubble‑gum‑pop smiles, Bubble Gum is ready to chew up loneliness and draw herself right into your family. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out her application. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for April, 8 2026

Grant Co. Jail roster for Apr. 7, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 7. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

WEATHER: April 8-14

Today: Sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 38. West wind around 6 mph becoming north in the evening. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 40. North wind around 6 mph. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 48. Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a high near 66 and 30% chance of rain, mainly after 11 a.m.. Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of rain overnight. Low around 43.

AC Sheriff Wagner to run for reelection

RITZVILLE — Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner will run for reelection this year, he announced earlier this week. “Serving as sheriff since 2015 has been the greatest honor of my life,” Wagner wrote in the announcement. “Leading the dedicated men and women of our sheriff’s office means a great deal to our community, and to me, because a strong, professional, and committed team directly impacts the safety and well-being of every citizen.” Wagner, a veteran of the ACSO with more than 28 years of experience, was elected sheriff in 2015 after working as a deputy, then as a detective, a sergeant and eventually as undersheriff, according to the announcement. He cited the ACSO’s work to upgrade the jail, update equipment and training and work with youth among his successes.

Seven arrested in Othello sex trafficking investigation

OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department arrested seven men for involvement in prostitution following a two-day investigation last week. Othello Police Chief Aaron Garza said combating human sex trafficking is an ongoing focus for the department. “We don’t believe human beings are for sale,” Garza said. “We conduct these operations quite regularly here. It’s really starting to get traction – people actually know not to come to Othello and try to buy sex.” The OPD has been conducting sex trafficking investigations for a few years, he said, a practice that started when OPD detectives expressed an interest in trying to fight it.

Former WA Supreme Court justice joins legal effort against income tax

(The Center Square) — Former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge, a prominent Democrat, has joined a legal team preparing to challenge the newly-enacted income tax on households making $1 million or more, the Citizens Action Defense Fund has announced. Also retained by CADF’s legal team is former State Attorney General Rob McKenna, who was involved in an unsuccessful lawsuit against the state’s capital gains income tax. Talmadge served as a state senator between 1979–1995, representing West Seattle, before he was elected to the state’s high court. He served until 2001 and then opened Talmadge Law Group. Phil Talmadge has been repeatedly selected as a Super Lawyer in Washington state.

Wildcats go 3-1 against MSUB over the weekend

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Central Washington University Wildcats faced Montana State University Billings in a four-game series with the Wildcats earning three wins over the weekend, according to a statement from CWU Athletics. In the first game Saturday afternoon, the Wildcats got an early lead on , MSU Billings, scoring two runs in the first inning and one in the second. Montana responded in the bottom of the second with four runs to claim the lead which would later be reclaimed by Central as they pulled ahead to claim a 9-6 victory. Logan Blank led CWU at bat in the first game, with three hits and two runs followed by Kaiden Hernandez and Ethan Swenson with two hits and one run each. Austin Cupic pitched six innings where he allowed five runs, seven hits and struck out three.

Huskies extend Tina Langley through 2032

SEATTLE — The University of Washington has agreed to a contract extension with women's basketball Head Coach Tina Langley, Director of Athletics Pat Chun announced today. The extension keeps Langley at UW through the 2032 season. Langley has guided the Huskies through a period of steady growth, built on a foundation of values, personal development, competition, and the overall pursuit of excellence, according to the announcement. Her consistent leadership has positioned Washington women's basketball for continued success in the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Eagles earn crucial road win

PORTLAND — The Eastern Washington Eagles women’s tennis (9-7) earned a competitive 4-3 win over Portland State Saturday. According to a statement by EWU Athletics, the Eagles first earned a win in doubles competition before rallying to the match win through singles competition. “It came down to the last match again, and I’m proud of the whole team. It took everyone to fight today despite losing some matches. We really needed everyone’s energy from top to bottom,” Head Coach Dustin Hinson said. According to PSU Athletics, Kasumi Hirayama and Nene Uemura opened doubles with a strong 6-2 win over Anait Arutiunian and Sara Vasic. The Vikings couldn’t capitalize on that early momentum, however, as Eastern Washington claimed wins at No. 1 and No. 3 to take a 1-0 lead.

