Northwest power planners challenged by increasing demand of data centers

(The Center Square) – With energy-intensive artificial intelligence, or AI, consuming more electricity than traditional data-center activities, reliability of the electrical grid should be the top priority, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Mattawa man cited for hit and run after damaging power pole

MATTAWA — A Mattawa man was cited for hit and run after he hit a power pole near Mattawa early Tuesday morning.

Washington bill clarifies facility siting for 'Holy Grail' of energy

(The Center Square) – A Washington bill pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session would add fusion energy centers as among facilities that can receive site certification by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. Sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oak Harbor, House Bill 1018 would add “fusion energy facilities” among those to obtain certification through EFSEC, though the bill states the site “must also secure required licenses and registrations, or equivalent authorizations, for radiation control purposes from designated state or federal agencies.” The state Department of Commerce describes fusion as the “Holy Grail of the energy industry. With just a few grams of exotic substances, it is possible to produce enough energy for one person for 60 years.”

Replacing electrical system components requires care

MOSES LAKE — It didn’t end well for that power pole – that tends to happen when they get hit by a vehicle. Sometimes it’s a relatively minor incident, like the pole on Gumwood Street in Moses Lake that lost a four-foot section to a garbage truck Dec. 27. Sometimes it’s more serious, like the one on Road 26 Southwest that took out a distribution pole and cut power to about 1,020 customers Dec. 31. Or the lines that went down southwest of Quincy Dec. 26.

Home solar can trim bills, but research before installing

EPHRATA — With the cost of everything going up, some homeowners want to embrace self-sufficiency in energy by mounting solar panels on their roofs to generate power. And considering the Basin’s abundant sunshine, that seems like a great solution for this area. “We do encourage customers to go into their solar investment fully educated with clear expectations,” said Chris Buchmann, energy programs supervisor for the Grant Public Utility District.

Mavericks take down Panthers

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake’s girls wrestling team improved to 4-0 in the Columbia Basin Big 9 league standings with Thursday night’s defeat of Wenatchee, taking down the Panthers with a 59-6 win in the dual. “I thought the team felt really good,” Head Coach David Peralez said. “It’s one of our last home duals before the end of the season, so we’re trying to clean up everything that we need to in order to get ready for districts, and it’s one of your last few times to represent Moses Lake here in front of the home crowd.”

House Democrats push 11% firearm, ammo excise tax as $10B to $16B shortfall looms

(The Center Square) – As Washington state grapples with an operating budget shortfall upwards of $16 billion through 2029, House Democrats are proposing a tax on firearms and ammunition to take the total combined rate as high as 33%.

LETTER: The battle for our children

“Men are cast-iron, but children are wax” - Horace Mann We will be voting for the Moses Lake School District levy soon. After attending school board meetings for the past five years and talking personally with board members and our new Superintendent, I am convinced that we have a winning team.

Three-point shooting carries Eagles to first Big Sky win

CHENEY — Home court was just what Eastern Washington needed to get back on track in the Big Sky.

Senior events calendar for January 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is dreary, but that’s no reason to stay home. Here are a few opportunities to get out and about:

Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:

Distribution expansion, new construction on Grant PUD 2025 agenda

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District will be working on the construction of new transmission lines, upgrading its generating capacity and planning a new maintenance center in Ephrata in 2025. Those are some of the projects included in the PUD’s capital budget for next year.

Carter passes at 100: Local leaders respond to a President's passing

PLAINS, Georgia — Former 39th President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years of age Sunday. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, began his presidency in 1977 after he defeated 39th President Gerald R. Ford in the General Election. Carter served one term and left office in 1981 after losing to Ronald Reagan, but his service afterward is what earned him a reputation as a statesman.

‘That wasn’t really something I was expecting’

Royal’s Lance Allred sets 1A title game touchdown record

ROYAL CITY – Heading into the 1A state football championship game against Seton Catholic earlier this month, Royal senior Lance Allred didn’t expect to add his name to the record books.

Basin events for January 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s a brand-new year and there are lots of things to do around the Basin. Here are a few ideas: