LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: In appreciation of educators ...

An experience I recently had with a school district, quite honestly, has left me gob-smacked a bit. I am in awe of the teachers and administrators at school districts throughout the region and what they have to deal with. Let me get back to the beginning, though. Journalists often cover a wide variety of topics and are constantly looking for ideas for stories that will matter to readers. As such, when we hear of events of interest, we sometimes ask to attend so we can either cover it, or, as in this case, learn how to cover a topic better.

STUDIO BASIN: Holiday recaps, ACPR and Basin wrestling

MOSES LAKE – On this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and staff discuss the new year and how their holidays went. The conversation then flows into how Adams County Pet Rescue had a successful year with more than 700 pet adoptions and how local cities have finalized their budgets.

NCW Libraries conversation to examine divisions in America

WENATCHEE — What we all have in common – and what we don’t – will be the subject of a virtual program at North Central Washington Libraries this month. “Can We Get Along? Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community” will be streamed on Zoom Nov. 13. “(It’s) an hour-and-a-half conversation about how do we come together to connect, especially when we're coming with different experiences in life (and) different opinions,” said Alicia O’Dell, director of adult programs for NCW Libraries. “How do we find ways to build community during divided times?”

FLASHBACK: K-9 Convo

K9 Officers from around Grant County speak with children, families and staff at the Ephrata Public Library regarding where the dogs come from, how they're trained and more during a public meet-and-greet last August.

History books for people who think history is boring

History? Oh, man, that’s sooooo boooring. Yeah ,okay, maybe, if it’s restricted to dates and lists of British prime ministers and things. Explore a little more, and all kinds of fun/crazy/scary/creepy/just plain interesting stuff pops up, some of it in the wildest places. I’ve been reading a lot of Japanese history lately, and it was there that I ran across the story of the gangsters back in the 1930s who were fighting over distribution rights to movies made by a popular Japanese movie star. They decided to talk it over but came prepared if things went off track. Which they did. So a gunfight ensued? Nah, it’s Japan in the 1930s - they got in a swordfight. Serious swordfight. Everybody died.

Ephrata PD finds pup, looking for owners

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department found this sweet unnamed girl Dec. 17 and have been taking care of her since because surrounding shelters are full. The department is looking for someone to give her a home or a shelter to take her in. She knows how to sit on command and has a sweet disposition. For those interested in giving her a home, or if she is your pup, contact EPD at 509-762-1160.

Water, water conservation topics of planning and discussion in Othello

OTHELLO — Water, how to conserve it and how to get more of it, has been a topic of discussion and a focus of experimentation around the Columbia Basin. Othello city officials have been working for almost a decade on a project to reduce demand on the city’s underground aquifer, one that’s inching closer to fruition. A pilot project tested the possibility of using water from the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District canal system, treating it, and pumping it back into the aquifer. That was successful, and city officials are working on upscaling it, a project that will require a treatment facility. Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said facility is in the process of design. “We’re working on how many gallons per day we want to take from the canal and determine what that plant is going to need to treat water,” she said.

EPHRATA MAYOR: Oliver vs. Reim

EPHRATA – Two candidates are running for the job of Ephrata Mayor, Steve Oliver and incumbent Bruce Reim. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit.

Mrs. Claus needs a new home

Mrs. Claus, a mixed breed two-year-old at Grant County Animal Outreach is looking for a new friend to take her home. She is a shy and sweet girl who gets along well with other animals. She may be a bit timid to begin but she warms up quickly. She loves to explore, go for walks and sunbathe. She is looking for a patient home which will allow her to warm up of her own accord. For those interested in taking how the fabulous four-pawed friend visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or call 509-762-9616.

Looking to party? Adopt Marge!

MOSES LAKE -- Marge is a friendly and social dog looking for people to party with her! She prefers to be the only pet in the household though. To keep her looking her best, she will need normal grooming but the effort is definitely worth her charming personality. She comes spayed, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to learn more about how to adopt this sweet girl. For those unable to adopt but who would like to support the shelter, consider donating by clicking the “donate” button at the top of the website.

Fiscal Fallout: Washington ‘in the worst budget crisis we've ever had’

(The Center Square) – Last month, the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported that Washington faced running out of money by 2027. With the passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the state now faces the loss of billions in Medicaid funding that could exacerbate Washington’s fiscal woes in the upcoming legislative sessions.

