BASIN EVENTS

COLUMBIA BASIN — This is a busy week in the Basin, with a fair, community festivals, art, live music and more. Here are some things to check out:

Courtright takes over as CBCCA president

MOSES LAKE — The gavel has been passed at the Central Basin Community Concert Association, as Caren Courtright succeeded Frances Irwin as president last week.

Donald I. Temple Jr.

Donald I. Temple, Jr., 80, passed away Aug. 30, 2025. Don was born in 1945 to Ellen (Fortner) and Donald I. Temple in Seattle, Washington. Don married his high school sweetheart, Janice Goetschius. Together they had two children, Angela and Donald Eric. While raising the children Don coached soccer, was a member of the Soap Lake, Washington, volunteer police and participated in bowling leagues.

‘Softball saved me’

Ciarrah Knoll discusses her unwavering love for softball

MOSES LAKE – Ciarrah Knoll’s journey through softball is full of twists and turns to say the least. However, her love for the sport was never lost. In fact, she said the sport has somewhat saved her. “Softball was definitely my escape,” she said. “It was my way to just put my mind at ease. I would always ask my dad, like, ‘Hey, can we just go to the fields? Even if it's just for two buckets of BP, like whatever it may be, can we just go to the fields?’ And he was always willing to do that with me.”

WARDEN SCHOOL BOARD: Candidate Q&A

WARDEN – There are two candidates running for the Warden School District Director District 5 position. These candidates are incumbent Shawn Clausen and candidate Ryan Arredondo. Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers.

‘A Tortured Land’

Moses Lake Museum exhibit showcases the stark beauty of the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Central Washington artist Don Nutt will return this month to the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center after a long time away, according to an announcement from the museum. “It’s been over a decade since we had the pleasure of showing his work in our space,” Museum Communication Coordinator Natalia Zuyeva wrote in the announcement.

Grant Co. Democrats award prizes in candy count game

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Democrats have tabulated the results of their Count the Candy game at the Grant County Fair this year, according to an announcement from Vice Chair Jill Springer Forrest.

BASIN SPORTS SCHEDULE: Sept. 3-10, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN – School has officially started back up, and with that comes the first week of sports. See where your favorite basin sports team is headed for their first game of the year below.

Columbia Physical Therapy debuts new pool in open house

OTHELLO — Columbia Physical Therapy has finally realized a longtime dream. “We just added the pool,” said physical therapist Ken Jones, who shares the clinic with physical therapist Nate Stott. “That year-long construction project was just finished.”

Legals for September, 3 2025

Moses Lake couple injured in car crash

ELLENSBURG — A Moses Lake woman was transported to Harborview Medical Center after the car she was driving hit an embankment and rolled Aug. 29.

Celebrating all things Warden

WARDEN — The annual Warden Community Days kicked off this past weekend, drawing crowds for a series of events celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. As the Labor Day festivities unfolded, residents gathered to enjoy activities ranging from a vibrant parade to an inflatable costume race, marking the occasion with laughter and camaraderie. “Warden Community Days is a way for us all to come together,” said Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez. “It’s wonderful to see everyone supporting one another. This event brings a great sense of pride to our agricultural community.” The event began on Saturday with a classic car show, followed by a free community dinner featuring hamburgers and hot dogs—a highlight for many attendees.

Wahluke School District Board candidates discuss future goals

MATTAWA – A forum was held on August 28 at Wahluke High School, bringing together the three candidates for the Wahluke School Board: Luke Jenne, Elia Mendoza and Nick Trejo. Incumbents Jenne and Trejo are seeking re-election, while Mendoza is challenging Jenne for Director Position 5.

Moses Lake Police Department logs for Sept. 1, 2025

Moses Lake Police Department records

Ephrata Police Department logs for Sept. 4, 2025

Ephrata Police Department logs

Memorial bench to honor local community members

MOSES LAKE – On Friday, a park bench will be unveiled to honor the memory and legacy of Don and Mary Cunnington. Event organizer Rich Victor is excited to celebrate two members of the Moses Lake community that had an impact on him, he said.

George Raveling passes away at 88

PULLMAN – Washington State Athletics legend and Hall of Fame Basketball Coach George Raveling, who elevated the Cougar men's basketball program to national prominence during his time in Pullman, has passed away at the age of 88, WSU said in a statement.

McGill earns offensive player of week after Rodeo Bowl win

ELLENSBURG – Wildcats quarterback Kennedy McGill was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week, according to a statement by the conference. This comes after he aided the Wildcats to a 41-14 win over Colorado Mesa in the Rodeo Bowl.

EWU to offer law enforcement leadership program

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University plans to launch a Law Enforcement Leadership & Practice program in the fall of 2026 to help working police officers build practical skills, advance in their careers, and meet the evolving challenges of modern policing, according to an announcement from the university.

WA businesses preparing for new retail sales taxes to hit consumers Oct. 1

(The Center Square) — One month from Labor Day, a slew of Washington businesses will be subject to new retail sales taxes, which will be passed onto consumers. The 2025 Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. Those new taxes will be collected starting Oct. 1. According to the Washington Department of Revenue, new business activities impacted by the tax include advertising services, live presentations, information technology services, custom website development services and more. “Not only is it going to be a significant new tax on a