Ellington

ACH falls into consolation bracket in state softball tournament

YAKIMA — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors fell 5-8 in the quarterfinal bracket to the Colton Wildcats during the 1B State tournament. With this loss, the Warriors continue their state bid in the consolation bracket as they battle for a chance at third place. “We came out strong as we needed to, got three runs in that first inning, and we shut them down,” said Warriors head coach Faye Butler. “Then I think the nerves and all the excitement got to us, did a couple overthrows and they had a good rally on us.” The Warriors started off strong with the three runs in the bottom of the first inning to gain a substantial lead over their opponent. ACH maintained this lead until the third inning as Colton tied up the score with three runs of their own.

Knights defeated in state quarterfinals

RICHLAND — The Royal Knights (20-8) fell to the Montesano Bulldogs 20-4 in the quarterfinals of the 1A state softball tournament Friday afternoon.

Memorial Day ceremonies to remember those who gave their lives Monday

MOSES LAKE — Memorial Day weekend is here, and along with all the fun and festivities that accompany a three-day weekend, some Basin residents will be gathering on Monday for a more solemn occasion. “Memorial Day (is) not about war, it’s about people,” Jane Montaney, of the Art Semro American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary, wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “They died, most of them young, serving their fellow Americans, their country, future generations – all of us.” Art Semro Post 28, based in Ephrata, will hold ceremonies at the cemeteries in Ephrata, Soap Lake and Quincy. The Quincy ceremony will also feature a performance by the Veterans Operation Creation Choir, VOC member Tom Parrish said.

All Vantage Bridge lanes open for holiday travel – but expect delays

VANTAGE — The good news for Memorial Day weekend is that most road construction has been suspended from Friday through Tuesday morning. On the other hand, the weather forecast is for sunny skies, it’s a three-day weekend and it’s going to be busy out there.

Knights advance after going to eight innings

RICHLAND — The Royal Knights (20-7) defeated the Klahowya Eagles 10-9 after a walk-off line drive in the bottom of the eighth inning of the opening round of the 1A state softball tournament Thursday.

Lions and Eagles compete in NCW Championships

CASHMERE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions and Soap Lake Eagles competed in the 1B District 5 North Central Washington Track and Field Championships Tuesday afternoon. By the end of the competition both teams competed strong and will be sending athletes to the state competition next weekend.

GALLERY: Spring sports highlights

MOSES LAKE — Though the spring sports season is not over yet, there have been many highlight moments from this season across the Basin. See below some of the highlight moments captured by the Columbia Basin Herald this season.

BASIN EVENTS: May 22-29

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Memorial Day weekend and there will be celebrations and solemn remembrances all over the Basin. There’s also live music, art and community gatherings to enjoy. Here are a few ways to start the summer. May 22 Historic Marker Dedication A sign detailing the life of Nathaniel “Nat” Washington will be dedicated at the Nat Washington House. Sponsored by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Colonists and the Sons of the American Revolution, Spokane Chapter No. 1. 11 a.m. at 42 C St. NW, Ephrata. Info: www.jonasbabcockdar.org.

Keep your lawn in shape this summer

MOSES LAKE — It’s getting warmer, and that means it’s time to take a good look at the lawn and get it ready to enjoy. A major consideration in the Basin will be watering. With the limited water supply, a homeowner needs to get the most out of what water is available. Overwatering causes soggy conditions that encourage weeds, starve the grass roots of oxygen and leach out plant nutrients, according to Washington State University Extension. On the other hand, watering lightly and frequently encourages shallow roots on the grass, which makes it less able to withstand sudden changes in temperature or moisture. Dig a little way into your soil and see if the top two inches are dry and crumbly. If they are, irrigate to 12 inches deep, assuming your soil is that deep.

Legals for May, 22 2026

WEATHER: May 22-28

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south 5-7 mph in the afternoon. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 52. South wind 5-7 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5-10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 52. West wind 6-15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Red Rock principal cites instructional consistency and community support as keys to students’ academic improvement

ROYAL CITY — Improving reading and math comprehension for elementary school students involves consistency in instruction across all grades, with minimal interruptions, said Melissa Stevenson, principal of Red Rock Elementary in Royal City.

More sunshine coming to WA government with Capitol skylight restoration

Let there be light.

Fluffy queen ready for a new home

Meet Zeena, a sweet girl who’s just beginning her next chapter. This beautiful 5-year-old domestic longhair may be a little shy at first, but don’t let that fool you — beneath that quiet exterior is a sweetheart just waiting to purr her way into your heart. With a little patience and a lot of love, Zeena is ready to blossom into your perfect companion. She’s already spayed, vaccinated, and looking for a calm, loving home where she can come out of her shell at her own pace. Give Zeena the fur-ever home she deserves — come meet her at Grant County Animal Outreach and see if she’s the missing piece to your family. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Soap Lake City Council approves 2026 budget amendment; Fourth of July fireworks set for Suds-N-Sun event

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed a budget amendment, a fireworks contract for the Fourth of July and the Suds-n-Sun event application at its regular council meeting May 20.

Ephrata City Council seeks federal grant for street safety action plan

EPHRATA — Ephrata is taking its first step toward a long‑term strategy to improve roadway safety after the city council unanimously approved applying for a U.S. Dept. of Transportation Safe Streets for All planning grant at its May 20 meeting.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 21, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 21. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Shots fired during graffiti incident in Quincy, QPD looking for assistance

QUINCY — Quincy Police responded to shots fired at around 3:20 a.m. Thursday morning in the area of 6th Ave. NE and H.5 St. NE. They are asking for the community's assistance in identifying the suspect.

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Knowledge on display at Nova Creativity Fair

MOSES LAKE — Some of Moses Lake‘s highly capable students showed what they’re highly capable of at the Nova Creativity Fair at Knolls Vista Elementary School Monday. “For this end-of-the-year project, the kids all get to decide who they want to work with and what topic they want to research,” said Cathy Lane, who teaches the Nova program for the Moses Lake School District. “They’ve done this big research project, and then they come to present (it at) a fair. The parents and community members will come around and ask them questions about what they’ve learned.” The students had fairly free rein in their choice of topics. Lane said. There were scientific, historical and technological displays ranging from non-Newtonian fluids to the Loch Ness Monster. Each display had at least one interactive element for guests to check out, and a wall of facts, pictures and diagrams relating to the topic.

Lunch, prizes and fun coming at Senior Picnic

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Senior Picnic will be bigger this year, said Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. “We’re expecting 900 seniors,” Doran-Martinez said. “We’ll have the (Grant County Fairgrounds) 4-H Building full of vendors … and we’ll have some vendors outside the front door as well, because there’s not enough room in the building for everybody.” The picnic part will be held next door in the Commercial Building, with the band Cheyenne playing, Doran-Martinez said.

A decade of impact

Marla Allsopp steps down as Ephrata High School drama director

EPHRATA — After 10 years of shaping students, building a program and creating a lasting sense of belonging, Marla Allsopp is stepping down as drama director at Ephrata High School.

LETTER: FBI director disrespected sacred site

The Pearl Harbor Memorial is not a tourist attraction. It is not a playground. It is not a place for thrill seeking or “exclusive experiences.” It is a burial site, a sacred tomb for the men who died aboard the USS Arizona when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Their bodies remain in that ship. Their spirits remain in that water. And for generations, Americans have treated that place with the reverence it deserves. That is why the news of Kash Patel snorkeling at this Memorial is nothing short of shocking. It is disrespectful. And in my humble opinion, it is a desecration of an underwater tomb.

Reader art

Eleven-year-old Ashlynn colored these pictures of the Columbia Basin Herald's dogs of the day Diva and Newman.

Lions’ Johnny Ferguson signs with EOU

MOSES LAKE — Johnny Ferguson, a student at Covenant Christian School and a football and basketball star with the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Christian Covenant School Lions, signed his letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Oregon. While attending EOU, he will also focus on a degree in business administration. “I’m just really excited,” said Johnny. “It took a while to make the decision and I’m happy with the decision I made.” His decision to play for EOU came from the success that their basketball program has shown over the years. This season the EOU Mountaineers finished 22-9 and secured a Cascade Collegiate Conference Regular Season Co-Championship.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: May 21-29, 2026

MOSES LAKE — The final competitions for college athletes are underway as athletes move closer to the end of their seasons. Check out where the remaining teams will be heading this week.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs for May 15-18

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

Legals for May, 21 2026

WEATHER: May 21-27

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Light northeast wind. Mostly clear overnight, low around 49 and light and variable winds.

City of Ephrata to recognize Poppy Days, honor veterans with proclamation

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is set to formally recognize Poppy Days from May 16 through May 30 with a mayoral proclamation highlighting the importance of honoring veterans and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The proclamation, presented by Mayor Steve Oliver, encourages residents to wear a red poppy in recognition of veterans and to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day beyond a single holiday. “Unfortunately, our veterans only get one real day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day,” Oliver said. “But it really doesn’t explain how much time should be dedicated to remembering all the good things they did for us. This is a small gesture to make sure that we are thinking about them more often than just those two days a year.”

No deficiencies in Wahluke School District audit

MATTAWA — An audit of the Wahluke School District didn’t find any deficiencies in the district’s federal program management or its financial reporting. It was the second straight deficiency-free audit for the district. Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said that was due to WSD’s financial staff. “I continue to be impressed with (Gabriela) Chacon, our finance director, and her team’s hard work, growth and commitment to implementing and sustaining fiscal systems,” Harlow wrote in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald

Grant County Jail Roster for May 20, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 19-20. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Tentative opening date set for new Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — Not only a new swimming pool but a new splash pad will be coming to Quincy this summer. Russ Harrington, Quincy parks and recreation director, said there are tentative opening dates for the new Quincy Aquatic Center and the park that includes the splash pad, although it may not be ready at the same time as the park. “We’re getting close,” Harrington said. The splash pad is one of the amenities in the new park at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and E Street Northeast. The park’s playground toys have been installed; Harrington said ground cover is the last piece for those toys, and it’s scheduled for installation within the next few days. The playground toys should be ready for use by June 1.

Ephrata School District earns clean audit for 2024-25 fiscal year

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District received audit reports with no findings for the 2024–25 fiscal year from the Washington State Auditor’s Office, according to the auditor's office.

Cuddle cloud ready for adoption

Meet Dusti, a fluffy Border Collie–Great Pyrenees mix is ready to herd her way straight into your heart.

UW upsets Ohio State in first Big Ten Tournament win

OMAHA, Nebraska — The 11th-seeded University of Washington Huskies (24-31) kept their postseason alive as they earned an 8-6 victory over the sixth seeded Ohio State Buckeyes (30-24) Tuesday in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Both the Huskies and the Buckeyes traded two-run blows throughout the game, according to a release from UW Athletics, but ultimately UW found themselves able to gain the advantage in the bottom of the ninth. Neither team scored in the first two innings, but UW got on the board first in the top of the third with two runs on two bases-loaded walks. This put the Huskies at 17-9 when scoring before their opponent.

Mobile home destroyed in early-morning fire

MOSES LAKE — A mobile home north of Moses Lake was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning. Grant County Fire District 5 Battalion Chief Sean Killion said the fire was reported at about 4:20 a.m. on Broad Street Northeast, off Airway Drive Northeast. “It was vacant,” Killion said, and no one was injured. The trailer was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, but no nearby structures were damaged, he said. The trailer was a total loss. Firefighters were on the scene about 90 minutes, he said. “The cause of the fire is undetermined, per the fire marshal,” Killion said.

Karen Lucille Heilman

Karen Lucille Heilman, 84, of Moses Lake, Washington, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family. Karen was born on May 20, 1941, in Wenatchee, Washington, to Tom and Vivian Jackson. She was the second of four children, joining her sister JoAnn, with brothers Fred and Randy arriving in the years that followed. Karen’s early years were spent in Cashmere, where her father built and operated Pioneer Market, before the family later moved to Ephrata and eventually settled in Soap Lake. Karen attended school in Ephrata through the eighth grade and went on to graduate from Soap Lake High School as part of the first class to attend all four years at the newly-established school. During her senior year, she was honored as the very first Homecoming Queen – just one reflection of her warmth, kindness, and the way she was loved by those around her.

