Voters to weigh Wahluke capital levy

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District voters will decide the fate of a three-year capital projects levy request in a special election Feb. 11. If the levy is approved, it would raise $2.58 million over the three years. The levy will allow the district to be more proactive, says Superintendent Andy Harlow. “I feel like we’re always in the tyranny of the urgent. We’re always putting out fires,” he said. District staff and students will be canvassing neighborhoods in Desert Aire from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday to remind residents to vote. The proposal requires a bare majority, 50% plus one vote, to pass.

Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:

'We had our best revenue year ever'

Port of Ephrata reports successful 2024

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has made significant strides in 2024, achieving several key objectives designed to enhance its economic viability and improve operational capacity, according to the port’s Executive Director David Lanman. “I think it went pretty darn good,” Lanman said. “We had a very productive year, and we're setting the foundation for future growth.”

Harold Dean Mathenia

Harold Dean Mathenia, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. Born October 28, 1938. Dean was a man of unwavering strength, kindness, and dedication who touched the lives of everyone he met.

Leonard Meyer

1943 - 2025

Leonard Guy Meyer was born on September 4, 1943, in Hillsboro, Oregon. Leonard was raised in Royal City, Washington, working on his parents’ farm and graduating from Othello High School in 1961.

'More than a dream'

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Monday night, a group of around 35 people wearing white hoodies blared and sang to music as they walked down fifth avenue as the sun set on downtown Moses Lake. The group shared laughs. The children ran and teased one another. Signs were waved proudly at passing cars. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that!” reads one of the signs.

Royal City honors retiring public works director

ROYAL CITY — The City of Royal City said goodbye to longtime Public Works Director John Lasen with a small retirement party Friday at City Hall. “For years and years, it seemed like Royal City was the same forever and ever,” Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said at the celebration. “But in these last 10 years in particular, we've seen some considerable change, and John has been a significant part of that, helping see the vision and oversee some of the big projects that we've done.”

Informational meeting on Wahluke capital levy Jan. 28

MATTAWA — Wahluke School District officials will be available to answer questions on the district’s capital levy request at an 11:30 a.m. presentation on Jan. 28 at the Sagebrush Senior Center, 23 Desert Aire Drive SW, Desert Aire. The levy’s purpose is to pay off debt and and upgrade safety infrastructure in school buildings.

REACH Museum highlights Latino migration stories

RICHLAND — The National Park Service and REACH Museum have collaborated on a new exhibit, “Migration to Community: Latinos/as at Hanford and the Tri-Cities,” according to an announcement from the museum. It will be open for viewing Feb. 4-March 22.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Sven Legacy Foundation will hold a fundraiser silent auction Feb. 15 near Mattawa, complete with food, drinks, music and lots to bid on. The foundation was formed in November in memory of its namesake, Sven Leland, a Mattawa farmer who passed away last year. The purpose is to help students who aren’t planning to go to college have career options.

Basin Events for Jan. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s chilly out there, so be sure to bundle up when you’re outside between events this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Building permits for Jan. 17, 2025

Unincorporated Grant County Dec. 12-31

Larry S. Godden

1948 — 2024

It is with great grief and great memories that we share with the community that Larry Steven Godden passed away from cardiac arrest on December 29, 2024, with family at his side. Born on June 14, 1948, in Bellingham, Washington to Ralph and Arlene Godden, Larry grew up learning about the value and reward of owning your own business, with his family’s jewelry and watch repair store, Godden Jewelry, in Bellingham, and a general store called The Hitching Post, in Stanwood, Washington.

Dent outlines his priorities for WA’s 2025 session

'I am cautiously optimistic'

OLYMPIA – As Washington State begins its 2025 legislative session today, Rep. Tom Dent, the 13th District's legislative representative, prepares to tackle a myriad of pressing issues while navigating the complexities of a newly transitioned administration.

Hands-on aerospace events for students coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM Network, in collaboration with a team of elementary educators in Moses Lake, will host three Family STEM Nights this spring, according to an announcement from the organization. These events, sponsored by the Boeing Company, aim to ignite curiosity and foster an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, among students and their families, with a special focus on sustainable aviation fuel and the future of aerospace.

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.

Basin events for Jan. 10-17, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Crafts, hoops, dancing and handbells are just part of what’s in store for the Basin this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Environmental group highlights goals for upcoming legislative session

OLYMPIA — The 2025 Washington legislative session will begin Monday and the Washington Conservation Action’s Environmental Priorities Coalition has four goals for the upcoming session: advanced clean trucks and climate progress, climate action, sewage spill right-to-know and the recycling reform act. The EPC met for a press conference on Tuesday to discuss its legislative initiatives.

Senior events calendar for January 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is dreary, but that’s no reason to stay home. Here are a few opportunities to get out and about:

Moses Lake Museum exhibit explores humanity

MOSES LAKE — An exhibit opening next week at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will take a closer look at what it means to be human. “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?” will open Jan. 10, according to Gallery Director Veronica Talbot. It’s a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, she said.