Ybarra bill designed to make it easier to fulfill demands for electricity, transmission

OLYMPIA — A bill co-sponsored by 13th District Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, will make it easier for public entities to enter into agreements with private or other public partners to develop energy generation and transmission facilities. Ybarra and Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, sponsored House Bill 1253, which passed the Washington House 94-1 and the Senate 49-0. Governor Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law on May 15 with an effective date of July 27, 2025. Ybarra said the new law is designed to address some of the challenges as state officials attempt to shift energy use to new sources. “We’re working both sides of the aisle to make this happen,” Ybarra said. “This isn’t a political thing for me, or an engineering thing. The physics book says, three laws of physics and this is how energy works. It’s not politics, it’s just physics and energy.”

Quincy man killed in collision identified

QUINCY — A Quincy man killed in a vehicle collision June 7 has been identified.

Moses Lake BMX holds Race for Life event

MOSES LAKE — Last weekend, Moses Lake BMX participated in the Race for Life Double competition that was held across Eastern Washington. Track Operator Jeff Niehenke said he was pleased with how the weekend went for his riders. “This is such a community builder to have everyone united behind the cause, like raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It really unites everyone, and it takes away the competitiveness, because we’re all driving for a similar cause to raise money to support something bigger than ourselves,” Niehenke said. The event was held across four tracks over the weekend, starting with Moses Lake BMX on Friday. On Saturday morning, BMX riders raced in Walla Walla before heading to Tri-Cities in the afternoon. The event finished in Spokane on Sunday.

Winds forecast to increase fire danger through Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Summer officially starts Saturday, but really it’s already here, and elevated fire danger is one of the signs. It's been dry in Central Washington over the last 30 days, and winds are expected to increase ahead of a cool front forecast for the weekend. Daniel Butler, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, said the highest risk is Wednesday.

Gas prices rise locally, nationwide

MOSES LAKE — Average gas prices in Grant County and across the nation rose slightly. While in Washington the average stayed the same for the second week in a row and Adams County saw a slight decrease, according to AAA.

Canal safety urged after drowning incidents

QUINCY — As the warmer months approach, local officials are raising awareness about the dangers posed by irrigation canals, which are integral to the region's agricultural landscape but can be deadly. In recent months, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has reported two drownings linked to these canals, highlighting the need for community education on canal safety.

Tim Flint

Tim Flint passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 85 in Othello, Washington. Tim is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years Susan Flint; daughters Dawn Donahoo (Doug), Kimberly Detwiler and Becky Jo Flint (Scott Rodgers); grandson Jake; and granddaughters Ashley, Alyson and Jessica. Tim was born in Los Angeles, California, and attended schools in California. He graduated from Sierra High School and went on to Reedley College. In 1959, a blind date led to a lifelong partnership with Susan and they married in 1960. His early career included PG&E of California, but Tim’s passion for the outdoors led him to pursue a career in Wildlife Management and a move to the Pacific Northwest. Encouraged by his wife, Tim returned to college in his 30s, earning a BS degree in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho in 1974. He immediately joined the Washington Department of Fish and Game, where he served with distinction until he retired in 1987 due to post-polio syndrome. Tim’s life was one of quiet determination, deep love for family and a strong connection to nature.

Deanna Jean Cuthbertson ‘Mimi’ Hirz

April 12, 1939 — June 11, 2025

Deanna Jean Cuthbertson Hirz, “Mimi”, a beloved resident of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. She was 86 years old. A joyous reunion with Ned took place on this day, which was also their 65th wedding anniversary. Born on April 12, 1939, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Deanna was the daughter of Frederick Cuthbertson and Lenora Brown. Her family moved to Medford, Oregon when she was six months old, where she grew up. A graduate of Medford High School, Deanna embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved participating in school plays, she was a spirited majorette and cheerleader in the Bliss Band, and she lent her beautiful voice to the girls' choir. Deanna became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1954 at the age of 15. Even at age 12, before joining the church, she declared to her mother and aunt her intention to work on their family tree. Little did she know this spark would ignite one of her life's greatest callings. Beginning in 1959, Deanna dedicated her life to genealogy, meticulously indexing tens of thousands of names and passionately helping countless others discover their own family heritage. She joyfully served in many church capacities, including Stake Young Women's President and Counselor, Relief Society President, Primary President, teacher, compassionate service leader and chorister. She loved working with the youth.

Two Open Doors Sleep Center clients discuss impacts of closure

MOSES LAKE – As the countdown to the closure of the Open Doors Sleep Center continues, individuals relying on its services face renewed uncertainty. Among those impacted by the closure are Brett Tolley, a resident of Moses Lake for over 15 years, and Daniel Clark, who has been unsheltered for nearly three decades.

Applicants sought for Grant County Health Commission seat

MOSES LAKE — Applications are being accepted from qualified people for one commission position and two alternate positions on the Grant County Board of Health. Vice chair Matt Palach said the job involves overseeing an agency with wide-ranging responsibilities, from birth and death certificates to infectious disease investigations.

Weather for the week of June 16, 2025

Weather for the week of June 16, 2025

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Congrats to the Class of 2025

Over the last two weeks, I’ve had the distinct privilege of running a newsroom that covers more than a dozen high school graduations and one college graduation. Students, armed with knowledge, grit, sass and an absolutely wonderful desire to push for their dreams walked across football fields, stages, basketball courts and other venues to receive their paper that says they are, officially, done with a chapter of their lives. I would encourage the Class of 2025 to remember something, and this is something that took me probably longer than it should have to realize: Everything up to high school is just a lesson, and life as an adult is the final exam. That may sound a little daunting, and it is, but there’s something even more important to remember: You’ve had good teachers for this test.

Legals for June, 16 2025

Former Port of Mattawa director under investigation for misuse of funds

MATTAWA — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office that found former Port of Mattawa General Manager Lars Leland may have misappropriated port funds. Port commissioners said in a statement that some possible irregularities were discovered while port officials were preparing for an audit.

Masquers’ ‘Firebringer’ breaks some new ground

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater has brought many traditional musical plays to the stage. “Firebringer,” written by Meridith Stepien, Mark Swiderski, Matt Lang, Nick Lang and Brian Holden, is not one of them. “It's a bit of an obscure absurdist musical about a tribe of cave people who want to evolve and advance and do all the fun things, like discover fire, fight sabertooth tigers and mammoths, and at the end is a very sweet surprise,” said Zhane Serrano, who’s co-directing the production with Allison Pheasant. “It's weird and kooky, and it's just a little bit all over the place.”

BASIN EVENTS: June 13-21

COLUMBIA BASIN — The sun is shining and there’s lots of fun to be had this week in the Basin. Here are some possibilities:

Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp enjoying settling in with new team

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — When it comes to food recommendations in the Seattle area, new Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is open to suggestions.

Newest CBH reporter wants to highlight local athletes

MOSES LAKE – For Mike Maynard, the most interesting aspect of sports is the stories that are told in the lives of athletes. “There’s fascinating people everywhere, no matter where you look,” said Maynard. “I want to tell people’s stories; that’s my goal.”

Building permits for June 13, 2025

Building permits for June 13, 2025

GALLERY: Looking back at May 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – May was a busy month in Grant and Adams counties with the end of spring sports, a variety of community events and community members coming together for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few glimpses of what May held for the Basin.