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A wish come true

Royal City boy meets his heroes on a dream trip to Disneyland

ROYAL CITY — What’s better for a little boy than meeting one of his heroes? Meeting all of them at once at Disneyland. “We went to Disneyland to meet Dude Perfect,” said Shaina Davies, whose 6-year-old son Parker was treated to the trip by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. “(Parker) met MrBeast, he met Mark Rober, and he got to meet some of the actors from The Avengers.” Parker, who has been battling stage 4 cancer since September 2024, knew all those names from watching hours of YouTube videos at the hospital in Spokane where he was having his chemotherapy treatments. There wasn’t a TV available, Shaina said, but they had access to YouTube. A couple of Parker’s cousins had mentioned a group called Dude Perfect

Working together

Prevention advocates share ideas at Grant County Key Leader Event

ROYAL CITY — Community leaders and substance use prevention professionals gathered May 14 in Royal City for the Grant County Key Leader Event to collaborate on ways to keep youth off drugs and alcohol.

Two Tigers make baseball all conference

EPHRATA — The 2026 Central Washington Athletic Conference Baseball All-Conference team was announced Monday and two Ephrata Tigers made the listing. Mitchell Johnson, a sophomore, earned second-team honors, and Cooper Vasquez, a sophomore, made the honorable mention list. “Any time you get players recognized by the other coaches in your league, that speaks really highly of them, not only as players, but as members of your program and what you’re trying to build,” said Tigers Head Coach David Tempel. “Really proud of those two guys and the efforts that they’ve done in the offseason and throughout this season.” Vasquez had just come off an injury sustained during the football season and worked hard to get ready to return for the start of the baseball season. The sophomore returned to have a stellar season on the pitching staff, and Tempel said he was proud of how Vasquez handled his business on the plate every day.

Carp Classic removes more than 3/4 ton of invasive fish from Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The weather wasn’t great on Saturday, but the Moses Lake Carp Classic brought out 55 bow fishers in 23 boats, organizer Ty Swartout wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Fishers shot 147 carp totaling 1,587 pounds, Swartout wrote.

Knights send Cael Orth to state tournament

ROYAL CITY — After a tough battle through the 1A District 5 tournament, Cael Orth from the Royal Knights qualified for the state tournament. The Knights competed hard throughout the season and as a team made a deep push into the district tournament. “I think districts went well,” said Knights Head Coach Rodrigo Fajardo. “Just making it to day two and day three, it’s already hard as it is and the ultimate goal is to try to punch a ticket to state.” By the final rounds, Royal had sent 13 of their 16 varsity tennis players to the third day of the district tournament. Unfortunately, by the end of that third day, many of the Knights had fallen short and were eliminated from the competition.

Color your day with Cornbread

Color outside the purr-fect lines with Cornbread, a sweet orange fluff who’s ready to brighten your day. This two-year-old Domestic Longhair has a meow-nificent voice and loves to chat. Cornbread is as warm and comforting as his name, with a heart as big as his fluffy coat. He’s a calm, cuddly guy who kneads plenty of attention and will happily draw you in for head scratches and snuggles. When he’s not supervising your coloring skills, he enjoys a little safe outdoor exploring before coming back in to relax. This sweet boy is fixed, vaccinated, and purr-pared to find his forever home. So grab your crayons, add a splash of orange, and help Cornbread paw-sitively color his way into a new family. Submit your completed coloring pages to [email protected] to be featured in an issue of the paper. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Wahluke advances in the 1A state tourney

MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors (11-5-1) defeated Eastside Preparatory 2-0 in the opening round of the 1A state tournament Tuesday. Head Coach Cele Lopez was proud of how his team showed up. “(They had a) different intensity,” he said. “I always believe that we're capable of doing whatever we setup as the goal, and they showed it today, they showed the hunger, they showed the intensity.”

WEATHER: May 20-26

Wednesday: Sunny then partly sunny in the afternoon, with a high near 78. Light northwest wind. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 49.

Vantage Road SW to remain closed indefinitely

QUINCY — Vantage Road SW is closed indefinitely west of Silica Road SW to both motorists and pedestrians, according to Grant County Public Works.

Quincy vandalism incidents under investigation

QUINCY — While the Quincy Police Department has identified some persons of interest in a recent rash of graffiti incidents in the city, they’re still under investigation. Captain Jorge Trujillo said the number of incidents has declined over the last two weeks.

Quincy man pleads guilty in $70,000 fraud case

QUINCY — A Quincy man has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $70,000 from an elderly woman he was hired to help with yard work, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Quincy Police Department Logs for May 6-18

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

Grant County Jail Roster for May 19, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 18-19. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Purr-fect little message

Meet Ping, this six-month-old grey cutie is ready to ping her way right into your heart.

Moses Lake FFA students bring blooms downtown with student-grown flowers

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake FFA students filled more than 130 downtown flowerpots Tuesday, continuing a two‑decade partnership that brings student‑grown color to the city’s core.

Karen Christine Edwards

May 5, 1943 – May 8, 2026

Karen Edwards, 83, known by many in Moses Lake as the “nursery lady” and the longtime owner of Edwards Nursery, passed away on May 8, 2026. Born May 5, 1943, in Seattle to nurseryman Gerald William Munro and Jean Kathryn (Jespersen) Munro of Bothell, Washington, Karen graduated from Washington State University in 1965 and became a high school teacher in Warden and Raymond, Washington, before marrying David Edwards and starting a nursery, following in her father’s footsteps. Always a teacher at heart and revered for her vast horticultural knowledge, Karen shared her passion for plants and appreciation for people with everyone she met.

Huskies shine in CWAC honors, ahead of state tournament

OTHELLO — The Central Washington Athletic Conference announced its All-League awards Monday, with the Othello Huskies earning several. Head Coach Sonny Garza and Xzyyvn Martinez took home coach of the year and most valuable player awards, respectively. “It means a lot; the CWAC is a great league with a bunch of great coaches,” Garza said. “They all work hard, they all put in the long hours, so to be able to get that is pretty cool.” In his 10th year as the Huskies head coach, Garza earns his second coach of the year award. It’s something he believes couldn’t have happened with the support system around him in the Huskies baseball program, he said.

GCSO asks help finding missing man

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help finding Anthony James Mann of Moses Lake, according to a statement from GCSO. Mann, 38, is described as five feet, nine inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. He may be wearing dark jeans, a dark shirt and a zip-up sweatshirt, the GCSO wrote. Man was last seen about 6:30 a.m. Friday in Moses Lake, GCSO wrote. His vehicle was found unoccupied about 6 p.m. Monday near Trail Lake off Pinto Ridge Road south of Coulee City. Mann may be at risk due to a medical condition and may not be able to return safely without assistance, the GCSO wrote. Deputies were searching the Trail Lake area Tuesday morning. Anyone who has information about Mann’s whereabouts is asked to call 509-762-1160 and reference Case No. 26GC05468.

Desert Aire man arrested for vehicular assault after crash

OTHELLO — A Desert Aire man was booked on suspicion of vehicular assault and DUI after he allegedly hit a car he was attempting to pass, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Lind man arrested for second-degree assault in DV incident

LIND — A Lind man was booked on suspicion of second-degree assault, domestic violence, Monday after he allegedly broke windows on a victim’s car and prevented the person from leaving, according to release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

WSU choir visits Ephrata, other high schools to encourage students to sing

EPHRATA — The members of Ephrata High School’s chamber choir had a glimpse of what could be their future Thursday morning, when the Washington State University chamber singers and concert choir joined them.

ML council discusses grant applications, unintended consequences

MOSES LAKE — A request to apply for a grant kicked off a discussion about road projects, how to pay for them and unintended consequences.

College-bound students honored at TRIO banquet

MOSES LAKE — The students of the TRIO Upward Bound program and their families gathered May 8 to celebrate another year of preparing students for higher education, and to send off the graduating seniors.

Legals for May, 19 2026

Ephrata Police Department Logs for May 11-17, 2026

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

Updated NCW Libraries bookmobile schedule announced

WENATCHEE — The NCW Libraries will be taking its books on the road again this summer with an updated schedule for the system’s bookmobile in Grant, Douglas and Chelan counties.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 18, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 13. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Fuel prices slightly elevated this week

MOSES LAKE — After weeks of steady increases, fuel prices across Washington and the nation largely held steady this week. Locally, however, drivers in Grant and Adams counties continue to feel the slow climb, with prices ticking up for the second week in a row. According to AAA, fuel prices in both counties rose slightly — by five to six cents — continuing a gradual upward trend. “The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week, as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

WEATHER: May 19-25

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light southwest wind becoming westerly 5-9 mph in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 47. West wind 6 -10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 3-6 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 49. Wind from the northwest around 8 mph, becoming northeasterly after midnight. Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 50. Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 51.

Eagles’ Xavier Ewing on to state after team takes district title

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles will be sending senior Xavier Ewing to the state tournament this weekend. Ewing earned first in district singles, and through the efforts of each player, the Eagles boys team claimed the District 5 title for the first time in program history. “I’m happy it happened; it couldn’t have happened with a better group of kids,” said Eagles Head Coach Lee Leavell. “Kind of shocked it happened, I just didn’t think that was even a possibility, honestly. Kind of funny how it all turned out, but happy it happened.”

New summer program coming to Wahluke School District

MATTAWA — Registration is open for a new summer program for Wahluke School District elementary and middle school students, designed to mix reading and math with experiments, sports, crafts, games and art, among many other activities. The DiscoverWorks program is free for participants. Bethany Martinez, Wahluke director of migrant and multilingual services, said it’s prompted a lot of interest among students and their families. “We actually are at capacity in almost every grade, and are starting a wait list, so it’s definitely something the community is excited for,” Martinez said. “Especially junior high – those kids were (saying), ‘No, Mom, I want to go.’ And seventh grade was our first grade to fill up, which is pretty exciting.”

ACH softball enters state as third seed

COULEE CITY — After a hard-fought battle through the 1B District 6 tournament, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors finished out as third in districts and punched their ticket into the state tournament. Entering as the third seed, the Warriors look to continue their success into the coming weekend. “It’s pretty great, we’re feeling pretty good,” said Warriors Head Coach Faye Butler. “We had conversations at the beginning of the season like, ‘What’s your goal for this year,’ and they’re like, ‘We want to get to state,’ and I said, ‘What do you want to do at state,’ and we came to the conclusion that we want to be in the top four teams. It gives us a lot of confidence that we can totally do this, so super exciting, we’re super thrilled.”

Multiple Basin athletes named to All-Region team

MOSES LAKE — The Northwest Athletic Conference announced their softball All-Region awards for the North, South and East regions. In the East, several local athletes from the Basin earned these honors. See below which players were rewarded for their contributions on the field this season.

Several Basin teams clinch state berth

MOSES LAKE — With district tournaments wrapping up over the weekend, the brackets for several WIAA state tournaments have been set for baseball and softball. See below which of your favorite teams are in and where they’re heading.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: May 19-23, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The brackets for state play are set, and the remaining Basin teams prepare to compete in the final weeks of the season. See where each local team will be playing this week.

Quincy man arrested for 2025 murder

QUINCY — Lorenzo Longoria, 41, of Quincy has been booked into Grant County Jail for murder in the second degree regarding a case that began in May 2025.

L.D. Green

March 30, 1963 – April 27, 2026

L.D. Green, 63, was born on March 30, 1963, to Jack and Martha Green in Grand Coulee, Washington, (after which the hospital was torn down to make way for the third turbine of the dam). They left the family wheat ranch a year later and moved to Enumclaw, Washington after Jack contracted double pneumonia. They lived there for 6 years before moving to Kittitas, Washington. There L.D. participated in 4-H, showed in the Simmental Association and enjoyed fixing up old Fords and Firebirds. He married the love of his life, Gwen Weidenbach, on June 28, 1984. They remained in the Kittitas Valley, farming and ranching, for many years and welcomed two children. While he worked hard all year, he took time off every summer and fall to pack mules into the mountains to go camping and hunting with friends and family. On Dec. 26, 1997, they moved to Dubois, Idaho, and eight months later bought property in Tensed, Idaho, where they farmed and built a house, taking the cows back to Ellensburg during the winter. In 2000, they started homeschooling and lived a nomad lifestyle, moving around Central Washington wherever the cows and hay took them. In 2006, they bought a place in Othello where they finally settled down.

MLHS Pals graduates class of 2026

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School hosted the 2026 graduation ceremony for the Pals Club Friday inside the high school theater. The ceremony saw 14 graduates take the stage to receive their diplomas and be honored for their academic achievements. “I feel great and I’m happy,” said Jocelyn Dominguez-Gomez, one of the graduates from the Class of 2026. Following graduation, Dominguez-Gomez said she is looking forward to going to work and to the summit where she will meet more people and will get assistance in finding a job.

