Firefighters battling Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH — Firefighters are currently battling the Second Creek Fire, which began on Monday and has scorched an estimated 64.1 acres, according to a report from the Southeast Washington Type-3 Incident Management Team.

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.

Wahluke principal retiring after 40-plus-year career

MATTAWA — Saddle Mountain Elementary Principal Kurt Hoffman said he became a teacher because he wanted to give young people the same type of experience he had in school. “I had a great time as a student and athlete. I wanted to see if I would be able to do that for others,” Hoffman said. “It just makes sense that you’d like to replicate what you were given as a kid and give that back to kids as well.” After seven years in the Wahluke School District and more than 40 years in education, Hoffman announced his retirement at the end of the school year.

High gas, food prices didn't alter Memorial Day plans for millions of Americans

(The Center Square) - On this Memorial Day 2025, America honors and remembers the men and women who have died serving their country. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer with backyard cookouts and road trips.

Fire burns 5 acres in Moses Lake Monday

MOSES LAKE – Monday evening around 5 p.m., Moses Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire near State Route 17 and North Stratford Road.

Tigers hire new dance coach for 2025-26

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers have hired Melody Davis as the new head coach for the EHS Dance team for the 2025-26 school year. Davis is from Selah and has had an accomplished career both in the WIAA and professionally with the NBA. “Melody is an outstanding addition to the EHS athletic program,” said Bryan Johnson, EHS Athletic Director. “She brings not only an elite-level performance experience but also a deep understanding of coaching, choreography and mentorship. We’re incredibly fortunate to have her.” Davis said she had initially started her athletic career with gymnastics when she was growing up, but as she got older found dance an outlet where she was able to better express herself.

Airborne adventure

Moses Lake Airshow returning June 20-21

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

Tigers fall to Woodland on day two of state tourney

EPHRATA – The Tigers softball team fell to the Woodland Beavers 6-2 on day two of states at Carlon Park. On Friday, they lost in the first round to the Olympic Trojans and were bumped to the consolation bracket. “They have rallied every game, they never said die,” head coach Heather Wood said.

Legals for May, 27 2025

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.

Knights finish strong season in consolation semifinals

Royal City squad finishes spring play with solid 21-5 record

RICHLAND – The Royal Knights softball team finished their run in the state tournament in the semifinals of the consolation bracket. They entered the tournament as the number two seed. “We were super excited, ready to come out here and just play our best,” said Knight’s senior Audrey Bergeson. “Gave everything we have and played together.”

Two Washington veterans cemeteries named among top 10 list

RENO, Nev. — Two Washington cemeteries were among the most beloved in America, according to a survey by Choice Mutual.

Law enforcement logs for May 23, 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.

Memorials to honor the fallen Monday in the Basin

COLUMBIA BASIN — Among the barbecues, festivities and relaxation of the three-day weekend, many Basin communities will take a solemn moment to recognize the reason for Memorial Day weekend. The Moses Lake Spring Fest, a tradition for more than 40 years, is adding a little patriotic remembrance into its Grand Parade at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, said Spring Fest Committee member Lori Valdez. “(This year) we ordered a very, very large flag that is going to encompass the street, and we have people who have volunteered to carry the flag. It will bring a tear to your eye if you’ve had a loved one serve.”

Hayden breaks ground on Sand Hill Place

MOSES LAKE — Hayden Homes broke ground May 16 on its newest Moses Lake development. Sand Hill Place, located off Hansen Road in Mae Valley, is Hayden’s 13th development in Moses Lake. “Our goal at Hayden Homes is to offer homes to the area median-income wage earners, and that has allowed us to provide over 1,000 homes to hard working families and individuals here in Moses Lake and in Grant County,” said Kristen Skinner, Hayden’s regional marketing specialist for the south Washington region. The groundbreaking served as a bonus Business After Hours function with the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members gathered at the site for the occasion, with lunch catered by Tacos El Rey of Moses Lake.

Legals for May, 23 2025

Fire near Wanapum Village fully contained

WANAPUM VILLAGE – A fire broke out Wednesday evening almost due east of the Wanapum Village between Royal City and George, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It was contained at about 60 acres Thursday afternoon.

Eagles’ Xavier Ewing to State

Ewing earns first in league and second in districts

SOAP LAKE – Soap Lake Eagles tennis player Xavier Ewing placed second in the district tournament and will be advancing to the 1B/2B state tournament Yakima this weekend. “I’ve had my ups and downs, but on the bright side I’m making it to state,” said Ewing.

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.”

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.