Harvey Heer

June 4, 1952 — Oct. 16, 2025

Harvey (Rick) Heer, 73 of Ephrata, Washington passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, peacefully at his home. Harvey and Shirley Heer. Rick graduated from Ephrata High School in 1970. He attended Yakima Valley College, playing on their basketball team. In 1972 he married Nancy Youngers. They lived in Ephrata, Washington and had two sons together, Kevin and Allan Heer. In 1990 he married Sylvia Meulman and moved out of town to the farm on Road 9 and had two daughters, Lorna Bailey and Leah Johnson. Rick was a maker and farmer at heart. He grew many types of crops including wheat, cherries, alfalfa, corn, peas and hazelnuts. In his spare time he enjoyed riding his 1966 Shovelhead Harley Davidson, fishing, photography, sailing and welding. He was always ready with a joke or a story and will be dearly missed by his family.

A journey of resilience

Rebecca Moore recounts her path from breast cancer diagnosis to remission

MOSES LAKE – In the heart of Moses Lake, Washington, Rebecca Moore faces life anew after a challenging battle with breast cancer. With unwavering strength, she recounts her journey, emphasizing the importance of hope, community, and self-discovery amid adversity. Rebecca’s diagnosis came unexpectedly on August 1, 2023, just months after losing her father.

LETTER: Reflecting on choices, faith

The ink in my pen’s heavy. You toss, turn, groan and ache while in restoration from the outside world. Your mind channels savage thoughts as if it were static on your television. The unknown is a frightening feeling.

Grant Co. Jail inmate roster Oct. 21, 2025

The reports below were provided by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

WISe treatment

Intensive program cares for children with complicated needs

MOSES LAKE — Sometimes, a child or teen with problems needs to take a different approach. “This is designed to be completely different than the traditional ‘Come to therapy for 50 minutes, sit on my couch, we'll talk about it, and off you go. We'll see you in a month,’” said Andrea Peyton, a WISE program director in Kennewick. “This is a much more intensive service.”

Summit to bring together regional community advocates

WENATCHEE — The Thriving Together Toward Tomorrow summit will bring together people from across North Central Washington Wednesday with a single goal – to make the communities they live in better, according to Thriving Together NCVW Director of Network Development Veronica Farias.

MLSD’s Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time

MOSES LAKE — Tensions continue between the Moses Lake School District and the Moses Lake Educators Association as discussions continue over a modified elementary school schedule and the restoration of educational programs critical to student learning.

New complex in Moses Lake ready to rent

MOSES LAKE — The Modern Heights apartments, located smack in the middle of Moses Lake, are almost finished. “We have about half of them ready to go,” said Doug Robins, development coordinator for the project and the designer of the complex. “We have people moving in right now.”

Voting begins today in WA

OLYMPIA — The voting period for Washington State’s General Election officially commences today, offering residents the opportunity to participate in shaping their local government. “Elections that are accessible, secure, and transparent are the cornerstone of our democracy, providing you with the opportunity to make your voice heard on a variety of issues,” Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said in a statement. He emphasized that the upcoming general election would empower constituents to have a say in who represents them and to weigh in on measures that directly impact their lives in Washington.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you celebrate Halloween or harvest, there’s no shortage of macabre fun this week in the Basin, plus crafts, live music and more. Here are some ideas for getting out and about:

Ephrata’s new code enforcement officer focused on standards

EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata hired Ioan Horvat as the new code enforcement and building inspector. Horvat says he aims to bolster the city’s municipal standards and enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents. “I’ve been working for the last 20 years, mostly in construction and construction management. I focused on quality control, and this is the link to code enforcement,” Horvat said.

Port of Othello working to expand airport services

OTHELLO — Port of Othello commissioners are looking to expand services at the Othello Municipal Airport and have purchased a hangar with the potential to do that.

ELECTION Q&A: Soap Lake mayoral candidates

SOAP LAKE — There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.

MLHS alum Molitor medals with Team USA in Shanghai

MOSES LAKE – In September, Moses Lake High School alum Madison Molitor competed for the United States in the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, China. Madison called the experience surreal and an honor. “I wasn't sure if I was going to make a boat for the summer,” he said. “It was really incredible to not only make a boat, but also (earn a) medal and also be in contention for silver. I think rowing at the international level is always an honor. It's an honor to represent the United States.”

Othello City Council Position 3: Carmona vs. Lopez

OTHELLO — Oscar Lopez and Alma Carmona are running for an open position on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit; both responded.

Morris ‘Morry’ Landon

Feb. 18, 1941 — Oct. 12, 2025

Morris J. (Morry) Landon, 84, left his earthly home Oct. 12, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family after a short battle with cancer and dementia. Born Feb. 18, 1941, to Clyde & Patricia (Sheffield) Landon in Wenatchee, Washington, Morry spent his early years in Osborn, Washington while his dad Clyde worked on Grand Coulee Dam. In 1949, the family moved to Moses Lake for Clyde to work on the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. Coming to Moses Lake at that time was almost like homesteading. The family of five lived in a small RV while Clyde built a home in the Peninsula area – some streets were still only gravel.

Larry David Spurbeck

May 14, 1939 — Oct. 5, 2025

Larry David Spurbeck, 86, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on May 14, 1939, in Wilbur, Washington, Larry was the first son of David and Elizabeth Spurbeck. He grew up in Coulee City, where he graduated from high school and excelled in both baseball and basketball, helping lead his team to the state tournament. He also played trombone in the school band and worked on his uncle’s ranch, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. After attending Eastern Washington University for a year, Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army’s First Division at Fort Hood during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military service was a lifelong source of pride.

Eliseo Rangel Salazar

March 5, 1983 — Oct. 1, 2025

Eliseo “Pancho” Rangel Salazar, a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away tragically at the age of 42, on Oct. 1, 2025, in Ephrata, Washington. Born on March 5, 1983, in Cuerámaro, Guanajuato, Mexico, Pancho was a man whose laughter and warmth filled every room he entered. Pancho is survived by his loving wife Dayna Rangel; his adored children Destiny Rangel and Francisco Rangel-Hersel; his stepdaughters Giavanna Chapman and Lily Gonzalez; his devoted mother Ma Teresa Salazar Canchola; his father Eliseo Rangel Pérez; and his caring sisters Lupe and Adilene Rangel. His life was further enriched by the joy of many nephews, nieces, chosen brothers and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Community rallies for boat fire victims with fundraiser at U Rock Ranch

WARDEN — After a devastating boat fire in July left five people injured, including two young children, the Grant County community is coming together to support the victims with a benefit dinner, dance, and auction at U Rock Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Financially, 2025 best year yet for Moses Lake Airshow

MOSES LAKE — Attendance was down at the 2025 Moses Lake Airshow, but it was a very good year financially. Board member Micah Trautman said the airshow finished 2025 with a carryover for 2026.