Grant PUD line safety demo focused on safety

MOSES LAKE — It is the message of the Lineman Safety demonstration put on by Grant County Public Utility District that while it’s easy to forget power lines are overhead, the electricity they transit must be respected.

New Wyndham Microtel coming to Ephrata

EPHRATA – Ephrata residents can look forward to additional hospitality options as a new Wyndham Microtel is set to break ground next year. The owners expect to open the doors by June or July 2026. The hotel, which will feature 81 rooms—including 16 suites—will occupy a footprint of nearly 36,000 square feet, making it about 25% larger than the existing Holiday Inn Express in George, spokesperson Dustin Canfield said.

COLUMN: Mariners ready to be tested

The Seattle Mariners have a big pairing of games coming up against the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies - two of the best teams in the National League. However, they are poised to prove they are better than both opponents.

Norman Medenwaldt, Jr.

1941 — 2025

Norm Medenwaldt, Jr., 84, was born on January 29, 1941, in Hankinson, North Dakota. He grew up on a farm near Foxhome, Minnesota.

Gary Gene Haugen

1938 — 2025

Gary Gene Haugen, age 87, passed away July 7, 2025, at his home in Moses Lake, Washington. He was born May 22, 1938, in Culbertson, Montana to Albert and Jessie Haugen and was the youngest of five children. His siblings included Shirley, Bonard, James, and Lyle.

Cody Jon Cole

Oct. 30, 1994 — Aug. 5, 2025

Cody Jon Cole, 30, of Spokane, Washington, passed away on August 5, 2025. Born on October 30, 1994, in Moses Lake, Washington, Cody grew up surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly.

John Wayne Thorn & Carol Ann Thorn

82 & 80

John Wayne Thorn was born September 28, 1936, and passed August 8, 2018. He was 82 years old at the time of his passing. Carol Ann Thorn was born February 9, 1940, and passed away July 23, 2020, at the age of 80.

STUDIO BASIN: Primary election results, jails and BMX

On this week’s episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer runs through the results of the primary election. General election season is coming soon, with ballots due Nov. 4.

Moses Lake middle schools looking for coaches

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake School District announced they are looking for coaches at Frontier and Endeavor Middle School. Loren Sandhop, the athletic director for the school district, said the most important aspect of a candidate they are looking for is good people. “We're teaching them lifelong lessons, and we're just using sport to do it,” Sandhop said.

Grant County Fair officially begins

MOSES LAKE – The 2025 Grant County Fair held its opening ceremony Tuesday at 10 a.m. to kick off the festivities for the week. Fair volunteers and advisors, local politicians, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office were all in attendance to celebrate. “Everybody can be proud of probably one of the best fairground facilities in the state of Washington,” said Jim McKiernan, director of the Grant County Fairgrounds.

David Allen O’Brien

Aug. 24, 1972 — Aug. 5, 2025

David “Dave” O’Brien, 52, of Lind, Washington, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, of natural causes at his home.

Grant County Fair opens today

MOSES LAKE — It was quiet in the swine barn at the Grant County Fairgrounds Monday morning; the pigs were not due to arrive for a few hours. They were running tests on the ice cream machines in the Block 40 booth and volunteers were hanging artwork for display. The Grant County Fair opens Tuesday.

Lady Jacks to hold soccer tryouts

QUINCY – The Quincy High School Lady Jackrabbits soccer team will be holding tryouts Aug. 25 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the high school soccer field. “Looking at the big idea, I just want as many girls to play as much as possible,” said Jacks head coach Jesse Villalobos.

Grant Co. Sheriff’s Office logs for Aug. 12, 2025

Grant Co. Sheriff’s Office logs for Aug. 12, 2025

Soap Lake welcomes new police chief

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Police Department officially welcomed its new chief, Patrick Canady, who was sworn in at City Hall on Monday morning at 9 a.m. Participating in the ceremony were Sharp and several city officials, who expressed their excitement about Canady's arrival and the fresh perspectives he brings.

Mariners sweep weekend series against Rays

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 43rd homer of the season, a go-ahead three-run shot in the eighth inning, giving the Seattle Mariners a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The Mariners won their fifth consecutive game and remained 1 1/2 games behind the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

Donald Stuart McDowall, Sr.

Sept. 27, 1933 — Aug. 3, 2025

Don was born and raised in a log cabin in the Canadian Rockies just north of Glacier National Park, in Alberta. His childhood was the difficulties of the Great Depression and then the struggle of World War II, which for Canada began in 1939.

Parkway Fields getting upgrades

EPHRATA – Over the last week, the ballfields outside of Parkway Intermediate School have been undergoing some upgrades. According to Ephrata School District's Director of Communications, Sarah Morford, the fields needed repair.

Mattawa council discusses animal control

MATTAWA – Mattawa City Council members discussed dogs running at large during the council’s Thursday meeting after a problem with a dog at the residence of council member Sylvia Barajas.

Basin communities meet their protectors at National Night Out

MOSES LAKE — First responders and the people they serve mingled this week in three Columbia Basin communities for National Night Out.