Ellington

Meet Goober: The goofball your heart has been waiting fur

MOSES LAKE — At just 8 months old, this large, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped mixed‑breed pup is ready to Goob ‑ right into your life and never let go. Goober is bursting with puppy charm, big feelings and an even bigger desire to find his furever family. He’s the kind of dog who will turn even the “ruffest” days

More than 100 Basin students make WSU honor roll

PULLMAN — One hundred twenty-one students from Grant and Adams counties were named to the President’s Honor Roll at Washington State University for fall quarter 2025, according to an announcement from the university.

BASIN BOX SCORE: Mat Classic Rundown and State Basketball Preview 2026

On this episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, hosts Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard chat about the competition brought by athletes from the Columbia Basin at the Mat Classic this year with multiple student athletes making names for themselves. The hosts also do a quick rundown of state basketball as the final six teams from the basin look to make a push for a state championship.

Vikings conclude season with a home victory over Yaks

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (13-16) ended their season Wednesday night, but not before going out strong with an 88-73 victory over the Yakima Valley Yaks. With the Vikings coming just one game short of making the playoffs prior to this matchup, the goal was to still give all they had. “It’s bittersweet, you know we closed out the season four and five, we were one quick possession out of the playoffs,” said Vikings sophomore Miguel Taylor. “But we finished the season strong. We all came together and were able to make big improvements, so I’m happy.” The Vikings came out strong in the first half of the competition, taking an early lead over Yakima Valley. By halftime, BBCC was up by eight.

Callers to Washington state hotline press 2 for Spanish and get accented AI English instead

SEATTLE (AP) — Press “two” for Spanish ... accent?

Margaret Morlan

Margaret Mary Morlan, 73, was born to Joseph Francis Kaplos and Monica Susan Kapelos. She recently passed away and is survived by her sister Kate, her sister Ann, and her brothers Tom and Jim.

WA Majority Leader apologizes for being intoxicated during budget hearing

(The Center Square) - House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, admits he was intoxicated during a House Appropriations Committee meeting on Wednesday evening. So much so that the committee chair at one point called a recess to take him out of the hearing room, only to have him return moments later.

MLPD, ATF carry out raid in Knolls Vista neighborhood

MOSES LAKE — A police action Thursday led to multiple arrests, as well as a substantial seizure of drugs and weapons, according to a statement from the Moses Lake Police Department. Multiple search warrants were served across Central Washington, according to the statement, including the Knolls Vista neighborhood of Moses Lake, according to the statement. The action was part of a joint investigation conducted by the Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team and ATF Special Response Team assisted with warrant service and suspect apprehension.

Open house Saturday at new Samaritan Hospital

New facility set to open to serve patients March 7

MOSES LAKE — The final doors are being installed in the intensive care unit, one of two surgical robots is in the building, the signs are up – although they’re still covered – on Yonezawa Boulevard. The new Samaritan Hospital opens for patient care March 7.

Vikings claim region championship

Big Bend leads region after 65-61 win over Yakima Valley Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — In their final home game of the season, the Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings earned a 65-61 victory over the Yakima Valley Yaks to claim the region championship.

Army takes custody of Gorge shooting suspect

MOSES LAKE — The Army has taken custody of the soldier accused of killing two people and injuring several others during the 2023 Beyond Wonderland music festival shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre and has now charged him under military law.

Frosty Finds offers appraisals, unique finds Saturday

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center is inviting the public to its Frosty Finds Flea Market and Appraisal Fair on Saturday, where some appraisal slots remain open for anyone curious about the value or history of their antiques and collectibles.

BASIN EVENTS: March 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is in sight and there’s lots to do this month in the Basin. Here are a few suggestions.

Lots of history: one photo

The former high school in Moses Lake, now Frontier Middle School, was built in 1948. The library on the building’s left was added in 1952. The barracks-like buildings in the background were for workmen building Larson Air Force Base in 1942. The large building in the foreground, Western Cold Storage, was built in 1922 by Seattle Mayor Edwin Brown as an apple-packing plant.

Tigers cap season with 2 on the podium

EPHRATA — After a strong season that saw five wrestlers compete in the Mat Classic, Ephrata Tigers Head Coach Joe Knox said the future is bright for the program.

Suspect in 2022 murder of Moses Lake woman expected to change plea

EPHRATA — Juan Gastelum, 31, of Hermiston, Ore., the suspect in the March 2022 killing of Yanira Cedillos, is expected to change his current plea of not guilty to a guilty plea. Prosecutors in the case have requested that a plea change hearing be set for March 3, according to court documents.

Spring into a new home

MOSES LAKE — Spring is just about here, and that’s the prime home-buying season, said Steve Tagnolli, vice president of home loans at Gesa Credit Union.

WEATHER: Feb. 27 – March 5, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 27 – March 5, 2026

WA supplemental budget proposals advance through committees

OLYMPIA — Democrats’ supplemental operating budget proposals passed out of their fiscal committees Wednesday, Feb. 25, as they finalize adjustments to the 2025-27 budget passed last year.

Building permits: George, Soap Lake, Ephrata

Building permits: George, Soap Lake, Ephrata

Legals for February, 27 2026

Huskies bring home 5 medals in Mat Classic

OTHELLO — After a strong showing in the Mat Classic tournament, the Othello Huskies girls squad finished second as a team in the 2A bracket and had five wrestlers reach the podium. With 11 of the 15 wrestlers who competed in Tacoma returning next season, Head Coach Sammy Rocha feels confident the Huskies will be back.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Feb. 21-26, 2026

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

13th District lawmakers host digital town hall

OLYMPIA — Residents from the 13th Legislative District heard from their elected lawmakers during a virtual town hall meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26, to discuss legislative events and constituent concerns as the session enters its final weeks.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters for Feb. 26, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Columbia Basin Hospital board seeks applicants

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3.

Knights shine in Mat Classic

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights had a strong showing in the Mat Classic, sending 29 wrestlers to the state tournament. Across the boys and girls teams, 15 wrestlers earned a spot on the podium, including three state champions for the girls.

PUD’s Ephrata center on time, on budget

EPHRATA — Nearly six months after Grant PUD broke ground on its new Ephrata Service Center, the project is advancing on schedule and on budget, with major site work now underway and structural construction expected to accelerate through 2026.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Live life in-person ...

Suicide and depression have decided to develop an undercurrent in my life lately with several people I care about, and whose privacy I’ll respect here, discussing their struggles with depression and suicidal ideation.

Columbia Basin Hospital to spend $260K on equipment, construction

EPHRATA — Columbia Basin Hospital’s Board of Commissioners approved more than a quarter‑million dollars in new spending Tuesday, including construction costs for a computed tomography scanner installation, new IV infusion pumps and a replacement electrocardiogram machine.

‘Footloose’: QHS musical combines high energy with strong emotion

QUINCY — It’s time to kick off those Sunday shoes and pump up the adrenaline. Quincy High School’s production of “Footloose” opens Friday at the QHS Performing Arts Center. “The kids are doing an awesome job keeping that energy and pace up,” Director Haliey Weber said. “There's a lot of dancing … It's very high-energy, very high-paced.”

2 seats open on Ephrata Parks Commission

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Parks Commission is looking for two volunteers to join the board.

Hands up: Columbia Basin Foundation moves nonprofits ahead one grant at a time

EPHRATA — There are many, many organizations in the Basin making life better for other people, but making life better, unfortunately, costs money. And a vital part of that money comes from charitable grants.

Artrageous to raise the energy level March 6

MOSES LAKE — There are many words that could describe Artrageous, the show Columbia Basin Allied Arts will present March 6. “Sedate,” “calm” and “slow-paced” are not among those words.

The only ‘spider’ you want in your house

Mavs swim competes at state to close out season

FEDERAL WAY — The Moses Lake Mavericks swim team traveled to the King County Aquatic Center to compete in the state tournament, where each of the qualifying athletes found success in the water. As a team, the Mavs finished 28th. “We had some challenging times the last two weeks before state, but they kept their heads up through it all and had a really good time at state. I’m super proud of these guys here,” said Head Coach Anthony Preston.

WEATHER: Feb. 26 – March 4, 2026

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a southwest wind 14-18 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Partly cloudy at night, with a low around 32. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

District patrons get first look at new Samaritan Hospital

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare District patrons got their first look at the new Samaritan Hospital Tuesday with tours of the building, a ribbon-cutting and a champagne toast.

Royal girls claim second in District 6 championships

TOPPENISH — The battle for first place in the 1A District 6 tournament came to a close last Friday when the Royal Knights fell to Zillah 46-56. With the Knights taking second in districts, they prepare to enter the state tournament as the fifth seed.

Legals for February, 26 2026

Moses Lake starts new program to track city repairs, answer questions

MOSES LAKE — Now typically, when a business or an agency does the ribbon-cutting thing, they’re cutting a ribbon for a building, or because they moved to a new location, or because they have a new service truck – a physical asset. The Moses Lake City Council cut a ribbon Tuesday on a new web portal, making it a unique occasion.

Knights head to state after 2nd place finish in districts

TOPPENISH — The Royal Knights concluded the district tournament after a climactic battle against Zillah ended in a 62-64 loss for Royal. The Knights still finished second in the 1A District 5 tournament and are entering as the third seed in the state tournament.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Feb. 26 – Mar. 5, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College basketball enters postseason play as baseball and softball begin the early portion of spring competition. Check out where your favorite teams will be playing this week.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters for Feb. 25, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Quincy PD logs for Feb. 19-23

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

Mark Allen Hofstetter

1963 – 2026

Mark Allen Hofstetter, 63, passed away Feb. 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Karen Sue Wesselius

Karen Sue Wesselius died Feb. 20, 2026, in Moses Lake, Wash. at the age of 72. Services are in thecare of Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah, Wash. For information regarding service times, please visit www.valleyhillsfh.com.

Construction workers rally in support of behavioral health in Olympia

OLYMPIA — Bright orange hardhats and yellow reflective vests engulfed the steps of Washington’s Capitol Feb. 17 as construction workers, apprentices, labor leaders from across the state joined members of the Legislature to call attention to the behavioral health crisis impacting one of the most physically demanding and high-risk industries.

Sanchez makes history as Tigers finish fourth in Mat Classic

TACOMA — The Ephrata Tigers girls' squad had a successful run in the Mat Classic, finishing fourth as a team, four wrestlers reached the podium and Adylene Sanchez made history becoming the first two-time state champion for girls wrestling at Ephrata.

New Year lights

Soap Lake Lantern Festival draws hundreds to celebrate the Lunar New Year

SOAP LAKE — What began as a small community gathering grew into a crowd of nearly 300 people Saturday as families lined the streets of Soap Lake to celebrate the Lunar New Year during the town’s first Lantern Festival. The festival honored the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Horse – and focused on themes of renewal, community and respect for the natural elements surrounding Soap Lake. “Today was extremely, overwhelmingly successful, kind of beyond our expectations,” said Blayne Walsh, one of the event’s organizers. “Our community always shows up. And it was cool that it reached even beyond just our small Soap Lake town.” The festival featured lanterns, food, cultural decorations and costumed performers, including dragon and lion imagery that delighted children throughout the evening. Organizers said the original goal was simply to bring neighbors together during the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

CWU faculty express no confidence in university president

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University’s Board of Trustees acknowledged faculty concerns Friday after an overwhelming vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying it plans to bring in outside mediators to help repair strained relationships on campus.

Color the Basin

Eleven-year-old Ashlynn colored this picture of a red-tailed hawk from last week’s Columbia Basin Herald Kids News. Ashlynn is thankful that the hawks keep the rodent population down, she said.

Safe Kids, Strong Communities event promises fun, learning

MOSES LAKE — Children and their families are invited to the Grant County Fairgrounds April 17 for Safe Kids, Strong Communities. The event, hosted by Kids Hope, will focus on child safety through fun activities like face painting, games and pizza, according to an announcement from Kids Hope. The Moses Lake Fire Department will have a truck there for children to explore, said Kids Hope Children's Advocacy Center Coordinator Elisa Adolphsen. Safe Kids, Strong Communities is free for all ages. Anyone who would like to is welcome to drop in any time between 3 and 7 p.m. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Good officer

GCSO K-9 Edo passes at 11

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy Edo passed away last week, and he is sorely missed, said Sheriff Joey Kriete. “He was a very personable dog,” Kriete said. “He was kind of our poster child, if you will, for our K-9 program because he was so social. He would always greet everybody in the office. We all loved Edo.”

East Adams Rural Health expects emergency rural hospital approval soon

RITZVILLE — East Adams Rural Healthcare could be converted to an “emergency rural hospital” as early as this summer.

City of Othello, ACFD 5 restart fire contract negotiations

OTHELLO — Officials from Adams County Fire District 5 and the Othello City Council have returned to the table to see if the two sides can come to an agreement on a new contract for fire services. Council members have scheduled a special meeting Thursday to discuss the city’s options.

