Makin’ Gnocchi!

Chef Ben Leonard talks potato pasta and guides us through making a meal.

KENNEWICK — Chef Ben Leonard thinks more people would like mushrooms if they knew how to cook them properly. It’s why he tries to make sure the mushrooms he uses are completely dry when he cooks with them. “I find that most people who say they don't like mushrooms just ended up having badly cooked mushrooms,” Leonard said. “And so always make sure that your mushrooms are dry before they go into a pan … and make sure that you don't have an overcrowded pan, because if it’s overcrowded, you're just going to have steamed mushrooms.” ...

Washington bridal show schedule 2023

Below is a noncomprehensive list of bridal expos in Washington, organized from closest to furthest from the center of Grant County. The Columbia Basin Herald congratulates the brides and grooms in our area on their upcoming celebrations and we wish you a happy and joyous life together...

Green weddings

Keep the Earth in mind by creating a sustainable event with less waste

With environmental and climate concerns on the rise, more couples are taking an eco-friendly approach. That may mean using fewer disposable products, cutting down on fossil fuel or emissions associated with the big day or focusing on sustainable practices. Taken together, these small changes can have a big impact on the world around you. ECO-FRIENDLY VENDORS Start by looking for wedding-day vendors that share your focus on protecting the planet and creating a healthier environment. Whether it’s a reliance on sustainably created invitations or fun new creations like paper flower bouquets, they can do a lot for our environment simply by using materials that rely on recycled paper or alternative fibers. Other earth-focused companies pledge to plant a new tree with every order. Look for other environmentally sound practices on company websites and handout materials.

How to get registered

What’s most needed? How much? And from where?

Settling on the answer for these basic questions isn’t easy, but they’ll guide you through the process. Your completed wedding registry will then provide everything required to begin married life, while perhaps even adding a few personal indulgences. If you’re unsure how to get started, or want to double-check that you haven’t forgotten anything, check out this handy list of “do’s and don’ts.”

Optimize your flower budget

After your dress, nothing is more visible at the wedding

If the national average is any indication, they’ll be a big part of your expenses, too. Before you spend thousands on high-priced blossoms, however, carefully consider your options. The wrong choice can lead to unneeded expense, and there are lots of creative ways to get the most out of your flower budget.

Thank-you cards

This post-wedding responsibility doesn’t have to be so overwhelming

The challenge is getting started, in particular with a large number of gifts. It’s best to approach it all in a step-by-step manner, so that the task feels like something more easily achieved. If needed, create a schedule with appointed times to work on your stack of thank-you notes, so that it becomes part of your everyday routine. If they received an invite, that means your guest was already a big part of your life. Here’s how to thank them for being part of your next adventure.

Wedding day emergency kit

Unfortunately, the unexpected happens – and you’ll want to be ready

Preparing early helps alleviate worries about common mishaps that add unneeded stress during your nuptials. Don’t let your big event become marred by makeup disasters, torn clothing, or even a sudden pang of hunger. Packing a wedding day emergency kit helps ensure that none of that gets in the way as you prepare to walk down the aisle. TOUCHING UP You’ll be primped, prepared and dressed long before it’s time to say your vows, meaning there will be plenty of time for something to potentially go wrong. So keep critical beauty supplies nearby for any needed touch-ups with your makeup, hair and perfume. Outdoor settings are increasingly popular for weddings, and they provide a variety of challenges — not least of which are smudges and running mascara, lipstick and foundation. Double check before taking pictures, and before saying “I do.” These critical extras from home may prove to be a lifesaver.

What’s next for your dress?

There are many options to consider on the day after your wedding

You've shopped for the gown, been fitted and refitted, then gotten married in it. But there’s still one big decision to make. Some brides choose to carefully store their gown in order to preserve it as something to hand down to future generations, or even simply as a heartfelt memento. Others choose to resell or donate the dress so that someone else can enjoy it on their own big day. Which is right for you? Consider these crucial questions. LONG-TERM STORAGE Storage is an option for those with an intent to one day pass along the dress to a daughter or other family member. You may also be the sentimental type who’d like to have it as a keepsake. If so, you can’t simply tuck the gown away in the back of the closet, much less in your damp and musty attic or basement. You’ll need to first get a garment professional to properly clean and store the dress for future use. They also recommend special storage bags or compartments. This will extend the life of the gown, while making sure it doesn’t become faded, infested or frayed – mishaps that can happen even during a short amount of time in storage.

Students First Program legislation introduced in WA House

OLYMPIA — State Rep. Carolyn Eslick (R-Sultan) introduced a bill on Thursday that would allow parents to use their share of state education funds for private or home-based education, according to a statement from Eslick’s office...

Successful pursuit

Moses Lake man arrested after attempting to flee from deputies

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested early Satuday on suspicion of felony eluding a police vehicle after he drove through a ditch, then abandoned his car in an orchard north of Moses Lake in an attempt to avoid law enforcement...

Bluegrass band coming to George

GEORGE — The Badger Mountain Dry Band will perform Feb. 18 at the George Community Hall, according to an announcement from the hall’s management...

Potato Day coming in February

MOSES LAKE - Staff from the Washington State Potato Commission will celebrate Potato Day in Olympia on Feb. 21. “The most viable voice in Olympia is a farmer,” said Chris Voigt, Executive Director at the Washington State Potato Commission...

Grant Co. awarded traffic safety grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Grant County will be one of 16 municipalities in Washington to receive federal money aimed at reducing traffic accident fatalities, according to a statement from Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office...

Enrollment up at MLSD, deficit higher than normal

MOSES LAKE — Enrollment is higher in the Moses Lake School District than projected in the 2022-23 school budget, which will mean more money for the district beginning this month. Stefanie Lowry, MLSD director of finance, reviewed enrollment numbers and the status of the current budget during the regular Moses Lake School Board meeting Thursday...

