Report: Pacific Northwest states some of the worst for military retirees

(The Center Square) – The Pacific Northwest is home to the worst states for military retirees, with Washington state coming in No. 50 and Oregon ranking No. 51, according to a new study by WalletHub, a personal finance platform and app. WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three broad categories: economic environment, quality of life, and health care in its “2025’s Best & Worst States for Military Retirees.” Rankings were also based on several subcategories, including retirement-friendliness toward veterans, job opportunities for veterans, and housing affordability.

New wildlife feeding ban takes effect in WA amid concerns of CWD

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has adopted new regulations prohibiting the feeding of deer, elk and moose statewide, effective last Friday. This decision comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate the risk of transmitting Chronic Wasting Disease, an always-fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, among Washington’s wildlife populations. The rule was formed in response to the discovery of CWD in Eastern Washington for the first time in 2024. With no known cure for this disease, state officials identified the need to reduce concentrations of cervids at feeding sites, which could accelerate the spread of this and other wildlife diseases.

Littering fines, plastic bag prices to increase this summer

OLYMPIA — In Washington, customers will begin to pay more for plastic bags, and those who choose to litter will be facing high fines after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1293 into law Saturday. “People who dump garbage in our beautiful state must be held accountable,” said sponsor Rep. Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, in a statement. “Increasing the littering penalty for the first time since 1993 is an important step in addressing our horrible littering problem.” HB 1293, which received bipartisan support and ultimately passed with a 46-2 vote in the House and a 27-20 vote in the senate raises the penalty for littering to a class 2 civil infraction. Littering was previously a class 3 civil infraction.

Touch a Truck event supports Ephrata Food Bank

First responders, local companies gather to ensure locals are fed

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Fire Department's annual "Touch a Truck" event Saturday drew a crowd despite early rain showers, as community members visited the Splash Zone parking lot to engage with a variety of large vehicles. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., served as both a fun outing for families and a fundraiser for the Ephrata Food Bank.

MLSD updates policies

MOSES LAKE — At the Thursday night regular Moses Lake School Board meeting, one new policy was passed relating to social media usage for employees. The board also updated a policy in regard to capital assets and theft.

STUDIO BASIN: Two animal cruelty bills and Basin post-season recap

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston discussed some of the recent bills that Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law and one bill that died in the legislature. For the sports segment, Caleb Perez, CBH sports reporter, talks about how district golf tournaments went for the Big 9 and CWAC

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:

FRESH NEWS: Anglers catching big bluegill at Potholes

MARDON — Feeling lucky? Want a chance at winning a brand-new Skeeter bass boat? Well, the Nixon’s Marine 2025 Big Bass tournament Saturday is your chance. This tournament offers hourly pay-outs for big fish and each hour’s big fish winner gets a chance to win the Skeeter. Also, there will be additional prizes and drawing. This is one of the most popular and most fun tournaments of the season. Don’t miss out, sign up today. Big, big, bluegill: Anglers are reporting larger-than-average bluegill being found and caught in the dunes. One of these large bluegill may be the new state record; caught by Chad Halvorson, it weighed in at 2 pounds 6 ounces. Chad spotted this monster bluegill while pre-fishing for the walleye tournament and caught it on a 2-inch swim bait. Anglers are also catching bluegill limits on jigs tipped with worms.

Law Enforcement Logs for May 16, 2025

Law Enforcement Logs for May 16, 2025

MLSD meeting addresses gang activity, youth safety

MOSES LAKE — Community leaders, educators, law enforcement officials and parents gathered at the Moses Lake School District Tuesday for a discussion on youth safety and gang activity. The meeting, which featured a panel of experts from various sectors, aimed to convey important information regarding the challenges and trends in the community while outlining preventive measures and fostering collaboration between families and institutions.

Moses Lake homelessness town hall set for June 3

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to discuss how the city will address homeless issues after the closure of the Open Doors sleep center 6:30 p.m. June 3 at Moses Lake City Hall, 401 S. Balsam St.

BBCC celebrates Outstanding Student Award winners

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College faculty recognized their top students from the 2024-25 academic year during a ceremony May 6.

Amber Alert leads to arrest near George

GEORGE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and MLPD assisted the Washington State Patrol and Oregon State Patrol in tracking and arresting two individuals involved in a child abduction case. “Early this morning, we received word from Oregon state police that there was a child abduction and Amber Alert issued for two young children out of the Beaverton area,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

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:

Ferguson signs animal cruelty bill

OLYMPIA — In a step toward enhancing animal welfare, the Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1149, an act aimed at the prevention of cruelty to animals. The bill received overwhelming support, with a vote of 96-0 in the House and 47-1 in the Senate, before being concurred by the House at 85-11. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Monday. “We will always be in favor and supportive of legislation that ends the suffering of animals and holds people accountable when they do cause unnecessary means of suffering to an animal,” Grant County Animal Outreach President Sara Thompson Tweedy said. “We’re always going to be in favor of legislation that enables law enforcement to do their job effectively and efficiently to end that suffering.”

Quincy man reported missing Saturday, found hours later

QUINCY — On Saturday night, a 68-year-old Quincy man was reported missing near the 23000 block of state Route 28 in the Trinidad area. Grant County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside Grant County Fire District 3, Quincy Police Department, Columbia EMS and Life Flight Network to search for this missing man.

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.

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.

Grant County remains stable, Adams County and WA gas prices rise

MOSES LAKE — Grant County’s gas prices remained stable this week at an average of $4.28 as of May 12, the same price reported last week and three weeks ago. Two weeks ago, the county saw a slight increase of $0.02 but that has since reversed itself according to AAA.