Stories for February 2026

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Monday, February 2

Coyotes 18U hosts Moses Lake Winter Classic
February 2, 2026 5:56 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 5:48 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 5:31 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 5:11 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 2:53 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 2:48 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 2:24 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 1:58 p.m.

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
February 2, 2026 12:30 p.m.

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’
February 2, 2026 4 a.m.

'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
February 2, 2026 3:30 a.m.

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.

Washington lawmakers push to regulate data centers
February 2, 2026 3 a.m.

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.

Two Grant County solar farms under construction
February 2, 2026 3 a.m.

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.

Moses Lake sisters spend week as legislative pages
February 2, 2026 12:45 a.m.

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.

WEATHER: Feb. 2 – Feb. 7, 2026
February 2, 2026 12:45 a.m.

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.

Plenty of confusion in the moments after
February 2, 2026 12:15 a.m.

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.

February 2, 2026 midnight

Legals for February, 2 2026

Sunday, February 1

Mattawa man arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault
February 1, 2026 8:22 a.m.

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
February 1, 2026 3:35 a.m.

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
February 1, 2026 12:30 a.m.

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.