Playing with the future...

STEM event gets children excited about science and technology

MOSES LAKE — The Apple STEM event at Garden Heights Elementary School Thursday was a little more popular than expected. “We haven’t officially counted yet, but we got over 600 parents and students,” said David Estrada, STEM programs manager for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance, which put on the event. The organizers only anticipated about 300, he added.

Quincy hosts Mat Animal Invitational

Huskies, Tigers and Jacks finish in top 10

QUINCY – Saturday's Mat Animal Invitational in Quincy saw five local wrestling teams take the mat, with the hosting Quincy Jackrabbits finishing in 10th place in the tournament.

Construction coming on new Quincy Aquatic Center

QUINCY — Residents could see work beginning on a new Quincy Aquatic Center by late spring. “Our architects are working on getting all the documents finalized,” said Russ Harrington, Quincy Parks and Recreation director. “They’re still tweaking things to make sure everything will fit.”

Adopt this Flurry ball of energy

OTHELLO – Flurry, a young male chihuahua is looking for a loving family to play and grow up with. He is a sweet and playful pup who may be small, but he packs a mighty personality. He has a good amount of energy and loves exploring. He gets along with other dogs, is vaccinated and neutered and costs $375 to take home. For those interested in Flurry, visit AdamsCountyPetRescue.com or call 509-488-5514 to learn more.

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

NEWS BITES: Jan. 28, 2025

Legals for January, 28 2025

Lions win defensive battle against Wilson Creek

MOSES LAKE – With both teams playing strong defense in Thursday night’s Central Washington 1B matchup between the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School and Wilson Creek, the Lions extended their lead to double-digits early in the fourth quarter to hold off the Devils 31-20. Thursday’s win gave the Lions their sixth consecutive win after a 2-6 start to the season.

BBCC Cellarbration! coming March 15

Annual event looks to support local students in their academic pursuits

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation will give a lot of students a hand up through the 24th annual Cellarbration! March 15. Tickets are still available, said Executive Director Leanne Parton. “It’s going to be a fabulous event,” Parton said. “Our numbers, as far as students, were ahead of pre-pandemic (enrollment). So, the need is even more because we’ve got more students.”

Basin law enforcement, schools address immigration concerns

MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement and schools will continue following state law regarding immigration enforcement, according to statements made by those organizations. The announcements come in response to rumors that began circulating last week after various immigration-related executive orders from President Donald Trump.

MLSD levy impacts on safety, health and facilities

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District has an Educational Programs and Operations levy on the Feb. 11 ballot. The levy and whether it passes or not, will have impacts on school resource officers, nursing staff and facilities and maintenance according to the district.

Legislative update from Tom Dent

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Legislature officially convened the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 13. There are many new faces on both sides of the aisle. I always make an effort to get to know all the new members. It is much easier to accomplish things in Olympia if we work together.

Weather for the week of Jan. 27, 2025

Weather for the week of Jan. 27, 2025

MLCA/CCS boys get back in win column, defeat Wilson Creek

MOSES LAKE – Two days after suffering just their second loss of the season, the Lions boys basketball team stepped onto their home floor looking to get back in the win column and wash off Tuesday’s loss to La Salle, defeating Wilson Creek 69-21 to improve to 6-0 in Central Washington 1B games.

Legals for January, 27 2025

Basin Events for the week of Jan. 24-Feb. 1

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s cold outside, but fortunately most of what’s happening this week takes place indoors. Here are a few possibilities:

FIRST RESPONDER FOCUS: Lanny Abundiz

GCSO crisis responder brings mental health help into the field

EPHRATA — The phrase “first responder” often conjures up a mental image of a heavily-armed person with a badge and a Taser, or a firefighter emerging from the flames covered in soot and carrying a rescued child. An unflappably calm woman with a gentle, serene voice doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But that’s what the Grant County Sheriff’s Office has in Lanny Abundiz.

WA bill would give judges discretion to reduce felons' sentences

(The Center Square) – Washington state lawmakers are contemplating a bill that, if enacted, would give judges discretion to reduce the sentences of convicted felons, including those convicted of violent crimes and murder. However, some legislators have raised concerns about whether or not such authority should be granted due to concerns about public safety.

Big Bend women defeat Yakima Valley

MOSES LAKE — Coming off a close win over Columbia Basin College on Saturday, Big Bend women’s basketball overcame a first-quarter deficit to defeat the visiting Yakima Valley Yaks 66-59 on Wednesday, improving to 4-1 in region games and 15-5 overall.

Regional college sports schedule for Jan. 24-30

MOSES LAKE – Check out this week’s college sports schedule, complete with basketball, tennis, track and field, swimming and wrestling events for Big Bend, Central Washington, Eastern Washington, Gonzaga and Washington State.

Home prices up, interest rates all over in 2024

KIRKLAND — Home prices and sales rose steadily in Washington in 2024 even as mortgage interest rates bounced up and down, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service Jan. 17. The NWMLS tracks real estate trends in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. The average 30-year home mortgage began the year at 6.62%, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly called Freddie Mac. The rate went to 7.44% in early May, dropped to 6.08% in September and finished the year at 6.85%. As of Jan. 18, 2025, the rate was 7.04%. Those rates are comparatively recent, according to Freddie Mac’s data, stemming from a drastic jump in 2022 when the rate went from 3.45% in January to 7.08% in September. Interest rates have hovered in the 6-8% range since, frustrating buyers, sellers and real estate agents.