Woman threatens parents, drives away with infant

MOSES LAKE — Kelsey Galvan, 20, of Moses Lake was arrested Sunday after reportedly threatening her parents with a knife and driving away intoxicated with her child unsecured in the vehicle.

Marysville man dies in accident near George

GEORGE — An unidentified Marysville man was killed when the car he was driving ran off the road and rolled about two miles east of George Sunday evening.

Lavender donation honors late food bank director

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank received a different kind of donation Thursday. Joe Downs, owner of Lavender Ranch near Quincy, donated 70 bundles of lavender to Community Services of Moses Lake in memory of Peny Archer, the food bank’s director who passed away earlier this month. Each bundle has a photo of Archer on it.

LETTER: In support of the MLSD levy

Dear editor, I am writing to encourage a yes vote in the school levy election on February 11th. The district has done an excellent job of looking at what happened financially and has taken many positive steps to ensure we are not in this position again. Yes, I understand some voters have lost trust and know the district must earn that trust back.

Two hospitalized after collision near East Wenatchee

MOSES LAKE — An investigation is pending in the case of a Moses Lake man who allegedly crossed the center line, hit another car and triggered a four-car collision about six miles southwest of East Wenatchee Saturday afternoon.

Three MLHS seniors discuss levy election impacts

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District is running an Educational Programs and Operations Levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. MLSD students Javier Gonzalez, Jaciel Valdez and Andee Stevens said they’ve felt the impacts of the double levy failure in 2024.

Pillar Rock Fitness opens in Othello

OTHELLO — The owners of Pillar Fitness, the first business in a long-vacant building on Othello’s Main Street, cut the ribbon Friday and immediately got to work. “We’ll be open today after this ribbon cutting – you can come and work out,” said Jesse Dominguez, one of the owners.

Weather for the week of MLK Jr. Day 2025

Weather for the week of MLK Jr. Day 2025

WA hate crime bill advances through House committee

(The Center Square) – A Washington House committee voted to advance a bill that would broaden the definition of a hate crime in the state, and remarks by a ranking committee members indicate it could include non-violent acts or speech. House Bill 1052 sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, would expand what constitutes a hate crime to include incidents where the perpetrator did so “in part or the whole” due to a person’s perceived identity.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Sven Legacy Foundation will hold a fundraiser silent auction Feb. 15 near Mattawa, complete with food, drinks, music and lots to bid on. The foundation was formed in November in memory of its namesake, Sven Leland, a Mattawa farmer who passed away last year. The purpose is to help students who aren’t planning to go to college have career options.

Kriete reflects on first half of term, plans to run again

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said Wednesday that he doesn’t like being stagnant and he’s not been able to in the first half of his four-year term as the head of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO has had challenges but has met several goals he identified before taking office.

Basin Events for Jan. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s chilly out there, so be sure to bundle up when you’re outside between events this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review

'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'

EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

Queen Kaylee

Ephrata graduate named Moses Lake Rodeo Queen

EPHRATA — There’s a new queen in Moses Lake, and she’s got Ephrata roots. Kaylee Stump, 20, of Ephrata was named the 2025 Miss Moses Lake Roundup in November. Stump, the daughter of Mike and Miranda Stump, is a 2022 graduate of Ephrata High School. Her coronation will be March 29, said Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Board Member Amanda Miller.

USPS unveils stamp for the Year of the Snake

BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp Tuesday, according to an announcement from the USPS. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at post offices and usps.com.

Warden passes water system plan and parks and recreation developments

WARDEN — The Warden City Council convened on Jan. 14 to discuss significant developments concerning the city’s water system and its Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. The meeting featured staff reports detailing ongoing projects and strategic planning for community enhancement, alongside formal resolutions for the future direction of local infrastructure and recreational facilities.

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson

1961 – 2025

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 64 with her loved ones at her side on January 12, 2025. She was born January 6, 1961, in Seattle, Washington to Darrel and Karen (Stickley) Sams.

‘To Washington, I bid you fair winds and following seas’

Inslee delivers his final State of the State Address before leaving office

OLYMPIA — In his final State of the State address delivered before a joint session of the Washington Legislature on Jan. 12, Governor Jay Inslee reflected on his 12 years in office and emphasized the achievements and challenges that lie ahead for Washington state.

Showing the moves

Local hoofers show their moves at Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars

MOSES LAKE — The Wallenstien Theater was almost full Saturday night for the second annual Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars. “It was exciting to see (so many) young people,” said Judy Twigg, vice president of the Central Basin Community Concert Association, which hosted the event. “It shows that if you get the right entertainment in Moses Lake, it draws people.”