Basin softball roundup, March 31 – April 4

MOSES LAKE — The halfway point of Basin high school softball is here, as many teams are playing their final games before spring break or returning to the diamond for the first time since. See below how your favorite teams have fared and their current record.

Basin baseball roundup, March 31 – April 4

MOSES LAKE — As we reach the halfway point of the baseball season, teams are starting to push for postseason positioning. See below how your favorite teams have fared in the last week and their current record.

ACH takes two wins over Mary Walker

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (4-2) earned a pair of strong victories over Mary Walker in Saturday afternoon’s doubleheader. The Warriors dominated the weekend, winning the first game 15-0 and the second game 17-2. “It went really good,” said Warriors Head Coach Faye Butler. “We knew that we were pretty safe going into it, so I was able to play some younger players just to give them some experience.” The Warriors got off to a hot start in game one, holding Mary Walker scoreless in the top of the first inning and going on to score 14 in the bottom of the inning.

Jake Burger's RBI double pushes Rangers past Mariners 2-1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jake Burger hit a tie-breaking RBI double over the outstretched glove of left fielder Randy Arozarena in the sixth inning, Jacob deGrom and five Texas relievers combined for a two-hitter and the Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 2-1 on Monday night. The Rangers snapped a four-game losing streak and won for the first time in four home games.

Passing the baton

Chad Utter to lead CBTECH

MOSES LAKE — It’s official: Chad Utter will take over as director of the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center.

Locals fight to save a piece of Washtucna’s history

WASHTUCNA — In a tiny town in the southeastern corner of Adams County, some folks are trying their best to save a piece of history, and turning to the Washington Trust for Historical Preservation for help. “The (Bassett Hardware) Building is 125 years old,” said Michelle Plumb, treasurer/secretary of the Washtucna Heritage Museum and Community Center. “I don’t know how many things in this area are that old. It would just break my heart to (lose) that building.” The Bassett Hardware Building, located in downtown Washtucna, is one of the oldest structures in the little town of about 200 and possibly in Adams County. Built by the town’s founder George W. Bassett, it’s stood in the same place since 1901, through boom and bust, storm and sunshine, a reminder of the town’s frontier past. The lower part started life as a hardware store, then became a grocery store in the 1940s and ’50s, Plumb said.

Representative Tom Dent announces reelection bid

MOSES LAKE — Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, has announced he will run for reelection in 2026. It would be Dent’s seventh term in the Washington House of Representatives if he’s reelected. Dent said he’s third in seniority in the House Republican Caucus and about 15th in seniority in the entire House. That does and will make a difference, he said. “Seniority is everything in the legislature. When you have seniority, you get so much more done,” he said. “Every year it gets a little easier.”

Ephrata begins crack sealing, seal coat to follow

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata started crack sealing Monday to help extend the life of several of its streets. After crack-sealing is completed, the city will then seal-coat some streets. “We clean out all the cracks, basically blowing air to get all the dirt, dust and weeds out of the way. Then they inject a rubber in there that dries and fills those cracks and helps keep them waterproofed,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “The crack-sealing and seal coat are designed to extend the life of the roads. We are doing this to buy us some time on our roads because they have deteriorated so badly and we can’t afford to completely replace them.” The city had budgeted $100,000 for 2026 for crack seal work with the city engineer estimating the work would cost around $101,000. The city received 12 bids by Jan. 29. At the Feb. 4 Ephrata City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a contract with Base Crew, LLC for $77,000 to complete around 200,000 feet of cracks on various streets around the city. This will be paid out of the city’s transportation budget.

New Ephrata City Clerk Miller says focus is transparency, community service

EPHRATA — Rob Miller is only a few weeks into his new job as Ephrata’s city clerk, but city leaders say he’s already proving to be an organized, community‑minded addition to City Hall. Miller, a U.S. Army veteran and former managing editor of the Columbia Basin Herald, said his background in public service and journalism naturally led him to the position. “Public records is a large part of this position and understanding the importance of transparency,” he said. “The community deserves a government that is transparent… someone who is their neighbor that is in there to provide the information they need so they can enjoy the city they live in.” Miller was appointed into the role on March 23, during a special Ephrata City Council meeting.