Built on trust

All American Plumbing Services delivers quality work across the Basin

MOSES LAKE — From emergency repairs to full home repiping, All American Plumbing Services LLC has quietly built a reputation across the Columbia Basin for doing things one way: the right way, owner Steve McUne said. McUne, who is approaching nine years in business this September, says that commitment to quality and honesty has been at the core of his work since day one. “I will only do quality work. I will not do sloppy work,” McUne said. “It doesn’t matter what you do – show pride in your work. I’m proud of the work that I do.”

Kenneth Hansen

Kenneth Hansen, 87

Shepherding their way into your heart

Bristol (left) and Gideon (right) are a paws-itively perfect pair of 6-year-old German shepherd mixes ready to find their forever home through Grant County Animal Outreach.

‘Whimsy in the Park’ in Smokiam Park May 30

SOAP LAKE — People are being invited to let their inner Victorian croquet player – or Alice in Wonderland croquet player, or court of Henry VIII croquet player – pick up a mallet at the first “Whimsy in the Park” in Soap Lake.

Legals for May, 18 2026

Fire closes SR 243

MATTAWA — A portion of state Route 243 south of Mattawa has been closed due to a wildfire, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office advised Sunday afternoon. The closure is in effect for the area of the highway between Road L and Road O Southwest, just west of the Vernita Bridge, according to GCSO. The blaze was discovered around 1 p.m. near Road N and Road 29 Southwest, according to Grant County Fire District 8 radio transmissions. It was estimated at 150 acres at 1:50 p.m. It was unknown when the highway would reopen. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Mavs suffer loss in districts, conclude season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-4) fell 11-1 to the West Valley Rams Saturday, bringing an end to their season.

WEATHER: May 18-22

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73 and southwest winds in the afternoon. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 44.

Soap Lake looking to seat salary commission

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake is seeking residents to serve on its newly reactivated Salary Commission, a citizen-led body responsible for reviewing and setting salaries for the city’s elected officials. The city is encouraging registered voters who live within city limits and are not related to or employed by city officials to apply. The commission, once seated, will evaluate compensation for the mayor and city council, compare Soap Lake’s pay structure with similar cities, and adopt salary schedules in accordance with state law.

Vantage Road SW closed due to rockslides

QUINCY — Vantage Road Southwest, west of Silica Road above the Columbia River, is closed due to unstable rock faces and danger of rockslides, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The road closed Friday night about 9 p.m. due to a rock slide, according to the GCSO. One lane reopened about two hours later but was closed again at 11:40 a.m. Saturday. Anybody who is in the Frenchman Coulee Recreation Center is being contacted and asked to evacuate the area. The road will be closed until further notice, according to a GCSO release.

Community encouraged to spot warning signs at gang awareness presentation

MOSES LAKE — Preventing youth violence and gang involvement requires a coordinated effort between families, schools and law enforcement, said Hunter McLeod, threat assessment coordinator with the North Central Education Service District. “This should be a group effort,” said McLeod. “We want to provide families and community members with tools – strategies they can use at home – even if gang activity isn’t directly impacting their household.” McLeod and Ray Lopez, school resource officer with the Moses Lake Police Department, led a gang awareness presentation at Vanguard Academy last week, aimed at helping families better recognize risk factors and prevent youth involvement in gangs.

Eight Tigers sign letters of intent

EPHRATA — Eight Tiger student athletes signed their letters of intent to play at the college level next year, on Friday. “It's a great tribute to all their hard work and dedication they've had over the years,” Athletic Director Bryan Johnson said. “It's just cool to see them go to the next level and continue to play sports... very small percentage get to (go), we got eight seniors up here today, and we probably had 175 seniors do sports, so not very many get to go.”

Cougars send four golfers to state

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars completed their run at the 2B District 5 golf tournament Wednesday at Colockum Ridge with four of their athletes qualifying for the state tournament. For the boys Jaden Hernandez, Everett Cox and JJ Madsen, and for the girls, Amaya Erickson, will all head out to Liberty Lake Golf Course to compete in the state tournament. “I was really proud of all the kids,” said Cougars Boys Coach Tim Carlberg. “Overall, we’re extremely happy to get all four of them through.”

Pauline Martina (Ruiz) Hines

Pauline was born in Chillicothe, Texas, to Paul and Hannah (Turner) Ruiz. "Our" Pauline passed away April 8 in Moses Lake at the age of 91 after a brief illness. In 1943 the family left Texas, moving to Bremerton, Washington, to contribute to the war effort. In 1945, at the war's end, Tacoma became home. After graduating from Stadium High School, the great move to Los Angeles, California was her next move. In the early 1970s, she moved back to Tacoma to care for her beloved mother, Hannah Bell. In 1981, the two moved to Moses Lake to be with the family, as their home had been sold to make room for the Tacoma Dome.

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MLSD hiring 7 elementary assistant principals, financially unrelated to classroom staffing

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District is moving to add assistant principals at seven of its largest elementary schools, a step district leaders say is driven by rising student support needs and longstanding requests from staff — not by cuts to classroom teachers. The district has posted assistant principal openings at Sage Point, Garden Heights, Lakeview Terrace, Longview, Peninsula, Groff, and Park Orchard elementaries, all of which will have enrollments ranging from roughly 316 to 449 students in the 2025–26 school year, according to district data.

‘Faces of 250’

Moses Lake Museum exhibit opens tonight

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake hasn’t even racked up a century of history yet, but the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center has found a way to celebrate the two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Repurpose old dishes into garden art

MOSES LAKE — Somewhere in everybody’s kitchen, there are dishes that just don’t match anything else in the house. So why not put them to work in the garden? “You can do it in any way, shape or form that you want to,” said Micha Goebig, PR and Communications Strategist for Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington. “You can use your own stuff or get it secondhand at (a thrift store).” Thrifted garden art from mismatched dishes is easy to put together; the only thing you need is super glue, Goebig said. She recently led classes in thrift art at Goodwill stores on the west side, she said. “Some people did art pieces, like mushrooms,” Goebig said. “They (had) a broken lamp, so they used that as the stem of the mushroom and then replaced the top with a nice bowl that they turned (upside down).”

BASIN EVENTS: May 15-23

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening in the Basin as we sneak up on Memorial Day weekend. Check out some of these goings-on. May 15 Spring Hiring Event Bring your resume and take the opportunity to talk to local employers looking to fill their available positions. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at WorkSource, 309 E. Fifth Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-766-2559. Live music with Owen Barnhart Country solo artist Owen Barnhart’s sets include soulful banjo, fingerpicking guitar and a crystal clear voice - covering everything from classic country and Americana to classic rock and folk tunes. 5 p.m. at Monkey N’ Around Pizza, 716 13th Ave. SW, Quincy. Info: www.owenbarnhart.com.

Interest rates hold back home sales in the Basin, statewide

MOSES LAKE — High interest rates are slowing down sales in the Basin real estate market. The average monthly rate for a 30-year mortgage was 6.37% Tuesday, up from 6.30% a week ago but still lower than the 6.76% it was a year ago. The persistently high rates are slowing sales and forcing builders to scale down their offerings, Angel Garza, owner of Palos Verdes Homes, said last week at the opening of Palos Verdes’ Sand Hill development in Moses Lake. “We’re down to a $375,000, $385,000 home, so people can qualify,” Garza said. “We had to go down to a 1,200-square-foot home to make sure that we have product that people can actually finance because of the interest being so high.”

Building permits: Grant County, Mattawa

Grant County April 4-17 Jesus Aguilar, 23500 block of Road U Southwest, Mattawa, reset manufactured home, no valuation given Jose Perez, 400 block of Southwest Lakeside Way, Mattawa, in-ground pool, no valuation given Jared Cox, 16200 block of Road 2 Southeast, Moses Lake, in-ground pool, no valuation given

Legals for May, 15 2026

Mavs erupt for 24 runs behind three homers by Mya Martinez

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-3) defeated the Wenatchee Panthers 24-4 Thursday behind a three home run and nine RBI performance by Mya Martinez. “I think I performed really well,” Mya said. “I was really just focusing on my fundamentals and Coach Bob (Richardson) helping me in the cages. That was a really good breakthrough for me, because the last few games have been rough, so I just think I really needed that.”

DNR warns eastern Washington forests are primed for severe wildfires

(The Center Square) - State officials say eastern Washington forests are “overstocked” following years of fire exclusion policies and management practices that have left drier areas ripe for serious wildfires. The warning came Tuesday as the Department of Natural Resources develops alternative management practices for eastern Washington. DNR staff briefed the state Board of Natural Resources on the issue ahead of a June meeting, where they will discuss options that could affect thinning and controlled burns. Cameron Crump, manager of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said active management is “widely accepted” as necessary to restore a resilient landscape. Prescribed burns were a more common active fuel management tool until the 1990s, when DNR’s policies placed new regulations on the practice.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for May 3-4, 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.

Common Grounds: Coffee with district leadership set for Friday

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis says the district’s new community coffee series is designed to make space for candid conversations about school priorities and levy commitments. “Sometimes there’s a lot of information out there and not always enough opportunity for people to ask questions and have face‑to‑face conversations,” Lewis said. “This event gives us a chance to have honest conversations about the commitments we made through the levy, where we are with that work, and what planning for the 2026–27 school year looks like.” The first Common Grounds – Coffee with District Leadership gathering will be held Friday, May 15, at 7:30 a.m. at Vanguard Academy, 740 E. Yonezawa Blvd.

Contract for Hansen Road overpass to be awarded next week

MOSES LAKE — The Washington Department of Transportation expects to award the contract for replacement of the Hansen Road overpass next week. That in turn will help answer the question of a construction schedule.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 14, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 13. No arrests had been made on May 14 as of 5 p.m. Thursday. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Carlstrom brings experience, energy to Tigers hoops

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District announced Ryan Carlstrom as the new head coach of boys basketball Thursday. With excitement in his voice, Carlstrom said he feels like the pressure is on now. “It kind of feels like now I've got to get to work... summer basketball starts July 1, and so I'm kind of just getting ready and getting excited and learning about Ephrata and the community and program that's in place, and all those types of things,” he said.

Mavericks clinch co-league, district titles in playoff finish

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys golf team secured a Co-league and district championship at Apple Tree Golf Course in a playoff on their way to qualifying for state. “It was nip and tuck all the way,” said Head Coach Terry Melbye. “We were in second for a little while, and then first place for up until the very last match there, and we ended up taking second to West Valley... so that was really exciting.”

Knights sweep district doubleheader, earns shot at state berth

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (18-7) defeated Kiona-Benton 6-1 and Chelan 10-0 Wednesday to advance to the play-in games in the 1A district 5 tournament. These key wins set them up to earn their shot at punching their ticket to the state tournament. “Our first game was single elimination, so we knew we had to get that one done in order to move forward,” Head Coach Lisa Lawrence said. “The girls just came together (and) played as a team, played well, hit the ball well, and played good defense. Everything was clicking, and we got that one done, and followed it up with a great game against Chelan... Jill (Allred) pitched a great game, and we pulled it off.”

Ephrata names Carlstrom head basketball coach

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has named Ryan Carlstrom its new head coach of boys basketball. According to a press release, Carlstroms’ hire will be made official following school board action on May 18. “I’m excited to be part of the Ephrata community and to get to know the student-athletes,” said Carlstrom in the press release. “As a teacher first and foremost, I see coaching and teaching as closely connected. I’m looking forward to challenging the athletes and myself as we build on this program together. Summer ball is coming up, and I can’t wait to get to work and help motivate these students to do their best.”

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Students make 250th anniversary quilt and learn American history

MOSES LAKE — Mount Rushmore, Uncle Sam, the White House and the Statue of Liberty are among the American icons immortalized in thread by the students at AIM School in Moses Lake. Students at the school made a star-spangled patchwork quilt with American historical scenes and symbols embroidered on it. “One of our subjects is history so this year, because of the 250th celebration, we’ve been doing the top 10 events in history from the time,” said School Director Kortni Nelson. “We’ve covered 10 major events from signing the Declaration of Independence to national landmarks.”

