Ephrata’s Downer recognized for excellence

EPHRATA — Hannah Downer, an 18-year-old senior at Ephrata High School, has been selected as one of the Students of the Month for March in recognition of her academic performance, leadership roles in extracurricular activities and positive influence on her peers. “I like being nominated for stuff and being recognized,” Downer said.

COLUMN: The unforgettable Pope Francis

This week, His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died. That’s not really surprising. He was 88 years old, and he’d been struggling with his health for several years. Nor is it unique; there have been 266 popes, give or take a few disputed claimants. Some of those guys made a huge difference in the world; most of them nobody has heard of outside dusty libraries and lists on Wikipedia. Name any pope who lived before their lifetime and most people will give you a blank look. But Francis was different.

Hands Off protest held in Moses Lake on Saturday

MOSES LAKE – Around 120 people gathered near Walgreens Saturday to protest President Donald Trump and his administration for a “Hands Off” protest, according to Grant County Democrats Vice Chair Jill Springer Forrest.

Basin events for April 18-26

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, arts and crafts and plant sales await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things to check out:

Ephrata parks ready to welcome residents, visitors

EPHRATA - Anyone just driving through Ephrata on Basin Street may miss some of the parks and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors that the city offers. From hiking on Beezley Hill to picnics at Patrick Park to shooting hoops at Lions Park or working on your kick flip at the city’s skate park, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Wahluke High students bring home SkillsUSA medals

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School junior Diana Barber said her performance in regional SkillsUSA competition left her a little unsure going into state competition. While she was satisfied with her performance on the test in the medical math category, she just wasn’t sure. “I try not to get my hopes up,” she said.

Documentary of JFK in Moses Lake to premiere Thursday

MOSES LAKE — On Sept. 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy stepped off Air Force One onto the tarmac at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake. Instead of getting straight on another plane as scheduled, Kennedy stopped for a few minutes, shook hands and chatted with locals at the base. A documentary premiering Thursday at the Moses Lake Civic Center will offer a glimpse into that day. “Imagine spending five minutes somewhere and making an impression on the people you meet for the rest of their lives,” says narrator Shane Humphrey in the 12-minute film “JFK in Moses Lake, Washington.” The film, made by filmmaker Lee O’Connor, features archive footage of Kennedy’s stopover and interviews with people who were present on that day. The screening is hosted by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Two injured in traffic collision, suspected DUI

GEORGE — Two George men were injured early Sunday due to a one-vehicle collision southwest of George.

Basin events for April 11-19, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the weather we’ve seen in the Basin lately, it’s hard to know if it’s time to wear shorts or raincoats. Either way, there are a host of things to get out and do this week. Here are a few:

Mattawa spring cleanup scheduled for this weekend

MATTAWA — Just as houses have a spring cleanup, so do cities. Mattawa’s spring cleanup is scheduled for this weekend.

Suniga looking forward to job as Ritzville PD chief

RTIZVILLE — New Ritzville Police Chief Mike Suniga said he’s learned a lot over his law enforcement career. “I got hooked when I was an Explorer Scout,” he said. “It was just one of those things where I could see myself doing this and see myself making a career. And as I matured in law enforcement, I (thought), ‘How am I going to leave a lasting impact?’ I love helping people, and I love being able to solve problems, whether it’s through the criminal justice system or through other systems and programs that are available.”

THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Zags were so far, and yet so close

IF YOU had no skin in this title game other than wanting to see what brand of basketball the riches of NIL can buy these days, it was a thriller. The collectives who fund the sport’s best teams — note that all four No. 1 seeds made it to San Antonio — get their money’s worth. More than anything Monday night, you got to see big, strong athletes who leave politeness in the dressing room. This game was just short of violence. There were times when it looked like the YMCA on Saturday afternoon, complete with bloody noses and no referees. Maybe they should have played, “Make it, take it.”

‘Wherever there’s need’

Moses Lake Christian Academy students get an education outside the classroom

MOSES LAKE — Some Moses Lake Christian Academy students are getting a little different education this week. “We’re on our Extended Learning Week, where we send out groups of students to get experiences outside the classroom,” said MLCA teacher Tyler Tadema.

Ephrata SD approves purchase of two surplus busses

EPHRATA -- The Ephrata School Board approved the purchase of two surplus 42-passenger buses at its March 24 meeting. The total cost of the purchase was $17,500.

All three suspects in custody for March 21 drive-by

U.S. Marshals confirm two suspects' involvement in Norteños

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department and U.S. Marshals service have captured all three suspects in a March 21 drive-by shooting on Loop Drive in Moses Lake. The suspects, an unnamed 14-year-old from Mattawa, Jose Beltran-Rodriguez, 20 of Moses Lake, and Mathew Valdez, 18, Moses Lake are all now in law enforcement custody.

Basin senior events calendar for April 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is slowly improving and now is a great time to get out and about. Here are a few suggestions:

Columbia Basin Events for April 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring has sprung in the Basin and it’s time to check out the flowers in Othello and Quincy, art in Coulee City, businesses in Ephrata and jobs in Moses Lake, among a host of other things. Here’s what’s happening in April:

Basin events for March 28-April 5

COLUMBIA BASIN — This week’s goings-on in the Basin include a car wash, an off-season farmers market, fundraiser auctions, movies and more. Here are some suggestions:

Building permits for March 28, 2025

Building permits for March 28, 2025

Law enforcement logs for March 28, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.