Ferguson orders assessment of data center impacts

OLYMPIA— Earlier this month, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order to create a workgroup aimed at assessing the impacts of data centers on energy use, state tax revenue, and the environment. The order stemmed from concerns about the sustainability of data centers – large warehouses filled with stacked computers that power the modern internet – which consume significant amounts of energy putting a strain on Washington’s power grid. “We must ensure Washington remains a leader in technology and sustainability – these experts will help us do that,” Ferguson said in a public statement. “This group will help us balance industry growth, tax revenue needs, energy constraints, and sustainability.”

Cedar lookin' for a place to saw logs

MOSES LAKE – Hey there, I’m Cedar and I’ve got to tell you, I’d like to come home with you. I’m more than a little adorable and I’m eager to find a place to settle in, get spoiled rotten and love on a wonderful person or family. I’m a smidge over two years old and I’ve had all of my shots, I’ll never have to worry about paying child support, and frankly, I’m cute enough to melt just about any heart. My friends here at Grant County Animal Outreach – grantcountyanimaloutreach.org - are treating me well, but I’d really like to come home with you. Also, if you can’t take me home, you could help get me some kibble by clicking the “donate” button at the top of the GCAO website.

Moses Lake student sings national anthem at Mat Classic

TACOMA — Nearly 300 schools were at the first day of the Mat Classic wrestling tournament at the Tacoma Dome Thursday, with thousands of wrestlers, parents, coaches and fans. But one voice cut through the air at the opening ceremonies, and that voice belonged to a Moses Lake Maverick.

After two-year-plus effort, Soap Lake Creative District is official

SOAP LAKE – Anyone who’s been to Soap Lake for a bite to eat at the Del Red Pub and heard live music there or seen a production at the Masquers Theater knows that Soap Lake has a thriving arts scene. The arts are an important part of the community, and now even the State of Washington recognizes that.

Applications sought for GCFD 8 commissioner

MATTAWA — Applications will be accepted through March 7 to fill an open seat on the Grant County Fire District 8 commission.

Eagles fall short in high-offensive battle with ‘Jacks

CHENEY — The style of play was different from Thursday night, as Eastern Washington women's basketball and Northern Arizona faced off on the court. Eastern dropped the game, 88-77, in a fast-paced offensive battle. EWU's record now drops to 6-9 in the Big Sky and 10-17 overall. Both teams shot over 40 percent for the game, with the Eagles at 41.7 percent and the Lumberjacks recording a 41.2 percentage.

Weather for the week of Feb. 24, 2025

Weather for the week of Feb. 24, 2025

Legals for February, 24 2025

Mavs boys in 12th after first day of Mat Classic

TACOMA – The Moses Lake High School boys wrestlers won most of their matches in the opening round of the Mat Classic tournament in Tacoma. Getting into second-round matches though, several wrestlers lost their bouts and went into the consolation bracket. As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the boys were in 12th place with 40 points in the Boys 4A tournament. However, several matches continued past press time. The Columbia Basin Herald will have an updated story in the Monday paper.

Ephrata PD blotter for Feb. 21, 2025

EPHRATA - The reports below were provided by the Ephrata Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Other agencies are working on resolving issues with new dispatching software and will be providing blotter information once that has been resolved.

Hall Sisters to perform in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — The tight, soaring harmonies of the Hall Sisters will fill the Wallenstien Theater March 24. “They’re dynamic,” said Judy Twigg, vice president of the Central Basin Community Concert Association, which is sponsoring the show. “They are one in a million. They’re four sisters who have been singing since they were young girls.” The Hall Sisters – Jessica, Natalie, Lydia and Valerie – come from North Carolina and grew up in a home filled with music, according to their online information. Their music combines heart-wrenching ballads and instrumentals, fiery Irish fiddle tunes, and country classics sprinkled with some pop.

Columbia Basin Events for Feb. 21-March 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring may not be here, but you can almost see it coming. Here are a few things to check out while you watch the ground thaw: Feb . 21 LJ Polmateer Live performance by local musician LJ Polmateer of One Soulution. 5:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177. Open Mic Night

Plastic bags are a good way to sow before the spring weather comes

MOSES LAKE — Winter may be wheezing out its last gasps, but we’re still a ways off from time to put most spring plants outdoors. Seeds can be planted ahead of time in milk jugs or ice cube trays, but there’s a third medium that’s had some success: plastic resealable bags. “You can start sweet peas in bags,” said Valerie Parrott, president of the Columbia Basin Garden Club. “You can start a lot of winter sowing things putting them in the (plastic) bags. Just line them up outside.” The bags should be filled with some sort of absorbent material. Parrott uses potting soil, but moss, coffee filters or towels are also options, according to the website Gardening Tips and Tools.

Legals for February, 21 2025

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A good man on the team...

You never know when someone or something is going to enter your world and make a significant impact. About three years ago, the Columbia Basin Herald had one of those people show up and make a difference. Not just for us, for the Columbia Basin, the high school and youth athletes it holds, and for Washington sports writing in general.

Warden boys look for top 10 finish, seven Cougar girls make state

WARDEN — Warden boys wrestling coach Johnny Hernandez said his team has measured itself – and improved – against tough competition all year. It has paid off with 14 Warden wrestlers advancing to Mat Classic. “Last year we only took four guys. Now we’ve got 14. We’re definitely looking to do better than we did last year,” Hernandez said. “Our goal at the end of the year was to be in the top 10 (at the state tournament), and I think we’ve got the team to do it.”

Wahluke wrestlers set to represent Mattawa well

MATTAWA – The Wahluke High girls wrestling team is sending four athletes to the Mat Classic in Tacoma this weekend. The girls will be joined by Alex Tapia from the boys team and the hope is that he and his fellow Warriors represent the school well.

Fairy tales meet marathons

Ephrata High School drama puts on double feature with a month to prepare

EPHRATA —This weekend, Ephrata audiences will step into a whimsical world where fairy tales meet marathons and laughter dances in the air like confetti. Ephrata High School’s drama department invites the community to join them for a double feature: “Race Day” and “Snow White and the Seven Endings” are taking the stage for closing weekend this Friday and Saturday. The opening weekend kicked off with enthusiastic crowds and some unexpected twists for the cast and crew. “It’s been an incredible journey,” said director Marla Allsopp. “We had to pivot from our original plan of performing ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ due to some casting challenges, but the students showed immense resilience and commitment. They wanted to keep moving forward, and we ended up choosing two new, hilarious shows that would allow them to shine.”

Josh Turner to headline Party in the Dirt

North Idaho State Fair announces lead musical act

The North Idaho State Fair has announced that multi-platinum country music sensation Josh Turner will headline the Party in the Dirt Concert Series with a performance Aug. 19 in the Findlay Arena.

Ephrata HS Honor Society hosting Oscars for character awards

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School Honor Society will host its fourth annual Oscar Night today. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Ephrata High School commons. “It was four years ago; our honor society president came up with the idea for it,” EHS National Honor Society advisor Sheila Massey said. “They were looking for a way to do a little bit more with something that tied in with the pillars of Honor Society, which are scholarship, leadership, service and character. They were hoping to kind of get away from only the focus on scholarship and grades, and so the president at that time kind of brainstormed some ideas and came up with the idea of Oscar night to celebrate character awards.”