COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Bakery expands step-by-step in pandemic
Janice Baginski started her business by taking custom orders and, in just more than a year, expanded to a part-t...
Report details effects of COVID-19 pandemic on Adams County economy
While the COVID-19 outbreak damaged Adams County’s economy, the impact wasn’t as great as in some other parts of the state, according to preliminary information released by the Washington Department of Employment...
Face coverings, social distancing still vital in Phase 2
While the state has moved into Phase 2 of the reopening plan, the importance of following social distancing and safety guidelines for COVID-19 are still impo...
Stay-at-home Valentine's: Moses Lake Mom throws at-home elementary school party
On the long list of events slashed in the name of COVID-19 were many elementary school Valentine’s Day parties.
MLSD to reach out to struggling students
The Moses Lake School District is preparing to provide more help to middle and high school students who are falling behind in their studies as a result of nearly a year, in one form or another, of online classes.
Othello business owners glad to get to Phase 2
Traditionally, the Pizza Factory is closed Monday, but manager Alfred Voorhies was in the shop, getting ready for Tuesday.
Basin business owners, community members discuss moving to Phase 2
Business owners and community members began adjusting Monday to opportunities available since Washington state transitioned into Phase 2.
Grant, Adams counties moving to Phase 2 opens possibility for competition for high school athletes
The moves of North Central and Eastern Washington Regions to Phase 2 of the state’s reopening process provide hope for the return of athletic competition sch...
Steady flow of customers at local restaurants as second phase of reopening begins
Business looked brisk, at least as brisk as it could be, at local restaurants for lunch Sunday, after Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday Grant and Adams counties would move to the second phase of the state’s reop...
Biden: Governors, mayors need $350 billion to fight COVID-19
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met with a bipartisan group of governors and mayors at the White House on Friday as part of his push to give financial relief from the coronavirus pandemic to state and local...
Bill would allow continuity of operations for county offices amid public crises
HB 1271 would ensure that county offices can continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and other future public health crises.
Bill to supply federal aid for Washingtonians moves to governor’s desk
Legislation that would provide Washingtonians $2.2 billion worth of federal funding passed the Senate floor Wednesday in a 47-2 vote. The bill now heads to t...
Local business, government leaders welcome news of move to Phase 2
Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement Thursday Grant and Adams counties would move to Phase 2 of his Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan was good news to local business and government leaders.
NCW Libraries launches live bilingual story time
With library doors shut, NCW Libraries on Wednesday launched a live storybook time series for children and parents. The series will be bilingual: in Spanish on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., and in English on Thursday at...
Valentine's Day celebration at Moses Lake Senior Center
The Moses Lake Senior Center will have a drive-up celebration for Valentine’s Day from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday at the senior center, 608 East Third Ave.
Commentary: Governor’s plan leaves rural Washington behind
Governor Inslee’s announcement to allow two regions on the west side of the state to reopen on Feb. 1 is utterly ridiculous.