Stories
Jacks 5th grade basketball team earns third in state
QUINCY — The Quincy Jackrabbits fifth-grade team finished third in the state tournament in Spokane to conclude their basketball season. The young team worked hard since October, and those efforts were rewarded as they finished as one of the top three teams in the state.
Patriotism and luck showcased at Moses Lake Business Expo
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo drew between 1,100 and 1,200 people Tuesday, Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez estimated.
Grant County detective honored by Girl Scouts
MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Detective Katrina Ball was recognized March 7 as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. It was an unexpected honor, she said.
Hansen overpass rebuild estimated to cost $15-17 million
MOSES LAKE — While a final cost hasn’t been determined, the new overpass at Hansen Road west of Moses Lake will cost an estimated $15 to $17 million. Chris Keifenheim, director for the Washington Department of Transportation, North Central Region, said Wednesday that demolition should start in June or early July.
‘I’d take 100 of him’
Mason Bradford signs letter of intent to Whitworth golf
MOSES LAKE — Mason Bradford of the Moses Lake Mavericks golf team signed his letter of intent to Whitworth University to continue playing golf at the next level Thursday afternoon. “The last four years (I've been) looking forward to going somewhere and continuing with golf and just blessed to be able to play at the next level and play the game I love,” Bradford said.
BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 20-27, 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty to do this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are some possibilities.
Kit home bill would pave the way for small DIY housing
OLYMPIA — A bill passed in the Washington Legislature and signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson this year could mean some new options for housing in the state in the future, said the bill’s primary sponsor, state Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview. “When you’ve got a $600,000 beat-up starter home someplace around Seattle, what about a simplified but modernized version of a kit home from the old days?” Wilson said. “We need all choices on the menu for housing options, except living in a blue tarp on the street.”
BBCC awards tenure to 4 faculty
MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College awarded tenure to four faculty members during the March 19 board meeting. Cade Levine, Melissa Heaps, Mitchell Valdivia and Justin Henley were all on their third probationary year and, after consideration from the board, were given tenure.
Soap Lake council tables tourism committee plan, debates planning services
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council approved several administrative resolutions Wednesday but postponed decisions on tourism funding and planning services after an hours‑long discussion over staffing, contracts and oversight.
More inventory, lower interest make buying more appealing in Washington
MOSES LAKE — Housing inventory is up in Washington state and interest rates are down, making buying a home easier than it was a year ago, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties.
February building permits: Ephrata, Quincy, Mattawa
February building permits: Ephrata, Quincy, Mattawa
WEATHER: March 20-26, 2026
Friday: A 2% chance of rain after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a SW wind 10-20 mph. Mostly cloudy evening, with a low around 41. West wind 13-16 mph.
