U.S. Justice Dept. to investigate new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse

(The Center Square) – Just three days after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill requiring religious leaders in Washington state to report child abuse or neglect – even when it’s disclosed in confession – the U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday it has opened a civil rights investigation based on what it regards as a prima facie First Amendment violation.

WA wildlife crop damage law signed

OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties.

MLSD discusses levy fund use in 2025-26

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis discussed plans for the 2025-26 school year levy funds at the May 1 regular school board meeting. The district will only collect a partial levy in the second half of the school year at an estimated $5.9 million om revenue. However, the following school year the district will be able to do a full collection of about $11.9 million.

Moses Lake School Board passes five policies, holds one

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board met for its regular meeting April 1 passed five policy updates and discussed one policy update with no action taken. The policies ranged from updating guidelines for non-resident students to removing a sentence from the district’s sexual harassment policy.

New water main connection will have two roads down to one lane in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Moses Lake, Pegram Construction will be closing the two westbound lanes of Valley Road between Sunburst Court Northeast and Grape Drive Northeast to add a new water main connection.

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 BASEBALL ROUNDUP: May 7, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – As Basin baseball begins to wrap up, the competition has gotten a little fiercer as teams make one final push for post season play. See below how the previous weeks competition unfolded.

Mattawa in line for additional water rights

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa has secured a place in line for new water rights. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, the city’s engineers, said the Washington Department of Ecology is taking applications for additional water rights in very limited areas, a consequence of local conditions in those areas.

SENIOR EVENTS: May 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The Basin is hopping with opportunities for seniors to get out and about. Here are a few things happening in May:

Five arrested in Othello trafficking investigation

OTHELLO — Five men were arrested on suspicion of attempting to patronize a prostitute during an operation conducted recently in Othello, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. The announcement was made May 2.

EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE SPORTS: May 7-14, 2025

MOSES LAKE – College athletes begin to end their season around Washington State and head toward regional and national tournaments.

One injured in three-vehicle collision on SR 17

MOSES LAKE – A three-vehicle collision occurred on State Route 17 about five miles north of Moses Lake at around 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Legals for May, 7 2025

Vernon Charles Sandmann

1937 — 2025

Vernon Charles Sandmann passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 88 with his loving wife and family beside him. Born on February 23, 1937, he grew up on a small 40-acre dairy in Ridgefield, Washington with his parents, Victor and Lydia Sandmann and younger sister, Diana.

Irene LaDean Daggy

1938 — 2025

Irene LaDean Daggy died on May 3, 2025. LaDean, as she was called, was born at home, on May 2, 1938, in Moore, Idaho, to Floyd and Nora Haney. She was the second of two children. Her family moved to Moses Lake in 1955, where she graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1957.

Looking for her Happily-Ever-After

SOAP LAKE – It’s a paws-itively enchanting experience meeting two-year-old Princess Ebby, who is looking for her forever throne. This petite medium-sized mixed breed, tipping the scale at 45 pounds has a tail-wagging story – she was brought to the pantry as a pup which a shattered back left leg, presumably from an unfortunate encounter with a human. Thanks to some doggone great care and a successful orthopedic surgery, she can now prance around with grace – even if one leg is slightly shorter. Despite a rocky start, Ebby’s future looks bright. This spirted pooch is not only up to date on all of her vaccinations, but she is also spayed and ready to scamper into the hearts of her new family. If you have the perfect palace for this princess, visit RockBottomRocker.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.”

Stamp Out Hunger food drive coming Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Your letter carriers will be toting an extra burden on Saturday, and they’re asking folks to make it heavier.

New law provides protection for hot car rescues

Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.

Huskies best Quincy in first round of CWAC tournament

QUINCY – The Othello Huskies came out on top against the Quincy Jacks winning 4-2 in the first game of the Central Washington Athletic Conference Tournament for both teams. “I feel so excited,” said Huskies’ Jose Cabrera.

Transit authority to buy property for Ephrata transit center

EPHRATA — A former auto dealership in Ephrata is scheduled to be converted into a Grant Transit Authority transit center. The GTA board authorized the purchase of 548 Basin St. SW at a special meeting Monday. The property was the Barry auto dealership until earlier this year.