COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS: January 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the holidays behind us, things are slowing down a little in the Basin, but there’s still plenty to do coming up in January. Here are a few possibilities:

Jacks earn close win in Yakima

YAKIMA — In a game where Pierce Bierlink had 52 points, the Quincy Jacks (3-7) earned a tight 64-63 win over the La Center Wildcats at Yakima Dome in the SunDome Shootout. Head Coach Scott Bierlink said it was a great experience for his players.

Knights girls take three wins in Arizona Tourney

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights girls basketball team travelled to Tempe, AZ to compete in a three-game tournament where – following a Tuesday afternoon victory over Bear Creek – the Knights would go 3-0. This now places the knights 8-1 as they head into the next half of the season.

Michael William Hamilton

1957 – 2025

Michael William Hamilton was born on April 12, 1957, in Bellingham, Wash., to James and Barbara Hamilton. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1975, already known as someone who understood the value of hard work and responsibility.

Ephrata’s 2025: A year of infrastructure, parks and branding

EPHRATA — As 2025 draws to a close, the city of Ephrata reflects on a year marked by investments and improvements in its water infrastructure, park facilities, buying a new facility and branding initiatives. The city added a new water tower, upgraded its water reclamation facility, installed new park bathrooms, began replacing the playground equipment at Lions Park and formed its first brand.

Legals for December, 31 2025

Mavs extend win streak as Jay hits milestone

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (8-2) defeated the visiting Ridgeline Falcons 74-53 to earn their seventh straight win. Not only did they extend their win streak, but Brady Jay also surpassed 1,000 career points.

Eagles victorious in final non-conference game

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles took care of business Monday as they defeated Bushnell, 78-37 in the team's final game before conference games begin on Saturday, according to a statement by EWU athletics. Head Coach Joddie Gleason said it was a good tune up before they see their Big Sky competitors.

Wildcats athletics reveals 2026 Hall of Fame inductees

ELLENSBURG — On Monday, Central Washington athletics announced in a statement the names for the 2026 athletic Hall of Fame class. Jean and Joe Adams (Spirit of Central), Catie Fry (Volleyball), Zak Hill (Football), and Dr. Richard Roux (Meritorious Service).

William Walter West

1952 — 2025

William Walter West was called home and into the loving embrace of his wife Lucinda on December 14, 2025. He was a great son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, patriot and US Army Veteran.

Cougars earn close win over Pepperdine

PULLMAN — Washington State Cougars (2-12) shook off a slow start and used a strong second half to earn a 66-63 win over Pepperdine on Sunday, opening West Coast Conference play with a hard-fought victory, according to a statement by WSU athletics.

No. 7 Gonzaga routs Pepperdine 96-56 in the West Coast Conference opener for both teams

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Reserve Tyon Grant-Foster had 18 points and four blocks, and Braeden Smith and Davis Fogle scored 15 points apiece to lead No. 7 Gonzaga to a 96-56 win over Pepperdine in the West Coast Conference opener for both teams Sunday night. Gonzaga (13-1), in its last West Coast Conference season before moving to the Pac-12 next season, displayed the same dominance that helped it win 26 WCC titles. The Bulldogs seemingly dunked and scored at will in winning their sixth straight game since their only loss of the season, against Michigan on Nov. 26.

Seahawks beat Panthers 27-10 for 6th straight win, still need to beat 49ers for No. 1 seed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks are doing everything they can to wrap up the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers are determined not to let them have it. Even after winning 13 games — including six straight — the Seahawks still need to beat the red hot 49ers in Week 18 to win the NFC West and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Winter temperatures to arrive and stay for a while

MOSES LAKE — All those mild days in November and December? All those 50-degree afternoons? Well, as people may have noticed, that late fall weather is going away, at least for the time being. Joey Clevenger, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said weather patterns are starting to push cold air into Eastern and Central Washington.

Legals for December, 29 2025

UPDATED: Royal hosts Christmas Tournament

ROYAL – The Royal City Knights hosted their Christmas Tournament on Saturday with teams from around the state, including multiple from the Columbia Basin, coming in to compete. The results of the wrestlers’ overall scores and final matches are below. Full results are available on flowrestling.org.

Huskies push forward with 8-4 season

SEATTLE — The University of Washington Huskies have gotten off to a strong start for their season as they head into this week 8-4. The Huskies will be getting into more tough matchups this week following a victory over the University of San Diego Toreros last week.

Wildcats’ Sims named conference player of the week

ELLENSBURG — Central Washington University junior women's basketball forward Capri Sims was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week after multiple double-digit performances during the winter break games. “Capri's performances last week were critical in our ability to get three wins, especially starting off against Cal State LA after our first loss last Saturday,” CWU Head Women's Basketball Coach Randi Richardson said. This is Sims third-career player of the week, first this season, and now joins Asher Cai as Wildcats to earn the distinction this season.

Adams Co. commissioners approve 2026 budget

RITZVILLE — Adams County Commissioners approved a $62.5 million budget Tuesday, the last step in what commission chair Mike Garza said was a difficult job. “It was a tough, drawn-out process,” Garza said. “I think we came up with something that’s as fair as it can be.”

Legals for December, 24 2025