WEATHER: Feb. 25 – March 3, 2026

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind 9-18 mph. Partly cloudy evening, with a low around 30. Southwest wind around 14 mph.

Legals for February, 25 2026

WA lawmakers push for state to embrace nuclear energy

OLYMPIA — “The United States Department of Energy is looking for a home for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, and Washington is the perfect place to put that,” Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, said in an interview.

Cougars qualify for state competition

EAST WENATCHEE — The Warden Cougars made a strong push in the district tournament, beating Tonasket 72-68 and Goldendale 53-50 last weekend to qualify for state. After falling to Liberty Bell 67-47 Saturday afternoon, the Cougars finished sixth in District 5 as they prepare for their first game of state competition.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters for Feb. 24, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

13th District lawmakers to host virtual town hall today

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers representing Washington’s 13th Legislative District will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday as the 2026 legislative session enters its final weeks and several of their priority bills move forward.

ACH wins district title ahead of state run

REARDAN — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors earned the 1B District 6 title Saturday evening after an 83-68 victory over DeSales in the district championships. With this victory, the Warriors enter the state tournament as the second seed and prepare to make a deep run toward a state championship.

Suspect and 4 others are dead after stabbing near Tacoma, Washington, authorities say

SEATTLE (AP) — A man fatally stabbed four people before being shot by a sheriff's deputy outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, on Tuesday, authorities said.

Robert Carradine, 'Revenge of the Nerds' and 'Lizzie McGuire' star, dies at 71

Actor Robert Carradine has died at 71. His family says he died by suicide. In a statement shared on Tuesday, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother Keith Carradine says there is no shame in mental illness. Carradine works for more than 40 years in film and TV. He appeared in "Bonanza," "The Cowboys," and films like "Mean Streets" and "Coming Home." His biggest hit comes in 1984 as nerd leader Lewis Skolnick in "Revenge of the Nerds." He also plays Lizzie McGuire's dad. He leaves three children.

WA Legislature considering ‘Blue Envelope Bill’ to make traffic stops safer for neurodivergent drivers

OLYMPIA — A bill in the Washington Legislature has the potential to make encounters between police and people with autism safer.

DMLA kicks off 2026

Local organization celebrates 2025 accomplishments, looks forward to successful year

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association held its annual kickoff meeting Thursday to discuss last year’s achievements and the coming year’s plans. The meeting was held at Moore Brewing Company, which is a DMLA member.

Legals for February, 24 2026

Water rate increases likely for Moses Lake residents

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake water users could see a yearly increase in their water rates over the next seven to eight years as city officials work to save money for a series of water projects. Jessica Cole, the city’s utility services manager, said city officials have a lot to do.

Bill to reduce stress & regulations on WA ag community advancing

(The Center Square) - Legislation that would take a comprehensive look at how state regulations impact Washington's farmers and ranchers is set for executive session in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Monday afternoon.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters for Feb. 23, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

WEATHER: Feb. 24 – March 2

Tuesday: A 40% chance of rain, mainly before 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. North wind around 6 mph becoming west in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Overnight, a 20% chance of rain before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Southwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 32. Thursday: Breezy and mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 35.

NCESD board position open for candidates

WENATCHEE — The North Central Educational Service District has an opening for Board Position Number five. The position represents a portion of Moses Lake. According to a statement from NCESD, Mary Kunkle resigned from the seat, creating an opening.

STUDIO BASIN: From campaign to city hall: Mayor Oliver's first months on the job

EPHRATA — On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver sits down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss his first months in office – the transition from the campaign trail to the day-to-day realities of governing, the surprises, the learning curves and the opportunities ahead for Ephrata.

GCSO names deputies who fired shots in fatal officer-involved incident

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office on Monday released the names of the deputies who fired their weapons during a fatal officer‑involved shooting near Moses Lake earlier this month. The shooting occurred Feb. 16 in the 4700 block of Road L.9 and resulted in the death of 33‑year‑old Aaron Ammann. The incident remains under investigation by the Central Basin Investigative Team, which is handling the case independently.

Decision pending on state victim services funding

MOSES LAKE — A projected budget shortfall in 2026 has Washington legislators analyzing state spending, with agencies advocating to keep funding at what they say are adequate levels. Suzi Fode, director of the New Hope and Kids Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, said the news in the Senate and House budget proposals is promising.

WA fuel prices jump 17 cents, highest since late October

MOSES LAKE — Washington’s average gas price rose 17 cents in the past week, reaching $4.33 per gallon as of Feb. 23, the state’s highest average since late October.

Crash near Quincy claims one

QUINCY — A George woman died in a three-vehicle collision on state Route 281 south of Quincy Saturday, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol.

Knights girls crown three champs as nine earn medals

TACOMA — The Royal Knights girls squad showed out at the Mat Classic, finishing in the top 10 and sending nine wrestlers to the podium by the end of the weekend. Girls Head Coach Seth Weeks said what they were able to accomplish was nothing short of impressive. “It meant everything,” Weeks said. “Being a first-year coach with these girls, I've worked with a lot of them over the last few years. I've been coaching at the middle school so a lot of those girls have wrestled for me in the past, and so to tie it all together and let the girls see that hard work translate to (success) was awesome.”

A better Thursday starts with ... Thursday

MOSES LAKE — Meet Thursday, a sweet, medium-sized mixed‑breed pup looking for his fur-ever home. This handsome black‑and‑white boy is already neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and he’s as charming as he is adorable. Thursday has a gentle personality and is ready to become a loyal companion to someone who will give him the love he deserves. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new four‑legged friend to your family, Thursday might be the perfect match. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out his application or call 509-762-9616. If you can’t adopt right now 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.

Lions punch ticket to state with third place finish in districts

WENATCHEE — After a tough back and forth battle, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions earned a 42-36 victory over the Wilson Creek Devils Saturday afternoon in the District 5 finals. This victory earned the Lions third in districts and sends the team to state. “We’re excited,” said Lions Head Coach Josh Kast. “Two years ago, we only won three games. It took some big steps last year winning 13 games, but this was a big step for us.”

Four Warriors medal at Mat Classic; Butler siblings shine in Tacoma

TACOMA — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors brought home some hardware from this year’s Mat Classic. Siblings Karis and Noah Butler won their state finals matches to become state champions. According to Head Coach Brandon Walsh, it’s been a while since a pair of siblings won state titles together. “A couple of brothers back in ’ 99 a long time ago,” he said. “It's a credit to them. Those kids work so hard. They love wrestling, they wrestle all year round. They're leaders in the room, (we) just couldn't be happier for them. That's fantastic in the world of wrestling.”

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: Feb. 23 – 28, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The last standing basketball teams from around the basin prepare to head out and face the first round of state competition. See who the remaining teams will be facing this week.

Graham Ike scores 20 points to help No. 11 Gonzaga beat Pacific 71-62

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Graham Ike had 20 points and three blocks, Davis Fogle scored 18 points and No. 11 Gonzaga beat Pacific 71-62 on Saturday night to wrap up a top-two seed and a semifinal spot in the WCC Tournament.

Several Mavs reach the podium in Mat Classic

TACOMA — The Moses Lake Mavericks concluded their appearance at the Mat Classic on day two, with several wrestlers making deep runs. Boys One wrestler who went far this year was Eli Anderson who battled his way into the 215-lb finals, where he fell just short 4-2. Despite the loss, Anderson displayed gratitude.

Mavs fall in heartbreaker against Sunnyside

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks concluded their season Saturday evening with a 51-69 loss to Sunnyside in the state play-in game. The match was hard-fought, but ultimately the opposition pulled out ahead to punch their ticket to state. “Sunnyside came to play; they came out hitting on all cylinders,” said Mavericks Head Coach Craig Groth. “We were set behind in the first part of the game, and we didn’t have quite enough opportunities to catch up.”

WDFW urges anglers to use caution as local lakes open March 1

MOSES LAKE — With the March 1 fishing opener approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding Grant County anglers to be careful on late‑winter ice and to check conditions before heading out.

Mat Classic 2026 sees strong performances by Basin athletes

TACOMA — On day one of the Mat Classic Washington’s best from the 3A and 4A competed at the Tacoma Dome, Thursday. Across the boys and girls teams of the Moses Lake Mavericks, seven wrestlers moved on to the semifinals. Competition for other teams from Grant and Adams counties started Friday with additional strong performances from those teams as well.

Media Day at the Capitol reveals ongoing budget debate

OLYMPIA — Media outlets from throughout Washington congregated at the Senate John A. Cherberg building Thursday, Feb. 19, for the Capitol’s annual Media Day hosted by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

GCAO lowers fees to help older pets find ‘forever Valentines’

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Animal Outreach is hoping the community will open its hearts and homes to the shelter’s older pets this month. Through Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., adoption fees for adult cats and dogs have been reduced to $100 for animals one year and older, and $50 for pets six years and older, part of the shelter’s “Forever Valentine” promotion. Assistant Manager Serena Jewell said February felt like the right time to break down barriers that sometimes prevent older pets from finding homes. “February was just more so playing off the theme of your forever Valentine,” Jewell said. “And we know the holidays just kind of hit everyone pretty rough… so trying to help break down that barrier of adoption fees to get them to new homes was kind of our main goal.”

CB Tech’s Armstrong wrapping up 40 years in education

MOSES LAKE — Christine Armstrong has run the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center since its inception, and now she’s set to retire after seeing thousands of students move through classrooms there and elsewhere.

Grant, Adams spring elections certified

OLYMPIA — Grant and Adams counties have finalized the results of the February 2026 special election, with turnout reaching about 32% in Grant County where 6,944 ballots cast out of 21,687 registered voters. In Adams County, voter turnout was about 28%, with 2,390 ballots returned from 8,610 registered voters.

Ephrata sets plan to address floodplain challenges

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is beginning a long process to repair and improve the Dry Creek Flood Diversion Channel, a system meant to protect the community from major flooding. During the Feb. 18 City Council meeting, Project Engineer Dave Bren gave an explanation of why Ephrata is still in a federally established floodplain and what must be done to change that.

Locals work to bring sailing to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — If things go as planned, we could be seeing sails on Moses Lake. “The dream is to … bring water education to the children who don’t have the opportunity (and) make that available to them,” said Teresa Fields, a Trails Planning Team member who’s also spearheading the effort to bring the YMCA to Moses Lake. The YMCA offers sailing camps and lessons in other parts of the country, according to its website, and it was suggested at a TPT meeting that the organization might be interested in doing the same in Moses Lake. Sailing enthusiast Rick Biery of Moses Lake said he’d be willing to teach classes, whether through the YMCA or independently.

Basin district basketball sees busy weekend

MOSES LAKE — The remaining basin basketball teams finished their district play over the weekend, and many are now preparing for state playoffs. The results of some games were not available at the time of publication. Additional coverage will be featured in the Tuesday and Wednesday editions of the Columbia Basin Herald.

WEATHER: Feb. 23 – Feb. 28

Monday: 70% chance of rain with less than a tenth of an inch expected. Cloudy, with a high near 47. South wind 5 to 7 mph. 60% chance of evening rain, mainly before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind around 6 mph.

Legals for February, 23 2026

Lions grab district championship

WENATCHEE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (20-2) boys basketball team became the District 5-1B champions after besting Oroville 59-25 Friday night. The Lions celebrate their victory as they prepare to make a run in the state tournament.

Hansen overpass to be replaced

Construction to span July to December 2026

MOSES LAKE — Hansen Overpass will be replaced this summer, with project completion planned for Dec. 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Grant Co. nursing assistant license suspended

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health announced Tuesday Grant County’s Kaylee Gaddis’ certified nursing assistant credentials have been suspended indefinitely.

Moses Lake Pharmacy owner arrested in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Shawn William Needham, owner of Moses Lake Pharmacy, was arrested by the Walla Walla Police Department Feb. 14. According to the Walla Walla Inmate Roster, Needham was booked for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, fourth-degree assault – domestic violence and second-degree robbery. His bond was set at $25,000. He was released from jail on Feb. 18 after he posted bond.

Seven Mavs heading to semis at Mat Classic

TACOMA — On day one of the Mat Classic Washington’s best from the 3A and 4A competed at the Tacoma Dome, Thursday. Across the boys and girls teams of the Moses Lake Mavericks, seven wrestlers are headed to the semifinals.

GALLERY: Mavericks start strong at Mat Classic

TACOMA — The Mat Classic is underway in the Tacoma Dome. The Moses Lake Mavericks boys and girls squads took to the mats Thursday in the 4A brackets. Here are some highlights from the first day of action. Additional coverage of the state tournament will be available in a later edition.

