Lake water improvement may not affect housing

MOSES LAKE — Owners of homes along the shore of Moses Lake may see an improvement in the view from their docks after treatment the water received last summer.

Ephrata passes 6-year transpo plan

EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council passed its six-year transportation improvement program for 2026 through 2031 unanimously Wednesday night during the council’s regular meeting. “This is a plan for our roads, this is kind of a wish list,” Public Works Director Rob Harris said.

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 9-17, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, fundraiser dinners and arts and crafts. What are you waiting for? There’s something for everyone happening this week.

Five fantasy series for ages 12 and up

When I first started fourth grade, I despised reading. Now, that very thought sounds like sacrilege and I’ve gone on amazing adventures all through the pages of books. Not only do I have fond memories of reading particular books, but I grew as both a person and a writer as a result. Generally, fantasy and science fiction have been my favorite genres, though poetry and the occasional biography have drawn me in.

BASIN SOCCER ROUNDUP: May 9, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The schedule was lighter this past week with the regular season over, but districts have begun and the competition is only getting harder.

Bigger every year

Moses Lake Spring Fest to dominate Memorial Day weekend

MOSES LAKE — The biggest celebration in Moses Lake’s calendar just keeps getting bigger. Tens of thousands came to McCosh Park for Spring Fest last year. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament fielded 121 teams and there were 472 people at the fun run, said Spring Fest Committee Member Lori Valdez. “The car show had over 200 cars, and they ran out of room,” Valdez said. “They had to turn cars away.”

LAW ENFORCEMENT LOGS: May 9, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Legals for May, 9 2025

Beatrice Moncada Sampson

1960 – 2025

It is with mournful hearts that we announce the passing of Beatrice (Bea) Moncada Sampson, 64, on May 4, 2025. Bea endured a long and courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Bea’s warmth, prayerful heart, and unwavering love for her family defined her life. She was a woman of deep strength and quiet resilience with a smile that could light up the room.

Ralph Collier

Ralph Collier went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with his wife of 47 years at his side.

Robert Prevost of the United States is named Pope Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinal Robert Prevost has taken the name Leo XIV. The Chicago-born missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and took over the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops was elected the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Ephrata Fire to hold Touch a Truck event to support Ephrata Food Bank

EPHRATA – Fire trucks, buses, ambulances, concrete mixers, dump trucks, tractors and other emergency vehicles and equipment will fill the Ephrata Splash Zone parking lot on May 17. The Ephrata Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Touch a Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds and food for the Ephrata Food Bank.

Jacks best East Valley in double OT

Jacks move up in the District 5 2A Tournament

QUINCY – The Quincy Jacks earned a 1-0 victory over East Valley Tuesday evening in the second round of the District 5 2A Tournament moving them on to the next round.

Defensive driving key for vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders

MOSES LAKE — Spring is here, summer is coming and among other things that means motorcycles returning to the road. That means vehicle drivers may need to readjust their thinking, and motorcycle riders may need to reacquaint themselves with the bike.

Arts celebration

Nautical-themed CBAA fundraiser weathers a squall and sails on

MOSES LAKE — Mother Nature dealt the Columbia Basin Allied Arts kind of a bum hand Saturday, but the organizers of the fundraiser rode it out with aplomb.

New Ephrata Sports Complex bathrooms open to the public

EPHRATA – Ephrata Public Works staff worked late into the night Thursday to pour and protect the new concrete pad for the new restrooms at the Sports Complex located at 121 Alder St. SW. The staff, according to Public Works Director Rob Harris, stayed until 4 a.m. to complete the project to ensure it was ready for a softball game the following day.

Ephrata SD gang town hall today

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the North Central Educational Service District, will host a town hall meeting titled "Understanding Youth Gangs" on May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Stop and be excellent...

With everything going on in the world today – our busy lives, our children’s busy schedules, the political back and forth and the challenges of the economy, to name a few – it's easy to forget to stop and smell the flowers a bit.

First responders to face off at Guns & Hoses softball game Saturday

QUINCY — The reputations of Quincy’s first responders will be on the line Saturday at the community’s first Guns & Hoses softball game.

Ephrata school nurse ensures students thrive despite medical needs

EPHRATA – Pam Cleveringa has been a part of the Ephrata School District since 2010, serving as the school nurse for over a decade. With a nursing career that began in 1999, Cleveringa initially engaged in various nursing roles, including hospital and maternity care. However, upon the recommendation of friends during a time of budget cuts, she transitioned to school nursing, a field where she has since found her passion.