‘Our shelves are really empty’

Ephrata Food Bank in need of donations

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Food Bank, a resource for families in the Ephrata community, is currently facing significant challenges due to dwindling supplies, but increased demand, Director Phyllis Fuglie said. Since moving to its current location in 2003, the food bank has served as a lifeline for many residents struggling with food insecurities. Prior to the current building the food bank operated out of the Ephrata Recreation Center. According to volunteers, the need for assistance has only intensified in recent months as food sources have diminished.

Law enforcement logs for April 4, 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.

Quincy Senior Center offers good food, good fun

QUINCY — It’s 12:30 p.m. and Chef Travis Wells is hand-rolling dough for homemade buns to go with French dip sandwiches while the beef waits to be roasted. No, it’s not a high-end restaurant; the sandwiches will be served at the Quincy Senior Center and dinner will be less than $15 per person.

Elks Lodge to move into Porterhouse building

MOSES LAKE — In a time when everything seems to be changing, at least one thing will remain the same: the Porterhouse totem pole is staying put. “There's such history with that totem pole, we would like to put a plaque there that acknowledges the history and the Russell family for leaving it there for the community,” said Debbie Doran-Martinez, a trustee with Elks Lodge No. 2892.

Johnnie 'Gene' Bolin

1948 — 2025

Gene Bolin, 76, passed away on February 15, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. If you ever bought an appliance in Moses Lake in the '70s or '80s, chances are you met Gene Bolin. And if you met Gene, you likely walked away with a new fridge and a new friend. Gene had a way of connecting with people—his charm, quick wit, and genuine kindness made an impression that lasted a lifetime.

Senators seek to restore $1 billion for meals at schools, elsewhere

(The Center Square) - U.S. senators from California and Nevada joined their Democratic colleagues to call on Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate a reported $1 billion for meals provided by schools and others.

MLHS welders heading to state competition

MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake High School welders will be heading to state competitions March 27 and 28. The team this year consists of freshman Connor Nelson, sophomore Roenin Matosich and junior William Bennet. According to welding teacher Jimmy Herrin, the students just received the design for this year’s project, a tripod grill. Students then will work on welds and skills they think they will need to complete the object. The students will receive blueprints for the project 24 hours before the competition.

Gorden Dale Melcher

1938 – 2025

Gorden Dale Melcher, 87, of Moses Lake, Washington went to be with his Savior on March 14, 2025. He was born on February 21, 1938, in Odessa, Washington to Carl Melcher and Yetta Greenwalt Melcher.

Ephrata PD joins BlueBridge Alliance to foster community ties

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department announced its partnership Tuesday with the BlueBridge Alliance, an initiative aimed at enhancing community relations by providing help to the needy. This partnership helps provide immediate help to residents facing challenging circumstances.

Porterhouse Steakhouse to close after 15-year run

Russell brothers reflect on restaurant's legacy, sense of community

MOSES LAKE – The Porterhouse Steakhouse will be closing its doors March 29. Brothers Sam and Cale Russell have owned the restaurant for more than 15 years; however, they said it’s time for the restaurant to move onto its next era. The restaurant will remain open for normal business hours until then.

Bonnie Corinne Bennett

November 12, 1939 – March 3, 2025

Bonnie Corinne Bennett, 85, a longtime Ephrata resident, passed away at Summer Wood Alzheimer's Special Care facility in Moses Lake, Washington on Monday March 3, 2025. She will be missed by all who loved her. She was born in Great Falls, Montana on Nov. 12, 1939, to Fred Auren Hatt and Berth Viola (Bailey) Hatt. Mrs. Bennett was a home maker, worked in the chore service with the elderly, providing care, meals, and getting them to and from appointments. Mrs. Bennett and her husband were married Aug. 25, 1965, in Las Vegas, Nevada and moved to Ephrata, Washington in 1974 to be closer to family.

Ephrata Legion Post and Auxiliary to host fundraiser to support youth civics

EPHRATA – The American Legion Post 28 and Auxiliary will host a fundraiser to support students who will be participating in Boys State and Girls State, according to the post’s Jane Montaney.

MLSD announces plan in light of Groff closure

MOSES LAKE – Groff Elementary will be closed for the rest of the school year, according to an announcement from Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis at the March 6 school board meeting. As a result, district officials have initiated plans to ensure Groff students continue their education without interruption. “We understand that this is going to be challenging, frustrating and new for families to go through,” MLSD Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon said. “This is a pretty big lift that we're asking of families and even staff and most importantly, the students. This is a big deal, and we are just appreciative of the ongoing communication that teachers and families are having as we start to map out those educational plans for the coming weeks.”

Catch the buzz

Othello class geared to beginning beekeepers

OTHELLO — Some people grow vegetables in their backyard. Some keep chickens and collect the eggs. A class tomorrow in Othello will help folks discover another thing they can grow in their yards: honey. “We've had some interest in the last year or so from people that … would like to have some information on how to get a small apiary going in their backyard,” said Kena Sohler, owner of Tri-Cities-area apiary BeeBlesst. Sohler will teach a basic class on beekeeping Saturday morning at Ironworks Cafe and Market in Othello.

WSU's Dayana Mendes finding her footing after road to recovery

PULLMAN - The morning following the Washington State women's basketball team's 67-59 home win over San Francisco, WSU Associate Head Coach Laurie Koehn started her morning off watching film to prepare for the Cougars' next opponent. She couldn't help but notice the difference she saw in Washington States' freshman forward, Dayana Mendes.

Soap Lake passes six-year transpo plan

SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake City Council unanimously passed its six-year transportation improvement program for the Washington State Department of Transportation. There are 10 projects planned for the next six years.

Van donated to Boys and Girls Clubs

MOSES LAKE — The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin received some new wheels last week, thanks to Group14 and the Moses Lake Elks Lodge. “I swear, it was like the stars aligned,” said Kim Pope, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club.

Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry relocating

Volunteers and trucks needed for moving process

SOAP LAKE — The Rock Bottom Rocker Pet Pantry is officially moving to its new location – a five-acre “raw” plot of land located in rural Soap Lake a couple of miles away from the current location. However, Shawna Kluge, who starts and runs the shelter, said she needs communities worth of help to accomplish the goal. “Right now, we’re focusing on the move which is the 15 dogs on site and then other gear and equipment,” Kluge said. “While we are doing that, I still have to make sure that all the daily operations are kept up with. There is a lot of (stuff) to do. I am overwhelmed and definitely need help.” The new location does not have access to electricity or running water. “The PUD was asking for $110,000 to be split between three properties to bring it to the road, but we are still another mile from the road,” Kluge said. “We don’t have $37,000 and change to do that, so we are going solar.”

Escape Moses Lake’s Winter Freeze: A Warm Getaway to O‘ahu

Aloha, Moses Lake! When the temperatures drop and the landscape is dusted in frost, there’s no better way to shake off the winter chill than by heading to the sun-kissed shores of O‘ahu.

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.