Bigger every year

Moses Lake Spring Fest to dominate Memorial Day weekend

MOSES LAKE — The biggest celebration in Moses Lake’s calendar just keeps getting bigger. Tens of thousands came to McCosh Park for Spring Fest last year. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament fielded 121 teams and there were 472 people at the fun run, said Spring Fest Committee Member Lori Valdez. “The car show had over 200 cars, and they ran out of room,” Valdez said. “They had to turn cars away.”

Legals for May, 9 2025

Ephrata boys golf secures eighth straight first place finish

EPHRATA – Ephrata boys golf is on a hot streak with eight straight tournaments where they finished in first place. As it stands, 12 players have qualified for districts. First year head coach, Dan Molitor, is very pleased with his team's performance this year.

Legals for May, 8 2025

Othello receives $1 million capital budget allocation for water reuse facility

OTHELLO — The city of Othello will receive about $1 million from the Washington Senate capital budget for a long-running project for water aquifer storage and recharge.

U.S. Justice Dept. to investigate new WA law requiring clergy to report child abuse

(The Center Square) – Just three days after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill requiring religious leaders in Washington state to report child abuse or neglect – even when it’s disclosed in confession – the U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday it has opened a civil rights investigation based on what it regards as a prima facie First Amendment violation.

MLSD discusses levy fund use in 2025-26

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis discussed plans for the 2025-26 school year levy funds at the May 1 regular school board meeting. The district will only collect a partial levy in the second half of the school year at an estimated $5.9 million om revenue. However, the following school year the district will be able to do a full collection of about $11.9 million.

West hired as Moses Lake School District administrator

MOSES LAKE — Scott West said he thinks his new job is the right fit for him and for the Moses Lake School District. West was hired as executive director of safety and wellbeing last week.

Mattawa in line for additional water rights

MATTAWA — The city of Mattawa has secured a place in line for new water rights. Jamin Ankney of Gray and Osborne, the city’s engineers, said the Washington Department of Ecology is taking applications for additional water rights in very limited areas, a consequence of local conditions in those areas.

New law provides protection for hot car rescues

Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.

Transit authority to buy property for Ephrata transit center

EPHRATA — A former auto dealership in Ephrata is scheduled to be converted into a Grant Transit Authority transit center. The GTA board authorized the purchase of 548 Basin St. SW at a special meeting Monday. The property was the Barry auto dealership until earlier this year.

BASIN TENNIS ROUNDUP: April 25 – May 1

COLUMBIA BASIN – With districts and states on the horizon, Basin tennis continues to be competitive. See below how the last week of matches unfolded.

MLPD uncovers large rooster fighting operation during drug search

MOSES LAKE – On May 1, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Rd N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD.

Cougars baseball moves into EWAC tournament

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars won both games of their doubleheader against Columbia High School, securing their place in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference’s 2B baseball tournament Thursday.

Legals for May, 5 2025

Law enforcement logs for May 2, 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.

Legals for May, 2 2025

Ephrata High enhances security with new video intercom system

EPHRATA — Ephrata High School recently completed the installation of a new video intercom system as part of an initiative to bolster safety measures for students, staff and visitors. This new security upgrade, which was finalized over spring break, adds a layer of protection for the school, allowing for more controlled access to the premises during school hours.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Educate, don’t regulate when it comes to guns

November of next year will see gun owners having to go through a few extra hoops to own firearms in Washington. As much as I’m for public safety and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and punishing those who are irresponsible with firearms, I find the new law to be an overreach.

Legals for May, 1 2025