SNAP benefits uncertain after Nov. 1

MOSES LAKE — Whether or not benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program will be available to Washington residents after Nov. 1 is still to be determined and is dependent on events in Washington DC. Those events are still unfolding, said Matt Reed, communications director for Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Consider your perspective...

A few weeks ago, Wendy Brzezny of Thriving Together NCW contacted me and asked me to attend the organization’s 2025 summit, with the theme, “Thriving Together Toward Tomorrow.” The event was held at the Wenatchee Convention Center, and I’m grateful that I decided to go rather than deflecting it because I was worried about being out of the office. I tend to do that a lot, then wonder why I get deflated and feel burnt out.

Where to find, support nutrition assistance if SNAP benefits lapse

MOSES LAKE — With the threat of SNAP benefits not going out next month due to the federal government shutdown, many Basin residents may face food insecurity. Many local communities have food banks and other volunteer organizations to help fill that need.

Historic championship!

Mavs slowpitch brings state title trophy

YAKIMA – The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-1) are the 4A state champions after defeating the Chiawana Riverhawks 13-3 in five innings. This state title is the Mavericks first in school history.

New BBCC greenhouse expands Ag program for the Fall

MOSES LAKE – The Big Bend Community College’s Greenhouse project finished construction mid-summer, and students in the Agricultural program have been able to utilize the building to assist in their projects. The BBCC Board of Trustees was taken on a tour of the building on Thursday during a board meeting.

Peace and tie-dye at St. Rose auction Nov. 8

EPHRATA — The 42nd annual St. Rose of Lima Catholic School auction Nov. 8 will have a 1960s-70s theme, “A Time for Peace,” which has two meanings, said St. Rose PTO President Jennifer Hickok. The first is taken from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes in the Bible: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens … A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

Mavs dominate first round of state tournament

YAKIMA – The Mavericks slowpitch softball team is off to a hot start in the 4A state tournament after defeating eighth-seed Lake Washington 21-0 in the first round. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said while he liked what he saw, it’s important they remain focused on sustaining their momentum.

BBCC enrollment for fall down from 2024

MOSES LAKE – During Big Bend Community College’s regular Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, it was shown that overall enrollment for the school was down 13.2% from the 2024/2025 school year.

District champion Mavs set sights on state title

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks slowpitch softball team (16-1) is heading to the 4A state tournament as the first seed and will play Lake Washington at Kiwanis Park in Yakima. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said his players are ready to go.

Chamber banquet celebrates accomplishments, opportunities

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce had a good year, outgoing Chair Kim Pope said Tuesday evening at the Chamber’s annual meeting and banquet.

BASIN EVENTS Oct. 24-Nov. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — Halloween is next weekend, and there are events galore, both scary and not. Here are some things to check out.

WA College Sports Schedule: Oct. 24-31, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Collegiate athletes enter the final weeks of the regular season for some sports and the start of the season for others. Check out where your favorite team will be headed this week.

Quincy truck route revisions go into effect next week

QUINCY — Signs will be going up early next week alerting truck drivers to revisions of the allowable “heavy vehicle routes” throughout the city of Quincy. Some streets that could be used by trucks are now off-limits, a move that Quincy Engineer Ariel Belino said was prompted by growth and changes in traffic patterns.

Basin soccer roundup Oct. 16 – Oct. 21

MOSES LAKE – As the end of the Basin soccer season gets closer, local teams are starting to make their final pushes for the postseason. See below where your favorite teams stand and their current record.

Mavericks rewrite record books in league meet

MOSES LAKE – On Tuesday, the Mavericks cross country team hosted a Big 9 league meet at Blue Heron Park. Head Coach Larry Dagnon called the meet an unforgettable afternoon for the boys and girls teams.

BASIN BOX SCORE: Bob Richardson shares insight on pro sports, coach philosophy and local softball

MOSES LAKE - On this episode of the Basin Box Score podcast, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard host Columbia Basin Herald manager, publisher and Mavericks slowpitch pitching coach Bob Richardson in-studio.

Ephrata PD returning to new blotter system

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department is unable to export a police blotter, according to EPD Records Manager Elizabeth Judkins.

A statement to the community from MLSD Superintendent Carol Lewis

I want to take a moment — one final time — to talk about something that’s been at the heart of nearly every conversation we’ve had since May of 2024: keeping our promises.

CWAC Soccer District Tournament weekend schedule

Trevino named Tigers’ new softball head coach

EPHRATA – Ephrata High School has named Lesa Trevino as the new head softball coach for the Tigers. Trevino will be replacing long-time EHS coach, Heather Wood, who retired from the softball program over the summer. “I’ve always had a deep love for the game and (for) the coaches that pushed me to be better,” said Trevino. “I always wanted to do that for another athlete, I wanted to push them to be their best and so they knew that they could do it in their potential.” Trevino’s softball career began back in fifth grade when she joined a softball camp and fell in love with the game, she said. From there she continued with club softball and played throughout high school until graduating from Quincy High School in 2008.