Martinez announces candidacy for state House seat

MOSES LAKE — Former Moses Lake City Council member Deanna Martinez has announced her candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives. Martinez is running for the position left vacant when Rep. Alex Ybarra announced he was running for Washington State Senate. Martinez is one of two candidates for the position so far. Business owner Jeff Leichleiter, Ellensburg, announced Friday he was in the race. Martinez said she has identified some areas she wants to focus on if she’s elected, starting with public safety.

WEATHER: April 7-13

Tuesday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a west wind 14-18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 35. North wind 6-15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 38. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming north after midnight. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 40.

Grant Co. Jail roster for Apr. 6, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office who were arrested on April 4, 5 and 6. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. All individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Cougars top Connell on the road

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (3-6) defeated the Connell Eagles 2-1 Saturday after penalty kicks decided the game in overtime. Win or lose, Head Coach Marco Landeros said, he was proud of his team for their effort. “Trusting each other and communicating better in the field, and I think that’s what gave us the win,” Landeros said. “Everyone was playing 110%, so I think it was a really good game for us.” The two teams brought their best to the pitch as they each found a way to score in the first half. For the Cougars, Hunter Golladay battled for control of the ball before capitalizing on an opening that put them on the board.

Tigers dominate doubleheader on the road

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers (3-8) earned a dominant doubleheader win over the Toppenish Wildcats, winning back-to-back games 15-0 and 18-0 Saturday. “The guys had a couple of really good days of practice late last week, refocusing on some of our offensive goals and approaches and those types of things,” Head Coach David Tempel said. “Really proud of our pitchers, (they) came in, commanded the zone through strikes, got ahead on counts, all those things that you preach, and you can start to see their efforts starting to pay off.”

Basin tennis roundup, March 30 – April 3

MOSES LAKE — Tennis in the Basin is well underway as teams from Grant and Adams counties are battling for supremacy on the courts. See below how your favorite teams have fared.

Bran-d new family member

MOSES LAKE — Bran is a medium‑sized female dog who’s already spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so she’s got all the whole‑grain goodness you’re looking for in a best friend. She’s the kind of pup who’ll stick by your side through thick and thin, call it Bran‑loyalty. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to adopt, this is it – no ifs, ands, or Brans about it. Adopt Bran from Grant County Animal Outreach and add a little extra fiber – and a lot of love – to your life. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Lucille Harms

October 16, 1931 – March 19, 2026

Lucille (Lucy) Franz Harms, 94, passed away peacefully March 19, 2026, in Leavenworth, Washington at her residence in Mountain Meadows Assisted Living Center. She was born Oct. 16, 1931, in Odessa, Washington, the sixth of nine children born to Julius and Agatha (Dyck) Franz. She grew up on the Franz family farm near Schrag, Washington. Lucy was baptized at Menno Mennonite Church near Ritzville, Washington, where she was married June 8, 1952, to G. Lester Harms, whom she met at Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas. Les and Lucy lived for the first four years of their marriage in Kansas City, Kansas, where Les attended the University of Kansas Medical School, and Lucy taught elementary school.

A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: Why local journalism matters more than ever

There are moments when it’s worth taking a step back and asking a basic question. What really keeps a community united? Is it our schools, our businesses, our neighborhoods, or the shared experiences that shape where we live? The answer is all of those things. But there is something that connects them, documents them, and gives them meaning over time. Something that informs, challenges, records, and reflects the life of a community every single day.

Authorities urge safety as ORV season ramps up at sand dunes

MOSES LAKE — With warmer weather drawing thousands of riders to the Moses Lake Sand Dunes and Beverly Sand Dunes, Grant County law enforcement is urging visitors to follow safety rules meant to prevent crashes, fires and other hazards. Deputies say most injuries at the dunes stem from preventable behavior.

