BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 16-24, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s the merry, merry month of May and there are lots of ways to keep occupied in the Basin. Here are a few things happening this week:

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Washington State Patrol Trooper Travis Cunningham wears his hat with pride, mind for service

MOSES LAKE — The life of a Washington State Patrol officer isn’t all glamorous, but it does have one thing going for it: the coolest hat in all law enforcement. “I adamantly and wholeheartedly believe that,” said Trooper Travis Cunningham.

PUD revamping application fees for industrial users

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD Commissioner Larry Schaapman talked about one of the main questions surrounding the Grant County PUD’s proposal to raise application fees for large industrial customers, while Commissioner Tom Flint detailed one of the reasons for the change. The proposal was presented to commissioners at the commission meeting Tuesday and will be the subject of a further discussion at a workshop May 20.

Huskies fall to Selah, will host crossover game

SELAH – The Huskies baseball team (19-5) fell 4-1 to the Selah Vikings on Tuesday in the District 5 2A finals. The Huskies were coming off a dominant win over Ellensburg but were unable to get home again after the first inning.

Wilson Creek gearing up to jam

WILSON CREEK — It’s time to rosin the bows, tune up the banjos and dust off the mandolin strings for the third annual Wilson Creek Bluegrass Jam. “It’s a laid-back jam,” said organizer Shirley Billings. “Anybody’s welcome to come, no matter what talent level they are. If they’re just starting out or if they’re great, or even if you just like music and want to just hang out.” Like last year, the Bluegrass Jam will be the second weekend in June, Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th. The event draws local bluegrass players from all over the area, most of them devoted amateurs who love the genre.

Ann Louise Copeland Shults

1936 — 2025

Born July 31, 1936, to Howard and Elizabeth Louise Payne in Littleton, Colorado, Ann was greeted by a host of family and friends as she left this Earth April 29, 2025, surrounded by family.

Space to grow

Moses Lake Catalyst Center gives fledgling businesses a chance to thrive

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake business community got a preview of the future of small business last week when the Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Chamber Catalyst Center downtown. “The first three years of a business are the most critical,” said Chamber Director Debbie Doran-Martinez. “Typically it’s five before you’re really solid.”

MLHS boys golf team, district champs

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks boys golf team became District champs following their first-place finish in the Big 9 District tournament at the Moses Lake Golf Club. “I feel like every single one of us did what they needed to do,” said the Mavs’ Drayson Nighswonger. “We were able to get the win which is great and had a lot of fun.”

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.

GALLERY: Scenes from April

COLUMBIA BASIN — There was a lot happening in the Basin last month. Here are a few highlights you might have missed:

Legals for May, 14 2025

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.

Mavs’ Maddy Bond signs with EWU

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Maverick Maddy Bond committed to compete in track and field for Eastern Washington University Friday afternoon. “I really liked the coaching staff there when I went on my visit,” she said. “Everyone was really nice and friendly, and I like the environment. It’s something I wanted to be a part of.”

Columbia Basin schools recognized for excellence

MOSES LAKE – In a display of educational dedication, several schools within the Columbia Basin area have received honors from the Washington State School Recognition Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. These awards celebrate schools that have excelled in crucial areas of student success, including closing achievement gaps, fostering growth among diverse student populations and attaining high levels of performance.

Outstanding Grit

Recognizing the outstanding seniors at Ephrata High

EPHRATA – Thirty exceptional seniors were called on stage with other students cheering and clapping Thursday morning during the Ephrata High School assembly. The students were presented with Outstanding Senior Awards or Grit Academic Department Awards.

Legals for May, 13 2025

Hulkingly adorable

MOSES LAKE – Hulk may not be big and green and angry at just under four months old, but he is adorable, multicolored and sinfully cute.

History books for people who think history is boring

History? Oh, man, that’s sooooo boooring. Yeah ,okay, maybe, if it’s restricted to dates and lists of British prime ministers and things. Explore a little more, and all kinds of fun/crazy/scary/creepy/just plain interesting stuff pops up, some of it in the wildest places. I’ve been reading a lot of Japanese history lately, and it was there that I ran across the story of the gangsters back in the 1930s who were fighting over distribution rights to movies made by a popular Japanese movie star. They decided to talk it over but came prepared if things went off track. Which they did. So a gunfight ensued? Nah, it’s Japan in the 1930s - they got in a swordfight. Serious swordfight. Everybody died.

'Total team performance'

MLHS track produces several strong results at home meet

MOSES LAKE – The Mavericks track and field hosted their final home meet last Friday against Eastmont, Davis and Eisenhower where they performed well, according to head coach Mark Ward. “We were pleased, I would say it was truly, a total, total team performance,” he said.

Legals for May, 12 2025