Officials on lookout for Asian giant hornets

OLYMPIA — There have not been any confirmed sightings of the Asian giant hornet in Washington so far this year, according to Sven-Erik Spichiger, a managing entomologist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Legals for May, 24 2022

COVID-19 boosters available for Washington children

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Health has announced that booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are now available for children 5 to 11 years of age. The DOH is recommending a booster dose of vaccines for children who have received their initial vaccinations...

Keep it cool for your pups this summer

Tips for taking dogs swimming

When the weather heats up, many people and pups love getting in the water to cool down. Whether a dog enjoys swimming or just splashing in the shallows, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure they stay safe this summer. While it’s a common belief that all dogs can swim, this is actually a myth, according to Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Most dogs will make a paddling motion when in the water, but some are not able to propel themselves forward or even keep their heads above water,” she said.

Third Thursday events return to downtown Moses Lake this summer

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association will join the Moses Lake Farmers Market to sponsor a series of downtown markets every third Thursday from June to September. The first Third Thursday is scheduled for June 16. The DMLA will sponsor “open mic nights” during Third Thursday. The market will be open from 4 to 8 p.m., with the open mic performances from 6 to 7 p.m. The remaining Third Thursdays are scheduled for July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15...

New sports reporter seeks the drama behind the game

MOSES LAKE — What Ian Bivona really likes about covering sports is the drama.

ML airshow seeks volunteers

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Airshow is looking for a few good volunteers to help get this year’s air show off the ground.

Candidate filing period produces challengers for some state, county offices

GRANT/ADAMS COUNTIES — The filing deadline to run for office in Washington at the county and state level was Friday. Several officials that represent Grant and Adams counties at the local and state level are running for reelection.

Grapes don't give up

COLUMBIA BASIN — Despite a cold spring, wine grapes are looking good, according to a couple of local growers.

Othello earns top seed in state softball tournament

SELAH — The Othello Huskies softball team will open state tournament play against West Valley of Spokane at noon Friday at Carlon Park in Selah. Othello enters the tournament as the top seed.

Biting dog sought by authorities

WENATCHEE - The public’s help is asked in identifying a dog that bit someone on Thursday in Wenatchee, according to a press release from Wenatchee Valley Animal Care & Control.

CWU Board of Trustees honor 2022 distinguished faculty

The Central Washington University Board of Trustees has selected their five honorees to be recognized as distinguished faculty. The ceremony for the annual awards started in 1977 to recognize faculty who have excelled in teaching, research/artistic accomplishment and public service. The honorees’ names will appear on a continuing plaque on campus, and each will receive a monetary award...

Morning roundup: Principal promoted, WSU thumps Portland, bird flu hits Washington

Moses Lake’s chief Chief is movin’ on up, WSU is shining on the diamond and there’s something foul among the fowl. Here’s what’s happening in the Basin today:

USDA forecasts Higher Washington Wheat Harvest in 2022

PORTLAND — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting a major increase in wheat production in Washington in 2022, according to a report published by the department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

AG settles poultry gouging lawsuit

OLYMPIA — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced on Thursday that chicken producer Mar-Jac Poultry will pay the state $750,000 as the company seeks to settle its portion of a major state lawsuit against 19 poultry producers alleging improper business practices.

CWU officially installs new president

ELLENSBURG - Jim Wohlpart was officially installed as Central Washington University’s 15th president on Thursday during a ceremony on the Ellensburg campus, according to a release by the university. Wohlpart assumed office in June 2021, but installation ceremonies were postponed...

Officials urge precautions as avian flu hits state

OLYMPIA — As avian influenza continues to spread through backyard flocks across Washington, state agriculture officials are asking residents to delay live market poultry sales for the next 30 days in the hopes that warmer weather will bring an end to the outbreak. “Please don’t sell sick birds,” Washington State Veterinarian Amber Itle advised bird owners who wanted to market their animals. “Separate water fowl from poultry, and keep birds in individual boxes.”...

Ephrata SD selects new Parkway principal

EPHRATA - The Ephrata School District announced via a press release that current Grant Elementary School Dean of Students Jeremy Vasquez has been selected to fill the role of principal at Parkway Intermediate School. “I am very honored and excited to assume the position of Parkway Intermediate School Principal. As a lifelong teacher, coach, community member and parent, I have a vested interest in the success of the Ephrata School District and the Ephrata community at large,” Vasquez said in the release...

WSU baseball shuts out Portland

PORTLAND - Washington State University starting pitcher Dakota Hawkins fired five shutout innings and Bryce Matthews homered in a 3-0 victory over Portland at Joe Etzel Field Tuesday afternoon. WSU (24-26) saw Hawkins strike out a career-high 10 and allow just two hits, while Matthews matched a season-high with three hits including an RBI-double and a solo homer. The Cougars put up a run in each of the first three innings before Hawkins and relievers Cam Liss, Chase Grillo and Caden Kaelber combined for 14 strikeouts and two hits in the win.

To Address the Declining Fortunes of the Young, We Need to Go Upstream

For 33 years, my organization has been sounding the alarm about the declining fortunes of young adults. The words of the 1988 Forgotten Half report are eerie today: “One of the cruelest myths of contemporary American life is the claim that our economy is healthy because unemployment is relatively low.”