Soap Lake’s Xavier Ewing: third in state and boys player of the year

YAKIMA – Soap Lake Eagles tennis player Xavier Ewing took third in the 1B/2B state tournament after placing second in the district tournament. Ewing also earned the title of boys tennis player of the year following the state tournament.

Legals for June, 3 2025

George 'Kraig' Jorgensen

July 27, 1944 – May 23, 2025

George “Kraig” Jorgensen, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2025, at the age of 80. His passing was sudden and swift, much as he had always hoped for.

Basin schools prepare for summer meals

COLUMBIA BASIN — Schools around the Columbia Basin will have food service programs available at no charge for children 18 years of age and younger over the course of the summer. Ephrata “We are going to be offering both congregate meals and non-congregate meals,” said Alain Black, Ephrata School District’s food services director. “One of our schools will have congregate meals where children have to eat on-site.” The on-site meals will be available at Grant Elementary with breakfast served from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will also be a grab-and-go meal option which will be distributed in a drive-thru line at Ephrata Middle School from noon to 1 p.m. Both sites will be open Monday-Thursday from June 16 to July 24. The program will be closed for distribution on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, but grab-and-go boxes for that day will be available for pickup on June 18.

Legals for May, 29 2025

Traffic restricted on Vantage Bridge throughout June

Other Basin and regional road construction projects planned or underway.

VANTAGE — It turns out the Vantage Bridge will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in June after all.

Fire near Wanapum Village fully contained

WANAPUM VILLAGE – A fire broke out Wednesday evening almost due east of the Wanapum Village between Royal City and George, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It was contained at about 60 acres Thursday afternoon.

Legals for May, 22 2025

BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: May 23-31, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Memorial Day weekend is a busy one, with the three-day weekend and – hopefully – beautiful weather. Here are some things going on in the Basin this week: May 23 Tee Off for Tails Swing into action for the animals. Meet some adorable adoptables and grab some grub at the barbecue. Donate dog food, kitten formula, laundry soap, or bleach directly to Grant County Animal Outreach and get a free round of mini golf. 12-9 p.m. at Lake Bowl, 1165 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info: 509-762-9616.

Della Mae Dykes

Dec. 31, 1925 — May 13, 2025

Della Mae Dykes departed from this life on May 13, 2025, in Richland, Washington. Della was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on Dec. 31, 1925, to Marzetta (Carter) and Floyd Peery. Della was a child of God and faithfully attended the Royal Baptist Church. Della’s love for her family, friends and God is what kept her active and engaging for 99 years. Della had many friendships that lasted over 60-plus years. While her friendships were a blessing, her favorite role was Mom and Grandma. Mom’s passion was cooking and baking for her family and friends. Mom didn’t just serve a meal; she presented a feast that was stirred up with her love.

GCHD calls on federal officials to protect Medicaid

MOSES LAKE – Earlier this month, the Grant County Health District announced the passing of a resolution to call on federal leaders to protect and maintain funding for Medicaid. The proposed federal budget calls for possible extensive cuts to the program, which provides health care coverage for millions nationwide and thousands within Grant County.

Legals for May, 16 2025

Amber Alert leads to arrest near George

GEORGE – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office and MLPD assisted the Washington State Patrol and Oregon State Patrol in tracking and arresting two individuals involved in a child abduction case. “Early this morning, we received word from Oregon state police that there was a child abduction and Amber Alert issued for two young children out of the Beaverton area,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

Legals for May, 14 2025

Forrest A. 'Frosty' Reich

1948 — 2025

Forrest A. “Frosty” Reich, loving husband, father brother, uncle, grandpa, and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Secondary filing period for office set for midsummer

EPHRATA—Some elective offices in Grant County did not attract candidates during the filing period last week, so a second chance to file is scheduled for midsummer.

Blue Jays 3-for-3 in weekend series against Mariners

SEATTLE (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays took home a perfect series of wins over the weekend against the Mariners, with the Jays starting off with a 6-3 win in the Mariners’ home stadium Friday night, with Addison Barger tapping three doubles in the first match of the three-game weekend series.

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.

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.

WA wildlife crop damage law signed

OLYMPIA – In a move to support farmers in less densely populated areas, the Washington State Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 5165, which aims to provide compensation for damage to commercial crops caused by wild deer and elk in designated frontier one counties.