Wenatchee Valley College receives $130,000 for workforce development

WENATCHEE – Wenatchee Valley College has secured $130,000 in workforce development funds from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The funding, going to just 12 colleges, is part of a broader initiative to bolster local economic growth and meet industry demands, according to WVC. In its recent announcement, the SBCTC emphasized the importance of these funds, stating they are designed "to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce." The funds are aimed at projects that adapt to the evolving needs of both industry and prospective students as well as to strengthen local workforce development efforts.

FIRE REPORT: Sept. 12, 2025

MOSES LAKE – The fires below are burning around 91,400 acres across Washington as of Thursday afternoon. The blazes were causing air quality concerns regionally.

‘We’ll take it from here’

First responders, students honor the fallen heroes of 9/11

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake remembered the fallen heroes of 9/11 in ceremonies downtown and at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Thursday morning.

ROAD REPORT: Chip-sealing coming to downtown Moses Lake next week

MOSES LAKE — Chip-sealing is scheduled to begin in the downtown area of Moses Lake sometime during the week of Sept. 15. East Hill Avenue and sections of East Wheeler Road are being chip-sealed this week. Drivers should be prepared for temporary detours and traffic control while chip-sealing is underway.

Warden to get new police chief, approves updating planning documents

WARDEN – The Warden City Council met Tuesday to discuss the hiring of a new Warden Police Department Chief, acknowledge the clerk-treasurer assistant, receive updates on city projects, approve adding a climate element to the comprehensive plan and approve the development of a planning document for the wastewater facility and general sewer plan.

WA small business owners not as optimistic due to pending tax hikes

(The Center Square) – Small business owners in most of the U.S. feel more upbeat, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index for August, which increased by half a point from the previous month to 100.8 – the highest level in more than a year.

Ephrata man killed in SR 28 crash

SOAP LAKE — An Ephrata man was killed Wednesday night when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and crashed. He was lying in the road and was discovered an undetermined amount of time later, when a second car struck him.

Ephrata PD Blotter for Sept. 4-8, 2025

EPHRATA – The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. Suspects listed are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Big Sky Now: Who made their mark in Week 1, results from Week 2, plus our Week 3 predictions

On Today's episode of Big Sky Now, we discuss Big Sky players that made their mark Week 1. Then we jump to Week 2 results that saw Montana kick off its season at home. And finally, we give our analysis for the upcoming Week 3 games with our weekly picks!

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an act that drew renewed attention to the threat of political violence across the United States. The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, as “Great, and even Legendary.” “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account. The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

'They were kids at heart'

Local couple have memorial bench and plaque dedicated to them for contributions to community

MOSES LAKE — On Friday, a park bench and plaque were unveiled to commemorate Don and Mary Cunnington’s contributions to the Moses Lake community. Friends and family gathered outside the Surf ‘N Slide Water Park, formerly known as the Moses Lake Aquatic Center, to celebrate the couple. “They loved kids because they were kids at heart,” Dawni Cunnington said.

Classical singer, pianist to perform Saturday in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The public is invited to a collaborative recital Saturday by pianist Oksana Ejokina and singer Misha Myznikov, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake – Central Basin Music Teachers Chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers Association, which is sponsoring the concert.

Moses Lake Police Blotter for Aug. 30-Sept. 2

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Police Department provided the reports below. Suspects identified are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for September, 10 2025

Ephrata PD officer stops theft of nearly $600,000

EPHRATA – In early June, a call was made by Grant County Public Works to the Ephrata Police Department for a theft through deception of three checks totaling nearly $600,000. Ephrata PD Officer Zach Smith, who has been with the department for nearly five years, responded to the call and began investigating the theft.

OTHELLO CITY COUNCIL POSITION 1 Q&A: Dorow vs. Camp

OTHELLO — Incumbent Genna Dorow is being challenged by Kelli Camp for Position 1 on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate that included a word limit.

‘Conflict of interest’ alleged in complaint against Solicitor General Noah Purcell

(The Center Square) – A complaint against Solicitor General Noah Purcell with the Washington State Executive Ethics Board has been rejected for investigation despite allegations that the decision by Executive Director Kate Reynolds was made amid a conflict of interest.

Ceremonies planned for 9/11 remembrance

MOSES LAKE — Several local communities will hold remembrances of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks on Thursday. All are open to the public.

Arlington man arrested for vehicle theft in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Colin James Golden, 37, of Arlington was lodged into Grant County Jail Sunday for the investigation of a driving under the influence, attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, obstructing law enforcement and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to GCSO.

Moses Lake man convicted in child pornography case

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was convicted last week of possessing child pornography, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Michael Boyer, 69, was convicted in Grant County Superior Court on four counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the GCSO statement. In September 2023, GCSO and Moses Lake Police Department detectives received a case referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Seattle. The tip was from Google, identifying Boyer as the suspect, along with his birthdate, phone number and two email addresses. “The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a national network of 61 task forces, and their mission is to investigate, prosecute and develop effective responses to the Internet Crimes Against Children,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.