Ritzville hospital announces $10.5 million loss over last three years

RITZVILLE — Investigations are ongoing into allegations that mismanagement and possible fraud left East Adams Rural Healthcare with what its current administrators say was a $10.5 million loss between 2022 and 2025. Hospital officials announced Thursday at a press conference in Spokane that they have filed a request with state and federal authorities to convert to a rural emergency hospital. “With our latest model, EARH will employ between 55 and 60 people,” said Chief Executive Officer Todd Nida in a statement. The current staff is 69 people, he said.

Veggies the focus of April gardening symposium

MOSES LAKE — Vegetables will be the main topic of discussion at this year’s Eco-Gardening Symposium April 18.

BASIN EVENTS: Feb. 20-28, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re rounding out February in the Basin with lots of fun things to do. Here are a few.

Quincy council approves co-living housing rule

QUINCY — Quincy city residents will be able to set up “co-living housing” units under the terms of an ordinance approved by Quincy City Council members Tuesday. Public Works Director Carl Worley said it’s something new in Quincy, required by recent actions by the Washington Legislature. Worley said city officials weren’t sure there would be much impact in Quincy, but council member Dylan Kling said he thought it could make a big impact.

Home & Garden Show returns next weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show will kick off the spring season Feb. 27-28. “We have a lot of new vendors this year,” said coordinator Katie Villegas. “We’ve got some from Moses Lake, and some from the Tri-Cities are coming up. I think we have a few coming down from Wenatchee. So, the spread is a lot more diverse.” Last year’s show brought more than 2500 attendees over its two-day period, Villegas said.

Cellarbration! For Education coming March 21

MOSES LAKE — Tickets were still available Wednesday for Cellarbration! for Education, the Big Bend Community College Foundation’s annual fundraising auction and banquet.

Basin Building Permits: Jan. 2026

Basin Building Permits

Legals for February, 20 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 20-26, 2026

Friday: Increasing clouds with light and variable winds and a high near 36. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 25. Northeast winds about 7 miles per hour.

Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit marks major gains in 2025 through federal partnerships

MOSES LAKE — After what department leaders describe as an extremely successful year, the Moses Lake Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit closed out 2025 with significant gains in narcotics, weapons and organized‑crime investigations.

Quincy Police Department Logs for Feb. 11-19

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

Port of Othello breaks ground for new water tower

OTHELLO — It took a few years, but Port of Othello commissioners broke ground on a second water reservoir on port property in Bruce Thursday morning. Port Commissioner Gary Weaver said the new reservoir will mean more business opportunities in the Othello area. “The main reason we really needed the water here is so we can expand,” Weaver said. “We're kind of locked here because of our water – we had to have more water storage in order to develop this. And it's a big deal for Othello, because this gives the opportunity to bring businesses here, not just little business, but businesses with good paying jobs (and) benefits.” The new water tower will be on the east side of Booker Road and will hold about 200,000 gallons. The port received a combination of a $3.75 million low-interest loan and a $1.25 million grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board to pay for the project.

Soap Lake approves increases to sewer, water and garbage rates

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council approved new sewer and garbage rates Wednesday night, adopting two resolutions that city officials said are needed to keep up with rising operational costs and maintain essential utility services.

Little dog, big heart

OTHELLO — Looking for a small dog who wants nothing more than to be your shadow, your buddy, and your built‑in mood booster? Whitter is your guy. This adult, mixed‑breed, small male pup is already neutered, vaccinated, and great with other dogs – a total tail‑wagging win! While he’s not quite house‑trained yet, he’s eager to learn. He may be tiny, but his personality is big enough to fill your whole home with love. He’s playful, friendly, and ready to be someone’s best fur‑end forever. If he seems like your type of guy, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now 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.

Mavs D-team completes season undefeated

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys basketball’s D-team made a statement this season by finishing undefeated with a final record of 15-0. The young team of freshmen and sophomores battled hard and, with the leadership of first-year Head Coach Eric Salgado, found success on the court. “I was very direct with these kids, I ran things very sharp, and it was a really exciting season. We’re all really happy with it,” said Salgado. Coming into this season, the coach said he had prior experience coaching for seven years in AAU basketball before he was invited to become a coach at MLHS. Under the supervision of Varsity Head Coach Craig Groth, Salgado was given the tools he needed to transition into a high school-level coach.

More bills die in Olympia as end of legislative session nears

OLYMPIA — Tuesday, Feb. 17, marked the third major deadline of the 2026 legislative session, cutting off numerous bills that did not pass their house of origin, including farmworker collective bargaining rights, improvements to the state’s electrical transmission line infrastructure and artificial intelligence regulations.

Devils overcome Waterville-Mansfield to make district finals

WATERVILLE — The Wilson Creek Devils kept the season alive after winning 48-43 in a close matchup against Waterville-Mansfield Wednesday evening. Coming off a big win, the Devils get ready to head to Wenatchee for a chance to make the state tournament. “It was a pretty good game,” said Devils Head Coach Caleb McMillan. “It was neck-and-neck all the way through.” Wilson Creek and Waterville-Mansfield were both consistent in the first half, pressing the net and scoring points one after another. By the end of the half the two were tied. In the third quarter, the Devils kept up their momentum and were persistent in scoring, but the opposition stayed right there with them. It wasn’t until the final moments of the fourth quarter that Wilson Creek finally pulled away through their free throws to gain the victory by five.

Devils prepare for final round of districts

WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Devils are entering the third-place game for districts this weekend after earning a 51-32 home victory over Entiat Tuesday evening. The young Devils team battled hard throughout this season, and Head Coach Jeff Sackmann said the team has proven themselves in these last few games. “It feels like we’re peaking at the right time,” said Sackmann. “I’ve got a really young team, no seniors, a lot of girls with not a lot of experience, but we’ve managed to make it fun enough that they keep showing up and working hard in practice. We just try to get better every day.” The Devils took an early 15-0 lead in the first quarter. Their opposition chipped away at the lead in the second quarter, but at halftime Wilson Creek remained ahead by eight points.

Elden Jorgensen Jensen

April 5, 1934 – Feb. 2, 2026

Elden Jorgensen Jensen, 91, returned to the Lord Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Kenmore, Washington. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Nelson Road Chapel, 1849 Nelson Road NE, Moses Lake. The family will greet friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. that same day and at the same location. Arrangements are in the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories and Crematory. Interment will follow the funeral services at Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

Two injured in crash near Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A two-vehicle collision sent both drivers to the hospital Wednesday near Soap Lake, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. A little before 4 p.m., Jose F. Machado Ayala, 42, of Soap Lake, was driving a 2008 Nissan Versa westbound on state Route 28 near the intersection with Road A Northwest when he left the roadway to the right, according to the statement. Machado Ayala overcorrected and entered the eastbound lane, where he collided with a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by Ginger L. Calderon-Goodman, 18, also of Soap Lake.

135 Basin students make EWU Dean’s List

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University has released its Dean’s List for fall quarter 2025, with 135 Columbia Basin students receiving honors. To qualify for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must earn 12 quality hours and receive a grade point average of 3.5.

Counselors help students plan ahead at Ephrata High

EPHRATA — Planning for the future isn’t something freshmen in high school gravitate toward, but the four guidance counselors at Ephrata High School point them in the right direction to get their futures planned.

Multiple projects coming to Ephrata in ‘26

EPHRATA — Multiple civic projects are coming to Ephrata this year as spring starts to waive at us from the not-too-distant future. Park upgrades, sports facility improvements and roadway upgrades are among them, according to Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry.

Ladies Night Out

Downtown Moses Lake event draws shoppers, supports local fun

MOSES LAKE — Woman of all ages enjoyed a night of shopping and socializing, at the Downtown Moses Lake Association’s inaugural Ladies Night Out Feb. 12.

Bill expanding military, veteran benefits passes WA Senate

OLYMPIA — A bill that would extend access to state benefits and other opportunities for veterans, military spouses and other uniformed personnel has passed the Washington Senate and is pending in the Washington House of Representatives.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: On affordability, both sides are failing us...

Last year, we started running a weekly news piece on the cost of fuel in our area. We examined average costs for fuel in Grant and Adams counties and compared it to the rest of the country.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Feb. 19-26, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College basketball enters the final weeks of the regular season while baseball and softball begin early season play. Check out where your favorite teams will be heading this week.

COLUMN: Reporting on the Frontier tragedy

MOSES LAKE — I wasn’t born, yet, at the time of the 1996 Frontier Middle School tragedy, but I grew up in the long shadow of school violence. I remember the blue glow of the TV during Sandy Hook coverage, the volume lowered when I walked in, the hush in classrooms after every new headline. I remember lockdown drills – the click of the door, scuffed linoleum under my knees – and the crisp Montana wind when my middle school was evacuated for a bomb threat.

WEATHER: Feb. 19 – Feb. 25, 2026

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Partly cloudy evening, with a low around 21. North wind 7 to 9 mph.

WSU research shows being neighborly can boost community health

BLAINE, Wash. — Small, everyday gestures between neighbors such as sharing food or just checking in may carry outsized benefits for entire communities.

Lions move ahead to district finals

MLCA/CCS moves forward after defeating Soap Lake, 48-30

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions came back to win 48-30 over the Soap Lake Eagles Tuesday evening to move on to the third-place round in the District 5 1B tournament. Both teams came into this game knowing it was win-to-stay-in.

Collision closes SR28/Road A NW

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office released a statement announcing that SR28 and Road A NW between Soap Lake and Ephrata has been closed temporarily due to an injury collision.

Wildcats finish second in GNAC Indoor Championships

SPOKANE — The Central Washington University track and field team had a strong performance at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Indoor Championships at The Podium. The women scored a total of 152 points, and the men scored 102.5 points, earning both teams second place out of the nine teams that participated. On the women’s side, reigning national Champion Emy Ntekpere brought home three gold medals and earned Female Field Athlete of the Meet and Female High Point Scorer honors. Ntekpere won the long jump with a leap of 5.81 meters, the high jump with 1.71 meters and secured the triple jump with 12.81 meters, which not only shattered the meet record for triple jump but also ranks second in NCAA Division II this season.

Allie Dale Hendricks

1931 – 2026

Allie Dale Hendricks, 94, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Moses Lake, Wash. Dale was born on May 3, 1931, in Columbia, Murray County, Tenn. His father was Jon Allie Hendricks and his mother was Mary Lucinda (Harmon) Hendricks.

Jacks send 11 wrestlers to Mat Classic

QUINCY — Eleven wrestlers will represent the Quincy Jacks in the 2A bracket of the Mat Classic this year across the boys and girls teams. “Super proud of them,” Boys Head Coach Breck Webley said. “A few of them had great records and were consistent throughout the season and in their performance, so this was just kind of a reflection of that. We had a few outliers teetering on the edge... and then they just turned it on and peaked at the right time, and were able to clinch a spot, which was awesome to see as well.”

Larry Dean Lenssen

1943 – 2026

Larry Dean Lenssen, age 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2026. Larry was born on May 17, 1943, to Leonard and Johanna Lenssen, and grew up on the family dairy farm in Lynden, Wash.

Lois R. Wright

Mrs. Lois R. Wright, beloved school teacher (for 30 years) who taught at Longview, Garden Heights and Lakeview Elementary schools, has passed away. Mrs. Wright's family wanted to get the word out to her former students that she loved so much, and I thought this would reach the most people. There will be a viewing on February 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Grape Drive Chapel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints for anyone who would like to pay their respects at 925 N. Grape Drive, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Huskies wrap up districts with 28 state contenders

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies finished out district competition Saturday with the team sending 13 boys and 15 girls, for 28 total wrestlers heading to the state tournament this weekend. Boys The Huskies boys team brought 23 wrestlers into the district meet and came out of the event third overall with a score of 275.5 and had 13 of those boys qualify to head to Tacoma this weekend.

Tigers bring home three district titles ahead of state

EPHRATA — A hard-fought season in the Central Washington Athletic Conference came to a close Saturday at the 2A district tournament where the Ephrata Tigers qualified 16 wrestlers from among the boys and girls teams for the Mat Classic. Boys The Ephrata boys ended up qualifying six boys into state after a hard-fought weekend at the district tournament in Toppenish.

Paul Allen's estate says it has begun the process of selling the Super Bowl champion Seahawks

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks are going up for sale in accordance with the wishes of late team owner Paul Allen.

Mavericks eager for deep run in Mat Classic

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks are sending 25 wrestlers across both boys and girls squads to compete in the 4A bracket of the Mat Classic. For the boys, Head Coach Jose Tanguma said his wrestlers are ready to perform when the lights come on. “I feel very good with the kids we have going to state. These kids have been wrestling tough all year long, and I think they're ready for the big show right now,” he said.

Young Lind-Ritzville team looks to place wrestlers on the podium

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Head Coach Jason Hilzer said he’s optimistic that the Broncos can get some wrestlers on the Mat Classic 2026 podium in what has been a year of growth. “We’re young. The increase in the skill level from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is huge for the freshmen and sophomores,” Hilzer said. “That’s what I’m really pleased about.”