Cost of Hansen Road bridge to impact on other WSDOT projects

MOSES LAKE — Closing the overpass on Hansen Road was inconvenient to a lot of Moses Lake residents and travelers passing through town, not to mention the Washington Department of Transportation. Chris Keifenheim, North Central Regional administrator, estimated the cost would be $15 to $17 million to demolish the old bridge and build a new one, coming at a time when most of DOT’s money for repairs in the 2025-27 budget was already allocated.

E-sports finds a foothold in the Basin

COLUMBIA BASIN — Among the activities that students can participate in, e-sports, or organized competitive video gaming, often goes unrecognized but is growing quickly across the nation. In the Basin, Ephrata Tigers and Wahluke Warriors teams have established strong gaming programs that have developed in their own ways.

Oat-rageously cute

OTHELLO — Oats is a three‑month‑old female mixed‑breed puppy who’s already spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, so she’s got all her ducks (and oats) in a row. This sweet girl is full of puppy energy and personality – the kind that’ll have you saying, “That’s the best decision I’ve made since breakfast.” She’s gentle, curious, and ready to roll with the grain into family life. If you’re ready for a pup who’s truly a‑maize‑ing (oops… wrong grain... but still accurate), Oats would love to meet you. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out her application.

Mattawa Council considering stray animal concerns

MATTAWA — Mattawa city officials will continue to pick up stray dogs and house them temporarily at the municipal maintenance facility. Mattawa City Council members reaffirmed support for city policy after a social media post claimed dogs were being mistreated.

Legals for April, 6 2026

WEATHER: April 6-11, 2026

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Light and variable wind becomSW 5 -8 mph in the afternoon. Partly cloudy evening, with a low around 44. West wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: April 6-13, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Multiple basin teams head into spring break this week, while others return to compete through league matchups in the second half of the season. Check out where the local teams are heading this week.

Mavs fall short at home

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (4-4) fell to the Wenatchee Panthers 4-0 Friday at home. “Just a slow start, which is what killed us,” Head Coach Miguel Segura said. “Then just like the little mistakes, these guys capitalized on the mistakes, which is part of the game.”

Wahluke pulls ahead of Warden in SCAC matchup

WARDEN — The Wahluke Warriors (6-2) earned a 7-0 victory on the road as they faced the Warden Cougars (2-6). The Warriors improve into the top four teams of the South-Central Athletic Conference while the Cougars are focused on rallying themselves for a stronger second half of the season.

Mavs sweep softball doubleheader

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (6-1) swept the Eisenhower Cadets in a doubleheader 19-0 and 25-5, Friday. Head Coach Mike Hofheins was complimentary of his players focus throughout the afternoon.

Boys Tribe 5th grade team takes third in state

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Tribe boys fifth-grade basketball team placed third overall in the Gold Division at the state tournament this season. A strong team bond and skills built over the years have head coach Matt Ahmann confident in what the team can accomplish in the future.

Grant Co. Jail roster for Apr. 4, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office who were arrested on April 1-3. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. All individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs for March 25-28

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office provided the reports below. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Location is not provided for all incidents.

Local sports recap in Othello and Quincy, Seahawks draft talk

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, hosts Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard discuss the recent happenings in local sports in the Basin. Perez reviews the several Othello sporting events he covered this week such as baseball, soccer and tennis. Mike recaps a recent Quincy soccer story and Big Bend softball returning to Moses Lake after a three-year hiatus. We also begin talking about what the Seahawks should do in the NFL draft.

Traffic delayed on SR 283 near George

GEORGE — Drivers on State Route 283 south of Adams Road will be experiencing a delay while crews respond to an herbicide spill caused by a two-vehicle collision.

