New principal named for Wahluke’s Saddle Mountain Elementary

MATTAWA — Melissa Hattaway has been named the principal at Saddle Mountain Elementary beginning with the 2025-25 school year. “She’s replacing Kurt Hoffman who’s retiring after 40 years in education,” Wahluke School District Superintendent Andy Harlow said. “Melissa is a Royal High School graduate and has worked for (the Wahluke School District) for 15 years. This will be her first role as principal.”

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: March 19-26, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Spring sports is in full swing, whether that’s a bat, a club or a racket and it’s going to be a busy week in the Columbia Basin for local student athletes.

OUT AND ABOUT with STEVE CAMERON: Seahawks seek stars, but could Shedeur be it?

We haven’t done an “Out and About” column in ages, and all sorts of unique things have popped up in the meantime. So, why not take a stroll to hither, thither and yon, and see what’s up?

Vicki Dale Weitzel

1956 — 2025

Vicki Weitzel, 68, a longtime resident of Grant County, passed away on March 9, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long hard-fought battle with Vascular Dementia.

Triple play

EHS Spring Showcase features series of one-act dramas

EPHRATA — Audiences at Ephrata High School’s Spring Showcase will be in for a three-fer when EHS Drama presents three one-act plays. “I had another show in mind,” Director Marla Allsopp said. “But I never quite know what I’m going to have for audition, so I always have some (other scripts) kind of in the back of my mind. I didn’t get the right combo or number of kids for the show I was thinking of, and I had these kind of sitting there. (I said), “I would really love to do these shows I’ve had for a couple of years, and I finally have the right group to do it.’” With a cast of 10, several students appear in two plays, and one, senior Monty Muir, is in all three.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS for March 14, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s a lot going on in the Basin this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Basin sports schedule March 13-18

MOSES LAKE — High school spring sports kick off the Columbia Basin in earnest this week, with baseball, softball and other teams kicking off their seasons. Check the schedule below for local teams in action over the next week.

Ephrata intermediate school staffs to compete in tie-breaker volleyball game

EPHRATA – The stakes are high, bragging rights are up for grabs and both teams are all in on the goal of raising funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank. The Ephrata School District will be hosting its third annual Ephrata Middle School vs. Parkway Secondary School staff volleyball match March 17.

Fundamentals, communication key to Wahluke baseball strategy

MATTAWA – Wahluke Head Baseball Coach Chet Bangs said he’s feeling optimistic as his team moves into the spring season. Five seniors are returning this year, and he’s had players step up to ensure the team’s success. “(We’ve got) five seniors stepped up this year, showing a lot of leadership together,” Bangs said. “It’s starting out pretty good.”

Exciting season ahead for Eagles boys' and girls' teams

SOAP LAKE — As the spring tennis season approaches, excitement is palpable within the Soap Lake Tennis program. Head coach Lee Leavell said he remains optimistic about both the boys' and girls' teams as they begin a journey filled with hard work, growth and competition. Practices have kicked off, with Leavell noting an increase in participation this year.

Wahluke Warriors starting tough to play strong soccer

MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors soccer team is working the pitch to ensure a successful season and Head Coach Cele Lopez said he’s hoping to set the team up to represent their school, community and families well. He’s working to address the gaps left by last year’s graduates while building up returning players.

New Ephrata golf coach excited to connect with players, teach skills

SOAP LAKE – Ephrata Tigers started making the short commute to the Lakeview Golf & Country Club last week to begin practicing their swings for the 2025 spring golf season. Head Coach Dan Molitor said the boys golf team is looking solid for his first year leading the program.

Othello and Warden offer places to get out and enjoy spring

OTHELLO — The days are a little longer lately and the weather is a little warmer, which means it’s a good time to get out and shake off the last winter doldrums. In Othello and Warden, there are some parks that are great for that purpose:

Gabriel Noel Lazo

April 21, 1998 – February 27, 2025

Gabriel Noel Lazo, 26, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 27, 2025, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Gabriel was born on April 21, 1998, in Moses Lake, Washington. Although he lived in various places throughout his youth, Moses Lake was always home to him. He attended Moses Lake High School and graduated in 2016. This is where he met and started dating his longtime girlfriend, Alicia Garza. Together they were blessed with their first child, Noel Cruz Lazo, 3, and are expecting the arrival of their baby girl later this spring. In 2019, Gabriel moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he began his career with Holder Construction. Over the course of six years, Gabriel made significant contributions to projects in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, where he was living at the time of his passing. His positive attitude, dedication and hard work left lasting impressions on everyone he worked with, from fellow associates to clients and trade contractors.

Don’t be dipsy, adopt her instead!

MOSES LAKE – Dipsy, a silly two-year old pup, is looking for someone to make giggle and so carefully convince she deserves plenty of pets (and treats.) The sweet girl is a mixed breed who is spayed, vaccinated and waiting to be taken home this spring. I mean, how can you say no to those eyebrows... If Dipsy has fully schemed and tricked you into thinking she needs to come home with you RIGHT NOW, first she wants you to know that was her goal all along and you won’t regret it and second, she says to visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org and fill out her adoption form. If you can’t take this browed babe home, but still want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Space Burger booth to open next week

MOSES LAKE — Space Burgers are back. For a few days, anyway. The Moses Lake Lioness Club will open its Space Burger booth March 21-23 at the Grant County Fairgrounds, Lioness Michaelle Boetger wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald.

Catch the buzz

Othello class geared to beginning beekeepers

OTHELLO — Some people grow vegetables in their backyard. Some keep chickens and collect the eggs. A class tomorrow in Othello will help folks discover another thing they can grow in their yards: honey. “We've had some interest in the last year or so from people that … would like to have some information on how to get a small apiary going in their backyard,” said Kena Sohler, owner of Tri-Cities-area apiary BeeBlesst. Sohler will teach a basic class on beekeeping Saturday morning at Ironworks Cafe and Market in Othello.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS for March 7, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and there’s plenty to do. Live music, crafts, classes and more. Here are a few options:

Van donated to Boys and Girls Clubs

MOSES LAKE — The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin received some new wheels last week, thanks to Group14 and the Moses Lake Elks Lodge. “I swear, it was like the stars aligned,” said Kim Pope, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club.

Senior Events for March 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nicer and there’s no shortage of things for seniors to do in the Basin. Here are a few ideas: