Basin Events for the week of Feb. 7-14, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — In this weather it might seem like the only thing do is to hunker down under a heap of blankets, but for those willing to bundle up and brave the wind there’s a whole world of fun out there. Here are a few suggestions:

iNET works at identifying, mitigating narcotics in the Basin

Local joint task force works to mitigate the flow of controlled substances into Grant, Adams counties

EPHRATA – If you live in the Columbia Basin, you've seen coverage from the Columbia Basin Herald and other outlets regarding the prevalence of drugs such as fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in the area. The Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, otherwise known as iNET, is tasked with fighting the drug epidemic in the region. “We have a mission – I would say mandate – but our mission is to target middle to upper-level narcotics traffickers in drug trafficking organizations,” said the group’s lead detective. “... Our primary area of responsibility is Grant and Adams counties.”

Wrestling with confidence

Quincy’s Alvarez sets win record

QUINCY – Quincy senior Saidt Alvarez entered the 2024-25 season 23 wins shy of etching his name into the Jackrabbit wrestling history books – well, another mark for the three-time state placer. Alvarez was seeking to become Quincy’s all-time winning wrestler.

Newhouse introduces bill to increase promotion money in export markets

YAKIMA — Additional funding could be available to promote farm products from Washington and throughout the nation under the terms of a bill introduced by Fourth District Congressman Dan Newhouse Thursday. The “Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025” has bipartisan co-sponsors from other parts of the country, including Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, California and Maine.

MLHS musicians shine at NCWMEA competition

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School choir, piano, guitar and band students showcased their musical talents at the North Central Washington Music Educators Association Regional Solo & Ensemble Competition held on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Wenatchee.

Two teens steal 'copious amount' of marijuana

Suspects burglarize dispensary in Soap Lake area

SOAP LAKE — A cannabis shop was hit by a burglary early Friday morning, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. At around 1:30 a.m. Friday, GCSO deputies were dispatched to an intrusion alarm at 2020 Solutions, a dispensary in the 200 block of SR 28 in Soap Lake.

‘Comfort through chaos’

CB Cancer Foundation auction raises money for cancer patients

MOSES LAKE — The worst part of some people’s lives will be their fight with cancer, but the crowd at the Grant County Fairgrounds Saturday night was ready and able to help them through it. The Country Sweethearts benefit banquet and auction brought in more than $300,000 to support cancer patients and their families, according to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation Executive Director Angel Ledesma. This is the 16th year for the event and the 25th anniversary of the CBCF’s founding, Ledesma said.

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Married firefighters save lives together

SOAP LAKE — Lots of couples have a special activity that they share. Some garden together, some do home improvement projects, some do charity or church work. And some, like CW and Emily Forrest, save lives together. “There'll be times at night where she'll have to take off and go to the call and I'll stay with the kids,” said CW Forrest, a firefighter with Grant County Fire District 7. “Or Grandma. My … mom lives with us, so sometimes we'll both be able to go on calls.”

Ephrata Rec Center, City Hall receive HVAC upgrades

EPHRATA — Upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning at the Ephrata Recreation Center are now complete. “The Ephrata Rec is one of our oldest buildings in the city and (upgrading it) is really impressive to get done,” Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim said. “We're really happy with it, and it'll improve our environmental concerns over there. It'll also be a better environment for visitors and renters.”

New law adds ID to Department of Corrections reentry plans

OLYMPIA — A new law will require the Department of Corrections to help state inmates to get some form of state identification before they are released. The law, which went into effect in January, requires the Washington Department of Corrections to make identification available as part of a reentry plan program that was already mandated by the state.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Staying in their lanes

Over the last few weeks as executive orders have been issued, immigration raids have occurred across the country and social media has turned into a circus of rage and crazy, there’s been a lot of criticism of local school districts and law enforcement.

'I learned to fly before I learned to drive'

Moses Lake's Betty Warnick stays busy at 100

MOSES LAKE — Betty Warnick, who turned 100 in January, has never been one to sit still, whether it was taking off cross-country for a new job or taking a plane up in the air. “I learned to fly before I learned to drive,” she said.

Music, magic and slippers

Quincy High School prepares to present ‘Cinderella’

QUINCY — One of the most iconic stories of our culture will take the stage Feb. 28, as Quincy High School theater group presents “Cinderella.” It’s the classic tale of a girl who languishes under the cruel eye of her stepmother, bullied by her stepsisters, until her fairy godmother comes along and outfits her for the prince’s ball.

Students think fast during Amazing Shake

MATTAWA — Let’s see – the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Aiden Avila Salgado ran through it one more time with his friend Ledger Carl while they waited their turn at what is known as the gauntlet. The school fight song? McFarland Middle School students practiced as they lined up.

MLSD Financial Oversight Committee meets for first time

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School District hosted its first Financial Oversight Committee meeting Jan. 29. The committee is a volunteer-based group of local professionals from industries including accounting, finance and similar fields. The group was established to hold the district to another level of accountability with its finances.

BASIN SENIOR EVENTS for Feb. 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — There are plenty of opportunities to stay active in the Basin this month. Here are a few possibilities:

Wahluke capital levy set to improve fiscal planning

MATTAWA – The Wahluke School District is running a levy on the Feb. 11 ballot asking for voters to approve a measure intended to eliminate debt and pay for upgrades to campus security infrastructure, Wahluke Superintendent Andy Harlow said. The levy will be something the district hasn’t requested for six years.

Study will evaluate EMS service in GC Fire District 3

QUINCY — Emergency medical services in Grant County Fire District 3, what they cost and their future in the Quincy area, will be the subject of a study commissioned by the fire district and its EMS partners. “We’re in the process of selecting a firm to (conduct) the study,” said GCFD 3 Chief David Durfee. “We’re estimating it’s going to take about four months.”

Mary Poppins to host children’s tea party

MOSES LAKE — She’s practically perfect in every way, and next month, some children will get to enjoy her magic in person.

Area students, businesses participate in ‘A Day Without Immigrants’

MOSES LAKE – Superintendents from throughout Grant and Adams counties noted a decline in attendance Monday as students participated in a protest entitled “A Day Without Immigrants.” Multiple businesses in the area closed in support of the event including Ephrata’s La Nueva market.