Othello roundabout, I-90 paving focus of WSDOT projects in Columbia Basin

OTHELLO — Drivers using state Route 26 this summer should prepare for some road closures and delays around Othello as Washington Department of Transportation crews install a roundabout at the highway’s intersection with South First Avenue. Repaving of a substantial section of Interstate 90 between Vantage and Moses Lake also starts this summer.

Lavender donation honors late food bank director

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank received a different kind of donation Thursday. Joe Downs, owner of Lavender Ranch near Quincy, donated 70 bundles of lavender to Community Services of Moses Lake in memory of Peny Archer, the food bank’s director who passed away earlier this month. Each bundle has a photo of Archer on it.

LETTER: In support of the MLSD levy

Dear editor, I am writing to encourage a yes vote in the school levy election on February 11th. The district has done an excellent job of looking at what happened financially and has taken many positive steps to ensure we are not in this position again. Yes, I understand some voters have lost trust and know the district must earn that trust back.

WA car insurance rates up more than 15% in 2025

MOSES LAKE — Like pretty much everything else, the cost of car insurance is going up – and in Washington, it’s going up by a hefty percentage. Divya Sangam, insurance specialist for LendingTree.com, said in a press release that car insurance rates in Washington are going up by an average of 17.2% in 2025.

Wildcats take down No. 6 Yellowjackets

ELLENSBURG – Tied at 36 entering the fourth quarter, Central Washington used an 8-0 run to retake the lead over the visiting No. 6 Montana State Billings Yellowjackets, holding on for a 48-45 win Saturday after a late defensive stand.

The 23rd annual Hot Spot Basketball skills event results

MOSES LAKE — On Wednesday, 113 children competed for the 23rd annual Hot Spot competition, a basketball skills event for children 6-13 years old at Vanguard Academy. There were different categories including free throws, dribbling and shooting. Columbia Basin Job Corps students helped run the stations and the event.

Two hospitalized after collision near East Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE — An investigation is pending in the case of a Moses Lake man who allegedly crossed the center line, hit another car and triggered a four-car collision about six miles southwest of East Wenatchee Saturday afternoon.

Evergreen State residents spending more green on gas

MOSES LAKE — Prices for gasoline, both in Washington and nationwide, crept up over the last week, according to the latest survey from GasBuddy, released Monday. The average price for a gallon of gas in Washington was $3.84, compared to a national average price of $3.09. That was an increase of 3.4 cents per gallon in Washington, the survey said.

Legals for January, 21 2025

STUDIO BASIN: Halfway point of Kriete's term and Maverick wrestling

MOSES LAKE - In this - slightly delayed - episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Sports Editor Ian Bivona visit about recent news and sports action. Miller was able to sit down with Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete last week as Kriete reached the halfway point in his first term heading up the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Miller reviewed what the sheriff said were the accomplishments of his first term and what he sees on the horizon for GCSO. Miller and Bivona also talked about happenings in Soap Lake like the city considering how water in the lake may be used and why the Soap Lake Police Chief is on administrative leave.

Distinguished gentleman looking for delightful family

MOSES LAKE – Lincoln, a dapper senior boy, is looking for a cozy home to spend the rest of his days. He is a bit stubborn but also independent, sweet and loving. He has early onset cataracts but doesn’t require any accommodation as of yet. Lincoln would prefer a home where he is the king of the castle, however, he will also accept another dog who allows him space when he is feeling stubborn. Lincoln just wants a comfy bed and someone to snuggle with – if that’s you visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org or call 509-762-9616 for more information. To support GCAO’s mission of caring for the animals of the Columbia Basin, click the donate link at the top of their website.

Three MLHS seniors discuss levy election impacts

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is running an Educational Programs and Operations Levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. MLSD students Javier Gonzalez, Jaciel Valdez and Andee Stevens said they’ve felt the impacts of the double levy failure in 2024.

Fixing energy policy a focus for Ybarra in 2025 session

OLYMPIA – The Washington Legislative session began lasl Monday with many lawmakers, including State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, unsure of what to expect. Ybarra has served the 13th district since 2019 and is trying to move his legislative priorities forward amid a new administration and a significant $10-$16 billion budget shortfall.

Moses Lake boys defeat Wenatchee in home dual

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake picked up its fourth dual win of the season against Wenatchee Thursday night, besting the Panthers 56-16 after winning seven of the 11 matches wrestled in the dual meet. “They were feeling good; we’ve got a lot of guys recovering from injuries and being sick, the flu bug hit us pretty hard,” Head Coach Jose Tanguma said. “(The dual) went good, I expected us to come out on top just like that. The kids are improving.”

All things agriculture

Spokane Ag Show has something for everyone

SPOKANE — All things agricultural will be on display the first week of February at the 48th annual Spokane Ag Show at the Spokane Convention Center. The Spokane Ag Show is one of the largest ag expos in the region, said Show Director Melisa Paul.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 20, 2025

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District released a statement indicating how much the district would receive in funds if the Feb. 11 levy passes. According to the district, the state will match $1.14 for every $1 the school district raises locally. This adds up to around $13 million in state funds in the life of the levy. For more information on the Ephrata School District Levy visit TigersVote.org.

Mavericks take down Panthers

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake’s girls wrestling team improved to 4-0 in the Columbia Basin Big 9 league standings with Thursday night’s defeat of Wenatchee, taking down the Panthers with a 59-6 win in the dual. “I thought the team felt really good,” Head Coach David Peralez said. “It’s one of our last home duals before the end of the season, so we’re trying to clean up everything that we need to in order to get ready for districts, and it’s one of your last few times to represent Moses Lake here in front of the home crowd.”

Legals for January, 20 2025

WA hate crime bill advances through House committee

(The Center Square) – A Washington House committee voted to advance a bill that would broaden the definition of a hate crime in the state, and remarks by a ranking committee members indicate it could include non-violent acts or speech. House Bill 1052 sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, would expand what constitutes a hate crime to include incidents where the perpetrator did so “in part or the whole” due to a person’s perceived identity.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Sven Legacy Foundation will hold a fundraiser silent auction Feb. 15 near Mattawa, complete with food, drinks, music and lots to bid on. The foundation was formed in November in memory of its namesake, Sven Leland, a Mattawa farmer who passed away last year. The purpose is to help students who aren’t planning to go to college have career options.