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:

Home and Garden Show kicks off spring in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It was only an hour into the two-day show, and already there was a pretty sizable crowd at the third annual Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show Friday. “We always have a good turnout on Friday and Saturday,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City and the organizer of the show. “Saturday is usually about twice as busy, but Friday’s always good.”

Vantage Bridge construction gets rolling again

VANTAGE — Among many other things, spring and summer mean roadwork. And work has already started for 2025 on the Vantage Bridge. Starting Monday, the bridge is back to a single lane of traffic in each direction. Summer Derrey, Washington Department of Transportation assistant communications manager for the south central region, said WSDOT is asking drivers to think about taking alternate routes.

New Quincy hospital close to completion

QUINCY — As of Tuesday it’s 78 days until a new hospital opens. The brand-new Quincy Valley Medical Center is still in the final stages of construction, with the first day for patients scheduled for May 21.

Moore Brewing beer gets the word out about Carp Classic

MOSES LAKE — People who want to learn more about – and support - an unusual fishing tournament on Moses Lake now can do it with a glass of locally brewed summer beer. The Carp Classic is scheduled for May 17; rather than casting a line in the water, participants pull out their bows and arrows. It's an unusual way to get some of the nuisance fish out of Moses Lake and thereby improve lake quality.

Gun show comes to fairgrounds this weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds will be the place to be March 8-9 for firearms enthusiasts, both serious buyers and the folks who just like to look. “I have dealers that come in and set up and (others) are just collectors,” said promoter Reon Warren, owner of Northwest Gun Shows, which puts on the show twice a year at the Grant County Fairgrounds. “They're not really dealers, per se. They like to come in and talk guns and show off what they have.”

Columbia Basin Events for March 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally almost here, and high school plays, crafts, live music and Grant County’s iconic Space Burgers await. Here’s what’s happening in March:

Rosa Reyna

It is with great sorrow that the Reyna family share that Mrs. Rosa Garcia Reyna was called up to the Lord on February 25, 2025, at the age of 87.

Casting time: Trout fishing opens Saturday on some local lakes

MOSES LAKE — There may still be piles of snow around the Basin, but one spring milestone is rapidly approaching: the opening of trout season. About two dozen lakes in Eastern Washington will open Saturday for trout fishing, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most other lakes open the fourth Saturday of April, which this year falls on April 26.

Bridge and two Adams Co. roads scheduled for work in 2025

RITZVILLE — Sections of two Adams County roads were closed on an emergency basis following wet and windy weather. Others are subject to closure as spring approaches.

Band formed out of loss comes home to Ephrata

EPHRATA — The boys – and girl – are back in town. The band Millergold, four of whose members graduated from Ephrata High School, will perform two shows in their hometown this weekend. The first show will be Friday evening at Ephrata High School’s Performing Arts Center, and the second will be Saturday at 12 Hawks Sports Bar & Grill. “We did Cabaret at (EHS) and really loved music,” said Nate Elliott, the band’s bass player and a 2015 EHS graduate. “We did choir, and then kind of went our separate ways for about 10 years.”

Columbia Basin Events for Feb. 21-March 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring may not be here, but you can almost see it coming. Here are a few things to check out while you watch the ground thaw: Feb . 21 LJ Polmateer Live performance by local musician LJ Polmateer of One Soulution. 5:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177. Open Mic Night

Plastic bags are a good way to sow before the spring weather comes

MOSES LAKE — Winter may be wheezing out its last gasps, but we’re still a ways off from time to put most spring plants outdoors. Seeds can be planted ahead of time in milk jugs or ice cube trays, but there’s a third medium that’s had some success: plastic resealable bags. “You can start sweet peas in bags,” said Valerie Parrott, president of the Columbia Basin Garden Club. “You can start a lot of winter sowing things putting them in the (plastic) bags. Just line them up outside.” The bags should be filled with some sort of absorbent material. Parrott uses potting soil, but moss, coffee filters or towels are also options, according to the website Gardening Tips and Tools.

Washington winter fun

Where to go in the Evergreen State to hit the slopes and enjoy the outdoors

MOSES LAKE – The Columbia Basin may be in the flatlands, sort of, but area residents who enjoy the slopes have a lot of options to choose from just a bit of a road trip away if they’re craving a ski weekend. With the recent snows, packing up skis and poles may be a good way to have an adventure as spring starts to peek around the corner.

A century of service

Key Club youth service organization turns 100

MOSES LAKE — One of the most active service organizations in America is turning 100 this year, and most of its members haven’t even turned 18. “Key Club is all about service and helping the community,” said Pedro Lopez, who’s the Key Club district governor for Moses Lake High School’s chapter. There are also chapters at Vanguard Academy and Ephrata High School, he said.

Division Street sewer upgrade project almost complete

MOSES LAKE — A project to upgrade a sewer lift station on South Division Street in Moses Lake is in the final stages.

Gonzaga men's basketball coach Mark Few finalist for Basketball Hall of Fame

The selection of 17 finalists came from the following committees: North American, Women’s, Men’s Veterans, Women’s Veterans, International, and Contributors. The finalists will then be put forward to the honors committee to be considered for election as members of the Class of 2025. The new class will be announced in San Antonio on Saturday, April 5, at the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Donna Leighter

1942 – 2025

Donna Marie Leighter, 82, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, in Palm Springs, California.

Jacob Weber

1936 – 2025

Jacob Edward Weber, 88, passed away peacefully at his home near Ritzville, Washington, on Feb. 12, 2025. Jake was born in Ritzville, WA, on May 5, 1936, to Jacob A. and Margaret Weber.