Lorelai’s Toy Drive collects more than 1,500 toys

MOSES LAKE — Most children eagerly await their toys on Christmas. But 17-year-old Lorelai Draper has more fun giving them away. “When she was 12, a light bulb went off,” said Draper’s mom, Heidi Rogers. “She finally understood that some kids don’t get presents for Christmas, and she wanted to do something about it.”

Weather for Jan. 2-5, 2026

Weather for Jan. 2-5, 2026

Legals for January, 2 2026

Big Sky Now: FCS Championship preview Bobcats v. Redbirds

The FCS National Championship is finally here, and the Big Sky Now panel breaks down everything surrounding Montana State vs Illinois State in Nashville on Monday, January 5th, 2026.

Oliver sworn in as new Ephrata mayor

EPHRATA — Steve Oliver was formally sworn in as the new Mayor of Ephrata during a city council workshop Monday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community. Oliver’s election victory in the Nov. 2025 General Election, where he received 937 votes against incumbent Bruce Reim's 819 votes.

COLUMBIA BASIN EVENTS: January 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the holidays behind us, things are slowing down a little in the Basin, but there’s still plenty to do coming up in January. Here are a few possibilities:

Jacks earn close win in Yakima

YAKIMA — In a game where Pierce Bierlink had 52 points, the Quincy Jacks (3-7) earned a tight 64-63 win over the La Center Wildcats at Yakima Dome in the SunDome Shootout. Head Coach Scott Bierlink said it was a great experience for his players.

Devils win close match vs. Waterville-Mansfield

WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Devils (6-3) found success in a close home game against Waterville-Mansfield, where they earned a 33-30 victory. This marks the Devils' fifth straight win as they head into the second half of the season.

Mavericks coach finds positives despite loss

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks (3-7) fell to the Ridgeline Falcons 65-23 at home Tuesday. Despite the loss, Head Coach Matt Strophy was happy to find the small victories from their game.

Knights girls take three wins in Arizona Tourney

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights girls basketball team travelled to Tempe, AZ to compete in a three-game tournament where – following a Tuesday afternoon victory over Bear Creek – the Knights would go 3-0. This now places the knights 8-1 as they head into the next half of the season.

Michael William Hamilton

1957 – 2025

Michael William Hamilton was born on April 12, 1957, in Bellingham, Wash., to James and Barbara Hamilton. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1975, already known as someone who understood the value of hard work and responsibility.

Adria Kay (Krause) DeLay

1933 — 2025

Adria Kay (Krause) DeLay was born in Kimball, Neb. Sept. 20, 1933 and passed away Dec. 26, 2025 in Moses Lake, Wash. at the age of 92.

Alumni Association scholarship applications open

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Alumni Association will begin accepting applications for 2026 in January, Association Secretary Susan Blackwell wrote in an announcement to the Columbia Basin Herald.

BBCC expands ag opportunities in 2025

MOSES LAKE – 2025 was an important year for Big Bend Community College as they experienced significant growth all around the facility. “What I want the public to know is all of the great work that’s happening at the college,” said BBCC President Sarah Thompson Tweedy during an earlier interview in June.

Start the new year with some puppy love

OTHELLO — Meet Sugar Stick, one of the pups from the Christmas Candy Litter. She is currently in foster care; however, she is looking for a more permanent spot. She is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. She has been working with her foster family on potty training and is consistently using potty pads. She gets along with other dogs, but it is unknown how she handles small children, cats or other animals. She is eager to find her forever home, filled with cuddles, tail wags and plenty of puppy love. If she has piqued your interest, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com and fill out her application today. If you can’t adopt right now but you want to help a local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

Ephrata’s 2025: A year of infrastructure, parks and branding

EPHRATA — As 2025 draws to a close, the city of Ephrata reflects on a year marked by investments and improvements in its water infrastructure, park facilities, buying a new facility and branding initiatives. The city added a new water tower, upgraded its water reclamation facility, installed new park bathrooms, began replacing the playground equipment at Lions Park and formed its first brand.

Legals for December, 31 2025

STUDIO BASIN: New Year’s traditions and plans

MOSES LAKE — On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller, along with reporters Nance Beston, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discussed New Year's plans and traditions. Miller is taking it easy with plans to fish and spend time with his wife. Maynard shares a story about scaring the demons away into the new year. Beston talks about the passing grapes under the table. Perez plans to spend time with his nephews to bring in the new year.

Wahluke girls earn first win of the season

MATTAWA — The Wahluke Warriors girls basketball team earned its first victory of the season following a close matchup against River View Monday evening. Warriors Head Coach Mikai Hirai said this was a very exciting victory for the team as they gain energy for the second half of the season.

Eagles victorious in final non-conference game

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles took care of business Monday as they defeated Bushnell, 78-37 in the team's final game before conference games begin on Saturday, according to a statement by EWU athletics. Head Coach Joddie Gleason said it was a good tune up before they see their Big Sky competitors.