BASIN EVENTS: June 20-28

COLUMBIA BASIN — Festivals, art, crafting, live music – if you can’t find something to do this week, you’re not trying. Here are a few things to check out:

Warden Development Council holds charity golf tournament

WARDEN – The Warden Development Council held their annual Golf Classic at the Sage Hills Golf Course Friday. The event had a high turnout of 64 golfers participating, mostly in teams of four, and raised roughly $12,000 for local causes, according to organizers.

BASIN EVENTS: June 6-14

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, festivals in the sun and more await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things going on:

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 23-31, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Memorial Day weekend is a busy one, with the three-day weekend and – hopefully – beautiful weather. Here are some things going on in the Basin this week: May 23 Tee Off for Tails Swing into action for the animals. Meet some adorable adoptables and grab some grub at the barbecue. Donate dog food, kitten formula, laundry soap, or bleach directly to Grant County Animal Outreach and get a free round of mini golf. 12-9 p.m. at Lake Bowl, 1165 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info: 509-762-9616.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds preparing for busy season

90 days until the Grant County Fair opens with food, competitions and carnival attractions

MOSES LAKE — The days are getting warmer and with the Grant County Fair just around the corner, the fairgrounds team is ramping up its preparations. Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan announced upgrades to the facility aimed at enhancing safety and overall visitor experience, while simultaneously addressing a crucial staffing shortage for seasonal positions. The legislature decided to table some bills that could have had impacts on the fairgrounds.

Eugene 'Gene' Hanover

In loving memory of Eugene 'Gene' Hanover

Eugene “Gene” Hanover passed away peacefully at home in Moses Lake, Washington, on May 5, 2025, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born at Wyoming General Hospital in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Gene lived a full, passionate life rooted in love, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

LAW ENFORCEMENT LOGS: May 9, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MLCA to host Crab and Prime Rib feed

MOSES LAKE — For most folks, fresh crab would be a good enough reason to attend an auction. Prime rib would, likewise, be reason enough. Combine them, make them all-you-can-eat, throw in a live auction, and you have an irresistible draw.

BASIN EVENTS: May 2-10

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is lovely and the Basin is teeming with ways to get out and enjoy it. Here are a few:

Law Enforcement Logs for April 25, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Forrest Hardt

1939 — 2025

Forrest Hardt passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 85, at his daughter’s home in Keizer, Oregon. Forrest was born on May 22, 1939, in Ritzville, Washington.

NextEra Energy plans Dry Falls Solar project in Grant County

COULEE CITY – NextEra Energy Resources has proposed a significant renewable energy project, Dry Falls Solar, which aims to bolster the region’s shift toward clean energy and economic growth.

Basin events for March 28-April 5

COLUMBIA BASIN — This week’s goings-on in the Basin include a car wash, an off-season farmers market, fundraiser auctions, movies and more. Here are some suggestions:

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 21-29, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The sun is shining; the cranes are in flight and there’s a host of things to do in the Basin this week. Here are a few:

WA gun bill could have major implications for Grant Co. Fair

OLYMPIA — A Washington State Senate bill to ban firearms in public areas where children may be present had its first hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee Tuesday. More than 50 people were scheduled to testify regarding the bill during the committee meeting.

Senior Events for March 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nicer and there’s no shortage of things for seniors to do in the Basin. Here are a few ideas:

Columbia Basin Events for March 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally almost here, and high school plays, crafts, live music and Grant County’s iconic Space Burgers await. Here’s what’s happening in March:

Tigers wrestlers work for a strong Mat Classic showing

EPHRATA — The Tigers are sending four juniors from the boys wrestling squad and one senior, six juniors and one freshman on the girls squad to the Tacoma Dome to compete this year. This year’s tournament roster includes Tiger girls wrestler Carolina Monico who earned fourth place at the Bring Home da Beef tournament in Quincy on Feb. 1.

A century of service

Key Club youth service organization turns 100

MOSES LAKE — One of the most active service organizations in America is turning 100 this year, and most of its members haven’t even turned 18. “Key Club is all about service and helping the community,” said Pedro Lopez, who’s the Key Club district governor for Moses Lake High School’s chapter. There are also chapters at Vanguard Academy and Ephrata High School, he said.

Grant Co. Fairgrounds getting upgrades

Incoming improvements set to improve safety, visibility and visitor experience.

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fairgrounds is installing around $1 million in upgrades, according to Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. The upgrades include new light towers and lighting at gates, additional cameras, a new public address system, improved fencing, removing track from the rodeo grounds, new bleachers for the rodeo and power and water stalls. There will also be increased policing staff at the fairgrounds this year. “A lot of our efforts, as far as capital projects are having to do with safety this year as a result of last year's shooting,” McKiernan said.