AP News Digest 3:50 a.m.

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Basin events calendar for May 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — May is here, and the Basin is making the transition from spring to summer. Here are a few of the things that are happening this month.

A tale of two city employees

QUINCY - Two longtime Quincy employees entered retirement with a sendoff held in their honor at city hall Wednesday.

Simon overpowering in Ephrata romp

QUINCY - Ephrata basketball star Patrick Simon - who has already made headlines for his verbal commitment to Washington State University - got a little ribbing from his teammates recently.

1st US execution of female inmate in 67 years halted

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has granted a stay in what was slated to be the U.S. government's first execution of a female inmate in nearly seven decades — a Kansas woman who killed an expectant mother in Missouri, cut the baby from her womb and passed off the newborn as her own.

1st US execution of female inmate in 67 years halted

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A judge has granted a stay in what was slated to be the U.S. government's first execution of a female inmate in nearly seven decades — a Kansas woman who killed an expectant mother in Missouri, cut the baby from her womb and passed off the newborn as her own.

Owners of Mattawa Fitness Club have big plans

MATTAWA — Ulises Sanchez and Hector Guerrero said their business started as one of those casual conversations, a couple of friends kicking around possibilities. “It started as an idea,” Guerrero said. “We’re both gym people; we go to the gym all the time. And everybody has that conversation, ‘Oh, we should just do a gym one day.’ And one thing led to another.”

‘Paintings of My Life’

Artist with Down syndrome opens show at the Moses Lake Museum

MOSES LAKE — Beth Anna Margolis sees a potential painting in everything. “You’ve got to get out there, out in the daylight, and see nature,” she said. “You have to see, and see, and see more.”

‘Into the arena’

MLCA graduates urged to do great things

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy Class of 2022 was sent forth into the world Saturday afternoon, with a lot of prayer and thanks to God. “If MLCA has taught us anything, it is that God is constantly there with us as you prepare for a new chapter in your life,” said Associated Student Body class representative and MLCA senior Rebecca Starcher in her address. “Do not worry about the future, for only He knows what it is. So before you go out and celebrate your newfound freedom, take a moment to remember those who have helped you get there. Be overjoyed by the prospect of a new life. And as always, trust that God will guide you in the correct direction.” ...

Pioneering espresso stand still brewing strong in Othello

OTHELLO — Kelly Carvo said her husband Kevin was skeptical when she told him she wanted to open a drive-thru espresso stand. After all, espresso stands weren’t as popular and widespread in 2001. “We went back and forth for five years. And he kept telling me, ‘It’s a fad, it’s going to go away,’” she said. “I wanted to do it for so long.”

Strong focus

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Basin senior events calendar for April 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is slowly improving and now is a great time to get out and about. Here are a few suggestions:

Calm before the fun

Cloudview Farm spending the winter to prep for busy 2024

EPHRATA – Growing season may be done at Cloudview Farm but the ag attraction’s Education and Community Coordinator Julie Johnston and Operations Manager Anna Moore are hard at work prepping for another year of events at the Ephrata business.

Basin baseball roundup

Basin baseball roundup

Tigers grab victory over Ellensburg on the pitch

EPHRATA – On Tuesday, the Tigers secured a 2-1 win over the Ellensburg Bulldogs. The Tigers’ Head Coach Gary Klepec said his team earned a good win but still has some things to work on. “We played really well; we controlled the match for the most part. We had multiple chances (to score), we just have to start finishing those opportunities that we have in front of the goal. We're playing good soccer,” Klepec said.

City of Soap Lake reassumes control of Smokiam Campground, plans upgrades

SOAP LAKE – After years of private management, the City of Soap Lake has officially taken back control of the Smokiam Campground. Mayor Peter Sharp said he supported the transition towards revitalizing the local asset.

Multiple shooting cases moving through Grant Superior Court

EPHRATA — Multiple cases associated with shootings are winding their way through Grant County Superior Court, including the case of James Kelly, the suspect in the shooting at the Beyond Wonderland music festival at The Gorge Amphitheater in June 2023.

Mavericks advance to state title game

YAKIMA – The Moses Lake Mavericks (16-1) are heading to the 4A state championship after a comeback win over Skyview. The Mavs overcame a 2-6 deficit to win the semifinal game 10-6. The Mavs were able to show off their mental strength by leaning on each other throughout the game.

CA Marine Warning and Forecast

CA Marine Warnings and Forecast for Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Grant County Election results

EPHRATA — The Grant County Election results were certified Tuesday with around 16,000 voters having filed ballots.