Aerial support

Injured eagle receiving treatment with the help of Soap Lake woman

SOAP LAKE — After four days, two veterinary clinics and one tire blowout, a bald eagle has been rescued and receiving care from the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman. On April 13, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge said she received a call from a concerned Soap Lake citizen regarding an eagle on the ground in a field near Carlton, in Okanogan County.

Moses Lake council votes to end support of sleep center

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake will end its support of the Open Doors sleep center June 30. Moses Lake City Council members made the decision in a unanimous vote at a special meeting and workshop on homeless issues Friday.

Mavs win doubleheader against Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks softball team gained two wins in their doubleheader against Wenatchee Thursday evening. “We got two wins and that’s the most important thing,” said Mavs’ head coach Mike Hofheins. “They were pretty different games.”

MLSD reads three policies, no votes occurred

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District School Board did first reads on three proposed policies at the April 18 board meeting. No decisions were made on any policy updates.

BASIN TENNIS ROUNDUP: April 21, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – Another week of tennis is complete, and the competition is getting fierce. See below how everything is shaking out.

Gilreath appointed as new principal at Parkway Intermediate

EPHRATA—The Ephrata School District has announced Kim Gilreath's appointment as the next principal of Parkway Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2025. Gilreath will succeed current principal Jeremy Vasquez, who plans to return to the classroom. With over 25 years of experience in various educational capacities, Gilreath said she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role.

MLSD hires new transpo directors

MOSES LAKE — Longtime Moses Lake School District employee Dyan Ford has been named one of two people to lead MLSD’s transportation department. Ford will be the Director of Transportation,Personnel. Amiee Cook, currently director of transportation for the Prosser School District, will take over as Director of Transportation, Operations.

Gary Craig

Gary Gene Craig, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away at home on April 15, 2025, at the age of 77 with his wife Athene and daughters Katie and Bethany at his side.

Donald Ervin Voss

1938 – 2025

Donald Ervin Voss, 87, passed away March 26, 2025. He was born on September 5, 1938, in Lisbon, North Dakota to Evelyn Ufer and Ernest Voss.

Dean Alden Chambers

1929 - 2024

Dean Alden Chambers of Ephrata, Washington passed away in his home on October 9, 2024. Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, and Great-great-grandpa, was Born January 19, 1929, in Crosby, Minnesota. A memorial will be on June 29, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jennings Park, 6309 53rd Avenue NE in Marysville, Washington.

Gentle giant with a kind heart

MOSES LAKE – Don't let this pup's size fool you, he’s actually a gentle and loving dog with a kind heart. He has early-onset cataracts, but he still navigates the world with grace and charm. He also has a sensitive stomach that requires a special diet, but he is eternally grateful for a good meal. He loves hanging out with children and showering them with affection. His calm and patient demeanor makes him the perfect pet for families. If Lincoln seems like a good fit for your family, visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out his application. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to help a local animal shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Growing market

Master Gardener plant sale to offer veggies, flowers and solid advice

MOSES LAKE — If you haven’t put out your garden yet, it’s not too late. The WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale May 3 at McCosh Park. “We’ll have lots of different kinds of vegetables,” said Master Gardener Diane Escure. “I think we’ve got maybe 12 different kinds of heirloom tomatoes. We have herbs, we have flowering plants, geraniums, sweet potato vines.”

Basin events for April 18-26

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, arts and crafts and plant sales await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things to check out:

BBCC Job Fair connects people, employers

MOSES LAKE — Thursday’s may have been the biggest job fair Big Bend Community College has held. “About 700 job seekers came through here today, maybe more,” organizer Michelle Arceo said about halfway through the four-hour event.

Eagles finish top ten in Big Sky Championship

LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ – Eastern Washington’s womens golf finished ninth in the Big Sky Championships on Wednesday, shooting 911 overall, according to a statement by Eastern Washington University Athletics. "This week's finish was not the outcome we were hoping for after a strong finish last week," head coach Brenda Howe explained. "Day one had some good scores from our one, two and three seeded players, with the four and five struggling. Day two and three, the four and five seeded players [Brooke Mahler and Spencer Cerenzia] stepped up and did their job playing in those positions. Unfortunately, we struggled in the one-through-three spots the last two days."

Hot competition

Chili chefs vie for bragging rights at Greenpoint cook-off

MOSES LAKE — A good pot of chili is its own reward. Still, a little recognition and maybe some cash never hurts.

Hearings on Soap Lake PD chief's termination begin

SOAP LAKE —The Soap Lake Civil Service Commission convened Monday for a meeting addressing the contested termination of former Soap Lake Police Department Chief Ryan Cox, who is challenging his dismissal following a disciplinary investigation. Cox was terminated by city officials Feb. 13 after being placed on paid administrative leave for 13 weeks while an investigation occurred on Cox’s alleged misconduct.

BASIN SOCCER ROUNDUP: April 18, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – As the final weeks of boys soccer creep up, here is how the last week of competition unfolded. See below for the current lay of the land.

‘The budget blackout continues’: WA GOP frustrated by Dems’ tax hike proposals

(The Center Square) – With just 10 days remaining in session, majority party Democrats in the Washington State Legislature have yet to reveal their final budget proposals. Meanwhile, Republicans remain largely powerless to stop an onslaught of tax hikes as part of Democrats’ revenue plan to deal with a projected operating budget shortfall of $16 billion over the next four years.

Moses Lake residents invited to chip and seal info night

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to an open house to discuss the city’s proposed 2025 seal coat project from 5 to 7 p.m. April 29 at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St.