'I learned to fly before I learned to drive'

Moses Lake's Betty Warnick stays busy at 100

MOSES LAKE — Betty Warnick, who turned 100 in January, has never been one to sit still, whether it was taking off cross-country for a new job or taking a plane up in the air. “I learned to fly before I learned to drive,” she said.

Vikings continue to stack wins, improve to 17-5

MOSES LAKE – After an 11-4 start to the season, Big Bend women’s basketball Head Coach Preston Wilks took the time to notice trends in the Vikings’ game on the court.

Maverick swimmers prep for district meet

MOSES LAKE – The postseason begins later this week for the Moses Lake boys swim team, who recently competed in the Columbia Basin Big 9 Championships last week.

Students think fast during Amazing Shake

MATTAWA — Let’s see – the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Aiden Avila Salgado ran through it one more time with his friend Ledger Carl while they waited their turn at what is known as the gauntlet. The school fight song? McFarland Middle School students practiced as they lined up.

WA Lawmakers consider rural nursing education

OLYMPIA - Lawmakers determined to address nursing shortages across the state have proposed a new bill to establish a remote nursing education program for rural students. The bill aims to deliver education and training to registered nurses who want to learn, live, and work in their communities.

Legislators eye Climate Commitment Act funding for road projects

OLYMPIA — As Washington state's roads continue to deteriorate and transportation funding faces significant challenges, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, is calling for a public hearing on House Bill 1324. This proposed legislation aims to redirect excess revenues from the Climate Commitment Act toward urgent road projects, seeking to alleviate a growing infrastructure backlog that currently exceeds $11 billion, according to a statement from Barkis.

MLSD Financial Oversight Committee meets for first time

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District hosted its first Financial Oversight Committee meeting Jan. 29. The committee is a volunteer-based group of local professionals from industries including accounting, finance and similar fields. The group was established to hold the district to another level of accountability with its finances.

Basin sports schedule Feb. 5-11

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s sports schedule for high school athletics across the Columbia Basin, including, basketball, swim and dive and wrestling events.

BASIN SENIOR EVENTS for Feb. 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — There are plenty of opportunities to stay active in the Basin this month. Here are a few possibilities:

Legals for February, 5 2025

Family seeks help in finding missing Moses Lake teen

MOSES LAKE — The family of a missing Moses Lake teen is asking for help in finding him.

Ermal "Pete" Lewis Brandon

Ermal "Pete" Lewis Brandon, 94, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy for those who loved and cherished him.

Fake kids, real charges: Lawmakers push additional oversight for net nanny stings

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Patrol has leveraged “net nanny” operations since 2015 to arrest hundreds of alleged child predators, but state lawmakers have concerns that could redirect its efforts. Senate lawmakers moved legislation out of committee on Thursday that would reestablish the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, or MECTF, advisory board. While the task force still exists, the Legislature terminated its oversight board nearly a decade ago.

Walsh reelected chair of Washington State Republican Party

(The Center Square) – Jim Walsh has been overwhelmingly reelected chair of the Washington State Republican Party.

Budget challenges a hurdle for Dent's regional firefighting bill

OLYMPIA – Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working on a bill to create a pilot project, aimed at boosting wildfire prevention and responses in rural areas. The project intends to improve firefighting through collaboration between public and private entities. Dent has proposed this legislation since 2017, and although confident in its proposal, the budget deficit presents a significant challenge, he said. “I don’t know right now where I will find the money,” said Dent. “There’s a big fiscal note on here and it's inflated. We have to cut that down. It’s not right.”

Jacks take fifth hosting Bring Home da Beef tournament

QUINCY – Girls wrestling teams from the Columbia Basin and beyond gathered in Quincy for the Bring Home da Beef tournament on Saturday, with five local teams closing out the final Saturday of the regular season with top 10 finishes at the 30-plus team tournament.

Worker retraining, sick leave focus of new Washington laws

OLYMPIA — Changes to Washington law will give more options to Washington employers looking to keep on workers who are recovering from temporary disabilities. Other changes will expand eligibility to use sick leave to take care of family members and increase the amount families can receive through a once-yearly financial emergency program.

Cook powers Eastern to dominant win over Weber State

OGDEN, Utah – Eastern Washington (7-16, 3-7) bounced back in impressive fashion, defeating Weber State (8-14, 2-7) 72-49, fueled by Andrew Cook's dominant all-around performance.

Vikings secure fifth straight victory

MOSES LAKE -- Riding a four-game winning streak, the Vikings aimed to make it five as they traveled to Walla Walla on Saturday to face off against the Warriors. BBCC got off to a strong start, holding the Warriors to single-digit points in both of the first two quarters and building a substantial lead, heading into halftime up 31-15.

Mary Poppins to host children’s tea party

MOSES LAKE — She’s practically perfect in every way, and next month, some children will get to enjoy her magic in person.