BASIN EVENTS: Dec. 12-20

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, and there are holiday goings-on galore in the Basin. Here are a few things to make your spirits bright:

Ephrata rings in the holidays with Bells on Basin on Saturday

EPHRATA — Bells on Basin will fill downtown Ephrata with holiday spirit Saturday, with games, shopping and a lighted parade. “It's a festive event that a lot of people look forward to, to kick off and bring everybody together for the holidays,” said Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Director Britney MacLeod.

Eagles defense leads them to first regular season win

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (1-1) earned a dominant 62-24 win at home over the Cascade Christian Academy Wolverines. Head Coach Leonard Lundgren said he was proud to see everyone get involved. “It feels really good. The best part about the win is everybody on the team scored a point tonight. That's the first time I've ever had a team where everybody on the bench has scored a point,” Lundgren said.

Legals for December, 12 2025

Ephrata town hall highlights local growth

EPHRATA — On Wednesday night, leaders of several Ephrata agencies gathered at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center to give updates to the community on various projects. There were presentations from the school district, both the mayor and mayor-elect, the Port of Ephrata, Columbia Basin Hospital, Grant Public Utility District and Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Moses Lake FFA funds found

MOSES LAKE — Allegations made by Tony Kern, the longtime agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor in Moses Lake, regarding the misappropriation of approximately $55,000 in FFA fundraising revenue have been officially addressed and found to be unfounded, according to statements from both the Moses Lake School District and FFA.

Eagles boys fall short at home

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (0-2) fell short 57-37 at home to the Cascade Christian Academy Wolverines. Head Coach Mingo Scott called the result a game of two stories. “When we were able to run our offense and get into stuff, we made positive runs and were able to score as a team. When we couldn't get into our offense, guys went one-on-one too much, and that led to turnovers and runs going the opposite direction,” Scott said. The Eagles fell behind early after a fast start by the Wolverines. CCA jumped out to a 17-2 lead before Scott called a timeout to help his players reset. From there, they were able to run their system to eventually tie the game 36-36 in the third quarter. However, after a player sprained his ankle, the Eagles scoring run stopped and the Wolverines pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

UW faces Furman in NCAA Semifinals

MOSES LAKE – The University of Washington Huskies soccer team (14-6-2) will be making their second College Cup appearance in five years on Friday when they face No. 16 Furman in the NCAA semifinals. The Huskies will kick off at 3 p.m. UW enters the semifinal round after defeating No. 4 Maryland 3-1 last Friday. Maryland got on the board first in the game scoring a corning kick in the 19th minute, but the Huskies were ready to respond. In the 38th minute, Huskies player Richie Aman sent a corner kick that found the head of Osato Enabulele to tie the game at one at the end of the half.

COLLEGIATE SPORTS SCHEDULE: Dec. 12-19, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Throughout the state, college football teams are heading to bowl games while basketball teams are still battling in the early season to set themselves apart from the rest of the pack. See where your favorite teams will be heading this week.

EWU earns win in rivalry game against WSU

PULLMAN – The Eastern Washington Eagles Women’s basketball team (6-4) earned a significant win against the Washington State Cougars 71-69. This game marked the Eagles’ first win over the Cougars since March 18, 2015 when the teams faced off in the first round of the Women’s NIT tournament. “Washington State is a really good team. They’re very well coached and they’re prepared,” said Eagles Head Coach Joddie Gleason. “They run their offense really well and are hard to guard. Coming in here to get the win is huge for us. It shows that we’re read to get these road wins in the Big Sky.”

Merle Jay Royer

September 14, 1929 – December 9, 2025

Merle Jay Royer, 96, of Quincy, Washington, passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born Sept. 14, 1929, near Industry, Illinois, Merle grew up in Illinois and Colorado before making Quincy his lifelong home. Merle met the love of his life, Wilma Whitbeck, at a small church gathering in Quincy, and they married in 1957. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on faith, family and community. A farmer at heart, Merle stepped into a new season of life when health concerns required him to work out of the sun. With Wilma and family, he faithfully operated Coast to Coast Hardware, later Royer’s True Value, for 38 years. Merle was known for his work ethic, generosity, and the way he treated every customer with dignity and care.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Dec. 11, 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.