Facing the past

Racial restrictions still on the books in some Basin neighborhoods

MOSES LAKE — When you buy a home, there are often neighborhood covenants that come with the property. Sometimes you have to have your house set a certain distance back from the street, or you can’t put up a shed as a second residence, or you can’t run certain kinds of business out of the house. And on paper, at least, sometimes you have to be white to live there. “Starting in the mid-20th century in eastern Washington, and earlier in some other places, developers began adding racial restrictions,” said Dr. Larry Cebula, a professor of history at EWU and managing director of the project. “These typically read ‘only members of the white or Caucasian race will live here.’ There’s usually a kind of codicil saying ‘excepting servants thereof.’ So if you had a servant who was a person of color, they could live there. Most of the racial covenants we find in eastern Washington reads like that. Sometimes there’s a list of who can’t live there: ‘No Negros may live here,’ ‘no members of the Asiatic race,’ – something like that. The language varies, but it’s usually only whites.” ...

Kennewick man gets 42 months for insurance fraud scheme

SPOKANE — A Kennewick man has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for his role in a complex scheme involving staging fake automobile accidents to defraud insurance companies, making false statements to federal law enforcement and attempting to obstruct a federal investigation, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Friday. Ali Abed Nasser, 52, pleaded guilty to the charges in 2022. In addition to the prison time, Nasser also agreed to three years of court-ordered supervision following the completion of his sentence, forfeiture of nearly $20,000 and financial restitution of roughly $127,000, the press release noted. In addition, Nasser attempted to bribe someone he suspected was a federal informant in order to stop the investigation and make the case go away, the press release said. “Staged accidents make our streets dangerous and distract police from responding to legitimate distress calls,” wrote Vanessa Waldorf, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, in a press release. “Moreover, efforts to hinder federal criminal proceedings will not be tolerated.” “We will continue to work closely with our federal and state law enforcement, and private industry, partners to investigate fraud schemes,” Waldorf added.

New emergency powers reform bill introduced

OLYMPIA — House Bill 1535, co-sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, (R-Centralia) and Rep. Chris Corry (R-Yakima), seeks to rein in the governor's emergency powers. "No one person should wield vast powers without checks and balances or a clear expiration date, even during an emergency," said Abbarno. "Living under an emergency declaration for nearly three years exposed a serious loophole in our laws governing emergency powers, and it's incumbent on the Legislature, as the law-making body, to fix it." According to a release by Corry’s office, HB 1535 is identical to House Bill 1772, Corry's bipartisan bill from the 2022 legislative session. Washington is one of only four states that hands over unilateral authority to the governor to declare and maintain a state of emergency, the release states. During a prolonged SOE, the legislative branch, which represents the people, has an extremely limited role in determining the policies set forth by the executive branch in Washington state. House Bill 1535 focuses on emergencies that last longer than 60 days to ensure the public – and the lawmakers that represent them – have a voice. "There must be limits. The framers of our state constitution never intended for the governor to wield the kind of power he maintained for nearly three years. Clearly, when quick action is needed, the executive branch must be able to respond. But when a state of emergency lasts for months or even years, it's difficult to justify prolonged unilateral – nearly autocratic – authority by the executive branch," said Corry. "The public must have a voice in how to move forward. That's the job of the Legislature."

Warnick introduces bill to help cities secure water

OLYMPIA - Washington State Senator Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) introduced a new bill to the legislature this week to help cities meet growing water needs while addressing environmental concerns. The purpose of the bill, SB 5517, is to enact recommendations from the joint legislative task force on water resource mitigation, and comes after one of her other sponsored bills passed committee. “This bill was introduced because of work that was done by the Water Resource Mitigation Work Group and its been going on for a number of years,” Warnick said. “I would say four years and I’ve got a notebook that is three inches thick with all the notes from that.” Warnick explained that it stemmed from a lawsuit by the city of Yelm, which was looking into expanding its water capability in response to a growing population. She said the bill looks at fulfilling cities’ needs for more water while also looking at the ecological impact of the area such as nearby streams or rivers. Warnick introduced the bill last Monday and it was referred to the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee. It has not been scheduled for any further action or review at this time.

Possible temporary solution to MLHS roof troubles found

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School roof, repair options and their possible cost were the subject of a presentation during the regular Moses Lake School Board meeting Thursday. Chief Operations Officer Jeremy O’Neil said the MLHS roof leaks, and over time the leaks have gotten worse. He said the source of the problem lies in the roof materials used when the high school was remodeled in 1997, called a mineral surface rolled system. “The hallmark of that particular system is low cost,” O’Neil said. “And that low cost comes at a price, and the price is, durability is usually low, and its lifespan is not long. Certainly we’re experiencing all those.” In a separate memo to the board, O’Neil wrote that the roofing material was applied in pieces that are about four feet by 10 feet. “That, when coupled with an abundance of roof penetrations - vents, HVAC units, drains, etc. - results in ample opportunity for water to find its way through the aging system,” he wrote. “Furthermore, MSR roofs are notorious for their inability to expand and contract.”

Sabin contract extended by Moses Lake School Board

MOSES LAKE — The contract of Moses Lake School District superintendent Monty Sabin has been extended for an additional year. Moses Lake School Board members approved the extension on a unanimous vote after a special meeting to evaluate Sabin’s job performance Thursday. The extension was approved without discussion. With the extension, Sabin’s contract will run through August 2026. Sabin was hired in April 2022, replacing former superintendent Josh Meek, who left the district in 2021. Prior to being hired in Moses Lake Sabin was the assistant superintendent for the North Thurston School District.