Experience big factor for Royal boys at Mat Classic

ROYAL CITY — Royal High School boys wrestling coach Darrin Miller said his team’s experience should help them when they get to the Tacoma Dome. “We have a large group of seniors this year, so I think the consistency of showing up to practice every day for four straight years for a lot of these kids, as well as the underclassmen learning from some of those upperclassmen,” Miller said. “Everybody has just been really committed up to this point, which is what it really takes in the sport to be successful.”

ACH sends eight to state

COULEE CITY — After a strong season of wrestling for the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors are sending eight wrestlers to the Mat Classic. “We're excited about the group we got going,” Head Coach Brandon Walsh said. The Warriors are set to take six boys and two girls to Tacoma as they pursue more success at the state level. ACH had a strong performance across their team in their district tournament, where four boys made the semifinals, three advanced to the championship matches and two came out champions.

Royal girls wrestlers rise to the challenge, have high hopes for state tournament

ROYAL CITY — They’ve had a lot of success on the mat, but it’s still been a tough year for the Royal High School girls wrestling team. Their coach Seth Weeks said the girls have risen to meet the challenge. Jesus Carlos Villa, the head coach who led the Knights to a second-place finish at the 2025 Mat Classic, suddenly passed in a car accident in July 2025. Coach Carlos has been missed, Weeks said.

CBAA seeks music teachers for local directory

MOSES LAKE — Young musicians need good teachers, and sometimes those can be difficult to find. A Moses Lake High School senior has created a way to connect students with the instruction they need.

Grant Co. solar projects moving forward

COULEE CITY — A new solar electrical generation facility near Coulee City has received a conditional use permit from Grant County officials. When it goes into operation, Dry Falls Solar is projected to generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity, said Grant County Planning Director Jim Anderson-Cook.

Wahluke qualifies two wrestlers for Mat Classic

MATTAWA — The Wahluke High School girls wrestling team advanced two wrestlers to Mat Classic 2026 in what coach Windy Lovejoy said was a learning year. “We have primarily freshmen on the team,” Lovejoy said. “There were three upperclassmen.” Her team adapted to a pretty steep learning curve, however.

WEATHER: Feb. 18 – Feb. 24, 2026

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind around 7 mph becoming south in the afternoon. A 20% chance of snow after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. North wind 6 to 10 mph.

Cougars make their way to state

WARDEN — After a tough weekend at districts, the Warden Cougars are sending 16 wrestlers to the Mat Classic in Tacoma; a dozen boys and six girls.

Legals for February, 18 2026

LOCAL LEARNING: An eye on the red-tailed hawk

One of the common birds to see in the Columbia Basin is the Red Tailed Hawk, often spotted gliding above grassy areas looking for prey.

Man killed in officer-involved shooting near Moses Lake Monday

MOSES LAKE — Aaron Ammann, 33, of Moses Lake was killed in an officer-involved shooting Monday evening in rural Moses Lake, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. Deputies opened fire on the man while searching a property in the 4700 block of Road L.9 Northeast at about 6:15 p.m.

Othello High next focus with EP&O levy passing

OTHELLO — Voters in the Othello School District are approving a four-year educational programs and operations levy in updated vote totals from the Feb. 10 special election released Friday. The levy proposal had 794 yes votes and 434 no votes, about 64.7% approving. Because it was a school levy, it needed a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.

Local newspapers and broadcasters safe from digital ad tax for now

OLYMPIA — Earlier this week, Washington lawmakers voted to maintain the exemption for sales tax on advertising services for newspapers and radio and television broadcasting in the state’s digital ad tax.

Ferguson remains unsatisfied with millionaire’s tax proposal

OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers advanced a tax on millionaires through the Senate earlier this week, yet Gov. Bob Ferguson said there is still much more work to do.

Ephrata PD chief says EMS bomb threat unfounded

EPHRATA — A bomb threat reported late Monday night targeting Ephrata Middle School was determined to be unfounded, according to Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office log shows the call came in at 9:24 p.m., with the caller claiming a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes. However, Koch said the details quickly raised red flags.

Wahluke EP&O levy ahead in initial results

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy is passing in initial election results, with 352 yes votes to 256 no votes as of Feb. 13. The election is scheduled to be certified Feb. 20.

FUEL REPORT: Feb 17, 2026

FUEL REPORT: Feb 17, 2026

Grant County Sheriff’s Office reports Feb. 12-17, 2026

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.

Pouring love out

MOSES LAKE — I’m a little Teapot, short and stout. I’ll wag my tail – no need to shout! When you tip me over, I’ll pour love out! Three‑year‑old Teapot is a medium mixed‑breed sweetheart with a gorgeous brown‑and‑white coat and a heart full of pup‑tential. She’s spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, so she’s fully “steeped” and ready to go home. This adorable girl is the perfect brew of playful energy and cuddle‑time calm. Whether you're looking for a walking buddy, a snuggle companion, or a furry friend to brighten your mornings, Teapot is ready to pour herself into your life. If she seems like your cup of tea, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out her application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local shelter visit the website and click “donate.”

Haley resigns as Quincy city administrator

QUINCY — Quincy City Administrator Pat Haley announced his resignation, effective immediately, in a press release issued by the city Tuesday morning. Danielle Marchant, the city’s attorney, declined to specify the reason for Haley’s resignation. “As a matter of policy and out of respect for his privacy, the city will not be commenting on this matter,” Marchant said.

‘Grease’ lights up Ephrata High stage

EHS students put on the school's first musical in years

EPHRATA — The halls of Rydell High came roaring to life Thursday night as Ephrata High School kicked off opening night of “Grease: School Version” at the Ephrata High Performing Arts Center, a show bursting with energy, laughter and the kind of school‑spirit that would make even Danny Zuko crack a smile.

Local REC Silicon plant remains closed as more stock issued

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake REC Silicon facility will remain closed, at least for now, as its owners announced an issuance of new stock to raise money for continuing operations and pay off debt.

Boys basketball roundup, Feb. 10 –14

MOSES LAKE — As the state tournament looms on the horizon, the local boys basketball teams are pushing through their district tournaments. See below how your favorite team has fared and their current record.

WEATHER: Feb. 17 – Feb. 23, 2026

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 7 mph. A 10% chance of nighttime snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Legals for February, 17 2026

UPDATED: Officer involved shooting reported in rural Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other first responders are on the scene of an officer involved shooting in the 4700 block of Road L.9 Northeast in rural Moses Lake.

Sales tax on advertising poses threat to local news

OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers voted to keep a provision that would extend sales tax on advertising to businesses previously exempt under last session’s digital ad tax, including newspapers and radio and television broadcasting.

Girls basketball roundup, Feb. 10-14

MOSES LAKE — As the regular season winds down and district tournament competition picks up, local teams are eyeing a spot in the state tournament. See below how your favorite team has fared in the last week and their current record.

MLHS girls suffer loss after late rally by Sunnyside

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (4-18) were defeated 46-40 by the Sunnyside Grizzlies at home in a competitive game that went down to the wire. Head Coach Matt Strophy was proud of his team’s effort Friday.

Mavericks final home win sends them to district championship

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (14-6) defeated the Sunnyside Grizzlies 72-64 in their final home game of the regular season Friday. Mavs junior Caden Barney complimented his team for their efficiency on offense.

WA Legislature working to support sex assault survivors

OLYMPIA — About 70% of Washington’s sexual violence victims assistance funding is pass-through funding from the federal government via the Victims of Crime Act. However, funding under VOCA, which became law in 1984, has dipped dramatically in recent years. Funding totaled $74.7 million in 2018 but has since dropped to about $17.9 million as of 2024.

Ski season not over yet

Area resorts excited as new snowfall brings out crowds

MOSES LAKE — This hasn’t been our snowiest winter, but ski resorts in the region got a late-season boost this week with a sudden snowfall, just in time for the three-day Presidents Day weekend.

Teresa J. Bushey

1961 — 2026

Teresa J. Bushey, 64, died February 13, 2026, in Ellensburg, Wash. Teresa was born on June 20, 1961, in Anacortes, WA. There are no services currently scheduled. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family.

Potato Days

Fifth-graders get a glimpse of CBTECH programs

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, learning physics and chemistry means making a few hash browns. “(My students) have made, how do I want to say it? Launching devices,” said Christine Armstrong, career and tech education director at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center. “They have targets out there and if (the fifth graders) hit the targets they win prizes. And they love it.” The occasion was Potato Days, a chance for fifth-grade students across the service area to tour CBTECH and see what opportunities are available to them there when they get older. This year CBTECH hosted three groups of 250 fifth graders over the course of three days, to keep the numbers manageable.

Digging deep: Family roots are easy to find at the FamilySearch Center

MOSES LAKE — Figuring out family roots and heritage can be a daunting task, but there is help out there for those looking to see where their families came from and what legacy they can try to maintain for them and their kin. The task used to be more difficult than it is now.

Standalone energy project eyed for Quincy

QUINCY — While it’s only in the beginning stages, the Port of Quincy and a California Native American tribe will be working on a project to bring a standalone energy project to Quincy. Ken Ahmann, chief operating officer of Colusa Indian Energy, said the project would help the Quincy area in the search for a diversified – and robust – economy.

Moses Lake to prioritize services in financial sustainability planning

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members – and Moses Lake residents – will be asked to determine where they think the city should spend its money, a process that started with a look at the city’s current financial state at the Feb. 10 council meeting.

WEATHER: Feb. 16 – Feb. 20, 2026

Washington's Birthday: A chance of rain and snow before 1pm, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. North wind around 7 mph, becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. A chance of evening rain and snow before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Ephrata Superintendent: “Thank you for taking part in the process”

Tiger Community: On behalf of the Ephrata School District, I want to share my gratitude to everyone who took the time to participate in the 2026 bond election. Your engagement in this process is a demonstration of our care of this community. We are grateful for the conversations we’ve had with members of the community throughout the past few months.

13th district lawmakers vote on 'millionaire tax,' data center regs and gun owner privacy

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers from the 13th Legislative district have already voted on various bills as they grapple with a $2.3 billion budget deficit and a rapidly moving short session. The bills mentioned below have either advanced their respective committees or caucuses, passing the fiscal committee cutoff date last Monday.

Legals for February, 16 2026

CWU faculty push back on administration’s response

ELLENSBURG — A group of 49 Central Washington University faculty members is disputing part of the university’s public statements regarding the ongoing vote of no confidence in President Jim Wohlpart, saying the campuswide ballot is already in progress and not pending, as an earlier university email suggested.

Devils claim road victory against Eagles in districts

SOAP LAKE — The Wilson Creek Devils (16-5) earned a stunning 51-44 win on the road against the Soap Lake Eagles (12-7) Thursday evening in the second round of the 1B District 5 tournament. Both teams put up a competitive and physical performance as they battled it out on the court.

Statement win: Knights earn victory in first round of district tourney

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (19-3) defeated the Omak Pioneers 74-30 Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the 1A District 5 tournament. Head Coach Farrah Wardenaar was thrilled to see her players dominate the hardwood.

Wilson Creek voters supporting EP&O levy

WILSON CREEK — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Wilson Creek School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy passing with 58.02% approval as of Feb. 11. Voters cast 64 yes votes and 42 no votes, according to the current unofficial results. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Opinion: Proposed tax on advertising would have widespread consequences

In the Senate’s tax bill, SSB 6113, a small paragraph poses devastating consequences to our communities: it would create a new tax on advertising that has until now been intentionally excepted.

Donation covers adoption fees at Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry

SOAP LAKE — A recent donation to Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry will make it easier for some folks to find their perfect furry companion.

Moses Lake officials working to correct audit issues

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are working to correct errors identified by the Washington State Auditor’s Office and catch up on delayed audits. Municipal Finance Director Madeline Prentice said city officials are working to have the delayed audits for 2023 and 2024 submitted by May. “Trying to get caught up on the audits is our first priority,” Prentice said. “We have actually brought in an outside accounting firm to assist us with that.”

Homes for Heroes would give homeownership help where it’s needed

OLYMPIA — A bill before the Washington Legislature could make it easier to house people who make a big difference on a small paycheck.

Tiger King set to serve Ephrata

New laundromat offers modern equipment, comfortable setting

EPHRATA — After three years of dreaming, planning and searching for the right location, Tyson and Hunter Mollotte have opened Tiger King Laundromat, a newly renovated and fully coinless laundry facility in downtown Ephrata. The couple, who also own two other laundromats in the region, said bringing a modern, safe and convenient laundry option to town has long been a goal.

BASIN EVENTS: Feb. 13-21

COLUMBIA BASIN — Winter’s not over yet, but you can almost see spring from here. Here are a few ways to get out and about this week in the Basin.

WEATHER: Feb. 13 – Feb. 19, 2026

Friday: A 10% chance of rain after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 41. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. A 20% chance of rain before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light and variable wind.

