Columbia Basin Events for April 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring has sprung in the Basin and it’s time to check out the flowers in Othello and Quincy, art in Coulee City, businesses in Ephrata and jobs in Moses Lake, among a host of other things. Here’s what’s happening in April:

Grant PUD considering solar power agreement

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District commissioners will consider purchasing the electricity produced at a proposed solar farm between the Grant County International Airport and Rocky Ford. Under the agreement with Quincy Solar, the PUD would receive all the electricity generated by the project. It's planned to produce 120 megawatts of power. The contract would run for 20 years.

Ephrata’s Lopez Argueta excels in classes despite language barrier

EPHRATA – In a celebration of resilience and hard work, Ephrata High School has named Diego Lopez Argueta as one of the Students of the Month for March. His tenacity in the face of challenges, particularly his efforts in overcoming language barriers, has made a significant impact on both his teachers and peers, said his teachers.

Grant PUD places limits on electrical demand from data centers

EPHRATA — Limits will be implemented on the growth of demand from data centers that get their power from the Grant County Public Utility District. Load growth limits may be applied to other large industrial customers, depending on how much power they’re requesting.

Legals for April, 4 2025

Bridge 247 replacement to begin this year

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Public Works is anticipating ramping up plans to replace Bridge 247, which has been down since February 2024. In the Grant County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Public Works staff shared that a Department of Transportation grant was approved and the project could now move forward.

Drivers asked to take precautions in road work zones

OTHELLO — Washington Department of Transportation officials are asking Washingtonians and visitors to exercise extra caution and follow traffic laws in work zones. Mike Koehn, Washington Department of Transportation supervisor for the Moses Lake and Othello maintenance crews, said he was reminded of that recently when he went out to a work zone on Interstate 90.

Weather for the week of March 31, 2025

Weather for the week of March 31, 2025

Cougs recover from deficit in close win over ‘Zags

SPOKANE – On Tuesday, April 1, Washington State University (10-18) baseball made a comeback late in the game after being down 5-0 against Gonzaga (12-14) to win 7-6. The comeback was topped off with a two-run single executed by Ricco Longo in the tenth inning according to a statement from WSU Athletics.

Gas prices rise in Washington

MOSES LAKE — The average price of gasoline in Washington has reached a year-high of $4.38 per gallon, marking a significant increase from recent weeks. As of March 31, the price represents a 34-cent jump from the previous week and reflects a broader trend observed nationwide.

Consumer alert issued for Bridge City Firm over alleged misconduct

VANCOUVER — The Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific has issued a consumer alert concerning Bridge City Firm, a digital marketing and SEO service company based in Vancouver, Washington. Managed by Mark Davis, the firm has faced scrutiny from former clients who have raised serious concerns about its telemarketing tactics, misleading advertising claims and unfulfilled promises, according to a statement from BBB.

Soap Lake council debates downsizing itself

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council voted for the second time to postpone action on changing the number of city council members at Wednesday’s meeting. The council has seven seats and five members; however, there is a proposed ordinance to drop the council down to five seats. The ordinance would not go into effect until the next election, meaning the city still has to fill the two empty council seats regardless.

Warden falls to Connell 0-3

Cougars squad holds its own despite being down a few players

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars lost in a hard-fought game against Connell 3-0 Tuesday night. “It was a good game in the first half; starting the second half it looks like we started to lose the ball,” said Cougars Coach Rafael Elizarraraz. The Cougars only had an 11-man squad Tuesday, which meant players had no substitutes and had to play the entire the game without breaks, said the coach.

Legals for April, 3 2025

Legals for April, 2 2025

Basin sports schedule for April 2-9

MOSES LAKE – Spring Break is here, but student athletes continue to face off on the courts, courses, fields, and diamonds. See where and what times local teams will be playing.

‘Wherever there’s need’

Moses Lake Christian Academy students get an education outside the classroom

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake Christian Academy students are getting a little different education this week. “We’re on our Extended Learning Week, where we send out groups of students to get experiences outside the classroom,” said MLCA teacher Tyler Tadema.

Patrols to address speeding near Westshore Drive

EPHRATA – In the Grant County Commissioners meeting, Tuesday, Public Works staff advised the Commission that speeding has been an issue throughout the county, specifically on Westshore Drive in Moses Lake.

Mavs take 2-0 victory over West Valley

Moses Lake looks to maintain momentum heading into remainder of season

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks soccer team gained a 2-0 victory in a Tuesday night game against West Valley High School. “I felt pretty confident in the first half and then I kind of honestly slowed down in the second half,” said Mavs player Felimon Sanchez. “But overall, it seemed to be pretty good.”

Grant County property tax statements issued

EPHRATA — Grant County property owners should be receiving 2025 property tax statements in the mail in the next few days, unless they’ve shown up already. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant said tax statements were mailed March 28.