Basin Public Meetings Schedule: Nov. 2023

This schedule includes regularly scheduled meetings, which may be changed or canceled. Agendas may be found on each municipality’s website one to two business days prior to the meeting. All meetings must be run in accordance with state law and generally allow one or more agenda items for public comment on issues facing the government body.

Soap Lake council schedules special budget meeting

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council members will review and discuss the municipal 2024 budget at a special meeting at 5:30 Wednesday at the Soap Lake Community and Senior Center, 121 Second Ave. SE.

Moses Lake Presbyterian marks 115 years Sunday

MOSES LAKE — The roots of Moses Lake Presbyterian Church run deep, a fact that the church will celebrate Sunday with a special service on its 115th birthday.

Legals for November, 3 2023

Q&A: Othello City Council candidates

OTHELLO – Darryl Barnes is running against Eugene Bain for Othello City Council Position 4.

Q&A: Warden City Council Position 4

WARDEN – Leilani Pruneda is running against Jesus Martinez for Position 5 on the Warden City Council.

John 'Jack' Freitag

April 8, 1935 — Oct. 27, 2023

John Joseph “Jack” Freitag, 88, a long-time resident of both Lewis and Grant counties in Wash., passed away of natural causes on October 27, 2023, at his home in Lacey, Wash. Jack was born April 8, 1935, to Alfred Joseph Freitag and his wife, the former Lyla Josephine Robin, on Puget Island, Wash.

‘Praise and cheers’

St. Rose of Lima School readies its 40th benefit auction

EPHRATA — St. Rose of Lima Catholic School will celebrate “Praise and Cheers to 40 years” at its annual fundraiser auction and dinner Nov. 11.

Legals for November, 2 2023

GCFD 7 seeks levy lid lift in general election

SOAP LAKE — Voters in Grant County Fire District 7, which includes the city of Soap Lake, will decide the fate of a proposal to increase the rate of the district’s property tax levy for fire service in the general election Nov. 7.

Ephrata celebrates Halloween with displays, activities and – of course – candy

EPHRATA — Thousands showed up in downtown Ephrata Tuesday to celebrate Halloween. Ghouls, superheroes, Power Rangers and more showed up in a display we’re sure would have made both Vincent Price and Stan Lee proud.

Water, housing big topics for Moses Lake City Council candidates

MOSES LAKE — Four candidates for the Moses Lake City Council had an opportunity to make their positions clear at a candidate forum Oct. 24.

Fire focus: GCFD 8 Commissioner speaks at candidate forum.

MATTAWA – Last week’s South Grant County candidate forum featured unopposed candidate for Grant County Fire District 8 Commissioner Debra Crain, who spoke during the forum about GCFD 8 and gave advice to the public.

Legals for November, 1 2023

Mattawa candidates speak about the city’s issues

MATTAWA — Unopposed and opposed candidates for Mattawa City Council and Mattawa mayor attended the South Grant County candidate forum Oct. 25 at Wahluke High School, put on by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce. Incumbent mayoral candidate Maria Celaya and incumbent council candidate Brian Berghout were not in attendance. Candidates answered the same questions and spoke about various topics and issues in Mattawa.

MLSD candidates swap perspectives at forum

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake voters had the opportunity to hear from 14 candidates for local offices Oct. 24. The forum, hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, The Columbia Basin Herald and KWIQ, allowed hopefuls for the Moses Lake City Council, the Moses Lake School Board and Grant County Hospital District No. 1 to speak a little bit about themselves and their visions for the positions they sought, and to answer pre-selected questions relating to those offices. The moderator was Alan Heroux, an ambassador with the Chamber, and the timekeeper was Karisti Cox of Summer Wood. Each candidate was asked two questions which were alternated, so each candidate had a chance to answer one of the questions first and one second.

Knights open districts with win over La Salle

ROYAL CITY – The Knights opened the South Central Athletic Conference district tournament with a win over La Salle on Thursday, defeating the Lightning 5-1 on their home turf.

Grant PUD to decide on 2024 budget, rate increase Nov. 14

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners will consider the passage of a 2024 budget, which includes a 2.5% to 3% overall rate increase, at their Nov. 14 meeting.

Columbia Basin getting spooky for Halloween

MOSES LAKE — Superheroes, goblins, princesses and ghosts out and about on Halloween night will have opportunities for candy, fun and scary places to go throughout the Columbia Basin.

Legals for October, 30 2023