Basin law enforcement, schools address immigration concerns

MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement and schools will continue following state law regarding immigration enforcement, according to statements made by those organizations. The announcements come in response to rumors that began circulating last week after various immigration-related executive orders from President Donald Trump.

MLSD levy impacts on safety, health and facilities

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy and whether it passes or not, will have impacts on school resource officers, nursing staff and facilities and maintenance according to the district.

Democrats propose raising tobacco taxes, creating new ones in search of revenue

(The Center Square) – Smoking is a dangerously expensive habit, but it could get even more costly under two bills proposed Monday that would further hike the state’s higher-than-average tobacco taxes. Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, proposed House Bill 1416 and House Bill 1417 with a number of other Democrat cosponsors. Both measures impose additional taxes on those already in place around cigarettes and tobacco products.

Legislative update from Tom Dent

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Legislature officially convened the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 13. There are many new faces on both sides of the aisle. I always make an effort to get to know all the new members. It is much easier to accomplish things in Olympia if we work together.

Eagles struggle in second half, fall to Northern Arizona

CHENEY — Eastern Washington (6-14, 2-5) lost to Northern Arizona (12-8, 3-4) in a hard-fought battle, falling 70-61 at home. "They came out swinging, and we didn't respond," said head coach Dan Monson. "We were on our heels to start the second half, and it took us 12 minutes to recover. We tried to get aggressive late, but we started doing things that don't win you games."

Jacks, Huskies host tournaments

MOSES LAKE – Saturday was a busy day for wrestling in the Columbia Basin, with both the Quincy boys and Othello girls wrestling programs hosting tournaments. Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Columbia Basin Herald for full coverage of both the Lady Huskie Invite and the Mat Animal Invitational.

MLCA/CCS boys get back in win column, defeat Wilson Creek

MOSES LAKE – Two days after suffering just their second loss of the season, the Lions boys basketball team stepped onto their home floor looking to get back in the win column and wash off Tuesday’s loss to La Salle, defeating Wilson Creek 69-21 to improve to 6-0 in Central Washington 1B games.

Legals for January, 27 2025

STUDIO BASIN: REC Silicon closure, Moses Lake city manager and Basin basketball

MOSES LAKE – In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss supports for workers displaced by the REC Silicon closure, and Moses Lake's incoming city manager. Miller talks a bit about multiple 2024 year in review pieces for Ephrata.

Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz

GCSO crisis responder brings mental health help into the field

EPHRATA — The phrase “first responder” often conjures up a mental image of a heavily-armed person with a badge and a Taser, or a firefighter emerging from the flames covered in soot and carrying a rescued child. An unflappably calm woman with a gentle, serene voice doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But that’s what the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has in Lanny Abundiz.

MLSD considers Vanguard Academy options

MOSES LAKE — During a Jan. 16 work study meeting, the Moses Lake School Board reviewed a series of proposals to adjust the facilities and educational offerings of Vanguard Academy for the 2025-26 academic year, according to a statement from the district. “This was an important opportunity to gather input and discuss how we can best use the spaces we have to serve students and ultimately save money for the district,” wrote Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon in the statement. “We are committed to developing thoughtful, student-centered plans that reflect the needs of our community.”

‘They know the job’s not done’

Huskies improve to 6-0 in CWAC duals

OTHELLO — No matter what the sport, it’s important to be performing at your best late in the season. With district wrestling beginning early next month, the Othello boys wrestling team is aiming to end the regular season on a high note.

Fed. Judge issues order delaying stop on birthright citizenship

OLYMPIA — A Seattle-based federal judge granted a request from the Washington Attorney General’s Office for a temporary restraining order to delay an executive order that could reinterpret the rules of birthright citizenship issued by President Donald Trump. U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour issued the restraining order Thursday, two days after the AG’s office had filed suit.

WA bill would give judges discretion to reduce felons' sentences

(The Center Square) – Washington state lawmakers are contemplating a bill that, if enacted, would give judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and murder. However, some legislators have raised concerns about whether or not such authority should be granted due to concerns about public safety.

4 officers join Quincy PD

4 officers join Quncy PD

'We had our best revenue year ever'

Port of Ephrata reports successful 2024

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has made significant strides in 2024, achieving several key objectives designed to enhance its economic viability and improve operational capacity, according to the port’s Executive Director David Lanman. “I think it went pretty darn good,” Lanman said. “We had a very productive year, and we're setting the foundation for future growth.”

LETTER: Vote YES for the MLSD levy

When you have untrustworthy administrators and have elected overseers unwilling to put in the effort to be well informed on district affairs, you have a perfect incubator for the fiscal disaster the MLSD has been left in by the previous administration and school board directors. NO ONE currently in administrative positions or on the school board had ANYTHING to do with the financial shortfall our district is facing.

Big Bend women defeat Yakima Valley

MOSES LAKE — Coming off a close win over Columbia Basin College on Saturday, Big Bend women’s basketball overcame a first-quarter deficit to defeat the visiting Yakima Valley Yaks 66-59 on Wednesday, improving to 4-1 in region games and 15-5 overall.

Regional college sports schedule for Jan. 24-30

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s college sports schedule, complete with basketball, tennis, track and field, swimming and wrestling events for Big Bend, Central Washington, Eastern Washington, Gonzaga and Washington State.