Weather for the week of Dec. 15

Monday: Rain likely, mainly before 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Tuesday: Rain, mainly after 4 p.m. High near 55. Chance of precipitation is 80% Wednesday: A chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team carries out drug raid in Quincy

QUINCY — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on I Street in Quincy Thursday, leading to the arrest of Jilberto Lucatero-Lora, a 20-year-old suspect alleged to be involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana to Sureño gang members.

Grant County Sheriff’s Office reports as of Dec. 12, 2025

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.

Revised Moses Lake ordinance designed to recover some MLFD costs

MOSES LAKE — An ordinance revision approved by the Moses Lake City Council will allow more consistent billing of insurance companies in cases of emergency response by the Moses Lake Fire Department. In certain circumstances, property owners or vehicle owners may be responsible for paying whatever emergency response costs are not covered by insurance. The revisions passed on a 6-1 council vote Tuesday, with council member Victor Lombardi voting no.

BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, and there are holiday goings-on galore in the Basin. Here are a few things to make your spirits bright:

City of Moses Lake building permits October 2025

October 2025

CCS students spread Christmas cheer

MOSES LAKE — Students from Covenant Christian School in Moses Lake, along with teacher Valerie Parrott, delivered handmade Christmas ornaments to Monroe House and the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Monday. “Our hope was simple: to bring a little light, encouragement, and joy to those who may need it most this season,” Parrott wrote to the Columbia Basin Herald. “We are so proud of our students for their servant hearts and their desire to bless others.”

Eagles defense leads them to first regular season win

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (1-1) earned a dominant 62-24 win at home over the Cascade Christian Academy Wolverines. Head Coach Leonard Lundgren said he was proud to see everyone get involved. “It feels really good. The best part about the win is everybody on the team scored a point tonight. That's the first time I've ever had a team where everybody on the bench has scored a point,” Lundgren said.

Legals for December, 12 2025

Ephrata town hall highlights local growth

EPHRATA — On Wednesday night, leaders of several Ephrata agencies gathered at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center to give updates to the community on various projects. There were presentations from the school district, both the mayor and mayor-elect, the Port of Ephrata, Columbia Basin Hospital, Grant Public Utility District and Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Moses Lake FFA funds found

MOSES LAKE — Allegations made by Tony Kern, the longtime agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor in Moses Lake, regarding the misappropriation of approximately $55,000 in FFA fundraising revenue have been officially addressed and found to be unfounded, according to statements from both the Moses Lake School District and FFA.

Eagles boys fall short at home

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (0-2) fell short 57-37 at home to the Cascade Christian Academy Wolverines. Head Coach Mingo Scott called the result a game of two stories. “When we were able to run our offense and get into stuff, we made positive runs and were able to score as a team. When we couldn't get into our offense, guys went one-on-one too much, and that led to turnovers and runs going the opposite direction,” Scott said. The Eagles fell behind early after a fast start by the Wolverines. CCA jumped out to a 17-2 lead before Scott called a timeout to help his players reset. From there, they were able to run their system to eventually tie the game 36-36 in the third quarter. However, after a player sprained his ankle, the Eagles scoring run stopped and the Wolverines pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

UW faces Furman in NCAA Semifinals

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies soccer team (14-6-2) will be making their second College Cup appearance in five years on Friday when they face No. 16 Furman in the NCAA semifinals. The Huskies will kick off at 3 p.m. UW enters the semifinal round after defeating No. 4 Maryland 3-1 last Friday. Maryland got on the board first in the game scoring a corning kick in the 19th minute, but the Huskies were ready to respond. In the 38th minute, Huskies player Richie Aman sent a corner kick that found the head of Osato Enabulele to tie the game at one at the end of the half.

COLLEGIATE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 12-19, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Throughout the state, college football teams are heading to bowl games while basketball teams are still battling in the early season to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack. See where your favorite teams will be heading this week.

EWU earns win in rivalry game against WSU

PULLMAN – The Eastern Washington Eagles Women’s basketball team (6-4) earned a significant win against the Washington State Cougars 71-69. This game marked the Eagles’ first win over the Cougars since March 18, 2015 when the teams faced off in the first round of the Women’s NIT tournament. “Washington State is a really good team. They’re very well coached and they’re prepared,” said Eagles Head Coach Joddie Gleason. “They run their offense really well and are hard to guard. Coming in here to get the win is huge for us. It shows that we’re read to get these road wins in the Big Sky.”

Ephrata Council passes $35.6 million budget for 2026

EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council has officially passed its budget for the 2026 fiscal year, amounting to a total of about $35,600,000. The ordinance was approved during a council meeting held on Dec. 3.

A paws-itely perfect gift

MOSES LAKE — Strelka, a husky-mix sleighs hearts at Grant County Animal Outreach. She is the perfect furry friend who will leave you howling with joy this holiday season. This sleigh-belle is “Santa-paws” approved, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Now all she needs is someone to fill out her application so the Christmas cuddles can commence. Visit GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org to learn more about adopting this sweet girl. If you can’t donate right now but would like to spread some Christmas joy to some furry friends, visit the website and click “donate.”

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Dec. 11, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for December, 11 2025

Moses Lake School Board unanimously approves union contract

MOSES LAKE — After lengthy negotiations and a five-day strike, Moses Lake School Board members approved a new three-year agreement between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Education Association Wednesday. Board members approved the contract on a roll-call vote.