JOEL MARTIN

Hispanic cultures blend at UMANI

MOSES LAKE — The range of cultures represented in downtown Moses Lake was broad: Mexican, Caribbean and South American performers stood side-by-side with U.S. Chicano lowriders and West Coast rap at the annual UMANI festival, a celebration of Hispanic life. “The streets are full, the vibes are good, the music’s great and the cars are stunning,” said Shawn Cardwell, executive director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which puts on UMANI every September.

Moses Lake DAR regent honored as Outstanding Junior

MOSES LAKE — Stephanie Massart, regent of the Moses Lake-based Karneetsa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was honored earlier this year with the Washington State Outstanding Junior Award by the DAR, according to a press release from the chapter. The award is given to active DAR members 18-35 years old who demonstrate service that is above and beyond, according to the DAR website. “It’s really a big deal because they recognize younger women who have a lot going on – career, families – and they want to illuminate those individuals who are giving of their time not only to the (DAR) but in their communities,” Massart said. Each chapter nominates an individual member, Massart said, and those are entered in the state competition. From there, the state nominees compete at the national level, where the field is narrowed down to eight finalists, one of whom this year was Massart. The final winner was Sasha Atherton Quillin of Maryland, according to an announcement from the DAR.

Calm under pressure

Quick-thinking CBTECH students save life in Sinkiuse Square

MOSES LAKE — Some Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center students saved a life Sept. 19. “We were there volunteering with the (Walk to End Alzheimer’s), and we were pulling up the back end,” said CBTECH Medical Assistant Instructor Rachael Buchanan. “One of our welding students tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Nurse Rachael, I think someone needs help.’ And there was a guy lying in the grass at Sinkiuse Square, very gray, in an unnatural position.” Buchanan had a contingent of about 35 students, she said, two of whom had been in her class the year before and were now in the certified nursing assistant program.

'This is where I want to be'

New CEO excited by Boys & Girls Club mission

MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin’s new leader has found her happy place, said Jill Smith, who took over as CEO Sept. 1 “What really sealed the deal for me was touring the clubhouse for the first time and meeting some of the team members,” said Smith. "They were amazing. People came up and introduced themselves to me; they weren’t expected to, they were just that kind. My first day of work, two people brought me flowers. How cool is that?”

BASIN EVENTS: October 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The days are getting shorter and the eerie time of year is creeping up on us. Here are a few things happening in October.

Insurance rates won’t go up in wake of 2026 wildfires

MOSES LAKE — Almost three-fifths of American homeowners have concerns about their insurance rates going up due to wildfires, according to a study by the insurance website LendingTree.com. But Moses Lake insurance agent Chris Arnberg said we don’t have much to worry about in the Columbia Basin. “I don't think we’ll see rates going up,” said Arnberg, who represents American Family Insurance. “If you're purchasing a home that's nowhere near any kind of potential wildfire, then your rates shouldn't go up more than inflation.”

QVHS to step back in time this weekend

QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Historical Museum will be a time warp this weekend, taking folks back to the founding of the country. “Every other year we do a harvest festival, a celebration of harvest and culture,” said Harriet Weber, executive director of the Quincy Valley Historical Society. “This year we expanded it to three days for America 250.” On Friday evening the museum will host “An Evening with George and John,” with actors portraying George Washington and John Hancock.

‘All in for Moses Lake’

School Resource Officer Cpl. Ray Lopez retires from MLPD

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department waved a regretful goodbye to Cpl. Ray Lopez Wednesday. “He’s a great ambassador for this organization in the community,” said MLPD Chief David Sands. “He’s all in for Moses Lake.” “Ray is Moses Lake,” said MLPD Public Information Officer Capt. Mike Williams. “He grew up here, he knows everyone and he is absolutely passionate about the community.” Lopez retired Wednesday after a career that spanned 40 years, first in the U.S. Army and then at Connell Police Department and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office before coming home to Moses Lake in 2001, according to an announcement from the MLPD.

Library activities for October 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening this month for all ages at your local library. Coulee City 218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751 Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23 (Fridays): Preschool Storytime | 11 a.m. Half an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. This program is designed for preschool-age children and their adult

Masquers’ ‘Anastasia: The Musical’ to open Oct. 16

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater’s production of “Anastasia: The Musical” will open Oct. 16, according to an announcement from the theater. The play will star Emma-Jean Wydur as the title character, with Ben McLain, Jeremy Hansen, Alec Lobe, Christy McLain and Auti Kirk in supporting roles, according to a previous announcement from the Masquers. Rachel and Stacey Bresee are directing, and Clark Dalton is the music director.