‘Interweavings’ exhibit opens Jan. 16 at CWU

ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host an exhibition titled “Interweavings: Photography and Sculpture” by Jeanne K. Simmons. The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 141.

WIC mobile app now available in 22 languages

OLYMPIA – WICShopper, the free smartphone application for families in the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, is now available in 22 languages for Washington state participants, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Health.

GCAO animal adoptions double in 2024

'It’s about finding every animal the home they deserve'

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Animal Outreach reported a significant increase in adoptions for the year 2024. The shelter successfully placed 582 cats and dogs into new homes, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. The rise in adoptions marks an important milestone for the organization, which has actively worked to address the challenges of overcapacity and resource limitations.

Republican rep offers bill to amend Washington's 'mature minor doctrine'

(The Center Square) – In March 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed Initiative 2081, the parents’ bill of rights, which took effect on June 6 of that same year. Under I-2081, parents have the right to examine textbooks, curriculum, and any supplemental materials used in their children's classrooms. They also have the right to inspect their child's public school records and receive a copy within 10 business days of submitting a written request. According to Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, I-2081 did not go far enough in protecting parents' rights to be involved in healthcare decisions for their minor children.

Some papers delayed by National Day of Mourning

Because the post office is closed Thursday, Jan. 9, to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, all Columbia Basin Herald subscribers who receive their paper through the mail will have their Thursday paper delivered along with the Friday, Jan. 10 paper. Subscribers who receive their papers through home delivery will still receive a paper on schedule.

Kenneth Layton Bohne

1940 — 2025

Kenneth L. Bohne, 84, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at home. Born in Cardston, Alberta to John and LaPreil Bohne, Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and faithful servant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ken grew up in Glenwood, Alberta, and moved with his family to Moses Lake, Washington, in 1954. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1958, where he was an accomplished trumpet player in the high school band. He enjoyed playing basketball and softball with the LDS Church and in city leagues, fostering lifelong friendships along the way. He was also a member of The Variations, a local singing group that performed at church and community events. Ken married his eternal companion, Buelah, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and shared a life filled with love, faith, and service. He was a lifelong member of The Church, where he served in many leadership roles, including Bishop, Stake Executive Secretary, Ward Clerk, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, and Stake Athletic Director. His dedication to his faith and his service to others were central to his life.

Charlie Clark re-tapped to head DFI

OLYMPIA – Charlie Clark has been reappointed director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, according to a Monday announcement from Governor-elect Bob Ferguson. Clark’s reappointment was announced with that of another agency head.

South Grant County Chamber sponsors law enforcement forum Thursday

MATTAWA — South Grant County residents are invited to ask questions and talk to law enforcement Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m. the Wanapum Heritage Center, 29086 SR 243, Mattawa. The forum is sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

New Umatilla youth leadership council takes oath of office

MISSION – The newest members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Senior and Junior Youth Leadership Councils took their oaths of office on Jan. 3 at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Rivers Event Center. The swearing-in ceremony, postponed twice out of respect for community losses, coincided with the Elders Christmas Luncheon. Although some councilors were absent due to school functions, CTUIR Chief Judge William Johnson administered the oaths to those present.

Lind-Ritzville schools discussing four-day school week

RITZVILLE — Lind-Ritzville Cooperative Schools is considering switching to a four-day school week instead of its current five-day week. LRCS will host a coffee with Superintendent Don Vanderholm on Jan. 10 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the WSU extension office in Ritzville. The meeting will have opportunities to discuss the potential four-day school week along with other matters of the school district.

Medicare out-of-pocket cap on prescriptions takes effect

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 70,000 seniors in Washington state will save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year thanks to the new annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for folks on Medicare Part D, according to an announcement from the office of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. The new cap is part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2022, and it means seniors will pay significantly less for their prescription drugs this year, lowering costs for families and giving them more breathing room, according to the announcement. “Starting Jan. 1, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan – also known as Medicare Part D – now has their out-of-pocket drug costs capped at two thousand dollars each year,” Murray wrote in the announcement. “ … As everyone knows, high drug prices come with other painful costs – like stress over how to make ends meet, or what bills to skip in order to fill a prescription, or whether to take the risk of rationing medication. These are impossible choices that no one should ever have to make. But they’re the reality for so many people, and so many seniors especially.”

Budget deficit may mean protecting, not expanding, substance abuse treatment programs

(The Center Square) – A prominent state senator indicated that fiscal reality could mean prioritizing and protecting substance abuse recovery programs that are already working over any plans to expand them. Washington state is facing a projected operating budget deficit of between $10 billion and $16 billion over the next four years. “I want to be realistic, but I am also optimistic and have faith in my fellow legislators and for me, success really means that we are protecting the programs that are already in play,” Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, said at a Monday morning virtual meeting of the Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee, or SURSAC, that included legislative priorities for the upcoming session. “I’m not optimistic enough to talk about expansion.”

Washington bill clarifies facility siting for 'Holy Grail' of energy

(The Center Square) – A Washington bill pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session would add fusion energy centers as among facilities that can receive site certification by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. Sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oak Harbor, House Bill 1018 would add “fusion energy facilities” among those to obtain certification through EFSEC, though the bill states the site “must also secure required licenses and registrations, or equivalent authorizations, for radiation control purposes from designated state or federal agencies.” The state Department of Commerce describes fusion as the “Holy Grail of the energy industry. With just a few grams of exotic substances, it is possible to produce enough energy for one person for 60 years.”

Three juveniles booked for alleged vehicle theft and eluding police

MATTAWA — Three juveniles were arrested Saturday for stealing a car in Mattawa at around 6:30 a.m. followed by a short police pursuit near Ephrata.

WA health officials urge caution amid avian influenza outbreaks

OLYMPIA — As the hunting season continues, health officials in Washington state are issuing a reminder regarding the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, according to a statement from the Washington Department of Health. This highly-contagious virus has been linked to significant illness and mortality in wild bird populations across the globe, with notable impacts in Washington.

BASIN WRESTLING REPORT: ACH hosts Banks Lake Brawl

COULEE CITY – Almira/Coulee-Hartline hosted the Banks Lake Brawl on Saturday in Coulee City, bringing in boys and girls wrestling teams from across the region for a day of competition.

Mammoth dig site tours open

KENNEWICK — Reservations are being accepted for tours of the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site offered by Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences, or MCBONES, according to an announcement from the organization.

Date of Downtown Moses Lake Association annual meeting to be announced

MOSES LAKE — The Downtown Moses Lake Association will review its plans for 2025 and its schedule of events during its annual public meeting, tentatively scheduled for early February. The date will be determined during the annual DMLA board member retreat this weekend.

Boeing International updates safety and quality plan

SEATTLE — Boeing has unveiled enhancements to its Safety & Quality Plan, which focuses on four key areas: cultivating a superior safety and quality culture, investing in workforce training, simplifying production processes and eliminating manufacturing defects, according to a statement from Boeing.

Ag parade awards announced

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Downtown Association awarded prizes Dec. 31 for the best displays in the Ag Appreciation Parade held Dec. 6, according to an announcement from DMLA.