‘Whiskey Rebel’

Novel draws on Moses Coulee for isolated setting

MOSES LAKE — Out in the high desert country of Moses Coulee, it’s easy to imagine that strange things are happening just over the next ridge. There’s something peacefully secretive about the area northwest of Ephrata in the southern part of Douglas County, as though time stopped there and nobody was around to notice.

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.”

BBCC to present Drum Fest on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will get rhythm this Saturday when the Drum Fest takes over the Wallenstien theater. “It will be a workshop-slash-mega drum line,” said John Owen, associate professor of music at BBCC.

New Moses Lake shop offers electronics and service

MOSES LAKE — For almost a century, Radio Shack was the electronics geek’s mecca, with parts and components for any project as well as cutting-edge toys and kits. Then the company ran into financial trouble in the 2010s and closed more than 8,000 franchise stores, including the one in Moses Lake. Now its products are making a little bit of a comeback.

Gorden Dale Melcher

1938 – 2025

Gorden Dale Melcher, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington went to be with his Savior on March 14, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1938, in Odessa, Washington to Carl Melcher and Yetta Greenwalt Melcher.

ACH baseball ready to swing for the fences in 2025

COULEE CITY — As the Almira/Coulee-Hartline baseball team gears up for the 2024 season, excitement fills the air, especially after a commendable last season that culminated in a second-place finish at the state championship. Head Coach Hunter Lee is optimistic about what lies ahead, especially with a roster boasting considerable experience and talent.

Meeting with Blitz leads to new kicks for kids in Othello

OTHELLO — Shawn Christopherson, mascot coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, said he understood why Othello Police Officer Tyson Cox decided to investigate those guys parked along an Othello street one day last summer. “A bird on a scooter with four influencers following him draws some attention,” Christopherson said. “Officer Cox kind of pulled over just to check out what was going on.” Well, of course a bird wasn’t actually driving the scooter – it was Blitz, the Seahawks mascot.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS for March 7, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and there’s plenty to do. Live music, crafts, classes and more. Here are a few options:

Warden brothers open dispensary in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – The grand opening for Grant County’s newest dispensary, Green Roads Cannabis happened Friday. The dispensary is owned and operated by two Warden brothers, Eddie and Rolando Rodriguez. The new store is located on 224 West Valley Road in the former Valley Eye Care building.

Challenge, innovation, appreciation at law enforcement luncheon

MATTAWA — Staffing, recruitment and innovation were among the subjects discussed by Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell during a luncheon in Mattawa Thursday recognizing law enforcement contributions.

A career of grace

Pastor Walter Klockers prepares to retire

MOSES LAKE — Pastor Walter Klockers has a guiding principle: “This is Christ's Church, and I know my place.” It’s a part of the creed he maintains for his ministry, he said; he regularly reminds himself that he is an imperfect person who is called to proclaim a perfect Gospel and to serve others rather than feed his own ego. “That, I review, because I fail so many times,” he added.

Wave with a smile

Introducing Wave, a beautiful doggo with a pretty much permanent smile and eyes that light up like high beams on a dark Basin night. Wave is currently hanging out with his buddies at Adams County Pet Rescue at 1961 W. Bench Road in Othello, but he’d love a home with a wonderful human or group of humans to spend time with. Like all dogs at ACPR, Wave is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped to make sure he’s healthy and won’t get lost. For more information, call ACPR at 509-488-5514 or visit adamscountypetrescue.com.

Othello, ACSO, WSP officers bring holiday cheer

‘I see the smiles are bigger every year.’

OTHELLO – Blue and red lights flashed, and sirens blared down East Main Street in Othello Saturday before turning into the Walmart parking lot. A handful of police vehicles from Othello Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol made laps around the store's parking lot, children waving through passenger windows and shoppers watching the scene go down.

New high in entries at Moses Lake Roundup

MOSES LAKE — Nearly 600 entries were made into the 81st Moses Lake Roundup, marking a new high in both contestants throughout the weekend of competition.

Battle Buddies fundraiser brings in $10,000

Ephrata Legionnaires pull together to support nonprofit fighting PTSD with all four paws.

EPHRATA - The American Legion Art Semro Post and Unit 28 held a fundraiser Saturday to raise money for Northwest Battle Buddies, a nonprofit that gifts professionally trained service dogs to veterans battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD.

Ruben Quezada Jr.

July 27, 1993 — Aug. 8, 2024

Ruben Quezada Jr., born July 27, 1993, passed away Aug. 8, 2024. He leaves behind his parents Rueben and Michelle Quezada; his sisters Sherale and Deanna Quezada; his brothers-in-law Michael Adame and Alfredo Covarrubias; his half-brother Chris Keller; his children Aaliyah, Sophia, Reuben III, AnnaZayah and Amberleya; five nieces; five nephews; maternal grandfather Ward Cammack; paternal grandmother Guadalupe Quezada; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Sixto Quezada Sr. and his maternal grandmother Ardith Cammack, who we know was waiting for him as he entered back into our Father in Heaven’s arms. Ruben's younger years were ecstatic and spontaneous. He was always involved in fun random things, from football to baseball, and wrestling to Boy Scouts.

A quiet space

Boys & Girls Club opens Mental Health Quiet Room

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin cut the ribbon Tuesday on the new Mental Health Quiet Room at the McGraw Clubhouse, and it’s much needed, said Executive Director Kim Pope.

Battle buddies

American Legion to hold auction to help vets find service dogs

EPHRATA — Sometimes, when Johnny comes marching home again, the war marches along with him. Thousands of American veterans commit suicide every year, according to the Veterans Administration, and countless more go on living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata wants to decrease that count one dog at a time.

Francisco Meza

May 28, 1957 – July 23, 2024

In loving memory of Francisco Meza, 67. It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Frank Meza, a beloved son, father and grandpa. Frank went to be with his dad and brothers in heaven on July 23, 2024. He passed surrounded by family who loved him dearly.

WA gas prices consistently higher most of U.S., CCA causes jump

MOSES LAKE – According to an analysis by Gas Buddy, an organization that monitors fuel prices, Washington has consistently had higher average gas prices for July 1 of each year since 2014, even before increases resulting from the Climate Commitment Act’s carbon fees came into play.