Quincy PD arrests burglary suspect

QUINCY – The Quincy Police Department, assisted by the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Joshua D. Avalos, 33, of Quincy after he was identified as a suspect in an apartment burglary.

Othello wins in OT against Ephrata

Huskies look to grab first in league play

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies soccer team won in overtime 2-1 in Saturday’s game against the Ephrata Tigers. “We knew from the beginning it was a battle,” said Tigers head coach Ivan Garay. “We had already played them once and tied and we knew that it was going to be back and forth.”

Gas prices rise nationally, drop slightly in WA

MOSES LAKE— In the latest report from GasBuddy, the national average price of gasoline has increased for the third consecutive week, rising 10.6 cents to $3.21 per gallon. This marks a 13.2-cent increase from just a month ago but remains 35.6 cents lower than the same time last year. The national average price of diesel has also seen an uptick, climbing 3.6 cents to settle at $3.594 per gallon.

Discover Pass fee increase considered by WA legislature

OLYMPIA —Washington State Senate Bill 5390, which proposes to increase the cost of the Discover Pass and day-use permits, was the subject of discussion during a recent hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations. The bill aims to update fees that have remained unchanged since their implementation in 2011 and address a growing budget deficit in state recreational programs. The bill passed the Senate with a 29-20 vote. Senate Democrats voted in favor, with the exception of Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground. All Republican senators voted no.

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.

'Beyond belt-tightening': WSU scrambles for revenue amid cuts, falling enrollment

(The Center Square) – As President Donald Trump cuts funding and Gov. Bob Ferguson juggles a $16 billion budget shortfall, Washington State University is bracing for up to 10% reductions across several departments. The WSU Executive Leadership Team laid out the situation in a message to the community. According to WSU Insider, the university’s media relations outlet, leadership directed all 44 budgeted units, colleges and departments across the system to plan for upcoming cuts.

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Zags were so far, and yet so close

IF YOU had no skin in this title game other than wanting to see what brand of basketball the riches of NIL can buy these days, it was a thriller. The collectives who fund the sport’s best teams — note that all four No. 1 seeds made it to San Antonio — get their money’s worth. More than anything Monday night, you got to see big, strong athletes who leave politeness in the dressing room. This game was just short of violence. There were times when it looked like the YMCA on Saturday afternoon, complete with bloody noses and no referees. Maybe they should have played, “Make it, take it.”

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.

UPDATED: Water main break closes section of Mart Road

MOSES LAKE — A water main break is temporarily limiting access to businesses in the 900 block of Stratford Road. Moses Lake city officials said Monday afternoon that a section of the westbound lane of Mart Road will be closed while repairs are underway. Drivers still will have access to WinCo, Sportsman’s Warehouse and the other businesses in that block from Central Drive, said Lynne Lynch, Moses Lake communications and marketing specialist. The road will be closed until further notice.

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.

George Library to host resource fair

GEORGE — The George Library will host a resource fair Monday, where residents of the area can get help with a variety of needs.

MLHS Track team hits new personal bests

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks track and field team had great success Thursday afternoon in the dual meet against Eastmont with multiple athletes breaking personal records. “We had some kids doing events that they haven’t done before that showed not just good results, but real promise for the future,” said Mavs head coach Mark Ward.

Basin residents protest Trump policies in Ephrata

EPHRATA – A group of between 75 and 80 people gathered in front of Sun Basin Plaza in downtown Ephrata Saturday from a little before 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. to protest policies put forth by the Donald Trump administration.

Mavs softball team dominates in doubleheader vs. Cadets

MOSES LAKE – On Friday, the Moses Lake Mavericks (6-2) softball team dominated at home against the visiting Eisenhower Cats (2-4), winning the doubleheader 20-0 and 14-1.

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.

City of Ephrata considering logo options

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council is reviewing options for a logo for the city which could be used for marketing and other purposes and discussed how to move forward during their April 3 meeting. “A logo is a graphic symbol or emblem that visually represents a company, organization or entity,” said City Clerk Kaitlin Kapalo. “It distinguishes us from others and gives us something to recognize (us for). Logos matter because it’s our first impression as a city.”

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.

BMX ramping up for spring fun in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Now that Spring is here, outdoor activities are ramping up, including BMX leagues. On April 4th and 5th, Moses Lake BMX will hold multiple events for children and beginners. This comes after new changes were made to the organization’s offerings. They are starting two new leagues, one for beginners, at their open house this Saturday.

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.