Legals for January, 20 2025

WA hate crime bill advances through House committee

(The Center Square) – A Washington House committee voted to advance a bill that would broaden the definition of a hate crime in the state, and remarks by a ranking committee members indicate it could include non-violent acts or speech. House Bill 1052 sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, would expand what constitutes a hate crime to include incidents where the perpetrator did so “in part or the whole” due to a person’s perceived identity.

Trade school scholarship auction coming Feb. 15 in Mattawa

MATTAWA — The Sven Legacy Foundation will hold a fundraiser silent auction Feb. 15 near Mattawa, complete with food, drinks, music and lots to bid on. The foundation was formed in November in memory of its namesake, Sven Leland, a Mattawa farmer who passed away last year. The purpose is to help students who aren’t planning to go to college have career options.

Kriete reflects on first half of term, plans to run again

EPHRATA – Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said Wednesday that he doesn’t like being stagnant and he’s not been able to in the first half of his four-year term as the head of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. GCSO has had challenges but has met several goals he identified before taking office.

Soap Lake City Council considering elimination of lake water use

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council met for its first meeting of the year Wednesday. The meeting began with an executive session in regard to the performance of a public employee with no action following. Lake water usage, officer recognition and other items were addressed afterward.

Eagles pick up 3 wins in 4 games

SOAP LAKE – The Eagles have won three of their four games since the calendar moved to 2025, picking up wins against Nespelem, Entiat and, most recently, Wilson Creek on Tuesday.

Home solar can trim bills, but research before installing

EPHRATA — With the cost of everything going up, some homeowners want to embrace self-sufficiency in energy by mounting solar panels on their roofs to generate power. And considering the Basin’s abundant sunshine, that seems like a great solution for this area. “We do encourage customers to go into their solar investment fully educated with clear expectations,” said Chris Buchmann, energy programs supervisor for the Grant Public Utility District.

Basin Events for Jan. 17-25

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s chilly out there, so be sure to bundle up when you’re outside between events this week. Here are a few things to check out:

Regional college sports schedule for Jan. 17-23

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.

Property tax relief bill proposed by WA lawmaker as majority considers increase

(The Center Square) – As Washington Democrats consider potential tax increases to fill a massive projected budget deficit over the next four years, some lawmakers are pitching tax-saving proposals to help struggling Washingtonians. Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, has prefiled legislation to protect the most vulnerable from being taxed out of their homes. The bill he is offering would provide a property tax evaluation freeze for seniors and disabled veterans.

Legals for January, 17 2025

Ephrata Fire’s 2024 year in review

'We feel blessed by the individuals down here'

EPHRATA — As the Ephrata Fire Department begins a new year, 2024 proved to be a transformative period, according to Chief Jeremy Burns. The department saw significant achievements in operational efficiency, community engagement and volunteer involvement. Burns talked about the department's accomplishments over the past year and outlined goals for 2025.

Ephrata School District super reflects on challenges of 2024

EPHRATA — As 2025 begins, the Ephrata School District is assessing the changes and challenges it faced last year. Superintendent Ken Murray discussed several crucial accomplishments and objectives for the future and the district's continued commitment to its students and community in an interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.

WA SB 5082 proposes housing funding for foster children aging out of the system

OLYMPIA – Jonas Rios entered foster care at 17 years old and was put in eight different placements before turning 18. He entered the Extended Foster Care program that attempted to cut off support a month before his 21st birthday, forcing him to jump from hotels to college dormitories. He then couch-surfed for six months until he was granted a housing voucher from the Foster Youth Independence Program and received stable housing for the first time at 22.

Second quarter run surges ACH in win over Panthers

COULEE CITY — The Warrior boys basketball team won its ninth consecutive game with Tuesday night’s 76-39 defeat of Valley Christian, improving to 12-1 on the year after holding the Panthers to just 12 points in the second half. Both sides were tied at 24 early in the second quarter, but a prolonged scoring run gave ACH a double-digit lead at the half. “We’re trying to keep the one game at a time approach and not get ahead of ourselves,” Head Coach Graham Grindy said. “Second time through league, you get a feeling of who’s going to be tough next time around. Valley (Christian) came out and they started really well, and that kind of rattled us.”

Warrior girls basketball falls to Valley Christian

COULEE CITY — Trailing by four entering the fourth quarter, the Almira/Coulee-Hartline girls basketball team was unable to overcome its deficit to Valley Christian on Tuesday night, falling 50-46 to the visiting Panthers. “We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Head Coach Nikki Strock said. “We go into every game thinking that – we've got to be tough, we’ve got to work to execute the things that we’ve been practicing.” It was the second matchup between both teams this season, with ACH winning the previous game 70-43 on Dec. 20. Tuesday’s game was much closer to start, as ACH held a narrow 15-14 lead early in the second quarter. By the end of the second quarter, Valley Christian had taken a 20-19 lead over the Warriors.

Legals for January, 16 2025

Larry S. Godden

1948 — 2024

It is with great grief and great memories that we share with the community that Larry Steven Godden passed away from cardiac arrest on December 29, 2024, with family at his side. Born on June 14, 1948, in Bellingham, Washington to Ralph and Arlene Godden, Larry grew up learning about the value and reward of owning your own business, with his family’s jewelry and watch repair store, Godden Jewelry, in Bellingham, and a general store called The Hitching Post, in Stanwood, Washington.

Barry A. Moos

1949 – 2025

Barry A. Moos, 75, was a loyal and caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He passed away on January 10, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Barry was born in Dickinson, North Dakota on August 8, 1949. His family moved to Washington when he was young and eventually settled in Moses Lake in the mid-1950s.

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson

1961 – 2025

Leigh Ann (Sams, James) Nielson passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 64 with her loved ones at her side on January 12, 2025. She was born January 6, 1961, in Seattle, Washington to Darrel and Karen (Stickley) Sams.