MLSD, MLEA address school day, finances during final meeting of 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District Board of Directors held its final meeting of 2025 Thursday. During the meeting, both the Moses Lake Education Association and district administration discussed the ongoing concern of school day length.

'Affordability is first'

Warnick outlines legislative priorities for upcoming session

OLYMPIA — Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake and the Republican Caucus Chair for the Washington State Senate, shared her legislative priorities for the upcoming session, which include increasing affordability, enhancing public safety and improving access to education—issues she believes are vital for the welfare of Washingtonians.

Mattawa to work on sewer, water projects in 2026

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa has budgeted to spend about $200,000 more in its current expense (general) fund in 2026 than it is projected to receive in revenue. Expenses for all departments are projected to be slightly higher than revenues, and as a result Mattawa is projected to have slightly less money in at the end of 2026 than it does at the beginning of the year.

Pledge leader

Ephrata girl leads Pledge of Allegiance for past two years

EPHRATA — Summer Rocheleau, an Ephrata resident, has been leading the Pledge of Allegiance at council meetings for over two years. After she finished leading the council in the pledge, Wednesday night, she was recognized by Mayor Bruce Reim, along with the entire council for her public service.

A year of successes

DMLA celebrates bringing attention downtown in 2025

MOSES LAKE — Downtown Moses Lake has had a pretty good year. “I think people are starting to recognize that there is stuff downtown,” said Downtown Moses Lake Association Executive Director Mallory Miller.

Christmas week weather 2025

Christmas week weather 2025

Legals for December, 22 2025

Quincy Shop with a Cop pairs families with officers

QUINCY — Ten Quincy families will have a brighter Christmas through the Quincy Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event Dec. 6. “Seeing how excited the kids get and how thankful the families are, it’s awesome,” said QPD Ofc. Danya Mercado, who organized the event with Ofc. Jessica Diaz.

Community Tigers

EPHRATA — According to the Ephrata School District, the Associated Student Body raised more than expected during its Toys for Teens fundraiser. With community support and generosity, the group was able to donate nearly $4,000 worth of clothing to His Helping Hands Friday. Remaining funds will be used to purchase additional clothing for our student clothing closet ensuring students in need have access to essential items throughout the year.

Vikings go 1-2 in home tournament

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings Men’s basketball team hosted a crossover tournament over the weekend of Dec. 13, where they faced Southwestern Oregon, Skagit Valley and Centralia. While the Vikings went 1-2 overall, “I think it was a really good weekend,” said Vikings Head Coach Jason Hopkins. “Everybody says it’s the strongest crossover that they can remember. We had a number one, number two and number seven in the building.”

ACH Warriors off to undefeated start

COULEE CITY — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (4-0) are off to an undefeated start to their season after defeating the Neah Bay Red Devils 71-49. Head Coach Graham Grindy was complimentary of his teams defensive effort. “Collectively, the defense was great. Along with that, we rebounded really well, and that allowed us to get out in transition. I would say we were pretty balanced inside and out, and also balanced with our scoring,” he said.

MLPD logs for Dec. 15-17, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Three arrested in Royal City area thefts case

ROYAL CITY — Three men were arrested and booked into the Grant County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property after a search was served on a home near Beverly Thursday.

‘Our favorite time of year’

Shop with a Cop brings smiles to both children and officers

MOSES LAKE — The heavy police presence outside local stores recently wasn’t because of a crime wave. It was police officers engaging in their favorite annual event. “This is one of those times throughout the year that we don't have to go and ask for volunteers to help,” said Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands. “The first day we put it out, I think we got 20-some people say ‘Yeah, we’re in.’ That's just under half the department right away.“

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.”

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:

More park improvements planned for Royal City in ‘26

ROYAL CITY — Lions Park in Royal City now has a soccer field, so city officials will be working on the next phase of improvements in 2026. The first phase of upgrades to Apple Avenue also is scheduled for 2026, and both are among the projects reflected in the city’s 2026 budget. The budget was approved by Royal City City Council members Tuesday.

Jacks host first league match of the season

QUINCY — The Quiny Jacks wrestling team hosted Selah in their first league match of the season where both teams found success on the mat. The Jacks will use this match to kick off their season as the competition begins to ramp up over the next few weeks.

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

Legals for December, 19 2025