Pro-life rally coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — A Pro-Life Rally has been organized to take place in Moses Lake Feb. 4, according to an announcement from the Knights of Columbus, which sponsors the event.

Overcoming barriers

Regulation is slowing home construction, raising costs, expert says

MOSES LAKE — Overregulation is standing in the way of building more housing nationwide, a speaker told local housing professionals last week, but it’s not necessarily coming from state governments.

Payroll employment increased in December, unemployment rate rose to 4.2%

OLYMPIA — Washington’s economy gained an estimated 7,700 jobs (seasonally adjusted) and the monthly unemployment rate rose from 4.0% to 4.2% in December, according to an announcement from the Washington State Employment Security Department. “December’s job growth was the strongest since June 2023 and marked five consecutive months of job growth, after revisions to November data. Despite strong job gains, the unemployment rate inched up from 4.0% to 4.2%,” ESD Chief Labor Economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman said. “The overall trend in 2023 has been the slowing of a still-strong labor market after the tumultuous ups and downs of COVID-19 economic recovery.” ESD paid unemployment insurance benefits to 68,170 people in December, an increase of 6,344 paid claims over the previous month, according to the statement. Seasonal increases in paid claims within agriculture, construction and manufacturing contributed to the overall increase in claims.

Mavs win fourth straight dual, defeat Richland

MOSES LAKE — Seven Maverick wrestlers picked up wins on the mat in Tuesday’s home dual against Richland, defeating the Bombers 35-30 to win their fourth-straight dual. “We knew Richland was tough when we were preparing for the dual,” Moses Lake Head Coach Jose Tanguma said. “We knew that they had a strong heavyweight lineup, and I’m glad that we pulled out some wins in the upper weight classes.” After a Richland forfeit in the 106-pound match and a double-forfeit in the 113-pound bout, Maverick juniors Cruz Hernandez and Drayden Gaither picked up major decisions in the 120- and 126-pound matches, with junior Trenton Vasquez following with a decision in the 132-pound match.

BASIN HOOPS REPORT: Entering the final stretch

COLUMBIA BASIN — District tournaments across the Basin are less than two weeks away, with teams in the area fighting for higher seeding in their respective conferences. See below for a look at where Basin squads stand during the final weeks of the regular season. All scores and records are according to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Pursuit of the dream continues

Program commemorates work, impact of Martin Luther King

MOSES LAKE — The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was commemorated with music, poetry and a reading of King’s 1963 speech at the Lincoln Memorial – commonly referred to as the “I have a dream” speech – in a ceremony Monday.

Frontier gym serves as temporary warming center during frigid weekend

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake and the Moses Lake School District joined forces over the weekend to protect unhoused people from the bitter cold, by opening the Frontier Middle School gym as a temporary warming center, according to a statement from the city.

Eleven Basin football players earn all-state nods

SILVERDALE – The Washington State Football Coaches Association released its all-state list earlier this week, with 11 Columbia Basin football players earning all-state honors.

Lions win a thriller in Soap Lake, defeat Eagles 64-62

SOAP LAKE – Tied at 59 with just over three minutes to go, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions forced key defensive stops and connected on clutch baskets to leave Soap Lake with a 64-62 win Tuesday night.

New hospital will impact Samaritan bottom line in 2024

MOSES LAKE — While revenues for Samaritan Healthcare are projected to increase in 2024, Samaritan’s budget will reflect the current project of a new hospital, and will be in the red as a result.

Community resources to stay warm in Ritzville, Othello

OTHELLO — With the severe weather of the last week and the next few days, those in need of shelter throughout the Columbia Basin can turn to public libraries during the day, but churches and community members generally step in where cities don’t have the resources.

COLUMN: CWU taking steps to help students create their futures

Despite all of the available information showing how higher education leads to better jobs and salaries, many people continue to remain skeptical of the benefits of college. This is evidenced by a 10-percentage point decline in college attendance in the state of Washington since 2018. In fact, Washington now has the nation’s third-lowest rate of students who attend college after graduating from high school.

Tech tune-up: MACC upgrades designed to make emergency response easier all around

MOSES LAKE — Emergencies are no respecters of time, place, or circumstances. With that in mind, operators of the Multi-Agency Communications Center are working on upgrading technology to make it easier for people to report an emergency, and for dispatchers to get the information emergency responders need to know.

Othello second grader recognized for food drive efforts

OTHELLO — A Wahitis Elementary second grader received an Othello School District challenge coin for his efforts to collect food for the annual Othello Christmas Basket project.

Kittitas Co. funding will help CWU reopen mental health clinic

ELLENSBURG – The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners and Central Washington University have entered into a partnership that will reinstate critical mental health services for local youths over the next two years.

WA lawmakers eye expanding foster care to 18 to 21-year olds

OLYMPIA- A legislative proposal has the potential to create a smoother transition into adulthood for teenagers and adults aging out of the foster care system.

Ketterer sworn in as MLIRD board member

EPHRATA – The Grant County Commission was joined by guests during their Tuesday meeting as Joe Ketterer was sworn in as a member of the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District by Judge John Knodell.

WSU to co-host SoilCon24 in February

PULLMAN – Washington State University will be assisting in hosting SoilCon this year, a free resource for agricultural professionals to learn science-based soil health information.

Basin sports schedule for Jan. 17-23

COLUMBIA BASIN – Check out this week’s sports schedule, featuring local basketball, swim and dive and wrestling events.

BASIN WRESTLING REPORT: Huskies, Mavs, Cougars earn high placings

COLUMBIA BASIN – With the Mat Classic just about a month away, Basin squads continue to battle down the stretch of the 2023-24 wrestling season. Read along to see how local teams fared at last weekend’s tournaments across the Pacific Northwest.