‘Gather, laugh and be together’

EMS courtyard dedicated to Travis Eloff’s legacy of inclusion

EPHRATA — A space originally created to bring students together through inclusive play and learning now carries a deeper meaning at Ephrata Middle School. On May 8, the Ephrata School District formally dedicated the school’s inclusive courtyard playground to Travis Eloff, a teacher and special education director who served the district for 31 years. Eloff passed away in 2024. Family members, colleagues and community members gathered to honor Eloff’s legacy and the impact he made on generations of students. District officials said his work was grounded in a belief that inclusion is more than a location.

Theresa Sullivan retires as Samaritan Healthcare chief executive officer

MOSES LAKE — Theresa Sullivan said what really interested her in the job at Samaritan Healthcare, back in 2014, was the potential for growth. Then-Chief Executive Officer Tom Thompson was recruiting an administrator. “What really attracted me was what he described in the need for services here,” Sullivan said. “I had been in a rapidly growing organization where we grew a lot of services, and I was excited about that possibility.” Sullivan took chief operating officer job and was promoted to the CEO job in 2015. After 11 years in that job, she’s retiring next week.

Juneteenth celebration coming next month

MOSES LAKE — The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Moses Lake will host a Juneteenth celebration next month at McCosh Park, with live entertainment, an informational question-and-answer and lots of food. “This year we’re going to have foot-long and regular-size corn dogs, cheese curd and … popsicles,” said committee member Sherise Scott.

Ready to go nuts for love?

Meet Hazelnut — a tiny chi with a big crunch of charm. This beige‑and‑white Chihuahua cutie is only two months old and already pawsitively irresistible. He’s small, snuggly, and guaranteed to drive you Chihuahua‑crazy in the best way. Hazelnut is already vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped, so he’s fully shelled out and ready to go home. Crack open your heart and adopt Hazelnut today at Grant County Animal Outreach — because life is better with a little extra chi and a whole lot of nut‑thing but love. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for May, 14 2026

WEATHER: May 14-20

Thursday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Mostly cloudy overnight, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 43. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 36. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 39. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 42. Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 45. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Source: National Weather Service

Grant County Jail Roster for May 13, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 12 and 13. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. May 12 Mason Alijah Guerra, 18, booked for first-degree assault and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. May 13 Brenton Elmo Lorang, 57, booked for manufacturing/purchasing/selling explosives without a license. Raymond Lee Richardson, 62, booked for residential burglary.

Warden City Council passes parking regulation ordinance

WARDEN — After several meetings of discussion, the Warden City Council unanimously approved a new parking regulation ordinance Tuesday night during its regularly scheduled meeting. Council members said the new rules come after ongoing complaints from residents about vehicles being left parked for days or even weeks at a time, taking up limited spaces in front of businesses and the Warden Public Library. “I think it is long overdue,” Council Member Agapito “Speedy” Gonzalez said. “We have had habitual people parking and staying. We need to address that.” The ordinance goes into effect May 17.

Wildcats qualify 11 for Outdoor Championships

INDIANAPOLIS – Central Washington University Track and Field put out a statement Tuesday to announce that 11 student-athletes qualified for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships running from Thursday, May 21 through Saturday, May 23 in Welch Stadium at Emporia State University. Eight female track and field student-athletes qualified. Layla Fields, Zoe Gonzales, and Ashlyn Nielsen all qualified as part of the 4x100m relay team while Donna Marie Harris and Carley Huber qualified as part of the 4x400m relay team. Julie Castillejo will be a relay alternative due to quick turnarounds from some individual events. Ellie DeGroot qualified as a member of the 4x400m relay team as well as for the 400m hurdles. Maliyah Gordon was a qualifier in the shot put. Elise Hopper will represent the crimson and black in four events: the 4x100m relay, the 4x400m relay, the 400m dash, and the 200m dash.

Ephrata schools offer free summer meals to any kid in need

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger — including those who do not attend Ephrata schools – through a mix of on‑site service and grab‑and‑go meal boxes funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. The district will operate three open sites beginning June 15: on-site meals at Columbia Ridge Elementary and Ephrata High School, and a non‑congregate, drive‑thru pickup at Ephrata Middle School. All meals are free regardless of family income. Food Service Director Alain Black said the district’s goal is simple: make sure children across the region have consistent access to nutritious food when school is out.

Huskies send three girls to state tournament

YAKIMA — After a tough battle through the 2A District 5 tournament, the Othello Huskies girls tennis team became district champs. Along with the title, the Huskies will be sending Shaylee Freeman and Faith Risenmay for girls doubles and Olivia Harris for girls singles to the state tournament. “It just feels so surreal,” said Huskies Girls Coach Priscilla Tovar. “From the beginning of the season, I knew I had a strong team and I knew any of them could make it to state.” On the doubles side, Othello sent three teams to the district tournament, which included Shaylee Freeman and Faith Risenmay, Alexa Peterson and Hazel Roylance and Amber Freeman and Addie Roylance.

Online research is now the first step before plastic surgery

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Agencies acknowledge communication failures during Mattawa wildfire

MATTAWA — A fast‑moving wildfire that burned nearly 3,100 acres near state Route 24 on Sunday night prompted a four‑hour highway closure – but no public alerts from either the Washington State Patrol or the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, despite both agencies’ long‑standing practices of issuing emergency notifications. Both agencies now say internal communication breakdowns prevented timely alerts from reaching the public, leaving residents without the Nixle messages, Facebook posts or X updates they typically rely on during major incidents.

Spring Fest coming May 21-24

MOSES LAKE — Spring Fest just keeps on growing. According to the city of Moses Lake’s cell phone-counting data, the city’s population more than doubled last year at McCosh Park over Memorial Day weekend. “Fifty-four thousand people attended our venue last year,” said Spring Fest Committee member Lori Valdez. “And that’s not including kiddos who do not have a cell phone.” Just about everything you could hope to find at a community festival is at Spring Fest. There’s a carnival. There’s a car show. There are lots and lots of food and crafts. There are athletic tournaments, fun contests, homegrown entertainment and free concerts from some well-known entertainers

Color her or make her your new best friend

Meet Rickee! She is a big, sweet puppy who loves people and is learning all about the world. She’s vaccinated, microchipped, spayed and ready for a family of her own at Adams County Pet Rescue. Think she could be your new best friend? Or grab some crayons and color Rickee’s picture to help her find a forever home. Every color and every smile help. Submit your completed coloring pictures to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an issue of the paper. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Rotary gives more than $70,000 in scholarships

MOSES LAKE — The Rotary Club of Moses Lake gave 15 local students a boost with more than $70,000 in scholarships, according to President Sean Jenks. “(We want) to recognize these kids for their hard work, and the sacrifice of past Rotarians that have made this possible in our community,” Jenks said. “Rotarians are just glad to be able to help people succeed in life.” Five of the students are set to graduate high school this year, according to an announcement from the Rotary Club, and another 10 are already enrolled in some kind of post-secondary education. It can be a traditional four-year college or university, Jenks said, but it doesn’t have to be. Students can also be enrolled in a technical or trade school.

Mavs’ Jeremiah Baker turns setbacks into opportunity

MOSES LAKE — Long before signing his letter of intent to play football for Pacific Northwest Christian College on April 29, Jeremiah Baker from the Moses Lake Mavericks almost called it quits. “I hurt my foot; I lost a little bit of muscle and that contributed,” Baker said. “I didn't get much playing time at all. I was just on the bench, watching the team do really well.”

WEATHER: May 13-19

Wednesday: Showers. Patchy blowing dust after 9 a.m. High near 68. Breezy, with a southwest wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Patchy blowing dust before 11 p.m. Increasing clouds overnight, with a low around 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Thursday: Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 70. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Mostly clear overniught, with a low around 42. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph

Sky dancers

Meet Washington’s endangered sandhill cranes

With long wings stretched wide, sandhill cranes fly together across the sky, calling to one another like trumpets. These tall, graceful birds love wetlands and open spaces – and every sighting is special, because sandhill cranes are endangered in Washington. Can you spot your favorite crane facts and words in the graphic and word search below?

Legals for May, 13 2026

Huskies claim third in districts with home win

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (20-4) overcame East Valley Tuesday afternoon to earn a 4-1 victory and claim third in the 2A District 5. The Huskies continue their postseason bid with one more game before state. “I felt like it went well,” said Huskies senior RJay Garza. “We had a couple of tough moments there during the game, but we stayed in it, stayed together and we fought through it all and came out on top.”

Mavs shutout Sunnyside in district tournament

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (15-3) defeated the Sunnyside Grizzlies 16-0 in five innings of the play-in round of the 4A District 5 tournament Tuesday. For Head Coach Mike Hofheins and the Mavs, they couldn’t ask for a better start to the postseason. “It's great, you got to win to play again at this point, and we got the job done. We get to play again on Thursday, and that’s what we were after,” Hofheins said.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 12, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 11 and 12. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. May 11 Paul Alex Martinez, 43, booked for second-degree assault – domestic violence. Julius De Vonte Scott King, 26, booked for third-degree malicious mischief.

McFarlane named interim Othello Police Chief

OTHELLO — Brent McFarlane has been appointed as the interim chief of the Othello Police Department. McFarlane has been working as assistant chief since late February. Mayor Ken Johnson said McFarlane’s appointment will be in effect until city officials determine what they want to do. “We’re still undecided as to the direction we want to take,” Johnson said. McFarlane replaces Aaron Garza, who took over the job full-time in January. Garza was hired as the Othello city administrator in April and started his new job May 1.

After lengthy discussion, Royal City food truck ordinance approved

ROYAL CITY — After more than a year of discussion, Royal City has a revised ordinance governing food trucks. “Times have changed since we did the first one 40 years ago,” said Mayor Ryan Piercy. The revisions removed a section that caused a lot of discussion and debate when the ordinance was first reviewed in spring 2025. “We did away with some of the distance restrictions we had before,” Piercy said. The original ordinance prohibited a food truck from operating within a designated distance of a restaurant serving a similar menu. But because Royal City’s business district is not that big, former Mayor Michael Christensen said in an earlier interview that the restrictions limited the area where food trucks could operate. It also only applied to food trucks, so two restaurants serving similar food could operate next to each other without restrictions.

Adams County ballot features competitive federal, state and local races

RITZVILLE — Filing week has closed in Adams County, and voters will see a crowded and competitive ballot in the 2026 election cycle, with numerous contested races at the federal, state, and local levels. At the federal level, both U.S. Congressional Districts 4 and 5 will be on the ballot. Congressional District 4 has drawn significant interest, with 11 candidates filing after incumbent Dan Newhouse announced he will not seek re‑election. Congressional District 5 has 13 candidates filed, including incumbent Michael Baumgartner. One candidate withdrew from the race earlier this week and is not reflected on official candidate graphics.

Eagles’ Ewing and Ortega on to districts

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles competed in their 1B league tournament over the weekend to decide which players would qualify for the district tournament. At the end of the competition, the Eagles are sending seniors Xavier Ewing and Francisco Ortega on to the district tournament. “I was pretty happy with everybody,” said Eagles Head Coach Lee Leavell. “It seemed like everybody really played hard and some advanced and some it just didn’t work out for (them).” Ewing had a strong showing at leagues as he earned a win over Liberty Bell’s Gavin Blank, who he had lost to in the state tournament last season but fell to Manson’s Ben Rasmusson in the finals. Overall, Ewing took second in the league tournament.

Huskies softball concludes season in district tournament

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (9-12) finished their 2026 season Saturday afternoon in the 2A District 5 tournament after falling in the second round to Ellensburg 1-18. Huskies Head Coach Dominique Martinez said this was a great season of growth for the young team. “A good takeaway would be them knowing what the other teams bring to the plate,” said Martinez. “They got to see it happen because we did those different situations and we talked to them about what to do and then them seeing it, I thought they did really good executing it.”

Elvira Cruz Perez

1941-2026

Elvira Cruz Perez, 84, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Moses Lake. She was born in 1941 in Asherton, Texas, to Cleofas Cruz and Refugia Cruz Zamora. Elvira was united in marriage to Cliofas Perez on June 22, 1961, in Moses Lake, Washington. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who dedicated her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. She attended school through the eighth grade and was a faithful member of the LDS church. Elvira enjoyed tending to her roses, attending church services, and exercising. Her family and faith were at the center of her life, and she will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and devotion to those she loved.

