Downtown streets lined for Spring Fest parades

MOSES LAKE — A seemingly endless line snaked through downtown Moses Lake Saturday: fire trucks, businesses, political candidates, bands, dancers – all part of the Spring Fest Grand Parade.

Volunteers, police make big difference at Spring Fest

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Moses Lake Spring Fest came off better than usual, in large part because of lots of community involvement, organizers said. “We welcome everyone in our community to come and volunteer,” Spring Fest Board Member Lori Valdez said. “But this year, we had a lot of people step up and volunteer that we’ve never had before, and that was very nice.” Nearly 200 people came out to help with the various activities at the festival, according to Board President Sean Sallis. The Fun Run alone had 60 volunteers, he said. There were 30 volunteers helping with the beer garden, 45 for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament and 11 for the parade. “One little boy was helping us put tape on the basketball court,” Sallis said. “He was like 4 years old, and he wanted to help lay tape. It’s just a picture of our community.”

Warden Boys golf earns fourth at state

WARDEN – The Warden Cougars boys golf team earned fourth place at the 2B state golf tournament at MeadowWood Golf Course in Spokane last week. “It was a cool experience getting to go up a day early and getting to go through the course with golf carts,” said Cougar’s golfer Jaden Hernandez. “It’s a lot playing on a course like that and having to take things serious.” The Cougars had three boys qualify for state, Hernandez, Everett Cox and JJ Madsen. The par for MeadowWood Golf Course is 72 and it spans 6,728 yards.

Building permits for May 30, 2025

City of Moses Lake, April 2025

Big Sky Now: Big Sky to big leagues, NFL draft surprises and pro potential

We break down where the top Big Sky Conference football stars landed in the NFL and CFL drafts — and what it means for their professional futures.

GALLERY: Lots of cool vehicles, different interests at Spring Festival car show

MOSES LAKE — Just as every recipe will be at least a little different depending on the cook, said Angel Mora, Moses Lake, so too is every truck – or car or tractor or motorcycle – different depending on the owner. “You can make it, but it won’t be the same as everybody else’s,” Angel Mora said.

Grant County burn ban to begin Sunday

MOSES LAKE — As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, Grant County is about to start its annual burn ban beginning June 1, a measure designed to minimize the risk of wildfires during the summer months. The ban will continue until Sept. 30, encompassing all unincorporated areas of the county. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activity, highlighting the significance of preventative measures. This year, local officials are particularly concerned about the forecasted increase in wildfire activity due to hotter and drier weather conditions

Basin marks National EMS Week

MOSES LAKE — May 18-24 was National EMS Week, a time to honor emergency medical personnel, according to an announcement from the Moses Lake Fire Department.

Drills help people prepare for WA wildfire season

(The Center Square) – When the only way out of a heavily treed neighborhood on a normal weekday is called “Malfunction Junction,” wildfire preparedness is essential. A fire evacuation drill on Saturday morning, May 3, put the intersection of 14th and Lindeke Street in Spokane through a test of emergency systems.

MLSD restructuring admin office, saving district money

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has hired people for two new administrative positions, including Yvonne Walker as the executive director of teaching and learning, and Scott West as the executive director of safety and wellbeing.

Airborne adventure

Moses Lake Airshow returning June 20-21

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Airshow will take to the skies again June 21-22.

Applications sought for Grant County Prosecutor

EPHRATA — Applications are being accepted through June 13 from qualified attorneys for the job of Grant County Prosecutor. Incumbent Kevin McCrae announced his resignation effective Aug. 3.

‘For us they fell’

Basin Memorial Day ceremonies honor America’s heroes

MOSES LAKE — Communities across the Basin bowed their heads, removed their hats and paid tribute Monday to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

CWU's Ntekpere wins national champion honors

PUEBLO, Colo. – Central Washington Track and Field finished seventh at the NCAA Division Two Outdoor Championships over the weekend. Wildcats runner, Emy Ntekpere finished with national champion honors in the women’s high jump and triple jump, according to a statement by Central Washington Athletics.

Leavell: boys tennis Coach of the Year

Soap Lake coach counts his blessings on the court and in the community.

SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake Eagles’ Tennis coach Lee Leavell was named boys coach of the year by the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference after last week's district tournament. “I have been blessed with really good players to coach, not just boys, girls included,” Leavell said.

WISe program helps youth amid mental health crises

MOSES LAKE —The Wraparound with Intensive Services program is making significant strides in addressing the mental health needs of youth in Washington, according to the Grant County Direct Supervisor of WISe, Velma De La Rosa.

Four Mavs sign for women's college soccer

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Mavericks Liliana Savala, Samantha Escamilla, Maite Betes and Beth Ribellia signed their letters of intent to play college soccer Tuesday evening on Lions Field. Liliana and Samantha Escamilla will be signing with Green River Community College while Maite and Beth will sign with Columbia Basin College. “I went to go see the campus and I loved the campus,” said Savala on Green River CC. “I absolutely love the environment; it felt basically like a second home to my actual home.”

GALLERY: Basin prom photos

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s prom season, and students in the Basin pulled out their best styles for the big dance. The Columbia Basin Herald asked readers to send in their prom photos and received plenty of responses. Here are some of the lovely couples who attended proms in the Basin:

Welded to success

EHS freshman sparks inspiration among peers

EPHRATA – Lila Smith, a freshman at Ephrata High School, earned the title as one of the Students of the Month for May in the Ephrata School District.

Wenatchee Valley College announces cost-saving measures

WENATCHEE VALLEY – Wenatchee Valley College announced on Tuesday that the school will be implementing cost saving measures that will include the suspension of several programs and reducing course section offerings going into the 2025-26 year. “We want to make sure that we can be the college of choice in North Central Washington,” said Tod Treat, Vice President of Instruction at WVC. “For us to do that, everything we do has to be excellent and we have to have the resources to put into the things that we’re offering to ensure that they’re excellent.” These changes to the school have come about as Washington state is facing a budget shortfall of over $12 billion.