STUDIO BASIN: Fairs, guns and spring sports

MOSES LAKE – On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Cub Reporter Nance Beston and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer talk about Senate Bill 5098, a piece of proposed legislation that would ban weapons in public areas where children may be present.

The Constitution of the United States

The complete text of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments.

Oxford House set to open fourth Moses Lake home

MOSES LAKE – Oxford House, an organization that provides housing and support for people recovering from addiction, will be opening up a third home for men in Moses Lake. “Oxford House, Incorporated is a network of self-run, self-supported recovery homes for people recovering from alcoholism and addiction,” said Nokey Pando, who works for the Oxford House organization.

Wahluke looks to continue building team cohesion after strong start

MATTAWA – Wahluke soccer has started their 2025 season 2-1 and Coach Cele Lopez expressed pride in the team that has been built so far. This season the team has added new faces to the roster and is working on building a new defense. On top of this Coach Lopez has noticed a particularly strong bond that has been building among his players.

St. Rose of Lima, Young Ladies Institute partner for blood drive

EPHRATA — St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is once again uniting its community for a noble cause. On April 16, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Young Ladies Institute and Knights of Columbus will collaborate to host a blood drive at the Ephrata Recreation Center. This annual event aims to bolster the local blood supply, which is persistently in high demand.

Ephrata High’s Smith named student of the month

EPHRATA — Devin Smith, a sophomore at Ephrata High School, has been recognized as one of the EHS February Students of the Month, a recognition bestowed by his teacher, Scott Sandberg. Sandberg, who teaches cyber security and serves as the Future Business Leaders of America advisor, highlighted Smith’s exemplary performance and dedication both in and out of the classroom as the primary reasons for his nomination.

Respite from violence: New Hope shelter offers escape for domestic abuse victims

MOSES LAKE — More than 500 people find help at New Hope on an annual basis as they work to escape domestic violence situations and abusive relationships that can often feel like traps they’ve fallen into. Fear of the unknown, psychological challenges and fear of homelessness are all factors that can add to that feeling of being trapped.

WA gun bill could have major implications for Grant Co. Fair

OLYMPIA — A Washington State Senate bill to ban firearms in public areas where children may be present had its first hearing in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee Tuesday. More than 50 people were scheduled to testify regarding the bill during the committee meeting.

Dreaming big: Soroptimist conference encourages girls to pursue careers without fear

MOSES LAKE — Women can do any job they want to. That was the theme of Dream It Be It, the annual conference for high school girls put on by the Moses Lake chapter of Soroptimist International. About 60 girls gathered at Vanguard Academy Saturday to hear about possible career paths from women who have already followed them. The point, said Elsa Meservy, one of the organizers, is to show girls they can have more options for their future than they might think.

Gail Gleason

1950 — 2025

Gail (Doney) Gleason, 75, a spirited and loving wife, mother, nana, auntie, sister and friend, passed away on March 9, 2025, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

Moses Lake water fines delayed

MOSES LAKE — Encouraging water conservation – and how to enforce city water use ordinances – turned into a wide-ranging conversation about not only water but code enforcement, education and control at the Moses Lake City Council meeting.

Tigers take a win, a loss and lessons from Johnson-O'Brien Classic

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Tigers hosted several teams from around the state for the Johnson-O-Brien Classic Friday and Saturday. The Ephrata High varsity team had mixed results with the home team taking down Chelan 8-7 on Friday but suffering a loss to Orting Cardinals Saturday evening.

Legals for March, 18 2025

Porterhouse Steakhouse to close after 15-year run

Russell brothers reflect on restaurant's legacy, sense of community

MOSES LAKE – The Porterhouse Steakhouse will be closing its doors March 29. Brothers Sam and Cale Russell have owned the restaurant for more than 15 years; however, they said it’s time for the restaurant to move onto its next era. The restaurant will remain open for normal business hours until then.

Grant PUD financials solid with above-projected revenues

EPHRATA — Higher-than-anticipated revenue is projected to make 2024 a good year for the Grant County Public Utility District. Wholesale and contracted power sales are projected to end 2024 at $286.5 million, once the books are fully balanced. That's $196.3 million over the initial budget projection. Angelina Johnson, PUD deputy treasurer, said that may be a short-term advantage though.

Law enforcement logs for March 14, 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.

Eco-gardening symposium coming April 5

MOSES LAKE — Here in the Columbia Basin, we have many things in abundance: sunshine, wide open spaces, fine wine, great tacos. What we don’t have in abundance is water. How to grow plants in spite of that lack will be one of the topics of an Eco-Gardening Symposium April 5. “One of our sessions will be on three gardeners who have taken out part or all of their yards to put in drought-tolerant plants,” said WSU Grant-Adams County Master Gardener Diane Escure, co-coordinator of the symposium. “They’re going to be saying, what’s the pros and cons? … Here are the things to be aware of, what are we looking for? What do they experience? We’ll have slides of their before and after landscapes, and what they hope to accomplish.”

Paws and applause: celebrating Ephrata’s outstanding Tiger leader

Erika Morford excels as student leader and community contributor

EPHRATA – Ephrata High School senior Erika Morford has been named one of the February Students of the Month, a recognition that the teacher who nominated her said highlights her significant contributions as treasurer of the Associated Student Body and vice president of the National Honor Society, among other activities.

Ephrata PUD office receiving ADA upgrades, closed until March 21

EPHRATA – The Grant County Public Utility District headquarters building, 30 C St. SW in Ephrata, will be closed from March 10 to March 21 to install accessibility upgrades and refurbish some of the public areas, according to PUD public information officer Christine Pratt. The upgrades will cost the utility district around $32,500.

Fundamentals, communication key to Wahluke baseball strategy

MATTAWA – Wahluke Head Baseball Coach Chet Bangs said he’s feeling optimistic as his team moves into the spring season. Five seniors are returning this year, and he’s had players step up to ensure the team’s success. “(We’ve got) five seniors stepped up this year, showing a lot of leadership together,” Bangs said. “It’s starting out pretty good.”