Othello man convicted of odometer tampering

OTHELLO — U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano announced Monday, that Reynaldo Garza, a 53-year-old resident of Othello, Washington, was convicted on October 1, 2025, by a federal jury in Spokane on five felony counts of odometer tampering. The conviction culminated from an investigation led by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, which revealed Garza's scheme to deceive unsuspecting buyers by altering the odometers of high mileage used cars.

STCU surprises Soup on Saturdays with $5K donation

MOSES LAKE — Spokane Teachers Credit Union had a surprise for a local nonprofit Friday morning. We usually pick up one to two local nonprofits within our community that we can support their needs,” Branch Manager Kerrie Petersen told representatives from Soup on Saturdays. “We chose you guys this year … and so we have a check for $5,000 that we would like to donate to you.” “Oh my God, yes,” Soup on Saturdays Secretary Mindi Brimhall said through tears. Brimhall was at STCU with SOS founder and President Trinette Mullineaux, Treasurer John Killian and Social Media Director Cassandra Wixom to receive a donation, but they had no idea how much it would be, Petersen said.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Nov. 13, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Moses Lake Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MLPD conducts targeted enforcement at Civic Center Park

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit and Major Crimes Unit conducted a targeted enforcement operation at Civic Center Park in response to the ongoing municipal code and criminal violations. During the operation, according to MLPD, detectives made contact with 12 individuals. Of that, five arrests were made.

BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 13-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nippy and the holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s shopping, art, music or theater, there’s something for everybody happening in the Basin this week.

Mice test positive for bird flu in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — Six mice in Grant County have recently tested positive for avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, according to a statement from the Grant County Health District. “It’s not brand new that we are finding bird flu in mice or other mammals. There have been reports of rodents testing positive for bird flu throughout the United States. It can be found in other mammals, not just birds,” GCHD Public Information Officer Lexi Smith said.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Support local causes this holiday season ...

If you’re looking to enjoy the holidays, you’re not alone. Across the Columbia Basin, people will be baking turkeys, holiday shopping, decorating their homes, and reminding children to behave or they’ll get coal in a stocking.

Legals for November, 12 2025

A heartfelt thank you from the CBH team

MOSES LAKE — The only reason the team at the Columbia Basin Herald can do our jobs is because of the dedication of veterans who have protected our Constitutional freedoms for well over 200 years. Freedoms like the First Amendment which guarantees a free press. We thank all of our local veterans for their contributions to preserving our freedoms and their hard work after their service to ensure the Columbia Basin is a wonderful place to live.

Legals for November, 7 2025

Minions, sharks and superheroes take over downtown Ephrata

EPHRATA – Every October, the charming town of Ephrata transforms into a whimsical wonderland, drawing in hundreds of families for the annual Trick or Treat event. The quaint downtown area, lined with vibrant autumn leaves, becomes a bustling hub of excitement as children dressed as superheroes, princesses, and various creatures roam the streets with wide-eyed wonder.

Groff Elementary renovations underway

MOSES LAKE – The ongoing renovation of Groff Elementary School is making significant strides, as the Moses Lake School District takes measures to rectify construction deficiencies within the building, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon. The district has been actively removing elements that pose safety concerns, including the complete removal of the gym floor. In an official statement released on October 31, 2025, the district confirmed that the previous gym floor was fully removed due to necessary mitigation efforts.

Moses Lake food bank in need of donations

MOSES LAKE – The Community Services of Moses Lake is gearing up for the next holiday season while also preparing for uncertainty at the federal level.

Senior events calendar for November 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Holiday shopping, music, crafts and fun await this month in the Basin. Here are a few things to put on the calendar.

BASIN EVENTS Oct. 31-Nov. 30

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we move out of the spooky season and into the holidays, here are a few things to check out this month.

Halloween events around the Basin

COLUMBIA BASIN — Still looking for something to do today? Here are some Halloween activities for young and old:

Ephrata SD moves forward on $75M bond election

EPHRATA – The Ephrata School District Facility Study Group proposed a $75 million bond to the Ephrata School Board Monday night. The board unanimously approved Superintendent Ken Murray to move forward with a bond resolution for the board to vote on. If passed by the board, the bond will appear on the Feb. 2026 ballot.

OTHELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR POS. 3: Fought vs. Garcia

OTHELLO – There are two candidates running for the Othello School District Director District 3 position this year which are Birdie Fought and Juan “Jerry” Garcia. Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers.

MLSD hosting bullying town hall today

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is inviting community members to participate in a town hall meeting focused on addressing bullying and its prevention on Oct. 29. The event will take place at the Learning Services Center and is designed to foster open dialogue between district leadership and the community regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Legals for October, 29 2025