BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, and there are holiday goings-on galore in the Basin. Here are a few things to make your spirits bright:

Winterfest brings joy to Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — The annual Winterfest event in Soap Lake was a resounding success this year, organizers said, bringing together families and community members for an evening filled with holiday spirit, gifts and festive fun. The event, organized by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce, featured a return of cherished traditions, including the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and raised funds for the senior class of Soap Lake High School.

Legals for December, 12 2025

Moses Lake Ag Parade fills downtown with lights and cheer

MOSES LAKE — It was foggy and chilly in downtown Moses Lake Friday, but the community spirit was warm for the Downtown Ag Appreciation Parade and Street Party. “I just talked to some people and they were, like, ‘This is our first year and this is awesome,’” said Downtown Moses Lake Association Executive Director Mallory Miller. The event, held the first Friday of December every year, has been a Moses Lake tradition since the 1990s, according to Columbia Basin Herald archives. Several blocks of downtown Moses Lake were closed off in the afternoon as parade floats lined up in the Surf ‘n Slide parking lot and partygoers in Sinkiuse Square enjoyed free french fries from Simplot, free hot cocoa sponsored by Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Viking Eatery, and free s’mores sponsored by Steve Crapson of Allstate Insurance and James Shank of Edward Jones. Other food and craft vendors did a thriving business in the streets.

Legals for December, 15 2025

Rita Joan Frey

Nov. 7, 1936 – Nov. 22, 2025

Rita Joan Frey (Sternhagen), 89, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Nov. 7, 1936, in Glasgow, Montana, she was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph P. Sternhagen and Mary Catherine Sternhagen (Carignan). Rita lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and quiet strength.

Piano students to support orphans with recital

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake-area music students will perform to raise money for a Ukrainian orphanage, according to an announcement from piano teacher Marina Munter. Students of Moses Lake-Central Basin chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers Association members will perform “Christmas Songs for Ukrainian Orphans” Dec. 20, at Moses Lake Christian Academy, Munter wrote in the announcement. There is no set admission price but donations are encouraged. Participating piano teachers are Preta Laughlin, Marina Munter, Gracie Payne, Whitney Reck and Harriet West. Violin teacher Iryna Novikov’s students will also perform.

More rain for Cascades, high winds for Columbia Basin this week

LEAVENWORTH — A second strong winter storm is projected to hit Washington this week, bringing heavy rains back to areas that were hard-hit by rain and flooding last week. Steve Bodnar, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said rain is forecast to start Monday, but won’t last as long.

Legals for December, 11 2025

Pope Leo XIV gets into Christmas spirit with prayer for peace at Spanish Steps

ROME — Pope Leo XIV got into the Christmas spirit Monday by taking part in a very Roman papal tradition: praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps on the Dec. 8 feast day that kicks off the Christmas season. Leo greeted thousands of well-wishers who braved the cold to watch the American pope on his inaugural outing to the statue. They were treated to a popemobile romp through Rome's historic center, which has been decked out for the start of the holiday shopping season. The pope got a special honor from the association of shop owners of the Via Condotti, the chic shopping street that extends from the Spanish Steps and features such brands as Bulgari, Hermes and Prada.

Legals for December, 10 2025

GCHD declares end to facility bird flu outbreak

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District announced that it has completed all response activities related to the recent outbreak of avian influenza at a commercial poultry operation in the county. This declaration comes after a comprehensive assessment of potential exposures, testing of symptomatic individuals, and the provision of antiviral medications when warranted.

UW faces Furman in NCAA Semifinals

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies soccer team (14-6-2) will be making their second College Cup appearance in five years on Friday when they face No. 16 Furman in the NCAA semifinals. The Huskies will kick off at 3 p.m. UW enters the semifinal round after defeating No. 4 Maryland 3-1 last Friday. Maryland got on the board first in the game scoring a corning kick in the 19th minute, but the Huskies were ready to respond. In the 38th minute, Huskies player Richie Aman sent a corner kick that found the head of Osato Enabulele to tie the game at one at the end of the half.

KJ Gilman competes at USA Grand Nationals

MOSES LAKE — On Dec. 5 Kalem “KJ” Gilman returned home from the USA Grand Nationals BMX competition held in Tulsa, Okla. After placing top eight in the 13 intermediate group, he became one of the first riders from Moses Lake to advance to the finals.

Gesa scholarship applications open

RICHLAND — Gesa Credit Union is accepting applications for its scholarship program through the end of February, according to Gesa Vice President of Community Impact Brandon Allison. The credit union plans to award $150,000 to students at various stages in their education.

UW to play Boise State in LA Bowl

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies football team (8-4) will be heading to face the Boise State Broncos (9-4) in Los Angeles this weekend at the L.A. Bowl hosted by Gronk. The game will take place at SoFi Studium Saturday with kick off at 5 p.m. “We are excited about the opportunity,” said Huskies Head Coach Jedd Fisch in a press conference. “Spent yesterday and the day before game planning for Boise once we saw the game end Friday evening and we know we’ve got a really good team that we’ve got to deal with... We know we’ve got our work cut out for us.” UW enters the bowl game after falling in their regular season home finale against the University of Oregon 14-16. The Huskies defense held the Ducks to just one touchdown through three quarters, but the Ducks made four field goals in that time and held the Huskies to a single touchdown. Both teams scored a touchdown in the final quarter

Legals for December, 16 2025

Legals for December, 9 2025

Ephrata rings in the holidays with Bells on Basin on Saturday

EPHRATA — Bells on Basin will fill downtown Ephrata with holiday spirit Saturday, with games, shopping and a lighted parade. “It's a festive event that a lot of people look forward to, to kick off and bring everybody together for the holidays,” said Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Director Britney MacLeod.

Warden swears in council member and updates 2025 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council completed one oath of office, discussed voter turnout and updated its 2025 budget at its regular council meeting Tuesday. The council decided to cancel the next meeting, which would be on Dec. 23. The council will return for its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 6, 2026.