CALEB PEREZ
Recent Stories
Soap Lake Soap Boix Derby set for Suds-N-Sun
SOAP LAKE — The annual Soap Box Derby is being held at 9 a.m. on July 4 as part of the Suds-N-Sun festival. The theme for the derby, along with the rest of the festival, will be based on the United States’ 250th year of independence. “Just need kids to come out, race a few times and have a great time,” said Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canady, who is coordinating the event. “It doesn’t cost them anything, just some parent supervision and a little help with the race.”
Tigers host youth wrestling camp
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tigers announced Wednesday that they will be hosting a youth wrestling camp this summer running from June 29-July 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day at the Ephrata High School PAC Gym. The camp will be open to all incoming second through ninth grade students. “I’ll be in the camp and kind of be the head clinician,” said Tigers Boys Wrestling Head Coach Joe Knox. “We’ll have some of the high school boys in there helping out and just kind of working on basic skills and giving kids an opportunity to get a little wrestling in this summer.”
Tigers claim two wins over Tri-Cities
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tiger Baseball Club (5-1) earned a pair of victories over the Tri-Cities Badgers 17U team Tuesday evening. Despite a slow start, Tigers Head Coach David Tempel said he was proud of how the team rallied to overcome their opponent. “Anytime you can come away with a couple of wins, it’s always a good night,” said Coach Tempel. “Tri-Cities Prep is always a pretty good ball club, and we were happy to execute when we did.” The Tigers fell behind in the first game as the Badgers scored two in the first inning, one in the second and two in the third. Over the course of these three innings, the Tigers were held scoreless.
WSU’s Nick Lewis named ABCA gold glove award finalist
PULLMAN — Washington State University Cougars’ lefthander Nick Lewis was named one of three finalists for a 2026 ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove, the American Baseball Coaches Association announced Monday. Lewis, along with Ruger Riojas from Texas and Eric Segura from Oregon State are the three pitchers up for the national award, according to a release from WSU Athletic Communications. The award is presented annually to the top defensive players from each division of collegiate and high school baseball. The 2026 NCAA Division I Gold Glove finalists were voted on and selected by the ABCA NCAA Div. I All-America and Coach of the Year Committee. In a release from ABCA, the Gold Glove winners in all divisions were announced Wednesday by Rawlings Sporting Goods. Results of this were unavailable at the time of publication.
BAM hosts Pro-AM Bass tourney at potholes
MOSES LAKE — The Bass Anglers Magazine is returning to the Potholes Reservoir this weekend for the BAM Trail Professional-Amateur Bass Fishing tournament hosted by Mardon Resort. “We try to put on a real solid event,” said Mark Lassagne, BAM CEO and Tournament Director. “Give them really something cool to fish for besides money.” Amateur anglers who signed up by the end of Monday will be paired with a different professional each day of the tournament. The duo will then work together on the pro’s boat to be the top anglers each day.
Erickson looks back on a busy and successful four-sport high school career
WARDEN — A four-sport athlete is not someone you often come across due to the time and dedication it takes for success in one sport, but for Amaya Erickson, tackling that challenge was something she was up for in her senior season. “My family’s always been really big into sports,” said Erickson. “Both my parents have played and my siblings both play, so I guess they’re all a really great inspiration for me.”
Fletcher named new Eagles volleyball head coach
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles volleyball team will be under new leadership this fall as Erin Fletcher has been selected as the new head coach. She is following the successful tenure of the previous head coach, Nikki Noble, who helped guide the team to multiple state appearances over the years. “I’m so excited,” said Fletcher. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch these girls play the last couple years as a (referee). I’m really excited to be able to step in after Coach Noble and continue on that winning and competitive spirit that they’ve had for so long and kind of take it now to the next level.” Her love for athletics came from growing up in an athletic family of basketball players, but in second grade, she became the first in her family to start playing volleyball. From there, a passion for volleyball began to grow.
Tigers start summer 3-1 after split with Sunnyside Christian
EPHRATA — The Ephrata Tiger Baseball Club (3-1) finished their second matchup of the season as they split a doubleheader with Sunnyside Christian Tuesday evening. “I was pleased with a lot of aspects of the doubleheader,” said Tigers Head Coach David Tempel. “The summertime is all about development and getting some experience. The good part about (Tuesday) is we were in some different situations that we haven’t seen much, so we were able to learn from those and use those to our advantage.” Sunnyside was the first on the board during game one as they put up two runs in the top of the second inning. The Tigers responded at the bottom of the third as they put up five runs to claim the lead.
Johnson set to lead young Eagles team for 2026/27
SOAP LAKE — Joe Johnson has been hired as the Soap Lake Eagles new Boys Basketball head coach for the upcoming 2026/27 school year. The new hire said he is excited for the opportunity to start with a young team and help them grow throughout the season. “I’m excited. It’s an opportunity that I’ve been looking forward to,” said Johnson. “I’ve enjoyed basketball throughout my life, I’ve played a lot and it’s my favorite of the things to coach.”
SR 17 closed from fire
UPDATE: As of 6:15 p.m., SR 17 has reopened, but North Lake Road Northeast is still closed due to fire crews fighting the fire. Drivers are still asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes. MOSES LAKE — State Route 17 between Neppel and McConihe Rd has been closed due to a fire in the area and heavy smoke, according to a statement from Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are asking that people avoid the area and find alternative routes. Officers are on scene working to get the fire under control. More information on the fire will be posted as it comes along.