4-acre blaze mostly contained in rural Ephrata

EPHRATA — Three fire agencies were called to a wildfire in the 13000 block of Road A.5 Northwest in Rural Ephrata at around 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Emmitt Jay Tatum

January 17, 2001 – April 21, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Emmitt Jay Tatum passed away on April 21, 2026. Emmitt was born Jan. 17, 2001, in Moses Lake where he was raised. He is survived by his mother Amber Tracy and father Brandon Tatum, brother Zeb, sister Bethany, wife Zoe and grandparents Doug and Betty Tatum and Lewis and Kathy Mason, along with a large extended family.

Dennis Jay Pegram

June 24, 1962 – May 9, 2026

Dennis Jay Pegram, born June 24, 1962, in Othello, Washington, passed peacefully at home May 9, 2026, in Moses Lake, Washington. Dennis grew up living just outside of Othello with his parents and three siblings. Growing up on the farm, he enjoyed coyote hunting and dirt bike riding with his brothers and neighbors. He enjoyed running and was a fantastic athlete. Dennis was forever the instigator of a practical joke, whether it was on family, friends or co-workers. No one was safe. He was the favorite uncle of the nieces and nephews. He enjoyed spending time “junking” with his dad and finding great treasures.

‘I’m a hope dealer’

Ryan Leaf speaks of addiction, failure and recovery

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Community Court hosted an event Thursday headlined by guest speaker and former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf. When introducing Leaf, Judge Brian Gwinn spoke about the purpose of community court. “The reason we call it community court is because we don't discriminate who comes in. We'll take veterans, people who are suffering from substance use disorders, people who are suffering from mental health, and that's what we do, is help people out,” he said.

Four cars damaged in Moses Lake collision

MOSES LAKE — An early-morning collision damaged four cars parked outside a residence and led to a DUI arrest in Moses Lake Tuesday, according to a release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Nelson Burley, 23, was booked into the Grant County jail on suspicion of DUI, first-degree malicious mischief and four counts of hit and run, unattended, according to a press release from the Moses Lake Police Department. Burley was driving in the vicinity of North Clark Road and West Meridian Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release said. “Officers determined the causing vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Silverado, failed to negotiate the turn, losing control and striking two parked cars. One of the parked cars was pushed into another, when was then pushed into the garage, striking a fourth vehicle. The driver fled the scene on foot but was later returned by a family member,” the MLPD wrote in the release.

‘I don’t plan on going back’

Abel Valdez becomes Community Court’s 18th graduate

MOSES LAKE — Abel Valdez didn’t walk into Community Court expecting a fresh start.

‘Young gun’ Jacob Guertin victorious in MMA bout

MOSES LAKE — Jacob ‘Young Gun’ Guertin from Freewind Martial Arts was victorious via submission in the second round Saturday over Brody Case at the Conquest of the Cage MMA event in Spokane. With this win, his record improved to 4-3. Guertin was happy with the result, he said. “Pretty good, pretty clean, not hurt too much. Face is a little bruised, but that's about it,” he said.

Port of Moses Lake power generation project moving forward

MOSES LAKE — Some existing Port of Moses Lake customers are considering expansion, and potential customers are looking at Moses Lake as an option. But, said Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting, there are some roadblocks.

Restyle Design and Consign opens in Catalyst Center

MOSES LAKE — There’s no one style that defines Restyle Design and Consign, which held its ribbon-cutting May 4 at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Catalyst Center downtown.

Legals for May, 12 2026

WEATHER: May 12-18

Tuesday: Mostly sunny with a high near 90. Northeast wind 7 to 10 miles per hour.

Energy and energy alternatives discussed at Newhouse summit

MOSES LAKE — Representatives of industry, government and power generation spent Monday discussing the present and future of power production at an Energy Summit hosted by Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse. Newhouse said the goal was to talk about solutions as well as challenges. “(The summit) focused on – well, a lot of different aspects of energy,” Newhouse said. “Tremendous need, that’s probably the best word for it. A shortage, which is not allowing our potential to be realized here in Central Washington. How do we address that? How do we increase the amount of energy production in a timeline that makes sense? We can’t wait years and years; we need to get things done as quickly as possible. How do we do that at a cost we can afford?”

Fire burns around 2,200 acres along SR 24

MATTAWA — A nearly 2,200-acre fire briefly closed state Route 24 Sunday evening. Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman said firefighters were informed of the fire at about 8:16 p.m. with local fire departments working together to get the flames under control.

‘This is one way we come together for our kids’

MLSD to host gang town hall tonight at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake School District is convening a broad coalition of educators, law enforcement officers and regional safety specialists tonight for a gang awareness and prevention town hall, an event district leaders say is aimed at equipping families with practical tools to recognize early warning signs and keep youth connected to positive supports.

Several contested races on the primary ballot in Grant County

EPHRATA — Filing week for the August primary election closed Friday, leaving several contested races on the ballot across Grant County.

Grant County Jail Roster for April 11, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 8-10. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for May 2, 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. May 2 26ML05003: 2000 block W Driggs Dr. 6:06 a.m. Generator was stolen from the top of a vehicle parked at the motel. 26ML05004: N Evelyn Dr. 6:25 a.m. Police investigated possible damage to a detached garage linked to an earlier drive‑by shooting. 26ML05005: 1200 block S Pioneer Way. 6:45 a.m. A man was found intoxicated after reportedly drinking in a vehicle; he was trespassed and later arrested for DUI.

Basin Sports Schedule: May 12-18, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — Postseason play has begun in the Columbia Basin and local athletes are competing in districts to qualify for state. Check out where the local teams will be heading this week.

Tigers split games to move into final round of districts

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers (11-13) split their games over the weekend in the district tournament, winning 17-4 over Prosser and falling 4-20 against Selah. The Tigers prepare for one final game of districts to qualify for the district crossover. “I think the majority of our focus is going to be on communication and just situational softball,” said Tigers Head Coach Lesa Trevino. “Definitely clean defense, at this point in the season, everybody can play. The difference comes down to handling pressure in situations, eliminating mistakes and responding quickly.” After coming off a tough loss to East Valley in the first round of the tournament last Wednesday, the Tigers entered the next round against Prosser with new energy. In the bottom of first inning Ephrata put up six runs with a single from Ella Piturachsatit scoring a run, a single from Bailey Falconer scoring another run, Piturachsatit scoring after tagging up, Bayleigh French singling for two runs and Cami Martinez singling for a run.

Coach Garza reflects on Jacks season

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (7-16) were defeated 10-0 Saturday by the Ellensburg Bulldogs in the quarterfinals of the District 5 2A tournament. The loss brings an end to their 2026 campaign. “Saturday's game was a tough one,” Head Coach David Garza said. “It hurts a little bit because if we were back and forth, ‘Hey, this is a very low scoring game because it's really good defense, really good pitching, etc,’ then it's a little bit easier to accept.”

Martinez scores 2nd straight game-winning goal to give the Spirit a 1-0 win at the Reign

AP — Claudia Martínez scored her second consecutive game-winning goal to lift the visiting Washington Spirit over the Seattle Reign 1-0 on Sunday. In other National Women's Soccer League matches, host Kansas City beat the Chicago Stars 3-0, and Bay FC played to a scoreless draw with the Utah Royals.

Sarah ‘Sally’ Robinson Hultenschmidt

Aug. 11, 1933 – April 20, 2026

Sarah “Sally” Robinson Hultenschmidt was born on Aug. 11, 1933, in Seattle, Washington, and passed away on April 20, 2026, at her home in Warden, Washington. In 1976, Sally moved from Western Washington to Warden, where she built a life centered on family, friendships and community. She was known for her warm heart, her strong spirit and the kindness she shared with everyone around her. Sally worked at the Corral Café for 15 years and later served as a baker for the Warden School District for 27 years. Through her work, she became a familiar and valued part of the community, touching many lives with her caring nature and dedication.

‘The right push’

Silva becomes Community Court’s 17th graduate, finds a new path forward

MOSES LAKE — When Jonathan David Silva walked into Community Court months ago, he didn’t expect transformation. He expected to “jump through the hoops,” as he put it. Instead, he walked out last week as the program’s 17th graduate – sober, grounded and surrounded by a team he now calls “a second family.” “I was never really fully sober my whole life,” Silva said during an interview. “Community Court honestly gave me a different perspective… it geared me in a direction of what I should have been doing the whole time as an adult.”

‘A story of hope’

Moses Lake residents gather for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

MOSES LAKE — About 80 people gathered in the dining room at Brookdale Hearthstone Assisted Living Facility early Thursday morning for bacon, eggs and prayer.

Legals for May, 11 2026

Brush fire closes Hwy 24

OTHELLO — A large brush fire has broken out along Highway 24 near Hendrix Road south of Othello. The area was blocked off around 8:30 p.m. while fire crews work to put out the flames. The roadway reopened at around 1 a.m., but units from Grant County Fire District 8 were dispatched once again as the fire started back up again Monday morning. This is a developing story and updates will be made as they become available.

Huskies suffer loss in district tournament

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (19-4) suffered a 5-1 loss at home to the Ellensburg Bulldogs in the semifinals of the District 5 2A tournament Saturday. “We got to be more aggressive at the plate and put the ball in play,” Head Coach Sonny Garza said. “That's ultimately what it comes down to... put the ball in play and make plays.”

WEATHER: May 11-15

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Overnight, partly cloudy, low around 49.

Two Mavericks sign to play college soccer

MOSES LAKE — Two longtime Moses Lake Mavericks are taking their game to the next level. Seniors Dalton Freidig and Enrique Landeros Cervantes have officially committed to continue their soccer careers in college, a point of pride for both the players and the program that raised them.

Vehicle fire sets two cars ablaze

MOSES LAKE — A vehicle fire destroyed one car and ignited a second one on Parkway Avenue Northeast in Moses Lake early Friday morning.

Ephrata council considers park and transportation fees for new developments

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council continued discussions Wednesday on whether to adopt new park and transportation impact fees that would apply to future development, a move city officials say could help offset the cost of growth without raising taxes.

BBCC student information not hacked during computer shutdown

MOSES LAKE — Personal information of Big Bend Community College students was not compromised as the result of a cyberattack against a company that provides system management software. Matt Killebrew, BBCC director of communications, said the college does use the Canvas system, which allows students to access class and financial information, and communicate with instructors, among other things. The company that owns the Canvas system was hacked in early May, according to information on the Wired website. “We still don’t know who did it, but we do know no important information was accessed,” Killebrew said.

WSP Bomb Squad called to suspicious package, discovered to be battery

MOSES LAKE — Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad was called to a suspicious package in the 1700 block of Road K-Southeast in rural Moses Lake at 11 a.m. Saturday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Mastering contract drafting: Tips and techniques

Want to excel in contract drafting? Discover expert tips and techniques to refine your skills today and unlock the secrets of a well-crafted contract now.

Knights claim district win over Okanogan

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (14-1-2) got the best of Okanogan Thursday evening with a 2-1 victory as they move on to the next round of the district tournament. The game was tight in the beginning, but the offensive efforts from the Knights allowed them to claim a win. “It was competitive; we had a close game,” said Knights junior Brayan Miron. “We had a couple of mistakes, but we got back and we just fought to the end.”

No injuries reported in aircraft emergency landing

WILSON CREEK — No injuries were reported in the emergency landing of an aircraft along Road P.5 Northeast about 11 miles south of Wilson Creek Friday morning.

Why sunless spray tan is becoming the go-to alternative to UV tanning

Experience the safest way to tan with sunless spray tan. Find out why it's the top choice for a perfect glow without the UV exposure.

Skills on display

Job Corps hosts open house

MOSES LAKE — Dylan Sanders credits Job Corps with showing him a path forward. “I graduated high school and I wasn’t really doing much,” Sanders said. “I was working at Walmart as a cashier, but that’s not really what I wanted to do. I wanted to get an education, but I didn’t want to go to college. I heard about Job Corps and (I looked into it) and saw they offered computer networking, which is exactly what I wanted to do.” Sanders was representing the Computer Networking program at an open house Wednesday at the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center in Moses Lake, giving visiting students an idea of what Job Corps has to offer. About 200 students from high schools around central Washington had come through the open house in the first hour and a half, Community Liaison Susan Mann said. Students took a tour of the campus, located in the Larson area across from Big Bend Community College, and then fanned out among tables and displays, inside and out, where current students told them about the programs the center offers. Students from the construction trades – plastering, carpentry, cement masonry – had small workspaces set up in the closed-off driveway to demonstrate the skills they were gaining.

Detective warns Ephrata parents of rising online threats to local youth

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office Detective Katrina Ball didn’t mince words Wednesday night as she described the growing dangers facing children online, telling Ephrata School District parents that sextortion, online enticement and extremist recruitment are no longer distant threats.

