Tigers cheer qualifies for state competition

EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers competitive cheer team has qualified for the state competition for the second consecutive season. Head Coach Heather Wood was elated to see her team qualify for second time in the three years they’ve had a competitive team.

Swartz chosen for second term as Moses Lake mayor

MOSES LAKE — Dustin Swartz will be serving as Moses Lake mayor for the next two years. Swartz was reelected by Moses Lake City Council members on a 5-1 vote Tuesday. Council member Victor Lombardi voted no, after nominating Mark Fancher for the mayor’s job. Fancher, however, declined.

Ephrata Schools bond: Parkway Intermediate

EPHRATA — Parkway Intermediate School is one of the campuses the Ephrata School District is looking to replace with a proposed $75 million, 25-year school construction bond. The bond measure is set to appear on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot, and will fund not only a replacement of Parkway but also Grant Elementary’s replacement and improvements at Ephrata High School.

Kriete, Sainsbury to run for Grant County Sheriff

EPHRATA — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete will face a challenge from a GCSO officer in the race for sheriff this year. Kriete announced his intention to run for a second term as sheriff Monday; Josh Sainsbury announced he was running for sheriff Tuesday.

On ‘Wicked’ in print

Why Gregory Maguire’s Oz isn’t for kids — but is for grown‑up wonder

MOSES LAKE — “Wicked” and the sequel “Wicked: For Good” have taken over my household. After the first watch at Fairchild Cinemas, I was hooked on the extension of the Oz universe. But, when I went back to the source — Gregory Maguire’s novel — I discovered a world far darker, stranger and more adult than the glittering emerald we see on stage and screen.

WEATHER: Jan. 15-21, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 15-21, 2026

Legals for January, 15 2026

WA Legislature considering face mask bans for law enforcement

OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to ban local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public.

Huskies defeat the Mavericks 45-30 on the mat

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies defeated the Moses Lake Mavericks 45-30 Tuesday, after a competitive meet that went back and forth all night. Huskies Head Coach Reuben Lopez told his team the first to 36 points wins.

COLUMN: Demond Williams, Jr. situation highlights transfer portal issues

On Jan. 2 the transfer portal opened in college football, and players from across the country flooded the pool to gauge interest from other schools. One situation that stands out so far surrounds University of Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr.

LETTER: We're better for Mike’s presence...

Sunday, December 28,,2025, our community lost an incredible icon. Mike Hamilton’s impact on our community and those who reside here is immeasurable. As a very young man, Mike started his restaurant career buying the old A&W and from there it blossomed into Michael’s on the Lake, Rock Top and Michael’s Bistro. All three of these restaurants are institutions in the development and attraction of Moses Lake.

Locals compete in Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars

MOSES LAKE — Volunteer firefighter Brian McGowan took home the coveted mirrored ball trophy at Saturday night’s Dancing with the Moses Lake Stars. “This has been a life goal,” McGowan said. “Definitely, since I was a little kid, this has been a dream of mine.”

Handbell choir keeps up ringing tradition at Othello church

OTHELLO — It’s difficult enough for a director to keep musicians in line when they’re all playing at the same time. But when members take turns with just one or two notes each, well, then it gets complicated.

Mavs junior varsity off to undefeated start

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Mavericks junior varsity squad (12-0) is off to an undefeated start this season. Head Coach Ryan Carlstrom said team chemistry has played a role in their success this year. “We have two additional juniors on the JV team who were part of the program last year, but for the most part, it's almost the exact same freshman team as last year,” Carlstrom said. “They've had to blend in with this group of players who (have) been playing together for a long time, but they've done nothing but add to this group of players who are a pretty skilled group of kids and hard workers, and they've made my job very easy for the last couple of years.”

Ybarra introduces bill to roll back special fuels tax

OLYMPIA — A bill to repeal a “special fuels tax” imposed in 2025 on diesel and other fuels was introduced for the 2026 Washington legislative session by 13th District representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, Tuesday.

Color it up - Jan. 14, 2026

It's International Snowmobile Safety Week - yeah, we didn't know that was a thing either - and it's time to have a little fun. We invite the children in the community to color the photo above and submit it to us by email at [email protected] and we'll consider printing your masterpieces in the Columbia Basin Herald's print edition as well as in an online gallery. Make sure to put "Coloring Fun" in the subject line of the email.

WEATHER: Jan. 14-20, 2026

WEATHER: Jan. 14-20, 2026

Legals for January, 14 2026

Suspect arrested in Controlled Substance Homicide case

RITZVILLE — Brittney Marie Jones, 35, of Ritzville was arrested and is being held by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on charges associated with a November death in Ritzville, according to an ACSO statement.

Quincy PD Logs as for Jan. 9-12

The reports below were provided by the Quincy Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.