Playing with the future...

STEM event gets children excited about science and technology

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM event at Garden Heights Elementary School Thursday was a little more popular than expected. “We haven’t officially counted yet, but we got over 600 parents and students,” said David Estrada, STEM programs manager for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance, which put on the event. The organizers only anticipated about 300, he added.

Othello takes fifth at Lady Huskie Invite

OTHELLO – Nearly 60 teams traveled to Othello for the Lady Huskie Invite over the weekend, with Othello finishing in fifth place of the two-day tournament after scoring 154 points.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

Jacqueline MacNeil

1938 – 2025

Jacqueline MacNeil

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.

Ephrata School Board makes Murray official, appoints board member

EPHRATA - During their regular meeting last week, the Ephrata School Board appointed Casey Devine as a school board director. They also voted 3-1 to offer Ken Murray, who has acted as interim superintendent since early last year, a three-year contract as full-time superintendent.

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.

Weather for the week of Jan. 27, 2025

Weather for the week of Jan. 27, 2025

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:

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz

GCSO crisis responder brings mental health help into the field

EPHRATA — The phrase “first responder” often conjures up a mental image of a heavily-armed person with a badge and a Taser, or a firefighter emerging from the flames covered in soot and carrying a rescued child. An unflappably calm woman with a gentle, serene voice doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But that’s what the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has in Lanny Abundiz.

Ephrata looks back at ‘24, plans for ‘25

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata experienced significant growth and development during 2024, according to Mayor Bruce Reim. In 2025, city officials are optimistic about continuing momentum.

Karlinsey hired as new Moses Lake city manager

MOSES LAKE — Robert Karlinsey, currently the city manager of Kenmore, Washington, has been hired as the new Moses Lake city manager. Moses Lake City Council members hired Karlinsey on a unanimous vote in a special meeting Jan. 21. Karlinsey will replace Mike Jackson, who had been the acting city manager following the resignation of Kevin Fuhr in July 2024. Fuhr retired for health reasons. Moses Lake Finance Director Madeline Prentice is the interim city manager.

LETTER: The battle for our children

“Men are cast-iron, but children are wax” - Horace Mann We will be voting for the Moses Lake School District levy soon. After attending school board meetings for the past five years and talking personally with board members and our new Superintendent, I am convinced that we have a winning team.

'More than a dream'

Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – Monday night, a group of around 35 people wearing white hoodies blared and sang to music as they walked down fifth avenue as the sun set on downtown Moses Lake. The group shared laughs. The children ran and teased one another. Signs were waved proudly at passing cars. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that!” reads one of the signs.

Royal City honors retiring public works director

ROYAL CITY — The City of Royal City said goodbye to longtime Public Works Director John Lasen with a small retirement party Friday at City Hall. “For years and years, it seemed like Royal City was the same forever and ever,” Royal City Mayor Michael Christensen said at the celebration. “But in these last 10 years in particular, we've seen some considerable change, and John has been a significant part of that, helping see the vision and oversee some of the big projects that we've done.”

AC commissioner says county may get monetary help for mandated services, or not

RITZVILLE — Adams County Commissioner Dan Blankenship said one of Adams County’s biggest challenges is finding the money to fund all the services it’s required to provide. Nor is Adams County alone, which is why county officials from throughout the state are looking to the 2025 Washington Legislature for some monetary help meeting mandates the state has placed on them.

Spring’s near, adopt Cherry Blossom for spring cheer

OTHELLO – Cherry Blossom, a terrier puppy, is looking for someone to snuggle and play with her. She likes to make both canine and human friends. She is an intelligent and curious pup that is eager to explore the world. She would be a perfect addition to a family who can give her the time, love and care she needs to grow into a healthy, still tiny and happy dog. For those interested in learning more or adopting Cherry Blossom visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com or call 509-488-5514.

Music students perform at animal-themed recital

MOSES LAKE — Seventy-seven local music students from 5 to 17 years old performed at the ninth annual Celebrate Music Festival Saturday, according to an announcement from music teacher Marina Munter.

BASIN WRESTLING REPORT: LRS hosts Bronco Invite

RITZVILLE — With the regular season quickly nearing its end, teams across the Columbia Basin attended numerous tournaments over the weekend – including the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, who hosted the Bronco Invite on Saturday in Ritzville.

LETTER: Grandma Green supports levy (English/Espaniol)

Tuesday, Feb. 11 is when we must vote yes on the upcoming school levy. It’s a big vote for our community, especially our kids. My family moved to Moses Lake in the spring of 1970. In the past 54 years, we have staunchly supported and voted for every levy.