Hansen Road, Quincy basketball made news in January

MOSES LAKE — Traffic disruption in Moses Lake, historic numbers for a Quincy Jacks basketball player and a new Dancing with the Stars king are among the big stories of January 2026.

Legals for February, 13 2026

Coulee-Hartline voters approving Enrichment Levy in early results

COULEE CITY — The Coulee-Hartline School District’s replacement Enrichment Levy is passing by a good margin in the initial Feb. 12 ballot counts, with 239 yes votes to 98 no votes. The election will be officially certified on Feb. 20.

Warden voters support school levies

WARDEN — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Warden School District voters approving both the district’s replacement levies, providing continued funding for school operations, safety improvements and technology upgrades. The election will be certified Feb. 20.

CWU president faces no confidence vote

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University officials say they will not answer further questions regarding the Faculty Senate’s Feb. 4 vote of no confidence involving President Jim Wohlpart, but they released an official statement from the president and Board of Trustees addressing faculty concerns.

Big Bend rolls over CBC at home

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (10-15) defeated the Columbia Basin College Hawks 85-63 to earn a statement win at home. Head Coach Jason Hopkins said it was nice to see his players start putting together they had worked on prior to this game.

GCSO logs for Feb. 11-12, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Any suspects named are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MLFD tackles structure fire on Rose Ave.

MOSES LAKE — At approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, the Moses Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in the 1000 block of Rose Avenue. Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from a detached garage on the property.

Lady Vikings overcome CBC in barn burner

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings (23-2) earned a statement win over Columbia Basin College Wednesday. After going to overtime, they squeezed out an 80-75 win as they avenged a prior loss to the Hawks.

Wheeler roundabout construction scheduled for Feb 23

MOSES LAKE — If the weather cooperates, construction will begin Feb. 23 on a roundabout at the intersection of Road L Northeast and East Wheeler Road. Moses Lake’s financial contribution to the project is about $81,000. Contributions by other stakeholders in the project was not immediately available.

Huskies claim playoff victory on home court

OTHELLO — After an 0-20 conclusion to their 2024-25 season, the Othello Huskies (9-13) earned their first playoff win in years over East Valley Wednesday evening. The matchup was a nailbiter throughout as the two teams traded blows, but the Huskies pulled ahead to win 81-75.

Mavs find success at districts

WENATCHEE — The Moses Lake Mavericks swim team competed in the 4A District 5 tournament in Wenatchee Wednesday evening where the team took second overall. After a week of adversity, the Mavs are prepping to now send their athletes to state.

Men's college basketball recap Feb. 4-11, 2026

MOSES LAKE — Washington college basketball has had its peaks and valleys this season. As these teams head into the final stretch of their seasons, see below where your favorite team stands.

Dent adjusts legislative schedule after family emergency

MOSES LAKE — State Rep. Tom Dent, R‑Moses Lake, is cutting back his in‑person participation in the 2026 legislative session after his wife, Dayna, had a medical emergency.

LETTER: Freedom vs. Liberty

I appreciate our editor of the Columbia Basin Herald, Rob Miller, for his stand to preserve our Constitutional rights and to use them responsibly (see Jan 19, 2026, Letter (from the Editor column) and 1st Amendment on pg.2 of each newspaper).

Sweet senior lady

MOSES LAKE — Meet Lylah, the sweetest senior lady looking for her soft‑landing home. At 10 years old, this beautiful white‑and‑grey domestic medium hair mix still has plenty of love and purrs to give. She’s large, gentle, spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped — all she needs now is someone to love her as much as she’ll love them. Lylah adores calm company, cozy naps and a sunny window to call her own. If you’re looking for a mellow, affectionate companion who’s already past the kitten chaos stage, she’s your girl. Come meet Lylah at Grant County Animal Outreach. Your new best friend might be waiting for you. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local shelter, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and click “donate.”

Intermodal terminal gets freight where it needs to go, supports Eastern WA economy

KENNEWICK — By definition, freight is something – goods of whatever kind, from fresh produce to sound system components – that is moved in bulk on trains, trucks, ships or aircraft. Teri Zimmerman, vice president for sales and marketing at Tri-City Intermodal in Kennewick, said the company’s role in the freight business is connecting different methods of transportation to move freight. Which sounds simple enough.

BBCC prepares for annual talent show

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College is hosting their annual talent show, “Vikings Got Talent”, Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wallenstein Theater. This show will be free to enter and open to all community members who wish to see performances from local college students.

Wilson Creek voters supporting EP&O levy

WILSON CREEK — Initial ballot counts from the Feb. 10 special election show Wilson Creek School District’s replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy passing with 58.02% approval as of Feb. 11. Voters cast 47 yes votes and 34 no votes, according to the initial results. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Tigers bring home gold at state cheer

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers cheer team traveled to Battle Ground High School over the weekend to compete in the 2A Cheer State Championships. The Tigers went on to take first in the 2A Game Day Co-ed competition with a final score of 87.9. “It went really good,” said Tigers Head Coach Heather Wood. “We performed great in both routines. We had an infraction in our Co-ed Tumbling, but our Game Day, we came out there and brought it.” Wood said the Tigers were ready to compete going into Saturday’s competition and knew their performances had to be on point. While there were some nerves going into the competition as they headed into a venue of thousands of spectators, the team pushed through to give all they had.

Adams, S. Grant Co. EP&O levy requests being approved

EPHRATA — Educational and operations levy requests in three Grant County are still winning approval by substantial margins in three local school districts in updated election results released Wednesday.

WEATHER: Feb. 12 – Feb. 18, 2026

Thursday: Cloudy, then becoming mostly sunny during the afternoon, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind becoming south around 5 mph. Increasing clouds late in the day, with a low around 28. Light and variable wind.

Ephrata bond trailing in initial results

District leaders say community feedback will decide next steps

EPHRATA — Initial election results released Feb. 11 show that Ephrata School District’s $75 million bond measure failed to meet the required 60% supermajority. According to Feb. 11 election results, around 47.5% voted yes and about 52.5% voted no. The election will be certified on Feb. 20.

Moses Lake residents asked to weigh in on financial priorities

MOSES LAKE — With the Moses Lake City Council working on a financial plan that will require what council member Jeremy Davis said will be hard decisions, city officials want to hear which services residents think are the most important.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Feb. 12-19, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College athletics head into the final month of regular season competition for winter sports before post season and early matchups for the spring season have already begun. See where your favorite teams are heading this week.

Knights take down Warriors in district first round

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights claimed an 89-54 home victory over the Wahluke Warriors in the first round of the District 5 1A basketball tournament. Knights junior Grant Wardenaar made history during the game as he claimed the title of all-time scorer for Royal High School.

‘12 as one’

Around 1M fans pack downtown Seattle after Seahawks Super Bowl win

SEATTLE — The 12th man flocked to Seattle’s 4th Ave Wednesday to celebrate the newly crowned Super Bowl champion Seahawks. The event even brought out former players of the franchise.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The state’s new specialty fuels tax is hurting Washingtonians. My legislation would fix that

Washington families are feeling the pinch everywhere they turn – at the grocery store, the gas pump, and in their monthly bills. Inflation may look better on paper, but for many people across our state, especially in rural communities, the cost of living continues to rise. One major reason for the increase is Washington’s specialty fuels tax. Diesel and other special fuels are the backbone of our economy. They power the trucks that move our crops, carry lumber, and deliver groceries and supplies to our stores. When lawmakers raise taxes on these fuels, the added cost doesn’t simply disappear, and the trucking companies don’t just absorb it. That added cost shows up in higher food prices, transportation costs, and prices for everyday goods. In short, Washingtonians pay more for almost everything.

BUILDING PERMITS: Unincorporated Grant County

BUILDING PERMITS: Unincorporated Grant County

Ybarra: The state’s new specialty fuels tax is hurting Washingtonians; My legislation would fix that

Washington families are feeling the pinch everywhere they turn – at the grocery store, the gas pump, and in their monthly bills. Inflation may look better on paper, but for many people across our state, especially in rural communities, the cost of living continues to rise. One major reason for the increase is Washington’s specialty fuels tax.

George Garrett

George W. Garrett died Feb. 8, 2026, in Moses Lake, Wash. from a sudden illness. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 51 years, his sister, Letha Grisham, and countless friends, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. There will be no services.

WA Bill aiming to lower interest rates on medical debt clears Senate floor

OLYMPIA — Kristopher Shook was 42 years old when he was diagnosed with two different types of Stage 4 cancer and a 15% chance to live. As he fought for his life, medical bills were the last thing on his mind. Now, 13 years later, he faces a “financial nightmare” with hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical debt.

Check mates

Chess tournament draws more than 100 students for a day of strategy, sportsmanship

EPHRATA — More than 100 students from across Grant and Adams counties gathered Saturday at Parkway School for the Annual Scholastic Chess Tournament, a long‑running event hosted by The Waypoint Foundation that pairs young players of all ages in a day of strategy, sportsmanship and community spirit. The tournament, now in its 19th year, has grown from about 60 participants to as many as 106 in recent years. “(It’s) for the love of the game,” said organizer Roger Pugh. “Chess is great. We try to help them understand that when you play chess, you’ve got to think a few moves ahead. So hopefully in life, when they go out in the world, they do the same when making a decision.”

Mavs cheer successful in state competition

BATTLE GROUND — The Moses Lake Mavericks competitive cheer squad took home hardware this year at the state competition in Battle Ground. Head Coach Mikey Carlile called it a great experience for her team, as they capped off another successful season. “We had a great weekend,” she said. “They definitely improved every time that we competed (this season), and they worked really hard on taking the judges feedback and implementing it into our routine. They had a great season.”

Coyotes 14U make deep tournament run

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Coyotes 14U squad made a deep run in the Moses Lake 14U Winter Classic, just falling short 5-3 in the championship game to the Coeur d’Alene Thunder. “It went well overall,” Head Coach Dan Niehenke said. “They were out there skating fast and playing well as a team. We saw a lot more team play, even over the last two weekends of tournaments that we've had, just further refinement and dialing in how they execute as a team.”

Miyo Koba loved her garden to the end

MOSES LAKE — Miyo Koba’s yard and garden were her pride and joy.

Football fun!

Football can be a really fun way to spend time with friends and family, whether that's playing the game yourself or watching a game in person or on TV. If you enjoyed watching the Seahawks win the Super Bowl this last weekend, color this photo and have an adult help you email it in with a comment on what your favorite part of watching the big game was and we'll look at publishing it in a future edition of the paper.

WEATHER: Feb. 11 – Feb. 17, 2026

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 49. North wind 5 to 9 mph. Partly cloudy evening, with a low around 29. Light north wind.

Deer doodle

Kekona submitted this completed picture of the deer we recently published for young readers to color and send in with a note about their favorite animal in the Columbia Basin. Kekona’s favorite animal in the Columbia Basin is the Meadowlark. Their song is the most beautiful sound in the sagebrush, and they look stunning with their bright yellow chest, she said.

Legals for February, 11 2026

LOCAL FACTS: The Western Meadowlark

MOSES LAKE — In addition to being the state bird of Montana, where Managing Editor R. Hans Miller grew up, the Western Meadowlark can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia Basin.

Feb. 10 initial election results

EPHRATA — Voters were asked to approve or reject educational programs and operations levy requests from a number of Grant and Adams county school districts in Tuesday’s special election. Voters in the Ephrata School District and East Adams Rural Healthcare decided the fate of specific proposals. Unofficial results released Tuesday night are listed below with additional votes coming in via mail over the next few days. Mailed-in ballots must have been postmarked by Feb. 10, 2026 to be counted.

Dent bill aiming to address ag stress passes through committee

OLYMPIA — A bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, that aims to reduce regulatory stress in the state’s agriculture community was voted out of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Wednesday, Feb. 4.

WA lawmakers push to protect gun owners’ personal information

OLYMPIA — A bipartisan bill that would protect personal information submitted to purchase a firearm was approved by the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee Friday, Jan. 30. The bill has seen bipartisan support as it moves through the legislative process. It subsequently passed to House Rules Feb. 9.

Upgrades to Mattawa City Hall subject of feasibility study

MATTAWA — What kind of improvements could and should be made to Mattawa City Hall – or whether it would be better to replace it – will be the subject of a feasibility study by the city’s engineers. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, Yakima, said the idea is to produce information that city officials can use to look for funding for the project.

HVAC issues at MLHS Pool postpone district swim tourney

MOSES LAKE — The District 5 Swim tournament was put on hold Thursday after the HVAC system at the Moses Lake High School Pool went out of commission earlier in the day. The tournament has been rescheduled to Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Wenatchee High School Pool. “There’s multiple systems up there that not only heat the air but also help ventilate (the pool house) and one of our fan motors gave up the ghost,” said Moses Lake Athletic Director Loren Sandhop. The incident happened during a fire drill Thursday afternoon at the start of the diving portion of the district meet in Moses Lake. Sandhop said everyone had to step out due to a fire alarm at the school and when they returned to the pool house, there was an electrical smell and one of the airsocks that fill when the HVAC system is working was deflated.