BASIN EVENTS: May 8-16

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is just about perfect and there are things going on all over the Basin. Here are some options to check out. May 8-10 ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Basin Community Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical. 7:10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1:10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Moses Lake High School Theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave. Tickets and info: basincommunitytheatre.com.

Grant County building permits

March 21-April 3

Palos Verdes moves into Moses Lake

Mae Valley homes a first for the Othello-based builder

MOSES LAKE — One of Othello’s biggest developers just started its first new housing development in Moses Lake. “We’ve been building in Othello for the past 12, 13 years, and then moved to the Quincy area seven, eight years (ago),” said Angel Garza, owner of Othello-based Palos Verdes. “We’ve always had our eye on Moses Lake.” Garza was there Wednesday to cut the ribbon at Sandhill Place, the new Palos Verdes development in Mae Valley. Palos Verdes has 31 lots under development, Garza said, with right of first refusal on another 50 or so, including some that face the Moses Lake Golf Club. The homes at Sandhill Estates are a little different from Palos Verdes’ previous floor plans, Garza said, something he had some reservations about at first.

Legals for May, 8 2026

Knights fall to Connell in district first round

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (12-9) fell just short of victory Thursday afternoon after a 2-4 loss against Connell. Despite taking a loss, the Knights prepare to get back on track Saturday for the next round of districts. “We started out a little slowly, we had close plays and just didn’t get the ball to bounce our way,” said Knights Head Coach Tony Jenks. Connell was the first on the board in the top of the first as they earned a single run and the Knights were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning. Both teams went scoreless for the next three innings, until Connell put up an additional three runs in the fifth inning.

Quincy Police Department Logs for April 29 through May 1, 2026

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

Road closure starts Monday near Othello

OTHELLO — Drivers should prepare for delays on State Route 17 at the intersection with West Cunningham Road in Othello as construction of a new roundabout gets to the cutting-pavement and construction stage.

Soap Lake council addresses attorney services, city administration, other matters

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council addressed a wide range of operational and policy matters during its Wednesday night meeting, including city attorney services, the hiring of a city administrator, changes to how delinquent utility accounts are handled, the purchase of major public works equipment and approval of several community events.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 7, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 6-7. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Today is the final day to file in Grant County

EPHRATA — Grant County’s candidate filing week is underway, with several candidates submitting paperwork for local offices. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Friday for the upcoming general election. Several races currently remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.

Doggone handsome and adoptable

Meet Tony, who said he is ready to bulldoze his way into your heart.

WEATHER: May 8-14

Friday: Cloudy through mid-morning then gradually clearing, high near 79.

Adams County Election filing closes today

RITZVILLE — Adams County’s candidate filing week is ongoing, with multiple candidates filing for local offices. The deadline to file for the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday, and several races remain uncontested as of 12 p.m. Thursday.

‘A roller coaster of a season’

Jacks season ends after district tourney loss

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (6-8) fell to the Grandview Greyhounds 2-1 Tuesday in the 2A District 5 tournament, bringing an end to their season. “In my perspective, I feel like we dominated the game. We went up one zero pretty early, like almost within the first five minutes of the game,” Head Coach Hector Vaca said. “Credit to Grandview, a very respectable opponent. They are really good and it came down to basically one of my players getting a double yellow and having to play a man down for the last 20 minutes of the game, that's the thing that hurt us, and they were able to get two goals in.”

Tigers fall in first round of districts

YAKIMA — The Ephrata Tigers (10-12) fell in a tough district tournament game against East Valley Wednesday afternoon, going 0-10 against the number one seed. The season is still alive for Ephrata as they continue on the road to Selah High School. “We just didn’t play aggressive softball,” said Tigers Head Coach Lesa Trevino. “We were hesitant at times, especially offensively and against any good team like East Valley, you can’t sit back.”

Mavs prepare for district play after tough end to regular season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys and girls teams finished out the regular season with a tough schedule as they went from the Inland Empire Tournament to three back-to-back meets against competitive league rivals. The Mavs now prepare for the postseason as 12 players head to the district tournament Saturday. “I think they’re feeling well,” said Mavs Head Coach Mark Thompson. “They are looking ahead to districts and what we’re going to do there.”

Basin soccer roundup, April 30 – May 7

MOSES LAKE — District tournament play is well underway for Basin boys soccer. See below how your favorite teams have fared so far.

How predictable monthly costs are reshaping business budgeting

Explore how predictable monthly costs drive efficiency in business budgeting. Uncover strategies to leverage this trend for financial success!

‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Basin Community Theater musical packs an emotional punch

MOSES LAKE — Some stage musicals are grand, brightly-colored affairs, with lots of dancing and flamboyant sets and unbridled joy. “Dear Evan Hansen” is not that kind of musical. “There’s a lot of emotion,” said Basin Community Theatre producer Marion Wyman. “It’s going to make some people shed some tears. In fact, one of our adult cast members at (a rehearsal) sat down and just cried over the emotion he felt during the last song.” “Dear Evan Hansen,” which opens tonight, is loaded with heavy-duty themes: bullying, mental illness, drug abuse and suicide. The story centers around Evan (Kaleb Stanberry), a high school senior who is beset with social anxiety and depression, with a single mother who works too many hours to provide him the support he needs. Evan’s therapist has him writing notes to himself during the day to cope with his problems. Meanwhile Evan’s school bully nemesis Connor (Gus O’Donnell) comes from an outwardly healthy family but turns to drugs to cope with his own depression. When Connor takes his own life, one of Evan’s notes is found in his possession and Evan pretends to have been Connor’s best friend in an attempt to comfort Connor’s parents Larry (Weston Beck) and Cynthis (Amy O’Donnell), and especially Connor’s sister – and Evan’s crush – Zoe (Emma Leavitt). The story is told partly through Evan’s internal monologue and narration by Connor’s ghost, as Evan’s pretense spirals out of control.

Eagles and Huskies compete in final meets of the regular season

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles and the University of Washington Huskies wrapped up the regular season with the teams splitting up to compete at the Desert Heat Classic in Arizona and the OSU High Performance Invite in Oregon. “Championship time is here, and we ended the regular season with a bang,” said Erin Tucker, the Director of Track and Field at EWU.

Students write letters, fight for TRIO program

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake High School students gathered April 30 to make their voices heard. “I’ve grown up in a low-income first-generation household,” Vanguard Academy student Daniel Heeney wrote in a letter to state Rep. Alex Ybarra. “I’ve always wanted to pursue higher education and a career as a veterinarian, but that would not have been possible without TRIO (Upward Bound). Before I joined TRIO UB I lacked things like motivation, knowledge, and leadership. TRIO UB provided me with knowledge and insights that have helped me find and win scholarships making college more affordable.”

Love like this deserves center stage

Dolly Pawton is a one‑year‑old domestic medium hair mix who’s ready to go from shelter life to living her best Jolene‑free dream. This small, black-and-white beauty is already spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so she’s working nine to five on being the purr‑fect companion. She may not sing, but Dolly will absolutely steal your heart – and maybe your favorite sunny spot. Whether she’s striking a pose or keeping it mellow, this girl proves that love is like a butterfly… soft, sweet, and meant to land right at home. So, if you’re looking for a forever friend who’ll make your life brighter than rhinestones on a country‑music jacket, don’t let this Dolly pass you by. Dolly Pawton is waiting to be adopted at Grant County Animal Outreach—and trust us, this is one adoption that won’t give you the blues. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out her application today. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Legals for May, 7 2026

Soap Lake City Council establishes performance-based pay for mayor

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a new performance-based salary range for Mayor Peter Sharp, setting his monthly compensation anywhere between $0 and $600 depending on whether he meets seven specific job requirements.

Huskies 10-run Toppenish to win district play-in

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (9-11) move on in the 2A District 5 tournament after earning a 10-0 win over Toppenish during a windy Wednesday afternoon. With this victory, the Huskies head into a two-game series on the road in Yakima. “I think it went well; everyone had their spirits up and their energy, so it was a good game,” said Huskies senior Maylen Valdez. “Obviously with the weather we had a lot of errors, but we picked up and we did good in the end.” Both teams had a slow start as neither Othello nor Toppenish scored in the first two innings. The Huskies finally got on the board in the bottom of the third as Evony Gomez grounded out and Alizay Pruneda doubled with each scoring a run.

WEATHER: May 7-13

Thursday: Sunny with a high near 81 with south winds to 8 mph. Overnight increasing clouds, low around 51 and southwest winds to 10 mph.

Mail carriers to collect food Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Mail carriers in Moses Lake will collect food for the Moses Lake Food Bank Saturday, part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. “(We’re asking) for a small donation of non-perishable food by your mailbox,” said carrier Michelle Schmidt, who’s coordinating the drive this year for Moses Lake. “And then on Saturday when we’re delivering, we’ll be picking up the food as we go along our route.” Schmidt suggested marking the food donation clearly, so carriers don’t pick up someone’s delivery order from a store. Anyone wanting more information can ask their mail carrier. The drive, put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers the second Saturday in May, has been going on since 1993, according to the NALC’s website.

Fur-real the cutest Chi-wow-wow

Rue, a 9‑month‑old Chihuahua mix is small in size but yappy to please, fully spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to taco ’bout forever with you. Rue is looking for a home where she can burrow into blankets, steal hearts and prove that good things come in small paws. Don’t paws too long – head to Grant County Animal Outreach and adopt Rue before someone else sniffs her up. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out her application. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

Quincy man sentenced in controlled substance homicide

EPHRATA — A Quincy man was sentenced to two years in prison in connection after he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Tuesday. Abraham Florez Velazquez pleaded guilty and was sentenced in connection with the December 2024 death of Ariel Armas Flores, 27, Quincy. “An autopsy concluded Armas died from an overdose of fentanyl that investigators say was furnished by Florez,” said Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, in a media release. In a separate interview, Foreman said that Florez was charged with a controlled substance homicide. Those are cases where the victim dies from using controlled substances furnished by the defendant.

Cause of Mattawa-area fire still under investigation

MATTAWA — The cause of a fire that destroyed a Mattawa-area wine production facility Tuesday is still being determined. “I’d say it’s still under investigation at this time,” said Derek Beach, deputy fire marshal for Grant County, Wednesday. Fire crews were briefly called back to Central Washington Wine Production Group facility and tasting room Wednesday. The fire that destroyed the facility about three miles north of Mattawa was originally reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crews were on the scene for most of Tuesday evening.

Candidates file for Grant, Adams counties races as filing deadline nears

EPHRATA — Election filing week is underway in Grant and Adams counties, with several key races on this year’s ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for the general election. The following candidates filed as of 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Ephrata Middle Schoolers get front-row seat to local democracy

EPHRATA — On Wednesday nights at Ephrata City Hall, it’s not unusual to see a row of eighth-graders quietly filing into the council chambers, agendas in hand. They’re not there for extra credit alone – though that certainly helps. They are there because their teachers want them to see democracy up close, long before they’re old enough to vote. Ephrata Middle School history teachers Katie Johnson and Lindsy Roberts revived the tradition after experiencing it themselves as students.

Scam victim hopes to keep others from falling victim

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake woman lost thousands of dollars to a scammer earlier this week, a story that Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said was all too familiar. “The scammer’s career is based on the fact they’re very, very good at convincing people they’re legitimate,” Foreman said. “The contacts are meant to be convincing.” The victim declined to give her name, but said the scammers had what seemed like legitimate answers to the questions she asked. She was concerned that other people would become victims of the same scam. She also wanted people to know what it took to protect herself after she became aware of the scam.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 5, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on May 2-5. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. May 2 Fernando Gaspar Alvarez, 25, booked for fourth-degree assault and harassment – previous conviction or threats to kill. Francisco Juan Muy-Pacaja, 49, booked for physical control. Kory Golda Field, 33, booked for DUI.

Woo strikes out 9 in 6 scoreless innings as Mariners beat Braves 3-1

SEATTLE (AP) — Bryan Woo tied his season best with nine strikeouts in six scoreless innings, Julio Rodríguez homered, and the Seattle Mariners beat Atlanta 3-1 to hand the Braves their first series loss of the season. Atlanta had won eight consecutive series and was 10-0-1 this season. Woo allowed one hit, walked two and threw a season-high 98 pitches, 66 strikes. Jose A. Ferrer pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save. Cole Young went 3 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI. Jhonny Pereda was 2 for 2. Mike Yastrzemski scored on a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Dominic Smith in the eighth. Braves starter Martín Pérez gave up two runs and five hits and had five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: May 7-14, 2026

MOSES LAKE — College athletes are in the final stretch of their seasons as they battle for new records and championship titles. Check out where your favorite teams will be heading this week.

