Oliver’s first council meeting, several resolutions passed

EPHRATA — Mayor Steve Oliver led his first Ephrata City Council meeting Wednesday night, with council passing several resolutions regarding tourism funding, vactor truck enclosure project and amending the grant application for A Street.

MLSD saw challenges, achievements in 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District experienced a challenging year in 2025, marked by financial struggles, labor disputes and notable academic accomplishments. The district's resilience was on full display as it navigated a series of challenges while also fostering pockets of success throughout the academic year, Superintendent Carol Lewis said.

Vikings fall short despite second half rally

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (8-9) fell short at home to the Treasure Valley Chukars 77-88. Head Coach Jason Hopkins was humble in defeat.

Legals for January, 13 2026

BASIN EVENTS: Jan. 9-17, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the holidays safely in our rear-view mirror, the calendar in the Basin isn’t as crowded as it was a few months ago. Still, there are plenty of things to get out and enjoy for those who want to. Here are a few possibilities.

LETTER: We're better for Mike’s presence...

Sunday, December 28,,2025, our community lost an incredible icon. Mike Hamilton’s impact on our community and those who reside here is immeasurable. As a very young man, Mike started his restaurant career buying the old A&W and from there it blossomed into Michael’s on the Lake, Rock Top and Michael’s Bistro. All three of these restaurants are institutions in the development and attraction of Moses Lake.

Legals for January, 15 2026

Metalwork exhibit opens Jan. 15 at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host Ferrous, a group exhibition of 15 innovative contemporary artists who transform iron into evocative works of art. The opening events will be held Jan. 15, beginning with a curator's talk by Renee Adams from 4-5 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 117. Adams is an alum of the CWU Department of Art + Design (MFA, 1999), as well as a local sculptor and blacksmith. A reception will be held in the gallery (Randall Hall, room 141) directly following the talk, from 5-7 p.m.

Legals for January, 12 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 13-19, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 13-19, 2026

Diana Spofford

August 18, 1952 – December 27, 2025

Diana Lynne Spofford went home to serve our Lord in the early morning of Dec. 27. She was born Diana Lynne Stone on Aug. 18, 1952, in Charleston, West Virginia to Ronald and Oreeda (McGraw) Stone. Diana passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025, at home in Soap Lake, Washington, surrounded by her family. In the early ’50s Diana’s family moved from West Virginia to the Leavenworth, Washington area. She was the oldest of six siblings growing up in Leavenworth, Washington where she spent many years working in agriculture, particularly in the apple orchards. This orchard experience benefited Diana in later life where she managed various orchards and owned an orchard in the Quincy and Mattawa areas.

Basin health care 2025 review

New facilities, expanded services, election challenges seen over the course of last year

MOSES LAKE — A new hospital opened in Quincy; construction was mostly completed on the new Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Columbia Basin Hospital voters rejected a request for a construction bond. Columbia Basin health care organizations experienced ups and downs in 2025.

Maria E. Jalomo

1939 – 2026

Maria E. Jalomo was born on November 29, 1939, in Crystal City, Texas. She passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026.

WEATHER: Jan. 14-20, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 14-20, 2026

Mavs fall in close meet against Eisenhower

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks boys wrestling team took a loss at home Wednesday against Eisenhower. The competition was close, but Moses Lake came just short with the final team score being 42-32. “I knew this match was going to be very tough for us, Eisenhower’s a tough team and I’ve been watching them throughout the beginning of the season,” said Mavs Head Coach Jose Tanguma. “I knew that today was going to be for the league title.”

Home prices up locally, down statewide

KIRKLAND — The real estate market in December continued the pattern set in October and November, according to data released this week by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which tracks real estate trends in 27 of Washington’s 39 counties. Active listings were up across Washington compared to December 2024, while prices declined slightly.

Cougars defend home court, beat Spartans 61-50

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (6-5) snapped a three-game rut by defeating the Granger Spartans 61-50 Friday. Head Coach Brent Erdmann said his players fought hard to get back in the win column. “They've been battling all year. Any win is a good win for us right now. We had a pretty rough run for a little bit, to actually come back and get a (win) for these guys, we'll take it,” Erdmann said.

Handbell choir keeps up ringing tradition at Othello church

OTHELLO — It’s difficult enough for a director to keep musicians in line when they’re all playing at the same time. But when members take turns with just one or two notes each, well, then it gets complicated.

Knights win third straight home game

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (9-1) won their third straight game Saturday, defeating the Kiona-Benton Bears 90-42. Head Coach Tim Ravet said his players did a good job executing the defensive game plan. “When we don't reach and just stay sound on defense, keep things in front of us and get deflections. We're pretty solid on defense. It's when we get out over our skis and reach and lunge when we get beat, but we're trying to do a better job of that, so hopefully that'll start to carry over into big games,” Ravet said.

Legals for January, 14 2026