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.

Kriete reflects on first half of term, plans to run again

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said Wednesday that he doesn’t like being stagnant and he’s not been able to in the first half of his four-year term as the head of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO has had challenges but has met several goals he identified before taking office.

Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.

Eagles pick up 3 wins in 4 games

SOAP LAKE – The Eagles have won three of their four games since the calendar moved to 2025, picking up wins against Nespelem, Entiat and, most recently, Wilson Creek on Tuesday.

Fire destroys motorhome in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — A fire started in Soap Lake Wednesday night involving a motor home in the 100 block of Fern Street North, according to a statement from Grant County Fire District 7. Explosions were reported at the scene, prompting a quick response from GCFD 7 at 10:35 p.m.

Law enforcement software changes present challenges, opportunities

MOSES LAKE— The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments in Grant County switched from Spillman to 365 Labs for its law enforcement software at the beginning of 2025. Since the upgrade, departments have been learning the new software and certain functions are still being discovered, workshopped and taught to the agencies.

Basin Events for Jan. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s chilly out there, so be sure to bundle up when you’re outside between events this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Regional college sports schedule for Jan. 17-23

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.

CA fires a good reminder for WA homeowners to check their insurance policies

(The Center Square) – Devastating fires continued to burn across Southern California Wednesday, with homes and other buildings destroyed in Los Angeles County. Five people have been confirmed dead so far, with hundreds injured as they race to flee the flames. Making matters even worse, some families who have lost their homes will not be reimbursed through homeowners insurance policies. That’s in part due to the exodus of insurance companies from California due to the rising losses from wildfires in the state. As reported by Newsweek, several private insurers cut coverage in at-risk areas in California in the last couple of years as state regulators prevented companies from raising premiums to match their growing risk.

Property tax relief bill proposed by WA lawmaker as majority considers increase

(The Center Square) – As Washington Democrats consider potential tax increases to fill a massive projected budget deficit over the next four years, some lawmakers are pitching tax-saving proposals to help struggling Washingtonians. Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, has prefiled legislation to protect the most vulnerable from being taxed out of their homes. The bill he is offering would provide a property tax evaluation freeze for seniors and disabled veterans.

Building permits for Jan. 17, 2025

Unincorporated Grant County Dec. 12-31

Legals for January, 17 2025

Julia Preuschoff

1930 – 2024

Julia Estella (Mearns) Preuschoff, 94, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Trios Hospital in Kennewick, Washington, at the age of 94. Julia was born in Wilbur, Washington, July 23, 1930, to Decie and Stella Mearns.

Upgrades to water system will be expensive, Moses Lake officials say

MOSES LAKE — Meeting the demands growth will make on Moses Lake’s water system will require updating some of the city’s development plana, and some discussion about how the Moses Lake City Council wants to handle growth. City Engineer Richard Law reviewed the city’s current planning process and consideration of future growth with council members Tuesday.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

Queen Kaylee

Ephrata graduate named Moses Lake Rodeo Queen

EPHRATA — There’s a new queen in Moses Lake, and she’s got Ephrata roots. Kaylee Stump, 20, of Ephrata was named the 2025 Miss Moses Lake Roundup in November. Stump, the daughter of Mike and Miranda Stump, is a 2022 graduate of Ephrata High School. Her coronation will be March 29, said Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Board Member Amanda Miller.

WA SB 5082 proposes housing funding for foster children aging out of the system

OLYMPIA – Jonas Rios entered foster care at 17 years old and was put in eight different placements before turning 18. He entered the Extended Foster Care program that attempted to cut off support a month before his 21st birthday, forcing him to jump from hotels to college dormitories. He then couch-surfed for six months until he was granted a housing voucher from the Foster Youth Independence Program and received stable housing for the first time at 22.

A shepherd snack who smiles back

Peanut Butter, a young pup, is a sweet goofy guy looking for a permanent home. The little snack of a dog weighs around 55 pounds, microchipped and neutered. He currently resides in Soap Lake at the Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry. He loves to run around, chase his tail and take his humans for walks. He also adores a good belly rub or ear scratch. For those interested in taking home the sweet boy, visit RockBottomRocker.org. The shelter is also accepting donations to help with improvements. Click the donate button on the nonprofit’s website to pitch in.

USPS unveils stamp for the Year of the Snake

BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp Tuesday, according to an announcement from the USPS. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices and usps.com.