Basin events for April 18-26

COLUMBIA BASIN — Live music, arts and crafts and plant sales await this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are a few things to check out:

Ephrata parks ready to welcome residents, visitors

EPHRATA - Anyone just driving through Ephrata on Basin Street may miss some of the parks and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors that the city offers. From hiking on Beezley Hill to picnics at Patrick Park to shooting hoops at Lions Park or working on your kick flip at the city’s skate park, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Zags volleyball ends spring season on high note

SPOKANE – The Zags volleyball team concluded its 2025 season going 4-0 in their final stretch of games, according to a statement made by Gonzaga Athletics.

Transportation options focus of Grant Transit

MOSES LAKE — The Grant Transit Authority may be working on a pilot project to provide on-request bus service to senior citizens, starting in selected areas of Grant County. That was one of the possibilities discussed during the GTA board’s annual review Thursday.

Law enforcement logs for April 18, 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.

Legals for April, 18 2025

Mavs tennis victorious over Eastmont

Moses Lake looks toward heavy match load as the season progresses

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Mavericks boys and girls tennis teams both earned team wins in their matches against Eastmont Tuesday afternoon. “It was fun, they’re a very nice team,” said Mavs’ Carsen Owens who played third singles for the boys. “I was just trying to stay calm and focus on the point."

MLHS Class of 1995 reunion April 25-27

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Class of 1995 will hold its 30-year class reunion the weekend of April 25-27, according to an announcement from the reunion committee.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Child Abuse Prevention Month thoughts

Child abuse is a disease in society that affects all of humanity, whether directly or indirectly.

‘The Revlon Girl’

Masquers play delves into themes of womanhood and loss

SOAP LAKE — If you’re going to the Masquers Theater’s new play, the cast has a recommendation. “Bring your hankies, because you’re going to need them,” said Tanya Sheelke, who plays the title character in “The Revlon Girl,” at rehearsal April 10.

Respiratory illness season fades in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — With the arrival of spring the most severe phase of the 2024-25 respiratory illness has officially come to an end, according to the Grant County Health District.

Wahluke High students bring home SkillsUSA medals

MATTAWA — Wahluke High School junior Diana Barber said her performance in regional SkillsUSA competition left her a little unsure going into state competition. While she was satisfied with her performance on the test in the medical math category, she just wasn’t sure. “I try not to get my hopes up,” she said.

Basin sports schedule: April 16-23, 2025

MOSES LAKE – Spring sports continue this week as student athletes look to continue their push toward success and improve their abilities whether it be running, kicking, or swinging a bat, club or racquet.

Public hearings set for Othello housing regulations

OTHELLO — The Othello Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. April 21 on amendments to city zoning regulations that would allow the establishment of transitional and other types of temporary and supportive housing within the city limits. A public hearing is scheduled for the April 28 Othello City Council meeting. Othello Community Development Director Anne Henning said state law mandates the changes. The city is not required to build what is called “STEP” housing, however.

WA ranks 34th of 50 states in ALEC's 'Rich States, Poor States' report

(The Center Square) – Washington remained in the lower half of U.S. states in terms of economic outlook, according to a Tuesday – Tax Day – report from the conservative Arlington, Va.-based American Legislative Exchange Council that faults the Evergreen State’s tax burden and high labor costs for the state’s No. 34 ranking.

Eagles victorious over Portland State

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington University women’s tennis team wrapped up its final home match with a victory on senior day, according to a statement by EWU athletics. Eastern stands at 4-12.

Talent on Main Street

Coulee City Art Walk highlights local artists

COULEE CITY — Seven local businesses played host to artists from the Basin at the third annual Coulee City Art Walk Friday. The walk brought a pretty good-sized turnout to the town of about 600, said Don Nutt, owner of Cariboo Trail Studio and the organizer of the event, “It’s kind of been in waves,” Nutt said. “I stepped out just for a second, and all the parking spaces were pretty much filled on Main Street. And the next time I looked, there weren’t very many there, so I think it’s just going to be a lot of people filtering in here and there.”

Documentary of JFK in Moses Lake to premiere Thursday

MOSES LAKE — On Sept. 26, 1963, President John F. Kennedy stepped off Air Force One onto the tarmac at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake. Instead of getting straight on another plane as scheduled, Kennedy stopped for a few minutes, shook hands and chatted with locals at the base. A documentary premiering Thursday at the Moses Lake Civic Center will offer a glimpse into that day. “Imagine spending five minutes somewhere and making an impression on the people you meet for the rest of their lives,” says narrator Shane Humphrey in the 12-minute film “JFK in Moses Lake, Washington.” The film, made by filmmaker Lee O’Connor, features archive footage of Kennedy’s stopover and interviews with people who were present on that day. The screening is hosted by the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.

Richard Lee Oestreich

Richard Lee Oestreich, 96, our beloved dad, uncle, grandpa and great-grandpa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 10, 2025, just weeks before his 97th birthday. Richard (Rich) was born in Portland, Oregon to Jerry and Lee Oestreich. As a teenager, he moved to Hoquiam, Washington with his older brother, Jim—his only sibling—where he completed high school.

FFA Plant sales blooming soon

MOSES LAKE – As the weather warms the plants start to bloom, including plants in local Future Farmers of America greenhouses. Several chapters across Grant County are gearing up to hold their annual plant sales.