Decoraciones Hermosillo opens location in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Decoraciones Hermosillo has found a home, and it’s packed with decorations for all kinds of events. “We are an event and quinceañera rental company,” owner Guillermo Hermosillo said. “We help design everything from beginning all the way to the end. If that’s coordinating hosting events, we can do that as well. We have a huge list of inventory like linens, centerpieces (and) florals, and we’re super excited to bring something different to the Moses Lake area.” Hermosillo cut the ribbon on Decoraciones Hermosillo’s new location at 610 E. Broadway Ave. on Tuesday, along with some of his staff and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Road closures, roundabout, mean construction season underway

EPHRATA — The grass is starting to turn green, the trees are starting to leaf out, construction crews are starting to build roundabouts – hey, it’s spring. At least one roundabout project is in its final phase, held over from fall 2025. The intersection of State Route 282 and Nat Washington Way will be closed the week of April 6 to allow crews to install permanent lights. “This really is the final (closure),” wrote Grant County Administrator Tom Gaines in a media release. “The roundabout will close at 6 a.m. Monday, and we plan to reopen by Friday, possibly sooner if the work finishes early.”

BASIN EVENTS: April 3-11, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s finally spring, and fun things to do are popping up all over the Basin. Here are a few options.

Ephrata SD asks for bond feedback with survey

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is asking community members to share their perspectives on the 2026 bond election by participating in a community survey. “I want the community to know that the Ephrata School District absolutely values our community’s voice,” Superintendent Ken Murray said in a previous interview. “I just want our community to know that we appreciate their involvement in this past election. We appreciate the voices that we heard, and we are going to take what we have learned and we are going to put something forward. At the time that we do, we are going to feel confident that it’s something that our community can really rally behind.” The survey will remain open until April 19. All responses are anonymous. The feedback will be used to better understand community perspectives and will be shared with the Facility Study Group this spring, according to the Ephrata School District.

Othello’s Bernie Garza suffers health issue

OTHELLO — Bernie Garza, Othello’s head soccer coach, spoke from the sidelines of the game Tuesday against East Valley. He said he was being careful due to a recent health concern.

After the disaster

Restoring a home after a fire or flood

MOSES LAKE — When a disaster strikes your home, the worst part may be the aftermath. Restoring a damaged home is a job for professionals.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: One final word...

Four and a half years ago, I took a job that didn’t turn out as I expected. I accepted a position as a reporter with the Columbia Basin Herald, thinking that I’d be walking away from an editor’s position at a Texas newspaper. The idea, at the time, was to get a bit more work-life balance and return to the Inland or Pacific Northwest to be closer to family.

WEATHER: April 3-9, 2026

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60 and south winds 5 to 7 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with light and variable winds after midnight. Low around 35.

Legals for April, 3 2026

Ephrata takes first steps toward leaving flood zone with multi-phase plan

EPHRATA — After decades of stalled progress, the City of Ephrata is taking its first steps toward getting more than 500 acres of downtown removed from the federal floodplain, a move city officials say would lift a major economic burden from residents and businesses.

Sheriffs warn new state law could harm public safety, decrease prosecution rate

(The Center Square) - Sheriffs and police chiefs across Washington state are turning off their agencies’ automatic license plate readers in response to a new law, leaving costly public investments sitting idle.

Soap Lake approves tourism committee, planners and RV park host role

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council moved through a full agenda Wednesday night, unanimously approving the creation of a new tourism committee, hiring two firms to jointly handle city planning duties, adopting a formal job description for the city’s RV park host and accepting funding for Phase II of the Daisy Street sidewalk improvement project.

Basin soccer roundup, March 26-31

MOSES LAKE — Boys soccer in the Basin has been off to a fiery start this season. While some teams have carried momentum from last season forward, others have found themselves in nail-biter games. See below how your favorite team has fared and their current record.

Cougars’ Whitaker earns Coach of the Year

PULLMAN — After guiding the Washington State Cougars swimming and dive program to its winningest season, Head Coach Russell Whitaker has been named the 2026 Swimming Coach of the Year, according to a statement from the Mountain West Conference. Postseason accolades are voted on by the league’s 10 coaches, the statement said. Nevada’s Scarlett Ferris was selected as the 2026 MW Swimmer of the Year, while Grace Ally was named the Diver of the Year. Washington State’s Whitaker garnered the Swimming Coach of the Year honor, and San Diego State’s Roland McDonald was selected as the Diving Coach of the Year.