STUDIO BASIN: Columbia Basin Foundation - $28K in 28 Days

MOSES LAKE — Columbia Basin Foundation Executive Director Corinne Isaak stopped by to chat with Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller about a fundraiser for one of CBF’s community partners, His Helping Hands.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Feb. 6-10, 2026

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

Lawmakers hear testimony on Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act

OLYMPIA — A bill to streamline access to mental health has been introduced in this year’s session of the Washington Legislature.

‘By community people, for their community’

Leadership Institute of NCW graduates celebrate civic leadership

EPHRATA — Sixteen emerging community leaders from across North Central Washington graduated Wednesday evening from the Leadership Institute of NCW, a bilingual civic‑engagement program. The celebration, held at the Ephrata Recreation Center, marked the completion of a 20‑session course rooted in the nationally recognized Parent Leadership Training Institute framework.

Big street projects coming to Quincy in ’26

QUINCY — Drivers going around Quincy can expect some delays as road projects ramp up around Lauzier Park, along a section of M Street Northeast and sections of A Street Northeast this summer. City Engineer Ariel Belino said some big projects are planned for those locations.

Officials say Soap Lake Lantern Festival will be safe after community voices concerns

SOAP LAKE — After concerns surfaced online about fire danger and environmental impacts, Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Erick Brittain and Chamber of Commerce President Karen Woodhouse say the upcoming Lantern Festival will be safe, supervised, environmentally mindful and flame‑free.

Othello splash pad construction on schedule for spring 2026

OTHELLO — The construction of a new splash pad in Othello’s Kiwanis Park is still on track to start this spring. Construction originally was scheduled for 2025, but Mayor Ken Johnson said the need for state agency approval slowed down the project. “I’m excited for that to finally happen,” Johnson said.

14 Basin firefighters complete fire academy training

QUINCY — Fourteen firefighters from Quincy, Mattawa, Soap Lake, Ephrata and Royal Slope completed the Columbia River Fire Academy last week, according to an announcement from Grant County Fire District 3, which hosted the training at the George Fire Station.

WEATHER: Feb. 10 – Feb. 16, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 10 – Feb. 16, 2026

Legals for February, 10 2026

No spike in local crime on game day

EPHRATA — Law enforcement agencies across the Columbia Basin reported a quiet Super Bowl Sunday, with few calls for service and no major disturbances after the Seattle Seahawks’ championship win.

Basin boys basketball roundup, Feb. 2 – 7

MOSES LAKE — As the regular season concludes this week, district competition is going to ramp up fast. See below where your favorite teams stand and their current record as they head into their final week of regular season competition.

Gas prices increase, WA over $4

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices climbed again across the nation, Washington and locally in Grant and Adams counties. After a several week trend of an average below $4 in Washington was broken this week, however, both Grant and Adams Counties remain below $4.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters for Feb. 9, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mavs girls show grit in home loss

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks girls squad (4-16) suffered a 54-34 loss at home to the Eastmont Wildcats. Despite the loss, the players never waned in their effort on the court, Head Coach Matt Strophy said.

A champion of a dog

MOSES LAKE — Meet Skrappy, this two‑year‑old, small‑but‑mighty mixed‑breed pup is full of copper‑colored charm and ready to scrap his way right into your heart. Skrappy may be little, but he’s got big “ruff‑and‑tumble” spirit – the kind of dog who’s always up for adventure, playtime and cuddling once the day’s battles are won. He’s a true underdog hero looking for his forever tag‑team partner. If you’re ready to adopt a loyal sidekick who’s scrappy in the best way, swing by Grant County Animal Outreach and meet him today – he just might be your next champion. If you can’t adopt but would like to help a local shelter, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and click “adopt.”

Basin girls basketball roundup, Feb. 3 – 7

MOSES LAKE — As we enter the final week of the regular season for most basin girls basketball teams, several are making their final pushes for the postseason while others look to finish strong. See below where your favorite teams stand and their current record.

STUDIO BASIN: Ephrata bond measure with Superintendent Ken Murray

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston sat down with Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray to discuss the Feb. 2026 bond proposal. The $75 million bond measure would replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate and begin renovations at Ephrata High School. Murray shared the work that went into the proposal and the reasons why the bond was brought to voters - including a lack of space, aging buildings and building new tends to be cheaper than renovation.

Raiders officially hire Klint Kubiak head coach after his Super Bowl win with Seahawks

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders made it official Monday by announcing Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will be their next head coach. Kubiak arrived in Las Vegas on Monday fresh off a 29-13 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

MLHS boys fend off Eastmont rally

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (13-6) held the Eastmont Wildcats comeback attempt in the second half to win 79-76 Friday. Head Coach Craig Groth said the Wildcats made it tough in the second half, but his guys made enough plays by the end of it.

Ike matches career best with 35 points, No. 6 Gonzaga beats Oregon State 81-61

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Graham Ike matched his career high with 35 points and No. 6 Gonzaga rebounded from a midweek loss to Portland with an 81-61 victory over Oregon State on Saturday. Tyon Grant-Foster added 15 points for Gonzaga (23-2, 11-1 WCC), which was coming off an 87-80 loss to unranked Portland on Wednesday night that snapped a 15-game winning streak for the Bulldogs. It also ended a 20-game winning streak over the Pilots.

Kenneth Walker III becomes 1st running back to win Super Bowl MVP in 28 years

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Kenneth Walker III is running into free agency with a Super Bowl MVP. Walker capped a prolific postseason with another big performance on the ground to help the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday night for a championship.

Sam Darnold wins Super Bowl championship right where he revived his career with San Francisco

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Never before had Sam Darnold and his dad cried together. “We don't do that,” Darnold said. Then, on Sunday night, they let the tears flow — years' worth of them. As Super Bowl champions. How fitting that Darnold delivered the capstone of his topsy-turvy NFL career in the very same place where he recently revived it, and then celebrated afterward with those who supported him the most through it all: father Michael, mom Chris and fiancee Katie.

Kicker, punter come up big for Seahawks in a Super Bowl devoid of early touchdowns

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — During a defensive struggle in the first half, the Seattle Seahawks got the consistency and cushion they needed — from their kicker. Jason Myers connected on a Super Bowl-record five field goals, scoring the first 12 points of the game to help the Seahawks pull away for a 29-13 Super Bowl 60 victory on Sunday. Myers connected on kicks of 33, 39, two from 41 and 26 yards. His 17 total points on five field goals and two extra points were also the most by a kicker in Super Bowl history.

No injuries in Moses Lake car fire Monday

MOSES LAKE — A vehicle fire slowed, but didn’t stop, the line of parents dropping off students at Columbia Middle School Monday morning. Nobody was hurt in the incident, according to City of Moses Lake Communications and Marketing Specialist Lynne Lynch. At about 8:20 a.m., a car on Nelson Road across from the school caught fire, Lynch wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. The cause is believed to have been an electrical problem in the rear of the vehicle. No further information was available Monday afternoon.

After winning Super Bowl 60, Seahawks face challenges to repeat as champions

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Less than 24 hours removed from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was aware of his team’s new standing across the league. After beating the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the team’s second Super Bowl, the Seahawks will now have to avoid becoming complacent if they are to join other NFL franchises that have won back-to-back championships.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: Feb. 10-16, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Basketball has entered postseason play for athletes around the basin. Check out where the local athletes will be headed this week.

Jimmie Don Anderson

1936 – 2026

Jimmie Don Anderson (Jim), 89, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at his home in Moses Lake, Wash. Jim was born September 9, 1936 in Graham, Texas.

Planning a healthy move underway at Samaritan

MOSES LAKE — Finishing work is still underway, but there’s plenty of activity at the new Samaritan Hospital on Clover Drive. Patients will start being treated at the new facility at 7 a.m. March 7. Joe Kunkel, the consultant who’s been working with hospital officials on the project since its inception in 2018, said the timing is crucial. “That’s the switchover time,” Kunkel said.

Country Sweethearts raises money for cancer fighters

MOSES LAKE — It’s a rare person who hasn’t been touched by cancer one way or another, said Jay Ballinger, who delivered the blessing before the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation’s Country Sweethearts banquet and auction Saturday. He asked each person in the room to call to mind someone affected by the disease – a survivor, a passed loved one, a caregiver, a health care worker – and take 30 seconds of silence to think about or pray for those people. “We are going to assail the gates of heaven tonight with prayers for every single person that 580 of us can think of,” Ballinger, a cancer survivor and former CBCF board member, said. “If you let me round that up to 600 and we do 30 seconds, that’s 300 minutes. That’s five hours of prayer.”

McFadden Family Motors cuts the ribbon on new lot

MOSES LAKE — The little lot on Broadway in Moses Lake is again full of cars. Owner RJ McFadden officially cut the ribbon on McFadden Family Motors Wednesday afternoon.

WEATHER: Feb. 9 – Feb. 14, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 9 – Feb. 14, 2026

Legals for February, 9 2026

Seahawks ride their 'Dark Side' defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots 29-13

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Defense won this championship. Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl. Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers made all five of his field-goal tries.

Othello man jailed after attempting to elude police, faces vehicular homicide charge

PASCO — A woman from Grandview died Friday night after an erratic‑driving incident in Pasco escalated into a pursuit and a fatal collision on Interstate 182, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Daniel Mosqueda.

Roylance signs with Spokane Falls volleyball

MOSES LAKE — Lilliana Roylance is bound for the Northwest Athletic Conference after signing her letter of intent to play volleyball for the Sasquatches at Spokane Falls Community College. Roylance said she was excited for her signing day to arrive.

School district levies on Feb. 10 ballot

EPHRATA — Several school districts across Grant and Adams counties are asking voters to approve a series of levy replacements in the upcoming special election, Tuesday, Feb. 10. Most initiatives would replace expiring levies, allowing districts to continue funding educational programs, staffing, and extracurriculars. One health district also has a measure before voters.

Tigers victorious as Jacks push them to the limit

QUINCY — As a ruckus crowd packed the gym at Quincy High School as the Ephrata Tigers defeated the Jacks 37-28 on the road in a highly competitive dual that came down to the last match. Tigers Head Coach Joe Knox said he was proud of how his wrestlers competed Thursday.

Lady Eagles overcome Devils on the road

WILSON CREEK — The Soap Lake Eagles (12-6) added a 50-40 win to their record to end off the regular season against the Wilson Creek Devils (14-5) Thursday evening. Following the intense matchup, the two teams are getting ready to host their first games of the district tournament.

Your new best friend?

OTHELLO — Meet Leonic, the extra‑large German Shepherd with an even bigger heart. This handsome adult boy is neutered, vaccinated and ready to start his next chapter with a family who loves big dogs with loyal spirits.

WineVit 2026 starts Tuesday in Tri-Cities

KENNEWICK — WineVit, Washington’s largest annual wine and grape industry conference, returns Feb. 10 and 11 with a condensed schedule, new pricing and a program designed to help growers and winemakers navigate one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced in years, Washington Winegrowers Association Executive Director Sara Higgins said.

Tigers defeat Jacks in Battle of the Basin

QUINCY — The Ephrata Tigers overcame the Quincy Jacks in a 38-36 nailbiter dual on the road Thursday. Head Coach Raul Tejeda was proud of his team for pulling out the win despite missing some key wrestlers. “It was tough. We didn't have a full varsity lineup. We threw in some (junior varsity wrestlers) in there, and we honestly didn't think we were going to win. This one is going to be a real tough one to get some points out there, but they came through,” Tejeda said.

Devils win senior night against Eagles

WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Devils finished the regular season with a 60-31 victory over the Soap Lake Eagles Thursday evening. With this win under their belts, the Devils begin to prepare for their postseason push. “It was a good night for us, seniors got a lot of playing time,” said Devils Head Coach Caleb McMillan. “Our seniors started the game off pretty strong, they came out here scored some baskets and played some good defense.”

Medical emergency causes one-vehicle collision

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Police Department responded to a collision in the 1000 block of Skyline Drive for a single-vehicle collision Friday morning. Officers determined the driver, a 17-year-old male, experienced a medical emergency and veered off the roadway, according to a statement from MLPD. The driver hit a parked vehicle, a retaining wall and a residence.

Spice up your life

MOSES LAKE — Enchilada, a 7‑month‑old fluffy sweetheart is nacho average kitty – she’s a fully spayed, microchipped, vaccinated little purrito who’s all wrapped up and ready for her forever home. Though she still has one routine vaccine scheduled Feb. 19, her adopter doesn’t have to lift a paw because Grant County Animal Outreach has it all handled. Enchilada is a mild, gentle girl who just needs a warm lap, some patience, and a cozy spot to curl up like the adorable cuddle‑enchilada she is. If you’re craving a new furry friend, come meet her Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 p.m., or email [email protected], she might just be the perfect ingredient your home is missing. If you can’t adopt but would still like to help a local rescue, visit the GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and click “adopt.”

