LETTER: H-2A highly regulated, overseen

Dear Editor, I write to correct the misleading claims made by Edgar Franks in the recent article regarding the Washington overtime law and the H-2A program (“WA Ag overtime bill in full effect, despite calls for change,” Feb. 19). Contrary to Franks' assertion that H-2A workers provide a "cheaper" labor alternative, the reality is quite the opposite. The H-2A program is an expensive, highly regulated system that growers turn to only when they cannot find enough local workers willing to take agricultural jobs.

Legals for March, 6 2025

Business community comes together at Othello Chamber auction

OTHELLO — The parish hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church was transformed Friday night as the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce held its annual fundraiser banquet and auction. “This is our one and only fundraiser that we have for the year,” said Chamber Manager Jackie Wilhelm. “The money that we raise goes back into the community.”

Area districts respond to OSPI immigration guidelines

OLYMPIA —The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction released guidelines in January outlining practices it said are to ensure the protection of immigrant students' rights in K-12 public schools. The OSPI report comes after President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14148 rescinded a policy that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ability to operate in schools, hospitals and places of worship.

WA lawmakers consider extending unemployment to striking workers

OLYMPIA - Washington lawmakers are revisiting a bill that would extend unemployment insurance to workers on strike. The bill was reintroduced this year by Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, reviving debate among labor advocates and business associations. “Without a social safety net during a strike, workers are faced with tremendous pressures to end the strike quickly or never go on strike in the first place,” Riccelli said in public testimony. “I think this levels the playing field.”

Legals for March, 5 2025

Regan Bonato

1947 – 2025

Regan Dee Bonato, 78, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2025, from complications of the flu.

‘Many others might have given up after such an injury, but not her’

Starting the season with a shoulder injury, ending with a state championship

OTHELLO – From the moment she stepped onto the mat as a young wrestler, Othello High School junior Alejandria Espindola had dreams of reaching the pinnacle of her sport. “It feels amazing because finally, my hard work and dedication have paid off,” Espindola said. “Coming from a really tough injury at the beginning of the season, I had so many doubts. It felt like I was on the verge of giving up, but then I realized that if you put your mind and heart into what you love, you can achieve great things.”

Home and Garden Show kicks off spring in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — It was only an hour into the two-day show, and already there was a pretty sizable crowd at the third annual Columbia Basin Home and Garden Show Friday. “We always have a good turnout on Friday and Saturday,” said Lisa Villegas, owner of Seed Cupboard Nursery in Royal City and the organizer of the show. “Saturday is usually about twice as busy, but Friday’s always good.”

Vantage Bridge construction gets rolling again

VANTAGE — Among many other things, spring and summer mean roadwork. And work has already started for 2025 on the Vantage Bridge. Starting Monday, the bridge is back to a single lane of traffic in each direction. Summer Derrey, Washington Department of Transportation assistant communications manager for the south central region, said WSDOT is asking drivers to think about taking alternate routes.

New Quincy hospital close to completion

QUINCY — As of Tuesday it’s 78 days until a new hospital opens. The brand-new Quincy Valley Medical Center is still in the final stages of construction, with the first day for patients scheduled for May 21.

FRESH NEWS: The ice is (almost) gone, so let’s fish

MARDON – With the ice disappearing from the reservoir and the sunny days forecast for the week ahead, this is the signal we’ve been waiting for.

Warnick’s bill extending livestock ID program passes Senate

OLYMPIA - The Senate passed Sen. Judy Warnick’s, R- Moses Lake, bill extending the livestock identification program last week with bipartisan support. It will still need to pass the Washington House of Representatives before moving on to the governor's desk. “Everybody needs to know and wants to know that our animals, especially our commercial animals are being kept safe and free from disease,” said Warnick in a public hearing.

Legals for March, 4 2025

Columbia Basin Herald intern has a passion for politics

MOSES LAKE — Elizah Lourdes Rendorio didn’t really know what to expect from the Columbia Basin. “I was a little bit scared, I'm not gonna lie,” she said. “I just knew that my audience is very different from the people that I usually write to, or the people that I surround myself with or grew up with. So. I was definitely hesitant at first. I was scared that I was going to (upset) the wrong people, but I haven't. People have been very receptive, and I don't think there was any reason for me to be scared.”

Othello man arraigned for possessing explicit images of children

OTHELLO — An Othello man was arraigned Feb. 26 in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington on 11 counts of possession or production of material with sexually explicit images of children, extortion and interstate communication of a threat.

Gun show comes to fairgrounds this weekend

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Fairgrounds will be the place to be March 8-9 for firearms enthusiasts, both serious buyers and the folks who just like to look. “I have dealers that come in and set up and (others) are just collectors,” said promoter Reon Warren, owner of Northwest Gun Shows, which puts on the show twice a year at the Grant County Fairgrounds. “They're not really dealers, per se. They like to come in and talk guns and show off what they have.”

Car chase, robberies make for busy MLPD shift

MOSES LAKE — Two people were arrested for theft after a pursuit and another in a separate burglary, both in Moses Lake, while Moses Lake Police Department detectives investigated a fatal accidental shooting, all in the space of about six hours Thursday night into Friday morning. “Busy night,” said MLPD Captain Jeff Sursely. “We ended up calling the detectives out.”

Legals for March, 3 2025

Groff Elementary closed this week after electrical incident

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary School students will be attending classes from home this week after an electrical problem caused an unidentified person to be shocked on campus. Moses Lake School District Director of Communications Ryan Shannon said the person’s identity and exact condition could not be disclosed due to privacy regulations.