High winds forecast Tuesday and Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — While the heavy rain, heavy snow and flooding is expected to stay north of the Columbia Basin, the Basin won’t escape the storms forecast to roll through the region this week. According to the National Weather Service, it’s going to get pretty windy. “We do have a very busy week ahead of us,” said Antoinette Serrato, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane.

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry launches Angel Tree program for rescue pets

SOAP LAKE — As the holiday spirit fills the air, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry animal rescue is ready to spread some cheer to furry friends waiting for their forever homes. This year, the organization announced the launch of a pilot program inspired by traditional angel giving tree initiatives. However, this project takes a twist: it centers on the animals at the rescue.

Mattawa Winter Festival includes crafts, cocoa and ugly sweaters

MATTAWA — Mattawa’s annual Winter Festival will take place Wednesday. “The goal is to bring families together to celebrate the holiday and to make crafts as a family,” said Mattawa Mayor Maria Celaya. The event is put together by a coalition of community stakeholders including the city of Mattawa, Wahluke School District, the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic and Columbia Basin Health Association, Celaya said. Crafts play a large part in the Winter Festival, Celaya said. Local first responders will have a table where children can decorate cookies with police officers, and MCMC will have a space where children can write letters to Santa. The Wahluke High School Future Business Leaders of America will have a booth where children can make a Christmas ornament for the 50-foot tree in the school commons. The craft materials are donated by CBHA, Celaya said.

Boys and Girls Club logo allegedly used in Moses Lake scam

MOSES LAKE — Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin officials are warning people that scammers apparently are using the club’s logo and claiming to be affiliated with the organization. The scammers allegedly were soliciting money door to door along Third Avenue early Tuesday afternoon.

All Georgine wants for Christmas is a home

MOSES LAKE — Meet Georgine, a sweet German Shepherd mix who’s ready to wrap herself around your heart this holiday season. Spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, this medium-sized girl is dreaming of a cozy home by the Christmas tree. Give her the gift of love—adopt Georgine today by visiting GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org 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.”

Hammy wants to hog your heart this Christmas

MOSES LAKE — Don’t go bacon Hammy’s heart—he’s ready to ham it up under your Christmas tree. This 7-year-old Basenji mix is the whole holiday feast: neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He’s not just a snack, he’s the main course of joy. Adopt Hammy from Grant County Animal Outreach and let him bring you a season of paws, hams and happiness – because nothing says ‘Merry Woof-mas’ like a ham-tastic best friend. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOuteach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt but would like to help a local shelter this holiday season, visit the website and click “donate.”

Idaho town hall battery trial ends in mixed verdict

Trouette convicted on some battery charges, acquitted on others

Trouette convicted on some battery charges, acquitted on others

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 19-27

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and a lot of people will be spending time at home with their families or at the church of their choice. Still, there are a few things happening around the Basin. Here are some ideas:

Legals for December, 16 2025

The stakes are high as the Seahawks and Rams square off in a game with division title implications

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Sam Darnold was far from his best the last time he and the Seattle Seahawks squared off against his hometown team and he is amply aware he will need to perform better than when he tossed four interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 16. Darnold and the Seahawks' rematch Thursday night with the Rams carries significant NFC West title implications. The Seahawks (11-3) and Rams (11-3) are tied atop the division and a game ahead of the 49ers, and a win for either team would put them in the driver’s seat to secure the title and potentially the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Legals for December, 22 2025

Local bean bag champ eyes pro game

MOSES LAKE — We’ve seen the game at almost every outdoor community gathering: two or more players tossing bean bags at a board tilted up at an angle, aiming for a hole in the board. But that bean bag toss game, also called cornhole, is more than just a casual pastime; it’s a serious sport with dedicated players. “I’m trying to go pro right now,” said Camryn Barrientoz of Moses Lake. “I was No. 2 in Washington, and since I did really well in this regional (tournament), it got me enough points where it bumped me up to No. 1 in Washington.” That regional tournament was held in Wenatchee Dec. 12-13, and Camryn, along with his doubles partner Jay Robins, took back-to-back titles, according to an email Camryn sent the Columbia Basin Herald.

Braden Huff scores a career-high 37 points as No. 7 Gonzaga beats Campbell 98-70

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Braden Huff scored a career-high 37 points on 16-for-18 shooting as No. 7 Gonzaga beat Campbell 98-70 on Wednesday night. Graham Ike added 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Steele Venters had 13 points for Gonzaga (11-1).

Eudell "Bud" Hankla

Eudell “Bud” Hankla passed away on December 13, 2025, with his family around him.

Fuel hovers at about $4 locally, exceeds nation by about $1

MOSES LAKE — The national average remains under $3 for the second week in a row. Washington’s fuel average is almost an even $4. Grant County dropped below the $4 mark this week, for the first time this year, and Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices this week but still remains under the $4 mark.

Legals for December, 15 2025

Chimney maintenance is essential for safety

MOSES LAKE — With Christmas just around the corner, lots of folks are using their fireplaces for warmth, roasting chestnuts or just a pleasant atmosphere. But before Santa pays your chimney a visit, you should make sure it’s in good working order. Chimney fires are responsible for more than three-fourths of residential building heating fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Regular inspections and cleaning are the best way to prevent that, said Michael Harper, known as The Chimney Guy. “If they’re using (the fireplace) aesthetically – date night, Christmas, New Year’s, show-off times, something in the background here and there, (they should) have it inspected once a year for peace of mind,” Harper said. “If they’re using it two to three days a week religiously through the winter months, they need to have it cleaned once a year.”

Cougs name Citowicki new women's soccer head coach

PULLMAN — Washington State athletics announced Chris Citowicki as its new head coach of the Cougars women’s soccer program. “We are extremely excited to have Chris leading our soccer program,” said Interim Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow. “He has a proven record of success and his dedication to developing student-athletes—not just as players, but as leaders, students, and members of our community—stood out immediately.”

WA COLLEGE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 18-25, 2025

MOSES LAKE — Colleges around the state continue to compete for dominance ahead of the holiday break. See where your favorite teams will be heading this week.

GCFD 7 audit findings spur improvements

SOAP LAKE — Grant County Fire District 7 has recently undergone its first federal audit due to the receipt of over a million dollars in grant funding, which has revealed several areas of improvement regarding financial reporting and compliance with federal regulations.