Freewind Martial Arts chats about amateur MMA

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, hosts Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard sit down with Brandi and Jacob Guertin and Gannon Jordan from Freewind Martial Arts Studio. Jacob and Gannon were victorious in their amateur MMA fights in Spokane. They discuss the experience and share more about what Freewind is all about.

Nonprofit tackles starter home costs

SEATTLE — A new partnership between the private and public sectors could make owning their first home attainable for more Washington families.

Moses Lake school leaders discuss responsibilities, challenges and goals

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice President Paul Hill joined the Studio Basin Podcast this week to discuss their roles, the misconceptions surrounding school board service and the district’s priorities moving forward. They were later joined by Ryan Shannon, the district’s Director of Public Relations.

'$28K in 28 Days'

His Helping Hands, CB Foundation ask for last bit of help building kitchen

EPHRATA — For $28, you can buy a couple days’ worth of groceries, two or three fast food lunches or maybe a respectable bottle of wine. But if 1,000 people chip in $28, His Helping Hands can have its own kitchen.

Soap Lake set to host first Lantern Festival

SOAP LAKE — A new community celebration is coming to Soap Lake later this month, following the city council’s unanimous approval of a special event permit Monday night. The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its first-ever Lantern Festival on Feb. 21 at the Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort.

Shakespeare goes bonkers

Masquers production fits all of his plays into one comedy

SOAP LAKE — Thirty-seven plays. That’s how many William Shakespeare wrote in his career. And every one of those will be on the Masquers stage next week. “We take all of Shakespeare’s plays – tragedies, comedies, histories – and mash them all into a little under two hours,” said Adam Zaleski, who’s directing “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” opening Feb. 13. “It’s a real blast. It’s a lot of fast acting.”

BASIN EVENTS: Feb. 6-14, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Valentine’s Day is coming up, and whether you celebrate with a sweetie, hang with some friends or just sail solo, there’s something for everybody happening this week.

WEATHER: Feb. 6 – Feb. 12, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 6 – Feb. 12, 2026

COLUMN: It’s amazing what you can learn ...

Four years ago, almost to the day, my wife and I closed on the first home either of us have owned, a stunningly Pepto-pink house in Ephrata with what we thought of at the time as “character.” It turns out, that character is really, in many ways, a lot of work. Work I hadn’t done much of since helping my dad out when I was a kid a few decades ago. Still though, all of the work I had to relearn or learn – thank goodness for the folks at Ace, Lowe’s and experts on YouTube – has been incredibly rewarding.

Basin preps for Seahawks trip to Super Bowl LX

MOSES LAKE — Local bars and restaurants throughout the Basin are hosting events for the Sunday’s championship matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

Legals for February, 6 2026

Millionaires tax proposed in Olympia, spurring debate

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Democratic lawmakers revealed their anticipated “Millionaires Tax” Tuesday, receiving pushback from Gov. Bob Ferguson and stern opposition from Republican legislators.

Respiratory illnesses rising in Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE — As of the first week of February there has been one flu-related death in Grant County during the 2025-26 flu season. Lexi Smith, communications coordinator for the Grant County Health District, said it’s been a pretty active respiratory illness season so far.

MLHS’s Martinez signs with E. Oregon

MOSES LAKE — Mavericks volleyball player Kardyn Martinez signed her letter of intent with Eastern Oregon University to play soccer Thursday after earning recognition on the pitch while playing club soccer. Though it was nerve wracking for the day to arrive, she said, she is excited for what is to come. “There's nothing that can really prepare you for it, but I'm super excited, and I'm super thankful that everybody could be here and support me. It's a huge support system with (the volleyball team), I have everybody's back and they have my back, so it's just really exciting,” Martinez said.

Bierlink drops 64 in double-OT thriller

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (6-15) fell to the Toppenish Wildcats 93-96 in double overtime Tuesday. Despite the loss, Pierce Bierlink put together a historic performance with 64 points. Head Coach Scott Bierlink said the atmosphere in the gym made for a memorable night.

Soap Lake council member asks for Sharp’s resignation

SOAP LAKE — During the Wednesday Soap Lake City Council meeting, tensions surfaced as Council Member Andrew Arnold called for Mayor Peter Sharp’s resignation.

Home values fluctuate year-over-year across Basin

MOSES LAKE — Home prices were up in three Basin communities in December from a year earlier, according to real estate website Redfin. Moses Lake’s median home price was just over $366,000 in December 2025, an increase of 8.7% from December 2024, according to Redfin. Ephrata’s median home price was $347,000, an increase of 3.6%, and Mattawa’s median was $348,000, up by 2.4%.

Bridge deck repairs Monday at Hiawatha Road Northeast overpass

MOSES LAKE — Drivers who are using the Hiawatha Road Northeast overpass as the detour route to Moses Lake should be prepared for delays Monday while Washington State Department of Transportation crews make repairs to the bridge deck. Drivers can expect flagger-controlled traffic on the overpass from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a WSDOT press release. Lauren Loebsack, communications manager for WSDOT’s North Central region, said the Hiawatha Road overpass is showing signs of damage, although not as severe as the now-closed Hansen Road Northeast overpass. “It’s definitely got some deterioration on it as well,” she said.

Stirtz scores 22 as Iowa beats Washington 84-74, extends win streak to 5 games

SEATTLE (AP) — Bennett Stirtz hit four 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, Alvaro Folgueiras scored 16 points, and Iowa beat Washington 84-74 on Wednesday night for its fifth consecutive win. Tavion Banks had 11 points and Cooper Koch also scored 11, all in the second half, for Iowa (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten). Banks missed a free throw with 29 seconds left in the first half to break his streak of 30 consecutive made free throws — four shy of the program record set by Chris Street (1993) and Jordan Bohannon (2018).

Shane Wright's 2 goals lead Kraken to 4-2 victory over Kings

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shane Wright scored twice to lead the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson also scored and Chandler Stephenson and Frederick Gaudreau each had two assists for the Kraken, who have won five of their last six games. Joey Daccord made 25 saves.

Menudo is ready to melt hearts

MOSES LAKE — Meet Menudo, the sweetest little long-haired lady looking for her forever home. At just 7 months old, this spayed, medium-sized domestic longhair is ready to fill someone’s life with purrs, cuddles and a whole lot of love. She’s still scheduled for a couple of routine vaccines on Feb. 19, but don’t worry, Grant County Animal Outreach has it covered, so her adopter won’t need to handle a thing.

Soap Lake Food Bank volunteering a rewarding experience

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Food Bank is only open for five and a half hours, one day a week, but it stays pretty busy during that time. “We average about 230, 240 (families) month in, month out,” said volunteer Fred Wright. “(There were) 350 for Thanksgiving, 300 for Christmas and New Year’s.”

Huskies fall in home matchup against Illinois

SEATTLE — The University of Washington Huskies women’s basketball (17-5) team fell 66-75 in a close game against the Illinois Fighting Illini (16-6) Sunday at Alaska Airline Arena. The Huskies put up a strong defensive front, but it wasn’t enough to defend their home court.

Edward King

1935 – 2025

Edward Gene King went to be with the Lord August 27, 2025. He was 90 years old.

No. 6 Gonzaga goes down as winning streak ends with surprising loss to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — There wasn't one specific thing coach Mark Few could point to in trying to explain Gonzaga's struggles against Portland. It all went wrong. “Just outplayed us, outexecuted us, outshot us,” Few said. “When they got open shots, they made them. And we didn't. Literally every phase of the game.” Sixth-ranked Gonzaga lost 87-80 to the Pilots on Wednesday night, snapping a 15-game winning streak.

Ephrata leaders push for local control, infrastructure protections in Olympia

EPHRATA — Three Ephrata city leaders spent two days in Olympia last week meeting with state lawmakers on a wide range of bills affecting homelessness policy, housing, public safety and funding for local infrastructure. Their message throughout the trip, they said, centered on protecting local authority and ensuring small cities like Ephrata are not left behind in statewide policy debates.

Washington students work for state cactus

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature started the session with a prickly subject. “Sometimes folks think Olympia is all about the thorny issues but today was about celebrating some pretty sharp kids,” Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, wrote in a Jan. 28 announcement about the passing of Senate Bill 5325, designating Pediocactus nigrispinus – also called the Columbia Plateau cactus, the basalt cactus or snowball cactus – as Washington’s very own state cactus. The process began last year, when about 10 students at the Discovery Lab in Ellensburg were learning about the environment they live in. “A couple of years ago we started a project about the shrub-steppe, which is the sagebrush ecosystem,” said their teacher, Brooklynn Edgar. “And we just really fell in love with a lot of the animals of that habitat. We wanted to bring more attention to it because one of the biggest threats to those animals in the shrub-steppe is fragmentation.”

Numerica scholarships open for applications

MOSES LAKE — Numerica Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 scholarships. “On Feb. 2, we opened up what is called our ‘$tarting Off Right Scholarships,’” said Financial Engagement Manager Jon Maroni. “We’re offering 16 scholarships (for) $1,250 apiece.” The scholarships are open to high school seniors who will graduate this year, according to Numerica’s website. The Numerica scholarship is need-based and differs from some other scholarships in that a student’s grades aren’t a factor, Maroni said.

Council discusses options to ensure Moses Lake water supply

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members discussed ways and means of obtaining more water and making more efficient use of water at a lengthy special meeting Tuesday. Mayor Dustin Swartz said water is a problem throughout the Columbia Basin, and cities, counties, ports and other entities would benefit from a common effort.

Ephrata Fire Dept. honors service, dedication at banquet

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department celebrated its volunteers, leadership and support staff during its 2025 annual awards banquet, highlighting standout service, years of dedication and the commitment that keeps the department strong.

WEATHER: Feb. 5-10, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 5-10, 2026

COLUMN: A rare shot at redemption

This might be the most exciting Super Bowl matchup we have seen in a while. The Seattle Seahawks are back in the championship game for the first time since their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots in 2015.

Inattention causes driver to hit GTA bus, GCSO says

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man received a traffic citation Tuesday night after he T-boned a Grant Transit Authority bus near the scene of a previous collision on Patton Boulevard.

Non-injury drive-by shooting in Warden under investigation

WARDEN — On Tuesday night, there was a drive-by shooting around West Ninth Street and Jackson Avenue in Warden, according to a statement from the Warden Police Department. Nobody was injured in the incident. “The chief (Jeff Gann) let me know we won’t have any more information that can be released because this is an ongoing investigation," Warden PD clerk Alexandria Martinez said. Anyone with further information on this case has been asked to contact Warden PD at 509-793-1300 and speak with an officer. The case number is #26WA0119 and the case officer is Joel Torres.

Lady Huskies show fight in loss to Ellensburg

“We knew what we were going to have to deal with going into it,” Tovar said. “I thought the girls showed resilience, they kept fighting all the way to the end, and I felt like the second half looked better than the first half. There's some good things to take away from it, but unfortunately these kinds of games show the girls where all that offseason work comes in.”

WA College Sports Schedule: Feb. 5-12, 2026

MOSES LAKE — The competition is beginning to get more intense as college athletics head closer to the end of the regular season. See where your favorite team will be headed this week.

Huskies boys win nailbiter at home

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (8-12) overcame the Ellensburg Bulldogs 71-68 at home Tuesday night. Head Coach Juan Garcia was proud of how his players battled through adversity. OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (8-12) overcame the Ellensburg Bulldogs 71-68 at home Tuesday night. Head Coach Juan Garcia was proud of how his players battled through adversity.

Gregg announces candidacy for Grant County Sheriff

MOSES LAKE — Darrik Gregg, a law enforcement officer with 23 years of experience in various capacities, has announced his candidacy for Grant County Sheriff. He is the third to announce his candidacy, with incumbent Joey Kriete announcing his intention to run for a second term Jan. 12 and Josh Sainsbury announcing he will be running the following day.

Meri Lynn Hurd

Meri Lynn Hurd passed on December 27, 2025, joining her beloved dogs in the final dog show in the sky. She is survived by her nephew Terry Leon Shasteen, a resident of Soap Lake, Washington. There will be no graveside service.

Spokane Ag Show brings pros together

SPOKANE — The Spokane Ag Show and Expo started its three-day spree Tuesday morning with agriculture and business experts from all around the world coming together to discuss the industry and get ready for the start of the growing season.

STUDIO BASIN: Moses Lake School Board: how it works, challenges, successes

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen, Vice-President Paul Hill, and MLSD Director of Communications Ryan Shannon. The group discussed how a school board operates, common misconceptions in the community, and the challenges and successes they’ve experienced while serving. They also shared advice for those interested in pursuing a school board role. All three emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to attend school board meetings and participate in local events.

Ephrata High lockdown rumors unfounded

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School did not enter a lockdown Wednesday, according to Communications Director Sarah Morford. Rumors of a lockdown had appeared on social media earlier Wednesday morning.

