Teens discuss Constitution in American Legion event

EPHRATA — Sixteen Washington students demonstrated their speaking skills March 29, according to an announcement from American Legion Art Semro Post 28 in Ephrata.

Legals for April, 8 2025

Hattie 'Ann' Rice

Hattie "Ann" Rice, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, in Moses Lake, Washington, at the age of 83.

MLSD provides more details on Groff legal action

District closes elementary campus for ‘25-26 school year due to safety concerns

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District officials announced during a Friday press conference that Groff Elementary will remain closed for the 2025-26 school year due to the ongoing infrastructure issues tied to the original construction of the building. The district is also pursuing legal action against Fowler General Construction Inc., the contractor that built Groff, for breach of contract and breach of warranty.

Skyview Dental Clinic breaks ground on new building

MOSES LAKE — “It’s important to make a living, but it’s more important to make a difference.” That’s the advice Dr. Calvin Despain said his mentor gave him years ago. Despain is the owner of Skyview Dental Clinic in Moses Lake, having taken over Dr. Brent Jones’ practice about four years ago when Jones retired. The clinic is tucked away on Hunter Place just off South Pioneer Way, but it will be moving this year into a brand-new, larger facility on Yonezawa Boulevard next to Lowe’s.

STUDIO BASIN: March crime roundup and sports recap

MOSES LAKE – On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and reporter Nance Beston discussed the crimes that occurred in the month of March. Miller explained both drive-by shootings in Moses Lake, including the Loop Drive drive-by shooting which had one fatality and four injured and the Olympic Drive drive-by shooting which resulted in no injuries. Beston talked about the rest of the crimes the Columbia Basin Herald covered in March including high speed chases, running from officers and an alleged murder.

Groff litigation, improving finances addressed in MLSD board meeting

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School Board met for a regular meeting April 3 and discussed litigation regarding Groff Elementary, adding public health information to the district website, protection of student information and heard a financial report from MLSD superintendent Carol Lewis.

Rent stabilization bill makes progress in Olympia

OLYMPIA — A Washington bill to limit residential rate increases may have a shot at passing this year, according to its primary sponsor, state Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle. “I am very hopeful, and I think there is momentum,” Alvarado said. “I think the bill, where it’s gotten to at this point, is a compromise. I think it’s a balanced approach.”

Grant County property tax statements issued

EPHRATA — Grant County property owners should be receiving 2025 property tax statements in the mail in the next few days, unless they’ve shown up already. Grant County Treasurer Darryl Pheasant said tax statements were mailed March 28.

Soap Lake council debates downsizing itself

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council voted for the second time to postpone action on changing the number of city council members at Wednesday’s meeting. The council has seven seats and five members; however, there is a proposed ordinance to drop the council down to five seats. The ordinance would not go into effect until the next election, meaning the city still has to fill the two empty council seats regardless.

Law enforcement logs for April 4, 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.

Tennis roundup for April 4, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Here's how Basin tennis teams fared last week:

Legals for April, 4 2025

Guns, cocaine paraphernalia seized in drive-by investigation

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department announced the successful execution of search warrants that resulted in officers confiscating a dozen firearms and evidence of cocaine sales at a home in the 200 block of W. Knolls Vista Drive. The search was associated with the second of two drive-by shootings in Moses Lake in less than two weeks.

Ephrata’s Lopez Argueta excels in classes despite language barrier

EPHRATA – In a celebration of resilience and hard work, Ephrata High School has named Diego Lopez Argueta as one of the Students of the Month for March. His tenacity in the face of challenges, particularly his efforts in overcoming language barriers, has made a significant impact on both his teachers and peers, said his teachers.

Ephrata SD approves purchase of two surplus busses

EPHRATA -- The Ephrata School Board approved the purchase of two surplus 42-passenger buses at its March 24 meeting. The total cost of the purchase was $17,500.

Legals for April, 3 2025

Groff students settling into new campuses

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is settling students and teachers into classrooms Groff Elementary will be closed for the remainder of the school year after electrical issues resulted in the injury of an unidentified individual. The school was originally planned to be closed March 3 through March 7 with students attending classes from home. However, at the March 6 school board meeting, it was announced the school would remain closed for the remainder of the school year.

March 2025 a busy month for Basin law enforcement

MOSES LAKE — March was a busy month for law enforcement with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Moses Lake Police Department and Adams County Sheriff’s Office all involved in investigations. The month had high speed chases, drive-by shootings and suspects fleeing from law enforcement, along with some other cases. Here is a recap of the cases that occurred in March.

Search warrants lead to arrest, narcotics seized

MOSES LAKE – Several federal search warrants were served March 30 in the greater Moses Lake area by the Moses Lake Police Street Crimes Unit Detectives who also serve as Task Force Officers for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.