Local News
Need more information regarding today's local news? Here, we'll keep you up to date on everything happening in the Columbia Basin today.
Ephrata Council expedites approval of kratom ban, raises concerns from local retailer
EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council voted 6-1 Wednesday night to ban the sale, distribution and advertising of krat…
Big shoes to fill in Tigers softball
EPHRATA – With the recent retirement of Ephrata softball head coach Heather Wood, the program will have to look for a new head coach for the first time since 2…
Nesmith wins state championship at veterans golf tournament
MOSES LAKE – On Sunday, Nick Nesmith, Moses Lake, competed in the Veteran Golfers Association’s state championship and won to qualify for the West Region Champ…
Ephrata mayoral candidates debate issues
EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral candidates came to the Columbia Basin Herald office Monday to talk about their positions on the issues. Incumbent Bruce Reim and oppo…
Ephrata summer school keeps students learning
EPHRATA — As the summer season wraps up, 190 students in the Ephrata School District are proving learning doesn't cease when the school year ends. The district…
Grant PUD donation program gets new name
EPHRATA — Because it’s used year-round, the Grant County Public Utility District has renamed its donation program. “Share the Warmth” is now “Share the Light.”…
ACPR is seeing orange
OTHELLO – Let orange become your new favorite color as four domestic short-haired red tabby kittens are available for adoption at Adams County Pet Rescue. Stra…
Grand opening of Royal City Public Library fills the house
ROYAL CITY — The new Royal City Public Library filled the house during its grand opening July 12. Susan Piercy, president of the Friends of the Royal City Libr…
Ephrata Parks and Rec Summer activities
EPHRATA – Parks and Recreation in Ephrata is hosting a variety of events throughout the rest of the summer that are open to anyone who wants to attend. “A …
Community lends support to family following boat fire
LAKE ROOSEVELT — A severe boat fire has left the Marchand family grappling with challenges after a gas explosion resulted in serious burns to multiple family m…
Sixers 14U come up short in Sunday action
ELLENSBURG – On Sunday, the Central Washington Sixers 14U baseball team were defeated in the championship round of the Clash of Kittitas tournament. They fell …
ACH American Legion 18U ready for playoffs
COULEE CITY – The ACH American Legion 18U baseball team concluded a successful weekend of competition. Across two doubleheaders and a single game on Sunday, Am…
Mattawa library expands hours, looking for new librarian
MATTAWA — Hours of operation have been extended at the Mattawa Public Library. Amanda Brack, communications and engagement manager for NCW Libraries, said the …
NEWS BITES: July 16, 2025
NEWS BITES: July 16, 2025
Columbia Basin Railroad may be in process of sale
WARDEN — The Columbia Basin Railroad may be in the process of being sold. In a request filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board, Jaguar Transport Ho…
Purple Party to kick off Alzheimer’s fundraiser Thursday
MOSES LAKE — Purple will be the color to wear Thursday. “(The Purple Party) is a really great kickoff for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Terri…