Washington state attorney general agrees to protect seal of confession

(The Center Square) – The Washington State Attorney General’s Office reported on Friday that it has reached an agreement with the Catholic Church over a new abuse reporting law. The agreement stipulates that clergy are still mandatory reporters of child abuse, but it includes an exception for information learned exclusively during the Sacrament of Confession. A federal court blocked the Office of the Attorney General, or AGO, from enforcing the law in July, just days before it was set to take effect. Senate Bill 5375 required Washington clergy members, including priests, ministers, rabbis and other people to act as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. The preliminary injunction barred Washington state from enforcing provisions that require those clergy members to report what they learn under the seal of confession. The AGO filed stipulations on Friday that make the injunctions permanent, requiring clergy to report only what they learn outside of confession.

2 graduate from Community Court with hopes for bright futures

MOSES LAKE – Two participants in Grant County’s Community Court Program graduated Wednesday afternoon after completing addiction treatment and other steps to walk away from drugs and the poor decisions they can lead to. In the case of Sherm Rowland, the graduation is a walk away from a trying past and a celebration of just more than 18 months of being off drugs.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 10-18

COLUMBIA BASIN — Fall fun is everywhere as we reach the middle of October. Here are a few things happening in the Basin this week.

Getting the bugs out

Pest and weed control service opens in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — With the weather getting colder, some creepy crawly critters are likely to decide that your home should also be their home. A new business in town aims to help evict them. “Spiders, ants, just generally insects,” said Josh Gilliam, owner of Bug Out Pest and Spray. “We’re a very hot and arid environment, but we also have access to a lot of water, so that brings out the bugs.” Bug Out opened for business Aug. 1 and held its official ribbon-cutting Tuesday in Moses Lake. Gilliam has been in the extermination business for about 25 years, he said, first in Spokane and then in Moses Lake. He decided to go out on his own after meeting with his partner Kip Burns, who also owns Blinds for Any Budget and B and B Doors.

Legals for October, 10 2025

Heartache to hope

Baseball tournament supports students in memory of a life cut short

QUINCY — Some Quincy students are getting a boost with their educations because of a young man who never got to finish his own. “My son got leukemia when he was 18 years old, a senior in high school,” said Linda Guzman, president of the Mario J. Guzman Foundation. “For five years he went back and forth. He relapsed a couple of times, (had) a bone marrow transplant, but it didn't take and he lost his life Sept. 6, 2012.”

Assn. of Washington Businesses bus tour comes to Grant Co.

MOSES LAKE — Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson said the organization’s annual Manufacturing Week tour is designed to give participants a look at businesses – and job opportunities – they may not have known existed.

Basin cross country teams compete in Battle for the 509

MOSES LAKE – High school cross country teams from around the state met at the Spokane Polo Grounds on Saturday to compete in the eighth annual Battle for the 509. Basin teams that were part of the competition included Ephrata, Lind-Ritzville, Moses Lake, Othello, Quincy and Warden.

Torilynne Hinshaw

April 17, 2007 — Sept. 7, 2025

Torilynne Marie Hinshaw was called home to Heaven on Sept. 7 at the young age of 18. She suddenly and peacefully passed away at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Torilynne was born April 17, 2007, to her parents Carey and Heather Hinshaw. She was born in Spokane, but lived her short precious life in Moses Lake. Torilynne also leaves behind her two big brothers Zach and Logan. Both fiercely loved and protected her. In addition, she also leaves behind her Nana and Grandpa and aunts, uncles and cousins. Torilynne was a beautiful girl who stood out everywhere she went, with her long brown hair and big brown eyes.

Legals for October, 8 2025

Basin students benefit from Innovia Foundation scholarships

SPOKANE — The Innovia Foundation recently awarded $436,089 in scholarships to students throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho for the 2025-2026 school year, including seven Adams County students, according to an announcement from Innovia. Innovia manages over 30 scholarship programs on behalf of donors who have established funds to help students achieve their career and post-high school education goals.

TAKE3 to mix classical with rock Wednesday

MOSES LAKE — Classic rock will rub elbows with, well, classic classical music, Wednesday evening at the Wallenstien Theater.

March shooting suspect back in custody after failure to appear

SOAP LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department announced the arrest of Samuel Ramirez, 26, in association with the investigation of a March 8 shooting that led to the son of Wash. Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, being seriously injured. A second man, Luis Medina, 28, was arrested in mid-March and has since pleaded guilty and is serving jail time.

Legals for October, 3 2025

Vikings fall short on the road

MOSES LAKE – On Wednesday, the Big Bend Vikings (2-14) traveled to Ontario, Oregon to face Treasure Valley. In three sets, the Vikings were defeated 3-0. Head Coach Lindsey Linthicum said she is trying to change their approach to the mentality of the game.

Marilyn Jean (Miller)  Kochner

1953 — 2025

Marilyn Jean Kochner, 72, was born July 18, 1953, in Seattle, Washington, to Barbara and Kinney Miller.

SENIOR EVENTS: October 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The leaves are changing color and fall fun abounds, both for seniors and for their grandchildren. Check out these options:

Sports Schedule Oct. 1-8, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Homecoming week is here for many of our local athletes in the Basin and with that comes some big home matchups. Check out who the local teams will face off against this week.

Vikings fall short against CBC

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Vikings volleyball team (2-13) played in a close three-set match against Columbia Basin College Friday evening, but ultimately fell to their opponent 0-3. “(CBC) has some solid hitters that just came in with a lot of speed and quickness,” said Vikings head coach Lindsey Linthicum. “We’re just still trying to find that inner confidence.” The Vikings started off slow, losing their first set 12-25. Linthicum said she had the players trying out a different rotation to switch things up, but this caused the team to struggle.

WorkSource Job Fair coming Friday

MOSES LAKE — Job seekers will have a chance to connect with employers at the WorkSource Job Fair Friday.