Moses Lake pianist shines at conference

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake pianist performed successfully at the Washington State Music Teachers Association Conference June 28, according to an announcement from music teacher Marina Munter.

Ephrata and Soap Lake blotters for July 3, 2025

The reports below were provided by the sheriff's office or police department indicated. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Soap Lake to celebrate Suds ‘N Sun on Saturday

SOAP LAKE — Suds ‘N Sun, Soap Lake’s big summer celebration, will be Saturday, according to an announcement from the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Legals for July, 3 2025

New Bride Missionary Baptist Church burns Wednesday

MOSES LAKE – Local authorities were notified that the New Bride Missionary Baptist church was on fire late Wednesday afternoon. An officer from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office who was on the scene said the entire building was engulfed in flames by the time they had gotten onto the scene.

Burn restrictions announced prior to July 4 holiday

SPOKANE — The Bureau of Land Management has increased fire restrictions for Eastern Washington starting on the July 4 holiday, citing increased fire danger with hot, dry weather in the region. “Know before you go and be prepared before visiting your public lands this summer,” said Fire Management Officer for the BLM Spokane District Lonnie Newton. “Pack a shovel and fire extinguisher and follow BLM’s fire restriction orders to help prevent fires.”

Grocery Outlet summer food drive aims to help locals

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Grocery Outlet has kicked off this year’s Independence from Hunger campaign, partnering with Care Moses Lake to connect food with the people who need it.

Phyllis Scott

1940 — 2025

Phyllis Scott was born on March 10, 1940, in Orofino, Idaho to Leo Henry Wilkinson and Lorraine Kroll and peacefully departed this life on January 1, 2025, holding the hands of loved ones. Phyllis leaves behind a family who loved her: Dennis Scott (son) & Debbie Essex (daughter), Marty Ochocinski, Michael Essex, Colleen Hatch and Chase Essex (grandchildren).

Fire burns behind Grant Co. Irrigation and Rehabilitation building

MOSES LAKE – On the morning of July 2, the City of Moses Lake Fire Department was dispatched due to multiple reports of a wildfire located in the area of Penn Street and behind the Grant County Irrigation and Rehabilitation District building, north of East Wheeler Road. The fire was reported at about 10:45 a.m. “We made a pretty quick stop of the fire,” said Battalion Chief JR Schwendeman, who was on the scene. “It’s going to continue to burn for probably the next 24 hours in certain areas, but we’re going to be in the area in the next 24 hours continuing to watch it and put out hot spots.”

Soap Lake 3-on-3 tournament coming Saturday

SOAP LAKE — The second annual Soap Lake Prevention Coalition 3-on-3 basketball tournament will tip off Saturday morning to raise awareness of vaping, according to Katy Buchanan of the Youth Empowerment Project. “The Prevention Coalition is about bringing organizations together in the community that help give kids positive activities to do so they don't get involved in drugs,” Buchanan said.

Senior calendar for July 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — The thermometer is high and the fun awaits. Here are a few things seniors can get out and do around the Basin this month.

F.O.U.R. Steps to Celebrate July 4th in a Dementia-Friendly Manner

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks and gatherings are staples of the July 4th holiday, but these can create unique challenges for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. With Independence Day approaching, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is advising families to follow the F.O.U.R. steps to create a dementia-friendly 4th of July.

SAIL classes keep seniors moving and active

MOSES LAKE — It can be difficult to stay mobile, let alone fit, after a certain age, which is why senior centers around the Basin offer SAIL, or Stay Active and Independent for Life, classes. “The physicians in town are even recommending it,” said instructor Kaye Ward, who was leading a SAIL class at the Moses Lake Senior Center Monday. “When you have a knee replacement or something, they tell you to come here and then you don't have to do physical therapy. This is good physical therapy.”

Moses Lake council sets priorities at 2-day workshop

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members will review a plan July 22 detailing a set of priorities established by council members during two days of discussion earlier this month. City Manager Rob Karlinsey said the plan, whenever it’s approved, will be an important component as city officials make decisions for the future, beginning with the 2026 budget.

Air Force vet raising funds for cancer treatment Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Cancer is scary, but the standard treatments are no fun either. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery – all take a severe toll on the human body. Disabled Air Force veteran Noemi Salazar is taking a different approach and needs the public’s help to do it.

Grand opening of Up Town Art Gallery brings local flair to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE – In an enchanting addition to the vibrant cultural fabric of Moses Lake, the Up Town Art Gallery celebrated its grand opening on June 26, inviting art enthusiasts and the local community to immerse themselves in a haven of creativity.

Legals for July, 2 2025

MLSD welcomes three new 2026 buses

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District recently expanded its transportation fleet with the addition of three brand new vehicles, poised to improve both student safety and daily commuting experiences, according to the Transportation Director of Operations Aimee Cook. “I just love seeing new buses out there on the road. They’re shiny, and I like the community seeing that,” Cook said.

Increased outdoors fees in effect as of July 1

OLYMPIA — In a controversial decision, Washington State has approved a significant increase in recreational fishing and hunting license fees, which officially took effect yesterday, June 1. “This bill proposes an inflationary adjustment. It’s a significant adjustment, but inflation has been substantial over the last 15 years,” Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) said on the Senate floor. “It also charts a sustainable path forward.”

New fencing enhances safety at Knolls Vista

MOSES LAKE—In an effort to bolster the safety and well-being of students, Knolls Vista Elementary School has completed the installation of a new security fence around its playground. The project, a collaborative endeavor involving local businesses, community members, and school staff, aims to provide a safer environment for students during recess and other outdoor activities.