Handbell choir keeps up ringing tradition at Othello church

OTHELLO — It’s difficult enough for a director to keep musicians in line when they’re all playing at the same time. But when members take turns with just one or two notes each, well, then it gets complicated.

Mavs junior varsity off to undefeated start

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks junior varsity squad (12-0) is off to an undefeated start this season. Head Coach Ryan Carlstrom said team chemistry has played a role in their success this year. “We have two additional juniors on the JV team who were part of the program last year, but for the most part, it's almost the exact same freshman team as last year,” Carlstrom said. “They've had to blend in with this group of players who (have) been playing together for a long time, but they've done nothing but add to this group of players who are a pretty skilled group of kids and hard workers, and they've made my job very easy for the last couple of years.”

Legals for January, 14 2026

Suspect arrested in Controlled Substance Homicide case

RITZVILLE — Brittney Marie Jones, 35, of Ritzville was arrested and is being held by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on charges associated with a November death in Ritzville, according to an ACSO statement.

Adams Co. and Grant Co. jail rosters

The reports below were provided by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Richard (Rich) Longwill

1948 – 2025

Richard (Rich) Longwill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 77. He had been fighting a long battle of COPD.

Chicken-themed show opens at Up Town Art Gallery

MOSES LAKE — A whole flock of artists contributed to The Chicken Show at Up Town Gallery in Moses Lake Friday. “We have over 40 entries, from as far away as Colfax,” said Up Town Gallery co-owner Judy Kalin.

Knights win third straight home game

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (9-1) won their third straight game Saturday, defeating the Kiona-Benton Bears 90-42. Head Coach Tim Ravet said his players did a good job executing the defensive game plan. “When we don't reach and just stay sound on defense, keep things in front of us and get deflections. We're pretty solid on defense. It's when we get out over our skis and reach and lunge when we get beat, but we're trying to do a better job of that, so hopefully that'll start to carry over into big games,” Ravet said.

Basin health care 2025 review

New facilities, expanded services, election challenges seen over the course of last year

MOSES LAKE — A new hospital opened in Quincy; construction was mostly completed on the new Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Columbia Basin Hospital voters rejected a request for a construction bond. Columbia Basin health care organizations experienced ups and downs in 2025.

MLSD saw challenges, achievements in 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District experienced a challenging year in 2025, marked by financial struggles, labor disputes and notable academic accomplishments. The district's resilience was on full display as it navigated a series of challenges while also fostering pockets of success throughout the academic year, Superintendent Carol Lewis said.

Legals for January, 13 2026

Grant County Sheriff’s Office logs Jan. 5-9

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Vikings extend win streak after overtime win

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (16-1) pulled off a competitive 66-62 win in overtime against the Treasure Valley Chukars Saturday. After a win like that, Head Coach Preston Wilks said he was filled with elation. “That was such a wonderful outcome. We knew it was going to be a dog fight. They're a talented team, and I'm just so proud of the way we played,” Wilks said.

Stalking Awareness Month highlights a dangerous form of abuse

MOSES LAKE — January is Stalking Awareness Month and those who work with victims want people to know that it is a serious issue and there is help available. “Stalking is usually a factor in a domestic violence victim’s experience,” said Abraham Tapia, a legal and community advocate with New Hope, which provides domestic violence support in Grant and Adams counties. “Following them around town, trying to access their social media.” The month is meant to draw attention to an especially dangerous form of abuse. One out of three women in the U.S. will experience stalking at some point in their lives, according to statistics from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center, and one in six men. More than a third of stalking cases involve a current or former intimate partner.

Fire agencies encourage smoke detectors after recent deaths

MOSES LAKE — Firefighting agencies are encouraging the public to make sure they have smoke alarms installed in their homes after two locals were killed in a Jan. 7 home fire. Grant County Fire District 3 Chief Dave Durfee said sometimes people misunderstand fire risks and fail to take appropriate precautions.

Lions defeat Eagles 60-21 at home

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (12-0) earned a strong 60-21home victory over the Soap Lake Eagles (1-7) to continue their undefeated season. “I feel like the team is doing really good,” said Lions senior Antonio Serrato. “We play really good together and know how to move the ball really well and get down the court really fast.”

Vikings fall short despite second half rally

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings (8-9) fell short at home to the Treasure Valley Chukars 77-88. Head Coach Jason Hopkins was humble in defeat.

Cougars grab late comeback to earn home win

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (3-10) defeated the Granger Spartans 41-39 Friday after pulling off a second half comeback. For Head Coach Emily Cox, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. “Fun and not fun all the same time,” Cox said. “We kind of got ourselves in a hole in the first half, and at halftime, we just told them to keep battling and keep working hard and try and dig ourselves out of it, and the girls did. They came out and they battled.”

Cougars defend home court, beat Spartans 61-50

WARDEN — The Warden Cougars (6-5) snapped a three-game rut by defeating the Granger Spartans 61-50 Friday. Head Coach Brent Erdmann said his players fought hard to get back in the win column. “They've been battling all year. Any win is a good win for us right now. We had a pretty rough run for a little bit, to actually come back and get a (win) for these guys, we'll take it,” Erdmann said.

Lions win league matchup at home against Eagles

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions (8-2) basketball team defeated the Soap Lake Eagles (4-2) where the Lions 40-26 Thursday.