Co-responders provide behavioral health assistance, support

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes a disturbance or a welfare check that requires a law enforcement response is also a mental health crisis. Renew, Grant County’s behavioral health organization, the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office are partnering on a program to make help available for people facing a crisis when it’s needed.

Legals for October, 20 2025

MLSD’s Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time

MOSES LAKE — Tensions continue between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Educators Association as discussions continue over a modified elementary school schedule and the restoration of educational programs critical to student learning.

Mavericks shine in home dual

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, the Mavericks were productive in their dual meet against Eisenhower and Davis. Head Coach Tony Preston said success in a meet comes down to the fourth- and fifth-place swimmers; those who place there make a significant difference in the point differential.

Mavs clinch district title

MLHS slowpitch punches ticket to state tourney

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, Mavs slowpitch (16-1) defeated the Eastmont Wildcats 13-3 to become the 4A District Champions and punched their ticket to the state tournament. After splitting a doubleheader to end their season, Head Coach Mike Hofheins said they were on a mission.

Roadwork to close SR 243 south of Mattawa starting Monday

MATTAWA — Drivers heading south of Mattawa can expect State Route 243 to be closed for a short stretch between Mattawa and Desert Aire, beginning Monday.

Moses Lake council, school board candidates discuss issues at forum

MOSES LAKE — Candidates for the Moses Lake City Council and Moses Lake School District discussed school and city finances, trust and water at a forum sponsored by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Joel Graves, running for city council, said Moses Lake has some challenges to address. “These aren’t problems that we can keep kicking the can down the road on,” he said. Council candidates Deanna Martinez, Graves and Jeremy Davis, and school board candidate Mike Nordsten, answered questions submitted by the forum’s sponsors. Council candidate Jim Perez sent a statement, saying work commitments kept him from attending. Chamber Manager Debbie Doran-Martinez said school board candidate Lila Baker had declined to attend, citing her withdrawal from the race due to health reasons.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you celebrate Halloween or harvest, there’s no shortage of macabre fun this week in the Basin, plus crafts, live music and more. Here are some ideas for getting out and about:

WA college sports schedule: Oct. 17-24, 2025

MOSES LAKE – College athletes continue to battle through the season as the weather gets colder and the games get hotter. Check out where your favorite college team will be playing this week.

Legals for October, 17 2025

Renewed legal battle ramps up over Columbia Basin dams and salmon

A long-running court battle over how to balance protections for endangered fish with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin has resumed after a two-year pause. Conservationists, anglers and clean energy groups, along with the state of Oregon, asked a federal court Tuesday to grant a preliminary injunction that would change how eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers operate. They argue that these changes would improve the conditions for salmon and steelhead survival.

Ephrata looking for architect to remodel potential new city hall

EPHRATA — The final layout of a former business recently purchased by the city of Ephrata, and the ultimate fate of the existing Ephrata City Hall, are still to be determined. That will be part of the process of remodeling the old Rite-Aid building at 250 Basin St. SW. Ephrata City Administrator Ray Towry said the first step will be hiring an architect. “We’ll budget for a (request for proposals) for an architect to redesign that space for us next year,” Towry said. “Depending on how involved you want to be, and (how much) we want to involve the public in that design, will determine the length of time it takes.” The existing city hall and the possible uses of the old Rite-Aid building were among the items discussed at the regular meeting of the Ephrata City Council Wednesday. Council members also discussed revisions to a union contract and renaming two streets at the site of the new Grant County Jail.

Cougars compete at Apple Ridge cross country course

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars Cross Country team competed in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference’s week three event at Apple Ridge Cross Country course in Yakima. Cougars head coach Karla Banks said the team had multiple runners set new personal records at the meet. “They all had lots of determination,” said Banks. “I was really impressed, they showed off their talents and their skills, and they did it with a big smile on their face.” Aiden Castro led the Cougars boys team in the three-mile race with a time of 22.59.99. Coming up next was Soren Clausen with 23:12.54 and Enrique Gutierrez with 35:42.45 on the course.

Wildcats rank second in conference preseason poll

ELLENSBURG — On Oct. 14, the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference announced its preseason poll for the upcoming women’s basketball season. The Central Washington Wildcats were voted the second-best team in the conference and received four first-place votes, according to the statement by GNAC. Just ahead of them by a point and ranked first are the Western Washington Vikings. After finishing 23-8 last season, the Wildcats advanced to their first sweet 16 in the NCAA Division II tournament after overcoming Point Loma and Chico State. Heading into this season the Wildcats have reloaded and are poised to make another run, their coach said.

EWU announces stadium renovations

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University Athletics announced they are beginning a series of projects to renovate Roos Field. The first step in this process begins with replacing the track, and EWU athletics held a ceremony for that project on Oct. 10. “The track facility will give our student athletes the space and resources they deserve to train, compete, and pursue excellence,” EWU Athletic Director Tim Collins said. “But make no mistake, the project is about much more than a track. It’s about setting the foundation for the renovation of Roos Field and ultimately, the next chapter of Eagle Athletics.” The envisioned improvements will expand event opportunities, enhance fan experiences, strengthen recruiting efforts, and allow student athletes to compete at the highest levels, the statement said.

GCSO blotter Oct. 3-4, 2025

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office provided the incident details noted below. Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Othello Hospital Commissioner Pos. 2: Lallas vs. Logan

OTHELLO — John Lallas and Martha Logan are running for Position 2 on the Othello Community Hospital Board. The position was left open in March, when former board member Shirley McCullough resigned. Lallas and Logan both applied for the open job, and Lallas was appointed to the board in June. The Columbia Basin Herald provided questions to both candidates, but Logan did not respond. Candidates had a word limit.

Basin teams compete in Hole in the Wall Invitationals

MOSES LAKE – Cross Country teams from around the Columbia Basin had a busy weekend with Lind-Ritzville, Othello and Wahluke going to the Max Jensen Invitational and Quincy going to the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational. The Moses Lake Mavericks split their team between the two meets.

50 years of art

Old Hotel Gallery celebrates golden anniversary at auction Saturday

OTHELLO — The Old Hotel Art Gallery will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its benefit auction Saturday.

MLSD superintendent to address community concerns

MOSES LAKE — Superintendent Carol Lewis is planning to address the entire Moses Lake community at tonight’s Moses Lake School Board meeting about recent misunderstandings during the superintendent's report.