American Honey to close out summer concert series

MOSES LAKE — The name came out of the blue. “When we started, we used to do these band barbecues, and we hadn’t come up with a name yet,” said Audre Belt, lead singer of American Honey, which will perform Friday in Moses Lake. “We had come up with these (names) … that seemed really cheesy. And one of the guys started pointing at random things on the table, and we happened to have a bottle of Wild Turkey American Honey whiskey. He pointed at it and said, ‘American Honey’ and we all looked at each other and we just knew from that moment that that was it.” That was in 2017, and the band is still making music around eastern Washington, although Belt is the only remaining original member. American Honey’s show will be the last performance of this year’s Moses Lake Summer Concert Series.

Weather forecast for Thanksgiving week 2025

Weather forecast for Thanksgiving week 2025

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Support local causes this holiday season ...

If you’re looking to enjoy the holidays, you’re not alone. Across the Columbia Basin, people will be baking turkeys, holiday shopping, decorating their homes, and reminding children to behave or they’ll get coal in a stocking.

Annual golf classic set for Friday to support Warden community

WARDEN – This Friday Sage Hills Golf Course will be hosting the Annual Golf Classic, put together by the Warden Development Council. They will aim to fundraise for the Warden community. Registration is at 11 a.m. and the shotgun tee-off is at 12 p.m. “I think the community of Warden really, really does appreciate it,” Pat Millard of the Warden Development Council said, “They're really happy to get the money that we give them to buy the turkeys and things for the needy families.”

Sweetest punkin’ up for adoption

MOSES LAKE – Terra, a small chihuahua-mix, is looking fur her perfect home. She might be small but her heart is huge. She starts off a little shy, but once you gain her trust, she sticks by your side like a tiny shadow. She loves snuggles, kisses and cuddling under blankets. She said her dream home is one where she can fee safe, cozy and loved everyday. If you think she would be your perfect companion, contact Hands ‘N Paws at [email protected].

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Educate, don’t regulate when it comes to guns

November of next year will see gun owners having to go through a few extra hoops to own firearms in Washington. As much as I’m for public safety and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and punishing those who are irresponsible with firearms, I find the new law to be an overreach.

Double the love and twice the cuddles

MOSES LAKE – Adopt double the cuteness, adopt this bonded pair. Rosco, male, and Dolly, female, are looking for a home that will take them in together. They love each other dearly and would be devastated if they were separated. Rosco is neutered and Dolly is spayed; both are fully vaccinated. They are both cuddle bugs and when you aren’t home, they will have each other to keep one another company. Rosco and Dolly were declawed before they came into Grant County Animal Outreach care. GCAO's policy is not to support declawing, but we are dedicated to ensuring these wonderful cats find a safe and happy indoor home. Could that be with you? If so, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out their application. If you can’t take in the pair but you would like to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

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.”

Nonprofit of the day: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE - The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, fun place and meals for children after school and during the summer both at the main clubhouse and at schools throughout Moses Lake. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin 425 N Paxson Drive, Moses Lake 509-764-9694 www.bngclub.org

MLSD cross country students threatened with firearm

MOSES LAKE — Frontier and Endeavor middle school cross country students were approached by a vehicle whose occupants threatened them with a firearm Tuesday afternoon, according to Moses Lake School District Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. “As we understand, law enforcement is actively investigating and nothing has been completely confirmed by law enforcement, but we were told that a vehicle drove up to a group of students and a gun was pointed at the students,” Shannon said. “That is where we are at this point; law enforcement is actively investigating the situation.” All students and staff are safe, and no injuries occurred. The students were en route to return to Frontier Middle School to be reunited with families as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Around 60 students were participating in the cross-country activity, Shannon said, and all of the parents and guardians of those students will receive a phone call from him explaining the situation. “The safety of our students and staff is the top priority of the Moses Lake School District,” Shannon said. “Regarding the situation this afternoon, we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide all information to the public as it becomes available to us.”

Use common sense when warming up with a space heater

MOSES LAKE — Winter weather has come to the Basin, which means a lot of people will be looking for ways to keep warm. Space heaters can be a useful, portable way to heat up a room, but you have to be careful with them and the fire risks they present. “Maintain space between the heater and any combustible object: clothes, blankets, anything that could catch fire,” said Moses Lake firefighter Seth Ellis. One in six residential fires on average are caused by heating equipment, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Of those, about a third are caused by space heaters, but those fires result in 88% of civilian deaths and 80% of civilian injuries from heating-related fires. The number of fires caused by heaters has dropped from more than 70,000 annually to about 40,000, largely due to safety features like switches to shut the device off when it tips over.

Know the local law before setting off fireworks

MOSES LAKE — The calendar is counting down to Independence Day, and fireworks stands are offering combustible fun all over the Basin. Before you start lighting fuses, however, make sure you know the local laws.

Canal safety urged after drowning incidents

QUINCY — As the warmer months approach, local officials are raising awareness about the dangers posed by irrigation canals, which are integral to the region's agricultural landscape but can be deadly. In recent months, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has reported two drownings linked to these canals, highlighting the need for community education on canal safety.

One fire blazing in WA

ENTIAT — The Pomas Fire, reported on June 13, has rapidly grown to 910 acres in size as of Thursday. The fire is situated 36 miles northwest of Entiat, within the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness, according to a report on Inciweb. There are no updates on containment as of Thursday. “This is an extreme(ly) tough piece of ground with all the dead and down timber from the 2015 Wolverine Fire and 10 years’ worth of thick regeneration,” said Holly Krake in a statement from Entiat-Chelan District Ranger for the Forest Service. “The smokejumpers and pilots are doing everything they safely can to keep fire from becoming established on the east side of the Entiat River and down in Snowbrushy Creek.”

West hired as Moses Lake School District administrator

MOSES LAKE — Scott West said he thinks his new job is the right fit for him and for the Moses Lake School District. West was hired as executive director of safety and wellbeing last week.

BASIN EVENTS Oct. 31-Nov. 30

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we move out of the spooky season and into the holidays, here are a few things to check out this month.

Brush fire engulfs house in Ephrata

EPHRATA – There was a report made of a brush fire in the 2200 block of Basin Street in Ephrata at around 12 p.m. Thursday, according to Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. When crews arrived on scene, it was discovered that there was a house involved in the fire. “The one occupant of the house was rescued safely by sheriff’s deputies,” Foreman said.

Several gun bills working their way through the Washington State Legislature

(The Center Square) – Friday marks a critical cutoff date for bills in the Washington State Legislature. This means bills must pass through a policy committee in their house of origin, or they are likely dead for the year. While several bills related to the regulation of firearms are moving ahead, a bipartisan bill to increase penalties for repeat juvenile offenders when it comes to gun crimes has not received a public hearing.

MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1 Q&A: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Deanna Martinez and Jeremy Davis are running for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald sent identical questions to each candidate with a 150-word limit on the answers. Martinez did not respond by the deadline.

‘Our shelves are really empty’

Ephrata Food Bank in need of donations

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Food Bank, a resource for families in the Ephrata community, is currently facing significant challenges due to dwindling supplies, but increased demand, Director Phyllis Fuglie said. Since moving to its current location in 2003, the food bank has served as a lifeline for many residents struggling with food insecurities. Prior to the current building the food bank operated out of the Ephrata Recreation Center. According to volunteers, the need for assistance has only intensified in recent months as food sources have diminished.