New Wyndham Microtel coming to Ephrata

EPHRATA – Ephrata residents can look forward to additional hospitality options as a new Wyndham Microtel is set to break ground next year. The owners expect to open the doors by June or July 2026. The hotel, which will feature 81 rooms—including 16 suites—will occupy a footprint of nearly 36,000 square feet, making it about 25% larger than the existing Holiday Inn Express in George, spokesperson Dustin Canfield said.

Legals for August, 12 2025

Mariners sweep weekend series against Rays

SEATTLE (AP) — Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 43rd homer of the season, a go-ahead three-run shot in the eighth inning, giving the Seattle Mariners a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The Mariners won their fifth consecutive game and remained 1 1/2 games behind the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

Donald Stuart McDowall, Sr.

Sept. 27, 1933 — Aug. 3, 2025

Don was born and raised in a log cabin in the Canadian Rockies just north of Glacier National Park, in Alberta. His childhood was the difficulties of the Great Depression and then the struggle of World War II, which for Canada began in 1939.

QVAA to stage summer double feature

QUINCY — Quincy Valley Allied Arts is offering a two-fer this weekend, with a pair of short plays for the whole family. “Last summer (QVAA) … posted on Facebook, ‘We don’t have enough volunteers to have a summer production,” said director Emily Ellis. “And my heart is really in theater … so I wrote them and said I would volunteer. And they wrote back and said ‘So you want to direct.’ I said I haven’t directed a whole lot, just my second year of college. And they were like ‘That’s fine. You’ll be great.’ So here I am.”

BASIN EVENTS: Aug. 8-16, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Who says things have to slow down in August? There’s plenty to do in the Basin this week. Here’s a sample:

Raiders tie Seahawks 23-23 in Pete Carroll's Seattle return

SEATTLE (AP) — Pete Carroll’s Seattle return ended without a winner when Jalan Gaines blocked Daniel Carlson’s 55-yard field-goal try for Las Vegas as time expired, leaving the Raiders and Seahawks tied at 23 on Thursday night. The 73-year-old Carroll, coaching his first preseason game with the Raiders, was narrowly denied the victory in his return to Seattle, where he led the Seahawks to some of their highest moments.

Dahlia Festival coming to Royal City next month

ROYAL CITY — The first annual Columbia Basin Dahlia and Cut Flower Festival is coming next month. “Cut flowers and dahlias have become a huge thing, whether it's the backyard cut flower person or somebody that's making a small business out of it,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City, which is hosting the festival. “I think it happened during COVID, where people just became fascinated with it.”

Legals for August, 8 2025

Legals for August, 8 2025

Mariners collect three wins in series against White Sox

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners wrapped a three-game series up with three wins under their belt Thursday. In competitions against the Chicago White Sox, the Mariners won 8-3 Tuesday, 8-6 Wednesday and capped it off with another W Thursday afternoon

Rodríguez and Naylor go deep early, Mariners hold off White Sox 8-6

SEATTLE (AP) — Julio Rodríguez hit a three-run homer during a five-run second inning for the Seattle Mariners as they beat the Chicago White Sox 8-6 on Wednesday night. Rodríguez — who on Sunday became the first player in major league history with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons — went deep on a hanging sweeper from starter Jonathan Cannon (4-9). Cal Raleigh drove in two runs with a single immediately before Rodríguez's homer.

Janice (Mary) Fitterer

1947 — 2025

Janice Marie “Mary” Fitterer (Ivey), 78, was born at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Washington on July 31, 1947, to Cecil White Ivey and Iris Ione Ivey (Stanton).

Senior calendar for August 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you’re entertaining the grandchildren or just looking to get out of the house, here’s what’s going on this month:

Watershed celebrates another year at the Gorge

GEORGE – Over the weekend, the Gorge Amphitheatre became the ultimate country paradise as the Watershed Music Festival took center stage. With breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge serving as a backdrop, fans flocked to experience an electrifying line-up featuring stars such as Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Bailey Zimmerman and many more.

Legals for August, 5 2025

George Campbell Walker

1926 — 2025

George Campbell Walker, 99, of Othello, Washington, passed away on July 21, 2025, in Spokane, Washington.

BASIN COMMUNITY CALENDAR: August 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — July is over and we’re heading into the home stretch of summer. Here are a few of the things happening around the Basin this month:

Troopers increasing patrols near Gorge this weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Patrol will ramp up enforcement this weekend around the Gorge Amphitheatre, according to an announcement from the WSP. The High-Visibility Enforcement, or HiVE, patrols are meant to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions, the WSP wrote. The WSP will partner with other law enforcement agencies in the effort.

Betty Vanderkin

1941 – 2025

Betty Rose Vanderkin (née Coles), 84, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Beaverton, Oregon. Born in 1941 in Olympia, she lived a life defined by faith, compassion, humor and a love for family and community.