Othello man sentenced for sexual contact with a minor

OTHELLO — An Othello man was sentenced to about five years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to having sexual contact with a minor.

A tiny Pomeranian with a galaxy of charm

OTHELLO — Meet Milky Way, the little fluff who’s out of this world. This adult Pomeranian may be small in size, but he’s got a galaxy-sized personality. He’s neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ready for launch into his forever home. Milky Way isn’t house-trained yet, but he’s eager to learn and looking for a patient human co-pilot to guide him. If you’re ready for a bundle of cosmic cuteness who will orbit your heart, Milky Way is waiting for you to fill out his application at Adams County Pet Rescue. If you can’t adopt but would still like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Numerica Credit Union returning to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — After 14 years, Numerica is coming back to Moses Lake. “We have a great foundation of membership in Moses Lake from when we previously had brick and mortar there,” said Amanda Swan, vice president of community impact and communications.” Numerica Credit Union, based in Spokane Valley, expects to open a branch in Moses Lake in September, according to a statement from the credit union. Numerica closed its branch in Moses Lake in September 2012, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives, partly because members were becoming more tech-savvy.

Grant County PUD rates to increase April 1

EPHRATA — Rates for all classes of Grant County Public Utility District will increase in 2026, but the percentage of increase won’t be the same for all customers. The new rates will go into effect April 1. Utility district commissioners voted in November 2025 to change the way rates are calculated, a change Commissioner Tom Flint said he supports. Flint said he’s been on the commission for 25 years, and the Jan. 27 vote was the second time he voted in favor of the rate proposal. “This is a great opportunity. It protects the core customers, it increases the rate that non-core customers, large industrials are going to pay, and it’s going to be substantially above what the core customers pay,” he said. “It’ll give (industrial customers) a 10-year forecast that they’ve been asking for.”

SENIOR EVENTS: February 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Shake the chill out of your bones and head out this month for auctions, free movie screenings and more. Here are some things happening for seniors this month in the Basin.

Sometimes, dementia care is best done by professionals

MOSES LAKE — Dementia is hard on the person suffering from it, but those who care for them have a tough row to hoe as well, said Karisti Cox, living sales specialist at Brookdale Hearthstone and a volunteer with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Mavericks co-league champions, as Vasquez heads to state

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (12-3) are the co-Big Nine champions alongside Eastmont in bowling this season. In addition to a league title, Abby Vasquez is heading to the state competition. “It's exciting,” Vasquez said. “As of right now, it's underwhelming almost, because it hasn't set in yet. I'm sure the second I walk into the building, I'm just going to come crashing down.”

Royal City prepares for road repairs for 2026

ROYAL CITY — Royal City Finance Director Janice Flynn confirmed road repair projects are scheduled for this year, including crack sealing and the reconstruction of a portion of Apple Avenue. The enhancements are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure while managing funding sources effectively, she said.

Nobody on the beach

Spring is inching ever closer – back East, the groundhog did see his shadow, but that was back East – but the clouds are still hanging over Soap Lake.

Legals for February, 4 2026

Two arrested after chase north of Ephrata

EPHRATA — A Wenatchee man and a Moses Lake woman were arrested and booked on suspicion of burglary after allegedly breaking into a residence in Douglas County and trying to elude law enforcement in Grant County Monday afternoon.

Adams County receives more money for jail project

RITZVILLE — Adams County has received an additional $2 million through the federal appropriations process for upgrades at the Adams County Jail. Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship said the money will help pay for the second phase of jail improvements.

Ephrata water tower filling complete

Residents to experience improved water pressure

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata completed the filling process for its new water tower, which is now fully operational. City Engineer Shawn O’Brien confirmed the final programming delays with the booster pump system have been resolved, paving the way for greater water pressure in the Ephrata Heights area. Residents in that area can expect to experience a gradual increase in water pressure by approximately 10-12 pounds over the day Tuesday, as the tower fills. “The water tower itself was ready, but we needed to finalize the programming for the booster pump station, which has now been accomplished,” O’Brien said.

Sen. Warnick pushing to restrict the use of SNAP benefits to purchase unhealthy foods ahead of policy committee deadline

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, is working to restrict the use of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase unhealthy foods.

WA House holds hearing on aircraft tax

OLYMPIA — The House Transportation Committee held a public hearing Thursday on House Bill 2347, which would repeal the 10% sales and use tax on non‑commercial aircraft valued above $500,000 before the tax takes effect on April 1. The measure had testimony from aviation businesses, airport officials and industry groups warning of economic repercussions. In contrast, a few stakeholders urged lawmakers not to abandon the tax without identifying alternative funding options. The tax, passed during the 2025 session, directs revenue into the state’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel account. SAF supports research, development, environmental review and infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel production.

Eagles late rally falls short at home

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (11-11) fell 71-62 to the Northern Colorado Bears Saturday, despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, according to a statement by EWU Athletics. Head Coach Joddie Gleason said her players showed toughness in the second half, despite the loss.

Basin girls basketball roundup, Jan. 26 – Feb. 2

MOSES LAKE — As the regular season wraps up, local teams are looking to finish strong. In the last week, teams have made progress toward the postseason. See below where your favorite team stands and their current record.

Basin boys basketball roundup, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2

MOSES LAKE — As the regular season wraps up, space in the postseason bracket is getting tighter. Several local teams are making their final pushes for a spot, see below where your favorite teams stand and their current record.

A grumpy-cute classic

MOSES LAKE — Gertrude may look a little purr‑plexed, but don’t be fooled, she’s a total sweetheart in disguise. This 4‑year‑old exotic shorthair is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to judge you lovingly from the couch. Give this grumpy‑glam girl a home and earn her eternal (and slightly skeptical) affection.

Jimmie Don Anderson

Jimmie Don Anderson, 89, died Jan. 28, 2026, in Moses Lake, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories

Unheralded players who could make a big impact in the Super Bowl

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Much of the attention during Super Bowl week is usually on the star players like Drake Maye and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for good reason. But if history is any indication, some lesser-known players could have a big impact on the Super Bowl on Sunday between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Milton Williams helped key a dominant defensive effort for the Philadelphia Eagles in a win last year over Kansas City, leading to his big free agent contract this offseason with New England.

New doc in town

Dr. Nicholas Smith takes over Moses Lake Family Dentistry

MOSES LAKE — The name on the sign will be different, but there’s a new hand on the wheel at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. After almost 30 years, Dr. Craig Harder has hung up the drill for good. Dr. Nicholas Smith officially took the reins Jan. 9. “We’ve got a great guy who’s going to continue the tradition and take good care of people,” Harder said.

Moses Lake Scorpions cheer team earns gold

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday, the Moses Lake Scorpions competed in the Washington Special Olympics district cheer competition where they earned a gold medal in the level one group. Head Coach Kerry Aronsohn said it was great to see Moses Lake host the first ever district competition.

WA lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to preserve the state’s historic apples

OLYMPIA — As the nation’s top apple producer, Washington is best known for varieties such as Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Red Delicious. But across small orchards and family homesteads, antique apples – some short and stout, covered with yellowish russets, with names like Winter Banana – grow quietly, preserving pieces of state history that were never truly gone.

Upgrades coming to The Gorge Amphitheater

GEORGE — New improvements and previously requested upgrades are scheduled for the Gorge Amphitheater starting in 2026. Grant County Planning Director Jim Anderson-Cook said county officials have approved plans from Live Nation, the venue owner, to add some upgraded camping sites, what Anderson-Cook called “glamping” sites, and a new water reservoir.

Warden receives clean audit report

WARDEN — The City of Warden has received a clean audit report from the Office of the Washington State Auditor for Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2024.

WEATHER: Feb. 3 – Feb. 9, 2026

WEATHER: Feb. 3 – Feb. 9, 2026

Legals for February, 3 2026

Grant, Adams well-represented on CWU Honor Roll

ELLENSBURG — More than 100 students from Grant and Adams counties were named to Central Washington University’s Honor Roll for fall quarter 2025, 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.

Coyotes 18U hosts Moses Lake Winter Classic

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Coyotes 18U hockey team went 2-1-1 as they hosted the Winter Classic Tournament at the Moses Lake Ice Rink. Head Coach Scott Freidig said the tournament was a success.

Graham Ike scores 30 points in return from injury as No. 6 Gonzaga beats Saint Mary's 73-65

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Graham Ike scored 30 points in his first game back from injury and No. 6 Gonzaga beat rival Saint Mary's 73-65 on Saturday night in their final West Coast Conference meeting at McCarthey Athletic Center. Jalen Warley had 10 points and seven rebounds as the Bulldogs (22-1, 10-0) won their 15th straight game and improved to 11-0 at home. Emmanuel Innocenti also scored 10, all during a three-minute stretch in the second half.

Ephrata PD seeks public assistance in vandalism case

EPHRATA — Multiple business windows and vehicles in downtown Ephrata have fallen victim to vandalism. Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch reported that the incidents appear to have occurred over the nights of January 21 and 22, with an estimated six or seven businesses impacted.

Gas prices see relief nationally, but not in WA

MOSES LAKE — After a brief dip last week, gas prices climbed again across Washington, the nation, and locally in Grant and Adams counties, reflecting continued volatility in oil markets as February begins.

Deer doodle

Deer are one of the most common animals in the Inland and Pacific Northwest, including in the Columbia Basin. Color the photo above, snap a picture or scan it, and email it to [email protected] with a note on what your favorite animal in the Columbia Basin is. We'll print your picture and your response in an upcoming issue.

Take a wander, see a wonder

MOSES LAKE — Living in Central Washington has a lot of perks, and one of those is the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters as of Feb. 2, 2026

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Lady Vikings rally in fourth quarter for statement win

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Lady Vikings (21-2) defeated Walla Walla Community College Warriors 60-46 Saturday. With this win, they sit firmly in first place of the Eastern Region of the Northwest Athletic Conference. Head Coach Preston Wilks was ecstatic after the win.

A cute little bean

MOSES LAKE — Pinto is a pretty girl who is just over two years old and a bit under 24 pounds. Fully grown, she is up to date on all of her shots, has been spayed and microchipped.

'It never goes away’

Three decades after Frontier tragedy, Moses Lake heals the way it always has — quietly, together

MOSES LAKE — Three decades after the tragedy at Frontier Middle School on Feb. 2, 1996, Moses Lake is still healing – quietly, together and steadily. Sunday the community gathered for “We Remember,” a 30‑year commemoration at Frontier Middle School, not to relive the trauma, but to honor the strength, unity and continued care that followed it.

After decades of struggle, local man finds stability through Community Court

EPHRATA — Wednesday afternoon, as supporters filled the Grant County Community Courtroom, 54‑year‑old Johnny Metzker walked to the front of the room to accept something he once thought impossible – graduation. For decades, Metzker’s life was defined by addiction, homelessness and a long list of driving‑related offenses that began when he was 19. His record included multiple DUIs, habitual driving offenses and more than a dozen charges for driving while license suspended, dating back to 1989. For much of his adult life, the only constant was chaos, he said.

Two Grant County solar farms under construction

QUINCY — Construction has started on two solar electrical generation facilities in Grant County, with five more in the permitting or planning phase.

Washington lawmakers push to regulate data centers

OLYMPIA — Land of the french fries and all things potato, Quincy has become home base for Washington’s data center boom. Home to 13 data centers, the industry has fueled economic growth while spurring significant environmental and energy concerns. Now, Washington lawmakers are confronting the state's high power demand in newly proposed companion bills.

WEATHER: Feb. 2 – Feb. 7, 2026

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 5 mph. Mostly cloudy evening, with a low around 34. North wind 3 to 5 mph.

Moses Lake sisters spend week as legislative pages

OLYMPIA — Twin sisters from Moses Lake served as Washington legislative pages, one in the state Senate and one in the state House of Representatives, for a week in January. Abigail Shearer worked as a page for 13th District Representative Tom Dent, while her sister Elisabeth was a page for 13th District Senator Judy Warnick.

Plenty of confusion in the moments after

MOSES LAKE, Feb. 5, 1996 — Ministers and counselors arrived at Frontier Junior High School about 30 minutes after the shooting. Students were just being let back into the gym.

Legals for February, 2 2026

Mattawa man arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault

DESERT AIRE — A Mattawa man was arrested and booked on suspicion of vehicular assault after he allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people outside a house in Desert Aire late Saturday night.

Air quality monitoring routine, Ephrata School District officials say

EPHRATA — The heating-cooling system at Ephrata Middle School is working as designed, according to Ephrata School District officials, and the building has not seen extended periods of elevated levels of carbon dioxide.

Basin sports schedule, Feb. 2-9

MOSES LAKE — As the conclusion of the regular season nears, teams are starting to push for the best tournament seeding possible in their respective sports. See below where your favorite team is headed next.