Yakima man arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking

GRANT COUNTY — A Yakima man was arrested on possession of fentanyl and methamphetamines with intent to deliver during a traffic stop April 18.

BBCC to present Drum Fest on Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College will get rhythm this Saturday when the Drum Fest takes over the Wallenstien theater. “It will be a workshop-slash-mega drum line,” said John Owen, associate professor of music at BBCC.

Three bills for rural communities pass the legislature, signed by governor

OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed 35 bills into law Monday including three pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake. Dent’s bills include topics such as large animal veterinarian care, the pesticide task force and allowing small regional airports to use real estate excise tax funds. “I feel good about what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Dent said. “I’ve been able to do some things that are in my area of expertise, in my wheelhouse, so to speak, and move those bills through the legislature.” Dent said despite three bills being signed into law there are still a handful he is fighting for during the final week of the 2025 legislative session.

Moses Lake Youth Baseball Parade 2025

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Youth Baseball Association held its annual Youth Baseball Parade Saturday morning, featuring baseball and softball teams from around the Basin.

WA House Finance Committee gives do-pass recommendation to three tax bills

(The Center Square) – With the session winding down, the House Finance Committee on Tuesday advanced three tax bills out of executive session, giving them a do-pass recommendation.

Eagle humanely euthanized due to wing injury

SOAP LAKE – Last week, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge assisted with transporting an injured bald eagle to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Legals for April, 22 2025

Big Sky Now: NFL Draft buzz, spring game standouts, and portal moves

The Big Sky Conference is buzzing — and this week’s episode has it all

Aerial support

Injured eagle receiving treatment with the help of Soap Lake woman

SOAP LAKE — After four days, two veterinary clinics and one tire blowout, a bald eagle has been rescued and receiving care from the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman. On April 13, Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry President Shawna Kluge said she received a call from a concerned Soap Lake citizen regarding an eagle on the ground in a field near Carlton, in Okanogan County.

Gilreath appointed as new principal at Parkway Intermediate

EPHRATA—The Ephrata School District has announced Kim Gilreath's appointment as the next principal of Parkway Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2025. Gilreath will succeed current principal Jeremy Vasquez, who plans to return to the classroom. With over 25 years of experience in various educational capacities, Gilreath said she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role.

Ephrata parks ready to welcome residents, visitors

EPHRATA - Anyone just driving through Ephrata on Basin Street may miss some of the parks and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors that the city offers. From hiking on Beezley Hill to picnics at Patrick Park to shooting hoops at Lions Park or working on your kick flip at the city’s skate park, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Hearings on Soap Lake PD chief's termination begin

SOAP LAKE —The Soap Lake Civil Service Commission convened Monday for a meeting addressing the contested termination of former Soap Lake Police Department Chief Ryan Cox, who is challenging his dismissal following a disciplinary investigation. Cox was terminated by city officials Feb. 13 after being placed on paid administrative leave for 13 weeks while an investigation occurred on Cox’s alleged misconduct.

‘The budget blackout continues’: WA GOP frustrated by Dems’ tax hike proposals

(The Center Square) – With just 10 days remaining in session, majority party Democrats in the Washington State Legislature have yet to reveal their final budget proposals. Meanwhile, Republicans remain largely powerless to stop an onslaught of tax hikes as part of Democrats’ revenue plan to deal with a projected operating budget shortfall of $16 billion over the next four years.

Moses Lake residents invited to chip and seal info night

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents are being invited to an open house to discuss the city’s proposed 2025 seal coat project from 5 to 7 p.m. April 29 at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St.

Law enforcement logs for April 18, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for April, 18 2025

Warden freshman Everett Cox sinks hole in one

WARDEN – When April 10 rolled around, Everett Cox, a freshman on the boys golf team for the Warden Cougars, hit the green early to work on his putting and chipping prior to the team's match against Chewelah at Sage Hills Golf Course. He said it felt like a pretty normal morning to him as he got in some last-minute practice.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Child Abuse Prevention Month thoughts

Child abuse is a disease in society that affects all of humanity, whether directly or indirectly.

‘The Revlon Girl’

Masquers play delves into themes of womanhood and loss

SOAP LAKE — If you’re going to the Masquers Theater’s new play, the cast has a recommendation. “Bring your hankies, because you’re going to need them,” said Tanya Sheelke, who plays the title character in “The Revlon Girl,” at rehearsal April 10.

Wahluke High students bring home SkillsUSA medals

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School junior Diana Barber said her performance in regional SkillsUSA competition left her a little unsure going into state competition. While she was satisfied with her performance on the test in the medical math category, she just wasn’t sure. “I try not to get my hopes up,” she said.