Broncos suffer road loss

RITZVILLE — The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos fell to the Reardan Screaming Eagles 5-0 Wednesday on the road. Despite the loss, Head Coach Zachary Swanger was happy with how his players battled. “Even though we lost, in all the matches it was promising to see the way that our kids battled back in nearly every second set. All of them improved considerably throughout the match,” Swanger said.

Ybarra announces run for Washington Senate

QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, has announced his candidacy for the Washington Senate. If he’s elected, he would replace Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, who announced her retirement in March.

Michael Glenn LaPlant

1954 - 2026

Michael Glenn LaPlant was born July 9, 1954, to Virgil and Vera (Jerry) LaPlant in Hereford, Texas. When he was two years old, they moved to Moses Lake, Wash., and settled at the family farm outside of Ephrata. He was active in 4-H, raising and showing steers at the Grant County Fair. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1972.

Dennis Wojdan

1941 – 2026

Dennis was born on July 1, 1941, in Los Angeles, to Edward Wojdan and Lorraine Strawmier. He peacefully died on March 23, 2026.

Huskies defend their home field against East Valley

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (5-1) played a tight game against East Valley (7-1) Tuesday evening, where a single score by Huskies junior Orlando Farias won the game. Following what the Othello coaches called a “gutsy win,” the Huskies prepare to head deeper into league play as the season heats up. “Our game plan to come into (Tuesday) was to see what we were able to do,” said Huskies Assistant Coach Kevin Hensley. “Combat their style of play, the way they play out of the back. Apply pressure there and make things uncomfortable for them. Hope to get a goal early in the match and then play with a defensive mindset from that point forward.”

Extended Learning Week

MLCA students volunteer in community

MOSES LAKE — The high school students at Moses Lake Christian Academy took time off this week from classroom studies for some hands-on, real-world learning volunteering in the community.

Ephrata moves forward with upgrades to Sports Complex

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is moving forward with the first phase of a long‑planned overhaul of the Ephrata Sports Complex, a project that will add six pickleball courts, a combined futsal and basketball court and a new 80‑stall parking lot. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in May and continue through July 2026. City Administrator Ray Towry said the project has grown beyond its original concept as community interest – especially from local pickleball players – continued to rise. “Pickleball is the fastest‑growing sport in the country,” Towry said. “The facility we have by Columbia Ridge is adequate, but not ideal. We wanted to do something for that group. It’s a lifelong sport, anyone can play it, even into their senior years and we wanted to support that.”

Grant Transit Authority to provide paratransit service for qualifying riders

EPHRATA — The Grant Transit Authority will be providing curb-to-curb bus service for qualifying riders beginning July 1. Previously, GTA had a contract with People for People for that bus service. “We decided not to renew or update (the contract),” said GTA General Manager Eric Loomis. “We have the ability to bring it in-house.” The transit authority is hiring drivers and buying seven new buses to provide the service, he said.

A loyal sidekick

OTHELLO — Looking for a loyal sidekick with a big heart and a playful spirit? Dingo is a medium‑sized, mixed‑breed adult gentleman who’s ready to find his forever home through Adams County Pet Rescue. He’s vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and great with other dogs. Dingo is still learning the ropes of house training, so he’ll need a patient human who’s willing to help him master the basics. In return, he offers enthusiasm, friendship and the chance to watch him grow into the best version of himself. If you’re ready for a little training, a lot of tail wags, and a lifetime of loyalty, Dingo might be your perfect match. Visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com to fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now, but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Wahluke showcases AVID program successes

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School hosted the district’s first-ever Advancement Via Individual Education, or AVID, showcase March 19, inviting the community and neighboring school districts to see the difference the program has made.

Quincy Police Department logs for March 24-30

The reports below were provided by the Quincy Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for April, 2 2026

Soap Lake Council limits mayor’s authority

Multiple measures passed to limit access, secure records and finances

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved a slate of resolutions Wednesday night aimed at safeguarding city records, tightening financial controls and limiting Mayor Peter Sharp’s access to city systems amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.

WEATHER: April 2-8, 2026

Thursday A 30% chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high of 57 and southwest winds 10 to 15 miles per hour, becoming west in the afternoon.

