Othello youth soccer looking for volunteer coaches

OTHELLO – On Monday, the City of Othello announced it needs more volunteer coaches for Othello MLS GO, a local youth soccer group. According to Parks and Recreation Coordinator Valerie Hernandez, this is not an unusual need to have. Prior coaching experience is not required, she said.

Masquers Theater gala coming Saturday

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold its annual gala Saturday, with a theme that may be long overdue. “We’re actually kind of laughing, because we’ve never done a masquerade at Masquers, so we thought it would be fitting,” said Masquers Board Secretary Cecily Hendricks.

Legals for August, 19 2025

Sam Darnold impresses in preseason debut with Seattle Seahawks, win against Kansas City Chiefs

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold looked the part of a franchise quarterback in his first appearance at Lumen Field as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Kansas City Chiefs 33-16 in a preseason game on Friday night. Darnold, who did not appear in the Seattle Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, completed 4 of 4 passes for 34 yards on the opening drive.

Local trainer: How student athletes can prep for fall sports

MOSES LAKE – Over the next few weeks, student athletes in the Basin will be making their return to their respective sports. As summer break ends, the trainer at Moses Lake High School, Lily Rodriguez, has some pointers athletes can use to be in the best shape possible.

Weather for the week of Aug. 18, 2025

Weather for the week of Aug. 18, 2025

One-man band rolls around the Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — Drums, horn, banjo, whistles – Eric Haines plays them all. At the same time. On wheels.

Legals for August, 18 2025

High-tech model trains stop at GC Fair

MOSES LAKE — This is not your grandfather’s electric train set. “In the old days, you had a dial,” said Steve Riegel, who oversaw the model railroad display in the Youth Building at the Grant County Fair last week. “You turned it one way and (the trains) all went forward. Then you stop it, you put it in reverse, it all goes in reverse. In today’s world, we can have (multiple trains) on the same track, any direction, any speed.”

Big Bend loads up new ag mechanics certification

MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College announced the establishment of a new Agricultural Mechanics certification program, according to an announcement from the college. “The launch of the Agricultural Mechanics certificate program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled workers in our region’s ag industry,” said BBCC Dean of Workforce Education Michelle Morley via the announcement.

Cage riders take danger for granted

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes zooming around on motorcycles inside a cage runs in the family.

Plant clinic offers insights at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fair brings a lot of interactive experiences for the community to engage with. Sometimes these experiences can be educational, like the Master Gardeners’ clinic. “Our job here is to provide a plant clinic that is for anybody who comes in and asks a question about what’s what they need, either about watering, gardening or pruning,” said Barbara Guilland, a volunteer for Washington State University’s Master Gardener Program. WSU’s Master Gardener Program and the Columbia Basin Conservation District had educational booths in the Agriculture Building. WSU had a lot of information about plant care for this time of year.

BASIN EVENTS: Aug. 15-23, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Some folks love to get out in the sun, while others prefer to stick close to where it’s air-conditioned. Either way, there’s something for you happening in the Basin this week. Here are some ideas:

Legals for August, 15 2025

City of Moses Lake announces new fire chief

MOSES LAKE — Arthur Perillo III has been hired as the new chief of the Moses Lake Fire Department. “I was initially drawn to the Moses Lake fire chief position because of the area’s abundance of sunshine, the wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities and the energy of a growing community,” Perillo wrote in a statement from the city of Moses Lake. “What truly solidified my interest was learning more about the professional and dedicated men and women who work for the city and the Moses Lake Fire Department. Perillo will take over the job Sept. 22. He replaces Brett Bastian, who retired in February. Currently Perillo is the assistant chief of emergency medical services for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Living in one desert is enough...

A healthy chunk of the Columbia Basin’s population likes living in a desert. The sagebrush calls out. The tumbleweeds meander through town and the sunshine is warm without the gross need to use the word “muggy.”

Raising livestock is the tough part of fair competition

MOSES LAKE — Participants in livestock classes at the Grant County Fair exhibit a diverse range of animals, including steers, chickens, and horses; they come from various communities with varying levels of experience. There does seem to be one point of agreement: raising animals is a lot of work. It's even more work than the show ring.

2025 Hay King named

MOSES LAKE – Stevens Hay was named Hay King for the third year in a row Tuesday, the first grower to achieve that distinction. From left: Stevens hay co-owner Kye Stevens, 3-year-old Hudson Stevens and contest superintendent Kirk Jungers. Look for the full story in the August edition of the Basin Business Journal.

Equitation takes center corral at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Youth Equine Program is in the midst of its fourth year of hosting Equitation at the Grant County Fair. According to Becky Shay, president and founder of GCYEP, this is also the fourth year the program has existed.

First day of the Moses Lake Demo Derby

MOSES LAKE – The first night of Miner Services’ Demolition Derby kicked off Tuesday with a variety of racing and knockout events, concluding with a last man standing demo derby with Seth Dompier coming out on top. “It’s just a great time,” said Dompier. “It’s a lot of fun coming out here with your friends and a lot of good people (and being) in front of the fans and just having a great time wrecking some cars.”