Legals for December, 11 2025

Moses Lake School Board unanimously approves union contract

MOSES LAKE — After lengthy negotiations and a five-day strike, Moses Lake School Board members approved a new three-year agreement between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Education Association Wednesday. Board members approved the contract on a roll-call vote.

Ephrata prepares for winter weather

EPHRATA — As colder temperatures and the promise of snow settle over Ephrata, city officials urge residents to familiarize themselves with local snow removal policies and the critical role they play in ensuring safe roadways. Ray Towry, the City Administrator, emphasized the city’s commitment to effective snow management, developed collaboratively with input from community stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce, City Council, local businesses and the Ephrata School District. Once snowfall reaches at least two inches, the city’s four-person Street Department will initiate plowing operations. Crews typically begin work before 4:00 AM, often enduring shifts lasting 16 to 18 hours during significant weather events. “We strive to balance safety with the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Towry said. “Plowing happens mostly overnight, and it’s crucial we handle this as effectively as possible.”

Warden swears in council member and updates 2025 budget

WARDEN — The Warden City Council completed one oath of office, discussed voter turnout and updated its 2025 budget at its regular council meeting Tuesday. The council decided to cancel the next meeting, which would be on Dec. 23. The council will return for its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 6, 2026.

Options for responding to challenging times at annual WSTFA meeting

WENATCHEE — The last couple of years have been a bumpy ride in the orchard, and it didn’t matter if it was an apple, cherry or pear orchard. Organizers of the annual meeting of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association asked its speakers and panelists to talk about where the industry has been and where it’s going. It was the 121st annual meeting, so the industry has been through profitable years and lean years before. Industry veteran Welcome Sauer said the process of adjustment hurts, but that growers have always made the adjustment. “I think we’ll see some pain in the short term,” Sauer said. “We’ll see some replacement of old, less productive orchards that produce a lower percentage of fruit in the money zone being replaced, either by bare land or by orchards that have access to high-quality new genetics.”

Grant PUD: New rate policy looks forward, not back

EPHRATA — Customers designated as core customers will be first in line for the lowest Grant County Public Utility District rates, according to a new rate policy unanimously approved by PUD commissioners Tuesday. Ty Ehrman, senior vice president of retail operations, said there will be less emphasis on the cost of actually providing service to customers, a process he called unbundling. “That is meant to support the premise (that) growth pays for growth. And most of our growth has ended up being in the industrial sector,” Ehrman said. “We want to make sure that we’re not unduly burdening our core customers with those higher-cost sources of power. And most of the growth (in demand) is actually occurring elsewhere.”

Huskies fall at home against Sageview

OTHELLO – The Othello Huskies basketball team took their first loss in the season, falling 63-83 at home to the Sageview Lobos (Pasco). The Huskies now look to learn from this loss as they begin Central Washington Athletic Conference play this weekend. “We knew this was going to be a good game,” said Othello senior Syrus Ruiz. “We knew these guys had some talent on their team, but I feel like we really didn’t execute.” Othello started strong getting a nine-point lead over Sageview, but the Lobos came back after making threes to tie the game. Huskies’ senior Quade Gonzalez would respond with one of his own, but the Lobos pulled ahead, ending the quarter 12-15.

Herseth named CWU volleyball head coach, Andaya named deputy AD

ELLENSBURG – Lauren Herseth, Associate Head Volleyball Coach for Central Washington University, has been named the next head coach of the Wildcats following the transition of current Head Coach Mario Andaya into the Deputy Athletics Director position, CWU director of Athletics Dennis Francois announced on Monday. “I am honored to be stepping into this new role, with an extremely fun and talented roster,” said Herseth. “I can’t thank Dennis and Mario enough for investing in and preparing me for this moment. I love this program and I am committed to carrying on the legacy of CWU volleyball.” Herseth's collegiate volleyball career began at Central, competing for the Wildcats from 2011-2014. During her four-year playing career, Herseth helped the program reach three NCAA appearances and finished ranked in the top ten in program history for both sets and matches played. A team captain, she was also a three-time GNAC All-Academic selection while majoring in Physical Education and School Health. Herseth was heavily involved in CWU Athletics, serving three years as SAAC President, and also competed on the Wildcats' women's basketball team during the 2013–2014 season.