Cougars earn dominant victory over Goldendale in district tournament

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (13-8) earned a 14-0 victory over Goldendale in the first round of the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference tournament Tuesday afternoon. The Cougars now prepare for Friday’s games to determine their seeding for the 2B District 5 tournament. “It went well, pretty much like I thought it would,” said Cougars Head Coach Randy Wright. “It was a good tune (up) for Friday’s game against Kittitas.” The game started out slow as neither team scored in the first two innings. After holding Goldendale scoreless once again in the top of the third inning, Warden came up with 10 runs in the bottom of the third to claim a steep lead over the opposition.

Potato truck crash closes part of Dodson Road

ROYAL CITY — A potato truck crash was reported to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning on Dodson Road South. The southbound lane of Dodson Road between Road 10SW and Road 11SW reopened about 3 p.m. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, said there were no injuries. “The driver contacted the guard rail and rolled the truck over onto its side, so it lost some potatoes, but the driver is okay,” Foreman said. The GCSO was assisted by the Washington State Patrol, he said earlier Wednesday.

Rusty Mammoth Sale supports museum in a big way

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Rusty Mammoth Sale at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center was, well, mammoth. “We about doubled what we usually bring in for this type of thing,” said Museum Superintendent Dollie Boyd. “We got really close to $6,000, and we’re accustomed to making closer to $3,000. Our friends and supporters really came out to show us some love.” Part of the reason, Boyd said, was that the sale came at the beginning of yard sale season. “The bargain hunters are hungry after a winter of being trapped inside,” she said. “And I think people are seeing what’s going on with city budgeting and want to help any way they can. And if they get to take home some treasures, then all the better.”

‘Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility’

National Wildfire Awareness Month reminds residents to practice preparedness, prevention

SOAP LAKE — A weekend structure fire in Soap Lake is offering an early warning for what fire officials say could become a severe wildfire season across central Washington, as May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month and agencies urge residents to take prevention seriously.

Tooth Fairy visits Moses Lake schools

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake schoolchildren recently got a lesson in dental care from the world’s foremost authority: the Tooth Fairy. “(Presenters) dress up like the Tooth Fairy and come in and explain oral hygiene and read a story to kids,” said Stephanie Bannon, the school nurse at Sage Point and Peninsula elementary schools. “They provide oral hygiene kits for all the students kindergarten through second grade.” The program, called “The Tooth Fairy Experience,” is a service of Delta Dental to improve children’s dental health, according to an announcement from Delta. The kits included a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and a two-minute timer to help children remember how long to brush for, according to the announcement.

Pygmy rabbit

The pygmy rabbit, found in the Columbia Basin, is listed as an endangered species in both Washington and the United States.

SENIOR EVENTS: May 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is gorgeous, so there’s no excuse for not getting out and enjoying everything the Basin has to offer. Here are some possibilities. May 7 Ladies Night Out – Mother’s Day Edition This special evening is all about bringing the community together for a fun night downtown featuring exclusive specials, local shopping, and unique experiences hosted by participating businesses and vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on Mother’s Day, whether you’re shopping for the moms in your life or simply enjoying a well-deserved night out. No charge. Sponsored by Downtown Moses Lake Association. 5-8 p.m. at 205 S. Division St., Moses Lake. Info: downtownmoseslake.org.

Color me diva-licious

This pint‑size Diva is ready to PAW‑ty her way into your heart. At just five months old, this cream‑blond chihuahua mix is fur‑bulous, fully spayed, vaccinated, microchipped – and absolutely ready to brush up on her forever home. Add a little color, a little sass, and a whole lot of puppy love to your life. Adopt Diva from Grant County Animal Outreach and let your world go from black‑and‑white to PAW‑some. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to fill out her application. Send your completed coloring pages to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an issue of the paper. This spot is sponsored by Hot Springs Spa & Leisure. To sponsor the Pet of the Day, call Jeannie at 509-765-4561.

New tech lets home carers and hospice providers communicate better, more safely

WENATCHEE — Anyone who’s ever had to deal with communication between medical providers, home caregivers and Medicare or insurance knows the frustration of trying to get everybody on the same page. A new system debuted by Confluence Health is expected to make those connections easier and safer. “Suppose a patient fell and (injured themselves) and they go in for (treatment),” said Adam MacDonald, corporate communications program manager for Confluence Health. “This is going to make it so their home health and hospice nurses are looking at the exact same record.” Dorothy, for home health care patients, and Comfort, for hospice patients, are both made by the same company that operates MyChart, which many medical providers use for communication between patients, providers and Medicare. Both systems integrate with MyChart.

Legals for May, 6 2026

Huskies victorious in first round of districts

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (18-3) came out victorious over the number four seeded Selah in the first round of the District 5 2A tournament Tuesday afternoon. With their 9-2 victory, the number one-seeded Huskies get to host their opponents once again Saturday. “Down 2-0 in the first four innings, came back, nine runs at the end of the game. That’s what the best team in the state does,” said Ryan Martinez from the Huskies. The Huskies had a slower start during Tuesday’s game as Selah put up two runs in the top of the first inning. Othello stayed persistent throughout the next four innings but was unable to score any runs.

Knights advance to districts quarterfinals

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (12-2-1) earned a swift win over the Oroville Hornets 6-0 Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the 1A district tournament. Though the win is great, Head Coach Jens Jensen felt the team could have been sharper. “Obviously we win, and that's great,” Jensen said. “Honestly, we didn't look like ourselves for large stretches. You have to maintain your level (of play). When you have a team that's just going to pack 10 guys in front of the ball, right down the center, and swarm the ball, then you have to move the ball quickly, and we've got to use the width (of the field) and try to spread them out... and it took us a little while to get that sorted out.”

WEATHER: May 6-12

Wednesday: Increasing clouds, high near 88 with variable winds, gusts to 22 miles per hour. Partly cloudy overnight, west winds to 14 mph and gusts to 26 mph, low about 52.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 5, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on May 2 through 5. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Ephrata Police Department Logs for April 27-May 4

The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Locations are not listed in the records. April 27 26EP1090: 700 block Hilltop Drive SE. 6:37 a.m. A resident reported a person trespassing and causing a disturbance and requested the individual be formally trespassed. 26EP1092: 1100 block Basin Street SW, Moses Lake. 11:43 a.m. A dispute occurred after a man was seen littering and refusing to clean it up. Officers found no crime, and the litter was removed.

Changes in financial procedures recommended for Lind after state audit

LIND — The town of Lind lost a substantial amount of its financial transaction records for 2022-25, a situation the Washington State Auditor’s Office attributed to a computer failure. However, the WSAO also recommended that town officials revise some of its financial transaction processes.

Othello SD classes dismissed early Friday to accommodate memorial service

OTHELLO — Classes at Othello High School and McFarland Middle School will be dismissed at 11 a.m. Friday to allow the OHS gym to be used during the afternoon for a community service for three students who were killed in a collision April 25.

Ephrata youth violence town hall today

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District is inviting parents and guardians to a youth safety town hall tonight to address fast‑changing risks facing local students, including online exploitation and gang involvement. The Youth Violence Prevention Town Hall is set for May 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. The adults‑only event is free and will be livestreamed on the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Child care will be provided. District Communications Director Sarah Morford said the meeting expands on last year’s gang awareness event. “This town hall is focused on preventing youth violence and specifically sextortion, online safety and gang awareness,” she said.

Grant County hosts household hazardous waste collection events

MOSES LAKE — Grant County Public Works is hosting two household hazardous waste collection events this weekend. The first will be taking place May 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Lauzier Field in Quincy and the second is May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grant County Road District Shop in Moses Lake.

Adams County election filing open until Friday

RITZVILLE — Adams County opened its 2026 candidate filing period Monday, giving residents five days to declare their campaigns for a wide slate of federal, state and county offices.

Adams Co. election candidates to date

RITZVILLE — Election filing week is underway in Adams County, with several key races on the ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for candidacy in the general election. The following candidates have filed for their respective races as of noon May 5.

Grant Co. candidates that have filed so far

EPHRATA — Election filing week is underway in Grant County and there are several key races on the ballot. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file for candidacy for any of the general election races. These candidates have filed for their respective races as of 12 p.m. May 5.

Jill Allred signs to Vikings softball

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights’ Jill Allred has signed her letter of intent Tuesday to play softball at Big Bend Community College this fall. “I'm so proud of myself for getting to this point, and I'm so thankful for all the coaches and teammates that have been by my side throughout my whole career. I'm super thankful,” Allred said.

Central Washington Wine Production Group facility fire contained

MATTAWA — A commercial structure fire was reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 22000 block of State Route 243. Grant County Fire District 8 responded to the call within a matter of minutes and saw smoke pouring out all four sides of the building, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. GCFD 8 called for mutual aid with Grant County Fire District 3, Royal Slope Fire and EMS and Hanford Fire Department responding to the call.

ACH claims victories on the road over Lions

MOSES LAKE — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (12-6) earned two victories over the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (4-13) Monday afternoon. This game marked a key learning experience for both teams as they prepare for the league tournament this weekend. “I think we did really good today,” said ACH junior Madison Brink. “Our pitchers were really good, our hitting was really good. Overall, I think we did a really good job today.” The Warriors got off to a strong start in game one as they went up eight runs in the top of the first inning. The Lions worked to close the gap as they put up three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Basin diamond roundup, April 28 – May 5

MOSES LAKE — The regular season for baseball and softball has now concluded, with many teams gearing up for district tournament play. See below how your favorite teams fared last week and their final record.

David Nicholson

April 1, 1944 – Nov. 11, 2025

David Ross Nicholson, 81, of Vancouver, Washington, died on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, in Vancouver from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born on April 1, 1944, in Gooding, Idaho, to Clifford and Ruth Nicholson. There, he attended school and graduated from Gooding High School in 1963. In 1965, he entered the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a field radio repairman before receiving an honorable discharge in 1968. Following his military service, David worked as an electrician, primarily in the irrigation industry, until his retirement in 2005. He was also an active amateur radio operator (ham), known by his call sign N7OFW. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Ruth, his brothers Roger and Neal and his sister, Wanda.

Herman Ward Raap

Nov. 27, 1944 – May 3, 2026

Herman Ward Raap passed away on the morning of May 3 in the comfort of his home. He was 81 years old. Ward was born on Nov. 27, 1944, at home in Ellensburg, the second child of Gus and Marge Raap. He attended the Denmark School, Kittitas Elementary School, Ellensburg Junior High and Ellensburg High School, graduating in 1963. Ward had military training at Fort Ord, California and served six years in the Army reserves as a cook; he was an accurate shot with a rifle. He married his high school sweetheart Barbara (Bender) Raap on Jan. 16, 1965. Ward was raised on a farm in Kittitas County and farmed most of his life in Grant County. Ward farmed on the Royal Slope with his dad and then on the Frenchman Hills, and finally purchased land near the Columbia Gorge in 1983 and farmed with his second son Randy until his retirement in 2019. Besides spending time tinkering in his shop, Ward loved to dance; he and Barbara spent many years dancing at the George Community Hall and other venues throughout their 61-year marriage. Ward enjoyed retirement and relaxing in his backyard watching wildlife.

Mariners rally from 4 down to beat Braves 5-4

SEATTLE (AP) — J.P. Crawford hit a go-ahead homer to cap a five-run sixth inning and the Seattle Mariners rallied from four down to defeat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Monday night. Luke Raley launched a three-run shot in the sixth and Josh Naylor had two hits as Seattle snapped Atlanta's four-game winning streak. Crawford connected for a two-run drive off reliever Tyler Kinley, and the Mariners overcame four solo homers by the major league-leading Braves (25-11).

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How real estate loans can help you finally become an investor in 2026

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With hearts, hard work and hugs: Ephrata’s Rodriguez prepares to celebrate graduation

EPHRATA — When Bertha Rodriguez talks about graduation, the excitement bubbles over quickly. There’s a party planned, favorite foods on the menu, family in the stands – and, of course, a dress waiting to be worn.

