Fire near SR 243 has highway closed

WANAPUM VILLAGE – Drivers will have to look for alternate routes along State Route 243 between Beverly and the junction with State Route 26. The Washington Department of Transportation has issued an alert saying the road is closed due to a wildfire in the area.

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.

Mom blames lack of VA services for children's deaths

(The Center Square) – As the manhunt continues for 32-year-old Travis Decker, suspected in the murders of his three young daughters in Chelan County, Wash., more information is coming out about his declining mental state and struggles to access mental health services through Veterans Affairs.

Eagles complete inaugural season

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Eagles have concluded their first season, finishing with a winning record of 7-5-1 under head coach Tony O’Neel. This was the Eagles first year with a soccer team ever.

Adopt a sweet girl who loves to play

MOSES LAKE – Is your couch missing that furry magic? Do your decorative pillows just not shed enough? Well, we have the perfect solution, adopt Stitches. She is a seven-year-old Siberian husky mix that is a huge cuddle bug and loves to play.

Moses Lake Library cultivates the arts

MOSES LAKE — When Moses Lake was recognized as a creative district in 2022, it was the result of work by multiple agencies and organizations: The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, Columbia Basin Allied Arts and others. One of those was the Moses Lake Public Library. Librarian Connie Baulne serves as a co-chair of the Creative District Committee.

Yard sales by the book

MOSES LAKE — Yard sale, garage sale, rummage sale – whatever you call them, they’re a chance for some people to get rid of unwanted stuff and other people to get great deals. It may seem like an anything-goes market out there for yard sales, but most municipalities do have regulations to keep sales from getting out of hand.

BASIN EVENTS: June 6-14

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, festivals in the sun and more await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things going on:

ROAD REPORT: Bids opening July 2 for Adams Co. Schoonover Road project

OTHELLO — Bids will be opened July 2 for the first phase of the rebuilding of Schoonover Road, with construction tentatively scheduled for early August. The first phase is a section about eight miles north of Ritzville; among other things, Schoonover Road connects Ritzville and Odessa. “This is a reconstruction that is widening (the road), with a new subbase and surfacing with asphalt, drainage facilities and safety rail where needed,” said Adams County Engineer Scott Yaeger in an earlier interview.

Law enforcement logs for June 6, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Building Permits for June 6, 2025

Building Permits for June 6, 2025

Legals for June, 6 2025

3 new student representatives join MLSD board

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District announced the appointment of three new Student Board Representatives for the 2025-26 school year at the regular school board meeting Thursday. MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon introduced the new board members.

Mavericks’ Valdez signs with Oregon Community College

MOSES LAKE – Thursday was a special day for Jaciel Valdez as he signed his letter of intent with Southwest Oregon Community College and will join their cross-country team this fall. Head coach Larry Dagnon knew this day would come for Valdez.

Basin baseball represented in all-star game

RICHLAND – Players from Moses Lake and Othello joined their peers from Yakima at the Columbia Basin Series All-Star Game Wednesday in Richland. “It was really nice and bittersweet to end my high school career here. I'm going to go play college baseball, and hopefully I'll see some of these guys, but it was nice to play against guys that I have played the last 10 years of my life,” Mavericks player Cooper Hancock said.

LaVerne Parkinson

LaVerne Ellen Harris arrived into this world on Feb. 11, 1942. She was born to Lee and Verna Harris in Thomas, Idaho. She blessed the family as their second daughter, just behind her older sister Dixie. She was later made an older sister to her brother Ricky. She attended school in Springfield and graduated from Aberdeen High School in May of 1960. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout her life in all auxiliaries of the church. She had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was one of his most spirited disciples.

Barbara Ann Ronk

1942 – 2025

Barbara Ann Ronk, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 25, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington. She was born on October 8, 1942, in Modesto, California. She moved with her family to Eltopia, Washington in July 1955. She lived a life rich with laughter, love, and purpose.

Alabama looking for a ‘sweet home’

MOSES LAKE – Meet Alabama, the purr-fect Southern belle ready to cat-apult into your heart. At just 1 year, 7 months, and 18 days old, she’s all spayed and vaccinated. She is paw-sitively purring for her forever family. Adopt her by visiting GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and clicking “adopt,” and let the meow-gic begin. If you can’t adopt this sweet girl, but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Local youth honored at upcoming Chief for a Day event

EPHRATA – What happens when Grant County children, who are battling significant medical challenges, are promised a day of fun and recognition? They become honorary Chiefs for a day on June 12, an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting smiles and cherished memories. “It’s all about giving the families and the children a memorable day where they can momentarily forget their medical challenges,” said Grant County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

'Party in the USA'

This year’s Soroptimist auction has a patriotic flair

MOSES LAKE — June 14 will be a star-spangled night in Moses Lake. “Party in the USA” will be the theme for this year’s Soroptimist auction, which falls on Flag Day. “That could mean your fanciest presidential-type outfits all the way down to your backyard party (attire), flag T-shirt and shorts,” said Soroptimist member Katie Wilson. “Red, white and blue all over.” The dinner and auction will be held at Pillar Rock Grill in Moses Lake, and the menu will be barbecue in keeping with the theme, Wilson said. Besides dinner and dancing, there will be raffles, a silent auction and a live auction conducted by Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers.