Moses Lake’s downtown sees busy Saturday

MOSES LAKE — There was a lot going on Saturday in downtown Moses Lake, with a fundraiser walk, an art festival, a wine-and-music tour and a nonprofit expo all happening more or less at once. The day started at McCosh Park, where the Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew more than 200 people to raise money for dementia research.

Robert 'Rob' Douglas Chudomelka II

Rob was born and was raised in Moses Lake, Washington. He graduated from Moses Lake High School, attended Big Bend Community College and served in the United States Marine Corps. He was extremely proud to be a Marine and to have had the opportunity to serve his country.

Weather for the week of Sept. 15, 2025

Weather for the week of Sept. 15, 2025

Mariners grab wins in first two games against Angels

SEATTLE (AP) - The Mariners worked hard to solidify their ranking in the AL West Thursday and Friday with two wins against the Los Angeles Angels.

Touted rookie Harry Ford delivers off bench as Mariners top Angels in 12 to tie for 1st in AL West

SEATTLE (AP) — Rookie pinch-hitter Harry Ford drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 12th inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 7-6 on Thursday night to move into a tie with Houston atop the AL West. It was the second straight walk-off victory in extra innings for the Mariners, who extended their win streak to six games. Leo Rivas hit a two-run homer in the 13th inning Wednesday night to complete a series sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Columbia Bank celebrates rebranding

MOSES LAKE — With a snip of the scissors and a burst of confetti, Columbia Bank presented its new face to the community Wednesday at a ribbon-cutting and open house. “I've been trying to reintroduce our bank to the community, building it back up, giving it a new vibe, making sure that it's one that's positive and helpful and all of those things,” Branch Manager Kristine Bailey said.

BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s the last official week of summer and the Basin is brimming with fun things to do. Here are a few:

Flowers, pumpkins and a fall market at Rue & Sage

MOSES LAKE — There’s a lot growing at Rue & Sage this fall. The floral business offers a U-pick pumpkin patch and hosts a fall pop-up market, and now they’ve expanded into U-pick flowers as well. Home decorations and furniture will be available at the event.

Wenatchee Valley College receives $130,000 for workforce development

WENATCHEE – Wenatchee Valley College has secured $130,000 in workforce development funds from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The funding, going to just 12 colleges, is part of a broader initiative to bolster local economic growth and meet industry demands, according to WVC. In its recent announcement, the SBCTC emphasized the importance of these funds, stating they are designed "to help industry thrive and expand in Washington state while continuing to support the development of a skilled workforce." The funds are aimed at projects that adapt to the evolving needs of both industry and prospective students as well as to strengthen local workforce development efforts.

‘We’ll take it from here’

First responders, students honor the fallen heroes of 9/11

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake remembered the fallen heroes of 9/11 in ceremonies downtown and at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Thursday morning.

ROAD REPORT: Chip-sealing coming to downtown Moses Lake next week

MOSES LAKE — Chip-sealing is scheduled to begin in the downtown area of Moses Lake sometime during the week of Sept. 15. East Hill Avenue and sections of East Wheeler Road are being chip-sealed this week. Drivers should be prepared for temporary detours and traffic control while chip-sealing is underway.

Mavs sweep season opener

MOSES LAKE — On Wednesday, the Mavericks slowpitch team opened the 2025 season with a doubleheader against Sageview (Pasco) and Chiawana. The Mavs defeated Sageview 21-4 and Chiawana 17-12. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said it was a good first test for his team.

LETTER: Disappointed in the PUD

To the Editor, The Public Utility District says it serves the community. Yet on August 26, 2025, it just condemned our family’s land, ignoring four other viable routes that would have spared private property. Instead of fairness and negotiation, we’ve been met with force and dismissal.

Vern Griffith

1941 - 2025

Vern Leon Griffith was born on Sept. 27, 1941, to Harold and Isabelle (Scrimsher) Griffith in Spokane, Washington. He spent his early years in Twisp, Washington, where his father served as superintendent of schools. The family later moved to Yakima, where Harold became the superintendent for West Valley School District. Vern graduated from West Valley in 1959.

Lawmakers eye immigrant farmworker legal status, protections

(The Center Square) – Bipartisan lawmakers reintroduced a bill designed to give immigrant farm workers an opportunity to pursue temporary legal status in the United States. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act proposes allowing immigrant farm workers to apply for Certified Agricultural Worker status, which can be renewed indefinitely, given a noncitizen’s continued employment as a farmworker.

Rivas hits walk-off homer in 13th to give streaking Mariners a 4-2 win over Cardinals

SEATTLE (AP) — Leo Rivas led off the bottom of the 13th inning with a two-run homer and the Seattle Mariners outlasted the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Wednesday night for their fifth consecutive victory. Seattle completed a three-game sweep and remained one game behind Houston atop the AL West. The Mariners lead Texas by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card.

Youth and suicide: Knowing the signs and accessing resources can save lives, experts say

MOSES LAKE — Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Washington for people between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Youth suicide is on the rise regionally, according to locals who work with people in crisis.

Grant Co. Jail construction on schedule for summer 2026 opening

EPHRATA — Construction of the new Grant County Jail is progressing rapidly, with Chief Deputy of Corrections Phillip Coats of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office expressing optimism about the facility’s completion. The new jail will comprehensively address the current needs of inmates, staff, and the community, with several innovative solutions integrated into its design, Coats said.

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day returns to Quincy on Saturday

QUINCY — The agricultural industry – and agricultural bounty – of Quincy and its surrounding area will be celebrated at the annual Farmer-Consumer Awareness Day Saturday. Leia Watkins, FCAD president, said recognizing agriculture and the contributions of farmers is as important as ever. “Especially in this day and age, so many people don’t understand the importance of agriculture,” Watkins said.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming Saturday

MOSES LAKE — There will be more purple shirts and multicolored flowers on the streets of Moses Lake Saturday at the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s than ever before, according to Julie Reathaford, who manages the event.