Ephrata mayoral candidates debate issues

EPHRATA – Ephrata Mayoral candidates came to the Columbia Basin Herald office Monday to talk about their positions on the issues. Incumbent Bruce Reim and opponent Steve Oliver answered questions around transparency, tax burdens, criminal activity and the local economy.

Legals for July, 17 2025

Grant PUD donation program gets new name

Power district offers multiple ways to help those struggling with electric bills.

EPHRATA — Because it’s used year-round, the Grant County Public Utility District has renamed its donation program. “Share the Warmth” is now “Share the Light.” Cary West, the PUD’s senior manager of customer solutions, said the name change better reflects the intended use. “Probably back in the 1980s is when we (started) Share the Warmth, but we’ve rebranded it to promote it throughout the year,” West said. “When it was Share the Warmth, it was promoted more during the winter months. But we have summer peak (usage) and winter peak usage, so the need is there year-round.”

Community lends support to family following boat fire

LAKE ROOSEVELT — A severe boat fire has left the Marchand family grappling with challenges after a gas explosion resulted in serious burns to multiple family members. Shawn Marchand, his adult daughter Morgan, and her two young children suffered significant injuries in the incident, which occurred at Lake Roosevelt while they were attempting to aid a person stranded on the water.

5 must listen to podcasts for summer road trips

MOSES LAKE – As summer continues, the season of long road trips, scenic vistas and family vacations beckons once again. With most cars equipped with a Bluetooth connection or a functional auxiliary port, podcasts have emerged as a favored form of entertainment for travelers. They not only serve as a distraction from the monotony of the open road but also provide companions for deep introspection, humor and even education. Among the myriad offerings available, five podcasts stand out as my exemplary choices for road-tripping: Heavyweight, Normal Gossip, American Scandal, The Truth and This American Life.

Sixers 14U come up short in Sunday action

ELLENSBURG – On Sunday, the Central Washington Sixers 14U baseball team were defeated in the championship round of the Clash of Kittitas tournament. They fell to the Spokane Expos with a final score of 8-11. Baseball is a game of inches, according to head coach Rey Lopez. “Really proud of the boys who worked really hard,” Lopez said. “It is disappointing as a coach, just because the time and the effort that the boys put in, and they were looking forward to going in and winning the championship game.”

NEWS BITES: July 16, 2025

NEWS BITES: July 16, 2025

Legals for July, 16 2025

Columbia Basin Railroad may be in process of sale

WARDEN — The Columbia Basin Railroad may be in the process of being sold. In a request filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board, Jaguar Transport Holdings, Joplin, Missouri, said it plans to buy CBRR.

Purple Party to kick off Alzheimer’s fundraiser Thursday

MOSES LAKE — Purple will be the color to wear Thursday. “(The Purple Party) is a really great kickoff for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Terri Riley-Brown, one of the organizers of the event. “We’re excited. We’ve got lots of prizes to give out. We’ve got beverages and food for everyone who attends.”

Moose spotted in Ephrata, residents told to exercise caution

EPHRATA —A moose has been spotted wandering through Ephrata and nearby communities over the past few days, drawing the attention of residents and prompting authorities to issue safety reminders regarding wildlife encounters. “The heat is intense, and moose are seeking water sources,” Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Specialist Nicole Jordan said. “It’s not abnormal to see them migrating through this area, as they naturally exist here.”

Manta Rays host Sizzlin Summer Swim Meet

MOSES LAKE – The Manta Rays Aquatics team hosted the Sizzlin Summer Swim Meet at the Moses Lake Surf n’ Slide Water Park over the weekend. The event began Friday evening and lasted until Sunday afternoon. “It went great for us,” said Manta Rays coach Bonnie Washburn. “We had a large turnout, and the swimmers did very well.”

With family support, Cal Raleigh becomes first catcher, switch-hitter to win Home Run Derby

ATLANTA (AP) — Cal Raleigh approached the All-Star Home Run Derby like a day on the lawn. Dad was on the mound and baby brother was behind the plate. Only this time, there were tens of thousands looking on at Truist Park and a $1 million prize.

Freewind martial arts holding seminars

MOSES LAKE – On Monday, Freewind Martial Arts hosted a seminar for community members. One of three this week, Monday’s seminar was called Mat Monday. According to instructor Jacob Guertin, the goal was for people to take something from the seminar even if they do not sign up for classes. “I want to benefit people as a whole. If someone walks into a seminar and they learn something, then I've accomplished something, I want them to take something, no matter how small, for the rest of their life,” he said.

MLSD takes preliminary look at 2025-26 finances

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District board held a special meeting Thursday to discuss preliminary budget numbers. “Tonight, we are going to do a fairly high overview of our budgeting process, and then some of the aspects, particularly around our revenue,” Superintendent Carol Lewis said.

Hot, dry, windy conditions incoming

MOSES LAKE — While the winds are forecast to die down Tuesday, hot summer temperatures – and increased fire danger – will be sticking around. Jeremy Wolf, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Spokane, said temperatures will increase again after Tuesday. “(Temperatures) will be rebounding back up for the middle to the end of the week,” Wolf said.

Cuter than your tax refund

MOSES LAKE – Payday can come early when adopting Direct Deposit from Grant County Animal Outreach. He is a three-year-old male brown shorthair tabby who was found near a local bank. He is described as a total sweetheart who wants cuddles and attention and loves to chat, likely about finances. He is neutered and ready to find a new home when you fill out his application at GrantCountyAnimalOutreach.org. If you can’t adopt right now but would like to support the local shelter, visit the website and click “donate.”

GCSO blotter for July 15, 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.

Legals for July, 15 2025

Temporary repairs completed on damaged Moses Lake wastewater pipe

MOSES LAKE — The first phase of repairs has been completed on a broken wastewater line keeping people and pets out of Moses Lake near Montlake Park. People are still being advised to stay out of the lake next to the park until further notice. Chris Campbell, the city’s wastewater manager, said in a city press release that he appreciated the patience of the residents near the worksite. “We put in some very long hours last week, and I am more than certain we disrupted your peace, quiet and sense of smell,” Campbell said. “There will be no more late nights unless absolutely necessary.” The partially broken line was discovered July 6; it connects to the city’s Dunes wastewater treatment facility. Temporary repairs were completed in less than a week, with the damaged line going back into use at 1 a.m. July 12.