JOEL MARTIN

Microsoft donates $200K to Quincy nonprofits

QUINCY — Twenty non-profit organizations in Quincy got a surprise Thursday evening, as Microsoft passed out checks for $10,000 each to further their work. “It couldn’t have come at a better time, because our big heritage barn is in terrible need of repainting,” said Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum Director Harriet Weber. “That’s a big, big job.”

11 Wilson Creek grads prepare for the future

WILSON CREEK — The 11 young men who graduated from Wilson Creek High School Saturday will be well prepared for their next steps.

CBTECH Criminal Justice student graduates complete first step to law enforcement career

MOSES LAKE — Thirty-seven students walked out of the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Tuesday, completing their first step for a career in law enforcement.

BASIN EVENTS: June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we swing out of spring into summer, there is a host of activities in the Basin, both indoors and out. Here are a few suggestions.

Ephrata’s Desert Plains development growing slowly but steadily

EPHRATA — A neighborhood in the northeast corner of Ephrata isn’t growing fast, but it’s growing steadily.

Moses Lake takes to the streets in Spring Fest Parade

MOSES LAKE — The Little Farm Daycare float in the Spring Fest Parade carried a contingent of children, and also a kid of a different kind: an 8-month-old goat named Daisy.

Fest food

Spring Fest vendors keep the crowds fed

MOSES LAKE — You don’t need a map to find where Spring Fest is set up in McCosh Park. The aromas wafting on the breeze call out to you from a block away. “It’s a dangerous place to be,” said Karlee Marion-Swan, who was getting teriyaki ready ahead of the crowds Thursday. Nearly every kind of food and drink imaginable could be had at Spring Fest: hamburgers and hot dogs of all sizes and shapes, elephant ears, stir-fry, tacos and fries in an astonishing variety of forms. Ylse Engler, of Waterville, had her Knotty Delights gourmet soft pretzels ready and waiting. “Everybody loves a pretzel,” Engler said.

Hallowed ground

Othello VFW pays tribute to fallen comrades

OTHELLO — A hushed crowd listened, men with hats off, as Veterans of Foreign Wars Sgt. Robert F. Wiley Post Commander Joel Cantu read out the solemn words of the traditional VFW Memorial Day Ritual. “As long as two comrades survive – so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead,” Cantu read. “On this day forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. These graves represent the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed.” Cantu and other members of the VFW gathered at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country. Cantu’s words were followed by the national anthem, sung by the quartet of Joanna Miller, Kimmy Sanders, Steve Agenbroad and Robbie Flores. Agenbroad took the microphone to lead the assembly in a prayer.

Innovation rewarded at Flywheel Investment Conference

WENATCHEE — Seattle startup Optimly swept the top awards at the 2026 Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, according to an announcement from NCW Tech Alliance, which organizes the conference every year. Optimly won the $150,000 investment award from the Flywheel Angel Network, the $50,000 relocation offer from NCW Tech Alliance, and the $5,000 Fan Favorite award following Thursday’s live Early-Stage Investment Competition, according to the announcement. Optimly helps its business clients control what AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others believe about their business and corrects misinformation before it can be passed on to potential customers, according to its website. The conference, which was held May 19-21, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators, and business leaders from across Washington to Wenatchee for three days focused on innovation, business growth, and regional opportunity.

Library activities for June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s a lot going on at your local library. Find yours and check it out. Coulee City 218 W Main St. – 509-632-8751 June 5, 12 and 26 (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 caregivers. June 11: Summer Library Program Opener | 3-5 p.m. Now that school’s out, sign up for the Summer Library Program and play a board game or two.