The sweetest Teddy

MOSES LAKE — Teddy, known formally as Theodore loves walks, rides in cars and is looking for his right-hand man. He loves being around people. It is unknown how he does with children, but he likes to chase cats. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He has picked up potty training, pretty well according to Animal Rescue Friends Society of Grant County. To fill out his adoption paperwork and take home your fur-ever friend, visit ARFSGC.com. If you can't adopt, but still want to help a local rescue visit the website and click "donate."

Ron PuFahl

Oct. 9, 1951 – Dec. 1, 2025

When asked how he was doing, Ron's answer was always the same: “Better than Most.” It wasn't just a phrase, it was how he lived. Throughout life Ron chose humor, connection, optimism and gratitude. Ron PuFahl – a deeply loved husband, dad, papa, brother, son-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to all who knew him – passed away Dec. 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to William and Lina (Montreuil) PuFahl on Oct. 9, 1951, Ron lived a mischievous childhood in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He grew up in the big pink house across the street from the convent. There were so many things for kids to do in the ’50s and ’60s, and Ron tried them all, including many shenanigans with his brother and cousin. Ron attended St. Thomas Elementary and I.H.M. Catholic Academy, graduating in 1970.

Ephrata looking for architect to remodel potential new city hall

EPHRATA — The final layout of a former business recently purchased by the city of Ephrata, and the ultimate fate of the existing Ephrata City Hall, are still to be determined. That will be part of the process of remodeling the old Rite-Aid building at 250 Basin St. SW. Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry said the first step will be hiring an architect. “We’ll budget for a (request for proposals) for an architect to redesign that space for us next year,” Towry said. “Depending on how involved you want to be, and (how much) we want to involve the public in that design, will determine the length of time it takes.” The existing city hall and the possible uses of the old Rite-Aid building were among the items discussed at the regular meeting of the Ephrata City Council Wednesday. Council members also discussed revisions to a union contract and renaming two streets at the site of the new Grant County Jail.

Wanted: A loving family!

OTHELLO – Buck has been adopted once and brought back to Adams County Pet Rescue; he is hoping the next folks that take him home keep him for the rest of his life. He is a sweet boy that enjoys long walks, hanging with other furry friends and cuddling. He knowns how to sit, wait and lay down. Buck is also house trained, microchipped, vaccinated and neutered. He is around 9 months old. If Buck is the perfect pup for you, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt but you would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Moses Lake to host homelessness forum

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents will be asked for their ideas on how the city can help address homelessness following the impending closure of the Open Doors sleep center at a community forum beginning at 6:30 p.m. June 2.

BASIN BOX SCORE: A sit-down interview with four Mavericks slow pitch seniors

MOSES LAKE - On this episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard sit down with four seniors on the Mavericks slow pitch softball team. We go over how the season went, wrapping up their senior fall and looking ahead to post season play.

Friendly pup looking for her family

OTHELLO – Amana, a female Doberman Pinscher is full of love and affection. She is a friendly girl who loves cuddles, playtime and long walks. She is an intelligent pup who is a quick learner – she already knowns basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” She is the perfect dog for a family looking to give her a forever home. At this time, Adams County Pet Rescue does not know how she does with other pups, so she may thrive as the only furry friend in the house. She is microchipped, vaccinated and spayed. If interested in adopting Amanda, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out her application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Don’t be dipsy, adopt her instead!

MOSES LAKE – Dipsy, a silly two-year old pup, is looking for someone to make giggle and so carefully convince she deserves plenty of pets (and treats.) The sweet girl is a mixed breed who is spayed, vaccinated and waiting to be taken home this spring. I mean, how can you say no to those eyebrows... If Dipsy has fully schemed and tricked you into thinking she needs to come home with you RIGHT NOW, first she wants you to know that was her goal all along and you won’t regret it and second, she says to visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out her adoption form. If you can’t take this browed babe home, but still want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

BASIN BOX SCORE: Former athletes, coaching families, cross country, and Basin football nears

On this episode of the Basin Box Score, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard discuss recent stories in Basin sports. Hear about how the Mavericks cross country team is preparing for their upcoming season. Catch up with a former Jacks soccer player. Learn about Moses Lakes coaching family, and the gridiron guide is almost here.