Candidate filing open in Grant County

EPHRATA — Candidate filing week is underway in Grant County, opening a five-day window for residents to officially declare their candidacy for local offices on the 2026 ballot — including several high‑profile races that will be wide open. Online and in‑person filing began Monday at 8 a.m. and will close sharply at 5 p.m. Friday, according to the Grant County Elections Division. Candidates may also file by mail, though mailed declarations could not be accepted before April 20.

BBCC eyes budget and spring enrollment

MOSES LAKE — During Big Bend Community College’s April 30 board meeting the college President, Sarah Thompson Tweedy, shared the counts for spring enrollment and Full Time Enrollment numbers for Spring of 2026 along with updates on where the budget sits. “We still have some work to do in terms of systematically going through our expenses and seeing how much of the requests that we have before us, how many of those we can put off,” said Thompson Tweedy. “There’s the opportunity to close that gap by reducing our expenses, but the challenge is, we’ve also had some expenses go up.” As of April 15, 2026 the spring quarter head count was up nearly 18% from 2025, but total FTE’s and state-funded FTEs were down 6.9% and 11.6% respectively, according to the board agenda.

7 Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence by OSPI

OLYMPIA — Seven Columbia Basin schools have been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for outstanding progress in student growth and closing achievement gaps during the 2024-25 school year. The honors are part of the Washington School Recognition Program, which this year identified 379 schools statewide, about 16% of all public schools, for exceptional performance in one or more categories: Growth, Closing Gaps or Achievement.

Washington reaches record-high fuel prices

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices in Washington hit a record high Monday at an average of $5.67. The previous record was set in 2022 at $5.56, according to AAA. Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said there were sharp increases across the nation this week for both gasoline and diesel. He cited refinery outages and ongoing conflict in the Middle East as potential causes. “With so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term,” De Haan said in a statement.

GCAO cat room open again after outbreak

MOSES LAKE — The cat room is reopened at Grant County Animal Outreach, and the shelter could use a little help.

Legals for May, 5 2026

WEATHER: May 5-11

Tuesday: Sunny, high near 81 and northeast winds 10 to 14 miles per hour, gusts to 26 mph. Mostly clear, with a low around 53 and northeast winds to 9 mph, gusts as high as 20 mph.

Trump’s new conditions on DEI, immigration could cut off states’ wildfire funding

A new effort to force states to affirm the Trump administration’s views on DEI, transgender athletes and immigration when signing contracts with the U.S. Forest Service is threatening millions of dollars in wildfire grant funding and fire reduction projects on federal lands.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs for April 29 to May 1

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Location is not provided for all incidents. April 29 26GS04601: 7:27 a.m. An administrative case was documented by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. 26GS04602: 8:44 a.m. Deputies assisted another agency on a medical call, but law enforcement was later advised they were no longer needed. 26GS04603: 8:51 a.m. A traffic accident was reported involving a tractor and a pedestrian.

WA Supreme Court blocks bid to put state income tax before voters

(The Center Square) - An appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court to allow a referendum effort on the new income tax law to proceed was denied on Monday.

Ryan Leaf to speak in Moses Lake on substance abuse recovery

MOSES LAKE — Former Washington State University quarterback and NFL player Ryan Leaf is coming to Moses Lake to speak on his journey through sports at a community event hosted by Grant County Community Court. The title of this event is called Ryan Leaf: The Road to Recovery and Redemption.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 2, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 30, May 1 and 2. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Trevino: Tigers ‘Can compete with anyone’ despite Ellensburg sweep

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers (10-11) concluded their regular season on the road Saturday after dropping back-to-back games to the Ellensburg Bulldogs. Despite the loss, Tigers Head Coach Lesa Trevino said her team's adjustments from game one to game two showed how competitive they really are. “The second game showed that we can compete with anyone when we decide to play our game. It just comes down to eliminating mistakes and continuing to attack,” Trevino said. “I feel like when we are a little bit more reserved, that's when games kind of get out of control. But when, when we're locked in, and the girls are doing their thing, they can compete with anyone.”

Huskies best Tigers in OT

Othello moves on to second round of districts

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (11-5) extended their postseason push after earning a close 2-1 victory in overtime against the Ephrata Tigers (7-10) in the first round of the 2A district tournament. The game winning goal came in second overtime when Othello sophomore Samuel Marroquin knocked the ball into the back of the net. “It was a tough game, Ephrata is definitely a tough opponent, but I feel like we had prepared well for the week,” said Marroquin. “We definitely had a good game plan and we just gave everything. We knew if this was our last game we were going to go out with a bang.” The game was a tight battle from the very beginning as the Tigers and Huskies battled under the hot sun. Othello scored in the first half and maintained their lead in throughout, going into halftime 1-0.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: May 4-11, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The postseason has begun for high school athletes in our area with teams gearing up to compete against the best of the best. Check out where our local teams are heading this week.

Huskies best Toppenish in senior night doubleheader

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (8-11) had an exciting end to the regular season Friday where they earned a pair of victories over Toppenish during their senior night. The Huskies were dominant in both their matchups, winning 6-0 in the first game and 13-3 in the second. “I know it definitely felt a little rocky. We always start off kind of rough, but then toward the end of the game we’re always strong and hype each other up,” said Huskies senior Alizay Pruneda. In game one, the Huskies went up three in the bottom of the first with a double by Alizay Pruneda, a dropped third strike and a double by Jena DeLeon. Othello extended their lead in the bottom of the third when Alexa Prochet stole home.

Othello man pleads not guilty to vehicular homicide charges

RITZVILLE — An Othello man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a collision that killed three 15-year-old girls last week. Presiliano Perez-Pineda, 19, entered a not guilty plea at an Adams County Superior Court Monday morning. He is being held on $1 million bail. The trial was set for June 16, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 8. Perez-Pineda also was charged with leaving the scene of a collision. The charges stem from the collision about noon on April 26 on West Bench Road about one mile south of Othello.

Robert Dale Petty

April 24, 1940 – April 25, 2026

Robert Dale Petty (Grandpa Bob), 86, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, just one day after celebrating his birthday. He spent the last 20 years of his life in Moses Lake, Washington. Bob was born on April 24, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. He worked his whole career in sales in California. After he retired he worked many years selling the local newspaper and then selling cars in Moses Lake. Throughout his life, he was known as a hard worker, devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Bob will be remembered for his love, strength, kindness and humor. His memory will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Luxury ground transportation: An alternative to private air charters

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Hot stuff

Pride meets taste buds at Greenpoint chili cookoff

MOSES LAKE — Greenpoint Technologies engineer Gary Neu walked away with $100 and some serious bragging rights at the company’s annual chili cookoff April 27. “My reliable meat pimps at Ernie’s (Quality Meats and Wine) came through for me again,” Neu said. His chili wasn’t very spicy, he said, just traditional. “Just a good, solid, basic chili,” he said. “I’ve learned through the competitions that you have to cater to a very neutral element … If it even looks hot (people) will run and hide. There’s bell peppers in there, so it’s got a good color, but it doesn’t really have much heat.” Greenpoint, a company that does custom interiors for private planes, has held chili cookoffs for its employees for years, but this is only the fourth year that the company has invited judges from outside the company. This year’s judges were all from the Port of Moses Lake: Executive Director Dan Roach, Facility Director Milt Miller, Airport Director Rich Mueller, Executive Assistant Bonnie Peterson and Commissioner Darrin Jackson.

Therapy dog program becomes a student‑led legacy at Vanguard Academy

MOSES LAKE — What began as a freshman’s idea to bring comfort animals into Vanguard Academy has grown into a multiyear therapy dog program and a defining high school experience for senior Daniel Heeney.

CB Job Corps to hold open house Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Job Corps Center will hold an open house Wednesday, to show prospective students and their community what the program has to offer. “We’ll have all our training programs on display,” said Community Liaison Susan Mann. “We … have our construction trades – carpenters, plasterers, cement masons and painters – and computer networking, office administration, culinary arts.” Each program will have an interactive display to let attendees see what the program is all about.

Saturday fire damages Soap Lake residence

SOAP LAKE — Firefighters check equipment at the scene of a house fire in Soap Lake early Saturday afternoon.

Legals for May, 4 2026

WEATHER: May 4-9

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 87 and north winds to 11 miles per hour, gusts near 21 mph. Overnight mostly clear, low around 55. Northwest winds to 10 mph, gusts near 21 mph.

Grant County Jail Roster for May 2, 2026

This list shows current inmates from the Grant County law enforcement agencies who were arrested on April 30, May 1 and 2. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail.

Hermiston man sentenced in 2022 murder of Moses Lake woman

EPHRATA — A Hermiston, Oregon man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison following his guilty plea in the March 2022 murder of a Moses Lake woman.

Delays anticipated at Othello intersection as roundabout construction begins

OTHELLO — Construction begins Monday on a new roundabout near Othello, which will mean the start of flagger-controlled traffic at the intersection of State Route 17 and West Cunningham Road.

Concerns about cost, timing, trust raised during Ephrata post-bond survey

EPHRATA — Ephrata School District leaders say the results of a new community and staff survey make clear that the next school bond — whenever it comes — must look very different from the proposal voters rejected in February.

Mavericks host Big 9 meet

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks hosted the second Columbia Basin Big 9 league meet Thursday which saw them compete against Davis, Sunnyside and Wenatchee. Head Coach Mark Ward was pleased with his team’s effort.

House fire closes section of Daisy Street North in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Drivers should avoid the area of Daisy Street North and First Avenue Northeast in Soap Lake due to a fire that caused heavy damage to a residence late Saturday morning.

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Mavs split with West Valley, tied for first in Big 9

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (13-2) split their doubleheader against West Valley Friday 0-4 and 10-4 on senior night, setting up a tight race for first place in the Big 9 conference. “Obviously a sweep would have been great, but Ainsley (Johnson, West Valley) is a great pitcher, and she was definitely on her game,” Head Coach Mike Hofheins said.

Huskies victorious on senior night

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies boys (12-4) and girls (16-0) tennis teams secured victories on senior night. The Huskies boys secured a 3-2 victory and the girls 4-1 to add onto their undefeated season and secured a league championship. “I’m so proud of my girls,” said Huskies Girls Coach Priscilla Tovar. “We’ve been talking from the beginning; the team goal was to be league champs again. I’m just so proud of them showing up every day.”

How to plan a room refresh that feels intentional and cohesive

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Bourbon & Bowties

Samaritan raises money to bring doctors to the Basin

MOSES LAKE — The fourth annual Bourbon & Bowties fundraiser raised more than $350,000 April 24 to bring more doctors to Samaritan Healthcare. “The population in our hospital district is large enough that we’re about 22 primary care physicians short,” said Roberta Bigalk, executive director of the Samaritan Foundation. The solution Samaritan is working on, Bigalk said, is a partnership with the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University to bring physicians to the Columbia Basin to do their residency. Starting in 2029, Samaritan hopes to bring four or five new resident doctors a year. “The hope is that they come here with their families,” Bigalk said. “They spend three to four years, and they want to stay here because they love the rural community.”

Retiring Samaritan CEO recognized at last board meeting

MOSES LAKE — The recognition of Samaritan Healthcare commissioners didn’t go as Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan thought it would. What Sullivan thought would be recognition of the commissioners also was recognition for her.

Soap Lake Library teaches young gardeners how to help native bees thrive

SOAP LAKE — Families visited the Soap Lake Library this week for an Earth Day program that turned tin cans, bamboo stems and paper tubes into “bee hotels” — small, handmade shelters designed to support the region’s solitary native bees.

BASIN EVENTS: May 1-9

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and it's time to get out in the sunshine. Music, sales and celebrations galore await you this week.

Reader art

Jessie Ervin sent in these colored pictures of Vault, the Columbia Basin Herald’s April 22 Pet of the Day, colored by her daughter Ashlynn, 11, and a neighbor, 10-year-old Odette. Thank you, Ashlynn and Odette!

Hayden unveils Give as you Go community support program

REDMOND, Ore. — Hayden Homes, the Oregon-based builder behind more than a dozen Moses Lake housing developments, announced recently that it is pledging $25 million in charitable giving over the next four years through its Give as you Go initiative. “It always kind of bothered me when my friends’ companies would be like ‘Hey, it’s Christmas, so we should give back,’” said Hayden Homes CEO Dennis Murphy. “And as silly as it sounds, the thing in my head was, ‘Why’d you take so much in the first place?’ If you have to stop and give back, doesn’t it make more sense to just not take as much and give as you go?”

‘Show up’

Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust

WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.

Legals for May, 1 2026