Larry David Spurbeck

May 14, 1939 — Oct. 5, 2025

Larry David Spurbeck, 86, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on May 14, 1939, in Wilbur, Washington, Larry was the first son of David and Elizabeth Spurbeck. He grew up in Coulee City, where he graduated from high school and excelled in both baseball and basketball, helping lead his team to the state tournament. He also played trombone in the school band and worked on his uncle’s ranch, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. After attending Eastern Washington University for a year, Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army’s First Division at Fort Hood during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military service was a lifelong source of pride.

Legals for January, 22 2025

Casting time: Trout fishing opens Saturday on some local lakes

MOSES LAKE — There may still be piles of snow around the Basin, but one spring milestone is rapidly approaching: the opening of trout season. About two dozen lakes in Eastern Washington will open Saturday for trout fishing, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most other lakes open the fourth Saturday of April, which this year falls on April 26.

Legals for January, 15 2025

New wildlife feeding ban takes effect in WA amid concerns of CWD

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has adopted new regulations prohibiting the feeding of deer, elk and moose statewide, effective last Friday. This decision comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate the risk of transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease, an always-fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, among Washington’s wildlife populations. The rule was formed in response to the discovery of CWD in Eastern Washington for the first time in 2024. With no known cure for this disease, state officials identified the need to reduce concentrations of cervids at feeding sites, which could accelerate the spread of this and other wildlife diseases.

WDFW stocks 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout for Black Friday fishing

OLYMPIA — In a bid to encourage outdoor activity this Thanksgiving weekend, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is set to stock nearly 65,000 jumbo rainbow trout across 25 lakes statewide. The initiative offers anglers the chance to participate in the annual Black Friday fishing event, with fish weighing up to three pounds and measuring up to 17 inches each.

BASIN BOX SCORE: MLHS National Track, sports training camps, summer baseball concludes

COLUMBIA BASIN – Sports reporters Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez look through a week of sports in the Columbia Basin including a soccer player announcing his commitment to the University of Washington, MLHS track athletes traveling to Georgia for a National competition, a girls soccer training camp at Eastern Washington University, the Moses Lake Mavericks Youth Football Camp, and the conclusion of the Summer baseball season for Basin teams. Check out this week’s episode here: https://bit.ly/BBSEP7

ACH hosts tourney

COULEE CITY – Wrestlers from across Eastern Washington gathered at Almira/Coulee-Hartline for Saturday’s Banks Lake Brawl, including local teams from ACH, Lind-Ritzville/Sprague and Ephrata. See Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for full results from the tournament, as well as how other teams fared at tournaments across the state.

Idaho coughs up lead late as EWU rallies for victory

On Thursday, Idaho plays at Northern Arizona, and Eastern Washington is at Northern Colorado.

FIRE REPORT: Oct. 7, 2025

Fire season coming to an end

MOSES LAKE — The fire season is starting to come to an end in Washington, according to Department of Natural Resources Communications Manager Ryan Rodruck. “We’re certainly winding down the season,” Rodruck said. “I would say that for western Washington, we have seen that season-ending precipitation at this point. I would not expect any large, costly fires to materialize in western Washington at this point.” However, eastern and central Washington are still waiting for season-ending precipitation, which will likely not happen this week, Rodruck said.

Cook powers Eastern to dominant win over Weber State

OGDEN, Utah – Eastern Washington (7-16, 3-7) bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Weber State (8-14, 2-7) 72-49, fueled by Andrew Cook's dominant all-around performance.

Legals for January, 23 2025

Eagles women tennis team falls to Seattler on the road

SEATTLE — Eastern Washington women's tennis fell on the road against non-conference opponent Seattle Redhawks 6-1.

Thi Sahn Ayers

Jan. 1, 1936 — Sept. 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thi Sanh Ayers, who peacefully departed on Sept. 23, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington, at the age of 89, after a long battle with various illnesses. Born on Jan. 1, 1936, in Can Tho, Vietnam, Thi Sanh moved to the United States in 1975 and dedicated the last 50 years to making Moses Lake her beloved home. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sanh will be cherished for her fierce fighting spirit, her incredible survivor mentality, and her deep passion for gardening, cooking, and fishing.

Legals for June, 2 2025

Invasive animals pose risks to the Basin

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Invasive Species Council has 29 animals and insects listed on their site as priority invasive species that have either found themselves at home in the state or are of concern around the country. The Columbia Basin has become home to a number of these species.

Balanced Attack Lifts Eastern Washington Past Eastern Oregon

CHENEY – Eastern Washington picked up its first win of the season on Monday night, defeating Eastern Oregon 91–73 behind balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and improved second-half defense. The Eagles were led by Isaiah Moses with 22 points and Straton Rogers with 17 points and 10 rebounds—EWU's first double-double of the season. Kiree Huie added 14 points, JoJo Anderson scored 13, and Alton Hamilton IV chipped in 10. EWU shot 52.2% and outrebounded the Mountaineers 42–31.

WSP urges caution after 3 injured on Hwy. 2

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Patrol is urging caution after an accident sent three individuals involved in a Berne-area collision to Cascade Medical Center Tuesday evening. The accident was determined to be caused by one of the drivers going too fast for the conditions, according to the release. Throughout Tuesday afternoon, Eastern Washington had rain and snowfall occurring throughout the region with an inch or more of snow in some areas.

Ecology expands Washington state’s drought emergency

(The Center Square) – On Thursday, the Washington State Department of Ecology expanded its drought emergency to include watersheds in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Okanagan, Chelan, Clallam, Jefferson and Ferry counties. This expansion was triggered by deteriorating conditions in those areas, including early and rapid snowmelt and dry weather.

Thomas ready for new beginnings at Eastern

MOSES LAKE – Growing up, Kyson Thomas was more of a basketball fan than football. It was not until he reached Moses Lake High School that he developed a deeper passion for football, he said. “I really didn't plan on playing football. I played my freshman year on the freshman team. Then going into my sophomore year, I was actually just going to stop playing in general, but (Moses Lake) got a new head coach (Brett Jay), and then also hired my dad. So, I kept playing, and then it just took off from there,” he said.