Huskies dominate over Prosser in strong home matchup

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (5-2) earned a 14-0 victory over a Central Washington Athletic Conference rival, Prosser, Tuesday afternoon. This victory follows another strong victory over Prosser for the Huskies last week, where they won 13-0 on the road. “We had a good plan going in. We were going to use a couple pitchers,” said Huskies Head Coach Sonny Garza. “We were really aggressive at the plate, something that we’ve been talking to our guys (about). They executed and did what they needed to do.” The Huskies got off to a hot start as they got on the board in the bottom of the first inning, after Ryan Martinez doubled to score two runs, an error scored two runs, and a wild pitch scored one run.

Huskies best Tigers on the court

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies earned 5-0 team victories from both the boys and girls Tuesday afternoon after facing the Ephrata Tigers. “It was a good day,” said Huskies Boys Head Coach Caleb Tovar. “I think we had a couple players step up big as far as just being down that one singles player and having to shift people around. I think everyone did a good job just stepping up no matter where I put them.” One of the closest matches of the afternoon was in the first singles match between Huskies player Max Harris and Tigers player Avery Morris. The coaches said both of these players stepped up into the first singles position with the starting players on both sides facing injury or illness Tuesday.

Jacks win thriller in OT

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (2-4) overcame the Grandview Greyhounds 2-1 in overtime Tuesday. A header by Julian Valenzuela sealed the win for Quincy as they earned their second win of the season.

Basin Easter Events 2026

Color him home

OTHELLO — Meet Northon, this small mixed‑breed cutie is all grown up, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped

Bill Hochstatter

1941 - 2026

Ellis William “Bill” Hochstatter, 85, passed away at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington, on Monday, March 2, 2026, after a short illness.

SENIOR EVENTS: April 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s spring in the Basin at last. Swing a golf club to support St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, plant some marigolds with the grandchildren, learn to line dance at the Moses lake Senior Center or check out any of the other events in store for this month.

Kindergarten registration opens in Columbia Basin

EPHRATA — School districts across the Columbia Basin have opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year, urging families, especially first‑time parents, to begin gathering required documents and contacting their local schools ahead of spring break.

Othello Community Museum to open April 25

OTHELLO — With a couple of new exhibits, a new heating-cooling system, rearranged displays and a thorough cleaning, the Othello Community Museum will open for the summer April 25. The goal, said Molly Popchock, museum board secretary, is to operate for a full season.

Family Resource Home Care matches caregivers with the people who need it

MOSES LAKE — Some folks, when they get a little older, just need a little help. “The basis of in-home caregiving is to keep the clients in their home for as long as possible, instead of having them go to a nursing home or assisted living,” said Family Resource Home Care Branch Manager Marisa Martinez.

Columbia Basin Hospital Board reviews rural health funding

EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital Board of Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday to discuss Rural Health Transformation Program funding and approve a waiver of qualifications for Dr. Kori Hunt to make her active staff. Columbia Basin Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby said Washington is getting around $181 million to support rural health care from RHTP. “This is the state’s endeavor to ensure that every rural resident has reliable access to quality health care in their community and make rural Washington a desirable place for residents to consider homes across their lives,” Kibby said.

Design of Othello’s water storage project begins this summer

OTHELLO — The city of Othello has received about $1.5 million in grants for its continuing project to pump and treat water from an irrigation canal for municipal use.

Vietnam vets honored Sunday

MOSES LAKE — The American Legion and the Karneetsa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held a commemoration Sunday for veterans of the Vietnam War. March 29, the date the last U.S. service members left Vietnam in 1973, was designated National Vietnam War Veterans Day in 2008.

Ephrata Police Department logs for March 27-30

The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Looking for an adventure?

Try having a little fun at Steamboat Rock State Park.

ELECTRIC CITY — Summer is just around the corner and there are a million and one things to do, but not all of the adventures you choose have to be expensive or far away.

WEATHER: April 1-7, 2026

MLCA students volunteer in community

Wednesday: Showers. High near 51. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Legals for April, 1 2026