BBCC releases President’s List

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College has named 338 Basin students to the President’s List for fall quarter 2024, according to an announcement from the college. The designation is given to those who complete 12 or more graded credits with a GPA of 3.75 and above. Almira: Natalie Evers Beverly: Imelda Barajas, Jacob Ruiz Velasco Coulee City: Beth Okamoto Ephrata: Sienna Addink, Ashleigh Alcala, Grace Brewer, Esmeralda Fernandez, Alexa Gonzalez, Izzlee Haney, Timothy Hann, Tyler Kono, Justin Larsen, Luke Leslie, Trevor Middleton, Angelica Munguia Villanueva, Leanne Neville, Mikaela Oneel, Dallin Plaisted, Allison Razey, Allex Rogers, Wyatt Schluckebier, Fabiola Vargas-Sanchez, Leandra Wahl

More than 200 named to BBCC Vice President’s List

MOSES LAKE — Two hundred forty-four Basin students were named to the Big Bend Community College Vice-President’s List for fall quarter 2024, the college announced Tuesday. To qualify for the Vice President’s List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits with a GPA between 3.33 and 3.74. Beverly: Juan Herrera, Amy Penaloza, Belicia Saldana-Sosa Coulee City: Dylan Jacques Electric City: David Borden

Structure fire in Grand Coulee, one fatality

GRAND COULEE – The Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a single-wide trailer fire near 122 B Street in Grand Coulee at around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

WA gun control bills spark debate

OLYMPIA – Proposals before the Washington Legislature that would change laws around purchasing and carrying firearms have prompted scrutiny and debate.

Moses Lake meets new city manager

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake’s incoming city manager paid a visit to the Civic Center Tuesday evening to meet city employees and community members. Robert Karlinsey, who accepted the position Jan. 21, is currently the city manager in Kenmore, Washington, a city of about 24,000 at the north end of Lake Washington in King County. He takes the reins in Moses Lake March 24, but he’ll be coming over to Moses Lake occasionally in the meantime to prepare, he said.

Othello man booked for drive-by shooting

OTHELLO – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a drive-by shooting at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of South Kirstina Road.

Meet the new Moses Lake city manager this afternoon

MOSES LAKE – Members of the public can meet Robert Karlinsey, Moses Lake’s new city manager, tonight at the city’s civic center from 5-6:30 p.m. Karlinsey was chosen to take the reins of the city in a unanimous vote during a special meeting on Jan. 21. He is currently the city manager for Kenmore, Washington, and will be taking over in Moses Lake March 24 after settling his affairs there. City staff have said Karlinsey is excited to meet the city’s residents and is looking forward to the event.

Two booked for weekend domestic violence incidents

Resources available for those looking to escape abuse

MOSES LAKE – Over the weekend, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office dealt with two instances of alleged domestic violence, both ended with an individual booked into the Grant County Jail.

Priest Rapids Dam passes major safety inspection

MATTAWA — A comprehensive safety assessment of the structure at Preist Rapids Dam determined the dam met standards that will allow it to keep operating safely. That was the conclusion of a report released by Grant County Public Utility District officials.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

Increase in respiratory illnesses in county, state this past week

EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District released a statement on the increase of respiratory illnesses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 in both the county and the state for the week of Jan. 12 to Jan. 18. GCHD urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others, according to the statement.

Basin law enforcement, schools address immigration concerns

MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement and schools will continue following state law regarding immigration enforcement, according to statements made by those organizations. The announcements come in response to rumors that began circulating last week after various immigration-related executive orders from President Donald Trump.

MLSD levy impacts on safety, health and facilities

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy and whether it passes or not, will have impacts on school resource officers, nursing staff and facilities and maintenance according to the district.

Legislative update from Tom Dent

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Legislature officially convened the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 13. There are many new faces on both sides of the aisle. I always make an effort to get to know all the new members. It is much easier to accomplish things in Olympia if we work together.

Eagles struggle in second half, fall to Northern Arizona

CHENEY — Eastern Washington (6-14, 2-5) lost to Northern Arizona (12-8, 3-4) in a hard-fought battle, falling 70-61 at home. "They came out swinging, and we didn't respond," said head coach Dan Monson. "We were on our heels to start the second half, and it took us 12 minutes to recover. We tried to get aggressive late, but we started doing things that don't win you games."

STUDIO BASIN: REC Silicon closure, Moses Lake city manager and Basin basketball

MOSES LAKE – In this week's episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans "Rob" Miller and Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer discuss supports for workers displaced by the REC Silicon closure, and Moses Lake's incoming city manager. Miller talks a bit about multiple 2024 year in review pieces for Ephrata.

Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:

MLSD considers Vanguard Academy options

MOSES LAKE — During a Jan. 16 work study meeting, the Moses Lake School Board reviewed a series of proposals to adjust the facilities and educational offerings of Vanguard Academy for the 2025-26 academic year, according to a statement from the district. “This was an important opportunity to gather input and discuss how we can best use the spaces we have to serve students and ultimately save money for the district,” wrote Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon in the statement. “We are committed to developing thoughtful, student-centered plans that reflect the needs of our community.”

4 officers join Quincy PD

4 officers join Quncy PD

'We had our best revenue year ever'

Port of Ephrata reports successful 2024

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata has made significant strides in 2024, achieving several key objectives designed to enhance its economic viability and improve operational capacity, according to the port’s Executive Director David Lanman. “I think it went pretty darn good,” Lanman said. “We had a very productive year, and we're setting the foundation for future growth.”