Basin events for June 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — As spring swings into summer, there’s something for everyone to do in the Basin. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

Law Enforcement Logs for May 30, 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.

Biggest Spring Fest yet comes off without a hitch

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, everything just comes together. This year’s Moses Lake Spring Fest was one of those times. “This is the smoothest event we’ve had since I’ve been a part of it,” said Board President Sean Sallis. “Everything just seemed to be clicking on all cylinders. It got kind of crazy, but the flow was great, from the parade to the 3-on-3 (basketball tournament) to the fun run.”

Ephrata schools mulling bond package for spring 2026

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Facility Study Group meeting discussed several options for potential bond packages for the upcoming school year. “We really began this work about a year and a half ago when it became apparent that we were going to need to defuse some of the dollars that were associated with the 2019 bond,” Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray said. “We weren't going to be able to complete all the projects that we believed we were going to be able to in that bond.”

Downtown streets lined for Spring Fest parades

MOSES LAKE — A seemingly endless line snaked through downtown Moses Lake Saturday: fire trucks, businesses, political candidates, bands, dancers – all part of the Spring Fest Grand Parade.

Volunteers, police make big difference at Spring Fest

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Moses Lake Spring Fest came off better than usual, in large part because of lots of community involvement, organizers said. “We welcome everyone in our community to come and volunteer,” Spring Fest Board Member Lori Valdez said. “But this year, we had a lot of people step up and volunteer that we’ve never had before, and that was very nice.” Nearly 200 people came out to help with the various activities at the festival, according to Board President Sean Sallis. The Fun Run alone had 60 volunteers, he said. There were 30 volunteers helping with the beer garden, 45 for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament and 11 for the parade. “One little boy was helping us put tape on the basketball court,” Sallis said. “He was like 4 years old, and he wanted to help lay tape. It’s just a picture of our community.”

John Lee Perdue

July 21, 1945 — April 27, 2025

The family and friends of John Lee Perdue are saddened to announce his death in Moses Lake, Washington, where he lived since 1984 in a home that he built with his wife, Mary Lou Cruz, who he married in 1968. Mary Lou preceded him in death in 2007.

GALLERY: Lots of cool vehicles, different interests at Spring Festival car show

MOSES LAKE — Just as every recipe will be at least a little different depending on the cook, said Angel Mora, Moses Lake, so too is every truck – or car or tractor or motorcycle – different depending on the owner. “You can make it, but it won’t be the same as everybody else’s,” Angel Mora said.

Port of Moses Lake opens new maintenance facility

MOSES LAKE — Port of Moses Lake commissioners cut the ribbon Monday on the new maintenance facility completed this spring.

Basin high school sports schedule May 28-June 3

COLUMBIA BASIN — The spring sports season concludes this weekend as two local baseball teams make their push for a state title. Columbia Basin track teams will also compete at their state meets this week starting Thursday.

‘For us they fell’

Basin Memorial Day ceremonies honor America’s heroes

MOSES LAKE — Communities across the Basin bowed their heads, removed their hats and paid tribute Monday to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Mavs make a run at state softball

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks Softball team finished their run at the 4A state tournament in the first round of consolation Friday afternoon. The Mavs fell to Issaquah 1-12 in the initial bracket and 3-4 to Tahoma in consolation.

Knights finish strong season in consolation semifinals

Royal City squad finishes spring play with solid 21-5 record

RICHLAND – The Royal Knights softball team finished their run in the state tournament in the semifinals of the consolation bracket. They entered the tournament as the number two seed. “We were super excited, ready to come out here and just play our best,” said Knight’s senior Audrey Bergeson. “Gave everything we have and played together.”

Traffic restricted on Vantage Bridge throughout June

Other Basin and regional road construction projects planned or underway.

VANTAGE — It turns out the Vantage Bridge will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in June after all.

Moses Lake Spring Fest schedule

MOSES LAKE — This weekend is Moses Lake’s biggest blowout of the year, Spring Fest. Here’s where and when it’s all happening. All events are at McCosh Park unless otherwise noted.

Memorials to honor the fallen Monday in the Basin

COLUMBIA BASIN — Among the barbecues, festivities and relaxation of the three-day weekend, many Basin communities will take a solemn moment to recognize the reason for Memorial Day weekend. The Moses Lake Spring Fest, a tradition for more than 40 years, is adding a little patriotic remembrance into its Grand Parade at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, said Spring Fest Committee member Lori Valdez. “(This year) we ordered a very, very large flag that is going to encompass the street, and we have people who have volunteered to carry the flag. It will bring a tear to your eye if you’ve had a loved one serve.”

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 23-31, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Memorial Day weekend is a busy one, with the three-day weekend and – hopefully – beautiful weather. Here are some things going on in the Basin this week: May 23 Tee Off for Tails Swing into action for the animals. Meet some adorable adoptables and grab some grub at the barbecue. Donate dog food, kitten formula, laundry soap, or bleach directly to Grant County Animal Outreach and get a free round of mini golf. 12-9 p.m. at Lake Bowl, 1165 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info: 509-762-9616.

Moses Lake BMX hosts Gold Cup qualifier tournament

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake BMX had a busy weekend May 17-18 with two days of action-packed bike competition. The two-day affair saw over 400 riders each day of competition, according to Moses Lake BMX Track Operator Jeff Niehenke. “The event went incredibly well; we have a huge group of volunteers that really executed well, even despite the huge rain delay. Everything ran smoothly, and we ran a very quick event, which is hard to do with that many riders and the logistics involved,” Niehenke said. On Saturday, the event for the day was the double-point state qualifier, which saw around 450 riders compete. The races started at 1 p.m. and were running smoothly until a thunderstorm rolled in and caused delays. The rain made the track too muddy to be safe for riders, so Niehenke and the BMX crew had to delay the second half of races until the next morning.

1,100-acre fire contained near Grant-Kittitas border

ELLENSBURG — On Sunday afternoon around 12:35 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Bourne Springs for a fast-moving wildland fire at the Yakima Training Center. “It occurred in an open training area, and it was caused due to training activities,” Yakima Training Center Public Affairs Officer Paul Noel said. The fire was located near the Grant County and Kittitas County border, near Mattawa.

Gas prices rise in Grant Co., WA and nationally

A look into Memorial Day weekend travel

MOSES LAKE — Gas prices across the nation rose, impacting both Grant County and Washington state, according to the American Automobile Association. However, gas prices are still lower than last year at this time, which is good for travelers this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Last week, Grant County was sitting at $4.28 per gallon for the second week in a row, but as of Monday gas prices had risen $0.02 per gallon, bringing the average gas price in the county up to $4.30, according to AAA. This is the same price consumers saw during the week of April 28. This week Adams County saw a decrease in gas prices from $4.20 to $4.18 this week, according to AAA. Two weeks ago, gas was averaging $4.17, lower than currently. Both Grant and Adams counties remain around the median of gas prices across the state, according to AAA. Wahkiakum County remained the most expensive for the second week in a row at $4.80 which is a $0.05 increase from the previous week. Asotin County also remained the cheapest at $3.84 which is a $0.07 increase from last week.