Young demo drivers take the stage

MOSES LAKE — Day two of the Moses Lake Demo Derby kicked off with a special exhibition, the Youth Power Wheels Demo, just before the main event. “They love it,” said Mackenzie Cafferty, whose children participated in the event. “They don’t get to run into things at home, so it’s better for them to come out and run into other kids and have a good time.” Cafferty said she got her two children, Wesley and Hadley, involved in the Power Wheels Demo Derby through her father, Stan Cafferty, who’s on the board of directors with Moses Lake Roundup and is heavily involved in the events that take place at the Grant County Fair. She said she enjoys having her children involved and staying with the family traditions.

Hellewell becomes first inductee in Moses Lake Demo Derby Hall of Fame

MOSES LAKE – During the second day of the Demo Derby, the Moses Lake Round Up organization honored Vern Hellewell as the first inductee into the Moses Lake Demo Derby Hall of Fame. Hellewell said he has been participating in the event since it first started at the fairgrounds. “I was there from the beginning and from that point until (today) it’s just been tremendous,” said Hellewell.

BASIN BOX SCORE: Charity golf, demo derby hall of fame, and football is back

On this episode of the Basin Box Score, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard discuss several recent sport events in the Columbia Basin. ESA held their annual charity golf tournament. Demo derby legend is inducted into the hall of fame. High school football is in the air as players return to the gridiron for their first practices of the season.

Moses Lake Demo Derby welcomes new sponsor

MOSES LAKE — A popular event in Moses Lake will have a new name this year: The Miner Services Demo Derby. “We’re really big on getting our name out there and being part of the community,” said Seth Miner, owner of Miner Services and the demo derby’s new sponsor. “We’re big derby-goers. We go to the derby every year.”

Moses Lake Demo Derby concludes

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Demo Derby held the second half of its events Wednesday night with more drivers, dirt and another round of demolition. “It’s always easier on the second day because everybody is going with the flow already” said Aaron Schrodt, organizer for the Moses Lake Demo Derby. “Everybody did great, we had a couple roll roll-overs, but everybody was safe.”

Moses Lake Roundup events this week

MOSES LAKE – This week the Moses Lake Roundup returns with a lineup of events all week long. From Demo Derbies to the Rodeo, there will be plenty for the family to do this week.

BASIN BOX SCORE: Vikings volleyball, local field upgrades, and Grant County fair events

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the Basin Box Score, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discuss recent news in basin sports world like baseball field upgrades in Ephrata, Vikings volleyball season preview and coach openings at Frontier and Endeavor Middle Schools. Additionally, the Grant County Fair is in town this week with several events like equitation, demo derbies and the rodeo. Check out this week's episode: https://bit.ly/BBSEP9

GALLERY: Horse riding and demo derby’s at the fair

MOSES LAKE – At the Grant Country Fair, community members were treated to Demo Derbys full of dusty crashes and local horse-riding competitions put on by the Grant County Youth Equine Program.

Othello Rodeo holds annual Demo Derby

OTHELLO – On Wednesday, loud motors, mud and collisions filled the Othello Rodeo arena for the annual Demolition Derby. Drivers from all over the Basin flocked to the Othello Fair to partake in chaotic competition. “I like being able to let out the aggression, it’s no holds barred. To be able to smash (into other cars) and get away with it,” Jake Sligar from Quincy said.

Single eye, double the cuteness: adopt this charming pug

OTHELLO -- Biscuit, a handsome pug, finally got his stitches out after surgery to remove his infected eyeball. He has transitioned to seeing out of one eye very well, according to Adams County Pet Rescue.

First day of the Moses Lake Demo Derby

MOSES LAKE – The first night of Miner Services’ Demolition Derby kicked off Tuesday with a variety of racing and knockout events, concluding with a last man standing demo derby with Seth Dompier coming out on top. “It’s just a great time,” said Dompier. “It’s a lot of fun coming out here with your friends and a lot of good people (and being) in front of the fans and just having a great time wrecking some cars.”

Priest Rapids Dam oil spill still in cleanup stage

MATTAWA — People downstream of Priest Rapids Dam are being asked to look for evidence of oil on the waters of the Columbia River following a spill of mineral oil at the dam Wednesday. Department of Ecology officials are asking boaters to stay off the river between Priest Rapids and Pasco while crews work to clean up the oil, according to a PUD press release. Absorbent booms were put in the water to collect the oil downstream of the dam and are still there, said Christine Pratt, public information officer with the Grant County PUD, in the PUD press release. The booms will stay there until the Department of Ecology allows their removal.

LETTER: Grandma Green supports levy (English/Espaniol)

Tuesday, Feb. 11 is when we must vote yes on the upcoming school levy. It’s a big vote for our community, especially our kids. My family moved to Moses Lake in the spring of 1970. In the past 54 years, we have staunchly supported and voted for every levy.

Applications open for Community Police Academy

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department is set to host its upcoming Community Police Academy, welcoming community members eager to learn about the inner workings of their local law enforcement agency.

Othello Fair & Rodeo coming Wednesday

Fair may be small, but it makes up for it with friendly atmosphere, welcoming community

OTHELLO — Longtime volunteer Becky Flint said there’s just something about the Othello Fair. “We may not be the biggest, but we definitely are the friendliest,” she said.

GALLERY: Grant County Fair 2025

MOSES LAKE – The barns are closed. The Spaceburger booth is cleaned up and quiet. The rodeo grounds are recuperating, though likely spruced up already, knowing the fairgrounds crew, and another Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Roundup season is behind us. Here are a few glances at what this year’s fair and rodeo offered. The Columbia Basin Herald sends our congratulations to all the 4-H, Grange and Future Farmers of America competitors who worked hard to earn recognition this year. Well done, and we look forward to seeing next year’s crop of agriculture enthusiasts showing off what they can do.

‘Everyone Has a Why’

Campaign seeks to bring opioid addiction out of the shadows

MOSES LAKE — The reasons for addiction are many, but everybody has one. That’s the point of a campaign by the Grant County Health District to highlight opioid addiction and overdoses. It’s part of a two-phase campaign to explain some of the reasons behind addiction, and encourage people to seek help. “It can be loss, or pain, or struggle, but everyone has a reason that they may start using substances,” said Lexi Smith, communications coordinator for the Grant County Health District. “But on the flip side of that, everyone has a reason that they don’t, or that they choose to help someone who does.” The tagline for the Everybody Has a Why campaign is “Make addiction a conversation, not a secret,” and removing the shame of seeking help is a primary aim.

Ephrata prepares for winter weather

EPHRATA — As colder temperatures and the promise of snow settle over Ephrata, city officials urge residents to familiarize themselves with local snow removal policies and the critical role they play in ensuring safe roadways. Ray Towry, the City Administrator, emphasized the city’s commitment to effective snow management, developed collaboratively with input from community stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, local businesses and the Ephrata School District. Once snowfall reaches at least two inches, the city’s four-person Street Department will initiate plowing operations. Crews typically begin work before 4:00 AM, often enduring shifts lasting 16 to 18 hours during significant weather events. “We strive to balance safety with the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Towry said. “Plowing happens mostly overnight, and it’s crucial we handle this as effectively as possible.”

Building permits for July 25, 2025

City of Moses Lake Hayden Homes, 4300 block of Cove West Drive, new residence, $311,655.49. Pro Made Homes, 4200 block of North Sandy Court, fence, no valuation given. Jennifer Bell, 800 block of North Paxson Drive, plumbing, no valuation given. Carlos Socorro, 5400 block of Owen Road, addition, $20,000.

Grant PUD line safety demo focused on safety

MOSES LAKE — It is the message of the Lineman Safety demonstration put on by Grant County Public Utility District that while it’s easy to forget power lines are overhead, the electricity they transit must be respected.