Employers ready to recruit at WorkSource Hiring Event

MOSES LAKE — Folks who are looking for work will stand a good chance of finding it May 30 at WorkSource’s Spring Hiring Event.

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 16-24, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s the merry, merry month of May and there are lots of ways to keep occupied in the Basin. Here are a few things happening this week:

Big Bend expanding BAS programs

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College has added new Bachelor's in Applied Science programs in the last few years and updated existing programs to meet the needs of local businesses.

EHS senior Chase Moser recognized as student of the month

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School senior Chase Moser has been named as one of the Students of the Month for May, an accolade that his teachers said highlights his exceptional abilities in writing, public speaking and critical thinking. Moser’s academic journey within Ephrata School District, which began in fourth grade, has been marked by notable achievements and an influential presence both in the classroom and beyond, according to EHS English teacher Don Hendrixson, who nominated him for student of the month. Moser is set to graduate this spring, and he has plans to further his education at Eastern Washington University, where he will pursue a degree in business with a minor in psychology. He emphasized the versatility of a business degree.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds preparing for busy season

90 days until the Grant County Fair opens with food, competitions and carnival attractions

MOSES LAKE — The days are getting warmer and with the Grant County Fair just around the corner, the fairgrounds team is ramping up its preparations. Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan announced upgrades to the facility aimed at enhancing safety and overall visitor experience, while simultaneously addressing a crucial staffing shortage for seasonal positions. The legislature decided to table some bills that could have had impacts on the fairgrounds.

Playground planned, tentatively, for Othello’s Kiwanis Park

OTHELLO — A new playground probably will be coming to Othello’s Kiwanis Park, but funding will affect the timeline. It’s the next phase in improvements to the park, some of which are finished, some of which are ongoing. Othello did receive a grant to upgrade the Kiwanis Park basketball courts. A timeline for that project will be announced. Sarah Montemayor, the city’s grant coordinator, said Othello officials submitted grant requests to the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office to upgrade the parking lot and build a new playground. The city got part but not all of the grant, she said.

EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE SPORTS: May 14-21, 2025

MOSES LAKE – College athletes push through the final weeks of the season as they go through regional and national tournaments.

Eugene 'Gene' Hanover

In loving memory of Eugene 'Gene' Hanover

Eugene “Gene” Hanover passed away peacefully at home in Moses Lake, Washington, on May 5, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born at Wyoming General Hospital in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Gene lived a full, passionate life rooted in love, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence

MOSES LAKE – In a display of educational dedication, several schools within the Columbia Basin area have received honors from the Washington State School Recognition Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards celebrate schools that have excelled in crucial areas of student success, including closing achievement gaps, fostering growth among diverse student populations and attaining high levels of performance.

Outstanding Grit

Recognizing the outstanding seniors at Ephrata High

EPHRATA – Thirty exceptional seniors were called on stage with other students cheering and clapping Thursday morning during the Ephrata High School assembly. The students were presented with Outstanding Senior Awards or Grit Academic Department Awards.

Bigger every year

Moses Lake Spring Fest to dominate Memorial Day weekend

MOSES LAKE — The biggest celebration in Moses Lake’s calendar just keeps getting bigger. Tens of thousands came to McCosh Park for Spring Fest last year. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament fielded 121 teams and there were 472 people at the fun run, said Spring Fest Committee Member Lori Valdez. “The car show had over 200 cars, and they ran out of room,” Valdez said. “They had to turn cars away.”

LAW ENFORCEMENT LOGS: May 9, 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.

Defensive driving key for vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders

MOSES LAKE — Spring is here, summer is coming and among other things that means motorcycles returning to the road. That means vehicle drivers may need to readjust their thinking, and motorcycle riders may need to reacquaint themselves with the bike.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Stop and be excellent...

With everything going on in the world today – our busy lives, our children’s busy schedules, the political back and forth and the challenges of the economy, to name a few – it's easy to forget to stop and smell the flowers a bit.

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:

Wilson comes up clutch again as Athletics edge Mariners 7-6 in 11 innings

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jacob Wilson singled home the winning run in the 11th inning to give the Athletics a 7-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the top two teams in the AL West.

MLSD’s Sandhop named AD of the Year

Local athletics manager looks back on 25 years with the school district

MOSES LAKE – The Washington Secondary School Athletic Administrators Association named Moses Lake High School’s Athletic Director Loren Sandhop as the 2024-25 Washington State Athletic Director of the Year. “It’s a great honor not only for me but for our community, it symbolizes a lot of people’s hard work,” said Sandhop.

Plant exchange

Free program helps homeowners trade grass for native flora

MOSES LAKE — Owning a lawn is kind of a pain, in a lot of ways. Sure, it looks nice to have that sea of lush green around the house, but it’s a lot of work to maintain, and it uses up valuable water besides.

BASIN EVENTS: May 2-10

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is lovely and the Basin is teeming with ways to get out and enjoy it. Here are a few:

Four 'Cats Named All-GNAC

PORTLAND, Ore. – Four Central Washington University Softball student-athletes were honored by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference for their hard work and dedication on the field in the 2025 season the conference announced Tuesday afternoon. All four Wildcats earned their first All-GNAC honors in their careers.